1. New Zealand is celebrating after the last COVID-19 patient recovered on Sunday, as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the re-opening of the country to normalcy.

2. Free childcare will end in Australia on July 12 as the government has seen demand increase as people return to work. JobKeeper for childcare workers will also be withdrawn. Other sectors are expected to redraw JobKeeper before September.

3. The real estate market is anticipating a longer term hit in Sydney and Melbourne, as the flow of migrants purchasing properties has stopped due to border closures from COVID-19.

4. The ASX is set to close above 6000 for the first time since early March. This comes after the S&P 500 turned positive for the year, as Wall Street has rallied upwards over the past few weeks. Though, some experts have expressed concerns that the current market optimism does not reflect the dire economic circumstances and impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on retail investments.

5. The Dow Jones closed on a high up 1.70% to 27,572.44, gaining 461.46 points. The S&P 500 also reflected a heavy gain up 1.20% to 3,232.39. Nasdaq also rose 1.13% to 9,924.74.