- U.S. equity indices slipped as investors fled AI‑related positions after Samsung's earnings report
- Renewed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns over oil supply risks
- Risk‑off sentiment prompted a shift away from volatile AI trade exposures
July 7, 2026
▲ 48▼ 79◆ 17– 206
Markets 37
- GBP/USD fell to ~1.3356, snapping a nine‑session gain after a rejection at the 1.3400 handle
- June US nonfarm payrolls posted 57,000 vs 115,000 forecast; ADP added 21,000 vs 24,250 estimate, keeping Fed hike odds near 25% and cuts at zero
- Iranian missile strikes on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz revived safe‑haven demand for the dollar, pulling risk assets lower
- Technical: resistance around 1.3370‑1.3450; support at 1.3300, with downside bias toward 1.3300 unless 1.3400 is reclaimed
- Key upcoming events: FOMC minutes (Wed 18:00 GMT) and BoE Deputy Governor speech (Thu 09:30 GMT) could shape GBP direction
Read on FXStreet ↗
also: FXStreet
- Korean stocks near bear territory as chip-led AI rally falters
- Asian markets decline as South Korea leads the way
- KOSPI falls 1.3% to 2,265.15
- AI-focused firms account for roughly 15% of US market cap, the highest share among major regions
- European and Asian markets show AI exposure near 10% and 8% respectively, still above historic averages
- The top five AI stocks hold over 30% of regional AI indices, raising concentration risk
- Analysts warn that this concentration could amplify volatility if AI earnings fall short
- EUR/USD closed at 1.1406, its weakest finish since last Wednesday, slipping below the 1.1450 resistance level
- Brent crude jumped roughly 3% to about $76 per barrel after Iranian strikes and U.S. retaliatory actions
- ADP payrolls fell to a four‑week average of 21,000, while Fed minutes are expected to show no easing bias and a ~75% probability of a July hold
- Market bias remains bearish on the euro, with immediate support at 1.1400 and next major support near 1.1350
- US stocks end lower, led by tech sector, with semiconductors down 4.7%
- Crude prices surge 2.8% and 3.0% for WTI and Brent futures, respectively
- Benchmark US Treasury yields touch four-week peak amid geopolitical tensions
- Samsung shares fell 8% after earnings missed AI expectations despite forecasting an 1,800% operating profit jump
- South Korea's Kospi slipped ~5% and SK Hynix dropped ~6% ahead of its Nasdaq listing
- U.S. memory makers Sandisk and Micron fell 7% and 5%; Intel, AMD, Marvell, Lam Research and Applied Materials each slid 6%‑9%
- Memory chip prices are up 229% for Micron and 581% for Sandisk YTD, fueling worries that AI spending can’t keep pace
- U.S. Treasury yields rose, with the selloff accelerating in late trade
- Washington revoked permission for Iran to sell oil after attacks on ships in Hormuz
- Geopolitical tension pushed yields higher, signaling pressure on bond prices
- Trivariate projects S&P 500 could reach ~8,020 using a 20x forward‑earnings multiple on its 2027 EPS estimate of $401
- At a 22x multiple on a $386 EPS estimate, the index could climb to about 8,492
- Technology sector expected to drive ~59% of earnings growth over the next two years
- Micron (MU) shares could trade between $1,500‑$1,600, having risen ~220% YTD 2026 and >650% over the past 12 months
- S&P 500 is up ~10% YTD 2026, on track for a fourth consecutive winning year
- Canada's merchandise trade surplus rose to $4.2 bn in May, a four‑year high, yet USD/CAD stayed near 1.4200.
- West Texas Intermediate fell back toward $70 per barrel, removing the war premium that had boosted export values.
- Bank of Canada keeps its policy rate at 2.25% with no hike expected; June employment data will be a key test.
- Technical support for USD/CAD is around 1.4150, resistance near 1.4250, maintaining a higher‑biased outlook.
- USD/CHF ticks higher on empty Swiss calendar, but haven demand fades
- SNB sits at zero, ready to intervene and cap Franc strength
- Fed's hawkish tilt keeps Dollar firm, but softer US labour readings trim hike odds
- Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) touched a fresh intraday record before reversing to close lower on Tuesday.
- Rotation out of AI and semiconductor names dragged the index off its highs, with Micron dropping around 6%.
- Crude Oil prices jumped after a Strait of Hormuz attack, adding to the risk-off tone, with Brent trading above $73 and WTI above $70.
- Dollar index rises 0.09% to 100.95
- US crude oil price up 2.8% to $70.47 per barrel
- Investor expectations of US rate hikes this year wane to 26 basis points by December
- Zhipu AI and MiniMax lock-ups end, potentially leading to sell-off pressure
- Analysts warn of rising liquidity concerns due to secondary share placements
- Dual selling pressure may impact Hong Kong's stock market
- GBP/USD down 0.11% to 1.3373 amid Hormuz ship attacks lifting oil prices
- Oil price rise supports USD; DXY up 0.05% to 100.93
- NY Fed consumer survey shows one‑year inflation expectations rise to 3.7% in June
- Market odds for a Fed rate hike in September at 60.4%; July meeting 75% chance of no change
- UK fiscal pledge by Burnham eases political pressure on sterling
Read on FXStreet ↗
also: FXStreet
- Mizuho's AMO secured its first mandate to manage a yen bond fund for a Western institutional investor.
- Nomura Asset Management is launching an active yen bond fund targeting overseas investors and hired a former Goldman Sachs manager.
- A‑rated corporate bonds are offering a 50‑60 basis‑point spread over JGBs as BOJ policy normalisation lifts yields.
- Foreign investors are moving from underweight to neutral or overweight on yen‑denominated debt.
- Netflix, Disney and YouTube are among bidders for U.S. rights to the 2030 and 2034 FIFA World Cups
- Bidders are budgeting $1.5‑$2 billion per tournament for combined English‑ and Spanish‑language rights
- Fox paid $485 million for English rights to 2026 World Cup; Telemundo paid $600 million for Spanish rights
- Recent World Cup matches drew ~48 million U.S. viewers, rivaling NFL playoff ratings
- Packaging English and Spanish rights together could push bids toward the $2 billion ceiling
- AI-focused corporate bond issuances saw a sharp price decline on Tuesday.
- Amazon announced plans to raise an additional $25 bn through new debt issuance.
- The sell‑off underscores investor concerns over costly financing for AI expansion.
- Samsung reported earnings, shares fell 7% as memory demand concerns lingered
- Memory rival Micron dropped 4.7% amid broader chip stock decline
- Megacap tech names Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Apple and Nvidia rallied, reversing earlier underperformance
- Investors shifted into enterprise software stocks such as Salesforce, Adobe and ServiceNow
- Cramer warns the move could signal a shift in AI hardware supply‑chain leadership
- DXY up 0.2% to 97.40, extending gains for a second trading day
- Move reflects continued USD strength against major currencies
- Market sees the rise as a modest bullish signal for the greenback
- Nasdaq-100 up ~18% YTD 2026, but traders on Kalshi see limited upside in the second half
- Kalshi odds: 50% chance to finish 2026 above 30,000; 40% chance above 32,000; 27% chance above 33,000
- Index sits ~1% below 30,000; intraday high 30,762 on June 3; AI rally cooling as investors look beyond tech
- SpaceX joined Nasdaq-100 less than a month after its IPO, bypassing the usual three‑month listing rule.
- Nasdaq waived the 200,000‑share daily average and three‑month trading requirement for SpaceX, a precedent for future IPOs like OpenAI.
- Nasdaq‑100 tracks the 100 largest non‑financial Nasdaq firms, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average comprises 30 established companies.
- Over 200 investment products are linked to the Nasdaq‑100, affecting pension funds and other institutional investors.
- USD/JPY slipped marginally below 161.90, trading around 161.89
- ADP employment change 4‑week average eased to 21,000 from 24,250
- Fed's John Williams warned inflation remains elevated, limiting dollar weakness
- Yen support holds near 161.90 with Japanese authorities poised to intervene around 162.00
- USD/SGD steadied at ~1.2920, trading within a 1.29‑1.30 range for the past month
- Commerzbank estimates SGD NEER about +0.8% above midpoint, implying a +/-2% band of 1.2780‑1.3300
- May Singapore retail sales rose 3% YoY, below the 4.7% consensus, while Q2 GDP is projected near 5.6% YoY
- H1 2026 growth expected around 5.8% YoY, potentially prompting an upward revision of the 2024 forecast
- USD/CAD eases as higher Oil prices lend support to the Canadian Dollar.
- Diverging Fed and BoC monetary policy expectations limit the Loonie's upside.
- Technically, USD/CAD remains in a bullish trend above key moving averages.
- NZD/USD fell 0.26% to around 0.5685 as the US dollar gained on Middle East tensions
- Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz boosted safe‑haven demand for the USD
- Markets expect the RBNZ to raise its cash rate by 25 bps to 2.5% on Wednesday, likely a one‑off move
- Analysts see Fed rates unchanged for July and September while oil prices dip on OPEC+ output gains
- Private equity firms report a nine-year backlog of pending exits
- Investor worries over artificial intelligence risk are dampening software deal activity
- Exit delays could pressure valuations and fund performance in the sector
- Euro softens 0.1% versus USD, trading within a 1.1400‑1.1500 range
- German industrial production rose 0.9% month‑on‑month in May, beating 0.1% forecast
- ECB hawkish remarks boost euro‑area rate expectations, targeting EUR/USD near 1.15 with resistance around 1.1580
- Value stocks underperforming growth peers
- Short-term trend may not signal long-term shift
- Investors still favor growth over value
- SpaceX shares drop below opening price, dragging tech sector lower amid broader market gloom
- WTI crude surges 3.5% after U.S. bans Iranian oil sales, tightening global supply
- Tech sector under pressure as investor sentiment sours across major indices
- 10-year JGB yield rose above 2.8%, approaching the 3% mark
- Yield rise linked to worries over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's pro‑growth agenda and fiscal outlook
- Higher yields constrain the Bank of Japan's capacity to raise rates further
- SpaceX’s June US IPO attracted more than $2 bn of shares sold to Japanese investors.
- Mizuho Securities and SBI reported sizable gains from IPOs lacking domestic listings.
- Japanese securities firms are upgrading platforms to enable retail participation in large US tech offerings.
- Seven Taiwanese biopharma firms launched IPOs in the first half of 2026
- Government policy aims to develop strategic industries beyond semiconductors
- IPO surge signals rising investor interest in Taiwan's biotech pipeline
- USD/CNH held near 6.7998, staying within UOB's projected 6.7750‑6.8080 band
- Near‑term support at 6.7900 and 6.7850; major resistance at 6.8080
- UOB forecasts the pair to remain between 6.7750 and 6.8080 for the next 1‑3 weeks
- Upward momentum limited, indicating a modest downside bias
- GBP/JPY fell 0.24% to 216.51 after reaching a YTD high of 217.22
- Key resistance levels: 217.00, 217.22, with next targets at 218.00 and 220.00
- Key support levels: 215.33, 215.00, then 50‑day SMA at 214.11 and 100‑day SMA at 213.26
- A break above 217.00 could trigger a move toward 218.00; a drop below 215.33 may push the pair toward 214.11
- USD/SGD closed near 1.2924, up 0.04% on the day.
- UOB expects intraday range 1.2900‑1.2935; downside risk if below 1.2890 with firm support at 1.2875.
- Strong resistance at 1.2955; a breach would signal continued range‑trading.
- S&P 500 up 9.6% YTD and 15% in Q2, its strongest quarterly gain since 2020
- UBS highlights low‑volatility stocks, half in industrials and healthcare, many with dividends
- Yum Brands up >10% YTD, dividend 1.79%, analysts forecast ~3% upside over 12 months
- Lockheed Martin up ~10% YTD, dividend 2.59%, consensus targets suggest ~16% upside
- McDonald’s down ~8% YTD, dividend 2.64%, consensus targets imply ~17% upside
Macro/Economy 27
- Vulnerabilities in risky asset valuations, sovereign debt, and risky credit markets, including private credit, have become more pronounced.
- A substantial increase in leverage in equity markets, particularly for AI-related stocks, raises financial stability concerns.
- Rapid advances in frontier AI capabilities increase cyber and operational resilience risks, with AI equity valuations seen as stretched and highly uncertain.
- The Middle East conflict initially caused significant market volatility, though a US-Iran MOU has reduced near-term energy price risks.
- Global sovereign bond issuance is at historically high levels, with rising debt-to-GDP ratios increasing volatility risks.
- Rust Belt factories face surging electricity bills, primarily due to increased demand from power-hungry data centers serving the AI industry.
- Belden Brick Company experienced a 90% surge in electricity costs, with monthly capacity charges jumping from $1,600 to $12,000.
