Market sentiment remained positive but selective as investors balanced stronger risk appetite with uncertainty around interest rates, global growth and geopolitical developments. Confidence improved across major markets, though caution remained ahead of key economic data and possible policy shifts.
Today's Snapshot
- Dow Jones: 53,178.41 (+1.32%)
- Nasdaq Composite: 25,913.90 (+2.13%)
- S&P 500: 7,600.50 (+1.48%)
- Gold: $4,061.60/oz (+0.16%)
- Silver: $58.99/oz (+1.38%)
- Brent Crude: $80.26/bbl (+1.31%)
Note: Data and market levels are as of approximately 07:00 UTC, August 04, 2026, and remain subject to live market fluctuations.
Global Markets
(A) Precious Metals
Gold: $4,061.60/oz (+0.16%)
Gold edged up 0.16% to $4,061.60, supported by Middle East uncertainty and cautious demand ahead of U.S. jobs data. Gains remained limited by expectations that U.S. interest rates may stay higher for longer.
Silver: $58.99/oz (+1.38%)
Silver rose 1.38% to $58.99, helped by a softer U.S. dollar, stronger precious-metal demand and improved industrial sentiment. Concerns over global manufacturing activity limited further gains.
(B) Energy
Brent Crude: $80.26/bbl (+1.31%)
Brent rebounded 1.31% to $80.26 as conflicting U.S.-Iran statements renewed concerns over regional supply risks. Analysts said uncertainty around shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz continued to support an oil risk premium.
(C) FX
USD/JPY: 157.55 (+0.20%)
USD/JPY rose 0.20% to 157.55 as the dollar recovered slightly. However, fears of further coordinated intervention by Japan and the United States limited yen weakness. Tomo Kinoshita said intervention concerns could continue supporting the yen in the near term.
EUR/USD: 1.1508 (Approximately 0.00%)
EUR/USD remained broadly unchanged at 1.1508 as the dollar recovered from recent losses. The pair stayed below its recent six-week high of 1.1559, with attention shifting to Friday’s U.S. employment report and its effect on interest-rate expectations.
AUD/USD: 0.7019 (+0.30%)
AUD/USD gained 0.30% to 0.7019, supported by recent U.S. dollar weakness and improved market sentiment. Gains remained cautious as investors awaited U.S. labour-market data for clearer signals on future monetary policy.
High-Impact Economic Events
| Country | Release | Actual | Forecast | Previous | UTC (GMT+12:00) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Employment Change q/q | Pending | 0.1% | 0.2% | 10:45 AM (GMT+12:00) |
| New Zealand | Unemployment Rate | Pending | 5.4% | 5.3% | 10:45 AM (GMT+12:00) |
Note: These high-impact economic events are for informational purposes only. Please conduct your own research before making any market decisions.
Volatility
The VIX stood at 15.86, showing lower market fear as strong earnings and easing Middle East tensions improved sentiment.
What Traders Are Watching
- U.S.-Iran Developments - Markets are monitoring conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran regarding possible negotiations, as continued uncertainty could influence oil prices, inflation expectations and broader market sentiment.
- U.S. Labour-Market Data - Job openings, private-sector employment, weekly jobless claims and Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report will be assessed for signs of strength or weakness in the U.S. economy.
- Federal Reserve Policy - Markets are pricing a meaningful possibility of a September interest-rate increase, making incoming employment and inflation data particularly important.
- Currency Intervention - Investors remain alert for further action from Japan and the United States after their coordinated intervention strengthened the yen and increased volatility in USD/JPY.
“The intelligent investor is a realist who sells to optimists and buys from pessimists.”
Yesterday’s Market News - August 3, 2026
Dow Rises 0.53% to 52,485.03, Gold Gains 0.59% to $4,066.57 and Brent Falls 3.75% to $79.15
Read full recap →Disclaimer
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or a solicitation to buy or sell any financial instruments. Market data and figures are subject to change without notice. Data has been taken from sources we believe to be reliable; however, please conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Trading leveraged or complex products carries significant risk; please ensure you understand the risks before trading.
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