Despite broader economic expansion and steady labor conditions, this divided decision leaves the door open for potential tightening at the September meeting. Global markets faced shifting dynamics, as Japanese currency intervention pushed USD/JPY toward 156.40, while Brent crude fell below $84 per barrel following the cancellation of planned US military strikes on Iran and the resumption of diplomatic talks over the Strait of Hormuz.

In corporate and equity markets, the artificial intelligence boom presented contrasting results. Microsoft outperformed Meta by delivering over $100 billion in annual Azure revenue, though rising capital expenditures across big tech sparked broader investor scrutiny regarding long-term profitability. Semiconductor momentum showed signs of fatigue as SK Hynix fell 10% despite strong operating profits, dragging the South Korean KOSPI lower amid fears of potential oversupply. Looking ahead, global market focus centers on upcoming US labor data, ISM PMIs, and corporate earnings from major entities including SpaceX and AMD.