- PJM Interconnection's capacity prices soared by 1,038% (from $28.92 to $329.17 per megawatt-day), largely driven by data center expansion.
- Industrial electricity prices in Pennsylvania and Ohio rose 31% and 26% respectively, significantly higher than the 7% national average for industrial users.
- Rising costs threaten factory viability, leading manufacturers to consider price increases (Belden Brick raised prices 4%), slowing growth, or relocating.
- Hong Kong aims to redefine its future with an institutional moat and wealth surge
- City faces domestic and external pressures, including loss of political autonomy
- Economic decline warnings have been periodic, with Stephen Roach's 2024 assertion sparking controversy
- HKMA increases RMB Business Facility quota by 150% to US$73.6 billion
- Facility expansion aims to meet growing international demand for yuan
- New electronic FIC trading system to be introduced for yuan trading
- Japanese government and local governor gave the green light to the Linear Chuo Shinkansen maglev project.
- The line will cut travel times between Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka to less than half of current fastest options.
- The corridor is projected to generate a $2 trillion economic megaregion serving about 66 million people.
- Construction is slated to start in the coming years, with full operation aimed for the 2030s.
- Survey projects Q2 GDP growth at 4.6%, versus 5.0% in Q1
- Weak domestic demand and a property slump identified as primary drags
- Energy price shocks and Middle East tensions add to slowdown risk
- Economists warn the deceleration could pressure policymakers
- BOJ released direct investment income figures for the first quarter of 2026
- BOJ released direct investment flow figures for the first quarter of 2026
- Data includes regional and industry breakdowns for analysts and investors
- FTI will hold a roadshow to connect Chinese SMEs with Thai firms and promote investment in the EEC
- Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking will help match businesses with Thai banks for loan access
- Amata Corp is expanding its second‑phase Chinese Industrial Estate to accommodate new Chinese investors
- NBTC board split over chairman Dr Sarana's qualifications, delaying digital agenda for four years
- Analyst cites Section 74 of the NBTC Act and the Digital Economy Act as legal basis for government action
- Draft of the third Digital TV master plan approved in principle after a two‑year postponement
- Government urged to fast‑track AI, space, 6G, cloud and data‑centre projects to avoid regulator bottleneck
- China accounts for 16.9% of Euro area imports as of April
- A 10% drop in Chinese import prices is estimated to reduce headline inflation by ~0.3 percentage points
- Deflationary pressure is strongest in sectors with Chinese overcapacity, such as chemicals
- Renminbi appreciation has not offset the inflation impact, and price competition is expected to continue
- Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett will appear before the House Appropriations subcommittee on July 14.
- The hearing marks the first Supreme Court testimony to Congress since 2019.
- The focus will be the Court's fiscal 2027 budget request; case rulings are not expected to be discussed.
- The 2019 testimony involved Justices Kagan and Samuel Alito.
- Security concerns for justices have heightened since the 2022 draft opinion leak.
- Primary surplus in May, with deficit widening to 0.70% of GDP
- Maintaining 2026 fiscal deficit forecast near 2.9% of GDP
- Potential narrowing if tax reforms and spending cuts succeed
- German industrial output grew 0.9% month‑on‑month in May.
- April‑May production was about 0.5% above the Q1 average.
- Manufacturing sales outpaced output, suggesting no spring contraction.
- Recovery is expected later in 2026 if oil prices continue to fall.
- Merchandise trade surplus rose to $4.2 bn in May, up from $3.4 bn in April
- Exports grew 0.9% while imports fell 0.2% month‑on‑month
- Industrial machinery imports jumped 6.1% MoM (12.8% YoY), signaling higher business investment
- Export volumes (price‑adjusted) slipped 0.5% in May, indicating softer foreign demand
- New population law took effect on July 1, ending the two‑child policy
- Offers up to seven months of maternity leave for families with a second child
- Provides subsidies for prenatal care and newborn expenses
- Targets reversal of Vietnam's declining fertility rate, now about 1.7 children per woman
- Australian rare‑earth miner Lynas and South Korean magnet maker JS Link agreed to construct a magnet factory in Malaysia.
- The plant aims to create a non‑China supply chain for rare‑earth permanent magnets.
- The deal underscores growing efforts to diversify critical‑material sourcing in the Asia‑Pacific region.
- Domestic banks must operate under a fully sharia‑compliant model starting in 2028.
- Foreign banks will be allowed to continue offering conventional (interest‑based) services.
- The reform aims to eliminate interest‑based finance and could give foreign banks a competitive advantage.
- Tokyo housing prices continue to surge, prompting concerns over affordability
- ASEAN+3 economists argue the boom can be managed with coordinated agency action
- They caution that unchecked price gains could signal broader market risks
- Sugar mills are increasingly investing in ethanol as the sector shifts focus
- India is expected to have little or no exportable sugar surplus for the next several seasons
- Government push for biofuels is driving the move toward domestic ethanol production
- Sugar exporters may see reduced volumes while ethanol demand rises
- Investors aged 40 or younger accounted for about 49% of total NISA purchases by end‑June 2025
- Young Japanese are cutting discretionary spending on items like burgers and holidays to fund tax‑free NISA accounts
- FOMO and inflation‑driven financial anxiety are prompting the shift toward higher equity exposure
- Daily intentional load shedding rises to between 600 MW and 3,350 MW, higher than earlier this year
- Outages hit rural areas and garment factories amid an extreme heat wave
- Late central‑government payments to power producers worsen the electricity shortage
- Regulators direct takeover of Wuhan Z-Bank, a small private lender in Hubei province
- The move highlights lingering credit risks and debt pressure in China's banking system
- NFRA chief Ding Xiangqun signals continued state intervention to curb banking vulnerabilities
- Toyota's new-vehicle sales in China fell 17% year-on-year for Jan‑Jun 2024.
- High crude oil prices linked to the Iran conflict are pushing buyers toward electric and hybrid models.
- Honda reported a parallel decline in Chinese sales, reflecting broader consumer shift to EVs.
- Only one of 120 tax breaks and subsidies under review has been earmarked for elimination
- Ministries are pushing back, slowing the DOGE government's efficiency drive
- The episode underscores the difficulty of trimming Japan's public spending despite reform aims
- Central and Tokyo governments provide up to ¥560,000 ($3,450) subsidy for Nissan Sakura EVs
- Subsidized price undercuts the typical used‑car price for the same model, around ¥600,000
- Honda Super‑One also qualifies for the same subsidy scheme, expanding EV incentives
- Analysts warn the deep discounts could distort the new‑vs‑used market and create excess inventory
- European tourist arrivals to Bali declined sharply during the summer season
- Visitors from Malaysia, China and Singapore increased, offsetting part of the loss
- The Iran war is prompting travelers to stay closer to home, reshaping regional tourism
- Thousands of foreign workers expelled following anti‑immigrant protests
- South Africans in Durban lining up for vacant positions
- Protests have heightened xenophobic violence, prompting a labor‑market shift
- Potential short‑term boost to local employment but risk of skill shortages
Central Banks 8
- Japanese yen's current weakness is excessive and does not reflect the strength of the Japanese economy.
- This misalignment could prompt central banks to launch coordinated intervention efforts.
- Michael Nizard, head of multi-asset and overlay at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, made these observations.
- Bank of England identifies artificial intelligence as a growing threat to financial stability.
- Key risks include heavy investor borrowing for AI-related shares, high leverage by AI companies, and increased vulnerability of banks to cyberattacks.
- A reassessment of AI prospects could trigger significant equity price falls, amplified by concentrated and leveraged market positions.
- The BoE also noted existing risks like stretched share valuations and high public debt persist.
- Despite AI risks, Britain's banking system remains resilient, with proposals to ease capital requirements post-crisis to sustain lending.
- ECB gives euro zone banks 4 months to draw up plans to counter AI-enabled cyber threats
- Banks must prioritize protecting internet-facing systems and other exposed technology assets
- ECB will share findings to help identify challenges and areas for improvement
- RMB Business Facility increased to ¥500 bn, boosting Hong Kong banks' yuan liquidity
- Annual Southbound Bond Connect quota lifted to ¥800 bn, up from ¥500 bn
- PBoC to support more yuan‑priced commodities and advance Hong Kong gold‑clearing trial, with no immediate rate or reserve‑ratio cuts signaled
- RBNZ likely to lift the Official Cash Rate by 25 bps to 2.50% on July 8.
- Decision follows a 3‑3 split vote, ending a three‑meeting pause in rate hikes.
- Analysts view the move as either a one‑off increase or start of a tightening cycle, impacting NZD/USD.
- Technical analysis shows NZD/USD below key moving averages, with support at 0.5626 and RSI near 40.
- Lower global oil prices and soft domestic data may temper further rate‑hiking expectations.
Read on FXStreet ↗
also: FXStreet
- SBV expected to keep the refinancing rate at 4.50% through end‑2026
- Headline inflation fell to 4.7% YoY in June 2026, near the 4.5% target
- DBS raised Vietnam's 2026 GDP growth forecast to 8.0% from 6.5%
- Vietnamese dong remains broadly stable against the US dollar with a slight appreciation bias
- Fed Board opened a 60‑day comment period on a proposal to amend AML program requirements for banks
- Amendments would align Fed rules with four other agencies and require risk‑based allocation of AML resources
- Supervision would focus on significant failures to implement AML programs and incorporate FinCEN priorities
Energy/Oil 24
- Oil prices have not reflected the rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The Strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil supply, with 20% of global oil exports passing through it.
- Market prices are currently around $70 per barrel, despite the risk of a potential disruption.
- Oil prices jump sharply following US strike on Iran
- US Treasury yields rise as bond prices decline
- Geopolitical tension lifts risk premium, weighing on equities
- Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s largest oil refinery (Omsk) with 21M metric tons/year capacity, 2,500km from Ukraine
- Attack highlights Ukraine’s expanded long-range drone capabilities amid NATO summit
- Russia reports no casualties; Ukraine claims strike targets Putin’s war funding via oil sector
- Iraq aims to raise crude output to 7 million barrels per day within three years
- Target represents an increase of roughly 2.5 million bpd from current ~4.5 million bpd
- New Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi will travel to Washington in mid‑July for talks
- Additional supply could pressure global oil prices lower
- OPEC and Western partners are closely watching the plan
- API reports US crude inventories dropped 399,000 barrels in the week ending July 3
- Previous week saw a 6.072 million‑barrel draw; commercial crude (ex‑SPR) has shed ~60 million barrels over 12 weeks
- Year‑to‑date US crude stocks down 8.6 million barrels, partly offset by Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases
- Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have resumed, easing short‑term supply concerns
- Chevron and Exxon expected to post their strongest second‑quarter earnings since 2022.
- Earnings boost linked to tighter oil and gas supply after the U.S./Israel war on Iran that began Feb. 28.
- Higher profits could lift oil‑related stocks, but may invite political pressure from President Trump on pump prices.
- Results are slated for release at the end of the month, ahead of the usual earnings calendar.
- Analysts cite rising tanker departures from the Persian Gulf, exceeding the previous three‑month average
- Wall Street Journal warns of a crude glut, prompting concerns for importing nations
- Some market participants anticipate future Hormuz passage tolls could influence oil pricing
- Oversupply concerns could pressure Brent and WTI prices unless tolls offset the gap
- Saudi Arabia is studying a capacity boost of up to 2 million barrels per day for its East-West crude pipeline.
- The expanded pipeline would let Saudi and neighboring Gulf oil reach markets without transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
- The move seeks to reduce reliance on the vulnerable chokepoint after war‑related tanker disruptions and Iranian threats.
- Discussions are still preliminary, with no firm timeline or investment decision announced.
- WTI up about 2.65% to $70.44 per barrel.
- Three tankers were hit near the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, reviving supply risk.
- Technical analysis still shows a bearish near‑term bias, with price below the 200‑day SMA (~$73).
- Traders await the upcoming EIA weekly crude inventory report for further direction.
- Brent crude holds above $80/bbl as supply tightness persists amid OPEC+ cuts
- U.S. crude inventories draw down for 8th straight week, signaling tight market conditions
- Geopolitical risks in Middle East and Russia-Ukraine war continue to underpin prices
- Indian refiners may resume Iranian crude imports if US extends sanctions waiver
- US waiver currently set to expire on August 21, 2026
- Iranian oil sales have been restricted since 2018
- UAE crude output rose to 3.8mmb/d in June, near record highs
- Exports reached 3.94mmb/d, just shy of the record hit in late 2025
- Output exceeded levels seen before the Iran war
- Global trade hits record high in 2023, driven by strong demand
- Middle East conflict poses significant risk to LNG supply and prices
- WTI crude oil price up 2.5% to $83.50/bbl on geopolitical tensions
- Gulf OPEC members announced price reductions of a few cents per barrel for August shipments
- Discounts were widened for Asian buyers, narrowing the price gap with rival producers
- The cuts could push Brent crude below $80 per barrel and weigh on global oil markets
- Analysts view the move as a response to weaker demand and excess supply
- India's fuel consumption fell 1.4% YoY in Q1, despite record crude oil imports
- Crude oil imports rose 10.3% YoY to 4.8 million barrels per day
- Fuel demand in India is expected to decline further due to high prices
- China's oil demand to peak within 5 years due to rapid EV adoption
- Renewable energy expansion and transport electrification driving shift
- Global energy markets to face structural demand shift from China
- Total power consumption forecast to rise to 4,269 billion kWh in 2026 and 4,399 billion kWh in 2027 (up from 4,195 billion kWh in 2025).
