The US and European stock indices are rising again amid renewed investor interest in the AI industry.

On Thursday, US stock indices posted gains, finishing the trading session in the “green zone.” By the end of the day, the Dow Jones index (US30) rose by 0.27%. The S&P 500 index (US500) gained 0.81%. The technology‑heavy Nasdaq index (US100) closed higher yesterday, up 1.62%. The market recovery was driven by renewed investor interest in the technology sector, especially semiconductor manufacturers, whose shares once again saw strong demand. In particular, Micron and Sandisk shares rose by 5.2% and 7.6%, respectively, and the positive reception of SK Hynix’s US share offering – oversubscribed more than sevenfold – significantly strengthened confidence in the AI industry. An additional driver of growth was Meta, whose shares jumped 4% on news of plans to launch its own artificial intelligence chip as early as September.

Mexico’s annual inflation slowed to 3.37%, down from 3.94% in May and reaching its lowest level since December 2020. This result exceeded market expectations of 3.52%, allowing inflation to firmly settle within the Bank of Mexico’s target range (3% ± 1%). The monthly decline in consumer prices by 0.27% confirms the disinflation trend, giving the Bank of Mexico more flexibility regarding future monetary policy decisions.

European indices closed mixed on Thursday. By the end of the day, Germany’s DAX (DE40) rose by 0.89%. France’s CAC 40 (FR40) gained 0.90%, Spain’s IBEX 35 (ES35) increased by 1.14%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 (UK100) finished the trading session lower by 0.16%.

Crude oil prices (WTI) entered a correction, falling below $ 72 per barrel. This occurred after a sharp 4.4% jump during the previous session, triggered by the escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran. The market is trying to assess real risks to global supply amid increasing strikes on military facilities and uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite concerns, actual activity in the strait remains ambiguous: according to tracking systems, shipping has slowed significantly, although some tankers continue moving, often turning off transponders for safety. Traders remain cautious, as high price volatility reflects not so much current physical disruptions as a preventive market reaction to the risk of a full blockade of this strategically important waterway.

On Thursday, US natural gas (XNG/USD) prices fell more than 4%, reaching $ 3.07 per MMBtu, the lowest level in six weeks. The main pressure factor was Freeport LNG’s announcement of planned maintenance at its Texas liquefaction facilities starting July 10, temporarily limiting export demand. The situation was worsened by data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), showing a 61 billion cubic feet increase in inventories for the week ending July 3, significantly above the five‑year average of 51 billion cubic feet.

On Wednesday, Japan’s Nikkei 225 (JP225) rose by 1.38%, China’s FTSE China A50 gained 2.63%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (HK50) fell by 0.70%, and Australia’s ASX 200 (AU200) closed lower yesterday by 0.26%.

The Australian dollar (AUD) rose to 0.695 USD. The macroeconomic backdrop for the country remains restrained after the IMF lowered its 2026 growth forecast for Australia to 1.9% and warned that inflation would remain at 4%. Ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s August meeting, the consensus forecast suggests keeping the key rate at 4.35%. Nevertheless, the market is pricing in a 60% probability of a final rate hike by year‑end.

The offshore yuan (CNY) strengthened to around 6.78 per dollar, continuing its upward trend and reaching a three‑week high. Investor confidence was boosted by actions from the People’s Bank of China, which set the daily reference rate at 6.7989, lowering it below the psychologically important 6.80 threshold for the first time since 2023. The market interpreted this step as a clear signal that the regulator is ready to allow further strengthening of the national currency and does not intend to actively resist market trends.