- U.S. equity index futures rose on Sunday
- Investors aim to build on last week’s gains
- Positive sentiment points to a bullish outlook
July 5, 2026
▲ 14▼ 20◆ 6– 116
Markets 12
- S&P 500 futures up 0.4%
- Nasdaq-100 futures advance 1.3%
- Dow futures slip 0.1%
- Light Thursday trading ahead of the July 4 holiday amplified volatility, pulling major semiconductor stocks down 3‑5%
- A speculative report that Anthropic is in talks with Samsung for a custom AI chip sparked sell‑offs in Micron (MU), Seagate (STX), Western Digital (WDC), SanDisk (SNDK), AMD, Nvidia (NVDA) and Intel (INTC)
- Analysts highlight the absence of details on chip type or timeline, suggesting the market overreacted to the rumor
- The author advises focusing on Intel as a relative winner, citing its CPU and foundry advantages
- The episode mirrors a January panic that hit cybersecurity stocks after AI‑related concerns
- ERCOT projects Texas electricity demand could approach 368 GW by 2032
- AI data center construction accelerates in Abilene, Amarillo and Midland with new turbine halls and pipelines
- Five local energy companies are positioned to benefit from the power surge
- Capital is already deployed, suggesting near‑term revenue growth for the firms
- Hybrid vehicle sales gain market share as consumer preference shifts toward lower-priced, functional models
- Demand for electric vehicles shows signs of weakening in the United States
- Price advantage of hybrids over EVs drives increased buyer interest
- Industry analysts view hybrids as the new growth driver in the auto sector
- July historically sees weaker momentum trades and heightened volatility
- This year's momentum trade is already showing early signs of strain
- A rapid unwind could trigger sharp equity market moves if momentum fades this month
- Kalshi lost a Nevada Supreme Court bid to block state restrictions on its platform
- Michigan and Ohio courts issued restraining orders and penalties against Kalshi's sports betting activities
- Minnesota and New Jersey cases are moving toward the U.S. Supreme Court, with Justice Alito granting an extension to Aug. 4, 2026
- North Carolina legislature proposes a 6% tax on prediction market revenue
- CFTC argues prediction contracts fall under federal jurisdiction, supporting Kalshi's position
- Tadawul All Share Index closed 0.26% lower at the end of the session
- Broad market breadth showed more decliners than gainers
- No major sector or earnings catalyst reported
- Goldman upgrades Tradeweb (TW) to Buy despite >4% drop in 2026
- O'Reilly (ORLY) down 1% in 2026, seen as undervalued with strong Q2 comps
- NetEase (NTES) down >7% YTD, praised for margin expansion and non‑AI positioning
- Liftoff Mobile highlighted for AI‑driven ad‑tech growth themes
- All four stocks considered undervalued with upside potential
- Spotify rated buy with $685 target, about 41% upside from current price
- Visa rated buy with $410 target, implying roughly 13% upside
- Walmart rated buy with $144 target, indicating near 29% upside
- S&P 500 up ~15% YTD and Nasdaq up ~21.4% in Q2 2026, setting backdrop for picks
- Reduced drinking trends are weighing on liquor company stock prices
- The sector has seen a notable sell‑off, with shares down several percent
- Analysts suggest the drop may be overstated, hinting at possible upside
Macro/Economy 9
- TDRI study urges Thailand to prioritize creation of good jobs over attracting foreign investment
- Outdated low‑wage FDI model no longer gives Thailand a comparative advantage versus regional rivals
- EV hub and 100‑MW data centre projects show high capital (e.g., 33 billion baht) but limited domestic value‑add and employment (about 50 staff)
- Good jobs defined as stable, well‑paying, skill‑building roles essential for productivity and income growth
- Major tech firms announced hiring freezes or reductions, citing higher operating costs
- Venture capital funding slowed, reducing demand for new talent in startups
- Persistent talent shortage forces companies to prioritize senior hires over entry‑level roles
- Broader macro‑economic uncertainty dampens confidence in expanding tech workforces
- Khosla, an early OpenAI investor, calls the U.S. tax system broken and says he would support higher tax rates for the wealthy
- He links Silicon Valley's tilt toward Trump in recent elections to concerns over corporate and personal tax burdens
- Khosla predicts AI will dramatically boost productivity, reshape labor markets, and drive long‑term economic growth
- Government will channel extra tax revenue from the semiconductor boom into a new "Future Response Fund"
- Fund will back three "mega projects" with hundreds of billions of dollars in planned investments from Samsung, SK Hynix and state agencies
- Aim is to support younger generations, address K-shaped inequality and finance major national investment projects
- Strategy outlines a 30-year plan linking semiconductors, AI, data centres and physical AI to boost growth outside Seoul
- JD.com forecasts automation could replace up to 700,000 delivery workers in China
- Hyundai employees threaten strike over rollout of robots in South Korean plants
- Analysts warn the move may trigger a ‘China shock 3.0’ driven by AI‑powered robot exports
- The shift echoes earlier China shocks that reshaped global manufacturing and trade
- Over 50% of penthouse owners in about 300 central Tokyo and Osaka high‑rise buildings bought their units with cash
- Cash‑only purchases are driven by wealthy domestic and foreign buyers, pushing up luxury prices
- The cash‑heavy trend signals limited mortgage financing and sustained demand in Japan’s premium residential sector
- Average U.S. bachelorette party cost reached $1,300 in 2025, nearly double the 2019 level
- Share of parties held in the bride's hometown dropped from 40% in 2019 to under 25%
- Micro‑bachelorette events are emerging, with a private dinner costing about $1,100 for 12 guests
- One‑night Chicago party examples cost $100 per person for tea and dinner, plus optional $25 spin class fee
- Union of foreign domestic helpers requests monthly food allowance of HK$2,770 (≈US$350).