- Commercial electricity use expected to exceed residential for the first time in 2026, with commercial sales projected at 1,550 billion kWh versus 1,508 billion kWh for residential.
- Coal’s share of generation to fall to 15 % by 2026, while renewables rise to 25 % and natural gas stays at 40 % of the mix.
- Natural‑gas sales for power generation projected at 36.6 bcfd in 2026, near the 2024 peak of 36.8 bcfd.
- Scientists warn a 2026 Super El Niño could trigger severe droughts in Colombia.
- Reduced water levels are expected to sharply cut hydroelectric power output.
- Thermal plants face higher load amid an existing natural gas shortage, prompting costly imports.
- Ugandan farmers filed a UK High Court case seeking to halt the $5 billion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
- The nearly completed pipeline would transport crude from Uganda's Albertine Graben to Tanzania's Tanga port.
- TotalEnergies leads the project, which faces mounting environmental opposition and legal challenges.
- If successful, the lawsuit could delay or cancel the pipeline, impacting regional crude supply.
- Both countries sign electricity‑import agreements to facilitate low‑carbon power swaps.
- Cross‑border interconnector projects are planned to link Singapore's grid with Indonesia's.
- The deal aims to improve Singapore's energy security and help meet its sustainability targets.
- Analysts see the partnership as a pilot for a broader Southeast Asian regional power grid.
- Hengli Petrochemical reported first‑half profit more than double year‑on‑year
- Higher oil and commodity prices from global conflicts boosted margins
- The profit surge lifted earnings across China's petrochemical sector
- Company runs a U.S‑sanctioned “teapot” refinery linked to Iran
- Yasuo Fukuda served as Japan's prime minister from 2007 to 2008
- He worked at an oil company during the 1973 oil shock
- Fukuda calls for expanding nuclear energy to cut Japan's dependence on Middle Eastern oil
- The bilateral relationship spans more than 60 years of cooperation
- Collaboration now includes oil, LNG and emerging lower‑carbon fuels
- ADNOC CEO Sultan Al Jaber heads UAE's industry and clean‑energy initiatives
- Futures rose slightly in rangebound trading
- Strong power‑sector demand for air‑conditioning supported prices
- Adequate supply limited further upside
Gold/Metals 9
- Gold prices have risen 4.5% YTD, outperforming major equity indices
- Gold ETF inflows have surged to $5.3B in 2023, a 50% YoY increase
- Gold's 14-day RSI has broken above 50, indicating potential for further gains
- XAU/USD fell 0.44% to $4,146, failing to break the $4,200 resistance
- NY Fed survey shows one‑year inflation expectations up to 3.7% in June
- WTI crude rose over 2.7% to $70.48 per barrel after Hormuz ship attacks
- US 10‑year Treasury yield climbed 5.5 bps to 4.525%
- PBoC gold reserves reached 75.44 million oz, up from 74.96 million oz
- China added 14.93 tonnes of gold in June, extending its buying streak to 20 months
- Total gold reserves now stand at 2,346 tonnes, the highest since 2015
- Move aligns with Beijing's broader de-dollarisation and reserve diversification strategy
- Gold prices fall 1.3% as Hormuz attacks revive inflation concerns
- New attacks on Hormuz Strait raise concerns about global oil supply
- Inflation expectations rise, weighing on gold prices
- Silver fell ~3% to $60.26, staying below the $64‑$65 descending trendline resistance.
- A breakout above $65 is required to target $70 and the 200‑day SMA around $70.13.
- If price drops below $59, support levels at $56.61 and $55 could be tested.
- Geopolitical tension after Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz dampened market mood.
- Gold fell about 1% to roughly $2,040 per ounce, its lowest level in weeks
- The drop follows a 2% rally earlier in the week that was driven by a weaker dollar
- Analysts say a clear Fed policy signal is needed to sustain the recent uptrend in gold
- The Federal Reserve meeting is set for June 12-13, with most expecting rates to stay unchanged
- Without a decisive Fed catalyst, bullish momentum in gold remains limited
- 4‑hour chart shows gold below the 50‑period moving average, indicating bearish momentum
- Immediate support identified near $1,900 per ounce, with resistance at $1,950
- Next 4‑hour candle must close below $1,925 to confirm further downside
- A summer pullback is anticipated for metals and mining equities
- Short-term decline could test investors' resolve
- Quality resource stocks may benefit from a longer-term bull market
- High-grade drill results released from the Austin Complexes at the Madsen project in northern Ontario
- Assay data indicate potential for additional mineable gold resources beyond current reserves
- The findings could expand West Red Lake Gold Mines' resource base and support future development plans
Crypto 37
- SEC plans to release the rule in July, according to its updated agenda
- Proposal would grant temporary exemptions from registration for crypto developers and set fundraising limits
- Stablecoin market cap fell to $312 billion in June, the biggest monthly drop since TerraUSD
- Tokenized equity volumes surged 145% to a record $3.86 billion in June
- Vanguard is hiring a Head of Digital Assets to shape its strategy for cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.
- The new executive will develop a multi-year roadmap, assessing opportunities in tokenization, stablecoins, and custody.
- This move marks a gradual shift in Vanguard's stance, following its recent decision to allow trading of third-party crypto ETFs and mutual funds.
- The role will involve advising senior leadership, engaging with regulators, and determining internal build-out vs. partnerships.
- Vanguard, managing $10 trillion, previously resisted crypto but is now broadening its focus beyond just offering access to third-party funds.
- K33 analysis indicates Bitcoin is approaching a cycle bottom.
- Historically, Bitcoin bottoms occurred within weeks of over 50% of its circulating supply being held at a loss.
- This pattern has typically been followed by strong one-year returns in most previous cycles.
- Japanese companies are increasingly adding Bitcoin and XRP to corporate treasuries, driven by a weak yen and diversification needs.
- SBI VC Trade's registered accounts across VCTRADE and BITPOINT services surpassed 2 million, doubling since 2025 following a 2026 merger.
- Demand for stablecoins like USDC, Ripple's RLUSD, and yen-pegged JPYSC, alongside new lending services, is boosting crypto adoption.
- The weak yen is prompting firms to spread reserves beyond cash, with some also using crypto for shareholder perk programs.
- Market capitalization of MiCA-compliant euro stablecoins grew 128% in the year leading up to Europe's CASP transition period end.
- Total market cap reached $673.9 million for eight compliant euro stablecoins.
- The growth occurred ahead of the July 1 MiCA deadline for stablecoin regulations.
- Data was reported by Decta, highlighting significant pre-compliance expansion.
- An attacker drained approximately $20 million in BONK tokens from BONK DAO's treasury via a malicious governance proposal.
- The attacker spent about $4.4 million to acquire just over 1% of BONK's supply, meeting the quorum threshold for the proposal.
- The proposal passed with 99.9% 'yes' votes from only seven wallets, effectively a single decisive voter in a low-turnout ballot.
- The incident underscores the vulnerability of token-based governance systems to exploits where a temporary voting majority can be cheaply bought.
- BONK prices dropped 7% in the past 24 hours following the attack.
- EDX Markets, a crypto trading platform for institutions, raised $76 million in a fundraising round led by SBI Holdings.
- The platform separates trading from custody through a central clearinghouse to minimize counterparty risk.
- EDX plans to use the funds to develop new products and grow internationally.
- Strategy's Bitcoin sale is viewed by Grayscale as a potential durable bottom for the cryptocurrency
- Grayscale's Zach Pandl notes rising investor confidence in Bitcoin following the sale
- STRC (the related fund) reclaimed a price of $90, its first rise in three weeks
- Ether (ETH) is climbing toward the $2,000 price level
- Bitmine has been buying ETH, adding buying pressure
- Robinhood's layer‑2 solution sees higher transaction volumes, supporting the rally
- Increased demand from DAT buying contributes to the upward move
- Kraken awarded $22 million in arbitration over audit dispute.
- Mazars withdrew from Kraken's 2022 audit, prompting the claim.
- Kraken links the damages to Operation Chokepoint 2.0.
- The ruling may set a precedent for auditor relations in the crypto industry.
- Kraken aims to secure a specialized banking license in Lithuania as a gateway to EU banking status
- CEO Arjun Sethi outlines a 10‑year plan to obtain banking licenses across regions via acquisitions or greenfield launches
- If approved, Kraken would be the only crypto exchange with a European banking license, joining fintechs like Revolut
- Stablecoin market cap fell to $312 bn in June, the largest monthly drop since TerraUSD, while tokenized equity volumes rose 145% to $3.86 bn
- Dune analytics shows USDT is the primary stablecoin for payment transactions
- USDC is the leading stablecoin powering DeFi protocols
- The two stablecoins exhibit distinct usage patterns across blockchain ecosystems
- Tether commits undisclosed funding to Mercado Bitcoin, Brazil's largest crypto exchange
- Capital will be used to broaden tokenized finance services across Latin America
- Investment adds to Tether's growing portfolio of blockchain infrastructure projects
- Nigel Farage announces resignation from the UK Parliament after authorities probe crypto‑related gifts.
- The gifts are linked to figures in the cryptocurrency sector, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
- Farage says he will contest the resulting by‑election as an independent candidate.
- The scandal underscores growing political and regulatory focus on crypto activities in the UK.
- On-chain tokenized-equity volume rose 145% month-over-month to $3.86 bn in June.
- SpaceX tokenized shares accounted for $1.19 bn (31%) of the month’s volume, with Backpack’s SPCX token handling $1.08 bn.
- The sector’s market cap reached a record $1.53 bn, up 6.6% from May and marking 15 consecutive months of growth.
- SpaceX’s $75 bn IPO valued the company at about $1.8 tn, driving the surge in tokenized equity interest.
- Bitcoin fell from around $63,000, losing its two‑week high
- US equity indices slipped, reflecting broader market weakness
- Analyst John Bollinger described Bitcoin's price action as at a "critical point"
- Micron Technology stock was projected to drop about 10% amid a US chip sell‑off
- Bitcoin Covenants introduce SIGHASH_ANYPREVOUT, allowing signatures to authorize any compatible UTXO
- This feature enables rebindable pre-signed transactions for Lightning, vaults, and layer-2 protocols
- No new key management overhead is required
- Former Tether chief investment officer Richard Heathcote aims to sell part of his 1.26% holding in the USDT issuer.
- Heathcote is working with advisory firm PJT Partners to locate potential buyers for the stake.
- The monetary value of the stake was not disclosed and Tether did not comment on the sale.
- Stablecoin market cap fell to $312 billion in June, its biggest monthly decline since TerraUSD.
- European Parliament approved a report on digital assets following the end of MiCA's transition period
- Report calls for further assessment of DeFi, staking, crypto lending and NFTs
- EU lawmakers signal a more detailed regulatory approach for the crypto sector
- Coinbase receives UK investment services authorization
- Institutional and advanced traders to access derivatives
- Retail users to trade equities in the UK
- Coinbase Premium has been negative for 50 consecutive days, showing Bitcoin cheaper on US exchange.
- US spot Bitcoin ETFs have posted eight straight weeks of net outflows.
- Japan 10-year bond yield rose to a 30-year high of 2.85%, lifting global borrowing costs.
- Regaining the $64,000 price level this week could boost sentiment and ease MSTR concerns.
- Combined USDT and USDC market cap fell to $257 billion from $268 billion over two months, indicating net outflows.
