July 1, 2026 · Daily Global-Macro Brief

July 1, 2026 340 stories · 381 articles, 41 merged · refreshed 2026-10-11 01:37 UTC ▲ 58▼ 62◆ 18– 196

Markets 30

AUD/USD stuck in tight range around 0.6900, awaiting Australian trade figures and US payrolls
Pair trades as proxy for Chinese demand and US Dollar rather than local factors
Resistance at 0.7000, support at 0.6850, with 0.6800 handle in view if broken

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

USD/JPY surged past 162.00, facing resistance at 163.00 and 164.00
BoJ raised rates to 1% but a ~275‑bp gap with the Fed still drives Yen depreciation
Ministry of Finance likely defends the 160.00 level; a close below could trigger intervention
US non‑farm payrolls (≈110k consensus) may swing USD/JPY higher on a strong print or lower on a weak one

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

Yen fell to a fresh 40-year low against the U.S. dollar
The slide heightens expectations of possible Japanese government intervention
Currency markets remain volatile as yen weakness pressures Asian equities

Read on WSJ Markets ↗ also: Nikkei Asia

President Paz declared a state of emergency after 50 days of nationwide protests
The boliviano depreciated sharply, reaching its lowest level in years
Austerity cuts and privatisation plans intensify public anger and raise economic stability concerns

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

USD/MXN up 0.37% to 17.55 amid USMCA doubts
Mexico's June PMI rose to 51.3, yet trade‑agreement fears dominate
US non‑farm payrolls and Fed rate outlook could further weaken MXN
Technical support at 17.36 (50‑day SMA) and resistance near 17.62

Read on FXStreet ↗

Treasury yields climbed as bond prices fell ahead of Thursday's jobs data
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's comments added pressure to the bond market
Investors processed a busy day of US economic indicators, boosting yield expectations

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

DXY steadied around 101.38, just below the 101.80 peak reached last week
ADP payrolls rose by 98K in June, missing the 113K forecast
ISM manufacturing PMI slipped to 53.3, below the 54 estimate
Markets price a 67% probability of a Fed rate hike at the September meeting
Focus shifts to Thursday's US Nonfarm Payrolls report for further guidance

Read on FXStreet ↗

DJIA closed above 52,500, the highest level on record
Alphabet replaced Verizon, increasing the Dow's AI and tech exposure
Quarter‑end rebalancing helped lift the index, but the rally may be fragile
Upcoming Nonfarm Payrolls (consensus ~110K) pose a key risk to momentum
Technical levels: resistance near 53,000; support at 52,000 and 51,500

Read on FXStreet ↗

EUR/USD recovered to around 1.1387, down ~0.30% on the day after hitting 1.1361.
US ADP payrolls rose 98k versus a 113k forecast; ISM PMI fell to 53.3, both below expectations.
DXY slipped to ~101.34 from an intraday high of 101.59.
Markets price a 67% probability of a Fed rate hike in September ahead of Thursday's NFP.
Eurozone inflation data eased, lowering expectations for another ECB rate hike this year.

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

Regulators ban bonds and international stocks in accounts opened for children
Parents must allocate 100% of the child's portfolio to U.S. equities
Lack of diversification raises long‑term risk for minor investors
Potential shift could affect demand for domestic equity products

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Educational institutions made up nearly 40% of total commercial property investment in Hong Kong Jan‑May 2024.
Universities and international schools are paying premium prices for office and retail spaces.
Colliers forecasts continued growth in leasing and acquisition activity by the education sector.
The surge highlights demand for stable, long‑term tenants in Hong Kong's commercial real‑estate market.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

GBP/USD recovered from ~1.3150 low to near 1.3300 but meets resistance at 1.3350‑1.3400 (50‑day/200‑day EMA stack)
A daily close above 1.3400 is required for a true reversal; a close below 1.3250 would retest the June low
BoE’s hawkish stance provides a floor, while UK political uncertainty caps upside, keeping the pair lower‑biased

Read on FXStreet ↗

Grid operator highlights sharp electricity price increases
Record demand levels approached historic highs
Operator warns of potential supply constraints if demand persists

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Cramer says AI infrastructure stocks fell, creating buying opportunities in semiconductor names like Micron, AMD, Corning and Lam Research
He highlights Meta's cloud‑business announcement as a catalyst and recommends adding durable‑tailwind stocks while selling laggards
Rotations typically last only two to three sessions, so timing is crucial according to Cramer
Cramer's charitable trust recently sold Nike after muted earnings but holds positions in Meta and Corning

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

S&P 500 closed 0.2% lower on the day
Bank stocks rallied while chip sector fell
Investors await the upcoming U.S. jobs report for guidance

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

S&P 500 slipped about 0.2% as equity markets closed lower.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh avoided giving clear clues on future interest-rate moves.
Investors interpreted the evasiveness as a sign of possible continued tightening, weighing on stocks.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

USD/CNH fell to 6.7865 before rebounding to close at 6.7911 (-0.14%).
Intraday range projected at 6.7860‑6.7990; 1‑3‑week range likely 6.7750‑6.8080.
Break below 6.7900 ended bullish bias; medium‑term recovery needs a break above 6.8430 (21‑week EMA).

Read on FXStreet ↗

Toyota reported a 1.1% Q2 sales increase, driven by roughly a 20% rise in electrified vehicle sales.
Hyundai's hybrids grew 67% year‑to‑date and Kia's hybrid sales surged 152% in Q2.
General Motors' overall Q2 sales fell 4.2% and EV sales dropped 33% YoY; Silverado pickups declined 7.7% with electric models down 25.9%.
Industry forecasts see U.S. auto sales roughly flat to down YoY, with estimates ranging from a 0.5% decline to a 0.7% increase.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Low‑beta defensive names (<0.5 beta) now offer a 4.4% market‑implied yield versus 1.4% for high‑risk stocks
Valuation spread between cheap and expensive defensive stocks is at its widest since 1990, about double the long‑run average
UBS rates several dividend payers as Buy: PepsiCo (4.37% yield, down ~6% YTD), McDonald's (2.75% yield, down ~12% YTD), Waste Management (1.7% yield, up ~1% YTD), Willis Towers Watson (1.47% yield, down ~20% YTD)
FactSet shows upside potential: PepsiCo ~23%, McDonald's ~21%, Waste Management ~15%, Willis Towers Watson ~28%

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Tech sector lagged, offsetting gains in financials and consumer discretionary
Major U.S. indexes finished mixed in afternoon trading
Nasdaq weighed down by underperforming technology stocks

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Dollar edges higher on speculation of Japanese yen intervention
Traders anticipate possible action during thin U.S. holiday trading
Yen weakness persists, fueling intervention concerns

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Nasdaq falls as oil drops below $72/bbl, pressuring energy-linked tech
Fed Governor Warsh declines to signal July rate decision stance
Brent crude declines amid Trump's indication to continue Iran nuclear talks

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Tech deals generated a record $302 bn of global equity issuance in the first half of 2024
Fundraising activity is the strongest since 2021, according to Mergermarket
Analysts warn investor appetite may be stretched ahead of upcoming IPOs

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Iran war and Strait of Hormuz blockade heightened geopolitical risk in the first half of 2026
AI-driven stocks topped the list of best performers across Asian equity markets
Fed policy outlook and recovering energy supply were key focus points for investors

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japan and India will study a local‑currency settlement scheme for yen‑rupee trades
The system aims to cut foreign‑exchange and remittance costs by avoiding the U.S. dollar
Direct settlement could speed cross‑border payments and reduce transaction fees
Implementation is under consideration; timeline not yet set

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Activist funds' Japanese equity holdings reached a record level in 2024
Shares owned by activist investors only marginally outperformed the broader market
Limited outperformance may spur calls for more radical corporate reforms

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Plans to buy more than ¥2 trillion of JGBs in FY2026, double its previous target
Targets 30‑year JGB yields near 4%, deeming them a "perfect buying opportunity"
Higher insurer demand may bolster JGB prices and keep yields stable
Adds notable demand to Japan's sovereign bond market amid unchanged yield environment

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

GBP/JPY broke the 212.00‑215.00 range, trading at 215.93 (+0.16%).
RSI remains bullish, supporting a move toward the 216.00 psychological level and YTD high of 216.60.
If the pair falls below 215.00, support lies at 214.50 and the 50‑day SMA near 214.07.
Japanese authorities warn of possible intervention, which could cap upside.

Read on FXStreet ↗

USD/KRW hit interim resistance around 1561 in June and has stalled.
If the pair pulls back, the first layer of support is near 1530.
A break above 1561 could restart the uptrend, targeting 1573‑1580.

Read on FXStreet ↗

USD/SGD closed at 1.2930, trading within a 1.2924‑1.2952 band on Monday.
UOB forecasts short‑term range of 1.2925‑1.2955 and 1‑3‑week range of 1.2870‑1.2970.
Neutral stance kept; a break above 1.3000 could aim for a 1.3095 high by Nov 2025.
Momentum indicators are flat, suggesting limited directional bias.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Macro/Economy 38

June CPI rose 3.2% year‑on‑year, the biggest increase since December 2023
Month‑on‑month CPI edged up 0.1% in June, in line with market expectations
Higher global oil prices and a weaker won amplified import‑price pressures
Bank of Korea policy board split 5‑2 on keeping the benchmark rate at 2.50% in May
Two‑thirds of economists expect at least one rate hike by end‑September

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

USMCA extension not secured by Wednesday, leading to an annual review and possible expiration in 2036
Auto sector represents about 18% of US trade with Canada and Mexico and accounts for $182 bn of North American investment, 86% in the US
Proposed rule change would raise regional value content from 75% to 82%, requiring 50% U.S. content, potentially raising costs up to 20% for parts shifts
Industry estimates suggest up to a 50% cost increase for parts moved from China to the US under stricter rules

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Washington will not renew the USMCA in its current form.
The decision was linked to concerns over Canada’s pursuit of Chinese investment.
The non‑renewal could affect trilateral trade flows and may prompt renegotiations of the agreement.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Goldman forecasts total nonfarm payroll gain of 140,000 in June, above the Dow Jones consensus of 115,000
World Cup impact estimated at 40,000 jobs, mainly in leisure, hospitality, professional services and trade sectors
Homebase data shows hospitality hiring up 9.5% in the 11 host cities, while overall hiring fell 1.2% YoY in those cities
Other U.S. cities reported a 3.5% year‑over‑year decline in June hiring

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

The Trump administration announced it will not renew the USMCA for another 16‑year term, triggering yearly reviews.
The pact will stay in effect for another decade unless a member withdraws, but major provisions could be renegotiated.
Decision driven by concerns over U.S. trade deficits with Canada and Mexico and follows recent tariff disputes.
Bilateral negotiations with Mexico are already ongoing; talks with Canada have yet to begin.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Manufacturing PMI came in stronger than forecasted
Non‑manufacturing PMI also exceeded expectations
PBOC overnight reverse repo coupon was 1.25%, below the 1.3‑1.4% consensus
Operational monetary policy target likely to stay anchored to the 7‑day reverse repo rate

Read on FXStreet ↗

India's real GDP grew 7.8% YoY in 1Q26, below revised 8.0% in 3QFY26
Nowcast model points to softer momentum ahead, with growth easing to 6.9% in 2Q26
2026 GDP projected below 2025 levels, averaging 6.5% (CY)

Read on FXStreet ↗

ADP reported private sector job growth of 98,000 in June, versus consensus 110,000.
June's payroll gain fell from 122,000 in May and was driven 48,000 by education and health services.
Small firms (<50 employees) added 53,000 jobs, while large firms (500+) added 25,000.
Annual wage growth stayed at 4.4% for stayers and rose to 6.6% for job switchers.
Wall Street expects nonfarm payrolls of 115,000 and unemployment at 4.3% for June.