- Current stipend averages HK$13.30 per meal, considered insufficient as inflation rises.
- Union also demands minimum wage increase to HK$6,670 per month and better contract terms.
- Labour Department officials met union representatives following a protest.
- Bob Lee, North America president of LG Energy Solution, says Asian representation in the industrial sector remains low.
- Lee previously led the L-H Battery joint venture between LG Energy Solution and Honda and held CEO roles at Continental AG North America and SK Continental Emotion.
- His career also includes co-founding tech firms and consulting for Boston Consulting Group.
Central Banks 1
- HKMA chief Eddie Yue cautions that a rapid AI hype could lead to a bubble burst.
- Quantum computers are flagged as a future threat to encrypted financial systems.
- The regulator will prioritize expanding the international use of the Chinese yuan in coming years.
Energy/Oil 6
- OPEC+ will increase quotas by 188,000 barrels per day starting in August
- Seven core members have added nearly 800,000 bpd since April, leaving about 379,000 bpd of the 2023 cut still to unwind
- Brent crude traded near $72 per barrel, down from peaks above $120
- OPEC+ output fell to 33.13 million bpd in May from 42.77 million bpd in February but is beginning to recover
- US‑Iran MOU permits limited traffic resumption for an initial 60‑day period
- Around 1,200 vessels worth ~$125 bn of goods remain stranded, creating weeks‑to‑months of backlog
- Hormuz handles ~20 million barrels per day; alternative routes like Saudi East‑West pipeline and Fujairah corridor fall short
- Asian refiners diversify supplies (e.g., India shifting to Russian crude) but face higher freight costs and longer routes
- Persistent security and sanction uncertainties keep insurance premiums high, limiting full oil‑shipment recovery
- Global crude inventories have surged, creating a sudden supply glut
- The excess supply is expected to push Brent and WTI prices lower in the near term
- Iran's ability to leverage the Strait of Hormuz diminishes as oil becomes cheaper and more abundant
- OPEC may face pressure to adjust output policies amid the oversupply
- Iran is exploring potential crude oil shipments to Japan despite existing sanctions.
- Japanese buyers are asking for a longer U.S. sanctions waiver to facilitate purchases.
- The current waiver is set to expire soon, and its extension could affect regional oil flows.
- Wood Mackenzie projects Henry Hub prices to increase through 2035
- Prices likely to move above the $2‑$4 per MMBtu range that held to 2025
- AI data center expansion and expanding U.S. LNG export capacity drive demand
- Supply growth expected to slow after a decade of surplus production
- India ranks as the world’s third‑largest oil importer and second‑largest LPG buyer.
- Strait of Hormuz restrictions amid the US‑Iran war caused major supply shocks for India.
- The oil minister announced plans to expand domestic crude exploration to cut import dependence.
Gold/Metals 1
- China remains dominant in rare earth mining, refining and exports.
- Researchers say China lacks leadership in key core technologies for rare earths.
- The study shifts focus from resource reserves to technology capability gaps.
Crypto 12
- Standard Chartered and BNY announced services to mint, redeem and custody Circle's USDC for institutional clients
- Chainalysis projects stablecoin settlement volumes could reach $1 quadrillion annually by 2030
- European banks are coordinating to launch a euro‑denominated stablecoin to keep settlement activity out of dollar‑backed tokens
- USDC now leads on‑chain activity, overtaking Tether as banks adopt the token
- Dubai tops the ranking of Asian crypto hubs according to recent data
- India's regulator orders banks to sever ties with crypto services, isolating them from the sector
- Japan's SBI Crypto shuts down the world’s 12th‑largest Bitcoin mining pool
- Russia moves ahead with a digital ruble pilot despite EU sanctions
- Nearly 1 million accounts (988,905) have lost money, totaling $3.8 billion as of June end
- $TRUMP token fell to $1.69, down about 98% from its $75.35 peak
- Two‑thirds of $TRUMP buyers incurred losses
- President Trump earned $636 million from the token, roughly half of his $1.4 billion crypto income last year
- The Clarity Act remains unsigned and must clear Congress before the July midterm window.
- Senate needs only a few days to invoke cloture and secure the 60 votes required for passage.
- President Trump's 2025 filing shows >$1.4 billion from crypto and >$100 million in crypto holdings.
- Democrats, led by Sen. Warren, demand ethics rules barring senior officials from profiting on crypto.
- House procedural gridlock and pending budget reconciliation add uncertainty to the bill’s timeline.
- Bitcoin price rose to around $63,500, its highest in nearly two weeks.
- The rally came over the weekend, closing near that level for the week.
- A trader warned that Monday could see a sharp decline, calling it "absolutely terrible".
- Market sentiment remains mixed as price gains meet cautionary outlook.
- U.S.-linked wallets traded about $571 million in Polymarket political markets in the past 12 months, the highest of any country.
- 46% of U.S. volume was on geopolitics versus 36% platform‑wide; election bets accounted for only 16% of U.S. activity.
- The largest single U.S. market was a $20.8 million bet on a novelty event, and five of the top twelve U.S. markets involved the Iran war.
- U.S. traders backed winners 81.9% of the time, only slightly above the overall 80.3% success rate.
- Yield‑bearing stablecoins surged ~300% in 2023 and are projected to exceed $50 billion in assets by 2026 (21Shares forecast).
- Collateral acceptance, not APY, will decide which tokens are usable for margin, lending and treasury functions.
- The GENIUS Act’s implementing rules are due July 18, with full effect expected by late 2026/early 2027.
- Lack of standardized pricing and cross‑venue mobility could leave new stablecoin supply as stranded collateral despite high yields.
