July 3, 2026 · Daily Global-Macro Brief

July 3, 2026 283 stories · 307 articles, 24 merged · refreshed 2026-10-12 02:20 UTC ▲ 50▼ 46◆ 16– 171

Markets 38

USD/JPY rose to ~161.25, rebounding from an intraday low of 160.49, its weakest since June 18
Yen hit a 40-year low earlier this week, prompting Finance Minister Katayama to warn of possible intervention
US Dollar Index recovered to around 100.80 after falling to a two‑week low of 100.56 following weak US NFP data
Fed September rate‑hike probability slipped to 53% (down from 63%); December odds now at 76.8%
Wide interest‑rate differential between Japan and the US keeps USD/JPY bias tilted upward

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

June manufacturing PMI rose to 50.3 and non‑manufacturing PMI to 50.2, above forecasts
USD/CNY slipped below its 50‑day moving average of 6.7938 as the yuan strengthens
Trade‑weighted CEFTS RMB Index reached its highest level since July 2022
10‑year Chinese government bond yield rose 3 bp to 1.75%

Read on FXStreet ↗

GBP/USD up over 1% this week, trading near 1.3350
Fed rate‑hike odds for September fall, market now expects first hike in October
UK Services PMI slipped to 48.8, keeping Sterling recovery fragile
Money‑market odds: 46% chance of a Fed hike in 2026; 70% chance of a BoE hike by year‑end
Technical resistance at 1.3409 SMA, support near 1.3159

Read on FXStreet ↗

Memory and semiconductor stocks (DRAM, SMH) down 25% and 12% respectively from June peak
Bitcoin rebounds from 2-year low, up 5% to $61,000
Investor focus shifting from AI infrastructure to crypto

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Net inflows into global equity funds reached $10.44 bn in the week to July 1, up ~25% from $8.4 bn the prior week.
Technology sector funds attracted $8.9 bn, while Asian equity funds saw a seven‑week‑high $7 bn inflow.
Global bond funds drew $14.47 bn for the 13th consecutive week; high‑yield bonds received $3.61 bn, the biggest weekly inflow since June 2025.
Gold and precious‑metal funds posted a seventh straight weekly outflow of $1.85 bn; energy funds logged net sales of $116 m.
Emerging‑market equity funds recorded a 10th straight week of outflows, losing $5.14 bn.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

U.S. Treasurys, yen, and gold failed to rally amid geopolitical tensions in 2026 due to inflation fears and higher real yields
AI-linked equities (Nvidia, TSMC, Samsung) driving record highs in U.S. and Asian markets despite volatility
Yen at 162 per USD, multi-decade low, despite BoJ rate hikes and intervention; debt-to-GDP at 204.4%

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Asian markets, including Seoul's KOSPI (+2%), rose as tech firms like SK Hynix and Samsung saw a reprieve from recent selling.
US economy added less than half the forecast jobs in June, with prior months revised down, easing immediate concerns about a Federal Reserve rate hike.
The weaker jobs data suggested the labor market was not as strong as thought, giving the Fed 'breathing room' on monetary policy.
The dollar held losses, while non-yielding gold climbed towards US$4,200, benefiting from lowered interest rate expectations.
Oil prices edged up but maintained recent losses, influenced by Strait of Hormuz traffic and hopes for US-Iran talks.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

The U.S. dollar is set for its largest weekly loss in 12 weeks, driven by a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs report.
U.S. job growth slowed sharply in June, leading traders to reduce bets on a near-term Federal Reserve interest rate hike, with September hike odds at ~45%.
Broad dollar weakness lifted the Euro to $1.1440 (up 0.5% weekly) and the Pound to $1.3352 (up 1.1% weekly).
The Japanese Yen strengthened below 161 per dollar, recovering from 40-year lows, but intervention risks remain high.
Japanese officials issued warnings and are closely monitoring currency markets, signaling readiness to support the Yen, potentially through targeted intervention.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Japan's Ministry of Finance is reportedly considering abandoning its usual telegraphing of FX intervention
A surprise intervention could catch market participants off guard and increase volatility in JPY pairs
Traders are on edge, anticipating potential rapid moves in the yen against major currencies
No official decision has been announced yet, but the possibility alone is influencing FX market sentiment

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Yen briefly rose to ¥160 per $1, its highest level since June 19.
The rally was sparked by growing fears of Japanese authorities stepping into the FX market.
Comments from a South Korean currency official heightened speculation of coordinated intervention.
Traders cut dollar exposure as the yen’s advance accelerated.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Foreign investors net bought ¥9.7 trillion ($60 bn) of Japanese stocks in the first half of 2026, a record half‑year inflow.
Purchases were driven by AI‑related chip firms and other niche companies improving capital efficiency.
Japan's Nikkei index has risen about 39 % since the end of 2025, outpacing the STOXX 600 and S&P 500.
The inflow marks the largest net purchase for any half‑year period, underscoring strong overseas demand for Japan equities.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

NZD/USD trades around 0.5710, up 0.21% on the day, staying above the 0.5700 level
US nonfarm payrolls added 57,000 jobs in June, far below the 110,000 forecast
Fed's September rate‑hike probability fell to about 53% from roughly 63% after the payrolls report
China's services PMI slipped to 54.1 in June from 54.4 in May, still indicating solid expansion
RBNZ likely to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged in July, with a 25‑bp hike path starting September

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

MOEX Russia Index closed down 0.62%
Broad Russian equities traded lower at the session's end
Negative sentiment weighed on the market throughout the day

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

DXY trades near 100.90, poised to end the week down about 0.5%
EUR/USD around 1.1440; GBP/USD near 1.3350, up more than 1% this week
USD/JPY sits at 161.40 after hitting a 40‑year high of 162.84
WTI crude trades near $68.80 per barrel; gold (XAU) around $4,175 per ounce
Key data ahead: Fed minutes (Wed), initial jobless claims, trade balance, and RBNZ policy review

Read on FXStreet ↗

The S&P/TSX Composite index closed up 0.88% on the day.
Broad Canadian equity markets posted gains across multiple sectors.
Positive market sentiment lifted the overall index toward the close.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Bovespa (IBOV) finished the session 0.74% higher
Broad market gains lifted Brazil's equity index
The rise reflects positive sentiment in the local market

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

PJM placed under a federal emergency alert to cut electricity consumption for its 67 million customers.
Spot wholesale electricity prices in northern Virginia rose above $2,000 per MWh, compared with the usual $40 per MWh.
Generator outages, transmission line overloads and prolonged heat‑driven AC demand prompted the emergency actions.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

ABN AMRO cuts EUR/USD upside, projecting 1.18 by end‑2026 and 1.23 by end‑2027
ECB expected to deliver one more rate hike while the Fed stays more dovish than markets anticipate
US dollar projected to weaken broadly, but French and US election risks temper euro gains

Read on FXStreet ↗

Amex Platinum annual fee rose to $895; Chase Sapphire Reserve fee is $795.
Premium cardholders gained lounge access at events like Coachella, Paris Olympics, US Open, and multiple F1 races in 2025.
Amex credit card fees reached nearly $10 billion in 2025, up about 18% from 2024.
Cardholders with fees over $500 spend $3,200 per month on average, 17% higher than the prior year.
Amex partners with over 20 venues, adding a new lounge at NYC's Barclays Center this year.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

USD/CHF hovered around 0.8034 after touching a low of 0.8010, ending the week near break‑even.
US non‑farm payrolls missed expectations, cutting September Fed hike odds to 53% from 63%.
Fed’s December hike probability stays elevated at 76%, while the DXY traded near 100.84.
CHF remains supported by 0% SNB policy and low inflation, keeping the pair in a modest uptrend.

Read on FXStreet ↗

EUR/USD trades around 1.1438 after intraday high of 1.1462, still on track to end a two‑week loss streak
Weaker US jobs data pushes back expectations for a near‑term Fed rate hike
Softer Eurozone inflation data raises doubts about another ECB rate hike this year
DXY hovers near 100.76 after falling to a two‑week low of 100.56

Read on FXStreet ↗

Dow Jones closed at record high on Thursday, boosted by soft jobs data reducing Fed rate‑hike odds
Nasdaq fell 5‑6% over two days, with the PHLX Semiconductor Index down 6.3% and 5.4% respectively
Cybersecurity leaders Palo Alto Networks (+14.5%) and CrowdStrike (+10.7%) hit all‑time highs on AI‑driven demand
Meta Platforms jumped >8% after announcing plans for a cloud‑infrastructure business to monetize AI compute
Russell 2000 surged nearly 22% YTD, its strongest start since 1991

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

AUD/USD rose to around 0.6940, approaching the 0.6945 resistance level
Australia's composite PMI increased to 50.4 in June, back above the 50 expansion threshold
China's services PMI held at 54.1, remaining firmly in expansion territory
Softer US labor data boosted expectations of a less restrictive Fed, weakening the USD

Read on FXStreet ↗

PJM demand hit about 163 GW on Thursday, just shy of the 165.6 GW 2006 peak
Heat indices rose above 110°F across the region, spurring the load increase
Electricity prices on the PJM market tripled in response to the demand surge
Data centers identified as a key factor behind the heightened electricity consumption

Read on OilPrice ↗

JPMorgan adds EPR Properties to July list, highlighting its ~6.1% dividend yield
EPR up 18% YTD 2026; target price $62 implies about 5% upside
Alphabet retained on list with $460 target, suggesting roughly 28% upside
Dow up 8.9%, S&P 500 up 9.6%, Nasdaq up 12.8% in H1 2024

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

USD/JPY slipped below 161.0 after soft US jobs data, possibly spurred by initial FX intervention
US holidays thinning liquidity raise the likelihood of further Japanese market action
One‑week risk reversals point to a higher implied probability of imminent yen intervention
ING urges more hawkish Bank of Japan communication to prevent a post‑intervention rebound in USD/JPY

Read on FXStreet ↗

USD/CAD rose 0.13% to around 1.4200 despite CAD weakness
US nonfarm payrolls added 57,000 in June, well below the 110,000 forecast
Falling oil prices weigh on the Canadian dollar and support a dovish BoC outlook
CME FedWatch probability of a September rate hike dropped to 53% from 63%

Read on FXStreet ↗

EUR/GBP steadied around 0.8571 after a four‑day selloff that hit a one‑year low
ECB probability of a September rate hike fell below 50% and to ~70% for December as June HICP eased to 2.8% YoY
BoE signals no cuts yet, keeping the interest‑rate differential in favour of the pound short‑term
Eurozone Composite PMI rose to 50.0 in June, while UK PMI output slipped to 49.3