- Bitcoin slipped from $64,500 to $63,562, ending its longest gain streak since March
- Futures open interest fell to 740,000 BTC from a July 3 peak of 776,000 BTC
- More than $500 million in leveraged crypto futures positions were liquidated in 24 hours, mainly short bets
- Altcoin season indicator sits at 46/100; ETH dropped to $1,770 after peaking at $1,830
- Bitcoin's 30‑day implied volatility (BVIV) rose to 40%, still below January’s ~60% peak
- Bitcoin's NUPL metric may indicate new cycle lows ahead
- Historical patterns suggest BTC price could fall below $58K
- Analysis warns of potential price drop if metric follows historical trend
- Digital Chamber files amicus brief to dismiss NY lawsuit over 39,069 Bitcoin wallets
- Brief argues dismissal would prevent setting of precedent for self-custodial wallets
- Potential implications for Bitcoin and crypto market remain unclear
- 10-year Japanese government bond yield hit 2.85%, a 30‑year high, up 18 bps this month
- Bitcoin rose 8% this month to about $64,000, buoyed by softer U.S. inflation and jobs data
- Higher global bond yields raise the opportunity cost of holding non‑yielding assets like Bitcoin
- Goldman Sachs still prefers yen‑funded carry trades despite the rise in JGB yields
- Loss attributed to 'same-block backrun extraction' exploit
- Traders warned to verify transaction routes before signing
- Estimated loss: $2 million
- Yield Guild Games (YGG) laid off 35 employees and shut down its crypto game publishing arm, YGG Play.
- The decision stems from a prolonged crypto market downturn and a 'brutal' video game publishing market, rendering YGG Play commercially unsustainable.
- YGG will refocus resources on the 'AI data economy,' providing gaming datasets to train AI models.
- This restructure is expected to extend YGG's operating runway to four years, with $20.6 million in treasury as of Q1.
- The move reflects a broader trend in the crypto industry, which has seen over 5,000 job cuts this year, with many companies citing market slump and a refocus toward AI.
- XRP holds above $1.11 support but struggles to clear $1.14-$1.15 zone
- Spot XRP ETFs log 9th straight week of net inflows despite regulatory uncertainty
- Traders watch $1.1110 on the downside and $1.14-$1.15 on the upside
- Bitcoin fell back to around $63,170 after touching $64,400, staying up ~6% for the week
- Strategy sold 3,588 BTC (~$216 million), its largest sale since dropping its never‑sell stance, without breaking the rally
- CME Bitcoin futures open interest hit a 32‑month low and six‑month options skew rose to the fourth‑highest on record, signaling thin institutional demand
- Brent crude rose 0.6% to about $72.45 per barrel after a missile strike near the Strait of Hormuz, adding macro risk
- SBI Securities and Daiwa Securities are building a joint settlement platform for blockchain-based security tokens
- The system will initially target foreign investors, starting with clients in Singapore
- It will enable investment in Japanese businesses and real estate via tokenised securities
- Both firms are also exploring future access for Singapore investors to security tokens
- State lawmakers schedule a hearing on a $100 million bond backed by Bitcoin
- Approval required from Governor Kelly Ayotte and the five-member executive council
- If authorized, the bond would be one of the first U.S. municipal securities linked to cryptocurrency
- Proposal aims to diversify state financing options using digital assets
- Security exploit occurred on June 23
- All wallet functions will be disabled on Aug 3, 2026
- Users urged to withdraw assets before shutdown
- No further updates from the company have been announced
- Trump previously called Bitcoin a 'scam'
- Now admits involvement in crypto 'a little bit for politics'
- No clear policy implications yet
Geopolitics 63
- US President Trump to criticize European allies on defense spending
- Iran war tensions to dominate summit discussions
- NATO leaders to discuss collective defense and security
- Turkey's role in NATO and regional security to be addressed
- US-EU relations and trade to be on the agenda
Read on OilPrice ↗
also: Al Jazeera
- China launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, its second ICBM test in the region.
- Beijing notified Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Japan in advance, but not the US, suggesting a targeted political message.
- The test coincided with Australia and Fiji signing a mutual defense treaty, expanding Canberra's influence in the South Pacific.
- China's action is seen as a warning to Pacific Island countries against deepening security ties with Australia and an attempt to disrupt regional alliances.
- The timing and selective notification indicate a strategic move to express diplomatic position through military means.
- China’s navy test-fired JL-3 SLBM with 10,000+ km range, likely from Type 096 submarine
- US, Japan, Australia, NZ criticize lack of transparency and rapid nuclear buildup
- Test coincides with China-Russia naval drills, signaling expanded Pacific military posture
- India and China are locked in a contest for the future of Buddhism, with both nations vying for custodianship of the faith.
- China has been promoting its own version of Buddhism through lavish spending on temples, universities, and relic loans, while India is leveraging its historical and geographical ties to the faith.
- The succession of the 15th Dalai Lama is a key point of contention, with China insisting on state approval for the reincarnation and India backing the Dalai Lama's Gaden Phodrang Trust.
- EU considers trade war against China over subsidized exports
- Brussels aims to counter China shock 2.0 with tariffs and restrictions
- Trade tensions escalate as EU and China engage in tit-for-tat measures
- Explosions rock Damascus, wounding at least 18 people
- France's President Macron visits Syria in landmark trip
- Second blast in capital in a few days
- US Treasury revoked a June waiver that permitted the sale of Iranian oil.
- The decision follows reported attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, attributed to Iran.
- WTI crude oil spiked over 5% to $72.11 per barrel.
- US Treasury yields jumped, while US stocks (Nasdaq down 1.3%) and Bitcoin ($63,600) slipped.
- Joint Maritime Information Center upgraded Hormuz threat to "severe" after multiple Iranian attacks on tankers.
- Iran warned it will target vessels not using its approved northern corridor, while the U.S. protects a southern route.
- Oil transits fell to about 100 ships per day and 4.3 million barrels per day in June, far below pre‑war levels of >100 ships and 15 million bpd.
- U.S. and UK maritime agencies reported three separate tanker attacks in the strait this week.
- Appeals court upheld Le Pen's conviction for misusing European Parliament funds
- Ban on seeking public office was reduced, preserving a route to the 2027 presidential race
- Court mandated she wear an electronic ankle monitoring device
- Member states unveil new defence initiatives at NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum in Ankara
- Projects focus on strengthening weapons development, production and supply chains
- Initiatives aim to counter security challenges posed by Russia and China
- Collaboration involves NATO members and defence contractors to boost advanced military capabilities
- New law enforces Mandarin dominance, criminalizes dissenting ethnic identity instruction, and extends legal reach extraterritorially
- International pushback unlikely due to China’s economic leverage, retaliatory legal tools, and U.N. influence
- Article 63 of the law incentivizes global institutions to self-censor to avoid legal exposure
- Democratic leaders call on Graham Platner to withdraw from the race
- Allegations of forcibly having sex with a woman nearly five years ago
- DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains
- Russian missile attacks hit Kyiv for the third large‑scale strike in less than a week
- Fires broke out in two Kyiv districts; two people injured, one hospitalized
- Earlier strikes injured ten in Odesa and killed at least 14 in Monday's Kyiv attack
- Ukrainian drones hit eight Russian tankers (~7,000 t deadweight) in the Sea of Azov
- Attacks occur as NATO summit convenes in Ankara to discuss further aid for Ukraine
- The United States has announced retaliatory actions against Iran in response to recent tensions.
- Senator Bernie Sanders urges Graham Platner to withdraw from the Maine Senate race.
- The Wall Street Journal releases an interactive game testing users' ability to save a penalty kick.
- Analysts identify three distinct tracks that will determine the post‑Iran war regional architecture.
- Track 1 is led by the United States, focusing on expanding the Abraham Accords and deeper Israel integration.
- Track 2 involves Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE pursuing security and economic cooperation.
- Track 3 sees Iran, backed by partners like Russia and China, carving an alternative alignment.
- Two explosions near the hotel where Macron was staying injured several people
- Macron met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the first EU leader visit since Assad's overthrow
- Talks centered on Syria's reconstruction and renewed ties with Europe
- The blasts occurred as Macron arrived, raising immediate security concerns
- China produces 69% of global fluorite and over 50% of high-purity fluorine chemicals
- Fluorine compounds are critical for semiconductors, EV batteries, aerospace, and nuclear energy
- China’s vertically integrated fluorine ecosystem creates hard-to-replicate supply chain dependencies
- Arya Bolurfrushan, CEO of Abu Dhabi-based AppliedAI, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit securities fraud.
- Bolurfrushan traded on tips from lawyers Nicolo Nourafchan and Robert Yadgarov, earning $954,496 in profits.
- Nine other individuals also pleaded guilty in secret proceedings, with Nourafchan and Yadgarov awaiting trial.
- Australia and Fiji signed two new security agreements: the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance (Veitacini Treaty).
- The Vuvale Union expands economic integration, workforce mobility, education, and investment between the two nations.
- The Ocean of Peace Alliance is a mutual defense pact, open to other Pacific Island countries, with Article 6 committing parties to act against armed attacks.
- This marks Fiji's first formal alliance, shifting from its non-aligned policy under PM Rabuka, who is more sympathetic to Western allies.
- The agreements are seen in the context of growing geopolitical competition in the Pacific, particularly China's expanding regional presence.
- Ukraine's SBU found the body of Anastasiia Berezovska, wanted in Monaco for the bombing of Vadym Yermolaiev
- A Ukrainian military intelligence officer confessed to killing Berezovska with a former law enforcement officer
- The motive behind the killing remains unclear
- Japan's ban on jet fuel exports to Russia includes indirect shipments via third countries or transferred at sea.
- The ban covers exports to Russia through third countries, including ship-to-ship transfers at sea.
- Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is working to prevent sanctions evasion through awareness, warnings, and information sharing.
- Pakistan accuses India of violating 1960 Indus Waters Treaty by halting hydrological data sharing and accelerating western-river projects
- Pakistan's defense minister warns of war if water security is breached; military reaffirms commitment to treaty enforcement
- Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling limits India's water-control capability, strengthening Pakistan's legal position
- Indonesia and Singapore leaders pledged to maintain the Malacca Strait as a free and accessible passage for all vessels, aligning with UNCLOS.
- The commitment emphasizes preserving security, peace, and protection from pollution, accidents, and piracy in the critical waterway.
- Singapore PM Wong cited Middle East shipping disruptions (Strait of Hormuz) as highlighting the importance of a secure Malacca Strait.
- Indonesian President Prabowo's statement effectively dismisses a previous suggestion by Indonesia's Foreign Minister to impose a levy on ships passing through the Strait.
- Leaders also announced 26 agreements to strengthen economic ties, including an MoU for cross-border low-carbon electricity trade between Indonesia's Danantara and Singaporean firms.
- U.S. Army chose REalloys to construct the first commercial heavy rare earth processing complex on a military installation.
- The Tooele Army Depot in Utah will refine dysprosium and terbium, critical for high‑temperature permanent magnets used in defense systems.
- The project aims to cut U.S. dependence on China for rare‑earth supply, marking a historic step in the strategic minerals supply chain.
- The Federal Communications Commission rejected the firm's application to offer telecom services in the United States.
- The firm is identified as having links to Chinese entities, prompting heightened regulatory scrutiny.
- The denial prevents the company from operating in the U.S. telecom market pending further review.
- The decision underscores ongoing U.S. concerns over national security and Chinese influence in critical infrastructure.
- Trump reiterated demand that Greenland be under U.S. control, citing security concerns.
- He warned the U.S. could pull all its armed forces out of Europe if Europe opposes the plan.
- A NATO working group of the U.S., Denmark and Greenland is meeting, with Denmark targeting a solution by year‑end.
- Trump linked the Greenland dispute to broader concerns about immigration and energy in Europe.
- India aims to attract up to 10 trillion yen ($62 billion) in Japanese investment over the next decade
- Japanese investments in India have focused on the financial sector
- India seeks to boost manufacturing with foreign investment
- Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte commenced on Monday in the Philippine Senate.
- Prosecutors allege corruption and stress the case centers on accountability in public office.
- The Senate will hear evidence and arguments as part of the high‑profile political proceeding.
- Five explosions were reported in Kyiv early Wednesday, including a large blast before sirens.
- Russian missile strike set fire to a warehouse and a non‑residential building in separate districts.
- Two people were injured in the attacks, according to local officials.
- The incidents occurred as NATO leaders convene for a summit in Turkey.
- Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow visited the US from July 5‑7 to discuss defence and security cooperation.
- Thailand aims to deepen defence, cybersecurity and academic ties while maintaining a neutral, rules‑based Indo‑Pacific stance.
- The partnership includes expanding cybersecurity collaboration to combat online scam networks and modernising military capabilities across army, navy and air force.
- Bangkok stresses balancing relations with both the United States and China amid growing strategic competition.
- Judge William Ray quashed a DOJ grand‑jury subpoena seeking personal information of thousands of Fulton County election workers from the 2020 election.
- The court ruled the broad disclosure could chill future election participation and noted the statute of limitations for any related crimes has expired.
- DOJ maintains the need to investigate alleged failures to preserve 2020 ballot images, but the ruling leaves the department free to pursue other investigative paths.
- French MEP Rima Hassan appeared in court on July 7, 2026, facing charges of "glorifying terrorism"
- The case originates from a social‑media post referencing the 1972 attack on Israel's main airport
- Supporters argue the prosecution seeks to silence pro‑Palestinian voices
- Mitch McConnell has been in the hospital since June 14, missing Senate votes since June 11.
