- SpaceX qualifies for Nasdaq-100 inclusion, with index funds set to buy shares after July 6
- Company will have a weighting of less than 1% in the Nasdaq-100, triggering purchases by ETFs like QQQ
- Nasdaq's fast-track framework allows new IPOs to join after just 15 trading days, accelerating passive‑investor exposure
- Nasdaq-100 tracks over $800 billion in assets, so the addition could generate significant demand despite SpaceX's limited float
- S&P 500 will not add SpaceX due to stricter seasoning and profitability requirements
June 27, 2026
▲ 20▼ 31◆ 9– 127
Markets 15
- Nasdaq Composite fell 4.6% for the week, S&P 500 down 1.95%, while Dow Jones rose 0.6%
- Micron jumped 16% after earnings but ended week flat; broader semiconductor names fell 5%–23.9% (e.g., Nvidia -8.6%, Broadcom -12.3%)
- Oil prices slipped to roughly $69 a barrel for WTI and $72 for Brent, erasing earlier gains
- Apple shares dropped 6.1% after announcing price hikes tied to higher memory costs
- OpenAI IPO delay rumors pushed chip stocks lower, with the semiconductor basket down over 5% on Friday
- Chinese internet equities have fallen over 30% year‑to‑date amid regulatory pressures.
- Citi sees valuation upside of 15‑20% for large‑cap names such as Alibaba (BABA), Tencent (TCEHY), JD.com (JD) and Pinduoduo (PDD).
- The bank maintains a buy rating, citing improving earnings outlook and strong cash flows.
- Target‑price revisions imply a potential 10‑12% rally if market sentiment improves.
- Recommendation focuses on large‑cap internet firms, excluding smaller peers.
- Asian equities slipped, with Thailand's SET index closing at 1,542.34, down 1.9% week‑over‑week.
- Apple raised iPad and MacBook prices, citing higher chip costs amid AI data‑center demand.
- US PCE inflation topped 4% in May and Fed rate‑hike odds rose to 68% for September, pushing the dollar to a 13‑month high.
- Gold fell below $4,000 per ounce, entering bear‑market territory as higher‑rate expectations mount.
- Thai baht weakened past 33 per dollar, its weakest level this year.
- SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq 100 index on July 7, per Nasdaq confirmation.
- J.P. Morgan estimates the inclusion could draw about $4.3 billion of passive ETF inflows.
- Nasdaq, FTSE Russell and MSCI have relaxed entry criteria, easing profitability and float requirements.
- Analysts note the stock may be overvalued despite the expected inflow boost.
- Bond funds are trading at discounts to their net asset values
- Wamco's bond fund price fell sharply after a recent scandal
- Analysts see potential upside if discount levels narrow
- BCA flags South Korea's equity valuations as the most stretched among global markets
- KOSPI has risen sharply this year, widening price multiples relative to peers
- Analysts warn of heightened downside risk if the broader equity rally loses momentum
- UBS advises investors to diversify across asset classes as market volatility persists
- Emphasis on defensive equities and high‑quality credit to mitigate downside risk
- Recommendation to keep a higher cash allocation to preserve flexibility
- ECB raised rates by 25 bps to 2.25% on June 11, its first hike since Sept 2023
- FedWatch gauge shows a 78% chance of a Fed hike in December, dropping to 68% for Jan 2027
- Short to intermediate duration global government bonds are recommended for diversification and higher yields
- U.S. rates have been unchanged since July 2023, prompting investors to seek higher yields abroad
- Correlation between U.S. Treasury yields and the S&P 500 fell to its lowest level in three decades, near zero.
- Divergent drivers: rising bond yields amid inflation concerns versus mixed equity earnings outlook.
- Lower correlation reduces traditional diversification benefit, potentially increasing portfolio risk.
- Asset managers may reconsider allocation weights as bonds and stocks move more independently.
- Historical swings in correlation can affect portfolio volatility but do not dictate market direction.
- S&P 500 down ~2% and Nasdaq down 4.6% over the week
- ICE and CME stocks fell over 7% and 10% respectively, both with RSI around 24.4
- Cardinal Health became most overbought with RSI 84.4, up >7% and hitting a 52‑week high
- WTI crude fell 3.74% to $69.23 per barrel, below $70 for first time since Feb 27
- US GDP beat expectations and CPI hit its highest level since Oct 2023, yet the 10‑year yield fell below 4.4%
- iShares long‑term Treasury ETF (TLT) rose about 0.67% on the day, extending a 5% gain since last month’s low
- Crude futures slid roughly $10 from Friday’s peak, prompting USO oil ETF to record 30% more puts than calls
- TLT options saw $51 million traded, with $30 million in puts, indicating mixed directional bets despite bond price gains
- Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong announced reforms to optimise weighted voting rights and ease secondary listings for overseas issuers.
- HKEX plans to introduce bond futures to broaden the market's fixed‑income product suite.
- A new push to develop gold trading products will accompany the listing rule changes.
- The announcements coincide with HKEX's 26th anniversary as a publicly listed company.
- ~170 firms still awaiting IPO approval after a record 2025 year
- 2025 saw >$22 billion raised across ~370 Indian listings, a record
- Six‑month slowdown is easing as the US‑Iran conflict subsides
- Two historic IPOs are slated to launch soon, boosting sentiment
- Japan and Australia become first AFC teams to advance to the World Cup round of 32
- Japanese corporate sponsors are absent from the tournament; Chinese brands like Regza and Lenovo appear on pitch‑side ads
- Chinese consumer‑electronics brands gain significant market share in Southeast Asia, expanding into air‑conditioners and robot vacuums
- Japan's football profile rises while its domestic brands lose visibility at the global event
Macro/Economy 25
- China holds near‑total control of worldwide solar panel and lithium‑ion battery supply chains
- Rapid AI‑driven demand is accelerating approvals for clean‑energy projects
- Chinese clean‑energy component exports are surging, outpacing rivals
- EU leaders note daily trade deficit with China exceeding €1 billion ($1.13 bn).
- The bloc is preparing tougher regulatory measures for Chinese companies operating in Europe.
- Chinese investment continues, highlighted by CATL's battery plant in Debrecen, Hungary slated for 2025.
- EU members remain split on the intensity of actions to push Beijing on trade issues.
- Coal-fired plants provide over two‑thirds (>66%) of Indonesia's electricity generation
- Miners favor exporting coal and risk fines rather than supplying domestic power plants
- Experts warn the supply mismanagement could trigger deeper rolling blackouts
- Potential energy shortfall may pressure Indonesia's economic growth
- Finance Ministry approved a funding framework under an emergency decree to finance Thailand's energy transition projects.
- Framework outlines three categories: fossil‑fuel reduction and renewable generation; EV and charging infrastructure; upskilling and reskilling for clean‑energy jobs.
- Projects must meet criteria on transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance as the borrowing programme moves into its second phase.
- Funding aims to reduce reliance on imported energy and support long‑term structural change toward green energy.