Read on FXStreet ↗

Share of private software debt declined by more than 20% in 2025.
The 2025 level marks the steepest drop in the sector over the past five years.
Tightening financing conditions raise concerns for software firms ahead of AI-related risks.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Global equity indices posted gains as risk‑on sentiment returned
U.S. dollar index fell, reflecting weaker demand for safe‑haven assets
Thursday's softer U.S. jobs report sparked the rally

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Eurozone government bond yields rose in early trade
Commerzbank expects trend to continue throughout the day
Yield increases could impact bond market sentiment

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Investors plan to redeem close to $16 bn from private‑credit vehicles in the coming months.
Fund managers are tightening withdrawal limits to manage a potentially extended redemption cycle.
The pull‑back reflects heightened caution amid liquidity concerns in the private‑credit market.
The $16 bn demand represents a notable share of recent inflows into private‑credit funds.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Chinese automakers' EU passenger-car sales topped Japanese brands for the first time in May 2026
BYD's overseas passenger-vehicle sales jumped 70% year‑on‑year in the first half of 2026
Renewed purchase subsidies in Europe boosted BYD, while Nissan shifts focus to other markets

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

USD/SGD fell to 1.2901 and could dip below 1.2900 to test support at 1.2890
Intraday resistance sits at 1.2935, with a breach of 1.2950 suggesting stabilization
UOB projects a 1‑3 week trading range of 1.2890‑1.2990, slightly higher than the prior 1.2870‑1.2970 band
The bank maintains a neutral view on USD/SGD, deeming the recent drop overdone

Read on FXStreet ↗ also: FXStreet

S&P/BMV IPC index fell 0.02% at the close of trade
Broad Mexican equity market recorded a modest decline
No significant news or catalyst cited for the move

Read on Investing.com News ↗

COLCAP index closed up 1.57% on the day
Broad equity market in Colombia ended higher
Positive sentiment drives the rally

Read on Investing.com News ↗

USD/CNH closed at 6.7884, down 0.09% after trading within 6.7840‑6.7963
UOB targets intraday band of 6.7820‑6.7940 amid slight downward momentum
1‑3 week outlook remains neutral, range forecast 6.7750‑6.8080
No fresh directional clues; pair expected to stay range‑bound

Read on FXStreet ↗

June saw 126 contracts for Manhattan apartments priced $4 million+ (up from 124 a year earlier).
Average Manhattan price hit $2.2 million, a 5% YoY rise; $10‑20 million condos up 55%, >$20 million up 33%.
Luxury inventory is down about 40% year‑over‑year, the lowest level since 2004.
The pied‑à‑terre tax on secondary homes (>$1 million) is projected to raise $340‑$380 million annually but hasn't slowed high‑end demand.
Ultra‑wealthy buyers are paying cash, with multiple $15‑$22 million deals closing in June.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Macro/Economy 31

Thailand aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, 15 years earlier than its original target
World Bank projects green manufacturing could lift GDP by 2.9% by 2035 and create 203,000 jobs
BoI approved 2,585 BCG‑related projects (2023‑2025) with investment applications rising to 226 billion baht in 2024
Foreign investors pledged 172 billion baht in EV and battery projects for 2025
Industry minister targets stricter environmental standards and promotion of EVs and renewable energy

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Data centres currently use 4% of US electricity, projected to rise to 9% by 2030
Heatwave temps expected to top 38.9 °C in Washington, DC and 37.7 °C in New York, prompting PJM to request backup power within 15 minutes
About 70% of Americans oppose new local data centre construction, half citing power and water concerns (Gallup)
US operates ~3,000 data centres consuming ~176 TWh annually, enough for ~16 million homes
Policymakers from Texas to Congress call for moratoriums or bans on new data centre builds amid grid strain

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Chinese commerce minister Wang Wentao signaled openness to boost EU imports, aiming to narrow a sizable trade deficit
Negotiations this week include potential purchase agreements covering a broad range of European goods
Lower tariffs on EU imports were also discussed as part of the talks

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Japan's Finance Minister warned of readiness to intervene in currency markets, maintaining close contact with the US on FX issues.
The yen recovered slightly to 161.2 per dollar, after hitting a 40-year low of 162.84 earlier in the week.
Yen weakness contributed to 45 bankruptcies in H1, a 32.3% increase year-on-year, primarily affecting wholesalers.
The benchmark 10-year JGB yield reached a 30-year high, driven by investor concerns over new spending plans and perceived resistance to BOJ rate hikes.
A government panel member called for moderate BOJ rate hikes to address yen weakness and manage yield spikes.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

General-account tax revenue reached 84.2 trillion yen ($523 bn) in FY2025, first time surpassing 80 trillion yen
The figure exceeded the government's forecast for the year
Corporate earnings lifted tax receipts above the 1989 bubble‑economy level for the first time

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Vietnam has relied on the US as its top seafood market for nearly 25 years.
New regional trade pacts are cushioning the effect of Trump-era tariffs on shrimp, catfish and tuna shipments.
Despite ongoing trade barriers, Vietnamese seafood exports to the United States continue to expand.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

GrabFood orders under the scheme exceeded 500 million baht within two weeks of the June 15 extension
Merchant participation via GrabFood rose 40% compared with last year's co-payment scheme
Line Man Wongnai recorded over 1.2 million users and average order value up more than 15% in late June
Total spending under the scheme reached 43.2 billion baht by June 30, with 18.4 billion baht from individuals

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗ also: Bangkok Post Business

Strong tremors reduced hotels, restaurants and beachfront structures in Puerto Viejo to rubble
The coastal town is a key tourism driver for La Guaira, now facing a sharp drop in visitor revenue
Venezuelan authorities must allocate resources for extensive reconstruction and economic recovery
Tourism-dependent local economy is expected to contract sharply amid rebuilding challenges

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Electricity demand in the Eastern Interconnection approached record levels for the season
Grid operator issued emergency curtailments to prevent overload and maintain reliability
High temperatures are expected to keep demand elevated, prompting continued curbs

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Record beef imports in the United States reached a new high, according to USDA data
Domestic beef prices have risen sharply, contributing to higher barbecue costs for consumers
Higher import volumes are expected to keep price pressures on meat products in the coming months

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Federal government commits C$500 million (US$352 million) to Newmont's Red Chris Block Cave project
Funding spotlights ongoing electricity shortages in northern British Columbia
Project will test the province's grid capacity and may drive transmission upgrades
Newmont (NEM) expects the investment to accelerate mine development

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Services PMI and ISM non-manufacturing PMI data are slated for release on Monday.
The readings will gauge US service-sector activity and overall business health, influencing Fed rate outlook.
Analysts expect the PMI figures to hover around the prior month’s 52.5 (services) and 53.0 (ISM) levels.

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

U.S. will not extend CUSMA beyond its current term; the pact remains in force until 2036
RBC judges outright termination unlikely, citing economic logic
Near‑term trade risks for Canada persist, though tariff rates and export exposure have fallen
Rules of Origin are expected to become a key focus in upcoming negotiations

Read on FXStreet ↗

Canada sits atop world‑significant reserves of uranium, nickel, copper, rare earths and zinc.
The editorial highlights a paradox between exploiting these resources and the risk of ceding territory.
No immediate policy shift is noted, but the issue underscores strategic resource considerations.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Euro area headline inflation projected at 2.55% YoY in July, supported by falling Brent prices
Indirect pass‑through from the energy shock to core and food inflation expected to add about 0.5pp by 2026
Peak headline inflation forecasted near 3% in late‑2026, assuming the MoU remains in place

Read on FXStreet ↗

AI hiring in India's IT sector grew 16% year‑on‑year in June.
Overall IT job postings declined 3% in the same month.
AI and machine‑learning roles increased 25% across 14 sectors, led by insurance and consumer goods.
Tata Consultancy Services expects slower hiring after cutting over 12,000 jobs in July and reducing headcount by more than 23,000 in FY2025‑26.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Global food price index edged lower, with modest declines across key categories.
Cereals, sugar and dairy product prices fell, while other food groups held steady.
Intense El Niño conditions heighten production risk, leaving the overall outlook uncertain.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Enrollment fell by about 3 million people (13%) to 19.2 million in Feb 2026, from 22.1 million at end‑2025.
Drop follows the lapse of enhanced ACA premium subsidies at the end of 2025, raising affordability concerns.
Administration blames fraud crackdowns, citing cancellation of 250,000 enrollments; policy experts dispute this as the primary cause.
Experts argue the loss of subsidies makes insurance too costly for many households, driving the enrollment decline.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

DOE announced $75 million (C$106.5 million) funding for five pilot-scale projects.
Projects target recovery of rare earth elements and other critical materials from coal.
Funding is sourced from the DOE Office of Critical Minerals to strengthen domestic supply chains.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Johor caretaker chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi says federal delays threaten momentum of the Johor‑Singapore SEZ master plan.
Federal Economic Minister Akmal Nasir maintains the project remains on track and investor interest unchanged despite the postponement.
The SEZ delay adds political tension as Malaysia approaches a key state election.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Bank of Japan releases output gap, potential growth rate, and labor market indicators on a quarterly basis
Labor market indicators complement output gap estimates for forecasting wages and prices
Estimates subject to estimation errors and varying methodologies

Read on Bank of Japan ↗

India has allowed four Chinese-linked power equipment manufacturers with local factories to bid on government tenders for critical power projects.
The firms include TBEA Energy, Nanjing Electric India, New Northeast Electric India, and Taikai Electric (India).
The exemption, valid for two years, was sought by India's power ministry and is not to be treated as a precedent.
This move follows a broader examination of relaxing restrictions on Chinese bidders as border tensions ease.
Since a 2020 border clash, Chinese bidders required registration with a government panel and security clearances for state contracts.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

S&P Global Services PMI increased to 52.2 in June from 50.0 in May, marking a return to growth.
New business grew at one of the fastest rates in two years, while export orders fell for a third consecutive month.
Input price inflation accelerated to its fastest pace since June 2022, driven by higher oil, energy, food and wage costs.
Composite PMI (manufacturing + services) rose to 52.8 in June from 51.1 in May, the strongest expansion in three months.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Coalition of civil society organisations sent a letter to the global AML watchdog (FATF).
They allege recent legislation on sovereign‑wealth‑fund bond issuance may facilitate laundering.
The groups call for a review of Indonesia's FATF membership status.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Car, air‑conditioner and TV sales dropped sharply in March as government subsidies expired
The decline adds pressure on Beijing to consider additional stimulus for the second half of 2024
Weak consumer sentiment and reliance on exports heighten concerns over China's economic slowdown

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Canada signals it will not fully align with the United States on tariffs for Chinese-made vehicles
BYD sees the tariff discord as an opening to expand its foothold in the North American EV market
The US‑Canada split could reshape trade dynamics for Chinese electric‑vehicle imports

