In Q2, the S&P 500 rose 14.9%, the Dow gained 12.9% and the Nasdaq climbed 21.4%.

Aluminium fell to its lowest since mid‑February as a stronger USD and easing Middle East tensions weighed on industrial metals. After a 16% drop in June — the largest single‑month fall since 2008 — losses extended. Cooling in the Middle East reduced supply concerns from a region that accounts for about 10% of global output; that squeeze had driven a March–May rally. The USD index rose for a second day and is up roughly 2.5% over two months, partly reflecting a firmer Fed stance and raising dollar‑priced commodity costs for most buyers.

Iranian parliament speaker Ghalibaf said oil sanctions on Iran have been lifted and that Iran is currently selling crude at roughly a 20% premium.