- His prolonged absence threatens the GOP's 53-47 Senate majority, with Democrats already passing a resolution on Trump's Iran war.
- No details on his condition have been released, and an early departure could trigger a special election in Kentucky.
- 84-year-old McConnell has been in the hospital since June 14, marking more than three weeks of admission.
- Aides provide only brief statements, saying he is improving, lucid, and working on Senate matters while out of session.
- Senate leaders John Thune and John Barrasso each reported recent phone conversations with McConnell, discussing policy and upcoming work.
- Claims that McConnell is brain dead were refuted by GOP leaders, who confirmed his engagement in recent calls.
- Dr. Hussam Abu Safia has been held without charge since Dec 2024
- Lawyer reports severe beating on July 2, 2026, describing him as near death
- Case underscores concerns over treatment of Palestinian detainees in Israel
- Appeals court cut Le Pen's ban to 45 months, with 30 months suspended, after finding her guilty of misusing public funds
- Le Pen declared she will run in the 2027 French presidential election despite the remaining ban
- Court ruling requires her to wear an electronic ankle tag for a year if she campaigns, though she plans to appeal to the Cour de Cassation
- Opinion polls show the far‑right leading the first round of the upcoming election, but second‑round outcomes remain uncertain
- Kazakhstan will develop a 15‑hectare terminal at Iran's Bandar Abbas port.
- The project will be financed entirely by private investors, with no state funds used.
- Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin says the agreement is near finalisation despite US‑Iran tensions.
- The US Treasury announced sanctions on Rwandan companies linked to financing armed groups in eastern DR Congo.
- Conflict minerals such as tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold from the region are estimated to generate roughly $1 billion annually for rebel factions.
- Critics argue that Western demand for these minerals in technology supply chains may be perpetuating the violence.
- A lawsuit claims the US government gave Iran personal information on asylum applicants.
- The disclosed data reportedly includes pro‑democracy protesters, religious minorities and LGBTQ individuals.
- Plaintiffs argue the sharing violates privacy rights and could expose seekers to deportation.
- Farage steps down after £5M undeclared gift from crypto donor and U.S. fraud-linked ties
- Trump publicly backs Farage despite recent rift, amplifying political stakes
- Reform UK leads polls for 2029 UK election, raising potential PM scenario
- Nigel Farage to step down as lawmaker amid financial probe
- Faces investigation over £5 million donation from US-based group
- Seeks re-election to clear his name
- India and Indonesia sign cooperation agreement on BrahMos long-range missile system
- Deal announced during Prime Minister Modi's three-day state visit to Jakarta
- Agreement expands defence, critical minerals and broader strategic partnership
- Forterra deployed over 100 autonomous ATVs in Ukraine, driving 2,500+ miles in 1,100+ missions since October 2023
- Vehicles carried 777,440 lbs of cargo and completed 88 casualty evacuations, but remain vulnerable to terrain and enemy fire
- Autonomy still limited; most operations require teleoperation due to inability to react to live enemy threats
- Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli's breakaway party Bersama is unlikely to become a credible third force.
- Bersama's first test will be in Johor, where its vote share could erode support for the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
- Analysts warn that multi‑cornered contests may split the reformist vote and affect Prime Minister Anwar's prospects.
- Joshua Wong to plead guilty to conspiring with a fugitive former lawmaker
- Maximum penalty of life imprisonment under the national security law
- Plea and sentencing hearing scheduled for September 2
- Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls on July 11 and August 1 serve as proxy battles for 2028 general election dominance
- BN aims to regain Johor, its traditional stronghold, to bolster UMNO’s claim for larger federal role
- PH risks losing Negeri Sembilan, which could weaken Anwar’s reform agenda and trigger early general election calls
- Bangladesh and a Chinese engineering firm signed a pact to develop an economic zone near Mongla Port
- The project was originally earmarked for Indian development about a decade ago
- Indian security analysts warn the Chinese presence could enable monitoring of Indian naval and army movements
- Delegations from the United States and China meet in Geneva to discuss AI governance.
- Talks occur after a Trump-era executive order aimed at outcompeting China in technology.
- Both nations have markedly different domestic approaches to regulating artificial intelligence.
- Denmark's NATO port signs cooperation with China's Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group
- EU officials warn Chinese influence could compromise strategic infrastructure
- Agreement underscores tension between rapid green-energy expansion and security safeguards
- India will supply Indonesia with supersonic cruise missiles and air-to-air missiles
- The agreements were finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Jakarta
- The deals deepen defence cooperation between the two largest democracies in Asia
- The contracts are part of India's broader effort to expand security ties with Southeast Asian nations
- Chief Executive John Lee receives expanded national security authority, prompting doubts about court autonomy
- Legal experts warn the changes could undermine Hong Kong's longstanding rule-of-law framework
- Human rights groups, including the Asian Lawyers Network, highlight risks to independent justice
- NATO summit convened in Ankara, putting Turkey's defense profile in focus
- Turkey is emerging as a global arms supplier, drawing increased interest from NATO allies
- President Erdogan delivered an offshore patrol vessel to Romania on June 20
- Ankara aims to deepen ties with the U.S., Europe and Asia while mediating regional conflicts
- Chinese authorities have increased maritime patrols around Taiwan, including eastward operations.
- Beijing is simultaneously stepping up diplomatic, political and legal actions against Taipei.
- The combined pressure is reported to be narrowing Taiwan's strategic options.
- Australia and Fiji signed a defense cooperation agreement on July 6.
- The pact aims to deepen security ties and curb growing Chinese influence in the Pacific.
- China conducted a missile test in the Pacific on the same day, heightening regional tensions.
- Professor Brahma Chellaney warns that India can no longer assume Nepal's acquiescence on strategic issues.
- He highlights water resources as a potential flashpoint in South Asian geopolitics.
- Chellaney's analysis suggests India needs a more nuanced diplomatic approach toward Kathmandu.
- Democrats could try to improve their image by pursuing impeachment related to crypto issues
- The move would frame Trump’s actions in the cryptocurrency space as a political liability
- Crypto becomes a new battleground in partisan politics, potentially affecting public perception
- Cuban FM Bruno Rodriguez accused the United States of a "ruthless" embargo during a UNGA speech
- He said the embargo has lasted for almost seven decades
- Rodriguez claimed the embargo intensified over the past seven months
- The United States reportedly applied diplomatic pressure to prevent the remarks
- President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella halted the transition with outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
- Petro refused to recognise the June 21 runoff results, claiming fraud without presenting evidence.
- Petro alleges a coup plot to stay in power, intensifying the political standoff.
- The suspension pauses the handover process pending a resolution of the dispute.
- Hong Kong insurers launch marine war-risk pool for collaboration
- Industry veteran sees potential for collaboration to benefit local economy and nation
- Panel discusses bolstering financial resilience across Greater Bay Area
- Younger Americans markedly less likely to view Beijing as a threat than older voters
- Across nearly all China‑related issues, unease rises sharply with age
- Bipartisan split on China is minimal despite broader political polarization
- Generational attitudes could shape future US policy toward China
- Death toll from prison clashes rises to 27
- Over 100 injured in clashes between rival drug gangs
- Authorities tighten security with armed police and commandos
- China's foreign ministry organized a special screening of the film "Dear You" for foreign diplomats.
- The event aimed to help 150 diplomats and their families from 74 embassies "better understand China."
- Diplomats from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, UAE, and Peru attended the screening.
- The film "Dear You" had previously sparked debate regarding propaganda in Southeast Asia.
Tech/AI 45
- SpaceX joined Nasdaq-100 less than a month after its June 12 IPO, one of the fastest inclusions.
- Shares dropped 5.4% amid broader tech sell‑off and AI‑boom concerns.
- Index funds will need to buy SpaceX, creating passive demand estimated in billions.
- Analysts are split: most brokerages issue bullish ratings, while a few maintain neutral or sell views.
- SpaceX holds a 1.34% weight in the Nasdaq-100; its market cap is about $2 trillion.
- AI law startup Norm raises $120M in Series C funding, valuing it at $1.2 billion
- Norm Law uses AI agents supervised by human attorneys to offer legal services to enterprise clients
- The company charges based on outcomes rather than hourly billing
- Samsung posted record Q2 profit but shares fell ~7% after missing revenue estimates.
- Micron (MU) and SanDisk (SNDK) fell sharply, reflecting concerns over slowing AI infrastructure spending.
- SK Hynix down 25% from its peak ahead of U.S. listing, adding pressure to AI‑linked memory stocks.
- Chinese startup Zhipu pursuing custom AI chips, signaling potential shift to lower‑cost AI hardware.
- Crypto assets see mixed impact as AI trade slowdown could redirect capital back to digital assets.
- Hesai Technology blacklisted by U.S. DoD in 2024 as a Chinese military entity, blocking Pentagon contracts but not civilian use
- Nvidia partnership expands Hesai’s lidar sensors in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and infrastructure despite security risks
- Experts warn Chinese-made lidar could enable data access or disruption of U.S. critical infrastructure
- Google invests €411 million in Proxima Fusion, a Germany-based nuclear fusion startup.
- Proxima aims to build Europe's first commercial fusion power plant by the late 2030s.
- The startup is developing stellarator technology, one of several approaches to fusion.
- AI surge is driving renewed focus on central processing units (CPUs) in semiconductor design
- U.S. chipmakers currently dominate the CPU market, while Chinese firms target higher domestic share
- Nvidia showcased its Vera CPU compute tray at GTC, highlighting new AI‑optimized CPU offerings
- Industry analysts expect CPU competition to intensify as AI workloads expand beyond GPUs
- Meta released Muse Image, a new AI image‑generation model accessible for free via Meta AI app, WhatsApp and Instagram Stories
- Power users must subscribe to Meta One or other monthly plans to exceed free usage limits
- Benchmark tests show Muse Image beats Google’s Nano Banana 2 in editing tasks but trails OpenAI’s GPT‑4 Image 2
- The model will power Meta’s Advantage Plus ad service, enabling automated, on‑brand ad creative for brands
- Meta announced a future Muse Video model for AI‑generated video generation
- Tencent, Huawei and Alibaba are accelerating AI agent offerings for Thai enterprises.
- BCG projects agentic AI could unlock up to $200 billion in new value globally over five years.
- 71% of Asian firms still struggle to scale AI beyond pilot projects, driving demand for practical tools.
- Tencent's Token Hub aims to manage AI token consumption costs for sustainable scaling.
- Huawei and Alibaba have launched new AI infrastructure and model platforms tailored for Thailand.
- DeepSeek is designing an inference-focused AI chip to cut reliance on Nvidia and Huawei hardware
- The chip project started about a year ago and is in early development, with private hiring of chip-design engineers
- Success would join AI firms like OpenAI and Anthropic in building custom inference chips, but US export controls limit access to advanced foundries and high‑bandwidth memory
- DeepSeek is preparing a $7 billion funding round that values the company at $52‑$59 billion to fund the chip effort
- Chinese authorities are reviewing measures to limit foreign use of domestic AI models
- The move targets top-tier AI technologies developed by leading Chinese firms
- Potential restrictions could curb overseas licensing revenue for Chinese AI companies
- Policy aligns with broader tech-sector tightening in China
- Thailand aims to become a Southeast Asian AI and data centre hub by 2035
- Domestic AI market valued at 50 bn baht, with local firms capturing only 2‑3 bn baht
- Target to source at least 30% of power for AI/data centres from renewable energy
- UTCC plans to increase AI‑related student enrollment from 1% to 10% of its courses
- New tax incentives aim to accelerate adoption of humanoid robots and automation
- Kalshi traders estimate <30% chance the US government will acquire a 5% stake in OpenAI this year.
- Odds are >60% for a stake in quantum computing firms Rigetti, D‑Wave and semiconductor GlobalFoundries.
- Probability of a stake in drone maker Performance Drone Works is just over 50%, while Neros Technologies is under 40%.
- The US Commerce Department plans $2 billion in grants to nine quantum firms, with NIST taking minority stakes.
- President Trump previously cited a 10% stake taken by the government in Intel last summer.
- SpaceXAI and Cursor plan to debut their first jointly developed AI model by Wednesday
- The model is positioned to compete with Anthropic’s Opus 4.8 and OpenAI’s GPT 5.5 on speed
- SpaceXAI’s acquisition of Cursor’s parent Anysphere was valued at $60 billion in an all‑stock deal
- SpaceX joined the Nasdaq‑100 less than a month after its June 12 market debut
- SCOTUS refused to reinstate a preliminary injunction, leaving the 5th Circuit's stay in place
- Texas' App Store Accountability Act can be enforced starting Jan 1 2026
- A federal judge had found the law likely violates the First Amendment
- BC Attorney General announces lawsuit claiming OpenAI ignored internal alerts about violent ChatGPT prompts from the shooter months before the Feb. 10 Tumbler Ridge attack.