- Binance recorded $1.23 billion net outflow in the week, up 207% from the previous week
- Ethereum withdrawals surged to a three‑year high, fueling the outflow increase
- Weekly outflows tripled versus the prior week, signaling heightened investor redemptions
- Ethereum Foundation aims to improve privacy and scalability with a new virtual machine
- LeanISA and RISC‑V are highlighted as the leading candidates for the VM architecture
- The plan is part of the broader "Lean Ethereum" roadmap announced by Vitalik Buterin
- Moonbeam will move its Polkadot parachain assets to Base by July 31
- The platform plans to introduce an AI agent framework, timeline not disclosed
- GLMR token holders are advised to bridge their tokens before the deadline
- South Africa's tax authority released draft guidance on crypto asset taxation.
- Guidance clarifies application of existing income tax and capital gains tax rules.
- Public consultation period runs until Aug. 31.
- Proposal seeks to use current tax framework rather than introduce new legislation.
- Portnoy bought Bitcoin at approximately $100,000 per coin
- Bitcoin has fallen to about $63,000, roughly a 50% decline from its peak
- He announced he will hold his Bitcoin position until it reaches zero
- Portnoy cites repeated timing errors, selling before rallies and buying before drops
Geopolitics 38
- NATO's 32-member summit in Istanbul will centre on Ukraine war and Middle East tensions.
- Discussions on Indo‑Pacific security cooperation are expected to be marginal.
- Washington will urge European allies to increase defence spending amid the focus on other regions.
- NATO leaders will meet in Turkey starting July 7
- First NATO summit hosted by Turkey in 22 years
- Agenda focuses on alliance unity and U.S. policy shifts
- Turkey seeks to cement its strategic standing within NATO
- Trump urges NATO members to raise defence spending to the alliance's 2% of GDP target.
- He warns the US may reconsider its NATO commitment if allies do not increase contributions.
- NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg counters with diplomatic flattery to keep the US engaged.
- The dispute adds uncertainty ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey.
- President Trump will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday at the NATO summit in Ankara.
- He will also hold talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the same summit.
- Kyiv hopes the meeting will refocus U.S. attention on Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Three of Ali Khamenei's sons (Mostafa, Meysam, Masoud) appeared publicly at the funeral.
- Mojtaba Khamenei, the designated successor, was absent, reportedly due to Israeli threats.
- Tehran crowds surged, with the metro reporting about 7 million passenger journeys over two days.
- Chants demanding revenge against the US and Israel were heard throughout the mourning ceremonies.
- Processions are planned across Iran and Shia holy sites in Iraq, including Karbala and Najaf.
- Ukrainian officials confirm a missile strike on the capital Kyiv.
- No casualty or damage details have been released yet.
- The attack comes amid ongoing hostilities in the region.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu claims Christian villages in southern Lebanon have asked to be annexed by Israel.
- The villages seek protection from Hezbollah militants amid ongoing cross-border hostilities.
- Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel on March 2, prompting Israeli air strikes and a ground incursion in southern Lebanon.
- Vice President Sara Duterte will face an impeachment trial in the Senate.
- Senate members are divided, with factions both supporting and opposing the impeachment.
- The proceeding marks the first impeachment of a sitting vice president in the Philippines.
- June 24 earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, killing 3,342 people
- 16,470 injured and 17,345 left homeless after the quakes
- Interim President Delcy Rodriguez vowed there will be no social unrest, stressing solidarity
- Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for new elections and highlighted US ties
- The United States continues to back Rodriguez despite criticism of disaster response
- Omoda & Jaecoo warns ongoing Middle East hostilities could keep semiconductor and helium shortages high, pushing auto production costs up
- Attacks on Qatar's Ras Laffan plant removed about one-third of global helium supply, a key input for chips used by Thailand's car makers
- Company expects to sell roughly 500 units of the new Jaecoo 6T REEV per month, while total monthly sales stay at 3,000‑3,500 vehicles
- A 14‑point US‑Iran memorandum announced on June 17 faces cease‑fire violations, adding uncertainty to the Strait of Hormuz
- A four‑month‑old Palestinian boy died after an Israeli checkpoint near Ramallah delayed his transfer for over an hour.
- Israeli forces shot dead a 16‑year‑old boy in the Qalandiya refugee camp; two 14‑year‑olds were wounded.
- Since October 2023, at least 1,087 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
- Gaza’s overall death toll from the war since October 2023 is about 73,090, with 173,550 injured.
- The United States marks its 250th anniversary while reassessing its foreign policy stance.
- Wu argues that the 'America first' approach could unintentionally accelerate China's global influence.
- Shifts in US policy are expected to reshape the bilateral relationship and broader geopolitical dynamics.
- More than 100 protesters were arrested during anti‑NATO demonstrations in Istanbul and other Turkish cities.
- Leftist groups organized the protests to oppose Turkey's NATO membership and recent defense agreements.
- Authorities said the detentions were necessary for public order, marking the largest crackdown on anti‑NATO actions in recent months.
- Conservative candidates secured the presidency in Peru and Colombia in the past month.
- These wins add to a series of right-leaning victories across Latin America over the last three years.
- New leaders echo U.S. President Trump's rhetoric on crime and migration, suggesting a possible regional alliance.
- Russia claims Kyiv refused a six‑hour ceasefire proposed for Monday to allow body handover in Kostiantynivka
- Moscow set a response deadline of 0900 GMT Sunday; Ukraine has not confirmed acceptance
- Ukraine denies Russian assertion that Kostiantynivka has fallen, saying the city remains under its control
- A Ukrainian strike on Russian‑occupied Crimea resulted in one death and two injuries
- Palestinians rallied outside Gaza's Al‑Shifa Medical Complex demanding evacuation for patients.
- Protesters call on Israel to lift travel restrictions for urgent medical treatment.
- Gaza health authorities report more than 20,000 patients and wounded awaiting evacuation.
- Crossings at Rafah remain heavily throttled, limiting movement out of Gaza.
