On the 27th Korean time, the New York stock market saw four major indices — the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite, and the Russell 2000 — all trending higher simultaneously. The key driver behind today's rally is news that broke over the weekend regarding the cessation of military conflict between the United States and Iran. With the attacks of the past two weeks halted, expectations for the resumption of further negotiations have grown, and a 'risk-on' sentiment favoring risk assets is interpreted to have spread across the broader market.

• *All Four Major New York Indices Rise... Small and Mid-Caps Show Notable Strength**
• Detailed index movements are as follows:
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 52,552.02, up 604.77 points (1.16%) from the previous trading day
• S&P 500 Index: 7,470.36, up 58.40 points (0.79%)
• Nasdaq Composite Index: 25,195.93, up 220.10 points (0.88%)
• Russell 2000 Index: 2,974.70, surging 44.70 points (1.53%)

Notably, the Russell 2000, which is centered on small and mid-cap stocks, posted a larger gain than large-cap indices. This demonstrates that the upward trend is not limited to specific sectors but has broadened across the entire market. However, it should be noted that market direction can change at any time.

Geopolitical Risks Ease... Oil Prices Plunge and Gold Prices Rise The news of eased conflict between the U.S. and Iran was directly reflected in international oil prices, bonds, and currency markets. International oil prices plunged, and government bond prices showed strength (lower yields). Gold, a safe-haven asset, also rose alongside, while the U.S. dollar weakened. With geopolitical risks resolved, inflation concerns have diminished, resulting in an unusual trend where both safe-haven and risk assets showed strength simultaneously.

Key Variables This Week: Big Tech Earnings and the FOMC This week is expected to be one of the busiest weeks of the summer earnings season. Earnings reports are scheduled from major technology stocks (Big Tech) including Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Apple, and on Wednesday, the results of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) regular meeting will be announced. According to FactSet, second-quarter earnings for S&P 500 companies are expected to record a growth rate of around 38% year-over-year, significantly exceeding initial market expectations.

• The key variables investors should watch going forward are as follows:
• Whether the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran leads to an actual resumption of negotiations
• Earnings results and forward guidance from Big Tech companies being announced this week
• FOMC meeting results and commentary regarding the benchmark interest rate
• Upcoming second-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index data

Whether the current upward trend will continue is likely to be determined by these macroeconomic indicators and earnings results.

[This article was written with AI assistance. Investors need to approach cautiously while checking subsequent information such as additional disclosures and earnings releases. This article is for reference only in making investment decisions and does not recommend the purchase or sale of any specific stock.]