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Deaths are rising faster than official forecasts, outpacing demographic projections
Life‑expectancy gains have stalled since the COVID‑19 pandemic, contributing to higher mortality
Medical care providers and crematoriums are experiencing capacity pressures

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Housing Bureau gave first approval to three subdivided units meeting basic standards
Applications were filed in late May and approved last week
Units are in a Sham Shui Po flat; association urges landlords to seek professional help

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Average annual training hours per employee rose to 19.4 hours in 2024.
Represents a 6.8% increase from 18.1 hours in 2023.
Second consecutive year of growth and the highest level in 14 years.
Survey conducted by the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Ministers and political appointees granted a 1.3% salary increase.
Civil servants received a 2% pay bump in June.
Pay rise based on recommendations from an independent commission reviewing political salaries.
Announcement made by the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Japanese government initiates pilot to gather electronic waste via delivery trucks
Five transport companies, including Yamato Transport, will oversee collection
Program aims to boost recycling of rare metals from e‑waste
Regulatory restrictions eased to allow smaller ground‑transport firms to participate

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Central Banks 7

Warsh insists inflation must stay at or below the 2% target
His stance signals a continued hawkish bias, delaying any rate cuts
Markets may keep the Fed funds rate at 5.25%-5.50% longer than expected
Higher rates could sustain elevated US Treasury yields and a stronger DXY

Read on Investing.com News ↗

RBI's revised Standardised Approach takes effect in April 2027, linking capital weights to borrower ratings and agency default history.
Loan capital treatment will depend on both the rating grade and the rating agency's historical default performance.
The reform aligns India's framework with Basel III final reforms and aims to curb rating shopping.
Scope covers corporates, MSMEs, real estate, retail exposures, off‑balance‑sheet items and external credit assessments.

Read on FXStreet ↗

USD/JPY reached its highest level since 1986, testing the tolerance of Japanese authorities.
Market positioning is heavily long dollars and extremely short yen, heightening reversal risk.
ABN AMRO warns that the multi-decade high increases the likelihood of yen intervention.

Read on FXStreet ↗

April labor cash earnings rose 3.6% YoY and ordinary time earnings 3.3% YoY.
Shuntō negotiations delivered average wage increases of over 5% for a third straight year.
Wells Fargo projects a 25‑basis‑point BoJ rate hike in Q3, taking the policy rate to 1.25% by year‑end.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Lagarde says an early departure from the ECB is "possible" before the 2027 French presidential vote
Her term is scheduled to end in October 2027, and she reaffirms commitment to price stability for now
The euro fell in February after a Financial Times report on a potential early exit, showing market sensitivity
France is pushing €4 billion budget cuts to meet the EU 3% of GDP deficit rule by 2029, with a 5% short‑term target
Lagarde may engage in French presidential debates, but the ECB declined to comment on her latest remarks

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

One‑year inflation expectations fell to 3.3% in June from 3.7% in May.
Three‑year inflation expectations held steady at 2.9% month‑on‑month.
Firms' price‑setting intentions remained at 4.0% (4.1% on a 3‑month smoothed basis).
Expected wage growth rose to 3.5% from 3.4% in May.
BoE MPC is expected to keep rates on hold in July despite modest shifts.

Read on FXStreet ↗

RBI has urged lawmakers to insulate banks from crypto and private stablecoins.
The move aims to prevent direct exposure while allowing regulated tokenisation projects.
Policy shift signals a retreat from a total crypto ban toward targeted restrictions.
India's large user base makes the regulatory stance significant for the crypto market.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Energy/Oil 19

Oil futures on track for a fourth consecutive weekly loss
Brent trades in the low $70s per barrel, WTI below $70
Tentative reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and rising flows weigh on prices
Asian trade shows ~0.5% gain as profit‑taking continues

Read on OilPrice ↗ also: OilPrice·Channel NewsAsia Business

OPEC members produced 19.43 million barrels per day in June, according to Reuters survey
June output increased by 3.3 million bpd versus May, when production hit a historic low
Despite the jump, output remains well short of pre‑Strait of Hormuz crisis levels

Read on OilPrice ↗

Wholesale spot electricity prices jumped 243% in New England and 101% in New York City on Thursday.
PJM, the largest US power grid operator, issued a federal alert to cut electricity consumption across its territory.
Temperatures of up to 105°F (40.5°C) are expected, with some daily, monthly, and all-time records possible.

Read on CNBC Energy ↗

EIA cuts 2026‑27 global oil supply growth outlook, citing heightened risk in the Strait of Hormuz
Other major forecasters also downgrade 2027 supply estimates, reflecting ongoing geopolitical uncertainty
Analysts warn the revised outlook could spur price volatility and tighter market balances

Read on OilPrice ↗

WTI up ~0.3% to about $68.65 per barrel.
US nonfarm payrolls added 57K jobs in June, far below the 110K forecast.
US‑Iran negotiations and threats over the Strait of Hormuz keep geopolitical risk high.
Commerzbank says recent price dip reflects expectations of a future supply surplus, not current oversupply.

Read on FXStreet ↗

Citi projects Brent crude to drop to $60‑$65 per barrel by the end of the year
Price outlook relies on normalized Strait of Hormuz flows and a US‑Iran agreement
Analysts recommend selling any summer rally in Brent
Forecast suggests a bearish trend for oil markets in 2024

Read on OilPrice ↗

ICE Brent nears $70/bbl as Strait of Hormuz flows normalize, pushing front-month curve into contango
US natural gas futures dip after 87bcf storage build exceeds expectations, despite heatwave-driven demand
LME aluminium falls toward $3,000/t as EGA restarts 7% of Al Taweelah smelter capacity post-attack

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Iran has over 58 million barrels of crude and condensate floating offshore, struggling to find buyers in Asia.
China's independent refiners, traditionally key buyers, show weak appetite due to low runs, compressed margins, and soft domestic demand.
India is well-supplied with Russian crude and remains cautious about payment and sanction risks associated with Iranian oil.
Prolonged floating cargoes indicate distress, necessitating deeper discounts to attract buyers.
Uncertainty regarding the durability of US waivers for Iranian exports deters potential buyers from committing.

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Canada to become energy-exporting superpower
New pipeline to transport crude to Pacific Coast
Alberta government supports project

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Eneos secured sufficient crude to meet demand through September despite Middle East disruptions
Replaced lost volumes with U.S. crude and smaller imports from Azerbaijan, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz
Refinery utilisation fell to 81% in Jan‑Mar versus a potential 86% without the conflict
Targets 90% utilisation by FY2027 while pursuing medium‑term supply diversification

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗ also: OilPrice

Russia plans to receive a minimum of 200,000 barrels of jet fuel sourced from Japan.
The cargo will be loaded in early July and transferred via ship‑to‑ship at South Korea's Yeosu port.
Imports aim to mitigate the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes that have crippled Russian refineries.
The move highlights deepening fuel shortages for Russia's aviation sector.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Justice Department and FTC ask state attorneys general to join probe of pump price spikes
Action follows President Trump's directive to investigate gasoline price gouging
Regulators warn oil market volatility is not a justification for anticompetitive behavior
States urged to enforce existing price‑gouging statutes; no penalties announced yet

Read on OilPrice ↗

ICE Brent trades in a narrow $71-73 per barrel band, showing little movement
Market calm follows weeks of volatility driven by geopolitics
Traders are waiting for clearer signals on the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire
Pre-holiday liquidity dip contributes to reduced trading activity

Read on OilPrice ↗

The Trump administration issued a temporary suspension of the Jones Act, a century-old shipping law
California drivers benefited from reduced fuel costs and improved supply
Gulf Coast refiners gained from increased ability to ship fuel domestically
Puerto Rico saw enhanced fuel availability due to the suspension

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

TotalEnergies is offering millions of barrels of Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy crude for prompt delivery
Offers cover shipments for the current month and the next
Iraq is selling crude on the spot market at deep discounts, requiring buyers to provide empty tankers
Additional supply could weigh on Asian crude prices

Read on OilPrice ↗

Oil prices fall as optimism grows over US‑Iran talks and a possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
Commerzbank expects the EIA to raise second‑half 2024 supply forecasts after June production stabilises
OPEC+ may partially ease quotas, but a significant increase is unlikely, keeping price pressure on the market

Read on FXStreet ↗

Strategic, commercial and refinery crude stocks reached 104 million barrels at end-June, up from 90.5 million barrels end-April.
June imports surged to a record level, reinforcing India as the world’s third-largest crude oil buyer.
Current stocks sit just below the pre‑Iran‑war peak of 107 million barrels.

Read on OilPrice ↗

India's oil minister states Indian refiners are not directly exporting refined petroleum products to Russia.
Industry sources indicate at least 60,000 metric tons (≈510,000 barrels) of gasoline may be reaching Russia via trader shipments.
The shipments aim to ease fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries.

Read on OilPrice ↗

UAE rewrites offshore oil pricing rules to attract Asian buyers
Murban crude futures now listed on ICE Futures Abu Dhabi as a global benchmark
Murban offers high API gravity, low sulfur, deep liquidity and no destination restrictions

Read on OilPrice ↗

Gold/Metals 11

Gold and silver extended recovery for a third session after weaker-than-expected US employment data cooled rate hike bets.
June US Nonfarm Payrolls added 57,000 jobs, significantly below the 113,000 market expectation.
US Dollar Index (DXY) declined from $101.365 to $100.320, providing additional support for precious metals.
Both gold and silver are approaching important short-term resistance zones where fresh selling pressure and profit-booking could emerge.
Gold August Futures traded near $4207.90/ounce; Silver September Futures traded around $63.135/ounce.

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗ also: FXStreet·Investing.com Commodities·WSJ Markets

Spot gold up 1.4% to $4,182/oz, on track for a 2.3% weekly gain – first weekly rise since late May
June U.S. nonfarm payrolls added 57,000 jobs, below the revised 129,000 in May and the 115,000 forecast
CME FedWatch probability of a September rate hike fell to 53.5% from about 65% earlier in the week
Silver jumped 2.9% to $62.77/oz, poised for a 6.7% weekly gain; platinum +2.8%, palladium +1%
Gold remains about 22% below its $5,300+ January peak despite a 3% YTD decline

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Iran's military announced the Strait of Hormuz closed again days after a June 17 MOU, though the foreign ministry says shipping is normal.
The U.S. agreed to fully lift its naval blockade by July 19, while Tehran pledged only “best efforts” to restore pre‑war traffic.
Analysts say copper’s price trajectory will depend more on Washington’s actions than on the strait’s operational status.

Read on OilPrice ↗

Silver (XAG/USD) reclaimed $60 for a second straight day, up over 5.5% week‑to‑date.
RSI exited oversold territory, climbing toward the 43‑50 range, suggesting improving momentum.
A break above $65 would clear the way to the 200‑day SMA near $70 and next resistance at $71.32.
If price falls below $60.92, support lies at $60, with further support at the June 30 low of $56.61.

