katero
Jun 23, 2026

USD attracts haven demand after hefty KOSPI losses; NQ -2.5% - Newsquawk US Market Open


print-iconprint-iconAdd ZeroHedge as a preferred source on Google
  • Tech rout leads stocks lower; KOSPI declined c. 10%, which has weighed on the NQ -2.3%.
  • Focus remains on the US-Iran situation; Brent Aug’26 -0.4%. The Lebanon-Israel situation appears to be flaring up, with recent fatalities reported in Lebanon by Israeli gunfire.
  • USD attracts haven demand as tech sells off; Antipodeans underperform, GBP awaiting further Burnham/Chancellor updates.
  • Fixed benefits from modest energy downside and traditional haven allure; PMI commentary points to a possible peak in price pressures.
  • Looking ahead, highlights include Global Flash PMIs (Jun), US ADP Employment Change Weekly, Richmond Fed Index (Jun), BCB Minutes (Jun), NBH Policy Announcement, Speakers including ECB's Elderson & Vujcic, BoE's Taylor & Dhingra, Supply from the US, Earnings from FedEx. Note, Iranian President Pezeshkian is in Pakistan.

Newsquawk in 3 steps:

1. Subscribe to the free premarket movers reports

2. Listen to this report in the market open podcast (available on Apple and Spotify)

3. Trial Newsquawk’s premium real-time audio news squawk box for 7 days

IRAN CONFLICT

Iranian Commentary:

  • Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei said "if the other party does not fulfill its obligations, we should not be expected to unilaterally fulfill our obligations", Iran International reported.
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said defensive capabilities and missiles will never be a topic of discussion. US commitment regarding Lebanon is completely clear.
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said quadrilateral talks were stopped early in Switzerland due to the witnessing of US threats. Thereafter, exchanges were via a mediator, Mehr reported.
  • Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said Iran has no plans to let IAEA inspectors visit nuclear sites targeted in the conflict.
  • Iranian President, ahead of trip to Pakistan, said Iran is seeking the full implementation of the clauses that have been signed within the framework of international law, Nour News reported.
  • Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz will be administered by Iran according to international law.
  • Iranian President Pezeshkian said in phone call to Turkish President Erdogan on Monday that Iran is ready to pursue diplomacy as per international law.
  • Iran Central Bank Governor said Tehran is not obliged to purchase US agricultural goods under current agreements, and states that remaining frozen assets can be used to buy non-sanctioned goods beyond essential items, according to Tasnim.
  • "Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Baghdad next Sunday", Al Mayadeen reported citing sources; The meeting will include a briefing on the progress of the talks in Switzerland and the preparations.
  • Iranian Foreign Ministry said "America has issued the necessary license for the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemical products", Al Jazeera reported.
  • Iranian Ambassador to the UN said any further attacks on Lebanon would be a red line.
  • Iranian Ambassador to the UN said Hormuz talks will be held with Oman.
  • Iranian Ambassador to the UN said there has been good progress in negotiations with the US.
  • "Sources indicate that the Iranian Foreign Minister [Araghchi] will hold separate talks with Pakistani officials", Al Hadath reported.
  • Oman's Foreign Minister said Iranian negotiators reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to ensuring safe, toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Oman's Foreign Minister meets with Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Ghalibaf, with the officials discussing regional stability and Strait of Hormuz.
  • Shipping data cited by Al-Arabia showed at least 20 ships have crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours.

Lebanon/Israel:

  • One person reportedly killed by Israeli gunfire in a southern Lebanese town, according to Lebanese Civil Defense and a security source - timing unclear.
  • Senior US official tells Al Jazeera that talks between Lebanon and Israel will continue to advance comprehensive peace and a security agreement between the two countries.
  • Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir said Israel must act alone against Iran's nuclear program and must maintain military freedom in Lebanon, hopes withdrawal from southern Lebanon will not happen and will do everything to convince PM Netanyahu.
  • Israel military shells and fires at Khan Yunis in Gaza, according to Fars News Agency.
  • Israel's PM, Defence Minister and Military Chief said Israeli military will continue to act to neutralise threats to soldiers and citizens, demolish terrorist infrastructure, and maintain security zone in southern Lebanon, according to a joint statement. Israel's leadership reaffirms that the security of Israeli citizens and IDF troops will remain its overriding priority, with no room for compromise.
  • Israeli forces reportedly violate Syrian territory, conducting house searches in southern outskirts of Quneitra governorate.

Other posts