- President Abdel‑Fattah el‑Sisi opened the "Octagon", touted as the largest military complex globally
- The complex includes eight eight‑sided buildings covering roughly 90 sq km (34.7 sq mi), about the size of Lisbon
- The Octagon replaces the U.S. Pentagon as the biggest defense headquarters by area
- El‑Sisi appeared in military uniform, a rare public display during the ceremony
- Andy Burnham likely to become UK Prime Minister in July
- Burnham's energy policy plans unclear, but expected to impact UK energy sector
- Shift in leadership may influence UK's energy transition and policy decisions
- Yemeni government reports Houthis launched surprise offensive on army barracks in southern Hodeidah
- Intensified fighting across western Yemen resulted in 50 Houthi fighters killed
- Both sides seek to regain territory and strengthen control over the strategic Red Sea coast
- Funeral uses black/red colors, clenched‑fist image and slogans like "Rise for God" to portray martyrdom and call for retaliation
- Procession route links Qom, Najaf, Karbala and Mashhad, emphasizing transnational Shia authority
- Regional allies Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Houthis attend, reinforcing Iran's "Axis of Resistance"
- Khamenei was killed in a US‑Israeli airstrike on Feb 28; his son Mojtaba assumed leadership in March but remains unseen
- A cargo vessel triggered a distress alert after being attacked 30 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
- The incident occurs amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran and ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
- Saudi Arabia has shipped roughly 34 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz since June 17, more than double the prior two‑week volume.
- Benchmark Brent crude prices have fallen about 39% from their March highs.
- Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the federal government is reviewing restricting classified information to state ministries led by the AfD.
- The AfD could win an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt's September state election, potentially forming its first state government.
- The move would address concerns over the AfD's far‑right stance and alleged close ties to Moscow.
- UAE, the most hawkish GCC member, is holding unprecedented talks with Iran.
- US Vice President J.D. Vance says Iran is speaking differently than in the past.
- Vance suggests Gulf rivals could adopt an ASEAN‑style peace framework.
- Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, now speaker emerita, backs San Francisco supervisor Connie Chan for her congressional seat
- Chan, a 47‑year‑old progressive of Chinese ethnicity, could become a focal point in US‑China relations if elected
- Analysts suggest the endorsement may open marginal diplomatic channels despite the election's domestic focus
- Russian cruiser Varyag and submarine Ufa docked in Qingdao on Sunday
- Varyag is a Slava-class guided‑missile cruiser, dubbed a ‘carrier‑killer’
- Chinese PLA Northern Theatre Command hosted a welcome ceremony for the vessels
- The ships will join the annual Joint Sea maritime exercises starting Monday
- Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei reiterates a positive stance toward China.
- Tehran may levy service fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, but China could receive special treatment.
- Remarks were delivered at a security forum in Beijing, underscoring ongoing Iran-China diplomatic ties.
- Trump urged Congress to tighten voting rules, limiting mail ballots and requiring citizenship proof
- Speech lasted under 40 minutes after a two‑hour storm delay; temperatures hit 103 °F (39 °C)
- Freedom 250 fair showcased conservative groups and defense contractors; many Democratic states declined participation
- Reuters/Ipsos poll: 75% of Democrats and 50% of Republicans say the anniversary events have become too political
- Doha negotiations ended without an agreement to release frozen Iranian funds.
- Iran has not begun demining the strait, and the US has not fulfilled the June 17 MOU on fund release.
- Continued threats to shipping keep the Strait of Hormuz uncertain, risking disruption of global oil exports.
- Poet at Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral publicly demanded Trump be killed
- Crowd of hundreds of thousands gathered in Tehran for the funeral
- Posters and graffiti also called for the killing of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
- Iran continues diplomatic negotiations with the United States despite hardline rhetoric
- ASEAN military delegation toured contested frontier in Thailand and Cambodia in late June
- Both Bangkok and Phnom Penh accuse each other of ceasefire violations since deadly 2023 clashes
- The 2023 fighting left over 100 military personnel dead and heightened bilateral tensions
- Japanese drone association chief calls for regulatory harmonization with Taiwan
- Japan's current rules limit defense cooperation involving drones
- Alignment viewed as essential to match growing business links between the two nations
- Court freed 19 detainees; 2 under house arrest, 12 must report to police, 5 face no charges
- Protests against a Jared Kushner-linked coastal resort have expanded to broader anti‑government rallies, drawing tens of thousands in Tirana
- Police reported 15 injuries in recent clashes, while 25 demonstrators were detained
- The United States commemorates 250 years of independence on July 4, 2026.
- Chris Hedges notes major achievements such as civil‑rights progress alongside persistent contradictions like systemic racism and ongoing military engagements.
- The commentary questions whether the nation has lived up to the Declaration of Independence's ideals of liberty and equality.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the July 4 Patriot Front march in Washington was covered by free speech protections.
- Hundreds of masked Patriot Front members participated in the Independence Day rally.
- Burgum emphasized he does not agree with the group's ideology but noted they committed no illegal acts.
- Florida Rep. Randy Fine stated there is "no such thing as Palestinian" on The Next Generation show
- Fine's remarks were criticized as Islamophobic and reflecting strong pro‑Israel advocacy
- The comment adds to ongoing political controversy surrounding US discourse on Middle‑East issues
- Zhejiang provincial propaganda office posted online warning Chinese fans against praising Japan's World Cup performance.
- The post said support for foreign teams should have “boundaries” and not be used to denigrate China's squad.
- The criticism reflects rising nationalist sentiment amid Japan's success in the tournament.