- Prime Day sales rose modestly year‑over‑year, showing continued demand despite tighter household budgets
- Average order value slipped, suggesting shoppers are focusing on essential items and deeper discounts
- Amazon noted a higher share of price‑sensitive shoppers, with discount depth averaging around 20% across categories
- The event highlighted lingering consumer caution as inflation pressures persist
- Total 401(k) assets hit a new all‑time high for the year 2023
- Vanguard's report shows most workplace retirement savers experienced gains
- The data provides benchmarks for individuals to compare their retirement savings
- Total healthcare spending on the disease now surpasses the combined annual costs of cancer and heart disease.
- Analysts warn the financial strain on families and governments will intensify as prevalence rises.
- Projected cost growth could pressure public budgets and increase demand for policy intervention.
- Proposal to lift statutory retirement age from 67 to 70 by 2092.
- Increase would be phased in gradually over the coming decades.
- Measure expected to cover only a portion of Germany's pension funding gap.
- Discussion may spark similar debates in other countries, including the United States.
- Bill would limit Medicare beneficiaries' annual out-of-pocket expenses to $5,000.
- Federal cost impact estimated in the tens of billions of dollars.
- Legislation is a long-shot and would need congressional approval.
- If passed, could reshape Medicare budgeting and increase overall federal spending.
- Administration proposes expanding annuity options in 401(k) retirement plans
- Policy aims to increase guaranteed income for retirees but may limit investment flexibility
- Critics warn annuities can carry higher fees and reduce liquidity for workers
- Amazon Prime Day generated $26.4 bn in sales from June 23‑26, a 9.3% year‑over‑year increase.
- Average order size dropped to $47.66, down from $53.34 in the previous year.
- Discounts averaged ~24% on electronics and apparel, roughly unchanged from last year.
- U.S. tax refunds rose 11.1% to $3,462 in 2026, providing a temporary boost to discretionary spending.
- Turkey aims to electrify 35% of its energy consumption by 2035.
- Goal supports COP31 climate objectives to cut greenhouse‑gas emissions and reduce fossil‑fuel reliance.
- Environment minister Murat Kurum calls on other nations to meet at least one‑third of energy needs with electricity within the next decade.
- Turkey will host the UN COP31 summit, positioning itself as a leader in the global green transition.
- Half of newborns received a $1,000 seed grant in a 529 account; 100% of those still hold assets after 18 years
- College enrollment among participants is projected at about 64% versus the state average of 40%
- Lower‑income families showed higher savings rates and increased educational expectations
- Similar programs in Maine, Pennsylvania and California doubled the likelihood families expect their child to attend college
- Space economy grew ~9% YoY, hitting a $613 bn valuation in Q2 2025
- Private‑sector space employment rose 27% over the 2010s, reaching 373,000 workers in 2024
- Active space‑sector job postings up >40% YoY, while overall U.S. postings fell about 5%
- Workers under 35 now comprise roughly half of new space‑economy hires, a 3% rise since 2014
- RTX reports 12,871 open roles and Lockheed Martin 10,614, highlighting sector‑wide hiring shortages
- China will coordinate with other countries to remove bureaucratic travel barriers for international tourists
- Tourism minister Sun Yeli urged closer Apec cooperation to boost regional tourism as an economic driver
- Emphasis placed on high‑quality development of cultural tourism
- Bond investors increasingly dictate policy choices in democracies, including the UK
- UK debt levels and funding gaps for essential services raise concerns among market participants
- Political leaders risk electoral backlash if they ignore bond market signals
- Monsoon season, normally beginning in June, arrived later than usual across India.
- Rainfall levels are below the seasonal average, prompting water restrictions in Mumbai and other cities.
- Farmers face planting delays while construction sites report water shortages due to the late rains.
- Graduate Industry Traineeships (GRIT) offer S$1,800 to S$2,400 per month, roughly 50% of the median first‑salary.
- The scheme targets the class of 2026 amid a tight Singapore jobs market for new graduates.
- Placements are with government agencies or private firms, providing temporary industry experience.
- Median first‑salary for Singapore graduates is estimated around S$3,600‑S$4,800, highlighting the pay gap.
- Domestic tourism likely flat or contract this year, with no growth expected without stimulus
- Thai household income fell in 2026, with lower‑income families relying on assistance
- Government plans a 3‑billion‑baht co‑payment scheme for 1 million trips in Q4, but rollout delayed
- First five months saw 120 million domestic trips, up only 1.9% YoY, generating 488 billion baht
- Operators warn frugality could last 2‑3 years as economic recovery remains uncertain
- Hong Kong aims to align its financial and legal systems more closely with the mainland to attract investment
- Potential benefits include greater market access and infrastructure funding, but also heightened regulatory oversight
- Risks highlighted are political uncertainty, talent outflow, and possible erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy
- Local innovators, like materials scientist Eddie Yu, are seeking sustainable growth amid the integration debate
- Beijing grants continent-wide import clearance for African coffee, chillies and cashews
- Policy bypasses bilateral negotiations, offering market access to all African nations
- Expected to boost African agricultural exports and deepen China‑Africa trade ties
- Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia reached an all‑time high in recent months
- Tourism ministry aims to raise Chinese visitors to a larger share of total arrivals
- Authorities plan targeted marketing, visa facilitation and travel‑package incentives
- Growth is expected to boost hospitality, retail and transport sectors
- OECD research links inclusive societies to higher stability and increased foreign direct investment
- World Bank estimates suggest discrimination can cut GDP by 0.1%‑1.7% per country
- Australia’s Equality Collaboration Fund allocates AU$20.6 million (≈474 million baht) for inclusion projects in Asia‑Pacific
- Thailand passed marriage equality law; Nepal’s Supreme Court supports same‑sex marriage recognition
- Inclusion policies are framed as an economic strategy to boost productivity and attract skilled talent
- 36 administrative officers left in 2025-26, a 33% increase from 27 the year before.
- Resignations grew to 20, up from 18 in the prior year.
- Retirements also rose, though exact figures were not disclosed.
- Overall civil service turnover fell, but senior exits surged, leading to calls for broader open recruitment.
- Li Xueke leaves Penn for City University of Hong Kong as assistant professor in energy and environment.
- His research targets emerging Arctic shipping routes as the region becomes seasonally navigable.
- Study aims to quantify economic impacts of climate‑driven changes in global trade routes.
Central Banks 1
- ECB policymaker Isabel Schnabel raises doubts about a sustained return of inflation
- She points to recent price data indicating upward pressure in the euro area
- Schnabel warns that persistent inflation could shape future monetary policy decisions
Energy/Oil 7
- Two VLCCs (≈2 million barrels each) loaded at Ras Tanura, a third en route and a fourth waiting
- Saudi crude exports, down to ~4 million bpd, added ~2 million bpd as loadings restart
- Global oil prices fell more than $1 per barrel on rising supply pressure
- Regional shut‑in production estimated at 9.6 million bpd, down from 11.7 million bpd three weeks earlier
- Resumption occurs amid security concerns after a cargo ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz
- Crude prices have fallen back to pre‑U.S.-Iran conflict levels.