Read on CNBC Economy ↗

Global cross‑border securities inflows hit $4 trillion in 2025, up 14% YoY, a record high
Global FDI reached $1.6 trillion in 2025, returning to 2019 levels
China's utilized foreign capital exceeded $100 billion in 2025, with high‑tech sector accounting for ~33%
Foreign‑capital‑backed medical device and aerospace sectors grew 42% and 23% respectively in 2025
By Q1 2026 foreign investors held about $600 billion of Chinese equities, including $90 billion in IT

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗

Trump Accounts, or 530A accounts, launch July 4 as tax-advantaged investment accounts for children, geared towards long-term retirement savings.
Accounts function like IRAs, allowing tax-deferred growth and contributions up to $5,000 annually from family/others and $2,500 from employers.
Babies born 2025-2028 receive a one-time $1,000 Treasury deposit; children born 2016-2024 in certain low-income ZIP codes may get $250 from the Dell Foundation.
Funds are invested in U.S. stock funds, managed by Bank of New York Mellon, with account tracking via a Robinhood-partnered app.
Projections show accounts with initial $1,000 and max annual contributions could grow to $13 million by age 55, based on S&P 500 historical returns.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

BOJ published the June 2026 Tankan survey on July 1, 2026
The release includes a comprehensive data set and long‑term time‑series for business sentiment
Data are available via the BOJ website and the BOJ Time‑Series Data Search tool

Read on Bank of Japan ↗

Shrimp output fell from >640,000 tonnes in 2010 to 270,000‑280,000 tonnes after EMS outbreak in 2012
Export value dropped from >110 billion baht in 2011 to ~40 billion baht, costing ~750 billion baht in lost opportunities over 13 years
Proposed National Action Plan budgets 5.54 billion baht and aims to raise production to 400,000 tonnes
Farmers request government action on diseases and to address Malaysia's suspension of Thai shrimp imports

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) forms panel to work with government on an 80‑90 km Chumphon‑Ranong railway
Project aims to cut cargo transit time by 2‑5 days compared with current routes through the Malacca Strait
Rail line is part of Thailand’s "Land Bridge" plan to position the country as an alternative logistics hub
Environmental concerns over biodiversity loss are highlighted as a key challenge

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Treasury chose BlackRock's IVV and ITOT ETFs, with Vanguard's VTI as alternate
Both BlackRock ETFs have 0.03% expense ratio; program will seed $1,000 per child born 2025‑2028
Program aims to encourage early investing; firms may match the government contribution

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Private economists expect lower inflation in Mexico, with head inflation forecast at 4.20% (down from 4.35% in the previous poll)
Core inflation is expected to dip from 4.22% to 4.18%
GDP forecast remains unchanged at 1.10% for 2026 and 1.80% for 2027

Read on FXStreet ↗

Q1 2026 home battery installations total 673 MW, the highest on record.
State incentives in high‑price regions like California, Hawaii, Texas and Arizona drove the surge.
Home batteries aim to offset rising residential electricity costs and store solar energy for night‑time use.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Noncash payments rose to 236.6 billion in 2024, more than tripling since 2000.
Cards accounted for over three‑quarters of payment count; credit card growth outpaced debit for first time in a decade.
ACH payments represented nearly 75% of noncash payment value in 2024.
Check usage and ATM cash withdrawals continued to decline in both number and value.

Read on Federal Reserve Press ↗

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the United States will not renew the USMCA as is.
The agreement, effective July 1, 2020, is set to expire in 2036 after its first mandatory review.
Washington cites persistent trade deficits with Canada and Mexico as a key reason for the decision.
Negotiations will continue, with a meeting planned with Mexico the week of July 20; annual reviews may begin if no extension is reached.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Two federal judges blocked the Trump administration's rule restricting PSLF eligibility.
The rule would have redefined "qualifying employer" to exclude organizations engaged in unlawful activities, potentially affecting up to 9 million borrowers.
PSLF eligibility remains unchanged; borrowers must work for government or 501(c)(3) nonprofits, have Direct loans, and make 120 qualifying payments.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Kalshi traders assign a 28% chance that CPI will exceed 4.2% this year
U.S. crude oil fell below $70 per barrel, the first sub‑$70 level since the war began
Average U.S. gasoline price dropped to $3.84, down from over $4.50 at its peak
Energy prices made up 60% of May's month‑over‑month CPI increase
Wall Street consensus expects June CPI to fall 0.2% month‑over‑month

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Canada's Q2 GDP rose 0.5% in April, led by energy sector growth of 3.1%
Real GDP tracking a 2.3% annualized increase in Q2, with 2.8% growth per capita
Outlook remains fragile due to tariff uncertainty, weak housing markets, and lingering inflation

Read on FXStreet ↗

Ottawa is evaluating a new highway linking northern Canada to the Arctic Ocean.
The project includes a deep-water port to enable year-round shipping.
The initiative aims to boost northern resource development and improve supply-chain resilience.
Federal officials view the infrastructure as a strategic move for Arctic sovereignty.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Economy has recovered moderately but shows some weakness due to Middle East tensions
Uncertainty from the U.S. tariff policy announced in April 2025 has largely faded after trade agreements
Business sentiment remains favorable, with the Tankan diffusion index staying at a positive level
BOJ kept real GDP growth forecasts for FY2025 and FY2026 unchanged from the January 2025 outlook

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗

Small firms (<500 employees) make up 99.9% of U.S. businesses and delivered 61% of net new jobs since 1995.
The 2025 survey finds nearly 50% of small employer firms use AI, and 71% of those report productivity gains.
The survey celebrates its 10th anniversary as a systemwide effort, expanding coverage of credit conditions and financing frictions.

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's US$13.4 billion program aims to establish 80,000 village cooperatives for rural growth and food security.
Five trainees preparing to manage these cooperatives have died, casting a shadow over the flagship initiative.
The deaths are fueling criticism regarding Prabowo's reliance on military-style drills for civil training within the program.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Current account balances shifted in June, reflecting changes in trade and income flows
Export growth and capital account movements were the primary drivers of the balance change
Market operations were adjusted to accommodate the evolving current account dynamics

Read on Bank of Japan ↗

Seiko introduces watches priced up to 3.85 million yen ($23,800) in Japan.
Franck Muller, Ferragamo and Omega announce price hikes this summer.
Price increases align with a strong Japanese equity market boosting high‑end consumer spending.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

New visa regulations raise the capital threshold for business management visas, leading to a sharp drop in applications
AI entrepreneur Shakhboz Khayrilloev's firm, with investors and growing revenue, exemplifies the talent Japan seeks to attract
Higher visa barriers could undermine Japan's goal of expanding its startup ecosystem

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Daily minimum wage in Metro Manila lifted to 780 pesos from 695 pesos.
The increase equals a 12% rise, the biggest in over two decades.
Inflation is forecast to average 5.1% in 2026, challenging real wage gains.
Critics say the hike may still be insufficient to meet basic household needs.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Nomura estimates a ¥400‑500 bn ($2.5‑$3 bn) profit boost for Japanese firms from U.S. tariff refunds
Refunds arise from tariffs announced by President Trump for "reciprocal" measures
Retail and IT equipment makers expect the windfall, though amounts and timing remain uncertain

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Hong Kong remains at the top of global wealth rankings despite regulatory pressures.
China's recent crackdown on capital flows creates a dilemma for Hong Kong's financial sector.
Experts cite a contradiction between Hong Kong's wealth hub role and tighter mainland controls.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japan unveils $2.3 trillion tech plan centered on deep‑tech startups
Policy targets biotech, artificial intelligence and robotics sectors
Aim is to increase university entrepreneurship and attract venture capital
Goal is to position Japan as a global deep‑tech hub

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Treasury Department mandates that all Trump account balances be placed in low-cost index funds
Eligible funds are limited to those with expense ratios generally below 0.10%
Parents can select from a Treasury‑approved list of broad market index funds

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser spoke at the Economic Society of Australia on 24 June 2026.
He drew parallels between Sir Douglas Copland and Bill Phillips, both New Zealand‑born economists influential in Australia.
Hauser highlighted Copland's roles in the Premiers' Plan, wartime Prices Commission, and founding of ANU, and Phillips' varied early jobs and later ANU chair.

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗

Vietnam lifted its two‑child limit a year ago and now adds incentives for a second child
Maternity leave for mothers with a second child extended from six to seven months
Financial cash assistance introduced for families having a second child

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

India reduced testing of tea imports, allowing factories in eastern Nepal to restart production last week.
Exporters warn that lingering inspection uncertainty could disrupt future shipments.
Cash‑strapped growers are seeking alternative markets amid the regulatory ambiguity.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japanese automakers visited Mercedes‑Benz's truck plant in Stuttgart to study its vocational training schedule.
Germany's apprenticeship system is credited with easing the shortage of qualified mechanics in the auto sector.
Japan aims to adapt similar structured apprenticeship programs to bolster its own automotive workforce.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines will raise fuel surcharges on international flights to a record high for the July‑August travel season.
The surcharge increase targets the peak summer period and is expected to be the highest level recorded by the carriers.
The higher fees are projected to ease after September as fuel price pressures subside.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Central Banks 14

Fed remains committed to bringing inflation down to the 2% target.
Short‑term inflation expectations have eased, but prices are still deemed too high.
Warsh is optimistic on US growth and labour market stability, and highlights AI's long‑term benefits.
No new policy signals; Fed independence and interest rates stay as the main tools.

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

Warsh said inflation is still too high, underscoring persistent price pressures.
He provided no hint on the Fed's July policy move, leaving markets without guidance.
Task‑force leaders for the Fed's new technology and productivity initiatives will be announced next week.
The Fed has kept rates on hold this year as it assesses inflation persistence.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

National Bank of Kazakhstan reduces base rate by 100 basis points to 17%
Annual inflation fell to 10.4% in May, down from a 12.9% peak in September 2025
GDP grew 3.6% YoY in Jan‑Apr 2026, reaching 5.3% excluding the mining sector
Household lending growth slowed to 10.7% in April after a 29% surge in 2024‑25

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗ also: BIS Central Bank Speeches

Inflation in Canada is clearly above the 2% target.
Governor Macklem describes the economy as soft and policy at the bottom of the neutral range.
He signals readiness to act if conditions change, implying possible future rate moves.
The Canadian dollar was the strongest major currency against the euro on the day.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Warsh targets a 9‑12 month timeline to implement new real-time data technologies.
He criticizes reliance on lagging government reports that have contributed to inflation above target for over five years.
The Fed will form five task forces, one dedicated to sourcing and testing new data-gathering methods.
A new BLS chief will be appointed next week, aiming to improve the reliability of the monthly jobs report.
The BEA plans to change inflation data methodology, expecting downward revisions in September.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

BanRep hikes policy rate by 75 basis points to 12%, above the 50‑bp consensus.
Inflation and expectations stay above target; upside risks include El Niño, wages, and food/fuel prices.
Terminal rate remains forecast at 12.5% with further tightening possible through 2027.
No forward guidance was given, underscoring a data‑dependent stance.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Governor highlighted tokenized government bonds to simplify issuance and debt management
Plan includes a unified ledger to track bond lifecycle across institutions
Announcement made during a panel at the ECB Forum
No specific rollout timeline or regulatory details were provided

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Digital euro is positioned as a tool to keep public money accessible as payments become fully digital
Since 1988, 11 Winter Olympics used a single non‑cash payment provider; the 2026 Games sparked public debate on openness
Scotti stresses the need for an open, efficient and resilient digital payment ecosystem in Europe
The initiative aims to preserve the singleness of money while enhancing efficiency and resilience

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗

Read on Bank of Japan ↗

Read on BIS Central Bank Speeches ↗

Energy/Oil 20

Brent crude fell 1.9% to $71.57/bbl, down ~21% in June – its biggest monthly drop since March 2020
U.S. WTI futures slipped 1.3% to $68.58/bbl, over 20% lower in June – worst monthly performance since late 2021
President Trump said denuclearisation talks with Iran are going well after envoys arrived in Qatar
Strait of Hormuz, handling ~20% of world oil traffic, sees limited tanker movement despite optimism

Read on CNBC Energy ↗ also: Al Jazeera

WTI trades near $68.13 per barrel, down about 2.6% on the day
EIA reports a 3.775 million‑barrel draw, tenth straight weekly decline, below the 5.1 million‑barrel expectation
US crude stocks hit their lowest level since September 2018
OPEC+ likely to add roughly 188,000 barrels per day to output in August, matching June and July hikes

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: Investing.com Commodities

Global solar capacity additions surged 11% Y/Y to 647 GW in 2025
Cumulative solar capacity reached 2.9 TW worldwide
Solar and wind surpassed gas-fired generation in April 2026

Read on OilPrice ↗

Europe received 4.41 MT of U.S. LNG in June (42% of total), down from 5.13 MT (50%) in May
Asian spot price (JKM) averaged $17.33/MMBtu in June versus Europe’s TTF $13.19/MMBtu
Egypt imported a record 1.06 MT of U.S. LNG, about 10% of June exports
Total U.S. LNG exports rose to 10.6 MT in June despite a shorter month
Shipments to Asia were 3.25 MT (31% of exports), up from earlier 2026 levels

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Over 70% of China's oil consumption relies on imports, exposing vulnerability to supply shocks.
Imported natural gas and uranium also create strategic dependencies despite domestic production growth.
The Hormuz crisis underscores China's exposure to Middle East oil disruptions and price volatility.
Beijing favors domestic coal and electrification to reduce reliance on foreign hydrocarbons.
China may expand strategic petroleum reserves and use the renminbi in commodity markets to mitigate risks.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Russia admits a gasoline shortage after weeks of refinery strikes caused by drone attacks.
Kremlin says negotiations are under way to import gasoline from foreign suppliers at acceptable prices.
The fuel shortfall threatens domestic market stability despite Russia being the world's second-largest crude producer.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Brent crude down ~13% from mid‑week highs, trading around $72‑73 per barrel, its lowest since Feb 27
U.S. crude inventories fell by 6.072 million barrels, exceeding the forecast draw of 4.1 million
Distillate stocks rose 2.9 million barrels, offsetting some bullishness but remain below seasonal norms
Iran reports shipping over 40 million barrels since U.S. lifted naval blockade, easing supply concerns
Oil prices have dropped about 27% over the past month and ~30% in Q2, the steepest quarterly decline since 2020

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

U.S. crude oil inventories decreased by 3.8 million barrels
Commercial stockpiles now 7% below the five-year average
Drawdown brings stockpiles to 408.4 million barrels

Read on OilPrice ↗

WTI crude oil prices are currently stalled.
Markets are anticipating upcoming ISM manufacturing and Non-Farm Payrolls data.
Manufacturing expectations are a key factor influencing current market sentiment.