- US Vice President JD Vance criticises UK leadership, saying it has "failed … for a long time"
- Vance urges the next British prime minister to implement "structural change" to address political instability
- He notes frequent government changes, citing PM Keir Starmer's resignation after just two years in office
- Wang Yi met Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm, calling for renewed trust between China and Sweden
- He highlighted Sweden as the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with China, noting its strategic foresight
- The minister urged both sides to cultivate a "correct perception" of each other amid recent frictions
Tech/AI 11
- Big tech firms estimate $3 trillion of investment needed to meet future electricity demand
- AI workloads and data centers are pushing power consumption beyond current grid capacity
- Apple, Google, Amazon and Microsoft are seeking new power sources and renewable projects to close the gap
- AI-optimized servers (GPUs) are the largest capex item and face tight supply, impacting timelines and costs
- Electricity availability and pricing are the primary long‑term cost driver, outweighing land, construction, water and cooling expenses
- Investors should prioritize regions with reliable, affordable power and clean energy to secure sustainable returns
- Decisions must be based on real compute demand rather than hype to avoid overcapacity
- JAXA's Hayabusa2 probe approached asteroid Torifune at a distance of about 800 m (0.5 mi).
- The mission tests technology for deflecting potentially hazardous near‑Earth objects.
- The test follows NASA's recent kinetic‑impact experiment on asteroid Dimorphos.
- Cambricon (SHA) rated 'outperform' with a price target of 2,060 yuan, >50% above Friday's close
- Biren Tech (HK) rated 'outperform' with a price target of HK$140, more than double its Friday close
- Iluvatar CoreX (HK) and MetaX (SHA) named as additional favorites, while Hygon (SHA) rated 'underperform'
- Macquarie cites domestic AI demand, government support and reduced reliance on Nvidia GPUs as growth catalysts
- Huawei remains the market leader in AI chip shipments, with Cambricon second and Hygon third per IDC
- Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (Musico) installed on China's Tiangong space station
- First home‑grown Hong Kong astronaut, Lai Ka‑ying, performed the installation
- Instrument will operate for a minimum of two years monitoring greenhouse gases
- Developed by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
- Almost 90 VC‑backed companies have become unicorns this year, spurred by AI investor frenzy
- Valuations span $1 billion to $4.65 billion, with Recursive topping the list at $4.65 billion
- AI dominates the new unicorns, but notable entrants include healthcare, cybersecurity, and space‑tech firms
- Funding rounds range from $105 million to $1.5 billion, highlighting deep capital inflows across sectors
- US regulators emphasize competition and antitrust concerns for AI firms
- Asian regulators, notably in Japan, focus on data security and market stability for AI
- Analysts argue investors can benefit from both regions despite differing regulatory bets
- Ten AquaNano vehicles deployed, each can produce up to 250 litres of drinking water per hour
- Units can be dispatched within hours to flood‑affected areas, improving emergency water supply
- Seven‑stage nanotech system removes pathogens, heavy metals and organics, using silver‑based antimicrobial treatment
- Project follows major floods since 2021 that disrupted fixed water treatment plants in northern Thailand
- NBTC will develop a centralized digital radio and audio streaming platform alongside its digital TV service
- Platform will feature an automated emergency warning system that can target alerts to specific telecom cells
- Initial investment is projected at under 100 million baht
- Regional digital radio multiplexes will carry roughly 18 stations across 34 zones; analogue FM will remain operational
- PRD or Thai PBS TV expected to host the platform, with licence bids slated for later this year
- Hong Kong CE John Lee's July 1 handover speech was eclipsed by controversy over an AI‑generated anti‑drug video.
- The video was released on June 26 by the Correctional Services Department and withdrawn twice after public outcry.
- The clip, intended to promote anti‑drug messaging, featured a K‑pop‑style presentation and raised doubts about Hong Kong’s AI rollout.
- Dongfang Suanxin, led by veteran Wei Shaojun, announced its public launch with a website and social media.
- The firm will develop 3D‑stacked AI processors aimed at circumventing U.S. export restrictions.
- Wei also serves as vice‑president of the China Semiconductor Industry Association, signaling industry backing.
Companies 16
- Samsung's profit forecast could rise 18 times year‑over‑year
- AI surge is boosting demand for DRAM and NAND memory chips
- Higher earnings may lift broader semiconductor sector sentiment
- Debuted on Nasdaq with market cap briefly over $25 billion, twice its prior $11 billion private valuation
- Reported $1.31 billion revenue in 2025 and serves over 500 million monthly active users
- Recent acquisitions include Vimeo ($1.38 billion), Brightcove ($233 million), Eventbrite ($500 million) and AOL (undisclosed)
- Stock slipped modestly after debut but remains elevated, indicating sustained investor interest
- Castlelake offers £5.2 billion cash to purchase EasyJet
- Deal values the airline at a premium to its current market price
- Transaction requires shareholder approval and regulatory clearance
- Uber has halted its rollout of food‑delivery services across Europe
- The pause aligns with its effort to negotiate a deal to acquire Delivery Hero
- Company says focus will shift to the potential acquisition rather than further expansion
- Genesis Minerals proposes a cash offer of $3.9 bn to acquire Vault.
- The bid outbids competing offer from Regis Resources.
- Deal would rank among the largest Australian mining acquisitions this year.
- Green revenue target rises from 1 bn baht in 2025 to 1.5 bn baht in 2026 and 10 bn baht by 2030
- EV leasing revenue to grow from 71 mn baht (387 units) in 2025 to 5.5 bn baht with 10,000 units by 2030
- Clean power capacity to expand from 498 MW (595 mn baht) in 2025 to 1,222 MW and 5.6 bn baht revenue by 2030
- Water reclamation sales to increase from 8.8 mn m³ (301 mn baht) in 2025 to 24.3 mn m³ and 750 mn baht by 2030
- Aim to become nature‑positive by 2050, restoring 233 rai across eight estates and exploring carbon‑credit sales
- Analyst presents five distinct takes on Meta's cloud computing opportunities.
- Neocloud approach is positioned as a way for Meta to reduce dependence on hyperscalers.
