June 26, 2026 · Daily Global-Macro Brief

June 26, 2026 338 stories · 377 articles, 39 merged · refreshed 2026-10-12 02:20 UTC ▲ 37▼ 77◆ 27– 196

Markets 36

USD Index (DXY) slipped to around 101.30 ahead of quarter‑end profit‑taking.
US non‑farm payrolls, ADP and JOLTS releases this week will steer USD; a strong jobs report could keep Fed policy restrictive.
EUR/USD trades near 1.1390 as Eurozone CPI and PMI data loom.
GBP/USD steadies around 1.3200 ahead of UK Q1 GDP and BoE commentary.
WTI crude fell below $70, trading at $69.10 after Israel‑Lebanon framework agreement.

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

The U.S. dollar index slipped 0.19% to 101.32, marking a second consecutive daily decline.
Oil prices fell about 4% (WTI to $69.33, Brent to $72.02), easing expectations for a Fed rate hike.
Despite the dip, the dollar remains up 0.29% for the week, its strongest monthly gain since July.
The yen held near 161.74 per dollar, just above the 161.96 level that would be its weakest since 1986.
Fed officials still signal a possible 25‑basis‑point rate hike this year, keeping market uncertainty.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: WSJ Markets

US10Y Treasury yield slipped several basis points amid Fed Chair Warsh's tough inflation talk.
Warsh signaled a more aggressive stance on inflation, reinforcing expectations of tighter monetary policy.
Lower yields reflect market optimism that inflation pressures are moderating.

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

JPMorgan lifts 2026 S&P 500 target to 7,800 from 7,200, implying about 5% upside
June PCE inflation hits a three‑year high while consumer spending remains robust
Fed funds futures now price a possible rate hike as early as September
2‑yr/10‑yr Treasury yield spread narrows further, keeping recession worries alive
Holiday‑shortened week likely to see lower volume and wider swings; July historically strong for S&P but Nasdaq tends to lose ~0.8% in midterm years

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

US Treasury yields fell to 4.05%
Dollar index rose 0.5% to 103.5
Oil prices plummeted 10% to $68.50/bbl

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

GBP/USD gained 0.20% to 1.3217 after the dollar fell to a daily low of 1.3180
US Dollar Index slipped 0.18% to 101.25 as Fed rate‑cut expectations rise
Market pricing for BoE rate hikes trimmed to 21 bps from 33 bps for 2026
Andy Burnham pledged to follow existing fiscal rules, calming UK political nerves
US consumer sentiment rose to 49.5 in June, up from 48.9 preliminary

Read on FXStreet ↗

Global equity fund net inflows fell to $7.51 bn, an 86% drop from $55.53 bn the week before
Technology sector funds logged a net outflow of $17.83 bn, reversing the prior week’s $21.5 bn inflow
U.S. equity funds recorded $3.53 bn of outflows, while Europe and Asia saw inflows of $6.28 bn and $2.95 bn respectively
Money‑market funds posted a $42.8 bn outflow, the largest weekly withdrawal since April 15
Gold and precious‑metal funds posted a sixth consecutive weekly outflow of $545 mn

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Nasdaq Composite edged lower, ending the week down about 0.5%
Leading chipmakers such as Intel and AMD fell roughly 2% and 1.8% respectively
U.S. crude oil rose above $70 per barrel, reaching $70.3 after a fresh U.S. attack on Iran
Geopolitical tension boosted oil prices while weighing on risk‑off equities

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

South Korean stocks dropped more than 8% in a single session
A second trading halt was imposed within the week
Sell‑off driven by worries over inflated AI‑related company valuations

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

South Korea will launch 24‑hour trading for the won on July 6, extending the FX market to round‑the‑clock operation.
Offshore investors will be allowed to hold and trade the won directly, supported by a new offshore settlement system.
The won is near a 17‑year low versus the dollar, heightening concerns about thin liquidity and price volatility.
Banks are adding night‑shift staff; Hana Bank adds three traders, Woori doubles its UK team, and others expand overseas coverage.
MSCI keeps South Korea in the emerging‑market tier, citing insufficient on‑shore liquidity; a developed‑market upgrade is a year away.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

GBP/JPY trades around 213.70, staying within a narrow range after a low of 213.21.
Tokyo CPI rises to 1.7% YoY (core CPI 1.9%), reinforcing expectations of further BoJ rate hikes.
UK politics sees Starmer resign and Burnham poised to lead, with a £1 billion increase in defence spending announced.
USD/JPY holds above the 161.00 level, indicating continued yen pressure despite inflation data.

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

UBS projects the global security and safety market will reach $1.19 trillion by 2029.
Cybersecurity is identified as the primary driver of growth in the sector.
The outlook suggests the market could expand faster than overall IT spending.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

ServiceNow and Salesforce lead a broad software rally
Oracle falls behind as its cloud ties to OpenAI are highlighted
Market sentiment improves with perceived weakening of OpenAI threat

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

S&P 500 fell in all five trading sessions of the week
Nasdaq Composite also declined every session
Weekly drop ends recent rally and signals broader market weakness

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1%
S&P 500 declined 0.1%
Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.2%
AI‑related worries dampened tech gains despite easing fuel prices

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

AbbVie, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson are on track for all‑time high prices
Biopharma sector gains momentum as investors rotate out of technology stocks
Defensive healthcare names outperform amid tech‑sector weakness

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

USD/CNH trading around 6.8020, near 6.8260 resistance (38.2% fibo).
RSI falling from overbought levels, hinting at a possible turn.
Support at 6.80 (50‑day MA) and 6.7750 (21‑day MA).
OCBC expects Yuan weakness to stay measured unless the fixing shows broader depreciation.
Slide attributed to strong USD from hawkish Fed rhetoric and softer risk sentiment.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Moderna shares jumped 11% after unveiling long‑term mRNA oncology and rare‑disease strategy.
ON Semiconductor fell 23% after announcing a $7 billion all‑stock acquisition of Synaptics.
Healthcare sector rose >2% for the day, its best week since 2022, with Eli Lilly and Veeva up 7% each.
Memory‑chip stocks slipped, with Western Digital down 11% and Sandisk down 7% amid broader tech sell‑off.
Apple rebounded 1% after a prior >6% drop, while software ETF IGV rose 3% as Microsoft and Salesforce each gained >4%.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Taiwan's equity market saw $1.73 bn net institutional outflows YTD, with U.S. pensions and hedge funds accounting for $4.33 bn of sales.
Semiconductor sales of –$5.59 bn were offset by purchases in technology hardware (+$3.74 bn), capital goods (+$232 mn) and banks (+$132 mn).
TWD spot volume stays below its one‑year rolling average, indicating subdued FX activity despite the currency’s fundamental undervaluation.
Government and agency accounts bought $906 mn of TWD, while pension funds sold $3.12 bn and hedge funds $1.78 bn.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) down ~10% with 2.7% yield and 23% upside to average price target
Accenture (ACN) down ~35% with 5.2% yield and 40% upside; 57% of analysts rate buy
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) down ~20% with 1.7% yield and 58% upside; 95% buy rating
Medtronic (MDT) down ~8% with 3.6% yield and 19% upside; 64% of analysts rate buy

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Healthcare sector up more than 7% this week, topping S&P leaderboard for June
Cardinal Health, Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly on pace for record closing prices
S&P 500 on track for an almost 2% weekly drop, reflecting a soft June for equities
WTI crude falls below $70 per barrel as oil prices continue to retreat
10-year U.S. Treasury yield stays under 4.4%

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

USD/CAD slipped to ~1.1491, near April 2025 levels, marking a fourth straight weekly decline for CAD
WTI crude fell to $69.20 per barrel, its lowest since early March, down about 9.5% this week
Fed rate‑hike odds for September dropped to 60% from 70% a week earlier, per CME FedWatch
US Dollar Index hovered around 101.35 after hitting a one‑year high near 101.80 earlier in the week

Read on FXStreet ↗

Ringgit rose 0.4% versus the US dollar after Bank Negara Malaysia reintroduced a 2024-style FX support measure.
USD/MYR retraced from around the 4.15 level following the policy move.
Expectations of further Fed tightening keep external pressure on the ringgit, limiting sustained appreciation.
Policy support is seen as stabilising the ringgit in the near term, but gains are likely contained.

Read on FXStreet ↗

DJIA rose more than 1% this week, closing just below 52,000 with a record high near 52,300
Defensive sectors drove the rally: healthcare up 2‑6%, staples, financials and utilities also higher
Fed outlook turned hawkish; a voting FOMC member now favors a rate hike and futures show ~25% chance of a July hike
Technology stocks slipped about 1% after OpenAI delay news, while Asian chip names fell over 12%
Geopolitical risk from Iran ceasefire tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remains a background concern

Read on FXStreet ↗

17 Democratic senators criticize CFTC's funding of lawsuits over prediction markets
Lawmakers label the CFTC action an "assault" on state regulatory authority
The push aims to halt the agency's involvement in state‑level prediction market oversight

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

EUR/USD trades around 1.1400, still on track for a second straight weekly loss after a 13‑month low.
US Dollar Index hovers near 101.26 after hitting a one‑year high of about 101.80 earlier this week.
Fed outlook remains restrictive; Minneapolis Fed President Kashkari penciles in one rate hike for 2026.
Iranian drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz keep the dollar supported despite a subdued US PCE report.
ECB may raise rates again in September, with inflation expected near 3% through year‑end.

Read on FXStreet ↗

AUD/USD rose to around 0.6904 after the US dollar slipped ahead of month‑end and quarter‑end adjustments.
The US dollar fell following a two‑week rally as investors took profits.
Chinese data remain mixed – retail sales dropped sharply while industrial production held steady, affecting AUD demand.
Technicals show AUD/USD near the 20‑period SMA at 0.6904, with support at 0.6887 and resistance at 0.6906‑0.6917.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Grantham says US market cap to GDP ratio is about 235%, the highest ever recorded
Ratio exceeds the 200% level that Warren Buffett warned about during the 1999‑2000 bubble
He warns AI-driven hype could trigger a historic market decline similar to the 2000 tech bubble
SpaceX's roughly $2 trillion valuation cited as another sign of extreme market enthusiasm

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

KOSPI up more than 110% year‑to‑date as of June 2026.
Won weakened about 6% against the U.S. dollar YTD.
Institutional investors sold $17.25bn of South Korean equities YTD, with $15.65bn (≈72%) from U.S. investors.
Retail investors remain net buyers, adding to AI and semiconductor stocks despite institutional sell‑off.
KRW FX volumes averaged 1.23× normal YTD; June peaked at 1.90× normal.

Read on FXStreet ↗

U.S. IPO issuance doubled YoY in 2026, reaching $120B by mid-year, matching 2021's full-year record
IPO volume at ~50 deals so far in 2026, well below dot-com (400 in 1999) and pandemic peaks (250 in 2021)
Crypto firms (Payward, Ledger, Grayscale) paused IPO plans amid weak crypto markets and investor demand
AI-related IPOs (e.g., SpaceX) diverting capital from crypto, cooling appetite for new digital asset listings
Goldman strategist notes elevated valuations and AI enthusiasm but sees no speculative euphoria yet

Read on CoinDesk ↗

S&P 500 ended almost unchanged despite big moves in individual stocks
Micron up 10% after earnings, Apple down big
Options traders 'long gamma' may be stabilizing market

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Tech sector volatility triggers selloff in mining equities
A stronger US dollar adds pressure to mining stock valuations
Performance of AI hyperscalers increasingly influences mining market moves

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

TSE plans a system upgrade to be implemented as early as November 2026
Upgrade targets nearly doubling the exchange's processing capacity
June trading volume rose almost 100% year‑on‑year, driven by overseas investors
Foreign investor influx is prompting the capacity expansion

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

South Korea's KOSPI rose more than 3% after an almost 10% drop on June 23.
Japan's equity indices fell further, extending Tuesday's 4% decline.
Analysts note heightened volatility across Asian markets.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Retail and active investors are increasingly allocating capital to Indian small- and mid-cap equities
Funds are flowing into companies with unique technologies and strong growth prospects
Larger-cap stocks remain subdued as investors hunt for growth opportunities in smaller firms

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Macro/Economy 28

Global extreme weather duration doubled to 23 days/year from 10 in the 1970s
Southeast Asia, South America, and West Africa most vulnerable to humid heatwaves
Climate Central report highlights escalating climate risks

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: SCMP Economy

South Korea's June exports expected to grow 50-60% yoy
Trade surplus to widen above USD30bn
Headline CPI to accelerate to 3.4% yoy

Read on FXStreet ↗

General public budget spending up only 0.8% y/y in the first five months of 2026, versus a 4.4% target
Government funds spending fell 4.3% y/y, driven by a nearly 20% drop in land‑sale revenue
Broad fiscal deficit narrowed by CNY 393 bn y/y in April‑May after expanding by CNY 258 bn in Q1
Q2 GDP growth projected to fall below 4.5% y/y, prompting expectation of accelerated budget implementation
Broad deficit for June‑December could exceed 2025 level by about CNY 1.7 tn if fully utilized

Read on FXStreet ↗

The five-year plan does not set limits on coal‑power capacity, labeling coal a "bottom‑line guarantee" for the grid.
Renewable electricity is slated to reach 30% of China’s power mix by 2031.
Policy signals continued reliance on coal even as renewable share rises, underscoring a dual‑track energy strategy.

