European stock markets experienced a downturn, wiht the Stoxx Europe 600 index shedding 0.35% to close at 544.95 points,despite a 0.80% rise in the technology sector.
Major European indices also saw declines: Germany’s DAX fell 0.40% to 24060 points, France’s CAC dropped 0.55% to 7766 points, and the UK’s FTSE 100 decreased by 0.65% to 8938 points, failing to maintain its earlier breach of the 9000-point mark.
In contrast, Japanese markets showed positive movement. The Nikkei 225 advanced 0.55% to 39,678 points, while the broader Topix index gained 0.10% to settle at 2825 points.
The oil market saw a dip in prices. Brent crude futures for September delivery fell by 0.72%, or 50 cents, to $68.71 per barrel. Similarly,US NIMEX futures for August delivery decreased by 0.69%, or 46 cents, to $66.52 per barrel.
Gold futures for August delivery also declined, dropping 0.70%,or $22.4, to $3336.70 per ounce at settlement.
In trade news, U.S. President Donald trump announced a preliminary trade agreement with Indonesia. The deal reportedly involves a 19% customs duty on Indonesian imports in exchange for exemptions for U.S. exports.
Economic data from the United States indicated that the annual inflation rate for consumer prices stood at 2.7% in June, meeting expectations and showing an increase from May’s 2.4%.
