- S&P 500 futures down 0.4%, Nasdaq-100 futures 0.6% lower
- U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures gained nearly 3% to $78 per barrel
- Core PCE inflation expected to increase from April
June 21, 2026
▲ 12▼ 27◆ 4– 98
Markets 9
- Analysts say a US‑Iran peace agreement could trigger a broad rally in risk assets and equities.
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz may lower oil prices, but full supply normalization could take 2‑3 months.
- Lower oil prices could ease inflation, allowing major central banks to adopt a less hawkish stance.
- AI‑related sectors such as cloud, semiconductors and renewable energy are viewed as attractive investments.
- If oil supply remains tight, prices could rebound to $90‑100 per barrel within months.
- GBP/USD fell to around 1.3210, approaching the 1.3200 support level.
- UK political uncertainty rises as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to resign.
- US dollar gains on hawkish Fed signals after the Fed kept rates at 3.50‑3.75% and markets price a 25 bps hike in September.
- Finance chief Paul Chan announced new policies to be launched in July 2024
- Goal is to expand the number of listed companies trading shares in renminbi
- Measures aim to strengthen Hong Kong's role as an offshore yuan (CNH) hub
- AUD/USD fell to around 0.7005 in early Asian trading.
- Stalled US‑Iran talks boosted safe‑haven demand for the USD, pressuring the AUD.
- CME FedWatch Tool shows >90% chance of a Fed rate hike in December, up from 61%.
- Traders now price the Australian dollar near the 0.7000 level amid risk‑off sentiment.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will outline his exit plan on Monday amid calls for his resignation.
- Labour rival Andy Burnham won a decisive parliamentary election, intensifying pressure on Starmer.
- The British pound fell 0.17% to $1.3210 against the US dollar in early trading.
- U.S. airline equities encounter near-term pressure amid weaker outlooks
- Investors pivot to fundamentals such as load factors, cash flow and cost control
- Major carriers like American Airlines (AAL), Delta (DAL) and Southwest (LUV) are most exposed
- Large amounts of money are flowing into AI-related investments
- Many companies are shifting to selling shares rather than buying
- Analysts view the sell‑off as a warning that equity valuations are too high
- Tadawul All Share Index closed down 0.40% on the day
- More stocks declined than advanced, indicating weak breadth
- Energy and banking sectors contributed to the decline
Macro/Economy 10
- Hong Kong commemorates the 29th anniversary of the 1997 handover on July 1, 2026
- Government will roll out measures in July to expand offshore yuan (CNH) trading and increase renminbi listings
- The city will use its hub status to help mainland Chinese firms expand overseas
- June 2026 Make UK/TUC survey warns of an imminent wave of factory closures in Britain
- Manufacturers cite soaring energy and power bills, driven by carbon levies, as the main threat
- Trade body urges government to expand emergency relief measures to avert deindustrialisation
- Global wellness market valued at $6.8 trillion, growing 7.9% annually, projected to reach $9.7 trillion by 2029
- Thailand's wellness economy was $42.7 billion in 2024, ranking 24th worldwide, with a 36% growth rate in 2024, second only to India in Asia
- Asia's wellness tourism sector hit $215 billion in 2024, posting the fastest global growth of 31%
- Foreign travel agents at TTM+ showed heightened interest in wellness packages, with 70‑80% of spa operator clients being overseas visitors
- Industry aims to embed wellness into broader tourism offerings to attract higher‑spending travelers
- Crude oil price expected to stabilise at $70‑80 per barrel by late 2025, but refined prices stay high
- Renewable share in Thailand’s energy mix targeted to exceed 50% by 2037 (up from ~15‑17% in 2025)
- Government to allocate up to 200 billion baht for rooftop solar, buying up to 500 MW from households
- Subsidy makes B20 diesel 5 baht cheaper than B7 diesel to boost biofuel use
- Citi sees demand weakening in France due to long‑term structural shifts in labor and consumption
- The bank trims its 2024 GDP growth forecast for France to near‑zero, down from a prior 0.5% estimate
- Persistent slack could keep inflation above the ECB target, limiting monetary easing
- Citi expects the French economy to remain stagnant through 2025 unless policy reforms boost productivity
- Federal pledge of $46 million granted to keep Cumberland Fossil Plant operating beyond original retirement dates
- TVA now plans to keep units running until 2026 and 2028 after board reshuffle by the Trump administration
- Plant cited for air‑pollution violations in 2017 and 2023, yet receives new federal support
- Policy shift part of a broader Trump‑led effort to preserve older coal facilities nationwide
- Temperatures across much of Europe approached 40 °C (104 °F) on June 21.
- Several regions recorded consecutive days above 35 °C, prompting heat warnings.
- Heatwave disrupted transport services and raised concerns for tourism hotspots and wildlife.
- The extreme heat coincides with the summer solstice, marking an early start to the season's hottest period.
- Measure SQ 832 failed by ~10 points, with 55% voting No and 45% voting Yes.
- Proposal would have lifted the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 in 2027, then to $15 by 2029 via $1.50 annual raises.
- Turnout was about 630,000 voters, roughly 26% of registered voters; only three counties (Oklahoma, Tulsa, Cleveland) voted Yes.
- Opponents warned of inflationary pressure and harm to small businesses, citing $2 million in dark‑money spending against the measure.