Read on FXStreet ↗

US could impose a 15% tariff on refined copper effective Jan 1, 2027, likely boosting US demand and prices
Chile's copper mine production fell nearly 13% year‑on‑year in May, tightening global supply
Chile's 2024 output forecast was revised to a 2% decline, with only a 4% rebound expected in 2025
If the tariff is ruled out, the market may see short‑term relief, but supply constraints remain

Read on FXStreet ↗

BHP announces a $1.5 billion investment to reopen the Cerro Colorado copper mine in Chile.
The project aims to restart production and extend the mine's operational life.
The move highlights BHP's strategy to boost copper supply amid rising global demand.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Gold rose to near $4,200/oz, up about $200 in two days and set for first weekly gain in five weeks
Q2 price fell 14%, the steepest quarterly drop in 13 years, with a 7% decline YTD
Price dips below $4,000 have been short-lived, indicating a potential bottoming process
Further falls unlikely unless expectations for rate hikes rise sharply

Read on FXStreet ↗

Silver trades around $62.78, between weekly mean $60.71 and weekly sell 1 target $65.73
Daily VC PMI support at $61.02 holds; price stays above the daily mean, keeping bias bullish
180‑day cycle low on June 28 and 270‑day seasonal cycle on July 7 create a harmonic window for upside
Weekly sell 2 target at $72.25 marks next major resistance if price breaks above $65.73

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Gold prices may rebound after a brutal pullback
Soft jobs data cools rate hike bets, supporting gold
Fibonacci levels suggest potential for sharp washout before next major upside target

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Gold futures rallied to approximately 4,198.60, breaking above Daily ($4,100) and Weekly ($4,103) VC PMI Mean Prices.
Next resistance levels are Daily Sell 1 at $4,174 and Weekly Sell 1 at $4,231, where increased volatility and profit-taking are anticipated.
Square of 9 analysis indicates approaching harmonic resistance, suggesting caution against chasing strength directly into these zones.
A bullish intermediate-term outlook persists as long as prices remain above the Weekly VC PMI Mean Price near $4,103.
Key cycle dates for July include potential momentum shifts around July 8-10, 15-17, 24-26, and month-end.

Read on Investing.com Commodities ↗

Seven large, high-grade mineral projects identified in Canada's far north
Projects remain uneconomic without reliable road connections
Infrastructure gaps hinder development of copper, gold, and other metal deposits
Potential for significant resource expansion if road networks are built

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Crypto 27

Whales accumulated >270,000 BTC (~$16.7bn) over the past two weeks
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs saw a record $4.06bn outflow in June, their worst month since listing
ETFs posted a $221m inflow on Thursday, ending a year‑to‑date red for 2026
Solana rose ~15% since early June, while several Ethereum L2 tokens hit record lows
Upcoming U.S. inflation data could shift Fed rate expectations and Bitcoin pressure

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: Cointelegraph

Bitcoin nears $62,000 as a short squeeze lifts the market
Ether and solana lead the crypto rally with 9.7% and 18.6% weekly gains
Bearish traders lost $281 million in liquidations over 24 hours

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: CoinDesk

Tokenizing stocks, bonds and deposits could cut settlement times from days to seconds.
Faster settlement removes buffers, making markets more vulnerable to rapid shocks and automated sell‑offs.
IMF warns of heightened systemic risk, concentration on few platforms, and cybersecurity threats without updated regulation.
Emerging economies could face volatile cross‑border flows and erosion of monetary sovereignty.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Binance withdrew its MiCA license application in Greece due to delays and regulatory uncertainty.
European head Gillian Lynch defends MiCA's success by how many crypto firms are brought into the regulated system.
Binance remains committed to securing a new license and staying in Europe despite the setback.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Trump disclosed at least $1.4 billion in crypto-related income for 2025
Breakdown: $636 million from a Trump‑branded memecoin, $594 million from World Liberty Financial, $197 million from a stablecoin venture
Bitcoin is down roughly 50% from its October record of $126,000 as the sector remains in a slump

Read on CoinDesk ↗ also: Cointelegraph

SOL gains momentum after surge in Solana-based memecoin activity
Increased trading on prediction markets linked to SOL supports price rise
Analysts question whether the rally signals a sustained bullish trend

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced legislation to prohibit members of Congress, the President and spouses from creating or promoting digital assets.
The bill would bar elected officials from issuing or sponsoring any memecoin or similar cryptocurrency.
If passed, the measure would add crypto regulation to existing political ethics rules.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Issuer claims average daily volume of about $205 million and $34.4 billion processed Jan‑June
TRM Labs and Elliptic estimate daily volume near $75 million, with ~34% of transactions appearing circular
Monthly volume down >90% since January and 96% below its 2023 peak after sanctions and Grinex collapse
A7A5 is sanctioned by the US, EU and UK and backed by deposits at Promsvyazbank

Read on CoinDesk ↗

Strategy authorizes Bitcoin sales, indicating a move toward active crypto management
Open USD launches to compete with USDT and USDC stablecoins
Fidelity emphasizes Bitcoin security and risk controls
Crypto industry plans higher political spending ahead of the 2026 election cycle

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin rose to $62,300, its highest level in nine days.
The gain followed the Dow Jones and global equity markets setting all‑time market‑cap records.
The rally came ahead of the U.S. Independence Day holiday, marking a strong start to July.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

MiCA's transition deadline triggers mandatory wind‑down for crypto firms lacking authorization
EU authorities may apply enforcement unevenly, according to industry insiders
Lawyers warn the abrupt shutdown could disrupt crypto services across the bloc

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Belgian authorities detained a 19‑year‑old suspect in Antwerp, linked to theft of over €500,000 ($572,000).
The stolen funds were moved through cryptocurrency, underscoring crypto's role in money‑laundering.
Phishing accounted for the majority of the $482 million crypto losses in Q1 2026, with $306 million from phishing alone.
Security firms report a surge in phishing ads on Google, including fake Uniswap promotions that stole $400,000.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

ESMA released its first post‑deadline update to the MiCA register
The update lists 37 crypto‑asset service providers
Standard Chartered and FalconX are among the newly added firms
The register monitors entities complying with the EU's MiCA framework

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin supply indicator flips to a 'buy' signal for the first time since November 2022.
The metric suggests the 2026 bear market could be nearing its end.
Analysts warn that despite the signal, BTC price may still face further downside.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin recovered to $61,600, up 6.5% from its recent low of $57,750.
Ether led 24‑hour liquidations with $160 million and open interest of 14.31 million contracts, the highest since June 10.
Uniswap (UNI) surged 11% as trading volume doubled after being named primary AMM for Robinhood’s layer‑2 network.
Crypto futures saw $417 million liquidated in 24 hours, with bullish funding rates and rising open interest in ETH and DOGE.
Weak US jobs data lowered Fed rate‑hike expectations, lifting Nasdaq‑100 futures 1.9%.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

A defendant who controls one of the dormant wallets filed a motion to dismiss the NY case.
The lawsuit targets ownership of 39,069 Bitcoin wallets valued at roughly $229 billion.
If dismissed, the case could set a precedent for how lost or dormant crypto assets are treated legally.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin holds above $62,000, up 0.8% over 24 hours
Cardano's ADA leads altcoin bounce, up 14% to mid-June levels
CoinDesk 20 Index advances 1.7% as altcoins outperform

Read on CoinDesk ↗

U.S.-listed bitcoin ETFs saw $221.7M in inflows on Thursday, their largest daily intake in two months.
Fidelity's FBTC led with nearly $166M in new money, while BlackRock's IBIT recorded a $40.43M outflow.
Year-to-date net outflows remain steep at about $5.4B, with a sustained inflow trend needed to confirm a lasting bitcoin recovery.

Read on CoinDesk ↗

XRP gained 4% intraday, holding above $1.08 support after last week's sell-off
Wallet creation surged to 4,941 daily addresses, highest in 14 weeks; bullish social sentiment hit 3-month high
Token remains in consolidation until a clean break above $1.10-$1.12 confirms momentum shift

Read on CoinDesk ↗

US users dominate Polymarket political bets despite geoblocks
New data from Allium shows US users bypassing geoblocks
Polymarket's global platform is accessible to US users

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitwise's Matt Hougan questions Strategy's STRC offer for Bitcoin
STRC's high yields and low volatility don't align with Bitcoin's nature
Strategy's investment in Bitcoin seen as a questionable move

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Securitize issued tokenized shares on two blockchains: Solana and Avalanche
The tokenized shares went live immediately after the company's NYSE debut
First newly public company to launch tokenized equity on its debut

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Bitcoin price holds around $61,000 following softer US jobs report
Weaker jobs data eases expectations of near‑term Fed rate hikes
AI sector weakness reduces risk appetite, supporting Bitcoin's rally
Analysts note potential upside to $70,000 if capital rotates into crypto

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Upbit clarified it has not committed to joining the OUSD ecosystem at present
Several South Korean firms have already distanced themselves from the OUSD initiative
The exchange left open the possibility of future participation in the OpenStandard ecosystem

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Shielded Labs warns exchanges, mining pools and wallets may need extra time for the Z3 software migration
The Ironwood hard fork could be postponed if infrastructure readiness is not achieved
All Zcash ecosystem participants are affected by the potential delay

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Irish Criminal Assets Bureau recovered 500 BTC, valued at about $92 million.
Total Bitcoin seized by the bureau in 2026 now reaches 1,500 BTC.
Seizure relates to proceeds from criminal investigations.
No immediate effect on broader cryptocurrency markets reported.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

19‑year‑old Peter Stokes was extradited to the United States.
He faces charges for allegedly participating in a hacking group’s $8 million crypto ransom scheme.
The ransom was paid in cryptocurrency, reportedly Bitcoin.
The case highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to combat cyber‑crime involving digital assets.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

Geopolitics 49

Funeral week starts with Khamenei’s body lying in state at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex
More than 50 foreign delegations, including leaders from Iraq, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia and Pakistan, are attending
Iran expects millions of mourners, with up to 2 million projected in Qom and large turnouts in Tehran and Mashhad
Ceremonies follow the Feb 28 US‑Israel strike that killed Khamenei, underscoring heightened regional tensions

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Al Jazeera

Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez rejects allegations of slow response to earthquakes
Over 2,000 people killed in 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude quakes in La Guaira state
Thousands remain missing, with civilians and foreign rescue teams aiding in relief efforts

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: SCMP Economy

PM Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes narcotics suppression as a national agenda item
Government to review security measures to meet international standards
Stricter screening of departing passengers and airline crew members proposed

