[Next Week's Macro Outlook: Non-Farm Payrolls Moved to Thursday, Mid-Year Rebalancing Window Opens] This week, developments in the Middle East remain the focus of Wall Street's attention. With a ceasefire agreement reached in the region, energy prices have retreated. Oil prices have dropped from $100 per barrel a month ago to around $70. Next week, the major U.S. stock indices will close out a solid first half of the year, with the S&P 500 Index (SPX) up more than 7% year-to-date in 2026. However, the stock market faced a tougher period in June. Gold prices experienced another round of sharp fluctuations this week. Initial dip-buying and safe-haven demand, driven by stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data, persistent inflation, a strengthening dollar, and rising expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes, turned into another wave of heavy selling, pushing gold prices back near the $4,000 mark. However, in a last-minute surge, gold prices rebounded to the edge of $4,100.