- Recent defeats in California, Massachusetts, and now Oklahoma signal a possible shift after years of statewide minimum‑wage wins.
- Benin, Africa’s top cotton producer, is upgrading logistics to move harvest from north to southern ports.
- The Glo‑Djigbé Industrial Zone near Cotonou will handle cotton processing, reducing reliance on raw‑cotton exports.
- Chinese financing and expertise are backing the new transport and processing infrastructure.
- Professor Nie argues that Western-centric models miss how China's formal institutions, grassroots mechanisms, and collectivist culture interact.
- He calls for an integrated analytical framework that captures the self‑consistent, adaptive nature of Chinese governance.
- The perspective suggests new policy approaches to boost innovation within China's unique institutional context.
Central Banks 2
- Warsh announced five task forces to examine Fed communications, data, inflation framework, AI impact, and the $6.7 trillion balance sheet
- The FOMC statement omitted forward guidance and returned to a plain‑text format, signaling a shift in communication style
- Potential reforms include dropping the dot‑plot forecasts and reassessing the Fed’s bond‑market holdings
- The Fed kept rates unchanged at the meeting, but the review could set the stage for future policy adjustments
- Kevin Warsh, a Trump‑selected Fed chair, is expected to consider additional rate hikes.
- Historical rate‑hike cycles show equities can continue rising even as rates increase.
- If Warsh proceeds with hikes, major stock indices could still post gains.
Energy/Oil 6
- Brent oil rose more than $1 per barrel, trading above $X per barrel (exact level not specified)
- Price gain followed a bumpy start to US‑Iran peace negotiations
- Market sentiment turned more positive on hopes of de‑escalation in the region
- WTI opened Asian trading with a $1+ bullish gap, retesting the $78 level, up about 2%
- The benchmark was up 1.15% at $77+ as Iran shut the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday
- US President Trump threatened Tehran and Iranian negotiators walked out of talks in Switzerland
- Geopolitical supply concerns keep oil prices elevated; further escalation could push WTI higher
- Crude oil prices fell below $80 per barrel, with analysts targeting a $75‑80 range in Q3.
- Thailand, a net oil importer, expects lower inflation and boosted household spending from the price decline.
- Bank of Thailand's upcoming policy meeting will weigh easing inflation pressures on rate decisions.
- Strait of Hormuz shipping could resume in 1‑2 months, but early congestion may lift freight rates.
- Structural economic challenges remain for Thailand despite short‑term relief from lower energy costs.
- Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz halted roughly 20% of global crude oil and LNG shipments
- Saudi Arabia redirected flows through its East-West pipeline to bypass the strait
- Regional players are accelerating investment in alternative pipeline capacity to avoid future disruptions
- Oil market volatility is expected to rise until new routes become fully operational
- Equinor and partners will invest more than NOK 4 billion ($390 million) in the Troll field expansion.
- The project targets unlocking around 11 billion cubic metres of natural gas, equivalent to roughly 69 million barrels of oil equivalent.
- Troll supplies about 10 % of Europe's gas and holds 40 % of Norway's remaining gas reserves.
- The TWIN development will involve drilling two new wells to boost gas recovery.
- Months-long restrictions on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz exposed India's supply vulnerability
- India is deepening ties with the United States to secure additional LNG supplies
- The crisis is prompting a shift toward greater renewable energy investment for long-term security
Gold/Metals 1
- Chigirishima produces roughly 50% of Japan's domestic lead output
- The island lies in the Seto Inland Sea and is dominated by industrial facilities
- Lead mining is a key component of Japan's base‑metal industry
- Nearby Ikunoshima island remains heavily forested, highlighting the contrast
Crypto 12
- Bitcoin hovered around $64,200 over the weekend, recovering part of Friday's slide.
- Major cryptocurrencies mostly firmed, with ether, solana and tron posting weekly gains.
- US-Iran ceasefire talks in Switzerland and Iran's renewed threat to close the Strait of Hormuz could swing oil prices and broader risk assets.
- US spot Bitcoin ETFs logged $6.35 bn net outflows over the last 30 trading days, the largest since launch.
- Cumulative net outflow from Bitcoin ETFs reached $53.4 bn, down from a $63 bn peak in Oct 2025.
- Bitcoin price slid 17.4% over the month, trading around $64,200.
- Outflows coincided with higher US inflation and ongoing US‑Iran tensions, deepening the crypto‑bear market.
- Jaredfromsubway.eth accounted for roughly 70% of Ethereum sandwich attacks from Nov 2024 to Oct 2025
- An attacker drained over $7.5 million by tricking the bot into approving fake token contracts
- The exploit used 66 counterfeit WETH, USDC and USDT contracts and backdoor approvals to sweep the funds
- Ethereum sandwich attacks generate about $60 million in annual trader losses, with 60k‑90k attacks per month
- Portions of the stolen assets were transferred to the Tornado Cash mixing service
- CME Group filed a lawsuit against the CFTC alleging improper approval of Kalshi’s Bitcoin perpetual futures
- CME argues the contracts should be classified as swaps under Dodd‑Frank, not futures, affecting regulatory requirements
- Crypto perpetual futures volumes rose 10.4% in May, hitting a record high despite overall exchange volume falling 3.45%
- The CFTC also issued a no‑action letter to Coinbase on the same day, potentially expanding perps listings
- WSJ analysis of 1,100 Polymarket videos found many staged on near‑exact copies of the site
- Creators were paid and told not to disclose sponsorship; some later added "@polymarket partner" to bios
- A marketing contractor amplified the videos via a "social‑media army"
- Polymarket pledged to audit its promotional content and maintain transparent markets
- BTC/USD hit a local high of $64,522 before slipping 0.5% on the day.