Read on OilPrice ↗

AI data centers need $100‑500 million of power per new site
Google, Microsoft and Amazon are racing for high‑voltage grid connections worldwide
The $3 trillion AI sector faces growing constraints from limited electricity supply
Rising AI energy demand could pressure utilities and grid capacity globally

Read on OilPrice ↗

Public hearing on the draft ran from May 12 to June 15, with the law to take effect 180 days after Gazette publication
The new law replaces the 2001 framework, removing licensing for e‑transaction providers and adding a trustmark system
It introduces electronic transferable records (ETRs) aligned with UNCITRAL model law to streamline trade documents
Goal is to boost Thailand's competitiveness in the digital economy and improve confidence in e‑transactions

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

China's second‑half beef import quota is almost fully allocated, with exporters nearing the limit.
Major suppliers such as Brazil, Argentina and the US are seeing reduced shipping volumes as quotas tighten.
The quota constraint could push Chinese processors to seek alternative markets or increase domestic production.
Analysts warn the near‑cap may dampen H2 trade volumes and affect global beef prices.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Vietnam's Q1 2026 GDP expanded 7.8% year‑on‑year.
Exports rose ~20% YoY YTD, while imports jumped 30% YoY YTD, widening the trade deficit to a record $5.2 bn in May.
May inflation accelerated to 5.6%, breaching the State Bank's 4.5% ceiling for the third consecutive month.
HSBC trims its external surplus forecast and lifts its 2026 inflation projection amid rising oil and food prices.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Q1 2026 GDP grew 2.8% YoY, beating expectations
Goods exports rose 15.5% YoY, led by electronics and AI‑related hardware
HSBC raises 2026 growth outlook but lowers 2027 forecast to 1.7% (from 2.6%)
Inflation projected to fall below 2% YoY by Q2 2027 as subsidies wind down
Government fiscal stimulus includes THB400bn loan decree equal to 2.1% of GDP

Read on FXStreet ↗

Gov. Gavin Newsom calls for a nationwide tax on billionaires, framing it as a "modern Buffett Rule"
He rejects California's own 5% one‑time wealth tax on billionaires slated for the November ballot
Newsom urges closing loopholes like the "buy, borrow, die" strategy and returning corporate tax rates to pre‑2017 levels
Proposes a national public equity fund to give all Americans a stake in AI‑driven growth

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Trump says a 100% tariff will be applied to any nation that enacts a digital services tax on U.S. companies
He claims the tariff would supersede existing trade deals and be imposed immediately
Over a dozen countries have already introduced digital services taxes targeting firms like Meta, Alphabet and Amazon
Trump previously signed an executive order for a 10% global tariff that lasts only 150 days without congressional approval

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Real GDP forecast at 7.8% YoY in Q2 2026, matching Q1 growth.
Headline inflation expected to drop to 5.0% in June from 5.6% in May.
Growth supported by electronics manufacturing, AI‑driven tech demand, FDI and resilient retail spending.
Central bank likely to keep refinancing rate unchanged as energy prices fall.
Lower transport costs and easing Middle East tensions aid inflation moderation.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Thailand aims to import rare earths from Kazakhstan to secure EV battery and magnet supplies
Kazakhstan has identified about 15 rare earth deposits, including a new one estimated at up to 20 million tonnes
The initiative is part of Thailand's broader effort to diversify supply chains away from China and expand trade ties in Central Asia

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Q1 2026 GDP growth slowed to 2.8% YoY, the weakest since 2009
Headline inflation rose to 6.8% YoY, the highest in ASEAN
Unemployment rose above 5% as the labour market softens
Public capital spending continues to decline, curbing demand
HSBC sees growth staying below potential through 2026‑27, with a quicker market recovery once the energy shock eases

Read on FXStreet ↗

Unemployment rate slipped to 4.4% in May, up from 4.3% the prior month
Payrolls rose by 40.3k, driven mainly by part‑time jobs
Total hours worked fell 1.1% month‑on‑month and underemployment increased to 5.9%
Labour force participation edged up to 66.7%

Read on FXStreet ↗

June Tokyo CPI rose modestly, with headline and core inflation edging higher despite little change from May
Non‑fresh food prices remain on a disinflationary path, suggesting the bottom of food inflation is near
Service inflation stays firm, backed by solid wage negotiations and resilient service consumption
Fading negative base effects could add upward pressure to inflation in the second half of the year

Read on FXStreet ↗

FY27 budget totals about $67 billion, targeting 4.0‑4.2% GDP growth
Super tax abolished for firms under $1.8 million revenue; rate cut from 10% to 8% for larger firms
IT export incentives aim to exceed $4.5 billion and push remittances toward $45 billion
Current account posted a surplus in the first 11 months of FY26, signaling external stability
Auto policy removes excise duties on EVs under $75,000 and backs BYD's $150 million assembly plant

Read on The Diplomat ↗

FDI inflows rose 36% year‑to‑date, reaching HK$53 billion (US$6.75 billion).
413 foreign firms set up or expanded operations in Hong Kong in H1 2026, a 9% YoY increase.
US and European companies accounted for a large share of the new entrants, boosting the city’s superconnector role.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Median 12‑month inflation expectations fell to 3.5% from 4.0% in April
Nominal income growth expectations rose to 1.0% (up from 0.8%); spending growth expectations for the next 12 months slipped to 3.8% (down from 4.3%)
Economic growth expectations improved to –1.7% (from –2.2%); unemployment expectations rose to 11.3% (up from 11.2%)
Home price expectations eased to 3.6% (down from 3.7%); mortgage rate expectations remained unchanged at 4.9%
Net households reporting tighter credit access reached the highest level since February 2024

Read on ECB Press ↗

Timor-Leste became ASEAN member on Oct 26, 2025
2024 GDP per capita was $1,332, below Myanmar and Laos
Formal employment participation is about 30% of working-age adults
World Bank Business Ready score: 36.19 vs ASEAN average 61.85
Membership opens access to a $3.8 trillion market and ASEAN+3 financing

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Cool Japan Fund logged a cumulative loss of ¥54 billion ($334 million).
The government-backed fund was created to promote Japanese cultural exports and soft power.
Losses raise concerns over the fund's effectiveness and use of taxpayer money.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Chipmaker bonuses and rising stock prices boost home buying in Seoul and the semiconductor belt
Demand for apartments rises as AI-driven semiconductor sector expands
Property market sees increased activity linked to tech sector growth

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

The Asian Development Bank backs an $80 billion Integrated Growth Network Development corridor across Bangladesh.
The corridor will link transport, logistics, ports, energy, industrial zones, digital infrastructure and skills training.
Project success depends on reforms to attract private capital and expand growth beyond Dhaka and Chattogram.
The initiative aims to diversify the economy and boost regional development.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Chinese logistics specialists are building end‑to‑end distribution networks across the United States.
The networks aim to lower costs and reduce tariff exposure for merchants selling on Chinese e‑commerce platforms.
Expansion reflects ongoing trade‑war dynamics and a shift away from Western logistics providers.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japan's nuclear regulator will assess counterterrorism measures at the design stage rather than just before operation.
The rule aims to speed up construction of new reactors, supporting a target to replace up to 14 reactors by the 2050s.
The policy shift is part of Japan's broader effort to enhance energy security and meet decarbonisation goals.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

China aims to roll out a long-term nursing care insurance program nationwide by the end of 2028.
More than 10% of China's older adults currently require long-term nursing care.
The scheme is designed to share costs across generations amid regional fiscal disparities.
Implementation will be phased across provinces, addressing local government financing challenges.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

HK civil service chief pledges 'attractive' pay rise once economy improves
Legislature approves 2% pay rise for civil servants this year
HK$6 billion allocated for pay adjustment and subvented organisations

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Small-scale solar capacity in NY rose by 5.6 GW since 2018, about half of the total PV addition.
Midday (8‑11 am) demand shifted from a +850 MW increase in 2018 to a –923 MW change in 2026.
Evening (4‑7 pm) demand grew from +681 MW in 2018 to +2,221 MW in 2026.
The effect is most pronounced in March‑April when overall load is low and solar conditions are optimal.

Read on EIA Today in Energy ↗

Central Banks 7

Kashkari says one rate increase is likely by year‑end, reversing a prior expectation of a cut
Headline PCE inflation rose to 4.1% (highest since Apr 2023) and core inflation sits at 3.4% (highest since Oct 2023)
He cites ongoing Middle‑East tensions, oil price volatility, tariffs and fertilizer disruptions as drivers
Other Fed presidents remain divided: NY Fed’s John Williams sees easing inflation, Chicago Fed’s Goolsbee stays cautious

Read on CNBC Top News ↗ also: MarketWatch Top Stories·FXStreet

BoT will hold a public hearing on the baht-pegged stablecoin proposal by year‑end
Stablecoin must be fully backed 1:1 by Thai baht reserves and initially limited to settlement use by financial institutions
Regulator has suspended ~5,000 accounts used for yuan peer‑to‑peer transfers and warns of fines up to 200,000 baht or prison for non‑baht payments
Unlicensed forex services and speculative FX promotion could face penalties of up to 1 million baht and up to 10 years jail

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Inflation rose to 4.1% YoY in May, above the Fed’s 2% target
Core inflation (ex‑energy & food) was 3.4% YoY
Markets assign a 79% chance of a Fed rate hike by year‑end, with no cuts priced in
President Trump’s calls for cuts have softened, but political pressure on Chairman Kevin Warsh persists
U.S. gasoline fell to $3.90 per gallon after Strait of Hormuz reopening

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Bank of Japan will keep tapering JGB purchases until April 2027
Japanese banks' JGB holdings have fallen to about 40% of their peak level
Rising long‑term yields are discouraging banks from increasing bond purchases

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

USD/JPY retreated to around 161.60 after failing to sustain a move above 162.00
BoJ policymakers signal further rate hikes to bring policy rate closer to the 2% neutral level
Intervention risk heightened as the 162.00‑163.00 zone is viewed as a new threshold for authorities
Fed hike expectations eased, with odds of two additional rate hikes dropping per CME FedWatch

Read on FXStreet ↗

ECB likely to implement a second rate hike in September 2024.
Eurozone inflation projected to stay around 3% through year‑end despite lower energy prices.
10‑year German Bund yields expected to fall once Persian Gulf tensions ease and rate cuts become likely from mid‑2027.
ECB and Fed rate cuts anticipated to start around mid‑2027 as inflation pressures ease.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Policy rate held steady at 1.0% by the Bank of Thailand
Inflation fell 0.08% YoY in March and rose to 2.89% in April
Inflation remains within the bank's target range despite higher energy prices from the Iran conflict
Unchanged rate aims to support economic growth

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Energy/Oil 20

Oil futures posted a third straight weekly loss on Friday.
Prices fell in regular trading but rose in after-hours after the US confirmed a retaliatory strike on Iran.
The geopolitical event revived short‑term bullish pressure on crude.

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗ also: WSJ Markets

WTI slipped 3.25% to around $69.05, after hitting a low of $68.48, its lowest since late February.
Middle East export volumes are recovering, with QatarEnergy tender, Saudi Aramco resuming loads, and Strait of Hormuz traffic near pre‑conflict levels (~20 million barrels on Wednesday).
Commerzbank and Rabobank analysts caution that supply risks may be underestimated despite the price decline.
US crude, gasoline and distillate inventories remain about 7% below their seasonal average, providing potential price support.