- Asian importers, especially Japan, are accelerating diversification of oil supplies.
- Japan plans to source 100% of its oil via routes other than the Strait of Hormuz by July.
- The shift away from Middle‑East oil is expected to persist despite lower prices.
- USGS estimates technically recoverable resources in Buda Limestone at ~184 billion cubic feet of natural gas
- Remaining oil resources in the formation are considered limited, indicating near exhaustion
- Eagle Ford shale has sustained stable crude output, but the underlying Buda layer is now running dry
- Depletion may modestly tighten US crude supply outlook, though global market impact is limited
- Government pushes faster ethanol blend implementation for transport fuels
- Policy driven by higher Middle East oil prices and U.S. trade measures
- Drivers report concerns over fuel quality and price impact
- Biofuel push aims to cut reliance on oil imports
- Year‑on‑year decline in naphtha imports slowed in May versus April
- Japan increased purchases from the United States and Europe
- Middle‑East share of Japan's naphtha imports fell further
- The United States has issued a temporary waiver on sanctions affecting Iranian crude exports.
- Discounts on Iranian oil are tightening, eroding the price advantage for China's small independent "teapot" refiners.
- Chinese teapot refiners may face higher feedstock costs and could be forced to seek alternative crude amid ongoing Hormuz shipping risks.
- LNG prices remain high despite gradual resumption of Gulf tanker traffic
- Damaged processing facilities continue to limit supply
- Extreme summer weather is expected to boost LNG demand
- Market outlook hinges on further supply disruptions and weather-driven demand
Gold/Metals 1
- China's imports of critical metals rose 60% year‑on‑year, according to trade data analysis.
- The surge includes increased purchases of tungsten, notably from North Korea.
- Beijing keeps export restrictions in place while expanding its import volumes.
- The move underscores China's strategy to secure supply chains for high‑tech products.
Crypto 17
- Bitcoin near $58,000, down ~50% from October peak as gold slips below $4,000
- Fed targeting 4.00‑4.25% by 2027 lifts real yields, hurting non‑yielding assets
- Gold down ~28% from Jan 2025 high; silver down >50% from $120 peak
- Since February, Bitcoin has outperformed metals, gaining ~30% vs gold and >55% vs silver
- Crypto market has fallen ~50% over the past year, with Bitcoin down 50% from its $126,000 peak.
- CZ attributes the decline to geopolitical tension, capital shifting to AI firms, and the typical four‑year crypto cycle.
- He expects long‑term industry growth, viewing AI investment as ultimately beneficial for crypto.
- Upcoming U.S. crypto legislation, such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, is unlikely to change the sector’s long‑term trajectory.
- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse stays bullish on Bitcoin despite its dip below $59,000.
- He denounces Michael Saylor's Strategy preferred‑stock model, citing STRC fell ~25% below its $100 target.
- STRC's 11.5% dividend shares dropped up to 26% below par, leading to a pause in Bitcoin buying.
- CryptoQuant notes STRC's cash coverage fell from over 7 years to about 14 months, weakening the funding engine.
- Fidelity argues Bitcoin's fixed supply and halving do not compromise network security
- Each halving cuts miner block rewards by 50%, yet security remains intact per the asset manager
- Rebuttal issued ahead of the next Bitcoin halving expected in roughly 80 days
- Around 50,000 BTC were transferred to exchanges despite being in a loss position
- Short-term holder stress index reached its highest level in two years
- Analysts warn the selling pressure could push BTC toward new price lows
- Yuma, backed by DCG, introduces a new fund targeting the Bittensor decentralized AI protocol
- Fund expands the range of TAO (Bittensor) offerings for institutional investors
- Launch follows recent restrictions on Anthropic's AI models, boosting interest in decentralized AI
- Robinhood announced staff cuts in June 2026, mainly management and support roles, amid a crypto revenue crunch.
- The layoffs follow sector-wide cost reductions, including BitGo's 15% workforce cut and declining trading volumes.
- Analysts view the cuts as a lagging indicator of a late bear market, but note that major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum remain relatively resilient.
- Coinbase and Circle reported steeper quarterly losses than Oracle, Netflix and Salesforce
- The decline widens the performance gap between crypto equities and broader market stocks
- Crypto‑focused shares are under pressure, lagging behind big‑tech earnings trends
- Tether holds about $23 billion in physical gold backing its XAUT token.
- Tether and crypto lender Ledn will launch gold-backed loans later this year, letting XAUT holders borrow against bullion.
- The partnership mirrors Ledn’s existing bitcoin-backed lending model, extending tokenized gold’s utility without selling the metal.
- Tether’s gold reserves total roughly 140 metric tons, making it one of the largest corporate gold holders.
- Hackers stole approximately $3.1 million worth of Polymarket’s PUSD token from 11 user wallets
- Stolen funds were moved from Polygon to Ethereum via a bridge before being transferred
- Polymarket says a compromised third‑party vendor injected malicious script and pledged full refunds to affected users
- The platform is also under federal investigation for alleged deceptive marketing practices
- Binance will suspend some EU services after missing the July 1 MiCA licensing deadline
- Coinbase offers a 5% transfer bonus to new European users who move funds before July 13
- OKX promises deposit‑matching bonuses of up to 8% for eligible EEA users
- Binance withdrew its Greek MiCA application and is seeking approval in another EU member state
- Exploit affected ~16 million ADA (≈ $2.4 million) across 374 addresses
- SecondFi secured ~129 million ADA and placed it with an independent custodian
- Recovery to begin in about two weeks after one week of building and one week of testing
- Users warned of scams; firm will never request private keys, seed phrases, or wallet access
- Forensic investigation completed; detailed post‑mortem not yet published
- European Parliament adopts a nonbinding report outlining a unified approach to crypto regulation
- Report calls for EU-wide rules covering decentralized finance, staking services and non-fungible tokens
- Legislators warn that fragmented national MiCA implementations could hinder market development
- The proposal aims to shape future EU crypto legislation and prevent regulatory arbitrage
- Dogecoin dropped 9.6% to about $0.076, while Hyperliquid’s HYPE fell 9.9% over the week
- Bitcoin slipped 5.3% to around $60,300, rebounding from lows near $58,800
- Ether fell 8.4% to roughly $1,581; XRP declined 7.8% to $1.06
- Crypto outflows were driven by US spot Bitcoin ETF withdrawals, a hawkish Fed and a strong dollar
- AI‑related equities rose, with the equal‑weight S&P 500 hitting a record high as chip stocks retreated
- Securitize anticipates raising roughly $400 million from its upcoming public listing.
- Less than 30% of shareholders in the acquisition SPAC chose to redeem their shares.
- The low redemption rate is expected to allow the full $400 million to be captured.
- Senators John Curtis and Adam Schiff urged the CFTC to examine Polymarket's advertising.
- Lawmakers described the platform's marketing as "deceptive" and raised concerns about enforcement capability.