- OpenAI flagged and banned the perpetrator's account in June 2025, yet did not notify police despite 12 employee requests to do so.
- The suit follows earlier civil actions by victims' families in California and an apology from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
- Frontier models like Anthropic's Opus still capture over 50% of token spend despite rise of open‑source models
- Open source DeepSeek V4 Flash processes 5.3 trillion tokens weekly, leading in volume
- Opus 4.8 token cost is about 23× higher than DeepSeek V4 Flash ($1.37 vs $0.06 per million tokens)
- Anthropic's share of AI spend on Vercel's platform fell slightly but remains above half
- Nvidia's upcoming Nemotron model could become a new leader due to strong ecosystem ties
- Microsoft will use its own MAI models for a portion of Excel and Word prompts, reducing reliance on OpenAI and Anthropic
- The company launched seven new MAI models, including an agentic coder and a text-to-image generator, at its Build conference
- Microsoft joins other tech firms such as Amazon, Uber, Meta and Accenture in tightening AI spending amid rising token costs
- Rising AI costs are prompting some firms to explore cheaper Chinese alternatives despite security concerns
- More than 8,000 users were mistakenly banned by Discord's AI moderation system over the past two months.
- An additional 200 accounts were banned over the weekend before the issue was identified and fixed.
- The bug affected accounts since May, flagging harmless images such as spreadsheets, chessboards, and game textures as harmful.
- Discord says the affected accounts are being restored and is adding safeguards to prevent future false positives.
- Launch event scheduled for Aug 12 in New York City
- Base storage likely to increase to 256 GB, dropping the 128 GB option
- Rumors of higher prices linked to AI‑driven component shortages
- Design tweaks include thinner Pro models and a rear‑facing "Pixel Glow" light
- Nvidia expects $20 billion in Vera CPU sales by fiscal year‑end
- Perplexity says the Vera CPU runs AI agent coding ~1.5× faster than traditional CPUs
- Vera CPU aims at the broader CPU market long dominated by Intel and AMD
- OpenAI, Anthropic and Oracle have also disclosed plans to use Nvidia CPUs
- Google scheduled its Made by Google launch for August 12 in New York City.
- Event expected to debut the Pixel 11 lineup, including a new gold color variant.
- Leaks point to slimmer bezels for the base Pixel 11 and a thinner Pixel 11 Pro, plus a redesigned Pixel 11 Pro Fold.
- Reports suggest the new models may start at 256GB, eliminating the 128GB option and likely raising prices.
- Claude Cowork, Anthropic's AI assistant, is now available on web and mobile for Max subscribers
- Cross‑device continuity lets users start tasks on desktop and finish on phone, with background processing
- Early data from 1.2 million sessions shows 33.4% of usage for business process tasks, 16.4% for content creation, and 8.7% for software development
- Anthropic also launched Claude Tag, an always‑on AI teammate in Slack, extending its workplace footprint
- Study examined seven free-gen AI platforms (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, DeepSeek, Gemini, Meta AI, Perplexity) and found significant variation in advice.
- Recommendations on emergency savings, asset allocation and retirement withdrawals differed widely, with some platforms deviating from the standard 4% rule.
- 66% of Americans using GenAI for finance, rising to 82% among Gen Z and millennials, per Intuit Credit Karma survey.
- Changing the race or gender of a hypothetical user altered advice on savings and portfolio composition, indicating demographic bias.
- Authors advise AI output be used only as a starting point, not a substitute for professional financial advice.
- China achieves microwatt milestone with new-generation nuclear battery
- Battery developed without foreign technology or parts
- Long-life power source marks major step in self-reliant tech
- Chinese researchers developed a method to identify smartphone applications and user actions.
- The technique analyzes faint low-frequency electromagnetic signals emitted by devices.
- It works even when smartphones are offline, in flight mode, encrypted, or locked.
- Research was conducted by the People’s Public Security University of China.
- Savi Security launches app to detect AI-generated scams in real-time (texts, calls, emails)
- Founders’ mother targeted in $1,200 AI kidnapping scam using cloned voice and spoofed number
- FTC reports $3.5B lost to imposter scams in 2025, triple 2020 levels; Gen Z targeted 25% of the time
- Boston Dynamics VP notes autonomy has expanded from point‑to‑point navigation to multi‑task robot capabilities.
- Researchers are founding startups to commercialize general‑purpose robots, attracting billions in AI‑driven investment.
- The vision builds on 15 years of autonomy research, aiming for robots in workplaces and homes.
- India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is being evaluated for adoption in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
- Indonesian officials are assessing low‑cost digital payment solutions to suit local market needs.
- Analysts view the initiative as a diplomatic tool leveraging India’s domestic tech success.
- Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman highlighted the FSB's draft report on responsible AI adoption in banking.
- The report stresses materiality of AI use and proposes proportional governance, with lighter oversight for lower‑risk applications.
- Fed staff have observed a noticeable rise in AI deployment across banks of all sizes over the past decade.
- Public comments will shape the final report, slated for delivery to the U.S. G‑20 presidency later this year.
- Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin confirmed AI successfully identified his anonymous contribution
- AI recognized his intellectual habits after a two-week public challenge
- AI's capabilities in identifying patterns and habits have implications for formal verification
- Industry leaders call for a 5-year AI plan tailored to Hong Kong's core strengths
- Focus on attracting top talent to develop the sector
- Avoid broad AI focus to maximize impact
- Huawei Technologies will unveil its next-generation computing cluster, the Atlas 950 SuperPoD, at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC).
- The summit will also feature the debut of the world's first AI agent phone.
- WAIC, running from July 17 to 20 in Shanghai, highlights China's intensified focus on AI development.
- This marks the ninth WAIC since its inception in 2018.
- Meta is exploring rental of surplus AI compute resources.
- The move hints that major tech firms may have overbuilt AI infrastructure.
- Potential overcapacity could curb future AI spending and investment.
- China's semiconductor equipment industry faces earnings scrutiny as a stock rally turns the niche into a crowded trade
- Investors bet that China's next round of chip spending will benefit domestic suppliers
- Naura Technology Group shares have soared over 70% as the rally sweeps across makers of chip equipment
- Lenovo plans to use the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a global platform for its AI technology.
- The company seeks to position itself against leading AI firms by demonstrating advanced AI solutions during the event.
- Lenovo's strategy includes integrating AI into event‑related services and consumer products to boost brand perception.
- Shizuoka prefectural governor gave green light for maglev construction, ending over a decade of stalemate
- Project targets an ultra‑fast magnetic‑levitation railway linking central Japan
- Local leadership change accelerated approval, overcoming earlier environmental concerns
- MUFG Bank will launch an AI‑driven satellite imaging system for collateral appraisal in fiscal 2027
- The system is expected to shave about 10,000 inspection hours per year from on‑site visits
- MUFG may extend the technology to regional banks facing labor shortages
- Monterey Park (population under 65,000) approved a permanent ban on new data centers.
- The ban follows a proposed 23,000‑sq‑m data center project that faced local opposition.
- Approximately 65.6% of residents identify as Asian, a demographic noted in the discussion.
- This is the first permanent data‑center ban in the United States, hinting at future AI‑infrastructure scrutiny.
- Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Japan announced a civil‑drone collaboration with Japanese firms and partners in Taiwan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
- The initiative aims to build a “China‑free” supply chain for post‑war drone production and related technologies.
- Domestic Ukrainian drone maker Skyeton is already supplying Raybird reconnaissance drones to its armed forces.
- Chinese banks and tech firms topped fintech patent applications over the past decade, overtaking the United States
- ICBC and Tencent ranked among the top five global fintech patent filers
- Fintech patent filings rose roughly ten‑fold compared with the previous decade
- Patents span services from lending and asset management to cryptocurrencies
- Government plans AI platform to combine data from agencies and businesses for aid logistics
- System will analyze road damage and retailer inventories to optimise distribution routes
- Goal is to accelerate and equalise relief delivery after events like the Noto peninsula quake
- Project is in exploratory stage, with no firm timeline or budget disclosed
- Application deadline extended to July 20, with no further extensions
- Eight startups will pitch live on Aug 19, 2026 in Sydney
- Top three winners receive up to $15,000 in Stripe fee credits; grand prize includes entry to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
- Since 2017, 26 alumni have raised over $147 million and achieved three acquisitions
- U.S. companies' adoption of Chinese AI services jumped in June after Anthropic halted models under government restrictions
- Anthropic suspended its Claude Mythos offering, driving firms to seek alternatives
- Open‑source AI models priced at roughly one‑twentieth (≈5%) of Claude Mythos are gaining traction in U.S. corporate workflows
- Estimated 1,000 fellowship candidates for fiscal 2026.
- Applications are about 20 times higher than two years ago.
- Program focuses on AI and chemistry collaboration between Japan and India.
- Managed by Japan Science and Technology Agency's Lotus Programme.
Companies 66
- Amazon to raise at least $25B through an 8-part bond sale, potentially its last debt raise for 2026
- Microsoft replacing OpenAI and Anthropic models with internal models in Microsoft Office products
- U.S. oil benchmark WTI crude moves back above $70 per barrel after Iran attack on oil tanker
- Rivian shares dropped 18% in extended-hours trading, its worst day since 2024
- Company announced a public offering of 75 million Class A shares, raising about $1.5 billion
- Underwriters have a 30‑day option to purchase an additional 11.25 million shares
- Rivian suspended its 2027 profitability target amid higher R&D spending, while forecasting Q2 revenue of $1.55‑$1.65 billion, above analysts' $1.45 billion estimate
- Cash and short‑term investments rose to $5.3 billion from $4.8 billion at the end of Q1
- Major brokerages initiated overwhelmingly bullish coverage on SpaceX (SPCX) following the post-IPO quiet period.
- Price targets range from $205 (Goldman Sachs) to an optimistic $800 (Raymond James).
- SpaceX's June IPO priced at $135, with the stock recently trading around $150.93.
- Analysts highlight strength in launch services, Starlink broadband, and government contracts as key drivers.
- Coinbase secured FCA authorization to provide equities and derivatives to UK retail and institutional clients
- License allows institutional traders to access crypto, equity and commodity perpetual futures
- Approval underpins Coinbase's "Everything Exchange" strategy, expanding into stocks, tokenized shares and prediction markets
- UK approval comes ahead of the full UK crypto framework expected in October 2027
- Operating profit surged 19-fold YoY to 89.4 trillion won ($58.4bn) in Q2.
- Shares fell 6.9% after the earnings announcement.
- Samsung plans new fabs to meet AI-driven memory chip demand amid oversupply concerns.
- Major legacy carmakers are relocating R&D and technology development to China
- Chinese partnerships are accelerating electric‑vehicle and autonomous‑driving projects
- Automakers expect higher innovation output and faster product cycles from Chinese operations
- Coty announces early termination of its Gucci brand license
- The move is aimed at generating cash to support a company turnaround plan
- Gucci will regain control of the brand's licensing revenue
- Coty does not disclose the amount of cash expected from the termination
- Micron's shares dropped after concerns the memory market may be near its peak
- Analysts note investor sentiment is cautious amid volatile AI-related demand
- The decline adds pressure to the broader semiconductor sector
- Adobe shares trade at a lower P/E multiple than the broader software peer group
- Investors are split on how Adobe's AI strategy will affect future earnings
- The valuation gap may offer a buying opportunity if AI initiatives deliver
- Analysts note that price pressure reflects both growth concerns and perceived discount
- Analyst estimates Tesla could gain up to 20% if a merger with SpaceX proceeds
- Merger speculation is based on growing operational overlap between the two Musk companies
- No formal agreement announced; outcome hinges on regulatory approval and shareholder votes
- Potential synergies could lift Tesla's valuation, but integration risks remain
- Netflix, Disney and YouTube are forming a consortium to bid for FIFA's next World Cup media rights.
- The rights package is valued at roughly $2 billion for the 2026 and 2030 tournaments.
- The move underscores streaming platforms' push into live sports to grow global audiences.
- If successful, the consortium would challenge traditional broadcasters' dominance in sports rights.
- MasTec announced agreement to buy Superior Group for $1.65 billion.
- Deal includes cash and stock components, valuing Superior at $1.65 billion.
- Transaction expected to close in the second half of 2024, subject to approvals.
- Acquisition will broaden MasTec's electrical contracting services.
- Shareholders voted to amend charter, permitting GameStop to issue more stock
- The change clears a financing hurdle for a potential renewed bid for eBay
- Additional share issuance could dilute existing GameStop shareholders
- eBay remains the target of GameStop's strategic acquisition interest
- Vanguard creates a new senior role focused on digital assets, tokenization, stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure.