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: CNBC Energy

China's crude oil imports hit 2016 lows, sparking concerns over demand
Imports fell 11.3% YoY to 8.5 million barrels per day in May
China's oil demand growth has slowed significantly in recent months

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗ also: Investing.com Commodities

Brent crude falls 2.5% to $76.35/bbl
WTI crude drops 2.2% to $71.55/bbl
Hormuz tanker traffic rebounds to 40 vessels

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗ also: Investing.com Commodities

AI-driven computing surge adds significant electricity demand, intensifying energy supply strain
War in Iran and broader geopolitical instability heighten energy security concerns
Climate pressures accelerate interest in nuclear as an all‑of‑the‑above energy solution
Global energy markets face a polycrisis, prompting calls for diversified supply chains beyond fossil fuels

Read on OilPrice ↗

Brent crude down about 10% for the week amid easing war premium expectations
Strait of Hormuz ship transits remain at 130‑140 per day, a fraction of pre‑conflict levels
Middle East benchmarks Dubai and Murban have flipped into contango, signalling temporary oversupply

Read on OilPrice ↗

Iraq warns it may leave OPEC unless granted a higher production quota.
EU officials plan high‑level energy cooperation talks in Baghdad within weeks.
Discussions will cover associated gas capture, power generation, storage and crude export infrastructure.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Saudi Arabia to slash Arab Light crude OSP by $6.50-$8.00/bbl
Middle East crude benchmarks crash amid Hormuz reopening
Refiners expect prices of all other Saudi grades to fall

Read on OilPrice ↗

WTI crude futures fell 5.28% to $71.53
Contract moved between $78.14 and $68.90
Traders shifted focus from supply disruptions to increased Iranian oil

Read on OilPrice ↗

Transits rose to 125 between June 15‑21, the highest weekly total since the war began.
Daily crossings hit 62 on June 24, the highest single‑day count since the conflict started, but only 53% of the same day last year.
A renewed attack on the Ever Lovely lifted war‑risk insurance premiums to over 0.7% of hull value per transit.
The Strait handles roughly 20% of global oil traffic, and ongoing routing disputes keep supply outlook fragile.

Read on CNBC Economy ↗

Brent fell $1.47 to $73.79 (‑1.95%) and WTI fell $1.44 to $70.48 (‑2%)
Both benchmarks on track for roughly 8% weekly loss as stranded tankers exit the Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Aramco resumed loading at Ras Tanura, with two VLCCs each capable of 2 million barrels
A cargo vessel was hit near Oman on Thursday; Iran is reported to have fired on the ship
Hormuz traffic rose to its highest level since the Feb conflict, yet remains well below the pre‑conflict average of 125 ships per day

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

US temporarily relaxes sanctions, permitting Iran to export crude oil
Iran plans to move roughly $8.5 bn worth of oil from Kharg Island
First tanker, Impalas, has departed toward the Strait of Hormuz
Additional Iranian supply could add several hundred thousand barrels per day to global markets

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Tanker count reached 98 in the week after the US‑Iran MOU, the highest since the conflict began
Traffic represents roughly 25% of pre‑war levels through the Strait of Hormuz
Crude oil prices slipped to pre‑war levels as the market anticipates normalization

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

July Nymex natural gas contract expired, removing the front‑month contract
Futures slipped after early gains, closing lower on the session
Traders now focus on the August contract for price direction

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Total US active drilling rigs rose to 573, up 26 from a year ago
Oil rigs increased to 440, 8 higher than the same period last year
Gas rigs rose to 125, 16 above the level a year earlier
Miscellaneous rigs remained unchanged at 8

Read on OilPrice ↗

Russia has requested roughly 50,000 tons of gasoline from Kazakhstan.
Ukrainian drone strikes have crippled Russian refineries, creating fuel shortages and long queues.
Kazakhstan is hesitant to supply the gasoline, fearing pressure on its own fuel exports.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Big Oil's 20‑year push to become diversified energy firms has slowed to a more selective approach
Renewable investments continue but are limited to projects with clear financial returns
Equinor illustrates the shift, focusing on a narrow set of wind, solar and hydrogen assets
The broader industry now balances traditional oil output with targeted low‑carbon ventures

Read on OilPrice ↗

HK Electric to provide 8 HK cents/kWh rebate for 3 months to eligible households
Rebate applies to residential customers with 450 kWh/month consumption or less
Around half of Hong Kong's households expected to benefit

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Kazakhstan reduced Karachaganak gas production by 25% following drone strike on Russian processing plant
Gas supply to Kazakhstan remains uninterrupted despite output cut
Karachaganak field operated by international supermajors unaffected

Read on OilPrice ↗

Japan plans to revive domestic LNG carrier building to meet growing gas demand.
The revival depends on securing technology from South Korean shipbuilders.
South Korean export control law currently restricts transfer of LNG carrier tech.
Uncertainty over tech access could delay Japan's LNG fleet expansion.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Gold/Metals 10

XAU/USD rose 1.24% to $4,096, staying above $4,000 as the 10‑year Treasury yield fell 14 bps to 4.374%
The US Dollar Index slipped 0.10% to 101.33, providing tailwind for gold
Core PCE inflation held at 3.4% YoY, keeping Fed rate‑hike odds at 73% for the September meeting
Technical resistance lies near $4,098‑$4,100, with support at $4,050 and $4,000

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: Investing.com Commodities

Gold prices hover near 3-week lows as Fed rate hike bets rise
Geopolitical tensions ease, but US dollar strength weighs on gold
Key support at $1,900/oz as gold faces headwinds from rate hike expectations

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Spot gold slipped about 2% to roughly $1,950 per ounce.
Futures markets now price in a possible five‑quarter Fed rate‑hike cycle.
Higher‑for‑longer rate expectations pressure safe‑haven demand for gold.

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Gold slipped sharply, pushing the spot price into oversold levels
Technical indicators like the RSI fell below 30, signaling deep oversold conditions
Analysts warn the decline may be excessive and could set up a near‑term rebound

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Reserve at Florida Canyon increased 74% according to updated feasibility study.
Projected gold output and mine life are extended, with the mine life more than quadrupled.
The boost could enhance Integra's production profile and support its stock (ITR, ITRG).

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Silver slipped under $60.00, first time since Dec 2025, trading around $59.00
Weekly loss near 10% and June decline of ~22% as sellers dominate RSI
Technical support at $55.63; if broken, next supports at $54.39 and $50.00
Bullish breakout requires clearing $60.00 and 200‑day SMA at $69.56

Read on FXStreet ↗

Drilling extended the high‑grade Joss zone by 240 m of mineralized depth.
The new data could prioritize Joss over the Beartrack‑Arnett heap‑leach restart.
Company expects the expanded zone to support its 2025 gold production growth target.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

New Found Gold (TSXV: NFG; NYSE-A: NFGC) plans to expand its Pine Cove mill in Newfoundland.
The expansion is linked to development of the nearby Queensway project.
The move aims to cement the company's status in the gold mining sector.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Front-month Comex gold for June delivery gained 1.2% to $4,078.70 per ounce.
The increase marks a second consecutive session of price gains.
Weekly data shows a 3.44% decline in the gold price over the prior week.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Gold price rose modestly, trading around $2,050 per ounce after an earlier dip
Semiconductor indices surged over 8% in January, lifting risk appetite for metals
Analysts say the semiconductor rally reduces perceived risk for precious metals, supporting gold

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Crypto 26

Bitcoin price holds around $60,000 after recent sell‑off.
Aave (AAVE) token jumps ~19% on news of potential Kraken investment and upcoming buyback plan.
Solana (SOL) climbs nearly 10% as tokenized stock trading volume on its network reaches $2.5 billion weekly.
Tokenized equity trading on Solana accounts for over 80% of blockchain‑based stock trades.

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: CoinDesk

Bitcoin down 32% in H1 2026, underperforming S&P 500 (+7.4%) and Nasdaq 100 (+16%)
Ether (-47%), Strategy (-43%), and total crypto market cap (-30% to ~$2T) also decline sharply
Stablecoin USDT dominance surged 43% to 9.17% as investors shift to dollar-linked assets
WTI crude up 20% and Bloomberg Commodity Index up 13% in H1 2026
Gold (-6%), silver (-18%), and palladium (-24%) also decline in H1 2026

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: CoinDesk

U.S. regulators (SEC, CFTC) are seeking feedback on a cross‑margining framework that would cover both securities and cryptocurrency derivatives
Proposed rules aim to harmonize collateral and risk‑management standards across asset classes as multi‑asset trading expands
Public comments are invited to shape the unified portfolio margin approach, potentially affecting crypto futures and options markets

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

CryptoQuant urges Strategy to pause Bitcoin buying due to dwindling cash reserves and rising dividend obligations.
CBOE considers converting Bitcoin and Ether futures into perpetual contracts.
Chainlink joins European and Korean banks to explore stablecoin-based FX settlement.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin rebounded to $59,770 after touching its lowest since September 2024 at $58,100
Over $1 billion in crypto futures positions liquidated in 24 hours, primarily longs, amid rising derivatives stress
Bitcoin futures open interest surged to 778k BTC as traders increased shorts, while ETH open interest remained stable

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Binance will restrict services in the EU after missing the July 1 MiCA licensing deadline
The firm withdrew its Greek application and will now pursue a license in France
New registrations are halted, but existing user assets remain safe and accessible

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Crypto firms must obtain MiCA licences by end‑June 2024 or cease EU operations
Spain's CNMV will not grant any extensions or waivers to unlicensed firms
Binance is pursuing a licence after a failed attempt in Greece but faces the same deadline
Regulators will monitor asset transfers and require firms to disclose exit plans

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: Cointelegraph

Sharplink bought 5,000 ETH (~$7.85 million) from FalconX, its first ether purchase since October.
The firm now holds ~876,285 ETH (~$1.3 billion) but faces an estimated $1.79 billion unrealized loss as ETH trades near $1,555.
Sharplink’s Nasdaq shares fell about 27% in the past month and 50% over six months despite Q1 revenue rising to $12.1 million.
ETH fell 5% in the last 24 hours, slipping below $1,560 as Bitcoin dropped under $59,000.

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: Cointelegraph

US Bitcoin ETFs recorded $696.3 million in outflows, the largest daily outflow in June.
Bitcoin price slipped below $60,000, triggering the fund withdrawals.
Year-to-date net outflows from Bitcoin ETFs have reached $4.6 billion.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗ also: Cointelegraph

Tether stablecoin overtakes Ethereum in market capitalization.
Ether price drops to about $1,500, touching long‑term support levels last seen in Oct 2023 and Apr 2025.
The price decline underscores continued weakness in Ethereum despite broader crypto market stability.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗ also: Cointelegraph

Two U.S. senators urged regulators to investigate Polymarket's advertising practices
Polymarket is accused of promoting fake bets on its prediction market platform
The probe could increase regulatory scrutiny of crypto prediction markets

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Rep. Maxine Waters, ranking Democrat on House Financial Services, submitted an 11‑page comment asking the Labor Department to pull its 401(k) rule for alternative assets, including crypto.
The pending rule would let 401(k) plans invest in private equity, credit, real estate, commodities and digital assets, expanding beyond traditional stocks and bonds.
Waters argues the move is premature as the SEC is still building investor‑protection regulations for digital assets, citing volatility and recent market losses.
If Democrats win the November House elections, Waters could chair the committee that oversees the SEC, potentially shaping future crypto regulation.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Advocacy group Frequency Forward claims FCC withheld FOIA documents related to DOGE influence.
Lawsuit alleges FCC concealed Chairman Brendan Carr's use of the Signal messaging app.
A 2025 federal judge previously ordered the FCC to produce documents, criticizing its vague response.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Core protocol development needs about $30 million per year as the Foundation's treasury shrinks
Protocol Guild has allocated roughly $40 million to Ethereum developers over the past four years
The Foundation is intentionally reducing its central role, pushing governance to multiple independent institutions
Van Epps remains bullish on Ethereum, citing strong DeFi, stablecoin settlement and EVM adoption
New funding bodies are needed to address the "free rider" problem and sustain network security

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Alliance to End Human Trafficking urges Congress to revise Section 604, saying it may let developers avoid liability for trafficking‑related payments
Supporters argue the provision merely clarifies that developers who don't control user funds aren't money transmitters, consistent with existing BSA and FinCEN guidance
Critics fear the language could be exploited by criminals to create reasonable doubt in prosecutions under statutes like 18 U.S.C. §1956
Lawmakers debate whether to amend the bill or rely on current anti‑money‑laundering laws to address developer responsibility
Both sides agree stronger enforcement against human trafficking is needed, including a federal coordinator and increased financial‑crimes prosecutions

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Whale has opened a short position worth $19.7 million in ETH
Technical analysis signals ETH could fall to $1,375
If target is reached, whale's unrealized profit may rise to $2.39 million

