Overnight the USD Index rose 0.22% to 100.72 while the S&P 500 fell 0.51%, producing modest downward pressure on most USD-denominated critical minerals; lithium carbonate slipped 1.95% to 151000 CNY/t and spodumene SC6 dropped 2.48% to 2165 USD/t, whereas lithium hydroxide posted a 3.40% gain to 143750 CNY/t. No fresh supply or policy shocks emerged from China, the DRC, Indonesia or Russia between 16-17 July 2026, leaving price action driven by currency and equity sentiment rather than physical market events. The absence of MIIT or MOFCOM announcements kept the session technically quiet despite the mixed macro tape.