European chip stocks advanced, with ASML, BE Semiconductor Industries, STMicroelectronics and Soitec gaining 2% to 8%.

After a sharp yen rally, Japanese authorities declined to confirm whether they intervened in overnight FX trading but signalled overseas assistance, including from the United States. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama avoided confirming intervention, saying authorities will "remain highly vigilant and respond appropriately as the situation requires." Jun Mimura, Japan’s top currency official, said Japan received help from the U.S. that was "far more than moral support" and that he maintains continuous contact with U.S. authorities via personal channels; he declined to give further detail.

美國至7月18日當週續請失業金人數 178.2萬人，預期179.8萬人，前值由179.6萬人修正爲178.9萬人。