U.S. equities advanced Thursday as two distinct catalysts converged: progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks and a producer price index report that came in below expectations. The combination gave investors cover to add risk, pushing major indexes higher across the session. The PPI data reinforced the case that upstream inflation pressures are easing, a signal closely watched by Fed-sensitive traders. Softer producer prices typically reduce the probability of near-term rate hikes and can support equity valuations by compressing discount rates. Meanwhile, diplomatic movement between Washington and Tehran introduced the prospect of reduced geopolitical risk premium in energy markets, where Iranian oil supply dynamics carry meaningful weight. Together, the two developments pulled in the same direction: lower inflation risk, lower geopolitical tension, and a more hospitable environment for risk assets. Energy sector pricing and Fed rate-path expectations are the variables most directly in play. Watch whether subsequent CPI data confirms the PPI softness, and whether U.S.-Iran talks produce a formal framework or stall at the preliminary stage.
Indian startups raised $5.2 billion across 501 deals in H1 2026, down 9% in value but up 7% in deal count year-on-year, per the Inc42 Indian Tech Startup Funding Report. The drop is driven by fewer mega-rounds, while AI funding surged 317% and growth-stage deal activity hit a multi-year high.
The BSE Sensex fell 893 points and the Nifty 50 shed 279 points on June 30, 2026, wiping out roughly Rs 6 lakh crore in investor wealth in a single session. Both indices dropped 1.16%, closing at 76,200.68 and 23,824.10 respectively.
Kotak Mahindra Bank shares fell nearly 3% to Rs 397.6 after CEO Ashok Vaswani announced plans to exit the bank. Investor concern now centres on succession timing and whether the bank's ongoing digital and deposit-growth strategy will stay on track.
South Korea's Kospi dropped 3% at Monday's open while Japan's Nikkei fell 1%, as escalating US-Iran conflict triggered a broad risk-off move across Asian markets. South Korea's heavy reliance on Middle East oil imports makes it especially vulnerable to geopolitical shocks of this kind.