- A CFTC probe could lead to tighter regulatory scrutiny of crypto prediction markets.
- SOL token price climbed back to $72 after a recent dip
- Tokenized stock trading on Solana helped drive the price recovery
- Total value locked (TVL) on the Solana network continued to decline
- Decentralized exchange (DEX) trading volumes on Solana fell further
Geopolitics 32
- US airstrikes hit Iranian surveillance, communication and air‑defense sites following a drone strike on the tanker Kiku carrying over 2 million barrels of crude.
- The Panama‑flagged Kiku was struck near Tahrui village; no crew injuries or oil spill were reported, and the vessel is headed to Fujairah.
- The attacks cast doubt on the June 17 US‑Iran cease‑fire memorandum and threaten the flow of roughly 20 % of global oil that passes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Trump warned that continued Iranian non‑compliance could lead to further military escalation.
- President Aleksandar Vucic announced he will step down within weeks
- Resignation follows months of anti‑government protests that began in November 2024
- Vucic's term was set to run until mid‑2027, prompting expectations of early presidential and parliamentary elections
- Protests were sparked by the Novi Sad rail disaster that killed 16 people and led to the previous prime minister's resignation
- Vucic gave no specific timeline for his exit or for the upcoming elections
- U.S. launched fresh airstrikes targeting Iranian sites
- Strikes come after a commercial ship was attacked in the region
- Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated further
- The escalation raises concerns for regional security and shipping routes
- Defence Minister Israel Katz orders troops to prepare for an extended stay in southern Lebanon
- Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hezbollah is fully disarmed across Lebanon under a new US‑brokered agreement
- The directive signals a longer Israeli presence near the Lebanon border
- Arizona residents protest data centers due to water concerns amid 30-year drought
- Project Blue would consume more water and power than the city can afford, with potential 77% water cuts
- Tucson city council votes against acquiring land for the project, citing environmental concerns
- Trump claimed US forces hit Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites.
- He warned the US may be forced to "militarily complete the job" if Iran does not adhere to the ceasefire.
- Trump warned that continued conflict could lead to the dissolution of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- War lasted three months, including 40 days of bombing and a two‑month US naval blockade.
- Estimated economic damage of $270 billion, roughly 73% of Iran's $371 billion GDP.
- Bombings targeted energy grids, steel mills, petrochemical plants, ports and transport corridors.
- US and Israel actions effectively sealed off much of Iran's remaining trade capacity.
- Iran's economy faces near‑collapse, raising doubts about post‑war recovery.
- Investors rethinking portfolios for societal changes due to climate change
- Companies focused on decarbonization, climate adaptation, and insurance benefiting from heatwaves
- Grid modernization and renewable energy investments gaining traction
- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassen called the framework deal "humiliating" and rejected linking Israeli withdrawal to Hezbollah disarmament
- Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday killed one civilian and injured two, the first casualties since the agreement was signed
- Pro‑Hezbollah protests erupted in Beirut, with road blockades and tyre‑burning, while Lebanese authorities ordered security forces to prevent riots
- The US‑mediated agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon, but ties a cease‑fire to Hezbollah's disarmament, raising doubts about its durability
- Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social
- Schroyer brings a 29‑year law‑enforcement career, including service as a U.S. Marine
- ICE expanded after a $75 billion one‑time funding boost, adding 12,000 officers
- The pick follows Todd Lyons' resignation; acting director is David Venturella and Senate confirmation is required
- Israeli drones hit tents in al‑Mawasi, Khan Younis, killing 15‑year‑old Islam Moussa and his 30‑year‑old brother Abdullah.
- The attack wounded at least 12 people in western Gaza City and seven injured were taken to Nasser and Red Cross hospitals.
- Since the cease‑fire began, Gaza's health ministry reports 1,031 Palestinians killed and 3,309 wounded; overall war death toll exceeds 73,043.
- A UN report finds children account for about 30% of Gaza casualties since October 2023.
- UK will spend £500 million on high‑speed boats and unmanned aerial systems for its Commando Force
- Funding targets faster maritime deployment and enhanced strike capability for elite troops
- Investment forms part of broader defence modernisation, with no immediate market impact
- Cabinet chief steps down after being implicated in corruption allegations
- President must appoint a replacement, increasing political uncertainty
- Resignation adds pressure on Argentina's already fragile economic reforms
- One runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport reopened, allowing C‑17 cargo planes to land.
- US has released $150 million in aid and expects an additional nine‑figure package.
- Five US Air Force C‑17s and a Boeing 767 carrying a field hospital are scheduled to deliver relief.
- Earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 left over 1,400 dead and tens of thousands missing.
- Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, making the peninsula a focal point of the war.
- Ukraine has increased drone strikes on Crimea, prompting a Russian‑declared state of emergency.
- President Zelenskyy launched a 40‑day "influence operation" to pressure Russia to end the conflict.
- Experts argue Crimea’s Black Sea access and military infrastructure are key to Russia’s war strategy.
- Six protesters found injured after arrests outside Parliament; one protester remains missing
- Approximately 355 people arrested nationwide during the second anniversary of 2024 protests
- Amnesty International Kenya urges independent investigation into alleged police torture and disappearances
- Police watchdog reports at least 127 people killed in Kenya protests during June-July 2024 and similar period in 2025
- At least three paramilitary Rangers soldiers were killed in the Karachi attack.
- Four attackers were also killed, according to Sindh police.
- Militant group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, linked to the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility.
- Two civilians were wounded and taken to hospital.
- 172 candidates cleared to contest 56 seats in Johor state election
- 14‑day campaign period ahead of the July 11 poll
- 2.72 million voters eligible in the economically pivotal state bordering Singapore
- Federal allies of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim face off against each other
- Six senior PLA officers were expelled from the National People's Congress.
- A total of 13 legislators were removed and one resigned in the latest purge.
- The action highlights President Xi's ongoing military anti-corruption campaign.
- Among those removed were a former top financial regulator and former Xinjiang party chief.
- Indonesian police detained dozens of demonstrators following a rally in Surabaya.
- Approximately 100 people gathered to protest a recent fuel price increase and the free meals program.
- Protesters threw rocks and set fire to rubbish, prompting police to intervene.
- ASEAN foreign ministers convene in Manila on July 21‑22 to discuss Myanmar
- Several members hint at moving away from the five‑point consensus pressure strategy used since the 2021 coup
- The bloc may pursue more direct engagement with Myanmar’s military government
- No formal policy change announced yet; the shift remains a behind‑the‑scenes realignment
- IAEA has held initial discussions with Iran regarding nuclear inspection protocols
- Agency aims to dispatch inspectors to Iran as soon as possible
- Director General emphasizes need for a strong verification system to prevent weaponization
- AI competition described as a new Cold War pitting the United States against China
- Authors argue no single nation can match the combined capabilities of the US and China in AI
- A nonalignment movement is proposed to coordinate international AI development and governance
- Bangladeshi PM Tarique Rahman met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on June 26, 2026.
