Market Snapshot, 29 July 2026

Global markets on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, are mixed: U.S. equities closed higher for the Dow and S&P 500 but lower for the Nasdaq, European indices slipped, and Asian markets rebounded after a sharp rout. Oil prices surged above $86 per barrel amid renewed U.S.–Iran tensions, while gold eased slightly to around $4,020 per ounce.

🌍 Global Market Snapshot – July 29, 2026

United States

• Dow Jones: 52,747.32 (+1.03%)
• S&P 500: 7,428.78 (+0.21%)
• Nasdaq Composite: 24,876.91 (−0.22%)
• 10-Year Treasury Yield: 4.60% (down 0.8 bps)
• Key movers: Berkshire (+3.06%), Alphabet (+2.19%), Microsoft (+1.09%); Tesla (−0.58%), Amazon (−0.23%)

Europe

• Euro STOXX 50: 6,263 (−0.55%)
• STOXX Europe 600: 647 (flat)
• FTSE 100 (UK): 10,871 (+0.83%)
• CAC 40 (France): 8,458 (+0.63%)
• DAX (Germany): 25,464 (+0.41%)
• Sector highlights: Luxury (LVMH +0.75%), SAP (+5.26%), Unilever (+8.5%); Barclays (−5.6%), ASML (−2.9%)

Asia

• India Sensex: 77,423 (+0.85%)
• Nifty 50: 24,176 (+0.8%)
• Japan Nikkei 225: +1% (but down ~10% for July)
• South Korea KOSPI: −5% after Tuesday’s −10% plunge; SK Hynix −9% despite strong earnings
• MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan: −1% (monthly drop ~8%)

🛢 Commodities

• Brent Crude: $86.80 (+3.2%)
• WTI Crude: $81.95 (+3.4%)
• Gold (Spot): $4,021.87 (−0.1%)
• Silver: $57.16 (flat)
• Copper: $13,552/ton (firm on EV/AI demand)

📈 Macro & Geopolitical Context

• Middle East tensions: Iran proposed a temporary Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman but warned closure if rejected. U.S. forces intercepted Iranian missile attacks, reigniting energy supply fears.
• Federal Reserve: Decision due later today; consensus expects rates to remain at 3.50–3.75%, but hawkish risks persist under Chair Kevin Warsh.
• IMF Outlook: Global growth forecast at 3.0% for 2026, inflation at 4.7%, with risks tilted to downside due to war and AI-driven volatility.

🔎 Key Takeaways

• Equities: Rotation continues—industrial and financials outperform, while tech (especially semiconductors) drags.
• Commodities: Oil spikes on renewed conflict; gold softens despite geopolitical risk, showing investor preference for liquidity.
• Outlook: Volatility likely around Fed decision and upcoming mega-cap tech earnings (Microsoft, Meta).