- The hire marks a shift after years of skepticism toward crypto within the asset manager.
- The digital assets chief will develop client‑facing products and oversee the firm’s blockchain initiatives.
- Vanguard aims to expand its offerings in the emerging digital‑asset space.
- SpaceX's Nasdaq-100 debut share price slipped below its opening level
- The decline coincided with a broader technology sector slump
- The negative start marks a bearish opening for the rocket maker
- Samsung's latest results fall short of analyst expectations
- AI‑linked bond issuance gains traction in the market
- Crude oil prices edge higher amid broader market moves
- Nvidia shares trade just under $200, up 4% YTD but down 17% from May peak.
- Options market shows 1.5 million calls vs 690,000 puts, with calls twice the volume of puts.
- Top 200‑strike July call amassed $11 million in premium, needing ~5.5% upside to break even.
- Sector ETF SMH sees opposite trend, with puts outnumbering calls roughly 4:1.
- Microsoft announced 3,200 layoffs across the Xbox division.
- Around 50% of id Software staff, roughly 90 employees, were reportedly let go.
- Bethesda is also facing cuts, though exact numbers remain undisclosed.
- Securitize (SECZ) stock down roughly 40% since completing its SPAC merger last week
- Shares tumbled up to 25% intraday before partially recovering
- Analyst cites SPAC mechanics and investor turnover, not fundamentals, as primary driver
- Crypto IPOs have been volatile, with recent listings down 56%‑85%, dampening sentiment
- Figma acquired the team behind Bud (formerly Orchids), a vibe‑coding and AI agent platform.
- Bud and Orchids will be discontinued by July 18, requiring users to migrate their projects.
- The acquisition supports Figma’s push to embed AI‑driven coding and prototyping tools into its design canvas.
- Earlier security research flagged vulnerabilities in apps built on Orchids, prompting the shutdown.
- Nintendo will stop selling the original Switch in Europe from February 2027
- EU regulation will soon require easily replaceable batteries in consumer devices
- Nintendo will focus on the Switch 2, redesigning it to meet the new battery rules
- Historical trends show Nintendo hardware usually phases out after about nine years, though the Switch may last into its second decade
- DES Ministry will merge ThailandPostMart and Prompt Post into the Tang Rat super app
- ThailandPostMart will focus on Thai-made products and local entrepreneurs, using Thailand Post's logistics network
- Prompt Post will expand to secure digital document delivery and e‑government services, including pilot digital transcripts
- Implementation will involve the Digital Government Development Agency and other ministries to add community‑produced goods
- Cognizant Technology Solutions +6%
- USA Rare Earth -7% after WSJ reports on inquiry into government investment
- Adobe +5% despite Bank of America's underperform rating
- Software stocks +2-5% as Palantir, Salesforce, Workday gain
- Semiconductors -5-7% after Samsung's mixed quarterly results
- Launch begins on Aug 3 in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand
- Videos will run from 2‑3 minutes up to over 20 minutes, featuring brands like BuzzFeed, Condé Nast, Hearst and Variety
- Move tests low‑cost, web‑native formats as Netflix competes with YouTube and TikTok for viewer retention
- Partnerships include series such as BuzzFeed "30 Questions" and Billboard "24 Hours"
- 23andMe data breach victims to receive $46.75M payout
- Total payout reduced by $14.29M due to previous disbursements
- California Attorney General suing 23andMe for ignoring breach warnings
- Nvidia shares fell ~2% on Tuesday, extending a downtrend and leaving the stock only modestly up year‑to‑date.
- The company's forward earnings multiple is now just under 19x, the lowest valuation of the year.
- Cramer argues the sell‑off is overdone and that Nvidia remains the core AI chip provider despite competition.
- Competitors like China's DeepSeek are developing AI chips, but still rely on Nvidia technology.
- A SemiAnalysis report flagged delays in Nvidia's upcoming Kyber rack‑scale server, which Nvidia disputes.
- Stellantis opens orders for the Fiat Topolino EV in the U.S. with a base price of $13,995.
- The quadricycle can reach 19 mph and travel up to 46 miles on a charge; a conversion kit can raise top speed to 25 mph.
- A mandatory destination fee of $990 brings the final customer price to $14,985.
- Production is in Morocco and limited quantities will be offered this year as hardtop or Dolce Vita soft‑top models.
- Fiat’s U.S. sales have fallen to about 1,300 units last year, highlighting the challenge for small cars.
- Chemistry Ventures announced a $500 million raise for its second fund, per SEC filing
- The new fund follows a $350 million first fund launched two years ago
- The second fund is already oversubscribed and expected to close soon
- Chemistry targets early‑stage AI startups, covering infrastructure and applications
- Canada's federal government invests up to $400M in Teck's Trail plant
- Total investment of $850M in the Trail processing facility
- Boosting germanium output at the facility
- Onsemi to sell two manufacturing facilities to cut costs and boost profit margins
- Expected annual savings of $35 million, with initial savings in 2027 and full benefit in 2028
- Shares down over 3% in premarket trading, despite 75% gain this year
- De Beers announced a reduction in its official diamond price list.
- The miner eliminated roughly one‑third of its hand‑picked buyer network, removing 25 elite buyers.
- Price cuts are applied to the first sale since the buyer cull, aiming to boost demand.
- E3 Lithium (TSXV: ETL, OTC: EEMMF) aims to secure bank-led financing this year
- Final investment decision targeted for mid‑2025, with first production by mid‑2029
- Planned annual output of 12,000 tonnes of battery‑grade lithium
- Arctos secured $6.2 billion in commitments for its inaugural fund
- The fund will provide growth capital to private‑markets investment firms
- KKR acquired Arctos in May 2023, expanding its private‑equity footprint
- The raise makes Arctos one of the largest debut funds in the sector
- Hanwha Ocean was outbid by Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the Canadian navy contract
- The deal covers up to 12 submarines to be built at the HMC Dockyard in Halifax
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision on July 6
- Vingroup announced a $3.5 billion sea bridge project.
- The bridge will connect the Can Gio urban development to Vung Tau, cutting travel time to about 10 minutes.
- Construction has started, aiming to create a new urban hub in southern Ho Chi Minh City.
- The project underscores Vingroup’s expansion into infrastructure beyond its real‑estate core.
- Toyota announces a $3.6 billion investment in its San Antonio, Texas plant
- Production of the Tacoma pickup will be moved back to the United States from Mexico
- New assembly line will be built to support the shifted truck output
- Decision follows Trump‑era tariffs and calls for increased U.S. manufacturing
- JAL plans to invest tens of billions of yen in its mileage program by fiscal year ending March 2031
- The upgrade targets growth of non‑aviation revenue and aims to cushion earnings from geopolitical demand swings
- Partnerships with insurers and other firms will expand reward options for loyalty members
- Bridgestone begins commercial rollout of its AirFree puncture‑resistant airless tires in Japan
- Development spanned 18 years from prototype to market launch
- First deployment in self‑driving shuttle service for older adults in Higashiomi
- AirFree tires target low‑speed vehicles and aim to eliminate puncture risk
- Kioxia topped Japan's market‑capitalization rankings in June 2024.
- The company was spun off from Toshiba in 2018 via a Bain Capital acquisition.
- Its ascent underscores the effectiveness of the independence strategy for the memory maker.
- Investors question Toyota's ability to achieve its 20% return on equity goal
- Shareholders urge larger dividends from the automaker's cash hoard
- Pressure mounts for Toyota to shift toward asset‑light, software‑driven revenue
- Shimizu targets fiscal 2030 to roll out AI-driven humanoid robots on its construction sites
- Robots will handle tasks such as painting, plastering and wall coating to ease severe labor shortages
- The pilot uses units from China's Unitree, aiming to address Japan's construction workforce deficit
- Fujikura is increasing investment in fiber-optic cable capacity to meet rising U.S. demand
- Surge in data-center orders has prompted the company to revise its previously cautious forecasts upward
- The turnaround follows a past expansion failure, signaling renewed confidence in growth prospects
- Tokyo Artisan Intelligence aims to start mass production of its AI chips in 2025
- The company secured a partnership with Malaysian design house Oppstar for chip development
- The startup targets niche AI applications in railways, factories and robotics, avoiding the data‑center market dominated by Nvidia
- Sapporo Breweries will commit $643 million to a Singapore‑based JV with Carlsberg
- The investment secures a 25% ownership position for Sapporo in the new venture
- The JV will target premium beer markets across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong
- Aeon targets 30 shopping centres in Vietnam by fiscal 2030, up from nine currently.
- Expansion represents more than a three‑fold increase in mall footprint over the next decade.
- The latest Aeon Mall Da Nang Thanh Khe opened on June 3, marking the latest rollout.
- Target ROE of mid‑teens (≈12‑15%) over medium‑to‑long term
- Goal to become one of the world’s five most valuable banks
- Strategic focus on growth in Southeast Asia
- ServiceTitan Inc submitted a Form 4 filing to the SEC on July 7.
- Form 4 disclosures detail insider stock transactions for the company.
- The filing is routine and not expected to affect the company's valuation.
- Several major banks announced new CEOs or CFOs in June
- Asset managers reported modest net inflows, with no significant AUM shifts
- No major regulatory or policy actions were disclosed alongside the appointments
- Lumentum Holdings Inc had insider trading activity on 7 July
- No specific details on the transaction type or amount were provided
- Further information will be available once the filing is updated
- Thrivent Financial disposed of Gloo Holdings shares worth $97,760
- The transaction reflects a modest position change for Thrivent
- No immediate price impact reported for Gloo Holdings stock
- Wolfspeed alleges Navitas infringed its gallium nitride (GaN) patents
- Wolfspeed also claims infringement of silicon carbide (SiC) patents
- The lawsuit could affect Navitas' product roadmap and market positioning
- Lenders are in talks to convert existing debt into equity stakes in United PF Holdings.
- The proposed swap aims to lower the company's leverage and improve balance‑sheet strength.
- Details of the conversion ratio and valuation have not been disclosed.
- The restructuring remains subject to creditor approval and regulatory clearance.
- Monthly fee climbs from $3 to $5, a 66.7% increase.
- Annual subscription cost jumps from $30 to $50.
- Price hike applies to the app on Android TV, Fire TV, Roku, and Samsung TVs.
- The app, launched in May 2022, offers live streams, on‑demand shows, forecasts, maps and radars.
- Price change reported in July 2026.
- Company aims to raise dine‑in sales proportion from 40% to 80%, cutting delivery to 20%
- Dine‑in customers are expected to spend up to 50% more per person than delivery customers
- Renovations will add seating and decor; five new Khiang outlets and four Tummour outlets planned in Thailand, plus one in Laos
- Expansion includes opening one LaoYuan outlet in Thailand and another in Laos by year‑end
- Foreign customers currently account for less than 10% of sales; focus remains on Thai diners
- Lola will produce 16 new T70S units, offered as historic‑racing (FIA‑homologated) and road‑legal GT versions
- The car’s chassis uses sustainable composites from plant fibers, volcanic rock and seawater‑derived materials
- The original T70, launched in 1965, saw over 100 units built and raced in Can‑Am, Le Mans and Daytona events
- Lola’s new model marks a comeback after the company’s 2022 bankruptcy and restructuring
- X rolls out new video editing and recording features, initially on iOS, with green-screen and multilingual caption overlays
- Product head Nikita Bier says the tools aim to reduce recycled content and boost creator monetization on X
- Video posts already account for roughly half of X's impressions, underscoring the platform's video focus
- X reports suspending about 208 bots per minute as part of its effort to curb spam and stolen videos
- Startup Bidbus connects sellers with multiple dealers for competitive bids, offering $2k–$3k more than Carvana on average
- Raised $15m Series A led by Ibex Investors to expand beyond California and Texas
- Aims to solve 'market efficiency problem' in used-car trade-ins by increasing price transparency
- Hong Kong's Council on Human Reproductive Technology ordered HEAL Fertility to partially halt operations.
- The clinic mishandled embryo biopsy specimens from two patients, sending them for genetic testing belonging to the wrong parents.
- HEAL Fertility also failed to report the incident to health authorities.
- Treating nearby mining operations as integrated districts could add billions in value
- Study by GEM Mining Consulting highlights potential benefits of district-based mining
- Integrated approach could improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Founder George E. Johnson died at age 99 from natural causes
- Johnson Products, founded in 1954, held nearly 80% of the Black hair care market by 1960
- Company became the first Black‑owned firm listed on the American Stock Exchange in 1971
- A majority African‑American investment firm acquired the business in 2009 from Procter & Gamble
- Nestlé to modify some food recipes to cater to altered taste preferences
- GLP-1 weight-loss drugs can dull taste buds, affecting food choices
- Company aims to maintain market share in a changing consumer landscape
- SMTB will purchase a 15% equity stake in Morrison, a New Zealand infrastructure investor.