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Grantham calls Bitcoin a "useless, speculative" asset lacking intrinsic value
Bitcoin is down about 52% from its October peak, trading below $60,000, and has fallen roughly 70% in each cycle
He expects Bitcoin to "dwindle away with a whimper" over decades, contrasting it with gold's solid gains
Grantham argues Bitcoin lacks real-world utility and is primarily used for illicit money movement

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Multiple users report delayed withdrawals on AscendEX
ZachXBT flagged potential liquidity shortfall and asked for reserve details
AscendEX has not yet provided a clear explanation of its reserves

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

SBI Holdings agreed to buy Japanese crypto exchange Bitbank for about $289 million.
The acquisition is slated to close in October, subject to regulatory approval.
Bitbank ranks among Japan's top‑10 exchanges, with roughly $50 million in 24‑hour trading volume.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Attackers injected a malicious script into Polymarket's frontend
Approximately $2.9 million was stolen from the platform
Polymarket removed the compromised dependency and will refund affected users

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

MicroStrategy holds ~844,000 BTC bought at avg $75,600; at $60,000 price the unrealized loss tops $13 bn.
The loss is larger than Dogecoin's market cap (~$12 bn) and exceeds caps of tokens like Monero, Cardano, Chainlink.
The concentration underscores risk of corporate exposure to a single volatile crypto asset.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Base network was offline for roughly 2 hours after a consensus problem halted block production at 04:03 UTC.
The issue was isolated and resolved by 18:00 UTC, with normal block building restored.
This marks the first major Base downtime since a 33‑minute outage in August 2025.
The outage occurred just before the scheduled Beryl upgrade intended to speed withdrawals and add a new token standard.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

StablecoinX completed SPAC merger and will trade on Nasdaq as “USDE”.
USDe circulating supply fell 70% from its October peak, now about $4.5 billion.
Company holds ~3 billion ENA tokens (~20% of supply) valued at ~$275 million and raised $360 million to buy more.
Ethena’s USDe uses a delta‑neutral derivatives strategy and holds ~1.4% market share of stablecoins.
Pre‑merger SPAC TLGY shares dropped 6.9% to $9.40 after the announcement.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Circle and Nomura will launch a stablecoin-based FX settlement service targeting Japanese corporates.
The service aims to provide instant foreign-currency settlement, with rollout planned for as early as 2027.
The partnership is expected to boost cross-border investment and trade using Circle's USDC stablecoin.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Monetary Authority of Singapore places Hyperliquid on Investor Alert List
The decentralized exchange is not licensed to operate in Singapore
Alert aims to protect investors from unregulated crypto platforms

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Cardone Capital holds about $200 million in bitcoin as of May 2026.
The firm manages roughly $5.3 billion in real‑estate assets and uses rental cash flow to buy bitcoin.
Cardone projects hybrid returns of 22%–32% and will dollar‑cost average more bitcoin as prices fall.
Bitcoin recently slipped below $60,000 amid a tech‑stock rout and ETF outflows.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Geopolitics 69

WTI prices bounce off daily low, down 3.54% in the day
Gold prices surge to two-day high of $4,096, shy of $4,100
Risk sentiment shifts to 'risk-off' market

Read on FXStreet ↗

Global civil unrest hit a six-year high in Q2 2026
Countries like Iraq, Turkey, and India have seen significant increases in protest activity
Falling oil prices won't immediately ease inflationary pressure, as damage to household finances has already been done

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

China prioritizes preventing Gulf states from leaning towards the US
Beijing aims to hold its position in the Gulf at low cost
Saudi Arabia presents a more open case for China's influence

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Venezuela to reveal $240 billion debt pile, rivaling €200 billion
US represents primary obstacle to China-Venezuela oil-for-loan deals
Debt restructuring ranks among largest in history

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

At least 101 million Europeans affected by record-breaking heat
Estimated few hundred deaths, including children, attributed to the heatwave
Hospitals overwhelmed, with many drowning cases reported

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

US Secretary of State announces a framework deal between Israel and Lebanon on 26 June 2026
Agreement calls for an immediate ceasefire contingent on Hezbollah halting fire
Hezbollah must withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon as part of the deal

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Al Jazeera·Bangkok Post Most Recent·CNBC Top News

US Central Command confirmed strikes on Iranian missile, drone and coastal radar sites.
The strikes were retaliation for a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.
President Trump said the cargo ship attack violated the US‑Iran cease‑fire.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: CNBC Top News·Al Jazeera

FCC widens import ban to include older models of Chinese telecom and surveillance gear, effective early July
Ban now covers equipment from Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision and Dahua, adding to 2022 restrictions
Previous FCC actions barred new Chinese drones (Dec) and consumer routers (Mar); further steps may limit carrier interconnections
Existing U.S. users may keep current devices, but future imports will be prohibited

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Trump's May 2023 visit was the first US presidential trip to China in nearly a decade.
The summit yielded vague, contradictory statements and few concrete deliverables.
Reliance on personal rapport between Trump and Xi is seen as a fragile foundation for broader US‑China relations.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

US imposes 100% tariffs on branded drugs; generics remain untariffed
China supplies ~73% of India's API imports in H1 FY2026, up from 68% in FY2019
India provides ~20% of global generic volume and ~47% of US generic prescriptions
Chinese export controls on APIs could disrupt US and UK drug supplies
India's Production‑Linked Incentive scheme revived capacity for 28 of 41 critical bulk‑drug products

Read on The Diplomat ↗

ASEAN cited UNCLOS 18 times in its 2026 maritime declaration yet still has not formally recognized the 2016 arbitral award.
Member states remain divided: Cambodia, Laos and Thailand lean toward China; Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines back the ruling; Brunei, Singapore and Timor‑Leste stay silent.
The award's 10th anniversary aligns with the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship, but consensus‑based rules make a formal endorsement unlikely.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

China's economic and diplomatic influence in ASEAN has grown, particularly in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar
US and allies (Japan, South Korea, Australia) collectively outpace China in trade/investment for most ASEAN states except Indonesia
Minilateral approach with Northeast Asian partners seen as more effective than US-led efforts alone

Read on The Diplomat ↗

G7 summit failed to produce unified stance on alleged Chinese overcapacity and currency manipulation
Europe pushes for new 'Plaza Accord'-style coordination to address China trade distortions
Geopolitical tensions and US unpredictability overshadowed G7 efforts on China policy

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Taiwanese firms to revive Poland’s EV project (400k cars/year by 2029) and build semiconductor plant on former Intel site
Poland seeks Taiwanese investment to fill void left by China’s Geely withdrawal and Intel’s $4.6B chip project cancellation
Foxconn to lead EV and AI server manufacturing in Poland, with EU funding of 4.5bn zloty ($1.2bn) for EV hub

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Gulf states should prioritize diverse defences to hedge against uncertain US commitments
Regional governments remain reliant on US for security but are increasingly uneasy
Expert calls for domestic capability-building to address regional volatility

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Tanker insurance premiums for Hormuz Strait routes remain elevated at ~$200k/day, ~5x pre-2023 levels
Geopolitical risk premium persists despite temporary lulls in Red Sea/Houthi attacks
Global oil supply disruption risk still priced at ~$5-7/bbl in Brent futures curve

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Japan sent members of its elite airborne brigade to conduct parachute drills on Batan Island in the Philippines
The exercises were part of the Philippines‑US "Kamandag" mission, which ran until Wednesday
Around 2,000 troops from the US, Japan and the Philippines participated in the multi‑front drills
The drills aim to boost readiness and interoperability amid rising security concerns over China’s actions in the region

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

The US‑Israel war on Iran has entered its 100th day, prompting a reassessment of global security alignments.
Analysts say the conflict is shifting economic, military and political influence away from the United States.
The war adds pressure to already soaring public debt and hampers coordinated climate‑change mitigation efforts.
Unilateral US actions are prompting allies to de‑risk and reconsider reliance on American leadership.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Asian governments increased defence spending in the latest fiscal cycle, citing rising regional tensions
China and Japan posted the largest budget hikes, each raising allocations by double‑digit percentages
Regional defence outlays are now estimated at over $1 trillion, roughly an 8% year‑on‑year increase
The spending surge is expected to boost domestic defence manufacturers and related equities

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

U.S. and Iran signed an interim peace agreement that contains a memorandum for IAEA inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi confirmed the MOU requires the agency to supervise and inspect the sites, with technical work already begun.
The deal calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz toll‑free for at least 60 days and ending hostilities in the region.
Critics compare the arrangement to the 2015 JCPOA, noting it follows four months of conflict and raises questions about its effectiveness.

Read on CNBC Energy ↗

Israeli forces keep striking southern Lebanon despite calls for withdrawal
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says troops will remain in occupied areas as long as necessary
Hezbollah alleges civilian casualties, reporting two dead and one injured

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Chinese diplomatic pressure on Japan intensifies, echoing historic tensions
Japan's diplomatic go-betweens are dwindling, raising concerns over regional stability
Strained ties evoke a 14‑century gap since the Battle of Baekgang

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

China deployed coast guard vessels and patrol aircraft in waters east of Taiwan after Japan‑Philippines talks.
Taiwan's coast guard warned of heightened collision risk and described the actions as a new escalation.
The United States and European countries publicly rebuked Beijing, calling the moves destabilising.
The incident heightens concerns over a possible flashpoint in the Taiwan Strait amid rising regional tensions.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warns allies there will be no more "free rides" on US taxpayers
Washington calls for a minimum defense budget of 3.5% of GDP for NATO members
Most Asian allies consider the 3.5% target unattainable in the near term
Higher spending viewed as crucial to deter China and improve military interoperability

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Burkina Faso's ruling military junta announced the severance of diplomatic ties with France on Friday
The decision was made by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who has led the country since the September 2022 coup
The junta accused France of consistently acting against Burkina Faso's interests and being hostile to Westerners

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: Al Jazeera

Trump labeled Democrats as "hard‑core, godless communists" at a gathering of about 3,000 evangelicals
The comments followed three progressive wins in New York Democratic primaries
He urged stricter voting restrictions and singled out Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski for opposition
This was Trump's 10th appearance at the Road to Majority evangelical conference

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗ also: Al Jazeera

President Trump announced a possible 100% tariff on imports from any nation that levies a digital services tax on US firms
The warning is aimed at European countries currently debating such taxes
Trump says tariffs will be used as leverage to deter foreign digital tax measures

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: Al Jazeera

South Korea aims to train its ~500,000‑person military to use drones like a personal weapon.
Units will be equipped with cheap expendable drones for surveillance and strike missions.
The former drone command will be reorganized to collaborate with industry on commercial UAVs.
The reform is inspired by drone deployments in Ukraine and the Middle East conflicts.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Taiwanese Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu visited Washington, marking a high‑profile KMT delegation.
The visit follows earlier trips by KMT mayor Lu Shiow‑yen in March and chairwoman Cheng Li‑wen earlier this month.
Analysts say the U.S. is courting KMT officials ahead of Taiwan’s 2028 presidential election to prepare for political uncertainty.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Thousands of migrants are leaving South Africa amid xenophobic violence
Anti-immigrant protests are scheduled for June 30
Malawi, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Mozambique are repatriating their citizens
Many migrants are camping outside consular offices seeking assistance

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Iran's recent ship attack highlights vulnerabilities in the maritime insurance sector
War‑risk insurance premiums have narrowed sharply over the past few days
Analysts warn premiums could rise again if further attacks occur

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

UN High Commissioner Volker Turk called for an independent investigation into deaths in US immigration detention centres.
At least 19 deaths have been recorded in 2026 so far, compared with 33 in 2025 and 11 in 2024.
Mortality rate in ICE custody is at its highest in over a decade, more than double since Trump’s second term began and nearly four times the Biden administration level.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Israeli combat drone hit a vehicle in Maghazi refugee camp, killing three police officers.
Victims identified as Captains Mansour Sami Shahtout, Mohammed Khaled Nofal, and First Sergeant Mahdi Nader Jabr.
Attack occurred despite a US‑brokered ceasefire in place since October 10, 2025.
Gaza Health Ministry reports over 1,000 Palestinians killed and 3,300 injured since the ceasefire began.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, leaving hundreds dead and widespread destruction.
President Trump has pledged support for relief, but the amount of US disaster aid remains uncertain.
International aid teams are mobilising, while US assistance is closely watched amid Venezuela's political crisis.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Trump said Iran violated the ceasefire after a drone struck the Singapore‑flagged cargo vessel Ever Lovely in the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command reported strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites and intercepted three additional drones in response.
The incident occurs amid a 60‑day US‑Iran memorandum to keep the strait open while nuclear negotiations continue.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

