Asian stocks bounce back, Oil slips despite escalating Houthi threats

Market news for July 21, 2026:  Asian shares climbed today, led by gains in Japan and South Korea. Oil prices edged lower on hopes of diplomatic progress in the Gulf. Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have threatened a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. Indonesia's parliament approved generous tax incentives under a new financial centre law.

Synopsis: Market Focus Daily is a closing bell roundup by The Business Times that looks at the day’s market movements and news from Singapore and the region.

Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Chai Pei Chieh & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

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