- Hyperscaler partnerships could still offer scale benefits for Meta's AI workloads.
- Castlelake sweetened its bid to £6.90 per easyJet share.
- The agreement is in principle, pending shareholder and regulator approval.
- The offer aims to acquire all outstanding easyJet shares.
- Permian Resources (PR) pays $0.16 quarterly dividend (3.5% yield) and receives a $25 price target from Evercore analyst.
- Valero Energy (VLO) offers $1.20 quarterly dividend (2% yield); Goldman Sachs lifts price target to $286 and raises 2026‑2027 EPS forecasts.
- Ovintiv (OVV) pays $0.30 quarterly dividend (2.3% yield) and retains a $70 price target from RBC after a $3 bn asset sale.
- All three analysts are 5‑star on TipRanks, with past success rates between 59% and 75% and average returns up to 48.3%.
- Analysts cite strong cash flow, low‑cost operations and focused asset portfolios as drivers for potential valuation upgrades.
- Berkshire Hathaway announced an all‑cash purchase of Taylor Morrison valued at $6.8 billion.
- The deal is the conglomerate's first multibillion‑dollar acquisition under its current leadership.
- Analysts expect the acquisition to encourage more institutional investment in the U.S. residential market.
- The transaction deepens Berkshire's exposure to the U.S. housing sector.
- Court orders Molly Tea to pay 10.3 million yuan (≈50 million baht) to Louis Vuitton
- Compensation includes 10 million yuan for economic loss and 300,000 yuan for litigation costs
- Molly Tea must post corrective statements on six official accounts within 10 days and update its logo
- The lawsuit, filed in May 2023, follows Louis Vuitton’s registered monogram in China
- Molly Tea, operating over 2,000 stores globally, plans to appeal the ruling
- Sony announces it will cease production of physical PlayStation game discs for PS5.
- The move eliminates the resale market for used-game retailers in Japan.
- Game publishers are expected to focus exclusively on digital distribution.
- Consumers will lose the ability to buy or resell physical copies of new titles.
- Amazon will close Mechanical Turk to new customers on July 30, 2026
- Existing customers can keep using the service, but no new features will be added
- Mechanical Turk, launched in 2005, has been used for AI data annotation; a 2023 analysis found 33%‑46% of workers used large language models
- The decision reflects a shift away from crowdsourced labor for AI training within AWS
- Steph So appointed CMO of Xponential Fitness, overseeing boutique health and wellness brands
- She brings over 20 years of brand, digital, e‑commerce and growth experience
- Previously chief growth officer at Shake Shack and senior roles at Ralph Lauren and Estée Lauder
- Jyoti Chopra named executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Hertz.
- Chopra previously held senior HR roles at MGM Resorts, Pearson Plc, and Bank of New York.
- She highlighted the importance of building a pipeline of Asian American representation.
- MinebeaMitsumi will spend 58 billion yen ($360 million) on a new bearing production facility
- Capacity is expected to rise about 30% to meet AI data‑center demand
- Plant will be built within an existing complex in either Cambodia or Thailand
- Focus on precision bearings for cooling and storage equipment in AI‑driven data centers
Thai Markets 4
- Thailand's data centre investments projected to reach $4.31 billion by 2030, with 18% annual growth
- Hyperscaler investment brings benefits, but also drawbacks, including high energy needs and water use
- Thailand must develop infrastructure, talent, and university-industry collaboration to capture long-term value
- Government to mobilise 900-1,000 billion THB in FDI through Thailand FastPass scheme
- 270 billion THB to be injected in state enterprise investment
- Lower capital budget in 2027 reflects efforts to improve fiscal transparency
- Tourist arrivals in the third week of June were 510,000, down 3% YoY, with Chinese up 11% and Malaysians up 9%
- Baht has weakened >5% YTD to around 33.30 per USD, enhancing price competitiveness for visitors
- Jet fuel averaged $143.41 per barrel YTD, below the $160 forecast, easing airline cost pressures
- International seat capacity for Thailand is projected to grow 3.5% in Q3, the strongest since Q1
- Hotel RevPAR shows low single‑digit growth; earnings forecast lifted 7% YoY, shares still 5‑12% below pre‑conflict levels
- Vayupak Fund expected to deliver ~6% return in 2024, similar to 6.09% FY2023 performance
- Profit distribution of 18 billion baht slated for next year
- State enterprise investment disbursement target 238 billion baht, 43% spent by May, aiming for ≥95% by year‑end
- Revenue remittances to Treasury target 180 billion baht, expected to reach 200 billion baht, exceeding target by 22 billion
Other 47
- Typhoon Bavi expected to make landfall Monday morning with sustained winds of 260 km/h (162 mph) and gusts up to 315 km/h (196 mph)
- Storm surge and waves could reach 10.7 metres (35 ft), posing extreme coastal flooding risk
- Guam (≈170,000 people) and the Northern Mariana Islands (≈40,000 people) face weeks-long power outages and widespread damage
- A 7.2‑magnitude quake struck La Guaira on June 24, followed by a stronger aftershock.
- Confirmed death toll rose above 3,342, with roughly 50,000 people reported missing.
- Government reports indicate 856 buildings damaged and 190 collapsed.
- Rescue operations continued, with survivors still trapped, including the wife of a rescued father.
- Twin earthquakes on June 24 killed more than 3,000 people in Venezuela.
- Thousands are missing and many are homeless, particularly in the coastal La Guaira area.
- Interim president Delcy Rodriguez pledged no social unrest, stressing deep social solidarity.