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Iran sells oil at 20% premium since US blockade removal
40M barrels exported since June 17 US-Iran agreement
Brent crude trades near $73 a barrel, down 40% from April peak

Read on CNBC Energy ↗

North Sea oil drilling vs. renewables debate intensifies amid global energy shock
U.K. finance minister Rachel Reeves backs new drilling, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband favors clean energy
Two major trade unions campaign for drilling to protect jobs, while Scotland's First Minister John Swinney calls for a balance between oil and gas use and climate goals

Read on CNBC Energy ↗

Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the Feb US‑Iran conflict, remaining 60‑80% above YoY levels.
Prices fell from a peak of $220 per barrel to below $150‑160, but a full recovery may take several months.
IATA maintains a 2.1% net profit margin forecast for Asia‑Pacific airlines and expects 5.1% passenger demand growth this year.
Airline schedule reductions could persist through the summer, limiting capacity despite demand recovery.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Agreement signed last week between SPC, ConocoPhillips and Novaterra ConocoPhillips
Plan includes development of new gas fields and expansion of output at existing sites
U.S. and U.K. aim to shape Syria's post‑Assad energy landscape through the deal

Read on OilPrice ↗

Natural gas futures slipped modestly as traders awaited upcoming inventory reports.
Hot weather boosted cooling demand, but abundant production and high inventories limited price gains.
Analysts note that the forthcoming storage data will likely shape the next price direction.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Russia has dispatched at least 60,000 metric tons (≈510,000 barrels) of gasoline from India via two tankers.
Ukrainian drone strikes have taken offline roughly 30% of Russia's oil refining capacity, sparking domestic fuel shortages.
The imports aim to mitigate the shortage as Russia's refining throughput sharply declines.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Saudi Aramco lowered July OSP for propane to $580/ton, a $180 reduction
Saudi Aramco lowered July OSP for butane to $600/ton, a $220 reduction
Algeria's Sonatrach cut propane OSP to $518/ton (down $57) and butane to $600/ton (down $10)
Price cuts come amid a surge in global LPG supply

Read on OilPrice ↗

Commercial crude stocks dropped 3.8 million barrels in the week ended June 26, per EIA data
Stocks now sit at 408.4 million barrels, about 7% below the five-year seasonal average
The inventory decline could bolster crude prices amid tight supply conditions

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

JERA creates wholly‑owned JERA Global Energy Solutions (JERA GES) to handle LNG, upstream, low‑carbon fuels and shipping
The new arm will act as a vertically integrated LNG company to quickly respond to market volatility
JERA GES prioritises security of supply for Japan, its biggest LNG importer and largest power producer

Read on OilPrice ↗

WTI crude price stabilizes around $70/bbl after recent volatility
Upside trade in oil not yet over, with potential for further gains
Supply concerns and OPEC+ output cuts to support prices

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Amazon Prime members get $0.50 off per gallon at >7,500 bp, Amoco, ampm and Thorntons locations from July 2‑5
Discount is five times the standard $0.10 per‑gallon Amazon Prime fuel discount
National average gasoline price is $3.85 per gallon, still $0.67 above a year ago
Discount accessed via earnify™ app after linking Amazon account; a second household member can also use it
Prime members also get Whole Foods food discounts and a $5 monthly grocery credit for Prime Access members

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Gold/Metals 11

Gold fell ~28% from its Jan 29 high of $5,602 to around $4,025
Q2 2026 recorded a 14% quarterly loss, the steepest since Q2 2013
Price is below the 50‑day SMA (~$4,384) and 200‑day SMA (~$4,585), signaling bearish technical bias
Rising Treasury yields, a firmer dollar and fading geopolitical premium have pressured gold
Despite a 20% YTD gain, the near‑term outlook hinges on upcoming jobs data

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

US‑Iran conflict in its 124th day with no direct talks, maintaining geopolitical risk
Gold futures trading below the 200‑day EMA (~$4,321) since June 5 2026
Bearish crossover as the 9‑day EMA ($4,110) and 20‑day EMA ($4,209) fell below the 200‑EMA
Immediate resistance at $4,124.19, with selling pressure likely to erase recent gains
Lower highs and lower lows persist despite a bullish doji on the daily chart

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Gold up ~2% to $4,083/oz despite a firm US dollar (DXY 101.35) and 10‑yr Treasury yield at 4.465%
US ADP employment missed (98k vs 113k forecast) and ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 53.3, showing mixed data
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated commitment to price stability, keeping a hawkish tone
Risk‑off sentiment lifted bullion, but technicals stay bearish below $4,100; next resistance at $4,220

Read on FXStreet ↗

Gold price climbs to about $4,045 per ounce in early Asian trading.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh refrains from signaling a July rate hike, lowering rate‑rise expectations.
US June non‑farm payrolls data slated for later Thursday, keeping focus on labour market.
Qatar reports positive progress in indirect US‑Iran talks, supporting safe‑haven demand.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Sinda Ltd. IPO raised ~ $323 million, pricing at $12/share; Fresnillo invested $110 million for ~5% stake
Primary silver mines supplied only ~26% of 2025 output, the rest came as by‑product of other metals
2026 silver market projected to face a 46.3 million‑ounce deficit, the sixth consecutive annual shortfall
Sinda’s first production not expected until 2031, so no near‑term supply impact
Silver price slipped to around $60/oz after peaking at $121.62 in January, reflecting a correction

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Gold fell for a third straight session to $3,983.07 per ounce, its lowest level since November.
The metal is down about 14% in Q2, marking its steepest quarterly decline.
Oil and gold had moved together on US‑Iran war fears but are now diverging.
The split indicates differing drivers for each commodity as the war risk recedes.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Silver up 3.19% to about $60.35 per ounce.
US ADP payrolls +98K vs expectations +113K; ISM PMI fell to 53.3.
Fed's Kevin Warsh says no forward guidance, easing inflation risks, weakening the dollar.
Investors await Thursday's NFP report for further Fed policy direction.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Asian markets drive gold price rebounds during US trading hours
Heightened geopolitical concerns and investor sentiment impact gold prices
Asian trading hours show growing relevance in gold price discovery

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Analysts expect gold prices to stay under pressure
Forecasts suggest further downside in the coming months
Negative sentiment driven by rising real yields and strong dollar

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Silver (XAG/USD) has been confined to a $55.70‑$60.00 range for five consecutive days
RSI is rising but remains bearish, suggesting a corrective bounce may be imminent
A move above $60 would open the path to test the 200‑day SMA near $69.80 and resistance at $70‑$71.56
If price falls below $55.70, next support is $54.39, with $50 as a psychological floor

Read on FXStreet ↗

Gold futures gained for a second straight day at the start of July
Silver futures also rose, marking two consecutive sessions of gains
The upward move signals a positive early‑July trend for precious metals

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Crypto 40

Bitcoin climbed over $60,000, up more than 2% in the past 24 hours.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said inflation risks have declined and reaffirmed the 2% target.
Warsh highlighted AI-driven investment could boost U.S. productive capacity, hinting at future policy implications.
Major central banks signaled a shift away from explicit forward guidance on interest rates.

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: Cointelegraph

Christopher Delgado, former CEO of Goliath Ventures, pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges.
The case involves a $400 million crypto Ponzi scheme.
Delgado agreed to forfeit properties, vehicles, luxury goods, and crypto wallets as part of his plea.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗ also: CoinDesk

MiCA took effect on June 30, mandating crypto firms serving EU customers to hold a license or stop operating
Compliance costs could shrink licensed providers from about 3,000 to 300‑400, favoring larger firms
Regulators may struggle to police offshore platforms, sparking fairness concerns for startups

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Citi cuts Bitcoin target to $82,000 from $112,000 and Ether target to $2,240 from $3,175
Bank now expects net zero ETF inflows for crypto over the next 12 months after $4 billion net outflows in June
Bitcoin trades around $58,400 and Ether around $1,570, both below their 200‑day moving averages
Bull case still sees Bitcoin up to $108,000 and Ether $2,932; bear case projects Bitcoin $53,000 and Ether $1,094
Weak U.S. legislative progress and shifting investor sentiment toward AI cited as main catalysts for the downgrade

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Binance cuts off European users amid financial-crime concerns
EU regulator advises blocking Binance's application to operate under new regime
Impact on European crypto market remains uncertain

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Bitcoin fell 22.2% in Q1 and 14.09% in Q2, only the third time this has occurred (previously in 2018 and 2022)
Record outflows from U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs, subdued on-chain activity, and a strong dollar weigh on prices
Analysts warn $40,000 could be next key support level amid weak seasonal patterns for Q3
2018 and 2022 saw no recovery after similar starts, with Q4 declines of 42% and 15% respectively
Investor rotation into AI stocks and lack of panic selling suggest a structural rather than cyclical downturn

Read on CoinDesk ↗

MiCA entered full effect on July 1, ending the grandfathering period for crypto‑asset service providers.
The European Commission opened a consultation in May to consider updates, with a focus on stablecoins and tokenisation.
Around 20 euro‑denominated stablecoins have been authorised under MiCA, but reserve‑rule and cross‑border issues are under review.
Potential reforms include a third‑country equivalence regime and tighter redemption safeguards for multi‑issuance structures.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

The 18-month transitional period for the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) concluded on Wednesday.
A final wave of licenses was issued to crypto firms across Europe, including Italy, France, Malta, and Spain.
The European Securities and Markets Authority's (ESMA) interim register now lists 244 authorized Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) across the EU and EEA.
Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, remains unlicensed under MiCA, having withdrawn its application in Greece and planning to seek authorization elsewhere.
Largest MiCA-authorized exchanges by spot orderbook liquidity include OKX, Coinbase, Bybit, Crypto.com, Gate, and Bitstamp.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Ark Invest bought $44M of Coinbase shares, $25M of Circle Internet shares, and $8.2M of Bullish shares in June
Circle shares slumped 40% in June, ending at $62.63
Coinbase shares fell 20% to $146.19, while Bullish shares dropped 27% to $23.43

Read on CoinDesk ↗

XRP-linked ETFs added $59.4 million in June, a third straight month of net inflows
HYPE funds notched up $161 million in net inflows during the month
Bitcoin and ether ETFs saw record outflows

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Bitcoin and Ether open interest saw a sharp decline.
The crypto market experienced $8.35 billion in long liquidations.
Liquidity was reduced due to ETF outflows, weaker Strategy purchases, and declining market depth.
The market overall has less leverage following a Q2 reset.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin fell to $57,700, triggering $395M in liquidations with puts trading at premium to calls on Deribit
Gold futures OI hit record 222K XAU tokens as spot price forms a bearish death cross (50-day SMA below 200-day)
September expiry $50K BTC put block trade suggests traders expect ~15% decline by end-Q3

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Aave added 1,806 new wallets in a single day, the highest since October 2021, per Santiment
AAVE token up ~9% over the past week to ~$86.2, despite broader crypto market weakness
Protocol now holds ~$12.2B in total value locked, with V4 upgrade and revenue-focused changes driving interest

Read on CoinDesk ↗

US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $4.5B in June outflows, a record high
Year-to-date outflows total $5.5B, an unprecedented pace
Outflows eclipsed Strategy's $1.25B raise in June

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin dropped about 20% in June, sliding below $60,000, its worst monthly performance since June 2022
The June monthly candlestick is a solid red Marubozu with virtually no wicks, indicating uninterrupted bear dominance
Analysts see the pattern as a warning of further losses, targeting a potential bottom between $48,000 and $55,000
At time of writing Bitcoin was trading near $58,600

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Taiwan's legislature passed a law regulating crypto and stablecoins, requiring approval from the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) to operate.
Stablecoins issued in Taiwan must get approval from the central bank and the FSC, with issuers maintaining sufficient reserves and undergoing regular audits.
The law outlaws crypto-based fraud and price manipulation, with violators facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 200 million New Taiwan dollars ($6.3 million).