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

US policymakers view China as a strategic threat, prompting protectionist actions
Rising tensions risk further fragmentation of global trade and supply chains
Analysts warn of heightened risk of broader geopolitical conflict, possibly a third world war
Kishore Mahbubani's book highlights deep structural misunderstandings between the two powers

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Law takes effect, mandating Mandarin as primary language in education, official business and public spaces across China
Includes clause allowing action against violators abroad, prompting concerns over rights of Uighurs, Tibetans and Taiwan critics
Government says the law promotes social cohesion and prevents separatism, while activists warn it may lead to forced assimilation

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Six NGOs (Amnesty, HRW, etc.) say clauses 3 and 13 of the June 26 US‑brokered deal block recourse to the ICC and ICJ
The deal ties the return of displaced Lebanese residents to the disarmament of non‑state armed groups and removal of infrastructure
Over 646,000 displaced persons have begun returning to southern Lebanon, while about 500,000 remain displaced
Hezbollah rejects the agreement, calling it null and void and linking Israeli withdrawal to its disarmament

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Russia launched its biggest Kyiv attack this year, killing at least 27 people
Fires and extensive damage hit civilian infrastructure across several Kyiv districts
The assault precedes the NATO summit, spurring calls in the US and Europe for tougher measures against Moscow
US lawmakers intensify debate over additional aid to Ukraine following the strike

Read on OilPrice ↗

Iranian leaders begin paying respects to late supreme leader Ali Khamenei
Millions expected to attend funeral ceremonies in Tehran
Foreign dignitaries to attend official ceremony on Saturday

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Germany's ruling coalition vows to defend trade at the continental level
Potential shift in EU's stance against China
34-point package to revive Germany's ailing economy

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Cabinet ministers lack relevant expertise: e.g., Foreign Minister Sugiono (computer science/management) and Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni (political science)
Foreign policy blunders under Sugiono include South China Sea joint statement with China and prolonged ambassadorial vacancies
Deforestation-linked disasters in Sumatra (1,000+ deaths) amid lax forestry permits under Raja Juli Antoni
Nutrition agency (BGN) led by non-experts (entomologist, journalist, generals) faces food poisoning scandals and corruption arrests
Prabowo’s appointments reflect loyalty/personal ties over competence, per historical patronage patterns

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing made his first official visit to an ASEAN country (Laos, July 3-5) since the 2021 coup, defying the bloc's ban on his regime attending summits.
The visit, following Myanmar's denial of access to Aung San Suu Kyi, highlights widening fault lines within ASEAN, particularly between mainland (CLM Club: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar) and maritime members.
Laos and Cambodia have maintained ties with Myanmar, with all three countries emerging as havens for organized crime and heavily dependent on China.
The trip undermines ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus (5PC) for resolving Myanmar's civil war, which the regime has largely ignored for over five years.
The visit is seen as Min Aung Hlaing's quest for legitimacy in defiance of most of ASEAN and the international community.

Read on The Diplomat ↗

EU and China will launch a ministerial dialogue to address trade imbalances and export controls
EU officials allege unfair trade practices and limited market access for European firms
Brussels is considering new trade‑defence and industrial policy tools to counter the widening surplus
EU seeks tangible results from talks, warning that further measures could follow

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Russian troops claim capture of Kostiantynivka, a city in the Donetsk region
The town is considered a strategic industrial hub in eastern Ukraine
The advance follows several weeks of intensified fighting in the area

Read on Investing.com News ↗

At least four people, including a child, were killed in the Sumy city strike.
The attack injured 27 others.
Additional attacks in Sumy region and southeastern Ukraine raised the death toll to six.
The strike hit a high-rise apartment building, a shop and a street.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Taiwan extends reservist call‑up to 14 days and intensifies training.
New curriculum includes combat drones and US‑supplied HIMARS rocket systems.
Reform aims to counter a shrinking pool of military‑age citizens and rising pressure from Beijing.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

European NATO members have backfilled the majority of U.S. defense funding cuts.
Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe John Stringer confirmed the shift ahead of the Ankara NATO summit.
The move aims to offset recent U.S. signals of reduced commitment to European security.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Settlers confronted a foreign activist and a local man, using pepper spray and rocks
The clash occurred as Palestinians tried to access their agricultural land
The incident was reported on 3 July 2026

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Settlers damaged the main electricity line to al-Maniya village, marking a second outage in the village this week.
Vandalism of agricultural greenhouses near the Shufa checkpoint included tearing protective nets, harming a local family's produce.
Settlers seized the Ein Rawabi spring, the sole water source for Bedouin shepherds and about 1,300 sheep.
UN inquiry reports a 130% surge in settler attacks on Palestinian villages and farmland since 2023.
Settlers seized property of Mohammad Salameh in Jalud while he was building a home for his son.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Pope Leo XIV hailed immigrants who shaped the US, appealing for a public discourse marked by moderation and respect for others.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged listeners to reject forces that believe only a select few should have freedom.
The speeches come as the US marks its 250th anniversary, with President Trump's hardline immigration policies facing criticism.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Keiko Fujimori wins Peru's presidential race with 9,223,000 votes versus 9,173,000 for Roberto Sanchez
Victory confirmed by the National Jury of Elections after a razor‑thin 50,000‑vote margin
Sanchez alleges vote irregularities but provides no evidence, prompting international complaints
Fujimori, daughter of former president, is set to assume office in late July amid political turbulence
Future stability hinges on the composition of the newly reconstituted Senate and potential impeachment moves

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Over 383 Palestinian prisoners were deported to Egypt in 2025 prisoner exchanges, with many families barred from travel
At least 100 West Bank families report being unable to visit exiled relatives due to Israeli travel bans
More than 8,700 travel restrictions recorded in the West Bank from 2014‑2025, including 691 women

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

A roadside bomb in Tak Bai injured Malaysian tourists, leading to cancellations of at least four bus groups.
Hat Yai receives 10,000‑20,000 Malaysian arrivals daily on weekends via Sadao checkpoint, and 5,000‑7,000 on weekdays.
Tourism associations are calling for increased screenings and inspections to restore confidence and prevent conflict spreading to economic districts.
Betong tourism remains unaffected; 1,000‑2,000 daily Malaysian overland visitors use Betong checkpoint, though rising travel costs are a concern.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Acting DNI Bill Pulte issued termination notices to dozens of intelligence officials on Thursday.
The firings are part of a Trump‑directed effort to remove staff deemed “deep state” and alleged to have incomplete intelligence.
Pulte, also head of FHFA, has been acting DNI since June 19 and will remain in the role after Trump halted the nomination of Jay Clayton.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

United States marks its 250th founding anniversary as China expands influence in Latin America.
Beijing is courting Brazil and Mexico, raising concerns among U.S. policymakers ahead of the 2024 election.
The competition is expected to span hard‑tech sectors and soft‑power initiatives across the western hemisphere.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Election scheduled for July 11, 2024.
Thousands of Johor residents work in Singapore, earning higher SGD wages ('SGD fighters').
Causeway traffic and immigration delays could hinder voter turnout.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Trump called Germany's past defence spending "ridiculous"
Germany plans to double its defence budget over the next four years
NATO summit in Ankara next week as European leaders aim to set aside US‑Germany tensions

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia's intent to prosecute Jho Low despite any US presidential pardon.
Jho Low faces charges from 2018 for laundering billions from the 1MDB sovereign wealth fund and breaching anti‑bribery laws.
Malaysia aims to recover assets such as luxury homes, a superyacht, and fine art linked to the alleged fraud.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has broken with Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
The split is viewed as hurting GOP prospects ahead of the 2024 U.S. midterm elections.
Carlson cited disagreement over the administration's decision to go to war with Iran.
A Chinese think tank says the division will intensify internal battles over the party's identity.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

14 companies, including Boeing and Lockheed Martin, sponsor both America250 and Trump‑aligned Freedom 250.
Sponsorship tiers start at $500,000; $1 million grants a private Trump reception; $10 million offers VIP access to all events.
Congress allocated $150 million for the semiquincentennial; America250 has received $25 million, while Freedom 250 secured nearly $80 million in grants.
Watchdogs say the opaque sponsorship structure may give firms with federal contracts undue influence over the Trump administration.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Zhang Shuguang promoted to full general and named head of the CMC Discipline Inspection Commission
Zhang Shuguang replaces Zhang Shengmin as chief of the top military anti-corruption agency
Wang Gang also promoted to full general to become head of the PLA Air Force

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

India will accept tourist visa applications from Bangladeshi nationals after almost two years of suspension
The visa restart marks the clearest sign of a thaw in strained India‑Bangladesh relations since the 2022 protests
Analysts say rebuilding trade links and managing Chinese investment near India's eastern flank remain key challenges

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Fujian, commissioned in November, is the PLA Navy's third aircraft carrier and first fully domestically designed.
It will be the world's first carrier equipped with an anti‑torpedo torpedo (ATT) hard‑kill system.
The ATT system uses a six‑tube 324 mm lightweight torpedo launcher, replacing the previous 12‑tube depth‑charge launchers.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

State Department clears a $22.3 million sale of Hellfire missiles to Singapore.
Washington asserts the transfer will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Sale is seen as routine replenishment for Singapore’s training and advanced arsenal.
Move signals broader U.S. strategy to strengthen ties with regional allies.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Researchers observed higher incidence of attacks on Chinese nationals in sub‑Saharan Africa after periods of increased Chinese investment.
Authors stress the correlation does not prove causation; investment itself is not shown to cause the violence.
Chinese investment is often concentrated in resource‑rich, politically unstable regions, which may drive the observed pattern.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Oman and Iran discuss possible service fees for ships transiting the Strait, which carries about 20% of global oil.
The U.S. opposes any tolls and warns of sanctions, creating a diplomatic "blind spot" for market risk.
Analysts say a fee scheme could skirt transit‑passage rules and affect oil transport costs and insurance without a security event.