- Bangladesh aims to deepen cooperation with China on trade and large‑scale infrastructure financing.
- The outreach signals a shift to rebalance diplomatic ties away from India.
- Alaska Superior Court ruled both incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan and challenger Dan Sullivan can stay on Aug. 18 primary ballot
- The decision reverses an earlier Alaska Elections Division move and may be appealed to the state Supreme Court
- Alaska's nonpartisan blanket primary advances the top four vote‑getters to the November general election
- Settlers tried to take over a house under construction on the outskirts of Qabalan, south of Nablus
- Israeli soldiers were present, providing protection to the settlers during the incident
- Video footage captured the attempt, underscoring ongoing settlement tensions in the occupied West Bank
- Iran's 1-1 draw with Egypt left them vying for a third-place spot in Group G
- Coach Amir Ghalenoei claimed the US host treated the team unfairly, citing visa and training issues
- Iran appealed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to address the alleged mistreatment
- Father abducted by Pakistani intelligence on June 28, 2009; remains missing after 17 years.
- Over 1,000 activists, including the author, placed on a domestic anti‑terror watchlist, facing travel bans and arrests.
- March 24, 2025 protests in Karachi led to arrests of human‑rights defenders after a Baloch militant train hijacking.
- Thousands of enforced disappearances reported in Balochistan since 2000, with escalating security operations.
- Pakistan receives international praise for diplomatic mediation while domestic human‑rights violations continue.
- More than 100 Catholic clergy and parishioners marched from Nogales, Arizona to Sonora, Mexico.
- The procession was timed to coincide with U.S. 250th anniversary commemorations.
- Bishops urged the U.S. government to treat migrants with dignity and respect.
- The event underscores ongoing concerns over migrant treatment at the US‑Mexico border.
- Over several thousand people gathered at Shek Kong barracks for the open day.
- Demonstrations featured helicopters and hands‑on military equipment displays.
- Event commemorates the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty.
- Chadchart Sittipunt, dubbed the "Hulk," is campaigning for a second term as Bangkok governor.
- The 60‑year‑old candidate is canvassing in working‑class canal‑side neighborhoods ahead of the Sunday vote.
- Polls and on‑the‑ground observations suggest he is likely to win the election.
- Bangkok will hold a gubernatorial election on Sunday, June 22
- Candidates pledge more convenient transport options for residents
- Campaign highlights a cleaner city to attract talent and investment
Tech/AI 17
- Memory costs have surged 260% YoY, affecting consumer electronics companies
- Smaller players face existential crisis due to limited supply and high prices
- Tech giants like Apple and Microsoft have announced price hikes, while smaller companies struggle to adapt
- Maximum penalty for non‑compliance rises to A$99 million, up from A$49.5 million.
- More than 5 million under‑16 accounts have been deactivated or restricted since the ban began.
- A study finds 85 % of Australians aged 12‑15 still use social media three months after the ban.
- eSafety Commissioner can now compel platforms and third‑party providers to supply compliance evidence.
- Five platforms under investigation: Meta (Instagram, Facebook), YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok.
- Chinese cybersecurity firm 360 unveiled Tulongfeng (vulnerability detection) and Yitianzhen (cyber defence) tools.
- Tokyo startup Sakana AI released the Fugu model, positioning it as a hedge against U.S. export controls.
- The U.S. ban on Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable 5, issued two weeks ago, leaves a gap that Asian firms are filling.
- Anthropic’s run‑rate revenue reached $47 billion in May 2026, underscoring the market impact of the export restrictions.
- Trump administration permits Anthropic's Mythos 5 model for more than 100 U.S. agencies and companies
- Non‑American employees at those organizations are cleared to access the model
- The directive does not address the related Fable 5 model, which remains restricted
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick cited safeguards as justification for the limited rollout
- AI sector projected to need over $5 trillion in new power infrastructure to support growth
- Investor Kevin O'Leary backs Bitzero (NASDAQ: AIBZ) as a pioneer in AI‑focused energy solutions
- Bitzero announced a financing round on May 5, positioning it to address AI’s biggest power bottleneck
- Masayoshi Son says orbital data centers will take years to materialize and won't address immediate AI compute cost pressures
- He estimates 80‑90% of SpaceX's launch market share is driven by Starlink, with the remainder dropping to 20‑40% without it
- Critics argue satellite‑based data centers add engineering complexity and high costs, potentially boosting SpaceX launch demand but not solving near‑term compute constraints
- NASA announced in May plans to send robotic landers, hopping drones and surface vehicles to the Moon
- The lunar base will be powered by solar panels and compact nuclear reactors
- Partnerships involve Intuitive Machines, Astrobotic, Blue Origin and SpaceX
- Goal to land astronauts back on the Moon by 2029, before the current administration ends
- Data centers are shifting to on-site fuel cells as grid capacity tightens.
- Rystad Energy forecasts fuel‑cell revenues rising from $2.8 bn in 2025 to about $30 bn by 2030 (≈10× increase).
- Order book now totals roughly 9 GW of fuel‑cell capacity, with contracts from Oracle, AEP, Equinix and Brookfield.
- 65% of surveyed Singapore consumers say bots prevent genuine fans from attending events.
- South Korea expanded anti‑scalping laws on Jan. 29, targeting automated ticket purchases.
- Chinese regulators summoned seven platforms, including Alibaba’s Fliggy and Meituan, for ticket‑selling practices.
- Live Nation settled a $9.9 million case with Washington, D.C. over deceptive pricing.
- Taylor Swift Eras tour tickets ranged $49‑$450, while secondary‑market resale reached $800‑$20,000.
- Rumors claim Meituan could slash up to 50% of product roles by end‑June
- AI‑focused restructuring spreads across major Chinese tech companies, sparking worker anxiety
- Meituan publicly refutes the layoff rumors, but internal morale remains low
- ComfortDelGro launched free autonomous taxi trials on June 22 in Singapore's Punggol district
- Public trials of driverless taxis are being expanded across the city-state
- Singapore government is backing autonomous vehicle deployment to improve transport convenience
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries teams with Airbus to adapt the Eurodrone for anti‑submarine warfare.
- The joint project will integrate Kawasaki’s maritime surveillance systems onto the Eurodrone platform.
- The drones will be pitched to Japan’s Ministry of Defense for future procurement.
- 28 Japanese companies, including Mizuho, SMFG, NTT Data and NEC, will collaborate on the project.
- The AI-driven chatbot will provide personalized investment recommendations for retail investors.
- Development is slated to begin in July, targeting a launch later this year.
- Instagram is trialing new access methods for the Your Algorithm menu, including pull‑down in the feed, swipe‑up from Reels, and buttons beneath each Reel.
- The feature lets users specify topics they want more or less of, aiming to shift from a simple setting to a central part of the Instagram experience.
- Meta's head Adam Mosseri says some tests may not launch, and users are urging the algorithm to prioritize content from people they follow.