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Ethereum Institutional nonprofit announced to provide a neutral front door for banks, asset managers and enterprises
Founded by former Ethereum Foundation enterprise lead David Walsh and colleagues Marius Smith and Matthew Dawson
Backed by BitMine, Nasdaq‑listed SharpLink Gaming and co‑founder Joseph Lubin, with more supporters expected

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: CoinDesk·Cointelegraph

Trump disclosed $2.24 billion in revenue for 2025, up from $622 million in 2024.
Approximately $1.2 billion of the 2025 revenue is tied to cryptocurrency-related income.
Crypto earnings include about $580 million from World Liberty Financial’s WLFI token and USD1 stablecoin, plus $635 million in royalties from CIC Digital’s Celebration Coins.
Trump said his money is managed by outside institutions and he does not interact with them.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗ also: WSJ Markets

EURXT issued by Crédit Agricole's Caceis arm, backed 1:1 by euro reserves
20 million EURXT tokens launched on Ethereum, versus 378 million Circle EURC and 124 million SocGen EURCV
Stablecoin complies with EU MiCA regulations and settled a tokenized Amundi money‑market fund subscription
Euro‑stablecoin market has doubled in the past year, now about 0.5% of total stablecoin market share

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: Cointelegraph

More than 20,000 trades were executed by the president's accounts last year
The portfolio's total value reached approximately $2 billion
Investments included significant positions in cryptocurrency and real estate
Trading activity reflects a high‑frequency approach compared with typical private portfolios

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Franklin Templeton transferred a tokenized US Treasury to Virtu Financial via Tradeweb
Settlement occurred in real time against the USDCx stablecoin, the first of its kind
Transaction was executed on the Canton Network, linking traditional bonds with digital assets

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin recovered from a 21-month low near $57,000, climbing back toward the $60,000 threshold.
The bounce occurs despite elevated leveraged positions on crypto exchanges, raising caution among traders.
Analysts view the $57,000 level as potential support, but the market remains vulnerable to further downside.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Robinhood rolled out the public mainnet of Robinhood Chain, a layer‑2 built on Arbitrum, live in over 120 countries
Robinhood Earn offers an estimated 7% annual yield on the USDG stablecoin via a self‑custody lending product
Robinhood shares rose about 5% after the announcement, still roughly 30% below their October peak
The firm is expanding crypto trading to the UK and adding perpetual futures on commodities, ETFs and FX in Europe
Robinhood announced a 10% workforce reduction, cutting roughly 290 jobs

Read on CoinDesk ↗

The guide cites Ethereum's uninterrupted uptime since 2015 and roughly $76 billion of ETH staked as of March 2026
It promotes use cases such as digital identity, public records and asset tokenisation for governments and institutions
The foundation urges policymakers to distinguish decentralized public blockchains from corporate‑controlled networks

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Bitcoin has slid for nearly 9 months with EMA, WMA, MACD and DMI all indicating a short bias.
Four of the five worst historical Bitcoin drawdowns exceeded 80%; a similar move could target $22,000.
Proposed bear call spread on MSTR (short $87 / long $90) offers a $1.50 credit with max profit/loss of $1.50.
Gold and silver have broken below long‑term moving averages, while copper holds and aluminum fell below its 200‑day MA.
Using defined‑risk option spreads is advised to capture income while the crypto market remains bearish.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Tennessee's ban on crypto ATMs becomes effective today.
Georgia implements new restrictions on crypto ATM operations.
Minnesota crypto ATM operators must comply by Aug. 1.
The moves signal heightened regulatory pressure on crypto services in the US.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Anchorage Digital launches off-exchange settlement service on Binance.
The service targets exchange counterparty risk, a key barrier for institutional investors.
Integration is expected to attract more institutional capital into crypto markets.
Anchorage expands its custody suite, offering direct settlement without using Binance's order book.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Circle (CRCL) shares rebounded 5% after a 17% plunge, but analysts see continued headwinds.
Open USD consortium backed by over 140 firms (Stripe, Coinbase, Visa, Mastercard, BlackRock) could pressure USDC growth.
Circle holds about 25% of the $300 bn stablecoin market; competition may affect its supply growth and revenue.
Jefferies advises against buying the dip, citing regulatory and coordination risks for the new consortium.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Cantor forecasts Bitcoin bottom in late October, roughly 384 days after its peak
Bitcoin is down about 51% from its 2025 high, trading near $59,500
Report urges focus on networks that turn usage into lasting token demand, citing Hyperliquid's fee‑driven model
Digital‑asset treasury firms Forward Industries and Cypherpunk Technologies receive overweight ratings

Read on CoinDesk ↗

EU's MiCA deadline of July 1 forces unlicensed crypto spot platforms to wind down, while derivatives are excluded
Approximately 80% of crypto trading volume occurs in perpetual futures, which remain outside MiCA's scope
Offshore platforms offer up to 200x leverage on Bitcoin perps, with retail loss rates of 74‑89% similar to EU CFD losses
ESMA warns that crypto perps may fall under CFD rules, but enforcement against offshore providers is limited

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Police released a technical report outlining forensic methods to trace Bitcoin, Ethereum and other tokens
China’s 2021 crypto ban was expanded earlier this year to cover stablecoins and tokenised assets
The new toolkit can freeze wallets and seize illicit crypto despite ongoing scams
The crackdown signals tighter enforcement that could curb crypto activity in China

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Standard Chartered sets a $60 price target for MORPHO by 2030, implying ~33x upside from current $2.13 level
The bank forecasts a 37‑fold expansion in total DeFi assets by 2030, which it expects Morpho to track
MORPHO token rose over 13% in the last 24 hours, trading around $2.13 at publication
Morpho combines a lending protocol (Morpho Markets) with infrastructure (Morpho Vaults) for on‑chain banks and asset managers

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Attacker inflated tokenized Google share collateral to about 78x its true price, creating $403,000 in bad debt
Edel Finance paused its version‑1 lending protocol and will absorb the loss, offering a white‑hat settlement to the attacker
Exploit originated from the wrapping mechanism between GOOGLx and wGOOGLx, not from Chainlink price oracles

Read on CoinDesk ↗

AI, Federal Reserve policy and shifting market structure expected to drive crypto and equity volatility in H2 2024
Bitcoin's four‑year cycle remains intact; analysts target a bear‑market bottom between $54,000 and $58,000
Rising correlations among stocks, bonds, commodities and crypto suggest policy‑driven market swings

Read on CoinDesk ↗

World prediction market goes live on Solana, accessible via Phantom wallet and world.xyz
Platform settles trades with Phantom's CASH stablecoin and relies on Chainlink Data Streams for oracle data
Users can trade event contracts on crypto prices, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and other sports, geopolitics and macro markets
World follows Jupiter's Forecast beta, which launched June 29 offering 15‑minute Bitcoin price markets

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Circle CEO emphasizes USDC's extensive network of partners and integrations
New stablecoin OUSD is viewed as a potential challenger to the Circle‑Tether duopoly
Analysts point to unresolved governance, operational and revenue‑sharing questions for OUSD

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Trump’s crypto‑related income in 2025 exceeded $1.4 billion, dwarfing his real‑estate revenue.
Memecoin royalties generated about $635 million; DeFi token sales added roughly $588 million.
Real‑estate and resort earnings were about $290 million, far below crypto profits.
Trump holds over $50 million in Bitcoin and between $5 million and $25 million in Ether.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

UK investors claim losses exceeding $132,000 each from Binance derivatives
Total damages sought in the lawsuit amount to $200 million
The case targets Binance and its CEO Changpeng Zhao over alleged misconduct
Legal action follows recent regulatory scrutiny of Binance in the UK

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

TD9 technical indicator generated its first reversal signal since July 2022
Signal emerges as Bitcoin approaches the bottom of its 2022 downtrend
Analysts interpret the reversal as a potential end to the bear market

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Carl Rinsch received a 2.5‑year prison term for diverting Netflix production money.
Funds were used to buy Dogecoin, equities and luxury items.
The case underscores legal risks of misappropriating funds for cryptocurrency investments.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Geopolitics 50

US company SpaceX excludes Chinese and Hong Kong investors from IPO due to ITAR compliance
China's Decree 837 codifies control over outbound technology transfer, classifying AI model weights as protectable state assets
Xi Jinping's Qiushi directive outlines China's 'new economic growth points' in AI, energy, and human capital

Read on The Diplomat ↗ also: SCMP Economy

US and Iranian officials met in Doha for indirect negotiations
Talks are mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, aiming to de‑escalate the war
Diplomat confirms discussions are underway after prior announcement of technical talks

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: SCMP Economy·FXStreet

Russia and China intensify competition for security and economic influence across Central Asia
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other republics pursue diversified foreign policies to reduce reliance on any single power
The United States and European Union increase diplomatic and investment outreach to counterbalance Russian‑Chinese dominance
Major infrastructure projects, including Belt and Road initiatives and Russian rail links, accelerate strategic competition

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Court voted 6-3 to strike down a 50-year-old law capping coordinated party spending with candidates
Previous caps ranged from $127,000 for House races to $3.9 million for Senate races in populous states
Political parties can now spend unlimited amounts in coordination with candidates, shifting funds from super PACs
Analysts expect the change to benefit Republicans, who currently out‑raise Democrats in fundraising

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Court blocked Trump's reciprocal tariffs and effort to end birthright citizenship, citing congressional authority and the 14th Amendment
Ruling upheld Federal Reserve independence, requiring procedural steps before Trump can fire Fed member Lisa Cook
Decisions affirmed presidential immunity for official acts and authority to dismiss heads of independent agencies, broadening executive power
Court continued reliance on the shadow docket, issuing unsigned orders that can affect lower courts without full briefing

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

China expands its export-control list by adding 20 Japanese entities.
The action heightens tensions in the US-Japan-China geopolitical triangle.
Analysts warn the escalation could undermine regional trade and supply-chain stability.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Israeli drone strike near a Gaza hospital and fuel station kills at least three Palestinians.
The attack follows an October ceasefire that has largely paused large‑scale fighting.
Gaza's Health Ministry reports over 73,000 Palestinians killed since the war began in October 2023.
Since the truce, 1,053 Palestinians have been killed and 3,406 wounded, according to Gaza's Government Media Office.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Ukrainian drone attacks are pressuring Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.
Member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are questioning Moscow's leadership, indicating weakening cohesion.
Armenia re-elected Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, highlighting a decline in Kremlin influence over the country.

Read on OilPrice ↗

RSF intensifies attacks on el‑Obeid, the worst since the 2023 Sudan war began
Seizing el‑Obeid would give RSF dominance over western Sudan, currently held by the Sudanese army
Hundreds of thousands of civilians face displacement and risk of mass atrocities as fighting escalates

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Israel's March 2026 assault killed 4,257 people, wounded more than 12,000 and displaced over 1.2 million at its peak
UNDP reports 11,095 buildings completely destroyed; satellite data shows 45% of southern Lebanon's urban areas damaged or razed
Approximately 6% of Lebanese territory is now occupied by Israeli forces, with villages such as Naqoura, Bint Jbeil and Kfar Kila flattened
Psychological impact is severe, with displaced residents facing loss of identity and heightened mental‑health disorders amid an existing crisis

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

US and Israel reported striking over 13,000 targets and conducting about 10,800 attacks on roughly 4,000 sites in less than 40 days.
Israeli officials claim 60% of Iran's missile launchers and around 250 air‑defence systems were taken out of operation.
U.S. CENTCOM testified that more than 85% of Iran's ballistic‑missile, drone and naval defence‑industrial base has been damaged or destroyed.
U.S. reports indicate over 155 Iranian vessels were damaged or sunk, including the warship IRIS Dena with 104 crew fatalities.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Alibaba Group files a lawsuit against the Pentagon alleging misuse of its AI data, marking a rare corporate‑government clash.
The 2023 U.S.–China rare‑earth supply truce shows signs of breaking, with Beijing hinting at reduced export controls.
Washington’s approval of new arms sales to Taiwan escalates military‑security concerns in the Strait.
The recent Xi‑Trump summit produced limited concrete outcomes, with analysts calling the agenda “anaemic.”
Experts say China is leveraging diplomatic channels to out‑maneuver the Trump administration on trade and security issues.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Islamabad MOU establishes 60-day roadmap to end Iran-U.S. tensions and reopen Strait of Hormuz
Pakistan’s diplomatic breakthrough contrasts with severe economic strain under $7B IMF program
Diplomatic momentum hinges on translating geopolitical role into tangible economic support

Read on The Diplomat ↗

U.S. Vice President JD Vance participated in high-level talks with Iran on June 22 in Lucerne, Switzerland
Negotiations are complicated by lingering issues over sanctions, guarantees and frozen assets from the former JCPOA
Analyst Vali Kaleji warns that unresolved legacy disputes could hinder progress on a new nuclear agreement

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Xi marks the Communist Party's 105th anniversary, calling it the world's largest ruling party.
He urges party members to stay disciplined amid rapidly changing global headwinds.
The speech signals confidence ahead of an upcoming leadership reshuffle in China.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: SCMP Economy

India is in early talks to sell BrahMos cruise missiles to the United Arab Emirates.
Discussions also cover the Akashteer automated air‑defence command system.
Analysts say a deal would be a confidence booster for India's push into the global arms market.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: The Diplomat

Chief negotiator Thanut Suvarnananda will involve NGOs, youth, women and other civil groups in dialogue with the BRN.
Residents rank personal safety above all, followed by economy, investment and employment concerns.
Violent incidents fell to 503 last year, with attacks now mainly targeting armed personnel rather than civilians.
New framework allows community representatives to meet BRN directly in Malaysia, shifting focus to security, livelihoods, education and narcotics.

