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China's exports rose more than expected in July, as global demand for high-tech components continues to absorb the country's manufactured goods.

July was riddled with small reversals brewing beneath the surface of the market's quiet headline returns. Capital pivoted from growth into value, large caps into small caps, and the newer digital economy into the real economy — as evidenced by strength in financials, healthcare, and real estate.

The top five performing iShares ETFs in July highlight strong returns in specialized market segments. Driven by gains in China large-caps, positive Ethereum momentum, and renewed geopolitical tensions leading to higher oil prices, July performance leadership came from a diverse range of asset classes.

I am initiating a small trading position in iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) for diversification and potential decoupling from US tech-driven markets. FXI benefits from China's state-backed monetary interventions and AI ecosystem push, but is anchored by financials, not pure tech exposure. FXI trades at 13.3x trailing earnings, offering attractive relative valuation versus the S&P 500's 33x, despite recent…

The Hang Seng Index has outperformed its major Asian peers this year, even as the Kospi and Nikkei 225 have come under pressure. The index has rebounded nearly 14% from its lowest level this year, while the Nikkei 225 and Kospi have fallen about 15% and 40%, respectively, from their year-highs.