AfD became Germany's second-largest parliamentary party in the 2023 election
Polls in early 2024 show AfD leading the race for the 2026 federal election
Mainstream parties maintain a "firewall" of non‑cooperation to keep AfD out of government
Critics warn the party threatens Germany's multicultural democracy and EU, while AfD rejects extremist label

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

EU asserts sovereign right to regulate digital services tax
Tax is non‑discriminatory, applying equally to all large companies
EU warns of swift response if the US takes unilateral action

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

US and Iran have agreed on a tentative framework to address nuclear and sanctions issues.
The deal is described as fragile and may encounter implementation challenges.
The agreement reflects President Trump's dealmaking style and could shape regional geopolitics.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and Syria
Approximately 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians are affected by the decision
Healthcare sector could lose over 103,000 Haitian workers, worsening staffing shortages
Ruling may set precedent for future TPS terminations for countries like Venezuela, Somalia, Ethiopia
Advocates warn the move could trigger family separations and increased deportations

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

IAEA chief Raffael Grossi says the agency will soon work on dates, procedures and locations for inspections
Scope, scale and degree of access for monitors remain undetermined and are critical to verification success
U.S. and Tehran continue to clash over the ability of international monitors to confirm Iran's nuclear commitments

Read on OilPrice ↗

Jaishankar's two‑day visit (June 22‑23) highlighted a $1.7 bn line‑of‑credit for Mongolia's first greenfield oil refinery.
The refinery will become the second largest foreign investment in Mongolia after Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi project.
India and Mongolia signed MoUs on cybersecurity, IT, and digital education, and plan to digitize 1 million Buddhist manuscripts.
Discussions included expanding coking‑coal exports from Mongolia to meet India's steel and technology needs.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Canada and Japan are discussing joint critical mineral projects and a shared stockpiling plan.
The initiative aims to reduce China's outsized share in the critical minerals market.
Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu led a delegation to Japan, with companies signing over C$1 billion in agreements.
The cooperation targets key metals essential for high‑tech and clean‑energy sectors.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton pleaded guilty to one count of retaining national defense information
Bolton faces up to five years in prison and a $2.25 million fine; sentencing set for Oct. 28
Material included TOP SECRET and SCI documents sent to unauthorized family members via a personal email later hacked, allegedly by Iran-linked actors
Original indictment contained 18 counts; the remaining charges will be dismissed at sentencing

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Taleb Jawad al‑Abdulmohsen, a Saudi psychiatrist, received a life sentence.
He was convicted of six counts of murder and 338 counts of attempted murder.
The 2024 Magdeburg Christmas market attack killed six people and injured over 300.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Fujian passed through the Taiwan Strait on June 23, prompting Taiwan to activate monitoring measures
China now has three carriers (Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian) but would need roughly 100 carrier‑capable aircraft for full simultaneous deployment
Fujian uses an electromagnetic launch system, while Liaoning and Shandong rely on ski‑jump, creating two distinct aviation ecosystems
The transit signals Beijing’s intent to link carrier training across the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea and Western Pacific, increasing pressure on Taiwan

Read on The Diplomat ↗

U.S. House Committee issued subpoenas to Leon Black, co‑founder of Apollo Global Management
Black denied participation in Jeffrey Epstein's sex‑trafficking scheme
He declined to discuss nondisclosure agreements with women linked to the case

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Small aircraft hits Beijing's tallest skyscraper, Citic Tower
Evacuations underway, debris scattered across central business district
Casualties and aircraft occupants unknown

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Chun Jae-soo elected Busan mayor with 50.5% of votes, defeating incumbent from conservative PPP
Graft allegations involving 40M won cash and watches dismissed due to lack of direct evidence and statute of limitations
Chun plans to position Busan as a maritime capital via presidential maritime policy committee and Northern Sea Route expansion

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Decades-long problem of gun proliferation in the Philippines
Easy access to weapons despite theoretically strict laws
Filipinos' fascination with firearms

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Complete court records from the Tokyo Trial published in Chinese for the first time
40-volume translation took over a decade to produce
Fills 'critical gap' in domestic historical records

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Russian air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones overnight
Attacks spanned 12 Russian regions plus Crimea, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea
Crimean authorities declared a regional emergency situation in response

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

The United States commemorates its 250th founding anniversary on June 26, 2026.
Washington is reassessing its reliance on Chinese-made drones, weighing a possible ban until domestic alternatives improve.
The broader US‑China dynamic spans hard‑tech competition to soft‑power influence, shaping future policy choices.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Former defence chief Gadi Eisenkot founded centrist Yashar! party, now polling second behind Likud
Yashar! trails incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in latest opinion polls
Israel must hold parliamentary elections by Oct 27, with the vote most likely on Oct 20

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A temporary US-Iran ceasefire has been announced, but uncertainty over its durability persists.
Chinese exporters and shipping firms operating in the Gulf remain reluctant to make long‑term commitments.
Trade activity is expected to resume gradually, but short‑term outlook for Chinese businesses stays muted.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

IMO halted its evacuation plan for ships in the Gulf of Oman after a container vessel was struck near Oman.
U.S. officials attribute the attack to Iran, occurring days after an interim peace deal that saw 125 vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz—the highest weekly volume since the conflict began.
Iran warned vessels against using the southern route approved by IMO, insisting all transits receive Tehran's approval.
The hit vessel, a Singapore‑flagged Evergreen container ship, was not part of the IMO evacuation framework.

Read on CNBC Economy ↗

South Korea says North Korea's new border structures breach the 1953 armistice
U.S.-led UN Command disputes the breach claim, asserting no violation
The dispute underscores a broader rift on DMZ access authority and Seoul‑Washington coordination

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Two Japanese citizens were detained by Chinese authorities in Dalian, Liaoning.
Detentions follow heightened scrutiny of rare‑earth export controls amid rising tensions.
China controls over 80% of global rare‑earth production, vital for high‑tech and defense sectors.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Ground Self-Defense Force employed USB drives containing a virus tied to Chinese hackers.
Infected drives were used for almost a year on computers accessing classified information.
The breach was not disclosed despite similar counterfeit sticks being widely available online.
Nikkei's investigation uncovered the security lapse.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Only one US carrier has been deployed in the Pacific since January, covering 22 consecutive weeks
The typical deployment pattern of two carriers has been halted, raising strategic concerns
China's naval fleet continues to expand, prompting questions about regional power balance
The lone US carrier is stationed at Yokosuka naval base in Japan

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

India now possesses 24 Agni‑V nuclear-capable ICBMs with ranges up to 5,000 km (as of Jan 2024)
New focus on weapons that can strike targets across the entirety of China
Modernisation plans also factor in the ongoing rivalry with Pakistan
SIPRI report highlights the shift toward longer-range capabilities in India's defence strategy

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Hong Kong authorities arrested two booksellers on suspicion of displaying seditious material.
Detentions were made under the city's national security law.
One of the detainees is former pro‑democracy district councilor Leticia Wong.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Canada's defence minister calls for a "disciplined" approach to China during Japan visit
Ottawa aims to improve relations with Beijing while renewing military cooperation with Tokyo
Visit highlights Canada's balancing act between China and Japan on security matters

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Cooperation between China and Russia is limited to areas of mutual interest
Analysts say a true military alliance between the two powers is improbable
The notion of a unified China‑Russia axis is considered a myth

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

All African football associations withdrew from the 1966 World Cup qualifiers in protest.
The boycott was sparked by FIFA's refusal to allocate a dedicated World Cup slot for Africa.
The protest forced FIFA to guarantee Africa a slot beginning with the 1970 tournament.
Ten African teams will compete at the 2026 World Cup, the first with a guaranteed berth.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

PM Anutin called leaked audio linking interior ministry permanent secretary’s wife to exam fraud "nonsense"
Investigation involves police, anti‑corruption commission, AML office; complaints already filed
Over 400,000 applicants vied for ~6,000 local posts; alleged network took 300,000‑900,000 baht per candidate, >4 billion baht total
Authorities seized evidence in Nonthaburi, questioned 10 officials; a municipal director resigned
Permanent secretary Unsit Sampantharat denied any involvement of his wife

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Usyk, 39, will relinquish his heavyweight titles but plans to continue boxing for a short period
He holds an unbeaten record of 25 wins, including 16 knockouts, and was undisputed champion at cruiserweight and heavyweight
His foundation has raised millions of euros for Ukraine's military, reconstruction and humanitarian projects
Usyk has used his platform to highlight Ukraine's history and support the war effort, such as displaying a historic sabre after beating Tyson Fury

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Cross-border phishing ring impersonated Water Supplies Department, netting HK$16.8m (~US$2.14m)
15 arrests made between March and June in joint operation code-named 'Boldhawk'
Victims targeted via malicious text messages sent to Hong Kong residents

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Hong Kong bookshop owners Leticia Wong and a 32-year-old local man released on bail
Arrested on suspicion of sedition and money laundering
Must appear in court on July 6

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Royalist figures such as Arnond Sakworawich and Suphanat Aphinyan have been elevated to counter pro‑democracy voices
They employ social‑media platforms (Facebook, X, TikTok) to spread conspiracy theories and historical revisionism
Their tactics include filing Section 112 lese‑majesté charges, creating a chilling effect on Thai academia
Public responses often mock and ridicule the pseudo‑academic arguments, undermining royalist credibility

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Tech/AI 33

OpenAI will limit GPT‑5.6 access to a small group of vetted partners pending US review.
The US executive order requires frontier AI models to be offered to the government up to 30 days before broader release.
OpenAI’s rollout delay follows a similar restriction on Anthropic’s models for foreign nationals.
GPT‑5.6 includes the flagship “Sol” model, with mid‑tier “Terra” and low‑cost “Luna” variants.
Both OpenAI and Anthropic have filed confidential IPOs, but OpenAI may postpone its public debut until next year.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: TechCrunch·CNBC Top News

U.S. technology indices posted their steepest weekly decline of the year
Wall Street questioned the value derived from recent AI spending sprees
Investor sentiment shifted from euphoria to caution amid the pullback

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

AI-focused equities posted another decline, ending a volatile week
Consumer sentiment index rose, indicating higher confidence
SpaceX was added to the Russell 1000 index, expanding its composition

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

The U.S. government will approve AI model releases "customer by customer", limiting OpenAI's GPT‑5.6 to a limited preview.
Anthropic's Fable and Mythos models have been pulled from release, with no timeline for general availability.
Analysts warn the approval process could slow AI development and curb data‑center expansion, risking AI firms' earnings.
Regulators lack clear safety criteria and testing capacity, raising doubts about the feasibility of the new oversight regime.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Lindy moved 100% of its AI traffic from Anthropic's Claude to DeepSeek, slashing token costs dramatically
Uber exhausted its annual AI budget in four months, now imposing spending tiers starting at $1,500 per month
Anthropic's annualized run rate rose to $47 billion in May, up from $10 billion last year; OpenAI's run rate nears $25 billion, up from $13.1 billion in 2025
Both Anthropic and OpenAI filed confidential IPOs in early June as they anticipate a slowdown in enterprise AI spend
Enterprises are adopting model routing and new spending controls to curb AI costs

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

SpaceX plans to launch a new Starlink mobile service for US consumers
Service would compete with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile
Potential disruption to multibillion-dollar US phone network market

Read on Ars Technica ↗

US Commerce Department approved release of Anthropic's Claude Mythos 5 to "trusted partners"
More than 100 companies, including many Fortune 500 firms, now have access to the model
Approval follows a two‑week review after a June 12 letter addressing security risks

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: CNBC Top News

SpaceX already provides direct-to-cell connectivity through T‑Mobile in the United States.
Charter could route some of SpaceX's phone traffic via its ground‑based internet network.
SpaceX plans to launch a Starlink mobile service to compete with Verizon, AT&T and T‑Mobile.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

GLM 5.2 scores within one percentage point of Anthropic's Opus 4.8 on a key agentic benchmark
The model costs roughly 20% of comparable frontier models, offering a lower intelligence‑per‑dollar ratio
OpenRouter token traffic for GLM 5.2 is rising faster than after DeepSeek's V4 launch in April
GLM 5.2 is open‑source, free to download, fine‑tune and run on enterprise servers, pressuring closed‑source rivals

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

U.S. respondents under 30 report higher AI threat perception than Chinese peers
Chinese youth more likely to view AI as beneficial tool for education
Cultural and regulatory differences cited as reasons for divergent attitudes