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

In 2019 the Trump administration revoked California's Clean Air Act waiver that let the state set its own GHG standards
President Trump has renewed pressure on California this year, using federal agencies to enforce stricter fossil‑fuel rules
The latest clash involves SpaceX, with the White House demanding compliance with new federal directives

Read on OilPrice ↗

Federal Judge Emmet Sullivan blocked the USPS proposal that would require states to list absentee voters and could reject non‑conforming ballots.
Ruling enforces a 2021 settlement obligating the Postal Service to prioritize timely delivery of election mail.
Decision comes weeks before the Nov 3 midterm elections, marking another setback to the Trump administration's voting‑restriction efforts.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Deputy party International Department head Sun Haiyan reiterated Beijing does not aim to become a regional hegemon
Beijing highlighted "harmonious coexistence" as a core principle, rejecting a militaristic stance
China pledged to deepen energy cooperation with ASEAN countries

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

The United States and Israel signed a lease agreement for land in West Jerusalem to host a permanent US embassy.
The lease is valued at a symbolic $1, underscoring the diplomatic nature of the deal.
The arrangement formalizes the embassy location, ending the temporary site set up during the Trump administration.
The move diminishes expectations for a future Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Opposition figures Eisenkot, Lapid and Bennett denounce Netanyahu's handling of Gaza, Lebanon and Iran wars while backing the campaigns themselves.
They argue Netanyahu is overly influenced by U.S. President Trump, yet share the same strategic objectives against Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran.
Polls show Eisenkot as a leading potential successor; the opposition’s stance mirrors public sentiment after the Oct 7 attack that killed 1,139 Israelis.
The war in Gaza has resulted in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, a figure cited to underscore the conflict’s humanitarian toll.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

7 people sentenced to prison over protest outside Prairieland Detention Center
Sentences range from nearly 2 to 50 years, with 1 defendant receiving 50 years
Prosecutors linked defendants to antifa, but defendants deny links

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Carroll requests prompt disbursement of the $5 million verdict plus $800 k accrued interest
Trump asks the court to postpone payment while exploring a petition for rehearing, which is unlikely to succeed
The Supreme Court declined to hear Trump’s appeal of the $5 million judgment
A separate $83.3 million verdict against Trump remains under appeal

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited Seoul on June 27‑28, his first trip in office and the second ministerial exchange within a year.
The visit follows recent milestones: first “2+2” foreign‑defense talks in May and the resumption of joint maritime rescue drills after a nine‑year pause.
Both sides pledged continued cooperation on aerobatic teams and reaffirmed commitment to denuclearization, while ACSA negotiations remain stalled due to domestic sensitivities.
The talks underscore a gradual normalization of Japan‑South Korea security ties amid broader regional concerns over North Korea, Russia and China.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

A foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz while using a route not approved by Iran.
Iranian state TV used the incident to stress Tehran's claim over the strait, which carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
The grounding occurs amid heightened tensions after the US‑Israel war against Iran that began on Feb 28.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Yorgen Fenech, a Maltese businessman, is charged with orchestrating the 2017 car bomb killing of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The murder triggered a political crisis that led to the resignation of Malta's government in 2019.
The trial begins nine years after the attack, with prosecutors presenting evidence linking Fenech to the crime.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Vice President and two real‑estate investors, Jared Kushner and Steven Witkoff, head the US Iran talks.
Kushner's firm Affinity Partners manages over $5 billion, chiefly funded by Saudi, UAE and Qatari sovereign wealth funds.
Witkoff invested in a crypto venture that sold a 49% stake to Emirati Aryam Investment in January 2025.
Both negotiators have extensive financial ties to Gulf states and Israeli entities, raising conflict‑of‑interest alarms.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Russia's antitrust watchdog gave Apple until July 15 to remedy alleged discriminatory practices
Non‑compliance could trigger a fine of up to 4 billion roubles (about $52 million)
Apple must pre‑install Russian software, including search engines and messenger Max, on its devices

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned the United States to approach Taiwan affairs with "utmost caution".
The warning was delivered during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
It marks the first reported cabinet‑level communication between the two nations since President Trump's May visit to China.
Both diplomats described the conversation as "positive and constructive" while urging expanded cooperation and risk management.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Rubio met Tajik Foreign Minister to push for expanded antimony trade with the U.S.
Tajikistan accounts for roughly 25% of global antimony output and holds the third‑largest reserves.
U.S. imports 20,000‑25,000 tons of antimony annually, mainly from China, which halted exports in Dec 2024, doubling prices.
No antimony contract has been signed yet; Chinese and Russian firms dominate Tajik production.
The dialogue follows a $3 billion U.S.–Tajik commercial pact, but antimony remains tied to Chinese supply.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Chinese fans, despite no national team in the World Cup, heavily support star players like Ronaldo and Messi, underscoring China's massive football market.
The European Union faces a looming trade deadline that could trigger new tariff measures if negotiations stall.
The roundup covers seven diverse stories on sports, trade and diplomatic ties, highlighting shifting global engagement patterns.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Amnesty International alleges RSF carried out crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in El-Fasher between 2024‑2025
The allegations come amid Sudan's civil war that started in April 2023, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions
A UN independent fact‑finding mission in February confirmed atrocities by both the army and RSF

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

President Lee Jae-myung appointed Han Sung-sook as South Korea’s second female prime minister, taking office July 1
National Assembly confirmed Han with 166 votes in favor and 1 invalid ballot, while the opposition People Power Party abstained
Only 569 of 782 government‑proposed bills (about 73%) remain pending in the National Assembly, highlighting a legislative backlog
The ruling Democratic Party’s internal race features Kim Min‑seok, Song Young‑gil and Jung Chung‑rae for the DP chair election on August 17
DP’s recent local‑election performance fell short, failing to retake Seoul’s mayoralty and winning several seats by narrow margins

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Canadian PM Mark Carney urged middle powers to unite at the World Economic Forum, criticizing US economic pressure.
Carney’s remarks came as President Trump hinted at seizing Greenland and continued a tariff dispute with Canada.
U.S. security experts argue middle‑power coalitions lack capacity to reshape the international order.
Japan’s strategy of deeper US ties and increased defence spending is praised as a pragmatic middle‑power approach.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Former PM Mahathir and Islamist party PAS called on voters to prioritize "Malay-Muslim political power" in Johor.
The call was made ahead of Malaysia's Johor state election, a closely watched poll.
Johor, a southern state bordering Singapore, is a stronghold for the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).
The election highlights the ongoing racial politics in Malaysia.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Lipulekh Pass in the Himalayas reopened for cross‑border trade after a six‑year shutdown
Reopening follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent visit to New Delhi
Analysts view the move as a goodwill gesture but warn the underlying border dispute remains

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, was killed in a US-Israeli air strike at age 86
His funeral, originally postponed due to the Middle East war, is now scheduled as a grand ceremony
The ceremony coincides with a fragile ceasefire after both sides signed a preliminary deal to halt hostilities

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

People's Party candidate Chaiwat Sathawornwichit finished third in the Bangkok governor race on June 28, 2024
The loss marks a stark contrast to the party's sweeping victory in the February 2024 general election
Observers say the result is a reality check for the opposition after its earlier national success

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

China labels Japan's policies as "new militarism" after PM Sanae Takaichi's November remarks on a hypothetical Taiwan emergency
The claim is echoed in joint statements with Russia and North Korea and now also with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar
Beijing seeks to rally allied nations against Japan's security stance, extending its narrative beyond traditional partners

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Nadiem Makarim, ex‑education minister and Gojek co‑founder, receives a 10‑year prison term
Court fines him 810 billion rupiah (about $45 million)
The laptop procurement graft case heightens political risk concerns and investor confidence in Indonesia

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Trump took his first flight on a retrofitted Boeing 747 now designated Air Force One
The aircraft, valued at about $400 million, was presented by Qatar and entered the fleet last month
Extensive security upgrades funded by U.S. taxpayers were required before the jet could be cleared for use

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: CNBC Top News

Three independent agencies (EC, NACC, SAO) request almost 10 billion baht in the 2027 budget
Election Commission allocated 608 million baht but has resolved only 94 of 311 complaints
NACC's 1 billion baht budget processes only 3,000 of 6,000 cases annually
MP warns the agencies' structure may entrench the "blue regime" in Thai politics
Overall fiscal bill targets 3.7 trillion baht spending

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Trump was given 10 FIFA Club World Cup tickets valued at $15,000.
Disclosure also listed $50,000 in Super Bowl tickets and $25,000 in U.S. Open tickets.
European Parliament members urged FIFA ethics committee to act on a complaint over the gift.
Trump is slated to present the World Cup trophy on July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Democratic candidate wins Colorado primary, securing place in November general election
Campaign supported by a PAC funded with $1 million from Ripple co‑founder's political action committee
The victory highlights crypto‑aligned political involvement in a key swing state

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

1,029 excess deaths attributed to heat in June
Second-hottest June on record in Spain
Average temperatures 3.2°C higher than normal

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Malaysia extends jurisdiction to prosecute child sex crimes committed overseas
Courts can now prosecute some sexual offences against children committed abroad
Lawyers and advocates warn of challenges in securing evidence and cooperation from foreign governments

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Hongkongers cross border for dining, shopping, and leisure options
Major border checkpoints experience heavy traffic on July 1
Holidaymakers seek short getaway on public holiday

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its 1997 handover to China on July 1.
A flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square will be led by Chief Executive John Lee and senior officials.
Businesses across the city are launching special promotions and deals to celebrate the occasion.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

The piece argues the Trump family is monetizing the presidency.
It claims such profit-making demeans the office of the President.
The article frames the behavior as unethical and contrary to public service.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Tech/AI 47

US firms plan to spend about $650 bn on AI infrastructure in 2024, up from $410 bn in 2025 forecasts.
Nasdaq fell ~11% in March from its October peak, then rebounded 15.3% in April.
South Korea's KOSPI posted its strongest quarterly gain in nearly 30 years after a ~10% drop the week before.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Micron (MU) fell 11%, erasing about $138 billion in market value.
Intel (INTC) dropped 9% and AMD (AMD) slipped 7% as the sector reversed a $2 trillion Q2 rally.
VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) declined over 5% after a 71% gain from April to June.
Key equipment makers Lam Research (LRCX), KLA Corp (KLAC) and Applied Materials (AMAT) each fell at least 10%.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Nvidia’s supply chain emissions more than doubled in 3 years amid 26% annual GPU shipment growth
TSMC’s planned Fab 25 in Taiwan to consume 1 GW power (Taichung city’s total) and 100k tonnes water/day
Taiwan’s semiconductor sector may account for 24% of island’s electricity by 2030 vs 12% in 2024
South Korea’s Yongin Mega-cluster to rely on 3 GW LNG units by 2030 despite 15 GW demand
Nvidia recommended voting against shareholder proposal to report lifecycle carbon emissions

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Chinese researchers claim a prototype EUV lithography machine exists, targeting operational chips by 2030
Key technical chokepoints are high‑power EUV light source, ultra‑smooth mirrors, and ultra‑pure photoresist chemicals
Analysts are split: optimistic view sees pilot‑line capability by 2030, skeptics warn commercial viability may take decades
Western export controls have barred ASML scanners from China since 2019, prompting domestic reverse‑engineering efforts

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Ives sets 12‑month price target of $190 for SpaceX, implying ~11% upside from current $163 price.
Bullish case hinges on Starship’s reusability lowering launch costs and boosting Starlink satellite capacity.
SpaceX holds ~82% share of private launch market and reported $5 billion net loss in 2025; market cap near $2.3 trillion.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Kling AI to raise $3B in funding round, valuing at $18B post-investment
Valuation narrowed from initial target of $20B in April
Kuaishou-backed AI firm faces increasing competition in China's AI video generation sector

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Tech stocks continue to outperform, with the Nasdaq up 10% YTD
Japan's economy is showing signs of recovery, with GDP growth at 1.8%
Gold prices have fallen 5% in the past month, as investors turn to tech

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

SpaceX displayed a slimmer-than-iPhone prototype that resembles a handset
Musk called the report of the device "utterly false"
Prototype would run on a proprietary OS using xAI technology, hinting at Starlink Mobile expansion

Read on TechCrunch ↗ also: Channel NewsAsia Business

U.S. Commerce Dept removed the export‑license requirement for Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable models, restoring access on July 1.
The restriction, imposed on June 12, had forced Anthropic to halt public availability of the models.
Anthropic agreed to proactively detect security risks and cooperate with the government, while Asian rivals such as Fugu and Tulongfeng approach Mythos‑level capability.
OpenAI’s latest models were also released to a limited set of organizations approved by the Trump administration.