- The partnership will target data centre, energy and related assets to meet AI‑driven demand.
- Deal expands SMTB's overseas infrastructure exposure amid growing global AI investment.
- Morrison gains a strategic partner with deep banking resources for future projects.
- MUFG Bank and JCB will introduce a luxury credit card targeting high‑net‑worth consumers in Southeast Asia.
- The card will debut in Indonesia and Thailand, offering exclusive dining and travel booking perks for Japan visits.
- The initiative aims to capture the region's growing affluent segment and increase spending in Japan.
- Nissan entered the Shanghai round of the Formula E series on June 5.
- The participation aims to showcase Nissan's electric‑vehicle performance to Chinese consumers.
- Chinese carmakers are also using motorsport events to strengthen brand image.
- Tokyo Keiki, a 130-year-old midsize navigation instrument firm, is expanding into counter‑drone technology.
- The company's share price has risen sharply over the past three years.
- Anti‑drone solutions could open new markets for the precision‑equipment maker.
- Susan Byrne, director emerita of Westwood Holdings, sold shares valued at $164,877
- The filing shows a reduction in her stake, though the exact share count was not disclosed
- Insider selling is generally viewed as a bearish signal for Westwood Holdings stock
Thai Markets 5
- ThaiBMA proposes stricter bond covenants to prevent misuse of proceeds
- Tougher due diligence requirements for bond underwriters to be introduced
- Amendments to bankruptcy law to strengthen bondholders' rights during rehabilitation
- Land asking prices in Greater Bangkok sit at 900,000‑1 million baht per sq wah, while deals are 500,000‑600,000 baht, a discount of up to 40%
- Last comparable transactions (700,000 baht per sq wah) occurred in 2017‑18 during the condo boom peak
- Developers are cautious amid high mortgage rejections and elevated condo inventory, creating a buyer's market for land
- Long‑term leasing (10‑30 years) is advised to preserve asset value instead of selling at steep discounts
- Combined loan portfolio of Thailand's three virtual banks projected to reach ~200 bn baht in 5‑6 years
- Bank of Thailand mandates each virtual bank raise registered capital to 10 bn baht, totaling 30 bn baht across the three
- Average break‑even period for virtual banks worldwide ranges from 1 to 9 years, according to KKPS study
- Thailand's total banking loans stand at 22.6 tn baht; informal lending represents about 16% of Thai GDP
- Unsecured and digital personal loans account for 34% of the 1.43 tn baht consumer finance portfolio
- PDMO plans 8 billion baht of "Om Plus" government bonds this fiscal year
- First tranche of 4 billion baht to be offered in early August, second 4 billion baht in early September
- Bonds include 3‑year (1.24% yield) and 10‑year (1.97% yield) issues, with coupon rates to be set later
- Minimum subscription 100 baht (digital channel) and 1,000 baht (Bond Connect), max 50 million baht per investor on PDMO Wallet
- Proceeds will fund the budget deficit; household debt remains high at 86% of GDP
- TCCT approved two new subcommittees: one to oversee digital platform businesses and another to set competition rules for wholesale and modern trade sectors
- Shopee announced its third fee hike of the year, raising sales commission fees by 1‑2 percentage points for certain product categories effective Aug 4
- The digital platform subcommittee will coordinate government agencies, private sector and monitor anti‑competitive practices, while the wholesale subcommittee will study market concentration and propose regulatory guidelines
Other 36
- A 2‑1 split of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the law unconstitutional under the First Amendment
- The ruling upholds a preliminary injunction, keeping the higher‑education provisions blocked while the case proceeds
- Florida may seek a full‑circuit rehearing or petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review
- The majority said the statute overreaches by restricting professors' classroom speech
- Treasury unveiled a $17 billion loan program for new nuclear projects.
- Program targets revitalizing the aging U.S. nuclear fleet amid projected energy shortfalls.
- Administration cites AI-driven demand growth as a catalyst for expanding nuclear capacity.
- Critics argue the loan scheme alone cannot fix broader energy infrastructure gaps.
- Death toll from twin earthquakes rises to 3,535
- Over 30,000 people remain missing after the quakes
- Mass burials started at La Esperanza Cemetery in La Guaira
- The earthquakes struck nearly two weeks ago
- Victims are largely unidentified and recovered from rubble
- Two columns buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors of the 37‑story tower
- Bricks fell onto the street around 8 a.m., leading to street closures
- Nearby school with about 400 children and other buildings were evacuated
- The building conversion plans over 1,600 luxury apartments
- At least 17 people dead and over 300 injured in Hubei province due to tornadoes and storms
- More than 130,000 residents evacuated in Guangxi as flooding threatens 40 rivers
- Typhoon Bavi expected to bring sustained winds of about 150 mph to eastern China
- Nearly 5,000 houses damaged and 22 collapsed in the affected regions
- IOC executive board provisionally lifts ROC suspension ahead of Los Angeles 2028 Games
- Decision on allowing Russia's flag, colours or anthem at the Games remains pending
- Russian athletes can compete, continuing the neutral status used at Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026
- IOC will closely monitor ROC activities in occupied Ukrainian territories
- Russian sport minister says the move clears the path for full return of Russian athletes
- DOGE allegedly uploaded the Social Security database to an unsecured server, potentially exposing data of most living Americans
- Russian-linked hackers targeted Poland's energy grid and water plants, while Iranian hackers wiped tens of thousands of devices at U.S. medical tech firm Stryker
- Market research firm Klue suffered a breach affecting close to 200 companies, leading to a ransom deal with the Icarus extortion gang
- Two Army sites – the Open Innovation Lab and AI Integration Center – had error pages altered.
- Defaced pages displayed accusations against President Trump and called for a free Kurdistan.
- The Army removed the pages shortly after discovery; no data breach confirmed.
- Recent hacktivist activity also targeted the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year.
- The last Atlas V flight lifted off Thursday at 12:30 am EDT from Cape Canaveral.
- The launch carried 29 satellites for Amazon's Leo broadband constellation.
- Satellites will boost from an initial 289 mi (465 km) orbit to a final 392 mi (630 km) altitude.
- With the Atlas V retired, future ULA launches will rely on Boeing's Starliner vehicle.
- Japan's sole planned spent fuel reprocessing plant is about 30 years behind schedule
- The plant has undergone 28 schedule revisions since its inception
- One Japanese utility plans to ship spent fuel to France's La Hague facility
- Fuel recycling challenges could hinder Japan's nuclear restart and new build plans
- Telecom outage at Telstra halted train services linking Melbourne to regional towns
- Taxi payment platforms went offline, leaving passengers unable to pay for rides
- Telstra is investigating the issue; no cause or restoration timeline has been confirmed
- Coalition accepts Senate's wording changes without altering core provisions
- Bill aims to relieve over 6,000 politically related cases
- Senate excluded lese-majeste offences (Section 112) from the bill
- Pheu Thai party supports bill despite minor differences
- NACC indicted police colonel Rames Kaewsoongnern and five others for alleged bribery related to bail
- Prosecutors allege a total demand of 6 million baht to secure release of British national Ritesh Patel
- An initial payment of 1 million baht was transferred, followed by a further 5 million baht request
- The scheme failed to secure Patel's release; funds were traced to the accused and their relatives
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards: 3% cash back on entertainment, 8% on Capital One Entertainment, $250 bonus after $500 spend, no annual fee.
- NFL Extra Points Visa: 3% rewards on NFL purchases, 20% off NFLShop.com, special financing for tickets, $0 annual fee.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 5X points on Chase Travel purchases, $100 hotel credit, $120 travel credit every four years, 100,000 bonus points after $5,000 spend, $95 annual fee.
- At least five workers confirmed dead after the collapse.
- Heavy monsoon rain triggered the massive landslide.
- The incident occurred at a tunnel construction site in Kerala.
- Rescue teams are searching for additional people feared trapped.
- CCTV footage captured the collapse as it happened.
- Government proposes a 7‑day cooling‑off period for prepaid beauty and fitness contracts
- Refunds during the cooling‑off period will be subject to an administrative fee to curb abuse
- The measures are part of a two‑month public consultation responding to complaints of unfair trade practices
- Prince Harry's lawsuit against Daily Mail publisher ends in defeat
- Judge rejects Harry's claims of privacy invasion due to lack of evidence
- Associated Newspapers found to have a 'realistic possibility' of legitimate sources
- Catalog ranks 239 human-infective RNA viruses by pandemic risk, with 2/3 unlikely to spread person-to-person
- Zoonotic viruses like rabies remain low-risk despite high human cases; bird flu monitored closely
- Outbreak-prone viruses (e.g., Ebola, Zika, mpox) historically predict public health emergencies
- Hong Kong authorities initiated a public consultation on reforms to the city's sexual offence laws.
- The proposed reforms target sexual offences involving misleading claims, cult coercion, and abuse in campus and online settings.
- Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung clarified that deception occurring in Hong Kong would fall under legal jurisdiction, even if the sexual act happened overseas.
- Examples cited include cults luring victims abroad for sex and suggestive games at university orientation camps.
- South Korea's Incheon International Airport reached 1 billion passengers in 25 years and 3 months
- Fastest major hub airport to reach 1 billion passengers
- Outpaced Munich Airport's 33-year record
- Production costs for Japanese anime have increased by more than 50% over the past several years.
- Global streaming demand is prompting studios to compete for talent and higher budgets.
- Anime streaming platforms are spending more on content to attract and retain subscribers.
- Yasser Ibrahim scored a header in the 15th minute to give Egypt the lead.
- Messi's penalty was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
- Argentina had several chances denied, including saves on shots by Mac Allister and Julian Alvarez.
- Judge dismissed all charges against Dharmesh Patel after he completed a mental health treatment program.
- Patel was originally charged with attempted murder for driving his Tesla off a 276‑metre (50‑ft) cliff on Jan. 2, 2023.
- The crash injured his wife and two children, but all four survived.
- Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw with Colombia
- The shootout followed extra time, with both teams missing spot‑kicks
- Switzerland will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter‑final in Kansas City
- Brother filed petition and was granted sole guardianship of their mother.
- Sibling was unaware of the legal action and now lacks access to family finances.
- Potential recourse includes contesting the guardianship in court or obtaining legal counsel.
- Captain Pornpun Guedpard targets at least two victories in the final VNL week in Osaka
- Thailand will face United States, Japan, Brazil and Turkey, all top‑ranked teams, in the next four matches
- Thailand sits 14th with nine points; the bottom team will be relegated
- More than 700 cases reported since June 22, with 36 hospitalizations
- Cases rose from 170 on June 30 to 572 by July 4
- No clear source identified for the cyclosporiasis outbreak
- Father asked grandmother to cut the author's inheritance.
- Author notes the money could have funded a home for a growing family.
- The piece questions fairness in family wealth distribution.
- Financial advisers repeatedly propose complimentary steak meals.
- The author feels tempted but questions the ethical implications of accepting.
- No clear guidance on potential conflicts of interest is provided.
- Up to 30% of US population tested positive for alpha-gal IgE antibodies.
- CDC previously estimated only 0.14% (≈450,000) have the red meat allergy.
- Antibody is triggered by bites from lone‑star ticks, potentially causing meat reactions.
- Findings based on blood donor screening, suggesting the allergy is underdiagnosed.
- At least five women have accused Archbishop Cristóbal López Romero of sexual assault.
- The 74-year-old archbishop announced he is stepping back from duties while the Vatican investigates.
- The Vatican has opened an inquiry into the allegations.
- Utah Department of Health & Human Services revoked the operating license of Provo Canyon School.
- Revocation cites multiple non‑compliance issues and failure to provide adequate health and safety services.
- The school has 15 days to request a hearing before the department.
- The action follows abuse allegations made by Paris Hilton about her teenage years at the facility.
- Researchers captured 102 paired male dragonfly flight trajectories with a stereovideographic rig
- Analysis shows males maintain a tactical position, mirroring human fighter pilot tactics
- Insights may guide development of simpler vision‑based navigation for autonomous drones
- 14 of 27 top IB scorers from ESF plan to study medicine
- Students attribute success to discipline and study habits
- Number of ESF perfect scorers nearly doubles last year's tally
- Da A Fu dolls represent good fortune in Chinese culture
- Originates from Huishan claywork, a Chinese art form dating back to the Ming dynasty
- Included in China's National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
- Wang Quanying, China's last surviving female Red Army veteran, celebrated her 105th birthday.
- She enlisted at age 14 and marked the milestone in military uniform adorned with medals.
- Her extraordinary wartime story has garnered widespread admiration across Chinese social media.
- Despite being illiterate, she can still recall and sing Red Army songs from memory.
No stories match “”.