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Russia asked Apple to remove 1,213 apps in 2025, the highest request globally.
Vietnam ranked second with 335 app removal requests.
The bans target VPN and other tools, leading Russian officials to urge citizens to switch to Android.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

The New York Times filed a motion to amend its copyright complaint, adding a claim that Microsoft encouraged OpenAI to infringe NYT content.
The amendment ties Microsoft’s alleged contributory infringement to a newly‑built, world‑ranked supercomputer used for AI training.
The filing references a recent Supreme Court decision that raised the standard for proving contributory infringement.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Virtuals expands from gaming AI agents to crypto influencers, trading agents and broader autonomous software.
Company focuses on five pillars: digital agents, physical agents/robots, coordination, capital formation, and governance.
Agents will control wallets, trade on-chain and hire other agents, raising new risks of fraud and accountability.
Virtuals is developing intent verification, escrow standards and reputation systems to mitigate economic failures.
Long‑term vision is a parallel, permission‑less economy where agents operate on-chain before linking to fiat banking.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

OpenAI announced its custom inference chip, Jalapeño, built with Broadcom
Google, Apple and SpaceX are among firms creating proprietary AI silicon to cut reliance on Nvidia
Companies cite greater control, performance gains and risk mitigation as reasons for in‑house chips
The trend could increase competition for Nvidia's AI‑chip market share

Read on TechCrunch ↗

New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test in May 2026, destroying launch pad LC‑36A.
Blue Origin pledges a return to flight from LC‑36A by year‑end, but analysts express skepticism on the timeline.
The loss of the sole launch pad pushes back NASA's Artemis III and IV lunar mission timelines.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Peter Diamandis says a global “sensor ecosystem” will make humans behave better by constant monitoring.
He cites examples from home cameras, smartphone sensors, autonomous vehicles, drones and daily‑imaging satellites.
Diamandis’ view follows similar statements by Oracle founder Larry Ellison made about two years ago.
Critics note growing public pushback against surveillance tools such as Ring cameras and Flock license‑plate readers.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

China's State Administration for Market Regulation released national standards for AI agent interconnection on Friday
The standards mandate a unified identity management framework for all AI agents
Goal is to create a closed-loop system to regulate autonomous AI technology

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Apple announced price increases for MacBooks and iPads as RAM costs climb
Gartner projects PC shipments down 10.4% and smartphone shipments down 8.4% in 2026, with PC prices up 17% and smartphones up 13% YoY
Best Buy expects higher average selling prices in Q2 but reports no immediate consumer pullback; computing division most affected
Analysts warn memory cost pressures could last until the end of 2027 before pricing stabilizes

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

FINMA chair warns banks must rapidly patch AI-driven cyber vulnerabilities to match hacker speed
Global regulators (covering 95% of markets) launch AI hackathon to build supervisory tools for crypto and digital assets
U.S. halts Anthropic AI model exports; China counters with domestic alternative

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Micron confirms ongoing shortage of DRAM memory chips
Memory customers are developing workarounds to mitigate supply constraints
Long‑term innovation could curb the current memory chip boom

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

China releases its first voluntary industry code for AI-powered smart glasses
Guidelines require a "minimum data collection" approach and clear on/off indicators for cameras and microphones
Manufacturers must obtain explicit user consent before recording any video or audio

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Malaysia will publish a commercial drone roadmap by the end of the year
The plan envisions the launch of flying taxi services as part of the strategy
Authorities aim to position the country as a regional hub for next‑generation aviation technologies

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Private Chinese startups backed by Geely aim to launch up to 5,700 communication satellites
Firms seek to close the gap with SpaceX despite high launch costs and limited rocket capacity
Effort reflects China's push to grow its satellite communications market and reduce reliance on foreign providers

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Arm's chip architecture now accounts for more than 50% of hyperscale cloud AI data center workloads
The milestone underscores accelerating AI demand reshaping the data‑center market
Arm, backed by SoftBank, narrows the gap with Intel and AMD in the AI chip segment

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Anthropic claims Alibaba illicitly distilled its Claude model, calling it the largest known attack to date
Distillation attack involves reproducing an AI model by training on its outputs, raising IP concerns
No regulatory or legal actions have been announced following the accusation

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

South Korea will announce a new semiconductor manufacturing cluster on Monday
Government stresses rapid capacity expansion to meet AI-driven chip demand
Samsung and SK Hynix could accelerate cluster development by up to 10 years
The plan aims to keep the country competitive in the global AI chip race

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Qualcomm's shares rose over 14% after detailing its data-center chip roadmap, including a new high-bandwidth compute (HBC) architecture.
Nvidia AI hardware prices on China's black market have more than doubled, with DGX B300 servers climbing from ¥4 million to over ¥8 million in six months.
Micron posted blockbuster earnings while SK Hynix and Samsung shares briefly plunged, easing fears of an imminent AI bubble burst.
Blackstone plans a $30 billion investment in AI data centers in Japan, targeting capacity exceeding 1 GW within the next 3‑5 years.
A 2024 Roy Morgan survey shows 72% of Australian farmers using ag‑tech, with drones ranking fifth among adopted technologies.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Counterfeit USB drives from online retailers were found to carry China-linked malware
The same virus previously infected Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force equipment
Infections have been detected in factories and research facilities across multiple industries
Nikkei reports the spread, highlighting risks for offline systems in industrial settings

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Effective July 1, California will prohibit streaming ads from exceeding the volume of accompanying video content.
The rule implements SB 576, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2025.
The regulation aligns streaming platforms with the federal CALM Act that limits ad loudness for broadcast, cable and satellite TV.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Aseon Labs secures $10m seed round led by Crane Venture Partners to build automated pods for robotaxi cleaning/charging
Startup aims to slash 'deadhead miles'—non-revenue miles driven by robotaxis—by deploying distributed robotic pit stops
Founders target economic parity with ride-hailing by maximizing robotaxi utilization via continuous operation

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Rocket Lab launched the Victus Haze mission 16h 42m after receiving the US Space Force notice, beating the prior record by over 10h.
The launch was barely announced, with only a warning issued for pilots and sailors to avoid the flight path.
Analysts estimate roughly a 50% chance that any of the four new US rockets (Neutron, Nova, Terran R, Rocket 4) will launch this year, while China may attempt its first booster landing soon.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Ex-Sony engineers have founded new companies to continue abandoned projects
Revived projects include the Wena smartwatch and a chip-scale laser
Startups aim to commercialize these technologies independently of Sony

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Around 10 mobility startups, including Turing and Newmo, are using the facility for self‑driving car trials.
The logistics complex offers a controlled environment for autonomous vehicle testing in Tokyo's warehouse district.
The project highlights Japan's effort to accelerate autonomous mobility development.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Companies 65

Oracle stock dropped 19% this week, falling at least 2.6% each day, its steepest weekly decline since August 2001
The company carries about $130 billion of debt and plans to raise $40 billion in FY2027 through debt and equity, including a $20 billion share sale
Oracle’s market cap has fallen roughly 55% from its September peak, and free cash flow turned negative by nearly $24 billion in the latest fiscal year
71% of analysts recommend buying the stock, the highest buy rating proportion in 15 years

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

SpaceX announced a $25 billion senior unsecured bond offering.
The issuance follows a cash raise of tens of billions just two weeks earlier.
Investor appetite appears subdued, reflecting caution amid the AI hype.
Bond pricing and yields were not disclosed, highlighting financing focus over market excitement.

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

JPMorgan confirmed that the remaining contenders for CEO are all male, ending the search among women.
The bank had previously highlighted its gender-diversity record but now faces criticism for the outcome.
Analysts note the decision could affect JPMorgan's reputation on diversity and talent pipeline.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

OpenAI filed a confidential prospectus with the SEC but has not set an IPO timeline.
Pre-IPO investor meetings to test pricing and demand have not yet been held.
Sources indicate the IPO may be targeted for 2027, though the company says timing is uncertain.
Rival Anthropic also filed a confidential prospectus but gave no official timeline.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Tesla settled the wrongful‑death suit from the 2023 Model Y crash; settlement terms were not disclosed.
The settlement does not close the NHTSA probe, which was upgraded to an engineering analysis in March 2026.
NHTSA is examining FSD's ability to detect degraded visibility conditions such as sun glare, fog, and dust.
Possible outcomes of the investigation include a recall of the FSD system, adding regulatory risk for Tesla.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

VW is evaluating closure of up to four factories in Germany
2025 profit fell 44% to €6.9 billion, with operating margin halved
Job cuts could rise to 100,000, a 15% workforce reduction
Sales were flat in 2025, with declines in North America and China
Tariffs are cited as a significant factor affecting sales

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Over 600 drone and drone-components manufacturing companies in India, with 100 specializing in defense applications
Private firms experience surge in orders, with Zuppa Geo Navigation Technologies seeing a 10-fold jump in May 2025
Indian government prepares to place $2 billion military drone order with domestic manufacturers

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Troy Rohrbaugh identified as front-runner in JPMorgan CEO succession race
Doug Petno remains close competitor for the top role
The contest centers on who will replace Jamie Dimon as chief executive

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

SK Hynix stock jumped about 15% on the Seoul exchange after ADR listing details were released
The ADR offering is valued at roughly 45 trillion won (about $29 billion)
Listing on Nasdaq is slated for next month and would be the second‑largest share flotation in history
The move follows strong earnings from Micron and broader optimism in the semiconductor sector

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

GameStop's unsolicited cash‑and‑stock offer for eBay valued at about $56 billion was rejected.
GameStop's shares rose more than 2% in after‑hours trading following the announcement.
The retailer projects FY2026 adjusted EBITDA of over $600 million, up from $345.4 million in FY2025.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: Investing.com Economy

SpaceX shares up 0.15% ahead of Russell reconstitution, with $19 bn traded on Friday
Passive funds must buy over $4 bn of SpaceX shares to match Russell index holdings
Nasdaq 100 addition on July 7 could draw about $4.3 bn of passive inflows, per J.P. Morgan
SpaceX trades around $153, still above its $135 IPO price after a 67% rally to June 16 high
Valuation near 107× 2025 sales, far above peers such as Nvidia at ~21×

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: Channel NewsAsia Business

Uber is allocating $500 million in checks to lock in robotaxi partnerships
Waymo's advancements pressure Uber, prompting the large funding commitment
Tesla remains the top spender on robotaxi development but has not built any vehicles yet
The three firms intensify competition for autonomous ride‑hailing market share

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Papermark alleged Corgi's new Dataroom product copied its open‑source software, citing identical feature wording.
Corgi CEO Nico Laqua denied code theft, saying only visual elements were similar and have been updated.
Corgi recently raised $106 million in a Series B1 round, valuing it at $2.6 billion, after a $160 million Series B at $1.3 billion.
The dispute includes a cease‑and‑desist letter to Papermark co‑founder and a claim of litigious behavior by Corgi.
Industry observers note the case highlights challenges of “vibe‑coding” and IP enforcement for startup SaaS products.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Sonangol obtained $2.65 billion in financing to fund operating expenses and capital investments.
The loan syndicate features Société Générale, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Standard Bank and Absa as lead lenders.
Local Angolan banks Banco Fomento de Angola, Banco Millennium Atlântico and Banco Angolano also joined the financing.
The deal aims to bolster Sonangol's cash flow and support future investment projects.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Q2 revenue more than four times YoY, generating $18 billion free cash flow
Operating margin hit 80%, with capex slated to exceed $40 billion next fiscal year
Memory shortages likely to persist until ~2028, prompting Apple price hikes of ~20% and $150 extra for Xbox
Higher chip prices could add to inflation pressures and influence Fed rate decisions

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Hub International has submitted a confidential registration statement to the SEC for a potential US initial public offering.
The filing reveals no pricing, valuation, or timeline details, indicating early-stage exploration of a public listing.
The move aligns with a broader trend of private insurance firms considering IPOs amid favorable market conditions.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has directed teams to assess collaborations with prediction platforms Polymarket and Kalshi
The upcoming Meta app, dubbed Arena, will use points rather than real money for wagers
Meta aims to attract at least 100 million monthly active users aged 18‑34 to the Arena platform

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Shares fell to their lowest level since March 2020 after the announcement.
ON Semiconductor announced an all‑stock acquisition of Synaptics, its largest ever.
Deal adds an estimated $30 bn to the addressable market by 2030 via edge AI and wireless connectivity.
Closing expected in mid‑2027 with $200 million of annual synergies within 18 months.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Judge Nicholas Garaufis gave DOJ until July 13 to provide a detailed justification for dismissing the case against Gautam Adani.
DOJ had earlier said it would not pursue the bribery case after Adani pledged a $10 billion investment in the United States.
The charges stemmed from 2024 allegations that Adani bribed Indian officials to secure a solar‑plant contract.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

First Majestic Silver obtained construction permits for two new underground portals at its Santa Elena mine in Mexico
The expansion will require an additional $12 million (C$17 million) investment
Permits clear the way for continued production growth at the Santa Elena operation

Read on Northern Miner ↗

REalloys (NASDAQ: ALOY) announced a $100 million securities purchase agreement with institutional investors
The U.S. Army selected REalloys to build processing plants on military bases
The new funding will support expansion of REalloys' alloy production and plant construction

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Djokovic will serve as global strategic advisor, working with General Atlantic's leadership, portfolio companies and investors
His network in health and wellness will be tapped, building on prior investments in Waterdrop, SILA, Cob Foods and Incrediwear
General Atlantic aims to deepen its sports investing, having taken stakes in a football club, stadium and sports media agency
The appointment comes days before Djokovic competes at Wimbledon, aiming for a 25th Grand Slam title

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Battery storage revenue grew from 2% of CATL sales five years ago to about 25% today.
CATL is accelerating sodium‑ion battery development to mitigate lithium price volatility.
The firm is redirecting R&D and production capacity from EV batteries toward stationary energy‑storage systems, leveraging AI‑driven design tools.