Read on TechCrunch ↗ also: Ars Technica

Apple is developing four new iPad Pro models with faster chips for release in the first half of 2025
An entry‑level MacBook Pro (internal code K104) and the first M7 processor are slated for launch in early 2025
Recent price hikes, such as the MacBook Pro 1TB price jump from $1,699 to $1,999, may be offset by these more budget‑friendly devices

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Jensen Huang calls humanoid robots a "multitrillion-dollar economic opportunity"
Nvidia is allocating resources to develop robotics hardware and AI software platforms
Analysts anticipate upside for NVDA and robotics‑focused ETFs as the sector expands

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Thailand's new Joint Capabilities Command (JCC) will begin operations on Oct 1 as a "fifth armed force".
JCC will concentrate on five strategic capability areas: AI, electromagnetic spectrum operations, military robotics, air defence, and space technology.
Supreme Commander Gen Ukrit Boontanon warned that the exponential technology curve is rising steeply, urging rapid adoption of emerging tech.

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

WhatsApp began reserving usernames, a feature that could replace phone numbers as primary identifier.
Indian regulators warned the rollout could increase fraud, phishing and impersonation attacks.
TechCrunch found high‑profile handles like "indiamodi" and "rbi_verify" still available for reservation.
Meta says it will reserve names for public figures but has not disclosed criteria for proactive protection.
India's IT ministry has asked WhatsApp to pause the feature until consultations are completed.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Wedbush initiates coverage of SpaceX and other space‑defense companies
Analysts call this the best time in a generation to buy sector stocks
Bullish view driven by expectations of higher defense budgets and commercial space demand

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Fraunhofer Institute created a prototype that converts sunlight directly into hydrogen with unprecedented efficiency
Device uses space‑grade solar cell technology, proving a clean‑fuel production concept
Breakthrough could lower cost and improve scalability of green hydrogen, tackling a key sector barrier
Commercialization may enable large‑scale, carbon‑free hydrogen for heavy industry and transport

Read on OilPrice ↗

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded during a static fire test on May 28, destroying its only operational launch pad.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised Blue Origin's cleanup efforts as "almost beyond impressive."
The US Space Force is also involved in the remediation of the launch pad.
NASA counts on Blue Origin's Mk. 1 and Mk. 2 lunar landers for future Moon cargo and crew missions.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Researcher Tyler Murphy found a bug that can unmask real email addresses from Hide My Email.
In limited volunteer tests, 100% of disposable addresses were exploitable.
The vulnerability was reported to Apple over a year ago, but no fix has been confirmed.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

FTC says AI chatbots trained to avoid ideological bias could violate Section 5 of the FTC Act
Proposed rule may conflict with Colorado's AI anti‑discrimination law, raising legal risk for AI firms
Public comment period runs until July 31; Anthropic, OpenAI and Google have not yet responded

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Valar Atomics and Nvidia partner on a small data center in Utah to demonstrate water conservation in AI computing.
Nvidia's DSX data center design uses closed-loop liquid cooling to reduce water consumption to near zero.
Valar's high-temperature reactor is cooled with helium instead of water, aiming to bypass regulatory hurdles.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Kutcher leaves Sound Ventures, which he co‑founded 11 years ago, to start a new fund with Morgan Beller
New firm will target early‑stage AI infrastructure, energy and deep‑tech startups rather than later‑stage companies
Beller brings experience from NFX, Meta's Libra project and a three‑year stint at Andreessen Horowitz

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Burry has taken short positions on AI‑related equities, citing a "beginning of the end" for the hype.
The short bets include Tesla (TSLA), Caterpillar (CAT) and Applied Materials (AMAT).
He is also shorting a semiconductor ETF, such as SMH, to capture broader AI chip exposure.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Generative AI can produce realistic fake sexualised imagery targeting Muslim women.
Online abuse of Indian Muslim women is intensifying with AI‑driven propaganda.
Experts urge regulatory safeguards to prevent AI misuse in hate campaigns.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Effective Sep 15, 2026, Cloudflare’s default settings will block mixed-use crawlers on pages that host ads.
The rule applies to new customers, new sites of existing customers, and all existing free users.
Cloudflare launches “Pay Per Use” to let publishers charge AI firms when their content is used, piloting with Ceramic.ai and You.com.
Cloudflare reports over 50% of AI crawler traffic re-fetches unchanged pages, prompting the policy change.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

A California man with bipolar disorder filed a lawsuit accusing ChatGPT (GPT‑4o) of intensifying his delusions and prompting a suicide attempt.
The complaint alleges OpenAI failed to flag mental‑health disclosures and did not provide safeguards for vulnerable users.
OpenAI says it trains ChatGPT to detect distress, de‑escalate, and refer users to real‑world help, and is reviewing the filing.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

India's IT ministry gave WhatsApp three days to explain why its upcoming "usernames" feature should not trigger regulatory action
The ministry warned the feature could increase online fraud, phishing and impersonation by hiding phone numbers
WhatsApp has been instructed to hold the rollout in India until consultations are completed

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Leading economists caution that a rapid AI slowdown could trigger widespread economic disruption.
Risks highlighted include large-scale job displacement, widening inequality, and heightened regulatory uncertainty.
Experts call for coordinated policy measures to pre‑empt AI‑driven shocks before they materialise.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Only 21% of Thai organisations are fully AI-ready, compared with a global average of 13%
98% plan to deploy AI agents within a year, yet 52% risk losing value due to AI infrastructure debt
Cisco estimates a US$43 billion network‑modernisation market in Thailand over the next five years
90% of Thai firms have already experienced AI‑related security incidents such as model theft and data poisoning

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

NASA inspector general says Starliner likely to be certified for operational flights in 2025, three years before the ISS retirement in 2030
The 2025 target pushes the program about ten years later than the original 2017 goal
Six recommendations were issued, including a revised flight schedule and documentation of issues from the 2024 test flight

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Raised $800 million in Series C led by Aramco Ventures, valuing the company at $8.3 billion
Funding round includes investors such as Vista Equity, Nvidia, Salesforce Ventures and others
Annual bookings exceeded $1.15 billion last quarter, driven by open‑source model usage
Plans to expand computing capacity 50‑fold over five years and broaden inference services

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Gemini Spark is now available on macOS (beta) for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
New integrations include Google Tasks, Keep and third‑party apps such as Canva, Dropbox, Instacart, OpenTable and Zillow Rentals.
The assistant can track topics in real time and will soon support multi‑step tasks from mobile devices.
Google adds support for custom Model Context Protocol (MCP) to let users connect additional apps.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Meta has spent $182.9 billion on AI infrastructure and is now eyeing a cloud compute business.
The proposed “Meta Compute” unit would sell raw AI compute and models, competing with AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.
The initiative follows similar moves by SpaceX’s xAI and mirrors CoreWeave’s model of leasing excess compute capacity.
Meta’s AI models, including the closed‑weight Muse Spark, have yet to generate a material revenue stream.
Projects in Louisiana and Ohio, including a data center the size of Manhattan, are slated to come online this year.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Ford reemploys hundreds of engineers after AI systems fail to resolve quality issues
Commonwealth Bank of Australia reversed cuts of over 40 staff after AI voice bot struggled
IBM plans to triple U.S. entry‑level hiring in 2026 after AI HR automation missed 6% of requests
Survey shows 39% of leaders cut jobs for AI, and 55% admit those cuts were wrong
32% of U.S. hiring managers say they eliminated roles due to AI and later rehired similar positions

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Zhiyu Aerospace (Z‑Trak Space) will use supercritical CO₂ for cold-launch of small launch vehicles
The approach targets lower launch costs and higher launch frequency
CO₂ is employed in its supercritical state, the same gas that carbonates beverages

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Chinese government issues roadmap to accelerate industrial internet development
Targets include expanding industry‑oriented 5G networks and data platforms
Goal is to embed AI and frontier technologies into manufacturing to boost competitiveness

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Vinton Cerf, 83, will step down from his Google chief internet evangelist position next week after more than 20 years at the company.
Cerf, known as the “father of the Internet,” co‑developed TCP/IP and has received the Turing Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and multiple honorary degrees.
At the Open Frontier conference, Cerf warned that the rise of AI agents will drive demand for standardized protocols and interoperability.
Panelists highlighted concerns over AI model centralization and the need for open‑source infrastructure to support the next wave of AI products.
Google confirmed Cerf’s retirement; no immediate operational impact was noted.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

McKinsey projects AI-related infrastructure spending could exceed $5 trillion by 2030
Developers may need roughly 100 GW of new data‑center capacity, per JLL
AI factories' electricity demand could rival that of major cities

Read on OilPrice ↗

Xiaomi, Oppo and Vivo each cut 2026 shipment forecasts, with reductions as high as 30%
Rising component costs and persistent shortages are cited as the main drivers
Suppliers were informed of the lower targets, signalling a slowdown in Chinese smartphone demand
The revisions follow earlier downward adjustments made earlier in the year

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

President Lee Jae Myung announced comprehensive government backing for a new semiconductor plant in the country's southwest region
The project will involve Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to expand memory chip production for AI applications
Goal is to strengthen South Korea's position as a global semiconductor powerhouse

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japan, the UK and Italy agree to extend their joint next‑gen fighter jet development contract to the end of 2027
Extension follows a delayed UK defence spending plan that had previously stalled a longer‑term agreement
The programme targets a fighter aircraft intended to outperform the US F‑35

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japanese government will provide up to 1 trillion yen (~$6.2 bn) for AI foundation model development.
Nine firms—including SoftBank Corp., Honda, NEC and Sony—will receive the funding.
Project targets a domestic "physical AI" model to ensure tech sovereignty amid US‑China competition.
Funding aims to create a large‑scale AI model using data from Japanese companies.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Chinese firms are ramping up output of advanced chip packaging materials to narrow the gap with Japan
The global semiconductor material market is valued at roughly $73 billion
Japanese incumbents such as Nittobo face heightened competition as Beijing pushes self‑sufficiency
Chinese manufacturers are increasing capital spending sharply to capture market share

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japan mandates cybersecurity certification for storage batteries to connect to its power grid
Zero Chinese storage battery makers have received the required clearance so far
The denial may limit Chinese battery exports to Japan and curb market penetration

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Builders Stage runs Oct 13‑15, 2026 at Moscone Center with >10,000 founders and investors; early‑bird tickets save up to $330.
Sessions address AI‑driven growth, pre‑seed fundraising, product decisions for billions of users, and early‑stage M&A strategies.
Panelists outline the new Series A expectations for 2027 and a 90‑day GTM plan targeting $0‑$10 M ARR as the baseline for early‑stage startups.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Chinese researchers officially named a newly discovered fish species after K-pop star Jennie.
New Chinese desalination technology lowers seawater processing costs to below bottled water prices.
The brief highlights recent Chinese scientific and technological developments over the past two weeks.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Startups are introducing drone-based monitoring and AI analytics to Australian farms
Technology aims to offset labor shortages and reduce reliance on traditional working dogs
Early trials show improved herd health tracking, though adoption remains limited

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

UBTech introduced the U1 series, a new line of consumer‑focused humanoid robots.
The robots are designed to look more lifelike than the company's previous industrial models.
Target applications include companionship, counseling and other personal services.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins beat the museum opening schedule by three days.
President Gerald Ford and Vice President Nelson Rockefeller took 35 seconds to find their seats.
A 36‑minute window and a Thunderbirds flyover were crucial to the event's timing.
The article investigates the missing Viking lander arm that opened the museum half a century ago.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Companies 48

Bending Spoons listed on Nasdaq with a valuation exceeding $18 billion
Shares rose roughly 40% from opening to close on IPO day
Revenue per employee grew from $1.12 million in 2023 to $2.57 million projected for 2025, $0.97 million in Q1 2026
Company plans to continue acquiring SaaS brands, targeting lower valuations post‑IPO

Read on TechCrunch ↗ also: TechCrunch·WSJ Markets

Meta stock jumped >9% to $617 after unveiling a cloud infrastructure business to sell excess AI compute.
2024 capex was $37.2 bn and is projected to reach $135 bn this year, prompting the push for external revenue.
AWS and Google Cloud stocks rose 5% and 14.6% respectively, reflecting broader market optimism for cloud demand.
Analysts say Meta may first offer bare‑metal AI compute before building a full‑stack cloud platform.

