Volatility in AI-linked technology stocks, globally and across Asia, continues to rise. Indonesia faces uncertainty over a possible MSCI downgrade, and traders remain on high alert for Japan’s yen intervention.

In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Standard Chartered Bank’s Yap Fook Hien unpacks the market moves for the week – revealing their bullish views for South Korean and Japanese equities, why strong earnings continue to buoy risks of an AI bubble, and why oil and gold prices still have further upside.

Highlights:

01:10 Valuations for Korean stocks still ‘low’

03:21 Yen intervention risks

10:05 Why AI is not in a bubble

14:52 Gold remains an important diversifier

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Written and hosted by: Howie Lim (howielim@sph.com.sg)

With Yap Fook Hien, senior investment strategist, Standard Chartered Bank

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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Market news for July 2, 2026: Asian stocks fell ​today, following the sell off in US technology shares overnight. US President Donald Trump praised US-Iran talks in Doha. Crude prices fall to four-month lows amidst growing oil glut expectations.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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Headline news for July 2, 2026: Qatar reports positive progress in indirect US-Iran talks in Doha but the Strait of Hormuz remains designated a war zone under international shipping agreements until at least July 9. South Korea's market falls more than 5 per cent as a chipmaker selloff rattles Asian markets. Singapore's High Court sends the 1MDB-linked Standard Chartered case to trial.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times.

Written by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Howie Lim

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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