Market Snapshot, Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Wall Street: U.S. stocks closed lower on Tuesday as chipmakers, led by Micron Technology, dragged the Nasdaq down amid renewed doubts over the durability of the AI‑driven rally.

• Nasdaq: −1.16% to 25,818.69
• S&P 500: −0.45% to 7,503.85
• Dow Jones: −0.25% to 52,925.15 (after briefly hitting a record high)
• 10‑Year Treasury Yield: up 6 bps to 4.545%

Europe: European shares slipped, tracking the global tech sell‑off. Investors are watching the NATO summit for signals on potential beneficiaries of increased defence spending.

• Stoxx 600: −0.7% to 646.29

Asia & Commodities: Asian markets were mixed Wednesday as oil prices surged and bonds sold off following U.S. strikes on Iran. Washington’s move to revoke Iran’s oil‑sale concession added to geopolitical tension.

• Brent Crude: $76.06 (+2.56%)
• Gold: $4,125 (+0.45%)
• Tencent: +3.08% in HK

Forex:

• USD/ZAR: 16.27 The dollar strengthened as risk sentiment weakened globally.

Outlook: U.S. and European futures are mostly pointing lower, reflecting a cautious mid‑week tone across global markets.