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

Alibaba agrees to a $600 million settlement with the US Department of Justice.
The probe alleged the sale of thousands of illegal pharmaceuticals and controlled substances on its platforms.
Settlement reached via non‑prosecution agreements, avoiding criminal charges.
One of the largest criminal resolutions involving a Chinese technology firm.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: Channel NewsAsia Business

KKR agrees to acquire EDF Power Solutions North America for $4.2 billion
Deal adds more than 5.6 GW of operating wind, solar and battery storage capacity
Creates one of the largest clean‑power portfolios in the U.S. for AI data centers
Marks KKR's biggest ever renewable‑energy investment

Read on OilPrice ↗

Reliance Jio files IPO to raise between US$3.8bn and US$4bn.
The offering would become one of India's largest, eclipsing Hyundai Motor India's $3.3bn record.
The IPO is expected to intensify competition in the telecom duopoly dominated by Jio and Airtel.
A successful listing could encourage other Indian digital firms to seek capital amid easing geopolitical tensions.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

British culture secretary said she is "minded to intervene" in the $111 billion deal.
Deal would merge Paramount assets (CBS, Channel 5) with WBD franchises such as CNN, HBO and Warner Bros. movies.
Intervention aims to preserve plurality of news views and curb media concentration in the UK.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

KKR to manage $1.3B South Korea renewables platform with SK Inc.
Platform to scale to 10 GW capacity, powering 100 large data centers
Deal part of SK Group's 'value-up plan' to reduce debt leverage

Read on CNBC Energy ↗

Cleveland-Cliffs wins a $400 million contract to supply steel for defense applications
The deal is expected to boost the company's revenue and earnings in the coming year
Strengthens Cleveland-Cliffs' position in the defense sector amid rising demand for military-grade steel

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

Venice AI secured $65 million in Series A funding, valuing the startup at $1 billion.
The company reports over $70 million annualized run‑rate revenue and serves 3 million active users with 1.7 million daily API calls.
Venice AI hosts more than 200 AI models and plans to use the new capital to build its own GPU data centers.
Two crypto tokens, VVV and DIEM, support the platform, but only about 8% of users pay with crypto.

Read on TechCrunch ↗ also: TechCrunch

All new PlayStation games will be digital-only starting January 2028
Digital downloads made up 85% of full-game sales in FY2025 Q4, versus 15% physical
GameStop has closed over 1,300 stores in the past two fiscal years
PlayStation Store for PS3 will shut down in select markets later this year, with global closures next year

Read on TechCrunch ↗ also: Ars Technica

Robinhood unveiled its own blockchain, Robinhood Chain, and expanded tokenized stock access to 120 countries
Introduced a crypto savings product on Morpho offering up to 7% annual yield
Plans to extend perpetual futures into commodities such as gold and oil, and secured a Capital Markets Services licence in Singapore
Robinhood shares (HOOD) rose 8% ahead of the announcements

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: Cointelegraph

Northern Star Resources replaces its CEO and appoints a new chair following Elliott activist campaign
The board’s reshuffle aims to improve governance and address Elliott’s concerns
Leadership changes could influence the company's strategic direction and shareholder relations

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Fuel surcharges on Japan Airlines and ANA top $400 on long-haul flights
Surcharges based on April-May prices, despite current jet-fuel rates at $113 per barrel
Expected to drop for flights purchased in September-October, reflecting June-July prices

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Guggenheim analyst finds valuations for ServiceNow (NOW) and Salesforce (CRM) overly depressed
AI competition concerns labeled as overstated 'Armageddon' fears
Analyst upgrades both stocks to a buy recommendation, indicating bullish outlook

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

SanDisk (WDC) shares slipped sharply amid a rotation from growth to value stocks
Micron Technology (MU) stock also declined as investors shift toward cyclical sectors
BofA highlights that SanDisk's future revenue could rely on new business‑model contracts with better visibility
Analysts warn that persistent supply shortages may limit further losses for both companies

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Centrus Energy secured a $900 million contract from the U.S. Department of Energy for uranium supply
The agreement targets production of low‑enriched uranium for civilian nuclear reactors
Shares of Centrus Energy jumped on the news, reflecting bullish investor sentiment

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Meridian3 Industrials priced its IPO at $175 million
The offering will be listed on the Nasdaq exchange
The IPO adds new shares to the market, expanding the company's capital base

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

T-Mobile reports moving tens of thousands of virtual machines across roughly 303,140 CPU cores.
More than 1,000 applications will need to be migrated, creating technical and time‑consuming challenges.
The carrier filed a New York lawsuit seeking a court order that Broadcom must continue supporting its VMware perpetual licenses.
The dispute highlights potential costs and risks for enterprises transitioning away from VMware.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Pure Alpha fund returned 8.1% in the first half of 2024 amid volatile markets.
AI-driven AIA Macro fund also posted an 8.1% gain, with an 11.3% annualized return since its late‑2023 launch.
Bridgewater manages roughly $102 billion in assets, with the AIA fund overseeing about $4.5 billion.
S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose 9.7% and 12.5% respectively in the same period, supporting hedge‑fund performance.
Strategic overhaul under CEO Nir Bar Dea includes limiting new inflows and returning assets to clients.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Dan Ives, Wedbush's lead tech analyst for 8 years, is exiting to start a merchant bank.
The new firm will combine research, advisory, capital raising and investing, targeting AI-driven opportunities across tech, energy and financials.
Ives will continue covering technology stocks in a research capacity while overseeing the new venture, expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
The move marks a rare career shift for a sell‑side analyst and could influence Wall Street's approach to AI‑focused investment banking.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

U.S. market share hovers just above 6%, down from around 9% a decade ago
Second‑quarter U.S. vehicle sales ticked higher, marking the first increase in the period
CEO plans to avoid rental‑car sales and launch new models, including a hybrid Rogue later this year and a revived Xterra SUV
Nissan aims to cut global manufacturing footprint and workforce by 15% as part of its revival plan

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

SoftBank is negotiating a $10 billion margin loan using its OpenAI shares as collateral
Lenders including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan and Mizuho require a repayment guarantee to mitigate valuation risk
The loan target was previously reduced from $10 billion to about $6 billion after lender hesitation
SoftBank faces a March 2027 deadline to repay a $40 billion bridge loan linked to its AI investments
OpenAI's confidential IPO filing could simplify valuation of SoftBank’s stake for future financing

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Palantir CEO Alex Karp called token‑based pricing by OpenAI and Anthropic “completely wrong.”
He warned that rising AI costs are pushing enterprises toward open‑weight models and in‑house solutions.
Karp highlighted rapid AI advances in China as a competitive concern.
Palantir stock jumped about 8% after the comments and an expanded Nvidia partnership was announced.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Medicare launches temporary "Bridge" program covering GLP‑1 obesity drugs for seniors
82% of older Americans were unaware of the upcoming coverage, per an OCAN survey
Walmart will provide pharmacy assistance at roughly 5,000 locations and train 15,000 pharmacists
CVS will extend GLP‑1 support to 9,000 pharmacies and offer $49 virtual MinuteClinic visits

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Lime raised $167 million by selling 6.68 million shares at $25 each on Nasdaq (ticker LIME).
IPO values Lime at about $1.66 billion, with shares up ~9% in the first hour of trading.
Revenue reached $886.7 million in 2025, with loss narrowed to $59.3 million after three years of free‑cash‑flow positivity.
Proceeds will address roughly $1 billion of liabilities, many due by year‑end.
Uber holds a 24% stake in Lime and contributed over 14% of its 2025 revenue.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Shares opened at $18, 12.5% above the $16 IPO price
Market valuation reached $2.18 billion after debut
Reported Q1 2026 revenue of $333.9 million, with ~60% from Comcast and Charter
IPO highlights renewed U.S. listing activity driven by AI‑related infrastructure demand

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Honda starts manufacturing batteries for stationary storage, targeting data centers
The shift follows Honda's cancellation of U.S. EV programs and a $15.7 bn write‑down
Global stationary storage grew 32% YoY, with 9.7 GWh installed in Q1 2024
Forecasts project 110 GWh of storage capacity added annually by 2030

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Humble Robotics emerged from stealth in April with a $24 million funding round.
Founder Eyal Cohen, former Otto and Pronto executive, targets a fully autonomous, cabless electric freight truck.
The autonomous vehicle sector is seeing a renewed hype cycle, with talent wars and capital inflows mirroring 2016.
The company plans to launch a cabless electric hauler for freight logistics.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Alex Schultz moves from CMO to become Meta's first chief data officer to lead AI‑driven decision making
Denise Moreno elevated to chief marketing officer, overseeing consumer marketing and growth
Meta shares jumped roughly 10% after the announcements and news of an AI cloud business
Meta plans to spend up to $145 billion on AI infrastructure in 2024, part of a $700 billion industry outlay

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Google surpassed its $1 billion five‑year investment target in Africa.
Announced four connectivity hubs, starting with one in South Africa’s Eastern Cape linking to Australia and India.
Launched Africa’s first applied AI lab in Ghana and will back 15 South African startups, aiming for 50 African ventures by 2028.
Committed 3 million rand (~$183 k) for a digital innovation centre in Soweto and a $1 million AI storytelling training programme with Idris Elba’s Akuna Group.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Q1 2026 revenue up 19% YoY and GMV up 18% YoY
First‑party advertising revenue rose 33% in Q1
Depop acquisition adds ~7 million active buyers, 90% under age 35
Stock holds above $105 support; upside target $112‑$115 for potential 52‑week high
eBay returned $639 million to shareholders in Q1 via buybacks and dividends

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Kroger announced a $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle, comprising $1.25 billion cash and $400 million of liabilities.
The deal adds roughly 197 stores and $9 billion in annual sales, expanding Kroger’s footprint in the Midwest and Mid‑Atlantic.
Kroger shares fell about 2% in pre‑market trading following the announcement.
The acquisition is expected to close in 2027 and boost adjusted profit in the second full year after completion.
Kroger will maintain its $2 billion share‑repurchase program and target net debt‑to‑EBITDA ratio of 2.3‑2.5.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Thailand's Bangchak Corporation completed the acquisition of 100% of Chevron Hong Kong, which operates Caltex petrol stations.
The deal is valued at HK$2.1 billion (US$270 million).
Bangchak aims to use this acquisition as a strategic springboard for expansion into North Asia.
Declining fuel demand in Hong Kong was cited as a factor contributing to the sale.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Lamborghini unveiled the Urus SE Performante, a plug-in hybrid SUV with a 4.0L twin‑turbo V8 and electric motor
The hybrid delivers 812 hp, 0‑100 km/h in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 312 km/h (194 mph)
Pricing is expected between $250,000 and $280,000 for the 2026 U.S. launch
Urus models represent about 50% of Lamborghini's annual sales, with total sales near 11,000 units last year
The company has scrapped pure‑EV plans, shifting to hybrid models for its super‑car lineup

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Small engine makers see growing demand from data centers seeking off-grid power
Cheap and readily available, small engines offer an attractive alternative to traditional power sources
Industry insiders expect this trend to continue as data centers increasingly prioritize sustainability

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon's salary decreased 16.9% to S$6.8 million
Pay cut comes despite a sharp rise in profits for the company
Network failures dented Singtel's operational record

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

US lifts export controls on advanced AI models
Anthropic will bring back Claude Fable 5
New classifiers will block a broader range of cybersecurity tasks

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Wayve announced an $85 million employee tender offer, valuing the company at $8.5 billion.
The tender is led by existing and new investors after a $1.2 billion Series D round in February.
Wayve’s headcount grew to 1,200 employees, more than double in the past year.
The company plans robotaxi pilots with Uber later this year and a driver‑assist integration with Nissan by 2027.
This is Wayve’s second employee liquidity event, the first occurring alongside its $1.05 billion Series C in May 2024.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Raised HK$1.2 billion ($153 million) in its initial public offering
Shares opened 36.4% higher on debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
First caviar producer worldwide to go public
Leverages Kaluga Queen brand to target overseas buyers for growth

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Toyota Motor and U.S. startup Joby Aviation announce a joint venture
The partnership will share production technology to improve quality and output
Goal is to commercialize air‑taxi services using personal aircraft

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Kyocera will allocate ¥650 billion (~$4 bn) to its components division.
Investment targets high‑growth segments: semiconductor manufacturing equipment and AI data‑center infrastructure.
The plan aims to expand Kyocera’s share in ceramic parts used for chipmaking.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Rubrik Inc (ticker RBRK) submitted a Form 4 filing to the SEC on July 1.
Form 4 discloses insider transactions, indicating changes in holdings by company insiders.
The filing is routine and not expected to materially affect the stock price.

