With United States markets closed Friday for the observed Independence Day holiday, activity reflects Thursday’s session where the Nasdaq 100 declined 2.3 percent. The index faced a sharp semiconductor sell-off, with Micron falling 7.5 percent and other chipmakers dropping over 10 percent. Meta Platforms lost nearly 5 percent, and Tesla fell 8 percent despite beating delivery estimates. Apple remained a notable exception, gaining 4.5 percent.

• Germany’s DAX index reached a record high, closing Thursday 2.16 percent higher at 25,580.88. The Frankfurt exchange was lifted by a new government reform package and positive corporate news. Bayer led the rally, surging 8.9 percent, while Rheinmetall gained 6.8 percent. Deutsche Bank advanced over 5 percent following a collective bargaining agreement at Postbank, and Vonovia rose 6 percent after an analyst upgrade.
• Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 1.5 percent on Friday, dropping below the 67,800 level to extend losses for a second session. The decline was heavily driven by technology equities, tracking Wall Street’s weakness. Taiyo Yuden plunged 8.5 percent, while Murata Manufacturing, Kioxia, and Tokyo Electron also posted steep losses. Additionally, Japanese equities faced pressure from a strengthening yen amid speculation of potential government currency intervention.
• Brent crude oil futures traded near $71.80 per barrel ahead of the United States holiday. Prices remained pressured by rising global supply and easing geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf. Commercial oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have surpassed 10 million barrels per day, and Iranian exports increased sharply after the lifting of a naval blockade. Consequently, major financial institutions lowered their near-term price forecasts.