- Christou was diagnosed with aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a rare cancer affecting roughly 1 in 420,000 people
- He consulted 12 specialists; 11 favored an intensive chemotherapy regimen with about 85% success versus 60% for a lighter option
- AI model Claude analyzed PET scans and assigned a 90% probability to thymus rebound, preventing unnecessary radiotherapy
- A March poll indicated that one‑third of U.S. adults now use AI chatbots for health information
- The Correctional Services Department posted the video titled “Obsession: The Sugar-Coated Trap” on social media.
- Four AI‑generated virtual K‑pop idols, including one named “Cannabis,” performed the anti‑drug song.
- The video was removed twice after netizens claimed it resembled a promotion for illegal drugs.
- Authorities cited the backlash as the reason for the withdrawal.
- Hakuhodo DY Holdings plans to launch an advertising delivery service via a new firm, Ads for Humanity.
- The service will require human verification using biometric technology to block AI bot impressions.
- Users can earn points by watching ads through the new app.
Companies 27
- SoftBank Group shares dropped more than 12% on Friday.
- The slide was triggered by reports that OpenAI may postpone its market debut.
- Tech stocks dragged the Nikkei down 4% and the KOSPI fell 6%.
- Apple vice president Paul Meade departs to join OpenAI's hardware team.
- Meade oversaw AI-powered smart glasses; the Vision Pro headset underperformed.
- Apple aims to launch cheaper smart glasses next year to challenge Meta.
- Departure follows John Ternus' pending promotion to CEO and hardware team reshuffle.
- OpenAI is working with former Apple design chief Jony Ive on a new AI device.
- Analyst sets $38 price target for PINS, implying about 83% upside from current price
- Pinterest shares down 25% YTD and 41% over the past 12 months, but up 13% this quarter
- Monthly active users rose 11% YoY to 631 million in Q1, supporting ad growth
- Performance+ AI suite now accounts for 30% of lower‑funnel revenue and drives advertiser adoption
- 19 analysts rate PINS as a buy, while 20 rate it as a hold, reflecting mixed sentiment
- Williams‑Sonoma (WSM) upgraded to Buy, up ~34% in 2026, targeting affluent consumers
- Kroger (KR) reaffirmed Buy with $85 price target, based on 16× FY2028 EPS and e‑commerce growth
- Victoria's Secret (LNV) projected to hit 10% EBIT margin by FY2028, with double‑digit sales lift from store refreshes
- Celsius Holdings (CELH) given Buy rating on strong consumption trends and expanded distribution via Alani Nu and PepsiCo
- Jabil (JBL) noted secular growth in EV, healthcare, renewables and semiconductor equipment as upside catalysts
- Greg Abel, born in Canada, became a U.S. citizen during an Iowa Cubs naturalization ceremony.
- The ceremony added to 533 new citizens, the 18th annual event; over 5,000 have been naturalized at the ballpark in six years.
- Abel, with an estimated net worth of about $1 billion, leads Berkshire Hathaway, a company valued at over $1 trillion.
- The news revives talk of Berkshire potentially joining the Dow 30 despite its share price far exceeding the index median.
- Enterprise mNAV dropped below 1, valuing the firm at less than its bitcoin reserves.
- MSTR shares fell to about $82, an 85% decline from the November 2024 peak.
- Bitcoin holdings are worth roughly $51.1 bn at $60,000 per BTC, versus enterprise value of $50.4 bn.
- Issuing new equity would be dilutive because the share price is below the underlying asset value.
- The discount mirrors closed‑end fund behavior, raising concerns over future capital raises.
- GE Vernova hired 200 workers in 2023 and plans to add 300 more by year‑end
- AI data centers now represent about 20% of the turbine order book, with orders booked through 2029‑2031
- Turbine prices have jumped roughly 300% in three years, with a single unit costing over $250 million
- Microsoft bought seven turbines (2.7 GW) and the company's stock rose nearly 60% in six months
- Kohl's shares fell nearly 70% over the last five years
- Shares have risen over 130% in the past 12 months
- Latest quarter revenue hit $3 billion, topping estimates
- Comparable sales showed the strongest growth in four years
- CEO Michael Bender refocuses on value, coupons and proprietary brands
- LVMH partners with Accor to relaunch the Orient Express luxury train for ultra‑high‑net‑worth travelers
- The offering is aimed at the growing class of tech billionaires and startup founders
- Bespoke itineraries and exclusive experiences are designed to differentiate from traditional luxury travel
- Premium pricing is expected to generate additional revenue for both LVMH and Accor
- China Eastern signs purchase for 25 A330neo jets valued at roughly $9.35 billion.
- Deliveries are slated in batches from 2029 through 2033, with at least 10 older A330s to be retired.
- The order follows a March deal for 101 A320neo aircraft worth about $15.8 billion, underscoring a push for international routes.
- Financing will combine the airline's capital, bank loans and a bond issuance up to 2.8 billion yuan (~$412 million).
- FTC completed antitrust review, granting approval for Musk to acquire Mesh Optical.
- Mesh Optical raised $50 million Series A funding in February, led by Thrive Capital.
- Founded by three former SpaceX engineers, the startup builds optical transceivers for fast data‑center communications.
- Acquisition could improve efficiency of SpaceX's terrestrial and future space data centers.
- Merdeka Gold Resources debuted on the Hong Kong Exchange on June 26, raising about $310 million.
- Shares opened flat but closed 6.5% lower on the first trading day.
- The loss‑making gold miner entered a robust Hong Kong capital market despite weaker gold prices.
- Investor appetite remained strong, but the stock’s initial performance was bearish.
- Daiichi Life becomes the first Japanese life insurer cleared by regulators to arrange LBO loans
- The insurer will start offering leveraged buyout financing to meet rising M&A demand in Japan
- Move signals expanding role of insurers in corporate debt markets amid growing deal activity
- Julie Kim becomes Takeda's first female chief executive.
- She will continue structural reforms launched by former CEO Christophe Weber.
- Kim aims to use artificial intelligence to create leaner, more efficient operations.
- Shareholder activism intensifies as Japan's AGM season peaks, with many firms facing criticism
- Honda Motor reported a loss and issued an apology, underscoring earnings weakness
- Ricoh and KDDI saw low director support, reflecting governance concerns
- Honda starts manufacturing batteries for AI data centers at its Ohio facility originally built for EV batteries.
- The shift follows a deep slump in EV demand after the plant’s completion with LG Energy Solution.
- Honda says the move will keep the factory operating until electric‑vehicle sales recover.
- Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe states the collaboration with Nissan is "quite far along"
- Shareholders express skepticism about the pending partnership
- Renault, Nissan's major shareholder, may raise objections
- Up to 2.00% APY for accounts with $5,000+ monthly direct deposits and $10,000 average daily balance
- No monthly fees, no minimum balance, and unlimited ATM fee reimbursement for top tier
- Tiered rates: 1.00% APY for $2,500‑$4,999 deposits, 0.25% APY for $1,000‑$2,499 deposits
- Requires $25 opening deposit, membership, and offers early direct deposit up to two days early
- Amble One priced at $25,000, targeting a niche luxury EV segment
- Built by former Audi, Ford and Apple car team members, including designer Julian Hoenig
- Street-legal stripped-down electric buggy aimed at coastal paths, private estates and resort tracks
- Product unveiled from Lisbon, Portugal, exiting stealth mode today
- Actor Wu Chun complained about missing luggage for three days despite numerous calls
- Cathay Pacific issued a public apology and said it is actively tracking the luggage
- The incident sparked a social‑media outcry against the airline
- CFO Aaron Tachibana sold shares worth $675,488 in a recent insider transaction
- The sale was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the SEC
- Insider selling may signal reduced confidence, potentially pressuring Personalis stock
- Perpetua Resources Corp submitted a Form 4 filing on June 26.
- The filing reports insider transactions as required by regulations.
- No further details were provided in the brief.
- Iran war pushes up long-haul air-fares, prompting travelers to stay within Asia
- Ascott expects stronger intra-Asian tourism demand and plans to expand its serviced-apartment network
- Japan identified as a key market for Ascott’s regional growth strategy
- Global deliveries fell 46% to 6,520 vehicles in 2025.
- Tariffs on Chinese-made EVs are prompting Lotus to consider a US-built plug‑in hybrid SUV.
- A US plant is seen as a way to revive sales after the tariff impact.
- Hyatt plans to open its first Alila-branded hotel in Japan in 2028
- The Alila Sengokuhara Hakone property will feature 60 rooms
- The opening is part of Hyatt's broader expansion, aiming to double its Japanese locations
- Alila targets high-end travelers as a luxury offering
- Saha Group announces partnership with Japan's SoftBank Corp.
- Collaboration will deliver AI-powered digital solutions to corporate clients in Thailand
- Move expands Saha's digital strategy beyond consumer goods into technology services
- Japanese air conditioner maker Daikin announces plans for an India research and development base
- The hub will focus on large‑scale air conditioning solutions, including for data centers
- Goal is to strengthen Daikin's product competitiveness in emerging markets
Thai Markets 2
- Thailand's pink economy, worth $4 trillion, could grow to $7 trillion in 5 years
- LGBTQ+ consumers contribute to 1/3 of Gen Z purchasing power, influencing industries
- Tourism, fintech, insurance, and healthcare drive pink economy growth in Thailand
- Cannabis export volume reached 201,658 kg, valued at over 2.5 bn baht.
- Exporters file 100‑200 Por Thor 32 forms monthly; digital filing will reduce processing time to 1‑2 days from 5‑7 days.
- DTAM Next will connect to the Customs' National Single Window, automating paperwork and lowering forgery risk.
Other 43
- Death toll rises to 1,430 after twin earthquakes.
- Millions of Venezuelans lack sanitation and basic necessities.
- US begins humanitarian aid flights, with C-17s landing at Simon Bolivar airport.
- Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez says Venezuela is not alone in facing the crisis.
- Twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck La Guaira on Wednesday
- At least 1,430 people killed and more than 50,000 reported missing
- Over 300 aftershocks have been recorded since the main shocks
- Jose Maria Vargas sports arena now shelters displaced residents, with tents housing up to 50 people each
- Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez declared a disaster zone and ordered a military deployment
- A magnitude 4.8 quake was recorded at 19:20 GMT off Venezuela’s northern Aragua state.
- The tremor follows Wednesday’s twin 7.2 and 7.5 quakes that killed at least 1,430 people and left 51,000 missing.
- The latest quake struck about 70 km west of Caracas; no immediate damage reported.
- Around 1,600 foreign rescue personnel have arrived to aid recovery efforts.
- Over the past five years, more than 70% of US universities slipped in QS rankings.
- Hong Kong and mainland Chinese universities climbed, with several entering the top 100.
- QS attributes the shift to growing global competition and increased investment in Asian higher education.
- The trend signals a diversification of academic excellence beyond traditional Western strongholds.
- Two quakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela, leaving thousands unaccounted for.
- Three days after the shocks, rescue efforts are hampered as authorities block access to La Guaira.
- Officials announced Friday night that entry to the epicentre will require special permission.
- DSI added money‑laundering and transnational crime charges to MP Chonnaput's case
- Attorney General recommended expanding the case to include six additional suspects
- Asset seizures total about 160 million baht across the network
- Potential penalties include up to 7 years for secret association and up to 15 years for transnational crime
- 72.6% of Thai children under two spend more than one hour daily on screens
- ThaiHealth data shows average internet usage of 7h 54m per person per day
- Deputy PM Songsak Thongsri tasked ThaiHealth to draft proposals to reduce child screen time and assess regulation
- Experts warn excessive screen time harms cognitive development, mental health and exposes children to online threats
- Coverage begins July 1 for eligible Medicare beneficiaries
- Monthly cost capped at $50 for GLP‑1 weight‑loss medications
- Patients advised to monitor side effects such as nausea and potential muscle loss
- Eligibility limited to those meeting specific Medicare criteria (e.g., obesity or diabetes)
- Policy expands access to drugs previously limited to private insurers
- Rebalance your portfolio to match current risk tolerance
- Review asset allocation across equities, bonds, and cash
- Identify tax-efficient investment opportunities
- Refresh financial goals for the second half of the year
- HBO says about two‑thirds of "Heated Rivalry" viewers are women
- TikTok hashtag #fujoshi has amassed over 900,000 videos
- Nielsen reports nearly 70% of "Call Me By Your Name" viewers are women
- Amazon's "Red, White & Blue" and Lionsgate's "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" each have around 60% female audiences
- Female readers dominate yaoi ebook rankings on Scribd's Everand platform
- Paris recorded a June high of 40.9°C on Wednesday, the hottest day in nearly 80 years.
- France's overall heatwave marked its hottest day since records began, prompting city residents to seek relief.
- Hotel occupancy surged as residents without air‑conditioning look for cooled rooms and pool access.
- Scheme will cover all 21 prefecture-level cities in Guangdong by the first quarter of next year
- Around 15,000 motorists have applied, about three times the daily quota
- Expansion aims to meet rising leisure travel demand from mainland drivers
- Prediction markets operate in a legal grey area under Hong Kong's gambling regulations.
- A ban could restrict platform access but would face practical challenges in evidence collection and prosecution.
- Experts warn the platforms may enable market manipulation and pose consumer protection concerns.
- A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck near Mount Fuji on Friday night
- Scientists say the epicenter was far from the volcano's base
- Experts assess a low chance of triggering a volcanic eruption
- The inaugural Hong Kong International Film Festival opened on June 27, 1977.
- A cocktail party at City Hall marked the festival's opening ceremony.
- The event was described as less glamorous than Cannes, lacking topless models and starlets.
- England defeated Panama 2-0, securing first place in Group L with 7 points.
- Jude Bellingham scored and assisted; Harry Kane netted his 11th World Cup goal, becoming England's all‑time World Cup scorer.
- England will face one of the best third‑placed teams in the Round of 32.