- Analysts forecast a potential upside to $66,000 despite recent gains.
- Binance spot market sellers continue to provide substantial downside pressure.
- Six consecutive Mondays have acted as local pivots before price reversals.
- A 50%+ US equity market decline could push BTC below $24,000 by 2026.
- Bitcoin’s current price sits around $23,980, the worst‑case downside target per analyst.
- Institutional demand is weak: Coinbase premium remains negative and spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen $4.68 bn net outflows since May.
- Analyst cites long‑term VWAP support from 2022 bear market as basis for the $23,980 level.
- 22% of Republicans have invested or used crypto versus 17% of Democrats (Pew poll).
- Republican crypto ownership rose from 16% in 2021 to 27.9% in Q2 2025, while Democrat rate stayed near 17%.
- Gender gap larger: about 74% of crypto traders are men; men under 45 trade crypto at roughly twice the rate of women (38‑42% vs 13‑16%).
- The partisan gap peaked at 11 points in Q2 2025 (27.9% vs 17.3%) and narrowed to about five points (23.6% vs 17.7%) by latest data.
- Bitcoin has fallen roughly 50% since STRC launched in July 2025
- STRC closed at $88.59 after hitting a record low of $82.53, about 12% below its $100 par value
- Strategy's weekly Bitcoin buys have shrunk to around $100 million versus over $2 billion in earlier 2026 weeks
- The discount pushes STRC's effective dividend yield to roughly 13%
- Critics call STRC a "centralized Ponzi," while analysts attribute the drop to a leverage wipeout
- Nationwide Business Corporate Pension Fund, managing ¥21.3 billion (~$130 million), will earmark roughly 1% for crypto in FY2026.
- Allocation will be via a passive fund managed by a major hedge fund that holds multiple crypto assets.
- Current portfolio is 80% yen, 15% USD, 5% other currencies, adding crypto for diversification.
- Move follows recent Japanese legislation to bring crypto under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act and consider a flat 20% tax on gains.
- Paid creators flood social platforms with Polymarket videos that appear to show large profits
- The displayed earnings are fabricated and do not reflect real returns
- Regulators warn that such deceptive content could mislead investors in crypto prediction markets
- Dash is assessing the Philippines as a market for low‑cost crypto payments.
- Philippine SEC can register a foreign corporation in 20‑30 minutes, but crypto licensing may take years.
- Industry players cite up to two years of compliance work before a crypto firm can operate locally.
Geopolitics 39
- Iranian armed forces announced the Strait of Hormuz is closed following Israeli strikes on Lebanon
- Closure occurs just days after a US‑Iran agreement to reopen the waterway
- Disruption of the key shipping lane threatens oil supply and could pressure global crude prices
- Top negotiators from the United States, Iran and Pakistan convene in Switzerland to discuss a ceasefire and Iran's nuclear programme.
- US delegation is led by Vice‑President J.D. Vance, who described the meeting as "historic".
- The talks aim to transform US‑Iran relations and seek a durable agreement on nuclear issues.
- Switzerland serves as the neutral venue for the first round of negotiations.
- 1,067 factories in Prachin Buri province, up from 0 in 2016, contribute to severe pollution
- Gypsum waste from cassava fermentation process is hazardous and not safe for use as fertiliser
- Factories dump waste, including from Rayong and abroad, without proper sorting or disposal
- Iranian negotiators halted high‑stakes talks in Switzerland after President Trump's threats
- A draft waiver to lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports was reportedly agreed, with progress on unfreezing assets
- Risk‑off sentiment returned on Monday, with S&P 500 futures down 0.30% and the US Dollar Index and WTI expected to rise
- Both sides made progress on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, reducing immediate shipping disruption risk
- US aims to secure limits on Iran's nuclear enrichment and regional missile activities.
- Iran seeks relief from U.S. sanctions and a pathway to reintegrate into the global economy.
- Both sides consider a phased agreement linking nuclear constraints to incremental sanctions easing.
- Potential deal could stabilize Middle‑East tensions but its impact on oil markets remains uncertain.
- Iran and US hold high‑level talks in Switzerland to advance a 60‑day MoU roadmap for ending hostilities
- Supreme Leader Khamenei voiced reservations but approved the MoU after the president accepted responsibility
- Hard‑line figures, including former chief negotiator Saeed Jalili, oppose the deal, citing Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon concerns
- Iran's joint military command says the Strait of Hormuz was closed again due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, while US forces claim it remains open
- Political split in Iran could delay enforcement of cease‑fire provisions, adding uncertainty to regional security
- Jeremy Scahill describes chances of Iran‑US talks moving beyond a memorandum as "very, very slim"
- He points to Israel's actions in Lebanon and the White House's failure to enforce the Trump‑brokered Gaza ceasefire of October 2025 as key obstacles
- Iranian leaders remain skeptical about any further progress in diplomacy with the United States
- Historic Iran-U.S. negotiations officially began on 21 June 2026
- Talks are structured around a 60‑day roadmap to address key disputes
- Mediators describe the process as crucial for regional stability and potential sanctions relief
- Desh Vibhor, Desh Vaibhav and Sanmar Herald observed in Gulf of Oman after attempting Hormuz crossing on Friday
- Shipping traffic noted on both northern and southern routes of the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting resumed flow
- Iran and the United States present conflicting narratives on the safety and status of transits through Hormuz
- Prosperity Party secured almost 90% of seats in Ethiopia's lower house.
