A June 30 report says Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar are engaging in direct talks with Iran alongside US‑Iran negotiations. Citing a decline in US credibility, Gulf states are recalibrating ties. After a US‑Iran memorandum, Iran and Oman held a first meeting on management of the Strait of Hormuz. Follow‑up talks are planned between Oman and Qatar, Iran and Saudi Arabia, and Qatar and Saudi Arabia to outline post‑conflict coexistence. Discussions focus on Strait of Hormuz navigation arrangements an

After New Delhi removed taxes on foreign investors, Indian bonds accessible to unrestricted global investment drew record inflows. Data from India’s clearing house show foreigners bought 418 billion rupees (about $4.4bn) via the fully open channel last month, nearly double the prior record of 239 billion rupees in Aug 2024. Persistent inflows should lower government borrowing costs and help support the rupee amid a stronger dollar. ANZ economist Dhiraj Nim said a mix of the tax cut, currency stability, pushed-out rate-hike expectations and reduced fiscal risk have encouraged foreign buying, but warned inflows could fade if global financial conditions tighten and US rates remain high. The flows mark a rebound after months of weakness; Indian equities outperformed other emerging markets in June and the rupee was the second-best performing Asian currency that month.

China A-share battery sector weakened; Penghui Energy fell over 8%, CATL was down more than 5%, EVE Energy slipped over 4%, with Wanrun New Energy and Hunan Yuneng also lower.