- Official death toll increased to 3,342 following recent quakes in Venezuela
- Casualties continue to rise as rescue operations expand
- Authorities report ongoing damage to infrastructure and displaced residents
- Twin earthquakes struck La Guaira State, Venezuela on June 24
- Official death toll near 3,000 with up to 50,000 people still missing
- Rescue teams say they will not stop searching for survivors
- June 2023 was the hottest June on record across Europe
- WHO reports over 1,300 heatwave-related deaths in Europe during June
- Study attributes the extreme temperatures to human-caused climate change
- Northern European countries experienced weeks of temperatures above 30°C
- Investors have withdrawn billions of dollars from ESG funds
- Multiple ESG-focused funds have been shut down
- Proxy voting on ESG proposals has dropped significantly
- Proponents argue the strategy remains viable, albeit with a lower profile
- More than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) burned across the three countries, about twice Manhattan's size
- Temperatures forecast to reach up to 40 °C in parts of France, Spain and Portugal
- Hundreds of firefighters deployed to fight the forest fires
- June heatwave previously caused thousands of excess deaths in Europe
- The fires add to one of the continent's worst heatwaves on record
- EPA draft plan would weaken protections for hazardous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid
- Recent analysis shows a year‑over‑year increase in industrial chemical accidents
- Experts warn reduced safety standards could raise risk of catastrophic releases to workers and nearby communities
- Indonesia enforces a ban on major social media platforms, limiting access for millions of users.
- Families shift to online video services as primary tools for education and creative activities.
- Teenagers use digital content to discuss political topics, including the 2024 vice‑presidential candidates.
- Tender for the Northern Metropolis university town will be issued in about two months
- Successful bidders will be announced after plot formation is completed by year‑end
- The project is highlighted as a key post‑hand‑over development on Hong Kong's 29th anniversary
- Education minister confirmed the timeline, aiming for site readiness by December 2024
- Flight 1076 encountered a firework at 200‑250 ft altitude near Chicago Midway.
- Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and six crew landed safely after 8:30 p.m. CDT.
- FAA and Delta will investigate; no injuries or damage reported.
- Approximately 10,000 residents ordered to evacuate.
- Fire has burned over 1,500 hectares of forest near the French‑Spanish border.
- Firefighters are deploying ground crews and aerial assets to contain the blaze.
- Authorities are monitoring potential impact on the upcoming Tour de France route.
- Shooting took place near Coney Island boardwalk as crowds watched fireworks
- Eight victims injured, four of whom are children
- Police responding and investigation underway
- Burglars entered the Lalique museum in Wingen-sur-Moder around 5:30 am local time
- Six display cases were smashed to access the jewellery room
- Stolen items are valued at several million euros
- The robbery follows a high-profile gem theft at the Louvre earlier this year
- Rep. Jim McGovern says the political left is rising as voters demand more from Democrats
- He criticizes Congress as a rubber stamp for the president on issues from Cuba to Israel
- McGovern urges Americans to protest and fight for the soul of the United States
- Five-day preliminary hearing starts Monday in Utah court
- Prosecutors will argue for a death‑penalty murder charge
- Defendant Tyler Robinson turned himself in after the shooting
- Kirk's widow and parents will appear in court for the first time
- MP urges parliamentary standards commissioner to investigate new claims against Farage
- Allegations say a convicted fraudster paid for Farage's security and staff before he became an MP
- Farage is already under investigation by the parliamentary anti‑sleaze watchdog
- Farage leads the Reform UK party, which is currently ahead in opinion polls
- Police recovered cocaine valued at approximately HK$120 million (US$15.4 million).
- The drugs were concealed in three heavy‑metal containers, each about 1.6 m long, 1 m wide and 0.35 m high.
- Three men were arrested after officers cut open two of the containers at a 3,000 sq ft warehouse in Yuen Long.
- The Health Matters series on cancer in Hong Kong concludes with its sixth installment.
- Genetics, lifestyle choices, and random chance all influence individual cancer risk.
- Early detection can be life‑saving, as illustrated by a 30‑year‑old diagnosed after spotting a tiny dot.
- Researchers start trial of two experimental Ebola treatments at Bunia’s Evangelical Medical Centre.
- The study was launched in early July as the DRC Ebola outbreak continues to expand.
- Hundreds of residents in Ituri province mourn deaths amid the growing epidemic.
- The trial will evaluate safety and efficacy of the treatments to curb the virus spread.
- Norway beat Brazil 2-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup
- Erling Haaland's brace brings his tournament tally to seven goals, matching Messi
- Goalkeeper Orjan Nyland saved a penalty and made several key stops for Norway
- Brazil exit the tournament at the last-16 stage, their earliest since 1990
- Norway will face either Mexico or England in the upcoming quarterfinal
- FIFA lifted the one-match suspension on US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the last‑16 match versus Belgium.
- The ban stemmed from a red‑card incident in the round‑of‑32 win over Bosnia where Balogun struck an opponent's ankle.
- Balogun has scored three goals in four World Cup matches and could tie the US record of four goals in a single tournament.
- US President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for the decision on his Truth Social platform.
- Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request review of Folarin Balogun's one‑game suspension
- FIFA suspended the automatic ban for a probationary year, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium
- Balogun, 25, has scored three goals in three World Cup matches; the U.S. faces Belgium in the Round of 16
- Match is a last-16 knockout game in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Kickoff was set for 6pm local time (00:00 GMT) but delayed by one hour.
- Venue is Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico.
- Ronaldo's role uncertain; coach may start Goncalo Ramos and keep Ronaldo as impact sub
- Spain are heavy favourites with ~25.6% win probability; Portugal odds 25.6% win, 25.2% draw
- Spain unbeaten in last 34 matches; Portugal have won only 1 of last 12 competitive meetings vs Spain
- Ronaldo became first player to score in six World Cups, netting two goals against Uzbekistan
- Match scheduled in Dallas on Monday evening
- Australia won their seventh Women's T20 World Cup, beating England by 7 wickets
- Australia chased down 151 runs with 17 balls remaining, finishing at 151/3
- Beth Mooney scored 64 runs and was named player of the tournament; Phoebe Litchfield added 48
- England were bowled out for 150/4, with Nat Sciver-Brunt 58 and Freya Kemp 44
- A dead whale weighing about 12 tonnes washed ashore on Muanda beach, Atlantic coast of DR Congo.