Read on OilPrice ↗

OpenAI appointed former Uber India president Prabhjeet Singh as its first managing director for India
Singh will join in September to oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, regulatory engagement and operations
OpenAI has opened a New Delhi office and plans new sites in Mumbai and Bengaluru, expanding hiring for AI engineers and partnership roles
The hire highlights India as OpenAI's second‑largest market after the US, with partners like Reliance and Tata Group

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Kalshi traders assign a 59% probability that OpenAI announces an IPO by March 1 2027
Probability of an IPO announcement before Jan 1 2027 is roughly one‑in‑three (≈33%)
There is a 73% chance the IPO will be announced by June 2027
Anthropic, OpenAI's rival, is given a 70% chance of announcing its IPO by December

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Equinor will cease offshore wind operations in Japan and shut its Tokyo office by year-end
The decision reflects a strategic shift to focus on integrated power markets outside oil and gas
Equinor will continue investing in other long-standing markets while exiting the Japanese offshore wind sector

Read on OilPrice ↗

Hack on Jaguar Land Rover cost the British economy an estimated $2.5 billion
UK government approved a £1.5 billion (≈$2 billion) bailout for JLR after production halt
Investigation attributes the attack to a Russian hacking group, with possible state involvement
A Jordanian hacker known as “Rey” also breached JLR networks
FBI, NCA, NCSC, Microsoft, Google’s Mandiant and Palo Alto collaborated on the probe

Read on TechCrunch ↗

TikTok Shop U.S. sales grew 407% in 2024 and 108% in 2025, reaching $15.8 bn
TikTok GO launched in May 2024, letting users book hotels and attractions within the app in the U.S.
TikTok applied to Brazil's central bank for fintech licenses to offer prepaid accounts and direct lending
A dedicated FIFA World Cup hub was added via TikTok GamePlan, extending sports coverage on the platform
TikTok now holds 18.2% of U.S. social commerce, projected to rise to 24.1% by 2027

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Securitize aims to raise about $400 million through a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners II.
The combined entity is slated to list on the NYSE under ticker SECZ after shareholder approval, with closing expected July 1.
Tokenized real‑world assets market exceeds $30 billion today and could reach $18.9 trillion by 2033.
Cantor Equity Partners II shares rose roughly 8% on the announcement.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Polymarket's annualized revenue topped $1 billion, according to a source.
The revenue milestone follows a $2 billion investment by ICE, the NYSE parent, last year.
Polymarket launched access to its U.S. exchange six weeks before the revenue figure was disclosed.
Prediction market trading volumes have surged in under two years, driving rapid industry growth.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Framework Ventures closed its fourth fund with $400 million in commitments
The new capital will be allocated to AI, robotics and energy projects while retaining crypto exposure
The raise underscores ongoing investor appetite for crypto‑adjacent venture investments

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

China Eastern Airlines orders 25 A330neo jets from Airbus for $9.35B list price
Actual cost significantly lower due to substantial price discount
First major long-haul order from a Chinese carrier since last year

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Swatch is seeking $170 million in damages from Samsung for trademark infringement.
London High Court previously found Samsung liable for third‑party apps that replicate Swatch, Omega and Tissot watches.
The claim is based on hypothetical licence fees across ten Swatch brands and may trigger a parallel suit in the United States.
Swatch argues licensing its designs to smartwatches would destroy the exclusivity and value of its brands.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

VW plans to cut up to 100,000 jobs worldwide over the next few years.
Investment budget will be reduced by about 15% to just over €130 billion for the next five years.
Four German plants (Hanover, Zwickau, Emden, Audi's Neckarsulm) will be closed once current models are phased out.
The core VW brand and parts division will be spun off into separate entities.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

MacBook Pro base model now $1,999, up $300; MacBook Neo $699, up $100
iPad Air price rises $150 to $749; iPad Pro up $200 to $1,199
Memory and storage chip prices have quadrupled over the past year
Apple shares fell up to 6% following the price‑increase announcement

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Airbus and Kawasaki signed a preliminary agreement to create a Japanese anti‑submarine warfare version of the Eurodrone.
The Eurodrone program is a €7 billion (≈$8 billion) effort involving France, Germany, Italy and Spain, with first flight planned for 2029.
The new variant will integrate Japanese sensors and weapons, marking the first defence‑drone partnership between a Japanese heavy‑industry firm and a foreign company.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Sony Group plans a $1 billion unsecured dollar‑denominated bond issuance.
This marks the company's first dollar‑bond offering since 1998, a 28‑year gap.
The move aims to broaden Sony's investor base by tapping U.S. debt markets.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are in final negotiations to jointly source electronic control units for upcoming models
Standardizing ECUs aims to reduce development and procurement costs across the three automakers
The collaboration targets next‑generation vehicles, including self‑driving and advanced driver‑assist features

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

U.S. private equity firm Advent International agrees to buy Japan Well-being for $1 billion
Seller is Asian private equity firm MBK Partners
Deal aims to boost efficiency through AI and sector consolidation
Japanese government encourages consolidation in the nursing‑care industry

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Mitsubishi Corp plans to increase reliance on debt financing as part of a capital efficiency strategy
The move aims to raise cash for large upcoming investments, including its 15% stake in the LNG Canada project
Higher leverage is intended to improve return on equity and support growth projects

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Qualcomm announced a data-center AI chip designed specifically for the Chinese market.
The chip complies with recent U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology.
The launch aims to position Qualcomm against Nvidia in the competitive AI processor space.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Shares of the Hong Kong-listed Evergrande unit fell more than 20% on Thursday.
Talks to sell a majority stake in the unit were abandoned, halting a potential restructuring.
The collapse adds to liquidators' challenges in recovering funds from the bankrupt developer.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

CFO Toshihiro Tanaka says JFE will seek joint‑venture partners in the United States to tap the high‑grade steel market
The firm plans to increase its presence in India, targeting growth in value‑added steel products
JFE has secured higher pricing for several steel lines to offset rising input costs

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

FY2025 net profit doubled year‑over‑year.
Growth driven by rising demand from young drivers for vehicle subscriptions.
Popular models include Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross within the Kinto service.
Used‑car sales also supported earnings growth.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

DSC Holdings raised $51 million in its Nasdaq initial public offering.
The IPO is the first China-origin cross‑border listing cleared by the CSRC in 2026.
Regulatory approval followed a two‑year review by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.
Listing gives the used‑car dealer solutions provider access to U.S. capital markets.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Toshiba sold its memory business in 2014; the spin‑off Kioxia is now a $350 bn company.
Westinghouse Electric, Toshiba's former U.S. nuclear unit, filed for bankruptcy, yet nuclear interest is reviving with AI applications.
AI‑driven demand is boosting both memory chip and advanced nuclear technology markets, underscoring opportunities Toshiba missed.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Form 4 filing submitted on June 26 by Personalis Inc.
Form 4 reports insider transactions as required by SEC regulations.
No material corporate events disclosed in the filing.

Read on Investing.com News ↗ also: Investing.com News

Director Andrew Wright disposed of $843,796 worth of Slide Insurance shares
The sale was disclosed in a recent SEC filing
Insider sell-offs can be interpreted as a bearish signal for the stock

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Geely will begin delivering Lotus EVs to Canada in July 2024.
The shipments are part of a partnership with Carney-Xi.
This marks Geely's first Lotus EV rollout in the North American market.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Lukas Walton and wife purchased an estimated 10% minority stake in the Chicago Bulls and United Center.
Bulls valued at roughly $6.45 billion; United Center linked to $7 billion 1901 Project redevelopment.
Reinsdorf family remains controlling owner; Bulls have missed playoffs since the 2021‑22 season.
Walton's net worth is about $45 billion; his uncle Rob Walton owns the Denver Broncos and a stake in the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Canadian government may provide up to CAD 50 million (≈US$35.25 million) for the Nico road project
Funding is intended to connect the long‑delayed Nico mining project in the Northwest Territories
Fortune Minerals (TSX: FT, OTC: FTMDF) and the Tłı̨chǫ government are the primary recipients
Road financing supports infrastructure needed for the company's upcoming mining operations

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Netflix now requires each profile to be linked to a distinct email address
Existing shared profiles must add an email or create a new login to retain access
The change applies to all household accounts and may cause temporary access issues

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Incyte has been trading sideways since November within a seven‑month range
A breakout above $125 is targeted as the next price catalyst
Analysts recommend buying on moves to and above the $125 level

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Bhatt says early success stemmed from a mix of timing and strategic pivots
He highlights viral memes as a key factor in boosting Robinhood's brand awareness
He concludes that both luck and skill were essential to scaling the platform

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Red Lobster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024 after defaulting on a $275 million term loan
Creditors allege Thai Union pushed a $20 endless shrimp promotion that drove losses and forced overpriced shrimp purchases
Thai Union, which controlled Red Lobster since 2020, divested its stake in May 2024 and did not fund the Chapter 11 process
The shrimp promotion was briefly reintroduced by Red Lobster in April 2024 despite ongoing financial strain

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

The 82‑metre, 3,500‑tonne Haiying Jiake ship was launched near Wenling, Zhejiang last month.
Construction cost about 150 million yuan (≈US$22 million), funded by 37 Zhejiang fishermen.
Designed for global ocean research, including thin sea‑ice areas, but has yet to secure a charter.
The vessel remains idle despite its capability to support diverse scientific missions.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card offers 90,000 bonus points after $3,000 spend by July 2, 2026
Rapid Rewards Premier card provides 85,000 points after $2,000 spend; Plus card gives 80,000 points after $1,000 spend
Bonus and anniversary points (3,000‑7,500) count toward the Companion Pass, which requires 135,000 points per year
All offers expire at 9 a.m. EST on July 2, 2026; cards have no foreign transaction fees and free first checked bag for cardholder and up to eight guests

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Non-sponsor brands generated 61M social engagements vs 33M for official sponsors pre-tournament
Nike's World Cup ad amassed 70M YouTube views, 10x Adidas' 7M official sponsor ad
Levi's and Gillette leveraged FIFA logo-covering rules to boost social buzz by 44%
Total World Cup ad spend expected at $10.5B, down from $12.6B in 2018

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

New algorithmic tool claims to improve small-cap stock selection accuracy by 25%
Apple shares drop 3% after report of weaker-than-expected iPhone demand in China
Tool targets retail investors seeking to bypass traditional small-cap screening limitations

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

STRC preferred stock trading ~27% below $100 par at $73, with June 30 ex-dividend date and dividend rate reset
Monthly dividend expected to rise from 11.50% to at least 12-12.50% as effective yield nears 15%
Ex-dividend payment of $0.48 per share on July 15 unlikely to impact price given <0.7% yield

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Hyundai Motor is recalling 96,300 U.S. vehicles.
Recall covers 2025‑2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug‑In Hybrid models.
Software error may cause instrument panel display to fail, including speedometer and warning lights.
Fix will be provided via over‑the‑air update or dealer service at no cost.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