- Election held on June 1; turnout reported by the election commission.
- Ethiopia's 130 million population remains under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's rule.
- Opposition parties were largely marginalized, with the PP the overwhelming favourite.
- Ahmed Wishah, an Al Jazeera cameraman, was killed in an Israeli air strike on Saturday
- His death follows the killing of his brother, also an Al Jazeera journalist, weeks earlier
- Family and friends gathered in Gaza to bid farewell at his funeral
- Abelardo de la Espriella secured 49.65% of the vote
- Ivan Cepeda received 48.70%, trailing by 0.95 percentage points
- Over 99% of polling centres reported the result
- Victory shifts Colombia toward a right‑wing, anti‑guerrilla stance
- Election day set for June 28 in Bangkok and Pattaya; citizens urged to observe voting and counting.
- 2022 polls saw ballot removal, damage, and delayed results, raising transparency concerns.
- Observers will check polling staff neutrality and monitor AI/deepfake misinformation.
- Groups like We Watch will train volunteers to collect field data for independent analysis.
- Starmer has not ruled out resigning as Labour leader
- A decision on his future could be announced as early as Monday
- Speculation intensifies after recent poll setbacks for Labour
- Thai workers in Israel increased from ~30,000 before Oct 2023 to about 50,000 now
- Monthly salary for new arrivals averages 77,000 baht, several times the Thai domestic wage
- Around 40 Thai workers recently arrived under the same recruitment programme despite hostilities
- Since Oct 2023, 39 Thai workers were killed and 31 taken hostage; 28 hostages released alive, 3 died
- Security view focuses on South China Sea tensions and US-China rivalry in Southeast Asia
- Economic view highlights growing trade, infrastructure projects, and supply‑chain integration
- Analysts argue both dimensions are real but neither fully captures the relationship's complexity
- Residents returned to Nabatieh after Israel announced a halt to fighting in southern Lebanon.
- The city shows extensive damage from months of Israeli airstrikes, with homes and businesses shattered.
- Reconstruction prospects remain uncertain as the durability of the ceasefire is unclear.
- Voting takes place on 21 June 2026 nationwide, including Barranquilla.
- Race features incumbent senator Ivan Cepeda versus far‑right lawyer Avelardo de la Espriella.
- Latest polls show Espriella ahead, though exact margin is unspecified.
- U.S. diplomats say talks will be pursued through the night despite Iranian walkout
- Iran’s delegation left the Swiss venue after a U.S. official referenced a Trump-era threat
- Discussions aim to clarify messaging on the Strait of Hormuz and set de‑confliction mechanisms
- Goal of the talks is to keep the Strait fully open and move toward ending the Middle East conflict
- President Rodrigo Paz signed a state of emergency permitting military support for police after five weeks of protests
- Legislative Assembly approved decree banning road blockades; authorities say none are active on Sunday
- Santa Cruz leaders lifted a critical blockade in San Julian and Indigenous groups paused protests in La Paz
- Blockades had stranded trucks, caused shortages; 17 deaths linked to medical disruptions, 365 arrests and 37 injuries reported
- Legislative Assembly overwhelmingly approved President Rodrigo Paz's state of emergency after a 50‑day social crisis.
- Protesters had blocked main highways, stranding trucks and choking supplies of food, fuel and medicines.
- The decree aims to restore transit and ensure delivery of essential goods to affected regions.
- The emergency measure follows the president's declaration on Saturday to end the road blockades.
- At the June 17 G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, Trump thanked China for staying neutral on the US‑Israeli war against Iran
- Trump said China could have dispatched an oil ship escorted by six destroyers but chose restraint instead
- China and Russia were highlighted as key players preventing a full‑blown catastrophe in the region
- Al Jazeera denies Israeli accusations that its late Gaza cameraman was a Hamas operative
- Israeli military alleges the journalist had ties to Hamas, prompting diplomatic tension
- Al Jazeera labels the accusations a baseless smear campaign aimed at justifying attacks
- The deceased journalist, Ahmed Wishah, was killed in Gaza a day earlier
- The dispute raises concerns over press safety and media freedom in the conflict zone
- CCTV broadcast two live-fire drills featuring the DF‑17 hypersonic missile.
- One launch showed a road‑side launcher followed by a vertical launch.
- Analysts say the DF‑17 strengthens China’s deterrence across the first island chain.
- The footage signals Beijing’s willingness to showcase advanced strike capabilities.