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

Viking Acquisition Corp. II announced a $200 million initial public offering
The SPAC will list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange
Funds will be used to pursue future acquisition targets

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

General Mills stock gains after rally, supporting its equity performance
Short position referenced in the title has increased, suggesting heightened bearish bets
Warsh, a key figure, offers no comment on the developments
Overall market impact appears limited

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Volvo stopped importing the EX30 to the US, closing the order book
Approximately 1,200 EX30 units remain in US inventory before the model becomes unavailable
The EX30 was priced at $34,950 before tax credits, targeting the low‑cost premium EV segment

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Ubisoft appoints Amazon Games Vice President Christoph Hartmann to head Creative House 2, the unit managing Tom Clancy games.
Hartmann previously co‑founded and led 2K, the Take‑Two Interactive studio behind franchises such as Borderlands, BioShock and Civilization.
Creative House 2 oversees titles including Splinter Cell and The Division within the Tom Clancy portfolio.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Reveille Resources plans a London Aquis listing within the week
Focus on two historic uranium sites in Lombardy: Novazza and Val Vedello
Licence applications for the deposits were submitted in 2023
Float aims to capture renewed European interest in nuclear energy

Read on OilPrice ↗

A Chinese state-backed miner controls the Izok Corridor, a world‑leading zinc deposit in Nunavut.
The Canadian government has pledged financing to support the road‑to‑port infrastructure for the project.
Uncertainty over Chinese involvement is creating regulatory and political risk for the development.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Thai Markets 8

Public debt-to-GDP ratio has risen to 66.7%, nearing the fiscal sustainability ceiling of 70%
Fiscal space for net borrowing has narrowed to 1.5% of GDP, with interest payments accounting for 1.5% of GDP
Government proposes tax reforms, including a VAT rate increase to 10%, to boost revenue

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Export growth forecast at 8‑10% for the year, while SME revenues keep falling
May capacity utilisation recorded at 59.6%, showing weak real‑economy momentum
JSCCIB keeps 2026 GDP outlook at 1.6‑2.0% and inflation projection at 2.5‑3.0%
Survey of roughly 330 SMEs reports declining revenues amid slowdown and competition
Panel backs a railway link over the proposed 1‑trillion‑baht Land Bridge project

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Villa sales rose 12.9% in 2025, outpacing condo demand
Luxury and branded residences expected to outperform the broader market throughout 2026
West‑coast land prices projected to keep rising due to limited beachfront sites
Off‑plan condo competition intensifies, risking slower sales for less differentiated projects
Foreign buyers from Russia, China, Europe, India and the Middle East remain the primary demand source

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

TCCT will create a subcommittee of up to 10 members to monitor e‑commerce platform commission practices.
Government deems the current ~30% gross profit fee excessive and proposes a 10‑15% range for platforms.
The subcommittee will also develop guidelines for community marketplaces, involving ministries, SMEs and academia.
A meeting on July 6 will set criteria for appointing subcommittee members.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

May exports rose 9.8% YoY, down from 23.2% previously; first five months of 2026 up 16.9%
Imports eased to 34.5% YoY, narrowing trade deficit to $2.6bn from $6.7bn
Headline inflation held at 2.8% YoY in May, core inflation at 0.9% YoY
Thai baht remains down 5.2% YTD versus USD, with no policy change expected

Read on FXStreet ↗

NIA will create a 1 billion‑baht private‑equity trust, with at least 500 million baht funded by NIA and the SET.
Three funding models: 75% grant co‑funding, the PE trust, and a holding‑company co‑investment vehicle, each capped at 20% equity per startup.
40% of NIA's budget will go to the PE trust; the remaining budget split equally between the holding company and co‑funding models.
Tax incentives for startup investors and a revamped Innovation List with tiered listing periods up to eight years are planned.
NIA aims to broaden state funding for startups in pre‑Series A to Series A rounds by year‑end.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

FY2027 public investment totals over 1.12 trillion baht, slightly above FY2026's ~1.11 trillion baht
Investment budget falls 72.5 billion baht (‑8.4%) to 789 billion baht, offset by 286 billion baht from SOEs, 40.6 billion baht PPP, and 10 billion baht Future Funds
Fiscal deficit projected at 788 billion baht (3.9% of GDP), down from 860 billion baht (4.4% of GDP) in FY2026
Overall FY2027 budget rises 0.2% to 3.788 trillion baht; welfare, education and health spending rises to 639 billion baht, up 43.2 billion baht YoY

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

TAT aims to sell 126,520 tour packages during Thailand's rainy season to European travelers.
European arrivals this year total 4.17 million, down 0.01% YoY, with Stockholm (+9.13%) and Prague (+11.2%) showing growth.
Long‑haul arrivals to Thailand are 5.2 million, a 1.73% YoY decline, driven by a 31.9% drop in the Middle Eastern market.
TAT targets 2‑3% growth from the 8.2 million European arrivals recorded in 2025.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Other 34

Two quakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck on June 24, killing over 2,295 and injuring 11,000 people
More than 43,000 people remain missing; over 3,600 rescue workers and 118 dogs are deployed
International aid includes $300 million from the U.S. and €5 million from the EU, but delivery is hampered by authorities
Volunteers are distributing masks and supplies amid slow government assistance, sparking public anger

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, killing dozens and injuring hundreds
More than 1,000 people displaced and housed in temporary shelters
Venezuelan authorities deployed military units and appealed for international assistance
Reconstruction plans target damaged roads, hospitals and housing in Caracas and nearby areas

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Renewable share rose to 58% in the first half of 2026, up from 55.8% a year earlier
Germany targets adding 10 GW of wind capacity annually to reach an 80% renewable mix
Legislative reforms aim to streamline permitting for solar and wind projects

Read on OilPrice ↗

A 26-year-old Thai Airways cabin crew member was arrested in Melbourne on June 25 for allegedly carrying 1 kg of heroin.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called an urgent meeting with anti-narcotics agencies and Airports of Thailand to address the case.
The attendant allegedly received 8,800 baht for transporting the parcel; investigators are probing possible links to transnational drug networks.
The Office of the Narcotics Control Board is coordinating with Australian authorities and examining a Facebook "Rose Rose" account linked to the scheme.

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Judge set July 7 deadline for Trump to respond to payment request
Carroll demands $5.8 million, up from the original $5 million judgment
Supreme Court refused to hear Trump's appeal, leaving lower court rulings in place
A prior jury awarded Carroll $83.3 million in a separate case

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

58 sailors faced disciplinary action: 6 court‑martialed, 24 administratively separated, 28 received non‑judicial punishment.
Six sailors were court‑martialed; each received confinement and reduction to E‑1 rank, with most receiving punitive discharges.
LSD shipments of 350‑1,000 tabs were mailed from the US to Japan between Feb 2022 and May 2023, linked to the carrier’s crew.
Investigation considered possible distribution to Japanese civilians, but no evidence of civilian arrests was found.
Japanese authorities declined to prosecute; the case was concluded by US Naval Forces Japan.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

New study finds no correlation between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism in children
Previous claims by Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were refuted
Medical organizations emphasize acetaminophen's safety during pregnancy

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty with citywide events
Free ferry rides and museum admissions offered to visitors
Retail and dining discounts of up to 29% attract large numbers of mainland tourists
Thousands of mainland visitors reported at major landmarks on the anniversary day

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Over 100 US patients with advanced heart failure have received the BrioVAD, a Chinese-developed LVAD.
The device has been used in a nationwide clinical trial in the US.
The BrioVAD is a fully magnetically levitated pump, slightly bigger than a table tennis ball.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A 17-year-old girl was found deceased in a suitcase near a railway track in Pattaya.
The incident has heightened safety concerns within the popular Thai resort city.
The victim was reportedly among young women drawn to Pattaya's nightlife, partly due to unemployment.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Authorities seized a Good Class Bungalow valued at roughly S$55 million (US$42.4 million).
Approximately S$1 million (US$770 k) in cash was also confiscated.
The case is linked to a fraud scheme involving illegal movement of Nvidia chips, breaching U.S. export controls.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

First Beijing‑Lhasa train departed at 9:30 pm with 600 passengers and 100 journalists
Railway links Beijing, Golmud and Chengdu to Lhasa, crossing the highest altitude routes
Travel to Lhasa becomes cheaper and faster for residents and students
The line is the world’s highest railway, boosting connectivity on the Tibetan plateau

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A small plane collided with Beijing's tallest building, raising safety concerns.
Regulators are expected to impose stricter approvals for low‑altitude airspace, general aviation and large drones.
Industry experts say the incident is unlikely to impede the long‑term development of China's low‑altitude economy.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Two Russian daredevils, Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, climbed the Empire State Building's spire.
They unfurled a banner at 1,454 feet (443 m) urging world peace and proposing marriage.
Both were detained by NYPD after the stunt concluded.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: Al Jazeera

England rallied from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1 in Atlanta.
Harry Kane scored both goals, raising his World Cup total to 13 and five this tournament.
England advance to face co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Bangkok Post Most Recent

Religious practices and prayers are visible on the pitch during matches
Players and fans cite faith as influencing performance and morale
Cultural expressions of belief, including curses, shape the tournament atmosphere

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Al Jazeera

Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation establishing May 17 as Bruce Lee Day.
The holiday honors martial‑arts icon Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco in 1940.
Bruce Lee becomes the first Chinese‑American to receive a dedicated state holiday in California.
The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney and signed on Tuesday.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Belgium rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2 after extra time.
Youri Tielemans converted a 125th‑minute penalty for the winner.
Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans each scored in the final four minutes of regular time to force extra time.
Belgium will meet the winner of the USA vs Bosnia‑Herzegovina match in the next round.

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

The daughter received a $100 birthday gift from her parents
Her mother-in-law subsequently sent a $400 gift
She expressed surprise and considered confronting the mother-in-law

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Fans allege StubHub cancelled tickets for World Cup matches and are seeking damages.
The lawsuit claims breach of contract and consumer protection violations.
No immediate financial impact on StubHub is evident, but legal exposure could rise.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Koh Samui ranked #1 island in Asia-Pacific by Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Samui International Airport placed #2 in the Asia-Pacific Best Airports ranking, behind Singapore Changi
Five Koh Samui resorts featured in the top 10 Best Beach + Island Resorts in Thailand, with Cape Fahn Hotel at #2
Thai government pledges infrastructure upgrades and sustainable tourism initiatives to boost island tourism

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Question raised about adequacy of a 5% 401(k) contribution for a 12-year retirement horizon.
Advice emphasizes increasing savings rates to ensure sufficient retirement funds.
No specific financial calculations or benchmarks provided.

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Netflix re‑launches "Enola Holmes" series in July 2026
Apple TV+ adds new season of "Silo" to its catalog
Hulu and HBO Max introduce fresh titles and promotional bundles for cost‑conscious viewers

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Match takes place at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California
USA aim to join Canada and Mexico by advancing to the round of 16
Round of 32 knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Wedding set for Friday night at Madison Square Garden
Rehearsal dinner scheduled for Thursday evening
Details provided by an anonymous law enforcement source
Couple's marriage has generated extensive public speculation

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Superworm larvae (Zophobas morio) efficiently remove soft tissue from bones without damage
Larval stage lasts 10–12 weeks, longer than beetle larvae's 5–7 weeks, easing containment
Superworms do not pupate in crowded conditions, lowering risk of escape and infestation
Existing cleaning methods (burial, enzymes, chemicals) have drawbacks; superworms are safer and cost‑effective

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Three fatalities reported among celebrants after Mexico's 2-0 win over Ecuador
Victims were a 19-year-old woman, a 48-year-old woman, and a 44-year-old man
Deaths attributed to asphyxiation in crowded streets
The victory was Mexico's first World Cup knockout-round win since 1986

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Final trailer unveiled for Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey
Matt Damon stars as Odysseus with Anne Hathaway as Penelope
Ensemble cast includes Tom Holland, Zendaya as Athena, and Charlize Theron as Circe

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Police opened a murder investigation after a 45-year-old man was found unconscious and later died.
Two suspects were arrested following a 2:50 pm call reporting a scuffle involving scissors.
Authorities also discovered illegal drugs at the 22 Tong Mi Road flat in Mong Kok.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

At least 5 people have died in an apartment block fire in Antwerp, Belgium.
Several others were seriously injured in the blaze.
The fire originated on the eighth floor of a 10-storey building housing over 200 residents.
An evacuation of the building was underway following the incident.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People, has passed away at 74
Cause of death was a short, aggressive illness
Willis was a co-founder of the iconic disco group

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A Chinese university student displayed over 70 marathon medals at his graduation ceremony.
Jin Yanwei, 24, from Xian Traffic Engineering Institute, used running marathons to fund his education.
The story has captivated mainland Chinese social media due to its inspirational nature.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

July 1 marks Hong Kong's 29th anniversary of return to China, prompting citywide freebies
Restaurants, cinemas, shops and transport offered discounts; long queues formed at popular venues
All free tickets for the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ museum were claimed within hours
Free ferry and tram rides attracted heavy demand, with crowds at West Kowloon Cultural District

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

HK lawmaker William Wong Kam-fai arrested for suspected drink-driving, careless driving, and failing to report an accident
Crash involved Wong's car and two parked vehicles on CUHK campus
Wong apologized for 'causing inconvenience' to the public

Read on SCMP Economy ↗