Asia-Pacific Markets React to Mixed Signals

Asia-Pacific markets are expected to open mixed on Tuesday, despite the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching new highs, closing up 65.44 points at 41,240.52. Traders will be focused on China's year-to-date industrial profits as of July, while oil prices have risen following recent strikes between Israel and Hezbollah, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude at $77.42 per barrel. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures indicate a weaker start compared to its previous close, and the Australian S&P/ASX 200 futures are also slightly lower. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite in the U.S. fell by 0.32% and 0.85%, respectively. Additionally, dovish comments from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell regarding potential rate cuts are influencing market sentiment. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are contributing to the cautious outlook among investors.