Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2025-07-18 00:12Market Performance - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices reached new all-time highs, driven by strong retail data and a decrease in initial jobless claims [1] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.52% to 44,484.49 points, while the Nasdaq increased by 0.75% to 20,885.65 points, and the S&P 500 gained 0.54% to 6,297.36 points [1] Economic Data - U.S. retail sales increased by 0.6% month-over-month in June, surpassing market expectations of 0.1% and reversing a 0.9% decline in May [2] - Core retail sales, excluding automobiles, gasoline, building materials, and food services, grew by 0.5% in June, up from a downwardly revised 0.2% in May [2] - Ten out of thirteen major retail categories experienced growth, with auto sales rebounding after two months of decline [2] Inflation and Employment - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% month-over-month and 2.7% year-over-year in June, aligning with market expectations [3] - Initial jobless claims fell to 221,000, marking a decrease of 7,000 and the lowest level since mid-April, indicating a resilient job market [3] Cryptocurrency Legislation - The U.S. House of Representatives passed three significant cryptocurrency bills, including the "Genius Act" aimed at major regulatory reforms for cryptocurrencies [4] - The "Clarity Act" was also passed, which seeks to establish a broader regulatory framework for digital assets [4] - President Trump is expected to sign an executive order to open alternative investments, including cryptocurrencies, to the $9 trillion U.S. retirement market [4] Commodity Prices - International oil prices rose due to positive U.S. economic data and ongoing geopolitical risks in the Middle East, with WTI crude oil futures increasing by $1.16 to $67.54 per barrel [5] - Gold futures fell by 0.41% to $3,345.40 per ounce, while silver futures rose by 0.83% to $38.44 per ounce [5]