Global Stock Market Trends — 2026-07-22

Global Indices at a Glance

Markets currently in session are based on the latest available prices — US closing as of 2026-07-21 and Asian morning as of 2026-07-22.

🇰🇷 South Korean Market

KOSPI / KOSDAQ Overview The KOSPI surged over 3% on Tuesday (21st), reclaiming the 6,700 level thanks to net buying from foreign and institutional investors. After a 4.5% plunge to 6,516 the previous day (20th), the index staged a major rebound driven by these buying flows. The KOSDAQ is also showing recovery, narrowing its early losses.

Flow Trends

• Foreigners: Net buying (leading the rally)
• Institutions: Net buying (joining forces with foreign investors)
• Individuals: Neutral to slight net selling

Key Sectors & Stocks Today (at least 3)

• Semiconductors: Bullish — Tracking US chip gains, benefiting Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix
• Financials: Bullish — Improved supply/demand and technical rebound
• Individual stocks: Mixed — Selective movement ahead of earnings season

🇺🇸 US Market

Major Indices Close (Tuesday, July 21) The Dow Jones climbed nearly 400 points to close above 53,000, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained between 0.5% and 1.5%. Amid easing tensions with Iran, the semiconductor sector saw a strong rebound as investors shifted their focus to the upcoming corporate earnings season. While oil prices continued to rise, the gains were limited, keeping the overall market trajectory positive.

Key Movements Today (at least 3)

• Semiconductor Sector: Upward — Technical rebound and improved demand after last week's slump
• Alphabet/Tesla: Watchlist — Q2 earnings expected this week; the market's main focus
• Banking Stocks: Upward — Strong Q2 performance from Bank of America

Sector Trends Semiconductors and tech stocks led the gains, while defensive sectors like energy and utilities lagged. As geopolitical risks cooled, interest in growth stocks has returned.

🌏 Asian & European Markets

Asia (Japan, China, Hong Kong) Japan’s Nikkei 225 hit 66,232, up 3%, and the Tokyo Topix rose 2.44%. Across Asia, technical rebounds and bottom-fishing buying are driving the markets.

Europe (UK, Germany, France) Detailed analysis is unavailable due to lack of recent data, but last week’s report showed the pan-European Stoxx 600 moving sideways, led by energy and gas stocks.

📊 Market Drivers Today

• Easing Iran Tensions: Viewed as a "peak-out" signal following the latest US airstrikes, easing concerns about oil prices hitting the economy.
• Semiconductor Recovery & Tech Rebound: Technical buying into chip companies that were oversold last week, with selective entries ahead of earnings season.
• Start of Earnings Season: Investors are re-evaluating the market with a long-term view as big tech firms like Tesla, Alphabet, and Microsoft begin releasing Q2 results.
• Foreign/Institutional Buying in Korea: Value-based buying into the KOSPI following yesterday's 4.5% drop, providing a significant boost to market sentiment.

🔭 Watchlist

Key Events This Week

• Q2 earnings announcements from big tech firms like Tesla, Alphabet, and Microsoft (additional reports expected).
• US economic data (initial jobless claims, leading economic indicators, etc.).
• Central bank meetings or official commentary (Fed balance sheet discussions).

Investor Checklist

• Monitor guidance trends (revenue/profit outlook) during earnings season.
• Track oil price volatility and Iran-related news.
• Keep an eye on Korea's volatility index and foreign supply/demand trends.

💬 Quick Insight

With Iran tensions cooling and earnings season kicking off, the market is shifting toward a "risk-on" mode, but keep a close watch on high volatility, especially in the Korean market.