- Runoff election set for Sunday to decide Colombia's next president
- Top candidates: businessman Abelardo de la Espriella vs lawmaker Iván Cepeda
- First round on May 31 narrowed field from 11 to 2, eliminating nine contenders
- Campaign marked by concerns over corruption and potential internal conflict
- Meloni, previously tolerant of Trump remarks, escalated her response this week
- She joins a small group of European leaders who have directly challenged Trump
- Contrasts with Spain's Pedro Sanchez, who has used Trump attacks for political gain
- Meloni's shift signals a more confrontational stance in G7 diplomatic dynamics
- Washington steps up effort to restrict China‑US biotech investment and technology transfers
- Analysts expect a modest slowdown in cross‑border biotech deals due to heightened geopolitical scrutiny
- Despite regulatory hurdles, the overall trend of China‑US biotech collaborations remains positive
- US Vice President JD Vance travels to Switzerland for high‑level talks with Iran, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar
- Iranian delegation arrives in Switzerland, seeking full implementation of the interim war‑ending deal
- Israel reports killing 16 people in Lebanon amid ongoing conflict
- Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, raising regional tension
- US will send Typhon midrange missile launchers to Japan for exercises next week and in September
- Launchers will stay in Japan, indicating stronger US deterrence posture toward China
- Deployment highlights expanding US security cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific
- Ramiro Valdes, a founding member of Fidel Castro's government, died at age 94.
- President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced the death on social media, without giving a cause.
- Valdes held titles "Hero of the Republic" and "Commander of the Revolution" and served on the Political Bureau for decades.
- Gaza residents assembled to view Spain's World Cup victory over Saudi Arabia
- Fans cited Spain's political support for Palestine as a key motivation
- Player Lamine Yamal was highlighted as a symbol of solidarity
- Football described as a rare respite amid ongoing conflict
- Authorities say unrest is decreasing in major cities
- Air force jet crashed while on an assistance flight, no casualties reported
- Government claims the crisis is stabilizing but investigations are ongoing
- Iran's football federation says US allegations are fabricated and baseless
- US Homeland Security Secretary claimed an IRGC-linked person tried to board Iran's World Cup flight to Los Angeles
- The alleged boarding attempt involved a flight from Mexico to Los Angeles scheduled for Sunday
- Mona Khalil, 77, a leading sea‑turtle advocate, died from injuries sustained in an Israeli attack on June 4
- The strike hit her home in al‑Mansouri, Tyre province, and she succumbed more than two weeks later on June 19
- Hundreds of mourners gathered in Beirut to honor her legacy and the Orange House Project’s turtle conservation work
- Hassan Akkad was detained in Damascus on Wednesday night over alleged cybercrime defamation.
- He spent four days in custody before being released on Sunday.
- His release came after journalist Mousa al‑Omar withdrew the legal complaint against him.
- Akkad, founder of the "Give Us the Money That You Owe!" campaign, has previously been jailed in 2011 for documenting protests.
- KMT alleges DPP is investigating five agricultural groups for mainland cooperation deals
- Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council referred the five groups to the Ministry of Agriculture for probe
- The groups were said to have signed cooperation agreements at the Straits Forum in Fujian province
- Opposition politicians and farming organisations have voiced backlash against the investigations
- Residents voted to rescind Gotion's proposed $2.36 billion electric‑vehicle battery plant.
- The newly elected town board reversed the earlier approval for the Chinese‑headquartered project.
- The decision highlights local resistance to Chinese battery manufacturers in the United States.
- Applications to British summer schools fell 35% year‑to‑date.
- Soaring airfares, linked to the Middle East war, are deterring Hong Kong families.
- Education consultants report a sharp surge in demand for Asian summer programmes.
- Parents are increasingly opting for regional alternatives over traditional UK/US schools.
- Election authorities say there is no operational need to compile turnout data by age and gender
- Analysts and politicians warn the lack of demographic data undermines poll transparency
- The change limits information for candidates to gauge voter demographics and shape policies
Tech/AI 13
- Hyperscalers Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta face hardware shortages, particularly in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips.
- The shortage is driven by a bottleneck in HBM production, with SK Hynix holding 60% market share.
- Memory chip stocks, such as Micron and Sandisk, have surged 41% in the past month, while hyperscalers' stocks have declined.
- SpaceX's IPO raised $85.7 bn, valuing the company at trillions and fueling space‑AI plans
- SpaceX filed FCC paperwork for up to 1 million AI‑data‑center satellites; Blue Origin seeks 51,600 satellites for Project Sunrise
- Starship, slated for operational status next year, could slash launch costs, a key hurdle for orbital data centers
- Terafab, a 10‑million‑sq‑ft facility co‑built by SpaceX, Tesla and Intel, may cost up to $119 bn and open in 2029
- Google's Project Suncatcher and Starcloud's test H100 GPU satellite signal growing industry interest
- Early‑2020s optimism for SMRs has faded amid supply‑chain disruptions and technical hurdles.
- SMR units are limited to ≤300 MW(e) per reactor, hindering economies of scale.
- Despite setbacks, several firms continue to invest heavily in SMR projects, betting on future nuclear growth.
- Autnmy AI's Road to Autonomy Index ranks Baidu Apollo Go as the top robotaxi, with Waymo in second place
- Waymo's Texas-registered autonomous fleet grew 7.5% to 620 vehicles; Tesla's fleet rose 64% to 69 vehicles
- Chinese firms Pony.ai and WeRide rank third and fourth, underscoring China's dominance in robotaxi rankings
- New partnerships announced: Gatik with PepsiCo, Stellantis/Wayve/Uber on driverless robotaxis, and QuantumScape with Honda on solid‑state batteries
- Treasury's export control order mandates Anthropic suspend its Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models.