Read on CNBC Energy ↗

India's court ordered domain sellers to remove free privacy protection, release owner details within 72 hours, and block brand-name variations
GoDaddy argues the ruling exposes legitimate businesses to privacy risks and may force it to exit India
Fake websites cost India $2.4B in cyber fraud in 2023, prompting stricter measures

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Greek ex‑politician Stelios Kouloglou’s iPhone was infected with Pegasus spyware in Oct 2022 and twice in Mar 2023
The hack exploited a zero‑click iOS vulnerability that had been patched but not installed on his device
Citizen Lab ties the attacks to the same Pegasus‑loaded email address used in prior European journalist hacks, implying a state‑backed operator
Kouloglou, a member of the EU PEGA committee probing Pegasus, says he will sue NSO Group over the intrusion

Read on TechCrunch ↗

American pilot Nicholas F. Gosselin was shot dead by separatist insurgents in Papua
Gosselin's body has been recovered and evacuated by Indonesian military
Attack was a message to Indonesian and US governments for failing to address Papua conflict

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Death toll from twin quakes (M7.2 and M7.5) reaches 2,595, up 300 from prior day
UN estimates $6.7bn in direct damage (6% of GDP); Verisk projects $10bn+ in total economic losses
Oil exports remain steady despite minor delays at terminals; PDVSA inspecting Catia La Mar terminal

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Myanmar’s military-backed government plans to restart the $3.6B Myitsone dam project, suspended since 2011
Project expected to take 8–10 years to complete; 90% of electricity would export to China
China has pushed for resumption amid Myanmar’s increasing reliance on Beijing post-2021 coup

Read on The Diplomat ↗

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in India for a three‑day visit
Talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi centered on economic security, strategic cooperation and tech collaboration
Analysts question how far India will align with Japan's China‑focused Indo‑Pacific strategy
Both nations aim to strengthen economic partnership as China’s regional influence grows

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Lee marked the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China on July 1.
He tied the ceremony to the Chinese Communist Party's founding anniversary, underscoring closer ties with Xi Jinping.
Analysts view the move as a signal to strengthen his position ahead of potential second‑term speculation.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

India and Japan signed their first defence co-development agreement during summit talks in New Delhi
The pact includes joint AI research initiatives and collaboration on energy security
Leaders highlighted the upcoming partial launch of a high‑speed rail link in 2027

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

China expands military activities east of Taiwan, testing regional security dynamics
Japan and the Philippines coordinate deterrence measures in response to Chinese moves
Analysts warn the situation could raise the risk of a broader geopolitical confrontation

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

RTP unveiled SHIELD, a web‑based database for sharing intelligence on online scams and human‑trafficking.
11 countries, including the US, China and Japan, have joined the platform at launch.
Platform aims to speed up cross‑border investigations and improve arrests of scam syndicates.
Development took one year of testing and training before going live.
Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar were not included; future participation depends on mutual trust.

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

July 4 marks the United States' 250th year since declaring independence from Britain
Historical analysis highlights the shift from a republic to an empire around the early 1900s
The celebration includes parades, speeches, fireworks, and nationwide patriotic events

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Japan's exclusive economic zone ranks sixth globally in size
Over 99% of Japan's international trade is conducted by sea
The nation has 14,000 islands and a coastline 30% longer than the United States
Growth areas include naval power, shipbuilding, ports, logistics, and resource security

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

The United States marks 250 years since its founding, highlighting its entrepreneurial legacy.
The author argues that the nation should shape its government, not be shaped by it.
Emphasis on maintaining a limited government to foster private enterprise and innovation.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Students from Hong Kong visited two PLA Navy warships on Friday.
The vessels were the guided‑missile destroyer Nanning and guided‑missile frigate Hengyang.
The ships are on a five‑day port call that began on Thursday.
The visit coincides with the 29th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty on July 1.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Tech/AI 26

Robin Geiss, director of UN Institute for Disarmament Research, warns that AI is reshaping military operations.
He says a comprehensive international regulatory framework for military AI is unlikely in the short term.
Calls for pragmatic dialogue among governments and industry to manage risks of machine warfare.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that AI agent development has not accelerated as anticipated.
His comments coincided with Meta's global expansion of its Meta Business Agent.
The Meta Business Agent is now available for businesses on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

India has issued notices to Telegram and Signal regarding features that allow users to post messages without revealing phone numbers.
The government is concerned that username anonymity could increase online fraud, phishing, and impersonation attacks.
This action follows a similar directive to WhatsApp to freeze its planned username feature rollout.
India's IT ministry has previously clashed with tech platforms, including temporarily blocking Telegram and tightening content-takedown rules.
A digital rights group, Internet Freedom Foundation, called for the withdrawal of the notices, citing concerns over protected speech.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Unimicron's market value has risen about 350% YTD and it has raised capital spending twice to meet AI-driven demand
Vanguard International Semiconductor's market cap is up over 110% YTD, with executives flagging persistent inflation risks
Xiaomi cuts its full-year smartphone production target by nearly 30% to roughly 95 million units as shipments are projected to fall about 14%
Samsung and SK Hynix will invest a combined 911 trillion won (≈$590 bn) in new chip facilities under South Korea's "Three Mega Projects"
Apple is preparing at least five new iPhone models for its September launch, leveraging its stronger bargaining position with suppliers

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

NASA's $30 million mission aims to capture the aging Swift telescope before re‑entry
The robotic spacecraft launched Friday after a weather‑related delay
The operation is expected to take several months and could enable future satellite rescues

Read on SCMP Economy ↗ also: Al Jazeera

Researchers report AI agents can double their learning speed every three months through real‑world task interaction
The new scaling law is presented in a paper released Thursday by ByteDance's Seed AI team
Findings suggest the AI boom could be prolonged as traditional model‑size scaling approaches hit limits

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

AI browsers launch: Perplexity’s Comet ($200/mo), Opera’s Neon ($19.90/mo), Jatter (free, $10/mo optional) and OpenAI’s Atlas (macOS Oct 2026 release)
The Browser Company’s Dia is available as an invite‑only beta for Arc members
Privacy browsers expand: Brave adds BAT rewards and AI assistant; DuckDuckGo introduces a generative AI chatbot and enhanced scam blocker
Ladybird plans an open‑source, non‑Chromium browser with an alpha release scheduled for 2026

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Alibaba classified Claude Code as high‑risk software after uncovering hidden tracking code.
The ban applies to all staff, citing prior espionage allegations against Anthropic.
The move adds to growing scrutiny of AI tools for data security in China.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Engine produced 750 newtons of thrust
Fired continuously for 11,617 seconds (≈3.2 hours) across five orbit‑raising maneuvers
Developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in Xian
Record operating life may accelerate deployment of communications, military and deep‑space satellites

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Swift Boost mission successfully reached orbit after two launch attempts were scrubbed by weather and a vehicle issue.
Indian launch startup is nearing its inaugural flight, targeting a launch later this year.
SpaceX celebrated its 1,000th launch milestone, marking a century‑plus of missions.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

FCA chief says traditional rulemaking cycles can't keep pace with AI advances that evolve in weeks or months
ECB and BoE officials warn agentic AI could heighten market volatility and may need circuit‑breaker‑type safeguards
Europe acknowledged lagging behind in AI investment and sovereign AI capabilities, prompting calls for new regulatory tools

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Hong Kong positions itself as a middleman in the fast‑growing global space economy
Officials cite the city’s common law system, financial markets and dispute‑resolution expertise as a competitive edge
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam highlighted professional services for commercial space at the 2026 Colloquium on International Law

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

More than 1 million people had personal data maliciously encrypted at a leading Hong Kong appliance distributor.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data launched an investigation following the breach.
Cybersecurity experts are urging authorities to impose fines on firms that suffer data breaches.
The incident was initially reported by Shun Hing Group on March 23.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

President Javier Milei introduced a bill to create "non-human corporations" run by AI, but requires a human administrator.
The law would permit AI decision‑making, impose liability for AI‑caused damages, and allow DAO structures with token‑based voting.
No firms have yet committed; the government hopes the framework will attract foreign AI investment, citing a potential $25 billion data‑center project.
Experts say current AI cannot fully replace human oversight and the proposal faces crypto‑industry pushback over required user identification.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

AI investment divergence creates clear winners and losers across Asian markets
Tech-heavy equity indices experience heightened volatility amid profitability concerns
Analysts question the long‑term sustainability of the rapid AI build‑out
Doubts over AI profitability are whiplashing sector‑focused indexes

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

European semiconductor equities moved into positive territory after Thursday's sell‑off.
The rebound mirrored gains seen in Asian chip stocks the previous day.
Investor sentiment shifted from AI‑related sell‑off to broader chip optimism.

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Hydrogen combustion engines are promoted as lower‑cost substitutes for fuel‑cell systems.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Toyota are developing compact hydrogen engines for generators and sports cars.
Efforts focus on engines smaller than the existing six‑cylinder prototype, aiming for broader mobility use.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japanese industrial robot makers' global market share has slipped to roughly 40%, down from past dominance.
Yaskawa Electric reports that about one‑third of robots in its new factory are AI‑enabled.
Firms are pursuing AI integration and open collaboration to challenge China and Europe's growing robot sectors.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

SRT took delivery of the first domestically produced passenger coach, a prototype created by KMITL under the Thai‑Made Train project.
The coach features engineering, materials science, air‑conditioning and IoT technology and will undergo safety and performance tests before limited service on 200‑500 km tourist routes.
The initiative aims to cut imports, add value for local manufacturers and strengthen Thailand's rail industry supply chain.
The handover was witnessed by the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister, underscoring government backing for domestic rail manufacturing.

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

AGI is defined as AI that outperforms the average human on most economically valuable tasks
AI agents automate multi-step tasks, with coding agents capable of writing, testing, and debugging code autonomously
Chain-of-thought reasoning improves LLM accuracy by breaking problems into intermediate steps
Compute refers to the hardware (GPUs, CPUs, TPUs) that provides the processing power for AI models

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Dune is a $119 three‑key aluminum keypad that plugs into a MacBook’s USB‑C port
Functions change per app (e.g., mute/video in meetings, copy/paste in Excel) and can be customized via a companion app or Claude AI scripts
Supports MacBook models with M2 Air or later and M1 Pro or later running macOS 15; price rises to $149 after introductory period
Early users note accidental key presses due to low resistance and a limited skill marketplace

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Museum of American Finance opens its first permanent home in Boston, a 5,400‑sq‑ft space on Commonwealth Pier.
AI exhibit lets visitors converse with a virtual Alexander Hamilton in over 50 languages.
Free admission and seven inaugural exhibits, including a currency gallery and personal‑finance section.
U.S. federal deficit tops $1.2 trillion FY‑to‑date and national debt exceeds $39 trillion, highlighting fiscal‑education focus.
Partnership with Fidelity Center for Applied Technology showcases AI’s role in expanding financial education.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

AI-related postings for fresh graduates reached nearly 4 out of 10 in the first five months of 2024
Share of AI job ads increased from about 3 out of 10 in the same period of 2023
Maimai portal, with 120 million users, reports the shift in hiring demand
Companies cite AI adoption boosting efficiency as the main driver for the higher demand

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Deadline for applications is July 6, 2026.
Eight finalists will pitch on August 19, 2026 in Sydney.
Top three startups receive up to $15,000 in Stripe fee credits; winner gains entry to Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco.
Open to Australian and New Zealand early‑stage startups from pre‑seed to Series A with early traction.
Participation is free and no equity is taken.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

The "Smithsonian Starstruck" VR experience debuted in Washington, DC in May.
Adult tickets cost $29 to $35; group tickets (4+) start at $18 each after a 15% discount.
The 40‑minute immersive tour includes close views of the Sun, the Milky Way's black hole, and a distant exoplanet.
Future openings are planned for Denver, Orlando, and San Antonio later this year.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Wing Commander IV, released in 1996, used full-motion video and Hollywood actors to blend film and gameplay.
The game embodied the 1990s belief that movies and games would merge into fully interactive entertainment.
The FMV-driven vision ultimately faded as the industry shifted toward other technologies.

