On Monday (6 July, 9:25 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in the Asia Pacific showed varied performance while traders assessed the ongoing viability of artificial intelligence-related investments. Investors also looked ahead to the forthcoming release of minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s June meeting later in the week.
Trading sentiment remained prudent as the second half of 2026 began. Market participants evaluated recent energy price volatility caused by the Middle East conflicts and considered whether gains in AI-related equities would be maintained.
Following last week’s recovery in semiconductor stocks after an earlier downturn, investor focus has turned to the upcoming earnings season for indications that heavy expenditure on AI infrastructure is beginning to positively impact company profits.
Separately, oil markets responded to an announcement by OPEC+ that the group will raise oil output by 188,000 barrels per day in August as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz resumes. According to Westpac, this adjustment means OPEC+ will have lifted roughly 940,000 barrels per day back into supply since these gradual increases commenced.
Japan’s NIKKEI dropped by 0.83% to 69,164.38. South Korea’s KOSPI declined by 0.58% to 8,041.50, while Australia’s ASX 200 rose by 0.09% to 8,852.10.
As for stocks in China, Shanghai’s SSEC grew by 0.29% to 4,055.48, Shenzhen’s SZI increased by 0.33% to 15,649.63, and Hong Kong’s HSI expanded by 0.89% to 23,558.17.
The U.S. stock markets were closed on Friday for the Independence Day holiday.
As for commodities, oil prices edged up on Monday amid OPEC+’s decision to raise its production targets beginning in August. Brent futures surged 16 cents, or 0.22%, to $72.28 per barrel, and the WTI futures gained 35 cents, or 0.51%, to $69.04 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures soared by 1.66% to $4,194.00 per Troy ounce.
