The last week of June saw US and Asian stock markets reach record highs, despite a sharp decline in oil prices, highlighting divergences across asset classes.
Equities Overview
US stock markets, notably the **S&P 500**, closed at a record 6,173 (+2.4% w/w). The **Nasdaq** also hit a fresh high, buoyed by AI-related stocks. The **FTSE 100** rose by 0.4% to 8,799, supported by defensive shares. In Japan, the **Nikkei** surged back above 40,000 for the first time since January, finishing the week up 3% on easing tariff concerns. The Indian **Nifty 50** advanced 2.4% to a record 25,638, aided by foreign institutional investments.
Commodities Status
Oil prices fell by 12% amid discussions of OPEC+ supply increases. This drop represents the worst weekly loss in nearly two years, impacting energy stocks. However, copper managed to stabilize at $8,800 per tonne, driven by signals of more stimulus from China supporting property demand.
Crypto and Alternative Assets
Bitcoin reached $107.4K, up 1.4% w/w. The BTC dominance increased to 64%, sparking discussions about a possible 'alt-season'. The US Senate passed the **GENIUS Act**, regulating stablecoins and requiring reserve disclosures. In the first half of 2025, hackers stole a record $2.1 billion in cryptocurrencies.
The last week of June showcased records in equity markets, despite the significant drop in oil prices. Different sectors continue to show divergence, with growing interest in cryptocurrencies as investors explore alternative assets.