BitGo will lay off 15% of its employees.
CEO Mike Belshe describes the cuts as a one‑time action with no further reductions planned.
The restructuring aims to sharpen the company's focus on AI and stablecoin services.
BitGo continues operating its crypto custody platform amid the staff reductions.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Don Quijote will launch a new shop in Asakusa, a major tourist district near the Skytree.
The store is designed primarily for overseas visitors, offering attractions like sushi‑making experiences.
Location provides direct train access, aiming to capture tourist foot traffic.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Activist investor Palliser targets Ajinomoto (ticker 2802.T) to raise insulating film prices for chips
Ajinomoto resists a blanket price hike but is open to selective increases amid AI‑driven demand
AI tailwinds are boosting semiconductor material markets, potentially improving Ajinomoto's margins

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

High-end Sake Hundred brand will boost sales in Taiwan and Hong Kong first
Company aims to enter Singapore and South Korea markets subsequently
Target customers include Michelin‑starred restaurants, hotels and luxury venues

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Thai Markets 5

A government committee is prioritizing commercial viability as a critical factor for the Land Bridge megaproject's feasibility.
The project, estimated at nearly one trillion baht, aims to connect ports in Ranong and Chumphon, offering an alternative to the Strait of Malacca.
Assessments include potential time savings compared to shipping via Singapore and the impact of geopolitical risks on international trade.
Environmental concerns, such as dredging impacts and loss of natural resources, are also being thoroughly examined.
The committee plans to submit its final conclusions to the Prime Minister in August after a 90-day review period.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

On June 19, eight former Senate ICT committee members submitted a fact‑finding report alleging NBTC chair Dr Sarana breaches the 2010 Frequency Allocation Act.
The report says he violated Sections 7(b)(12), 20(4) and 26 by retaining roles at Mahidol University, Bangkok Bank and private medical practice after his appointment.
Under Article 18, commissioners must resign from prohibited posts within 15 days; Dr Sarana allegedly did not, prompting questions on his eligibility.
The NBTC selection committee is considering a new recruitment process while Dr Sarana contests the committee’s authority.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗ also: Bangkok Post Business

Thai exports rose 10.6% yoy in May, below consensus and sharply slower than April's 23.1%
USD/THB fell 0.2% to 33.35 on strong bond and equity inflows
Thai government bond yields fell across the curve, led by the long end

Read on FXStreet ↗

Farmers were promised 120 baht per tonne for harvested cane, but payments have not been received.
The cabinet approved a 477 million baht budget for the Industry Ministry to cover the delayed subsidies.
Fresh‑cane cutting has lowered burning to 3.8% of total harvests, according to farmer groups.
Protests were held by the Thailand Sugarcane Planters Federation over the payment delays.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

DES ministry blocked 12,671 URLs linked to piracy and illegal gambling from June 10‑24.
4,496 URLs were removed via court orders; 8,175 were taken down through cooperation with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Collaboration with rights holder Mono Next aims to accelerate detection and takedown of unauthorized World Cup streams.
Authorities seek to reduce revenue losses from piracy and protect IP rights during major sporting events.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Other 39

Death toll rises above 900 people
Hundreds remain trapped under rubble
Search and rescue operations continue across affected areas

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗ also: SCMP Economy

A 4.9 magnitude quake struck 61 km northwest of Maracay on Friday, felt in Caracas.
Two earlier quakes on Wednesday measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, killing at least 920 people.
USGS warns death toll could exceed 10,000; over 3,360 injured and more than 50,000 missing.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

More than 50,000 people remain missing after two devastating earthquakes on Wednesday night
Rescue teams and local residents are still digging through rubble as of Friday
Families are posting details online to help locate missing loved ones

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Leon Black acknowledges paying $158 million to Jeffrey Epstein over several years
He appeared before the House Oversight Committee, asserting no criminal conduct
Black is the 16th individual called to testify in the congressional Epstein investigation

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Leon Black walked out of the House Oversight Committee hearing after being served with two subpoenas for his NDAs and a July 16 deposition.
Committee chair Rep. James Comer said Black had signed NDAs with alleged Epstein victims and that the information is vital to the investigation.
Black’s prepared statement claims he paid Epstein $158 million in advisory fees, believing them tax‑deductible, and denies any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.
Black’s lawyer labeled the subpoenas a premeditated political decision.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Scientists uncovered a gene megacluster encoding four molecules that jointly disrupt a single essential bacterial pathway
The multi‑molecule strategy may overcome resistance that defeats single‑molecule antibiotics
Nature paper highlights a new avenue for antibiotic development amid rising drug‑resistance concerns

Read on Ars Technica ↗

John Bolton, 77, pleaded guilty to a single count of illegally retaining classified material
The plea agreement may allow him to avoid a prison term
Sentencing is set for Oct. 28 in Greenbelt, Maryland
Bolton served as national security adviser under the Trump administration and has been a vocal critic of the former president

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Erosion of organic carbon can emit CO₂, offsetting CO₂ removal from rock weathering.
Research focused on the Toarcian Ocean Anoxic Event ~183 million years ago, a volcanically triggered warming period.
Results indicate organic carbon erosion amplified warming then, hinting at a comparable feedback for present‑day climate change.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Former first lady Kim Keon-hee received a 7-year prison term for bribery
Found guilty of accepting high-value precious metals in exchange for personnel favors
Sentence adds to her existing corruption imprisonment, underscoring South Korea's anti-corruption efforts

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Board voted 9-5 to add Bible passages to mandated reading lists
Policy will affect over 5 million public school students beginning in 2030
One board member was absent; vote required a simple majority
Decision continues Texas' effort to embed conservative religious content in curricula

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Judge Tony Graf found prosecutors in contempt for violating court-imposed publicity restrictions.
The contempt ruling did not affect the death penalty request, which the judge declined to block.
Defendant Tyler Robinson, 23, remains charged with aggravated murder and has not entered a plea.
Prosecutors' media statements about ballistics evidence were deemed likely to prejudice the jury pool.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

DOJ seized ~400 internet domains linked to unauthorized World Cup streams
Operations targeted servers in Peru and Bulgaria, with disruptions in Croatia, Romania, Poland and Colombia
Collaboration with FIFA, NBC Universal and Warner Bros. helped identify the sites
Action aims to curb copyright violations and protect users from malware threats

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

U.S. health agencies initiate vaccine effort targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola
The outbreak is spreading across multiple regions, prompting urgent response
Vaccine development aims to curb transmission and protect at‑risk populations

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Jury deadlocked with 10 of 12 jurors voting not guilty, leading to mistrial
Judge Anne Hwang ordered a retrial for October 19 and kept the defendant detained
Prosecutors allege Jonathan Rinderknecht started the fire on Jan 1, 2025, which caused 12 deaths

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Top 20 sports empires valued at $269B, up 20% YoY from escalating sports property prices
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment tops list at $26.05B, 23% higher YoY, owning NFL/NBA/NHL/Premier League teams and stadiums
Stephen Ross's portfolio valued at $15.23B (+59% YoY), TWG Global's sports assets at $14.26B after Lakers purchase for $10B

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Retirement savings success tied to personal financial goals
Market performance less crucial than individual financial discipline
Customized planning key to achieving retirement objectives

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Hong Kong aims to reduce high liquid content waste in landfills
New regulations target expired drinks, personal care products, and detergents
Retail sector concerned about increased recycling and manpower costs

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

19 people were detained by the ICAC and police in Hong Kong.
The arrests include active football players and coaches.
One player faces charges for both fixing matches and managing illegal bets.
The operation involved personnel from at least five investigative units.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Insee disclosed a cyberattack compromising personal data of ~12,800 current and former employees.
Exposed information includes identities and professional contact details, but not passwords or financial data.
No sensitive data such as bank details, social security numbers, or health information was accessed.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Chinese railway developers trial a mountable BeiDou satellite tracker on the China‑Europe freight line.
Device aims to provide real‑time container location and deter cargo theft along the transcontinental route.
Successful testing could enhance security and logistics efficiency for the rail corridor.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Malaysia claims €226 million (US$257 million) in compensation for the cancelled naval missile deal.
The claim breaks down into €129.86 million for direct losses and €96.26 million for additional costs and damages.
Malaysia had already paid roughly 95% of the contract value before the cancellation.
The dispute involves a Norwegian defence company supplying a naval missile system.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin disclosed the claim in parliament.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

50-year-old woman confirmed dead in the blaze
Three additional occupants taken to hospital with injuries
Fire broke out at about 10:04 am on the 11th floor of Valiant Court, Ho Man Tin
Preliminary investigation points to a malfunctioning power strip as the cause

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A5 wagyu makes up more than 75% of Japan's beef market
Inflation‑hit consumers are avoiding premium meat, weakening domestic demand
Producers are turning to overseas markets and competing on price
Export volumes are expected to rise as supply outpaces local consumption

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Taiwan will criminalize possession of e‑cigarettes, introducing prison terms and heavy fines
The measure targets use of e‑cigarettes to consume the illegal narcotic etomidate
The crackdown is part of a broader effort to curb illegal drug consumption in the country

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Uruguay faces Spain in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match is scheduled at Guadalajara Stadium, Mexico.
Kick‑off is at 18:00 local time (00:00 GMT).

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Al Jazeera

StubHub cancelled tickets for World Cup matches at short notice
Fans expressed frustration and uncertainty over the cancellations
No impact on financial markets or assets reported

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Usyk relinquishes the WBA, WBC and IBF heavyweight titles
The 39‑year‑old Ukrainian says he will not retire and remains active in the sport
Usyk's professional record is 25 wins, 16 by knockout, with no losses
He previously held undisputed cruiserweight and heavyweight championships
The move is intended to free the belts for other contenders

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Senegal beat Iraq 5-0 in Group I match at Toronto Stadium.
Pape Gueye scored two long-range goals in the second half.
Senegal improve goal difference to +2, ranking fifth among third-place teams.
Iraq played with 10 men after a red card in the 13th minute and are eliminated.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

60-year-old man in Spain presented with two-week worsening headache and behavioral changes
Blood tests showed elevated IgE, suggesting allergic or parasitic response
CT scan revealed multiple brain lesions with swelling, initially suggesting metastatic cancer
Further investigation identified parasitic worms as the cause, not cancer

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Ousmane Dembele netted a first‑half hat‑trick, scoring in the 7th, 20th and 32nd minutes.
France won 4‑1, finishing the group stage with nine points and ten goals scored.
Norway, despite a rotated lineup, secured second place with six points.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Education Bureau investigated a June 2 SMS mistake that sent parents primary school allocation info a day early
Officer responsible will be denied a pay rise and transferred to other duties
The bureau’s hotline was flooded with complaints following the premature notification

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

The Dong people number about 3 million across Guizhou, Hunan and Guangxi provinces.
Traditional villages typically house 200 households, with some up to 500.
The Decoding Dong project documented ~100 historic buildings in a dozen villages using 3D LiDAR and photogrammetry.
Climate change and tourism are increasing risks to Dong heritage, including wildfires and flood threats.
Modern development has led to replica drum towers in theme parks, such as five at Danzhai Wanda Village.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Early Bird pricing for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 ends at 11:59 p.m. PT, saving up to $190 per pass
Event on November 4 in Boston to gather 1,000+ founders and investors for networking and tactical learning
Group registrations of four or more receive up to 30% discount

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Parents arrested on suspicion of child neglect
Juvenile Court grants 3-year guardianship to Social Welfare Department
Baby Danny to be placed under state care

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

20-year-old rider Jin Xiaowu drowned while rescuing a father and son on May 27 in Guizhou, China
The incident happened after the riders finished their food‑delivery shifts and heard cries for help near a river
His final wish to buy his father a car was later fulfilled by his employer

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A person's lifestyle can signal their socioeconomic position
Income alone does not fully determine class status
Consumption habits and cultural signals also play a role

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

A nationwide survey of 1,004 Malaysian women aged 18+ was conducted by SIS Forum.
Only 50% of married or partnered respondents said they could refuse sex with their spouse or partner.
Those who gave in cited marital duty or faith as the primary reasons.
61% of the surveyed women were married, according to the study.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Europe endures deadly heatwave; Paris hit a June record of 40.9°C
Dozens killed and hospitals overwhelmed in Britain, France and Germany
Schools and cultural sites closed across affected countries
Singapore’s cooling approach, championed by Lee Kuan Yew, lauded by European officials and Elon Musk

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

33‑year‑old Poon Sum‑yi pleaded guilty to fraud in Hong Kong District Court.
She enticed two women to travel to Thailand with promises of free flights and a reward for moving 48 million baht (~US$1.4 million).
The victims were then sold to a Chinese‑run scam factory in Myanmar for US$54,000.
The case highlights forced labour and confinement in a Southeast Asian scam operation.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