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Companies 32

Hanwha Group to invest $36B in satellites, space launch vehicles, and AI data centres
Hyundai Motor Group to invest $42B over 10 years in self-driving mobility, AI manufacturing, and aerospace production
Samsung Group to invest $19B in humanoid robots, AI data centre, and smartphone production

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

BYD became the world's largest EV maker, surpassing Tesla.
BYD's overseas shipments surged despite an 8.2% YoY drop in total deliveries.
Tesla's global EV sales lag behind BYD's growth, intensifying competition.
The shift underscores China's expanding EV presence amid global energy concerns.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Chinese automaker Chery takes over Nissan's former manufacturing facility in South Africa
The acquisition marks Chery's expansion into the African market
The plant was previously operated by Nissan and will be repurposed for Chery's vehicle production

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Rep. Dan Meuser's dependent child bought between $15,001 and $50,000 of SpaceX shares on June 15
Rep. Gil Cisneros disclosed a purchase of between $1,001 and $15,000 on June 18
SpaceX's IPO on June 12 raised roughly $75 billion, opening at $150 and closing at $162, an 8% gain from the opening price
SpaceX shares were about 20% below their June 16 high of $201.80 at the time of the disclosures

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

GM sold about 14,000 Silverado EVs in the U.S. and Canada last year, versus roughly 140,000 gasoline Silverado units in a single quarter.
The EV starts at around $66,000 for the LT Extended Range model, only $5,000 above comparable gasoline trucks.
Efficiency is about 2.1 miles per kWh, delivering 410 miles (LT) or 478 miles (LT Max) on a 205 kWh battery pack.
Towing capacity is roughly 60% lower than the gasoline version, though 75% of full‑size truck owners tow only once per year.

Read on TechCrunch ↗

Tesla's autonomous robotaxi service becomes available in Miami, expanding its ride‑hailing footprint.
The launch follows a June rollout in Austin and precedes planned expansions to Dallas and Houston.
Tesla posted record Q2 deliveries, beating estimates, driven by a rebound in European sales.
CEO Elon Musk says fully self‑driving cars without safety drivers could become common in the U.S. later this year.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Baird sets $50 target, implying 35% upside from the $27 IPO price
Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs issue buy-equivalent ratings with targets up to $47 (27% upside) and as low as $42 (14% upside)
Innio shares have risen about 37% since the IPO and are up 41% YTD
Data center orders now account for 61% of recent orders, up from 21% a year earlier
Analysts forecast data‑center revenue to grow at a 103.4% compound annual growth rate

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Ford received J.D. Power's top initial quality ranking for U.S. mass-market brands, rising from No. 23 in 2023 to No. 1
Recalls added 741,195 SUVs and F‑150 trucks from 2018‑2021 model years to the 2026 total
Warranty and material costs dropped $1.5 billion in 2025, with further reductions targeted for 2026
Ford shares rose about 2% after the quality news, the second‑best trading day of the month
CEO Jim Farley aims to launch all new North American models flawlessly within the next two years

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Momenta raised HK$5.89 bn (US$751 mn) in its Hong Kong IPO
Public offering was subscribed 414 times
Nearly 210,000 investors applied for the shares
IPO launched alongside five other issuers in Hong Kong

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Lufthansa forecasts a tough second half of 2026 due to geopolitical tensions, higher costs and sustainability pressures
The carrier is shifting capacity to Asia‑Pacific, citing strong demand and operating over 70 weekly flights to five Indian cities
IATA cut its 2026 global airline profit outlook by nearly 50% amid war‑related disruptions and rising fuel prices
Lufthansa is preparing for higher sustainability costs (CORSIA, Singapore SAF levy) and investing in newer, fuel‑efficient aircraft

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Toyota and Daimler to sell 30% of Archion shares, worth up to $1.87 billion
900 million shares to be offered through public listing
Archion to meet listing requirements

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Unitree Robotics secures approval for Shanghai IPO
Valuation benchmark for China's embodied AI sector at stake
Potential debut as early as late July

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

HCLTech secures $1.14bn 5.5-year AI-driven digital workplace deal with European client
Largest deal since $2.1bn Verizon contract in 2023; shares jump 6.3% on Nifty IT gain of 2.7%
Revenue growth forecast for FY2027 trimmed to 1-4% despite new contract

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Toyota abandons development of a flagship electric vehicle, marking a shift toward profitability under its new president.
The company will incur significant costs to partially reimburse suppliers impacted by the cancellation.
The move signals a slowdown in Toyota's EV rollout and may affect its market positioning in the EV segment.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Apple plans to debut a minimum of five new iPhone models in the second half of 2024 and early 2027
The company will raise production of its first foldable phone to roughly 10 million units
Launch aims to capture market share amid a sector‑wide component and memory chip shortage

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Takeda will use Insilico Medicine's generative AI platform to identify new drug candidates.
The collaboration is valued at up to $600 million, highlighting AI's role in biotech licensing.
Deal underscores rising cross‑border partnerships between pharma firms and AI biotech firms.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Phoenix Tailings, supported by Sumitomo's Presidio and Yamaha Motor Ventures, plans a U.S. rare‑earths midstream plant.
Targeted start‑up date for the processing facility is 2028.
Company will leverage Asian manufacturing expertise and raw material supplies for the project.
Goal is to reinforce a critical‑minerals network among U.S. allies.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Asahi Kasei will build a new processing plant in Taiwan.
The facility will boost local capacity for semiconductor package substrates by 40%.
Expansion aims to meet rising demand for AI chips within the TSMC supply chain.
Plant will produce Sunfort photoresist film used to transfer circuit patterns onto substrates.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Singapore Airlines will launch new routes to the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.
Vietnam Airlines announces direct services to European destinations, targeting travelers displaced by the Iran conflict.
Southeast Asian carriers are expanding capacity to Europe to compensate for reduced Middle‑Eastern hub connectivity.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Canfor finalised purchase of PinkWood's I‑joist manufacturing plant
Acquisition expands Canfor's product portfolio into engineered wood products
Deal adds additional production capacity in the North American I‑joist market
Transaction completes the acquisition announced earlier in the year

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Prosecutors recommend a 12‑18 month prison term, far below the 70‑87 month guideline range
Co‑defendants Peter Coker Sr. and Jr. received six and 40 months respectively, influencing the request
The fraud scheme caused estimated investor losses of nearly $5 million across two manipulated stocks
Patten previously served 27 months for mail fraud in 2010, raising concerns over recidivism

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Texas AG launched probe into StubHub's ticket resale practices
Investigation follows consumer complaints linked to World Cup events
Potential regulatory scrutiny could impact StubHub's operations

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

Ferrari unveils a limited-edition model featuring a V12 engine paired with a manual gearbox.
The new variant is aimed at traditionalist enthusiasts seeking a purist driving experience.
Production is restricted, with only a small number of units to be produced (exact figure not disclosed).

Read on Investing.com Economy ↗

CEO Toby Neugebauer halts proxy drive after Texas judge recused himself, delaying a special meeting.
Over 70% of votes cast so far backed the special meeting before the suspension.
Neugebauer will keep pressing the court on Fermi's 70% supermajority bylaw, labeling it a board‑entrenchment measure.
The proxy campaign had support from proxy advisors Glass Lewis and Egan‑Jones.

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

DST (CSE: DST) tours its Thetford Mines, Quebec facility with CEO Jean-Philippe Mai
Company highlights cyanide‑free leaching technology to lower environmental impact
New process targets reduction of arsenic contamination in gold extraction

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Lavras Gold CFO Hemdat Sawh highlighted increased high-grade ore potential at the Aldeias mine.
The boost is expected to raise future production volumes for the company.
Announcement was made during the Mining Investment Event in Quebec City.
The article is a sponsored piece promoting the project's outlook.

Read on Northern Miner ↗

Lemonade will pay up to $10.5 million to settle class-action over breach affecting ~190,000 customers
Claimants with documented losses may receive up to $10,000; others receive about $55 after fees
Settlement filing deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept 8 2026; final approval hearing set for Sept 10 2026
Affected individuals receive three years of credit monitoring and up to $1 million identity‑theft insurance

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Suzhou Intermediate People's Court orders Molly Tea to pay 10.3 million yuan ($1.5 million) in damages.
Compensation includes 10 million yuan for economic losses and 300,000 yuan for other damages.
The ruling concerns unauthorized use of Louis Vuitton's four‑petalled floral monogram.
Molly Tea must remit the payment within 10 days.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Director Evan Silbermann disposed of $2.02 million worth of Pinterest shares
The sale was disclosed in a Form 4 filing, indicating an insider transaction
Analysts may view the sale as a modest bearish signal for PINS

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Form 4 filing submitted by McGrath RentCorp on 2 July
Regulatory disclosure of insider transactions for the period
No material impact on the company's share price anticipated

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Dentsu Group will take its system integrator subsidiary Dentsu Soken private
Fujitsu and a trading house are set to invest roughly $1.2 billion in Dentsu Soken
The transaction follows Dentsu's record net loss in 2025 and activist shareholder pressure

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Japanese consumer goods maker Unicharm will enter India's pet supplies market
Product lineup includes deodorising kitty litter and other pet care items
Company will partner with local Indian firms to accelerate rollout

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Thai Markets 3

Thai exports seen up 8-10% for 2026, vs 2-4% forecast in January
Exports growth may slow in second half of 2026
Electronics and AI-related goods to drive shipments

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗ also: Bangkok Post Business·Channel NewsAsia Business

Shopee pledges over 500 million baht to aid Thai micro, small and medium enterprises.
Program targets roughly 1.2 million eligible sellers, offering fee waivers for the first 10 orders each month (capped at 60 orders).
Sellers with monthly sales ≤10,000 baht receive reduced fees of 0.5‑1.5% and access to training, discount codes, and free‑shipping vouchers.
Registration runs July 6‑10; approved merchants receive six months of support.
Initiative aligns with the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai” co‑payment scheme to boost the digital economy.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Central Pattana (CPN) invests 4.5 billion baht in the new Central Northville mall.
Expected daily foot traffic to rise to 30,000 visitors, a 30% increase over the former mall.
Retail space of 80,000 sq m and total gross building area of 210,000 sq m, opening Q1 2027.
Average spend projected at 2,000 baht per visitor, targeting a catchment of 1.3 million people.
Project includes biophilic design, jogging track, and new shops for 80% of tenants.