- The order, citing vague national‑security concerns, was delivered on Friday.
- Amazon researchers reportedly flagged a potential guardrail bypass, prompting White House action.
- Cybersecurity experts warn the shutdown could weaken U.S. network defenses and raise AI regulatory risk.
- The Harbin Z-20 looks almost identical to the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk in overall dimensions.
- Key differences: the Z-20 uses five main rotor blades versus four on the UH-60, and has two front cabin windows instead of one.
- Its development highlights decades of effort by China to close the helicopter technology gap with the US and Russia.
- Bill-splitting via Apple Cash uses Apple Intelligence to extract items, tip and total from receipt photos
- AI-driven password updater automatically detects weak or breached passwords and replaces them on websites
- Messages offers one‑tap suggestions (reminders, photo sharing, calendar events) based on conversation context
- Call Context shows relevant info such as reservation codes on the call screen by pulling data from Mail on‑device
- Natural‑language Calendar entry and Shortcut creation let users describe tasks for Apple Intelligence to generate events and automations
- AI training and inference demand large electricity volumes, making power supply a critical factor
- Hong Kong ranks third globally as an AI financial powerhouse in the Global AI Competitiveness Index
- Tight electricity supply in Hong Kong could limit growth of AI chips and data centers
- Improving energy infrastructure is essential for Hong Kong to sustain its AI leadership
- Finance chief Paul Chan called Hong Kong a "strategic adaptation ground" for mainland tech companies expanding globally
- Firms are moving beyond simple product exports to establishing multinational operations
- Chan's remarks follow his recent visits to tech firms in Shanghai and Nanjing
- Hong Kong is positioned to help firms meet international market standards and regulations
- Leung Chun-ying claims Hong Kong is the only Chinese region able to replicate SpaceX's rapid‑growth approach
- He calls for development of local professional services to support an emerging aerospace industry
- Leung urges Hong Kong's upcoming five‑year plan to prioritize aerospace initiatives over other projects
- Deep‑learning model identifies space hurricanes from ultraviolet satellite data.
- Automation replaces manual analysis of satellite images for detection.
- Improves forecasting of upper‑atmosphere events that can disrupt satellite, radar and radio communications.
- Developed by a China‑led research team for integration into space‑weather monitoring networks.
- Government says data centre investments must not harm local communities or agriculture
- Officials will assess site suitability, water availability and power infrastructure before approvals
- Thailand aims to attract responsible digital‑infrastructure investors while safeguarding water and energy security
- NT bought the 126°E GEO slot for 9.07 million baht in 2023.
- The slot filing expires in December 2026, and technical interference limits addressable revenue to about 100 Mbps.
- Advisors recommend NT drop its own GEO satellite plan and become a high‑margin resale partner for LEO/GEO services.
- NT is negotiating partnerships with Chinese LEO operator Spacesail and China Satcom, aiming for service launch in Q1 2027.
Companies 10
- Danone filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court accusing Chobani of inflating protein claims on its 20‑gram protein yoghurt tubs
- Chobani’s U.S. market share rose to 26% in Q1 2024, up from 21% three years earlier, while Danone’s share fell to 25.8% from 30.7%
- Danone’s shares are down about 15% YTD versus an 11% gain in the MSCI World Index; analysts note Danone lags competitors growing >20% annually
- Micron forecasts profit growth close to 1,000% year-over-year
- Earnings release expected in the coming weeks, drawing investor focus
- Analysts say strong Micron results could provide upward pressure on the S&P 500
- Robust memory-chip demand supports a positive revenue outlook
- Kinetik (KNTK) offers ~7% dividend yield; price target raised to $53 on sour‑gas growth outlook
- SLB (SLB) provides a 2.5% yield; price target set at $63 as oilfield services demand rises globally
- IBM (IBM) yields 2.7%; price target lifted to $315 driven by AI, quantum and Z mainframe expansion
- Chinese EV makers showcase right-hand drive models at Hong Kong auto expo
- DSFK targets Indonesia as first priority, with 50,000 vehicle production capacity
- Zeekr to focus on Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong as key markets
- Combined dividend payout exceeds 2 trillion yen (≈ $12.4 bn), a record high for the banks.
- The increase follows higher loan rates after the Bank of Japan ended its negative‑rate policy three years ago.
- Dividends are expected for the current fiscal year, marking the first time the three megabanks reach this level.
- Definium will release Phase 3 trial data for its depression candidate on Monday
- The presentation will be streamed via a company webcast
- Results could shape future regulatory filing and market expectations
- Claude Guillemot, 69, died in a plane crash in La Baule, France
- He co-founded Ubisoft in 1986 with his four brothers
- Ubisoft remains family‑controlled; brother Yves Guillemot is CEO
- Guillemot also chaired Guillemot Corp., maker of gaming accessories
- Moschino names Loris Messina as a new creative director
- Simone Rizzo is also appointed as co-creative director
- Both will oversee the brand's design and collection direction
- Appointments follow the departure of the previous creative lead
- The move aims to refresh Moschino's fashion offerings
- Zxmoto's viral race wins have drawn fans from across China
- The Chongqing manufacturing plant is now a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts
- Growing popularity is boosting domestic interest in the motorcycle market
- Yamaichi plans to start online sales of shirasu whitebait in summer 2024.