- Officials used a 42-tonne crane to lift the carcass after tractors failed over two days.
- Large crowds gathered to watch the removal operation.
- Osaka beat world No.1 Sabalenka 6-2, 7-6(7/2) to advance to Wimbledon quarterfinals
- The win gives Osaka her first Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance and her first match win on Centre Court
- Seeded 14th, Osaka remains unbeaten in her first four Wimbledon matches, not dropping a set
- Sabalenka's streak of 15 consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals ends after three straight Wimbledon semifinal losses
- Professor Robert Li joined CUHK Business School in January 2025.
- He promotes a 'compleat scholar' philosophy that integrates cross‑disciplinary research with the hospitality and tourism industry.
- The approach aims to bridge academia, tourism practice, and industry insights.
- Odistar desktop vacuum cleaner priced at $13 for quick desk cleanup
- Ember Mug 2 keeps drinks at set temperature for up to 1.5 hours, costs $150
- Amazon Echo Dot ($50) adds voice‑controlled assistance for reminders and smart home control
- Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels ($189.99) provide customizable ambient lighting
- Speks magnetic fidget toys ($35) help maintain focus during work
- Resale tickets for knockout matches listed around $20,000, with many seats near $5,000
- Individual fan spending ranges from $2,500 to $150,000 for travel, tickets and hospitality
- UK couple plans $150,000 for 10 matches, including $100,000 on FIFA ticket packages
- Mexican visitor saved years and spent $2,500 total, $700 on a match ticket
- All interviewed fans said the high cost was justified by the experience
- Two people were killed and four injured in the blast.
- The explosion involved a truck loaded with ammonium nitrate, a hazardous chemical.
- The incident occurred at 11:27 a.m. on National Highway 331 in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia.
- Authorities are investigating the cause and extent of damage.
- Researchers suggest a sustained asteroid bombardment lasting ~500 million years melted Earth's early crust.
- Oldest continental-type rocks date to ~4.03 billion years ago, with zircon crystals up to ~4.4 billion years.
- The hypothesis explains the emergence of buoyant, silica-rich continents around 4 billion years ago.
- Limited Hadean rock evidence forces reliance on indirect modeling and geological inference.
- 21-year-old motorcyclist died after head-on crash with three-wheeler
- Accident occurred at about 3:21 pm on Sha Tin Heights section of Tai Po Road
- Both riders injured; motorcyclist was unconscious and rushed to hospital
- Hong Kong aurora‑chasing tour on a boat near Hobart, Tasmania, encountered two missing divers.
- Tour leader Foxman Hui and group members rescued the divers on Friday.
- The rescue was highlighted in a Facebook post by WWPKG Tours on Sunday.
- 59% of surveyed Hong Kong parents think invasive meningococcal disease is similar to a cold.
- Survey of 300 parents and teachers shows parents scored 3.84/10 on disease knowledge versus 4.8/10 for teachers.
- Doctors urge greater public awareness of the potentially fatal infection ahead of the summer travel season.
- Researchers found a sealed horse head inside a pottery vessel at a ritual site in Zhejiang province.
- The artifact dates to the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770–256 BC), covering the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.
- The find points to elite sacrificial practices involving animal offerings in ancient China.
- Dr. Sit Sou-chi was removed from the General Register for nine months.
- The misconduct stems from a 2009 case where newborn Li Yuanjian suffered a seizure.
- Medical Council found the doctor failed to conduct immediate investigations, resulting in permanent disability.
- The case involved a mainland Chinese couple and occurred in Hong Kong.
- Five rabies deaths reported on Bali in 2024, including a 38‑year‑old woman bitten by a stray cat
- A rabid dog in Jembrana regency bit three people (two children, one adult); all survived after prompt post‑exposure vaccination
- Authorities are increasing scrutiny of dog‑meat consumption amid the outbreak
- Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will permit dogs in eateries starting Thursday
- 833 restaurants, including Old Fung Tea House, will join the scheme
- Owner of Old Fung Tea House invested roughly HK$10,000 in pet-friendly adaptations
- Chen Peipei left Cambridge for a presidential assistant professorship at City University of Hong Kong in May
- She cited limited research funding and a challenging geopolitical environment in the UK as key reasons
- The move reflects a broader trend of early‑career scientists seeking stability and resources abroad
- Flight CX624 from Bengaluru landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 09:53 local time.
- Smoke was detected in the Airbus A330 cabin as the aircraft was exiting the runway.
- All passengers and crew were evacuated safely; investigation points to an overheating air‑conditioning system.
- South Korea eliminated in group stage after 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa
- Head coach Hong Myung-bo announced his resignation following the losses
- Fans voiced anger, accusing a "cartel" of elites and favoritism in football governance
- Eric Wong founded Stillpoint Investments after 11 years at Blue Ridge Capital.
- His career spans Beijing, New York and began over 20 years ago at Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong.
- Wong says he finds it difficult to separate his Asian American identity from his professional life.
- He expects more Asian Americans to enter corporate leadership roles.
- Kristy Sundjaja serves as chief people officer at Taboola, a global ad‑tech firm.
- She previously held senior people‑leadership roles at LivePerson and led NYC’s Bloomberg administration industry‑transformation team.
- Sundjaja advises aspiring Americans to “lean in” and be authentic as a path to integration.
- Tasmania's pristine air, water, and ancient forests are promoted as key attractions for food tourism
- Chef Analiese Gregory, a New Zealand native, showcases farm‑to‑table cuisine by raising chickens and goats on her property
- Indigenous values and strong conservation efforts underpin the island's reputation for high‑quality, sustainable food
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