Read on Bangkok Post Business ↗

Other 40

Aspen Acres Fire expanded to 272 sq km (105 sq mi) by Friday
More than 160 structures destroyed and roughly 2,200 people ordered to evacuate
About 50 Colorado National Guard soldiers deployed for road checkpoints and fire suppression
Smoke reduced I-25 visibility to as low as 0.8 km; Red Flag warnings remain in effect
Nearby Utah fires have burned over 380 sq km (Cottonwood) and 344 sq km (Babylon)

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24, less than a minute apart.
Official death toll reached 2,645, with as many as 38,500 people reported missing.
Government ordered 10,000 bags for corpses; international rescue teams continue search amid criticism of aid distribution.
Thousands remain displaced, lacking power and water, while many homes are reduced to rubble.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Fire near Vouzela expanded across several municipalities in central Portugal
Strong winds and extreme heat accelerated the blaze
Authorities report thousands of hectares burned
Evacuations ordered for residents in affected areas

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

ESMA warns firms cannot sidestep EU financial rules by marketing binary-style products as event contracts
A large number of prediction market event contracts are already covered by the EU retail ban
The regulator stresses that such contracts are prohibited for retail investors under existing EU regulations

Read on Cointelegraph ↗

US law enforcement coalition targets illegal vape market estimated at $9 billion annually
Mastercard, Fiserv's CardConnect, BP, Marathon and Valero threaten mid‑six‑figure fines for merchants selling unauthorized vapes
FDA has approved only 45 vaping products, while unapproved brands continue to be sold in stores and online
Shopify recently banned vape sales as part of the crackdown

Read on Channel NewsAsia Business ↗

Thermoneutral zone for humans is 17‑24 °C
Record summer heatwaves are becoming more common worldwide
12 % of Earth's land is already uninhabitable, projected to exceed 45 % by 2100
Up to 44 % of the global population could face extreme heat conditions

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Attorney General's Office named police Brigadier General Lalu Muhammad Iwan Mahardan as the seventh suspect
Investigation now includes a military officer case referred to the military crimes unit
The probe targets President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free meals programme
Officials from the National Nutrition Agency are among those under scrutiny

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Extreme heat across the US leads to cancellations of Independence Day celebrations
High temperatures increase electricity demand, stressing regional power grids
Utilities report record load levels and potential rolling blackouts in several states

Read on Investing.com News ↗

26‑year‑old Thai flight attendant arrested in Melbourne with nearly 1 kg of heroin
Thai raids seized over 23 kg of heroin hidden in fabric, jackets and silk across Bangkok
Case to be transferred to the Department of Special Investigation for a special investigation
Thai man and his Lao wife arrested for transporting pre‑packed parcels, earning 8,000 baht per shipment
Prime Minister to convene urgent meeting on tightening aviation screening and international cooperation

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Acting president Delcy Rodriguez's 180‑day mandate ends on Friday
She dismissed criticism, saying rescue crews were deployed immediately with adequate equipment
Residents reported being left on their own for the first 48 hours after the quake

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

The KNVB lodged a complaint with the public prosecutor over racist social‑media posts after the Netherlands' 1‑1 draw and penalty loss to Morocco.
Three Dutch players – Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville – received racist abuse following the shootout miss.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten said prosecutors will pursue legal action to set an example.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Mayor Zohran Mamdany marked the United States' 250th anniversary on July 3, 2026
He urged Americans to reflect on founding ideals and assess national identity
Mamdany highlighted New York City's evolution since 1776 as an example of progress

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

A well‑diversified retirement portfolio reduces market‑related stress
Reduced financial anxiety is linked to longer life expectancy
Financial security acts as a health shield for retirees

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Employer match remains valuable, but it should not outweigh paying high‑interest debt first.
Building an emergency cash reserve provides near‑term financial security before increasing retirement contributions.
Maxing out a 401(k) is still beneficial, yet prioritizing debt and liquidity can yield better short‑term outcomes.

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

At least 40 people were killed in the accident
Eight others were injured
The overloaded bus fell into a rocky ravine after taking passengers from a broken‑down vehicle

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Study examined 70 audit reports from 43 Chinese higher‑education institutions.
Researchers found large sums of public research money spent on home appliances and skincare.
Expenses were falsely claimed as laboratory costs in university accounting.
Two scholars from the People’s Public Security University of China highlighted the issue.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, named in Interpol Red Notice as suspect
Bomb attack targeted a Ukrainian tycoon with Russian links in Monaco
Three family members wounded in explosion at residential building entrance

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

From Monday, expectant mothers must use public hospitals for antenatal services
Antenatal care previously provided by maternal and child health centres will be transferred to the Hospital Authority
The move is part of a broader health reform initiative by Hong Kong authorities
The Department of Health will no longer manage antenatal services

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Nadal opened his fourth Zel Hotel in Fuerteventura, adding to locations in Mallorca, Costa Brava and Punta Cana.
Wimbledon raised prize money by 20% to £64.2 million, while players push for a 22% revenue share by 2030.
Nadal sold 44.9% of his Rafa Nadal Academy for €94 million, keeping a 55.1% stake.
He urges a 10‑year fixed prize‑money increase agreement for Grand Slams.

Read on CNBC Top News ↗

Authorities named the pilot and linked the crash to his reported insomnia and anxiety issues
Investigation shows the aircraft deviated from its planned flight path before impact
The small plane struck an upper floor of the CITIC Tower, causing visible damage
The incident occurred nearly a week earlier, on June 26

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗

Wedding set for Friday at Madison Square Garden, starting at 5 pm GMT and running until 4 am GMT Saturday.
Venue chosen for privacy; capacity about 1,000 guests with extensive security, including 100 police officers and privacy tents.
Guest list includes high‑profile celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks and NFL players like George Kittle.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Investing.com News·SCMP Economy

Egypt won 4-2 in the shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the decisive penalty for Egypt.
Egypt will face the winner of Argentina vs Cape Verde in the round of 16.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗ also: Bangkok Post Most Recent

Consumers prioritize fastest order fulfillment
Article does not name specific retailers or performance metrics
Focus is on logistics speed rather than financial impact

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Buriram's Sasalak Haiprakhon (43 games, 3 goals, 11 assists) joins MVP race ahead of FA Thailand Awards on Tuesday.
Lamphun's Anan Yodsangwal (34 games, 7 goals, 9 assists) and Port's Suphanan Bureerat (37 games, 8 goals, 8 assists) also shortlisted.
Foreign Player of the Year nominees include Stenio Junior (15 goals, 6 assists), Robert Zulj (19 goals, 13 assists) and Kaka Mendes (8 goals, 18 assists).

Read on Bangkok Post Most Recent ↗

Incident occurred at the team hotel in Dallas before Egypt's round-of-32 match against Australia.
A Dallas police officer pushed fan, player Trezeguet and director Ibrahim Hassan while they were taking a photo.
DPD said the individuals lacked proper credentials; the situation was resolved after meeting with team officials.

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

A European heatwave brings unusually high temperatures across the continent
Southern France sees multiple wildfire outbreaks as a result
Firefighters are deployed to battle the blazes and protect communities

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Discuss estate plans with the parent before any remarriage takes place
Review and update wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to reflect new circumstances
Consider a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement to safeguard assets for heirs
Assess potential tax implications of the new marriage on the estate
Consult an estate‑planning attorney to ensure legal protections are in place

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

Defending champions Argentina face Cape Verde in Round of 32
Match played at Miami Stadium in Florida, USA
Lionel Messi scored the opening goal on his return
Deroy Duarte equalised in the second half

Read on Al Jazeera ↗

Vozinha's social-media valuation estimated at $17 million following World Cup attention
Cape Verde faces Argentina and Lionel Messi in a high-profile match
Increased visibility could lead to endorsement and sponsorship opportunities

Read on MarketWatch Top Stories ↗

13-year-old girl in Hong Kong is critically ill and needs a heart and lungs
Parents have publicly appealed for organ donors to save their daughter
The girl expresses fear that she may not survive without a transplant

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Mother Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi filed lawsuit in February under Thailand’s 1908 “ungrateful child” law
Suit targeted 29‑year‑old heir Siranudh “Psi” Scott for alleged filial neglect
She withdrew the suit on Friday, citing desire to allow family healing
Case highlighted internal rift within Thailand’s wealthy Singha brewing family

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Hundreds gathered at Tompkins Square Park for the 'Luddite Recreations' performance
Event is part of the week‑long 'Summer of Ludd' series featuring talks on offline dating, mending, and anti‑data‑center activism
Festival aims to encourage people, especially Gen Z, to disconnect from phones and engage in community activities

Read on Ars Technica ↗

Author recalls personal memories of the 1976 bicentennial celebrations in Michigan
Highlights U.S. contributions to defeating fascism in WWII, advancing civil rights, and landing on the Moon
Conveys optimism that America can continue to progress despite past imperfections

Read on Ars Technica ↗

High Court jury found Ng Ka‑sing guilty of manslaughter but not murder for his girlfriend's death.
Verdict reached by a 5‑2 majority on the murder charge, with a unanimous manslaughter conviction.
Prosecutors said Ng kept the victim awake overnight to help her lose weight, leading to fatal injuries.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

72% of Chinese respondents report taking an afternoon nap of 30 minutes or longer
The habit is rooted in ancient Chinese medical texts such as the Huangdi Neijing
Data comes from a March survey by the China Sleep Research Society

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

Court awarded over HK$251,000 (about US$32,000) in damages to the family of the late helper
The domestic helper was dismissed in February 2019 after being diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer
Employer Jamil Bushra was ordered to pay the damages after a multi‑year legal battle

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A surge in bear attacks in Japan has led to increased public use of bear spray for self-defense.
Authorities are installing cameras in northern mountainous areas to monitor bear activity.
Five people were injured in a Nagoya post office due to an accidental bear spray discharge.
A 22-year-old Vietnamese national was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of business related to the incident.

Read on SCMP Economy ↗

A California resident pleaded guilty to fabricating ransom notes linked to the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping
Prosecutors say the notes were sent to mislead investigators and the victim’s family
The admission comes as authorities continue to search for the actual perpetrators

Read on Investing.com News ↗

Couples disclosed wedding budgets spanning six‑figure amounts
Detailed breakdowns include venue, décor, and entertainment expenses
Insights highlight the financial strain of staging fairy‑tale ceremonies

Read on WSJ Markets ↗

Murakami's upcoming book, titled "The Tale of Kaho", releases in Japan on Friday.
The novel marks his first work featuring a female protagonist and a family-focused story.
Murakami says the timing feels right to explore unreal worlds through a realistic style.

Read on Nikkei Asia ↗