- The initiative aims to boost brand awareness and open overseas distribution channels.
- Yamaichi's Hitachinaka factory holds FSSC22000 food safety certification for export.
Thai Markets 1
- Foreign buyers are pausing purchases of luxury villas in Phuket and Koh Samui amid new restrictions
- Thai authorities are closing the nominee loophole that allowed foreigners to bypass land ownership limits
- The Department of Business Development flagged 11,426 companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui with foreign stakes
Other 38
- A strong El Nino is forecast to reach its peak in November 2026
- The phenomenon could threaten global food supply chains
- Experts warn of heightened extreme weather events worldwide
- Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project valued at up to 60 trillion won (≈US$39.14 bn)
- Royal Canadian Navy plans to replace four Victoria‑class subs with 12 new 3,000‑tonne diesel‑electric vessels
- South Korea and Germany are the final contenders as Ottawa aims to name a preferred bidder by month‑end
- Brazilian customs intercepted a shipment of cocaine hidden within timber containers.
- The haul is described as "massive", representing one of the larger drug seizures in recent years.
- The operation highlights ongoing challenges in drug trafficking routes through South American ports.
- Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered an investigation into alleged encroachment at Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi.
- Preliminary inquiry found two plots seized previously—1.22 rai in 2024 and 1.31 rai in 2026—for illegal use.
- Investigators identified a 13.5‑rai area with grass planting and irrigation pipes resembling a golf course and are seeking records to identify the current occupant.
- Around several thousand Czechs gathered in Prague to protest the funding overhaul.
- The plan, backed by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, would change how public broadcasters are financed.
- Media staff are set to begin a warning strike the following day.
- Similar demonstrations have already taken place in regional capitals.
- Temperatures approach 40 °C in Spain, Italy and France
- Health authorities issue widespread heat warnings across the three countries
- Belgian wildlife rehabilitation centres report a surge in heat‑stressed animals
- Protesters have camped at Delhi's Jantar Mantar since June 6, defying police orders.
- Movement leader Abhijeet Dipke says the sit‑in will continue until minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
- Cockroach Janta Party has over 22 million Instagram followers, about twice the following of the ruling party.
- Exam paper leaks and more than a dozen student suicides have intensified the protests.
- Police have tried to disperse demonstrators by briefly cutting off water and food supplies.
- Toy Story 5 earned $160 million domestically in its opening weekend, a franchise record.
- International box office added $152 million, bringing the three‑day global total to $312 million.
- 11.5 million moviegoers attended, with over a quarter choosing premium large‑format screenings.
- The debut is the second‑largest opening for an animated feature, behind Incredibles 2’s $182.7 million.
- The franchise now exceeds $3 billion worldwide, with two films surpassing $1 billion each.
- Fourth instalment of a six-part Health Matters series on cancer in Hong Kong
- Case study references a 2013 routine blood test that flagged elevated markers
- New blood test aims to detect cancer earlier, potentially reducing biopsies
- Welfare chief says screening criteria for high‑risk elderly will be reviewed
- Proposal would add dementia patients and residents over 60 who care for severely disabled to priority outreach
- Move follows a recent tragedy involving a 70‑year‑old man found hanging
- No timeline disclosed; policy remains under consideration
- Residents of Ho Sheung Heung and Yin Kong can turn entire houses into restaurants, guest houses or shops without prior application.
- Necessary planning work is slated to begin in the third quarter of 2024.
- The government will consider extending the scheme to other village-type development zones if it proves effective.
- Five girls allegedly assaulted a boy in Hachioji, Tokyo, in January, causing hospitalisation.
- The girls consulted AI to determine how much money to demand from the victim.
- Experts say Japanese adolescents are increasingly using AI to guide actions, including criminal behavior.
- Authorities express concern over AI's influence on youth and potential rise in AI-facilitated crimes.
- Junior high schools in Ibaraki Prefecture began using digital textbooks on June 9
- Japanese education officials promote e‑books despite studies suggesting limited learning benefits
- South Korea is cited as a cautionary example, having slowed digital textbook rollout after similar concerns
- Spain and Saudi Arabia each have one point after opening draws in Group H
- Both teams need a win to boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage
- Fans filled Atlanta streets with chants, flags and celebrations before the match
- Vandalism at the Washington Reflecting Pool was captured on video and identified.
- U.S. Attorney John Pirro announced that all individuals involved will be fully prosecuted.
- Charges are expected to include property damage and federal offenses.
- Serena Williams, 44, granted wildcard entry for Wimbledon singles.
- First Grand Slam singles appearance since 2018, six years after her last Wimbledon title.
- Returned to competition in June, playing doubles at Queen's Club and Berlin Open.