- Shojae Khalilzadeh's late goal was ruled offside after VAR review in second-half stoppage time.
- The game finished 1-1, leaving Iran third in Group G with 3 points.
- Egypt and Belgium each have five points, but Belgium tops the group on goal difference (+4 vs +2).
- Egypt will meet Australia in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.
- US and Mexico jointly inaugurated a sterile insect technique facility in Chiapas.
- The plant will mass‑produce sterile screwworm flies to curb cross‑border infestations.
- Aim is to protect livestock and reduce economic losses from screwworm damage.
- Hooker Peato Mauvaka scored two tries as Toulouse beat Montpellier 28-20
- The win gives Toulouse a record‑equalling fourth straight Top 14 championship
- The final was halted for a 12‑minute thunderstorm delay around the hour mark
- Antoine Dupont added a try and will join France's Nations Championship soon
- Group K clash between Colombia and Portugal at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm local time (23:30 GMT) on 27 June 2026
- Both teams aim to secure top spot in the group to advance to knockout stage
- Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga was denied a US visa and will miss DR Congo's clash with Uzbekistan.
- Mboladinga, famed for his motionless pose honoring Patrice Lumumba, rose to prominence at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- The visa denial follows DR Congo travel restrictions tied to an Ebola outbreak with 1,203 cases and 321 deaths.
- Social Security says the individual was overpaid for seven years based on reported earnings.
- The person asserts the agency mistakenly recorded $43,000 earned in 2020 as income for 2019.
- If the error is confirmed, benefits could be reduced or reclaimed.
- South Africa meets Canada in the last‑32 match in Los Angeles on Sunday
- Bafana qualified after a 1‑0 win over South Korea, finishing second in Group A
- Coach Hugo Broos, in his 38‑year coaching career, stresses confidence despite early criticism
- Canada sit 22 places higher than South Africa in the FIFA world rankings
- A win would pit South Africa against the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16
- Severe flooding reported across parts of Taiwan
- Torrential rain leads to transport disruptions in Japan
- Homes submerged, property damaged; flood, landslide and evacuation warnings issued
- Bosnia and Herzegovina reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating Qatar on June 24
- Fans gathered in cities across the US, Canada, Serbia and Croatia, displaying both the official flag and white flags with golden lilies
- The squad, featuring many players of refugee background, highlighted young scorer Kerim Alajbegović with a notable goal
- Celebrations were seen as a unifying moment beyond ethnic politics and the legacy of the Dayton Accords
- Wimbledon prize pool rose 20% to £64.2 million, still below the 16% of revenue players seek.
- Winners will earn £3.6 million, up from £3 million; first‑round losers to receive £80,000, up from £66,000.
- Players, led by world No.1 Sabalenka, demand a larger share of the £70 million target prize fund.
- Bodycam footage shows a van driver proposing to transport an armed officer while pursuing a suspect
- Kent Police publicly commended the driver for his “selfless actions”
- The video, released on 27 June 2026, quickly spread across social media platforms
- Purchased a two‑floor house in Abruzzo for €11,500 (≈ $13,100) and invested about €15,000 (≈ $17,100) in renovations
- Lower living costs let them own the home outright without a mortgage, contrasting with U.S. housing expenses
- Prioritize slower pace, strong community ties, and flexible lifestyle over higher earnings in the United States
- 11-year-old boy died after showing heatstroke symptoms during a 400‑metre training run.
- Police were alerted at 5:11 pm; the boy was taken unconscious to Tseung Kwan O Hospital and pronounced dead at 6:50 pm.
- The incident occurred at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground in Hong Kong.
- Fossil exhibits the same curved claw as velociraptors found in China.
- Findings suggest a common ancestor from the era when continents were joined as a supercontinent.
- Study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, highlighting prehistoric biogeographic links.
- 19 people arrested in Hong Kong as part of a major illegal bookmaking crackdown.
- Coaches Lo Kwan-yee (Supreme) and Poon Man-chun (Kitchee youth teams) identified among the suspects.
- Arrests linked to alleged match-fixing and betting handling activities.
- Pilot of two‑seater light sport aircraft confirmed dead after hitting Citic Tower.
- Crash occurred at 5:55 pm on Friday at Beijing's tallest skyscraper.
- Thirteen people injured; authorities say investigation is ongoing.
- 36-year-old Xu Junyun cleans, repairs and waterproofs high-rise walls in Hefei, Anhui
- She works suspended hundreds of metres in the air, secured by two safety ropes
- Earnings support treatment for her son Xiaoyu, who has cerebral palsy
- The story has attracted widespread admiration on Chinese social media
- The November fire claimed 168 lives and displaced almost 5,000 residents in Hong Kong.
- Families of victims, like the Hung family, sought traditional burials rather than cremation.
- The NGO offers dignified farewells, burial arrangements, and aid to affected families.
- 17-year-old Filipino teen drowned after falling from Chau Tsai Bridge on Peng Chau.
- Incident occurred at approximately 7:18 pm on Friday evening.
- Victim held a Hong Kong ID card and was with two friends on the bridge railings.
- Minister Chris Sun said the care order may be reduced if professional assessments find it in Danny's best interests
- Two-month-old Danny was hospitalized with fever and will remain there before returning to a care home
- Government pledged to provide proper guardianship throughout the care order period
- Dr Thein Swee Lay is the only Malaysian scientist to win the Breakthrough Prize
- She helped crack a code in gene‑therapy research
- Living in the US, she says she still misses authentic popiah from Kuantan
- The interview was published in This Week in Asia
- Judge Raymond Sears found the government breached a 35‑year‑old promise to let refugees stay at Tseung Kwan O indefinitely.
- The ruling, delivered on 27 June 1996, orders the government to pay damages to Rennie’s Mill residents.
- The case stems from a promise made in 1961 regarding the Tiu Keng Leng (Rennie’s Mill) settlement.
- The decision is hailed as a landmark victory for the affected residents’ rights.
- Traditional Chinese view holds that speaking during meals can negatively affect health
- The article explores other common Chinese health superstitions and their origins
- Author reflects on personal dinner-table experiences while traveling in Italy
- Zhu Yunchang, 75, from Jiangsu province, started live‑streaming as a beauty influencer to raise funds.
- He is raising money for his 9‑year‑old grandson's rare disease treatment, costing roughly 1.4 million yuan.
- Zhu streams nightly until midnight, with his wife staying up to keep him company.
- Trump presented a rendering of a special US passport to mark the nation's 250th independence anniversary
- Design shows his stern-faced likeness, signature, and Declaration of Independence text in the background
- He shared the mock-up on Truth Social, describing it as "Welcome, but be good!"
- Japan's cat population reached 9 million in October 2015, overtaking dogs
- Cat cafés have become popular venues for families and tourists in Tokyo
- These cafés are seen as beneficial for both cats and visitors
- Pickleball courts set up in Chennai neighborhoods
- Games played on areas smaller than a tennis court
- Players use lightweight plastic paddles
- Sport seen as an alternative to cricket in the region
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