- Belgium and Iran drew 0-0 in Group G, leaving Belgium on 2 points
- Nathan Ngoy was sent off, leaving Belgium with ten men
- All three Group G matches have ended in draws
- Belgium's next game is versus New Zealand, the tournament's lowest-ranked team
- Iran must secure at least a point against Egypt to stay in contention
- Loneliness linked to health risks comparable to heavy smoking and obesity
- Lawmakers are prepared to allocate millions of dollars to combat the issue
- Study highlights the severe mental and physical health impacts of chronic loneliness
- Pope Leo highlighted Mother Frances Cabrini as the first American saint
- He presented her as a model for Christians to assist migrants in need
- The Pope specifically urged young people to learn about Cabrini's life and service
- Event runs June 27‑28 at former Joann store in Torrance, CA
- Organizer saved about $24,000 after layoff to fund the festival
- Admission is free; activity passports start at $40, with 70 pre‑sale purchases
- Around 25 vendors will offer workshops; nearly 500 RSVPs have been recorded
- Rental cost was $3,000 plus $1,000 security deposit for a month
- Police detained a 61-year-old man and his 31-year-old son in Tuen Mun.
- Arrest followed a dispute over a parking ticket issued at around 11:30 a.m.
- Both suspects were taken into custody near Sam Shing food stalls at 11:40 a.m.
- Therapist with 25 years experience recommends using an alter ego to overcome self‑doubt.
- Study of 4‑ and 6‑year‑old children showed those who imagined a character (e.g., Batman) persisted longest on a boring task.
- Steps: pick a persona, attach a physical anchor, embody the character, and practice in low‑stakes situations.
- 54-year-old male identified as Lam died at the scene after e-bike plunge
- Accident occurred on an unloading platform in Yuen Long, discovered more than five hours later
- Police received the report at 9:21 a.m.; victim had head and hand injuries
- Former NYU tenured professor Chen Weiqiang moves to Nanjing University.
- Appointed as distinguished professor in the school's biomedical engineering department.
- Renowned for work in cellular biomechanics and organ‑on‑a‑chip technologies.
- Introduces a three-step communication framework: state what is known, acknowledge what is unknown, reaffirm supportive facts
- Claims naming uncertainty reduces anxiety more effectively than ignoring it
- Illustrates the approach with examples for parents (soccer tryout) and managers (potential restructuring)
- Former ViuTV host Lillian Sze passed away from ovarian cancer.
- She disclosed her diagnosis less than a month before her death.
- Sze was known for speaking four languages and hosting fan events for Korean stars.
- Series mixes horror and comedy, compared to Stephen King and Parks and Recreation
- Stars Matthew Rhys as mayor Tom Loftis and Bashir Salahuddin as travel writer Arthur Lloyd
- Praised by Guillermo del Toro, Ben Stiller and Damon Lindelof
- No new market commentary provided
- No data points or economic figures released
- No actionable insight for investors
- Collision involved four taxis and one private car on the Shenzhen Bay Bridge.
- Six people were injured and taken to hospital.
- The crash forced a temporary closure of the road to the nearby land border crossing.
- Police said the incident occurred at 2:36 pm on Sunday.
- The private car is suspected of losing control and overturning.
- Lin Heung Lau in Sheung Wan filled to capacity during Japan's 4-0 win over Tunisia on Father's Day.
- The match coincided with traditional yum cha gatherings, driving higher patronage for the teahouse.
- Catering operators are leveraging live sports events to boost business during family holidays.
- The occasion highlights the blend of football enthusiasm and Cantonese dining culture in Hong Kong.
- Driver ran red lights and drove against traffic to reach hospital quickly
- Three‑year‑old girl lost consciousness after fever, prompting emergency call
- Family was told ambulance would take at least 20 minutes, prompting driver’s action
- Online users widely praised the driver for his swift response
- Reached #1 on Netflix's global non-English chart for the week of June 1‑7
- 10‑episode series adapted from the 2020 webtoon 'Get Schooled'
- Praised as an addictive feel‑good drama and quickly became a breakout hit
- Golden Village and Clover Films added eight extra Teochew-language screenings of "Dear You"
- Extra showings scheduled for June 25-29 at GVmax GV VivoCity
- Tickets go on sale June 22 at 3pm after the initial eight screenings sold out
- A new initiative is encouraging Singaporean men to share personal experiences and challenges.
- The movement addresses cultural expectations around masculinity and mental health.
- Organisers aim to foster open dialogue and reduce stigma for men in Singapore.
- Current global rankings and research output are highlighted as key achievements of Hong Kong universities
- Article argues that intrinsic motivations like curiosity and professional integrity are overlooked in assessments
- Calls for redefining academic excellence with broader, non‑metric based criteria
- Suggests that focusing solely on narrow metrics may limit the sector's long‑term development
- Cornerstone Community Church bought six units on the fourth floor of Orchard Towers for S$54.5 million (US$42.3 million).
- The purchase enables weekly services to start in January 2025 at the former nightlife venue.
- The building, once known for nightclubs and illegal activities, is being repurposed for religious gatherings on weekends.
- Bookings for remote travel experiences are rising
- Off-grid cabin stays are gaining popularity
- Trend reflects desire to escape modern stress
- The Tang Chang Private Museum in Nakhon Pathom launches its inaugural show.
- Two untitled works dominate: a large canvas of swirling black paint with visible handprints, and a self-portrait of a tormented figure.
- The exhibition highlights the late Thai artist Tang Chang’s experimental style and reintroduces his work to the public.
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