- Dow Jones closed above 53,000 for the first time ever, then fell 0.5% for the week
- Nasdaq gained 1.74% and S&P 500 rose 1.23% over the week
- VanEck Semiconductor ETF swung from +2% early week to -4% after Samsung results and DeepSeek news
- Micron fell 4.7% while Broadcom rose nearly 5% on Apple partnership news
- Oil price concerns contributed to market volatility despite equity gains
July 11, 2026
▲ 11▼ 19◆ 10– 101
Markets 5
- Software and cloud computing stocks have fallen from high valuations but show strong growth prospects
- Magnificent Seven index is flat YTD, down >2% versus Nasdaq‑100 up ~20% in H1
- Russell 2000 up ~20% YTD while S&P 500 up ~11%, indicating small‑cap outperformance
- Early H2 shows Magnificent Seven up 5% and Nasdaq‑100 down 1% as of Friday close
- Texas Stock Exchange announced its debut this week
- Platform aims to attract IPOs and divert listings from NYSE
- State officials tout the exchange as a catalyst for business growth
- Toyota Motor and its major affiliates divested billions of dollars in equity stakes
- Shares were sold in dozens of Japanese companies during the fiscal year
- The unwind is expected to boost liquidity in Japan's stock market
- IBM target raised to $330 from $315; shares up 3.3% this month
- Spotify shares up 5% this month; analysts cite AI tier and moderating FX headwinds
- Deutsche Bank price target lifted to $39 from $38; stock up 8% YTD
- IHG praised for asset‑light model, fee growth and potential share buybacks
- Grab rated Buy for revenue growth via its super‑app ecosystem
Macro/Economy 13
- USD expected to weaken against major peers, with EUR/USD projected near 1.10 by 2028
- Ongoing US fiscal deficits and slower growth could keep real rates below global averages
- A softer dollar may lift commodity prices, benefitting gold and oil markets
- Only 5% of U.S. adults correctly answer an 8‑question financial‑literacy quiz
- Financial‑literacy score drops to its lowest level in a decade
- Low literacy correlates with weaker bank account balances and higher debt levels
- Survey calls for stronger financial‑education initiatives
- Heatwaves across Europe are becoming more frequent and intense, prompting a surge in AC installations.
- Increased air‑conditioner usage is boosting overall energy demand, making fossil‑fuel reduction targets harder to meet.
- Governments, companies and researchers are exploring low‑carbon cooling alternatives to support green‑transition pledges.
- China halted all helium exports, ending shipments that previously supplied roughly 30% of global demand
- Helium is critical for semiconductor lithography; reduced supply could raise chip manufacturing costs and cause delays
- Renewed Middle East tensions increase risk of broader chip supply-chain disruptions and tighten the global helium market
- Trump Accounts launched July 4 for children under 18, with a one‑time $1,000 seed deposit for births 2025‑2028
- Annual contribution limit is $5,000 per child (inflation‑indexed after 2027); employers may contribute up to $2,500
- 6.5 million children signed up and $125 million contributed within the first week of launch
- Default investment is SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM); alternatives include IVV, VTI, SPTM, and ITOT
- Contributions are tax‑deferred and exempt from gift‑tax filing; withdrawals follow traditional IRA rules after age 18
- The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law after a 10‑day waiting period without a presidential signature
- Median existing‑home price hit $440,600 in June, up 49.2% since June 2020
- Bill bans institutional investors owning 350+ single‑family homes from buying more, with limited exceptions
- Expanded manufactured‑home definition could cut costs by $5,000‑$10,000 per unit
- Four‑year pilot will subsidize small mortgages under $100,000 to improve access for lower‑cost buyers
- PNC data shows Gen Z and Millennials cut home entertainment transactions by about 4% YoY in June
- BLS reports video game and video subscription prices up 53% since 2019; TV services +27%, music subscriptions +14%
- Nintendo announced an 11% price hike for the Switch 2, while Xbox and Apple also raised device prices in June
- Electricity costs have risen 45% since 2019, driven by supply shocks from the Ukraine and Iran conflicts
- Median ticket price for the 2026 FIFA World Cup exceeds $900, reflecting higher out‑of‑home entertainment costs
- China’s 60+ population reached 320 million in 2023 (23 % of total) and is projected to hit 400 million, expanding the silver economy.
- Beijing is framing proactive ageing strategies and the silver economy as pillars of national security and economic growth.
- Hong Kong aims to become a hub for longevity medicine, leveraging its biotech sector to serve the growing elderly market.
- GPIF's alternative assets allocation capped at 5% of its portfolio
- Current alternative holdings remain below the 5% ceiling
- Government will nudge the fund to use more of its alternative allocation
- GPIF began alternative investing in fiscal 2013
- Targeting 100,000 stalls out of ~250,000 for 40‑baht rice‑and‑curry meals
- Pilot to run at least three months and could start before August pending cabinet approval
- Possible subsidies of 3,000, 5,000 or 10,000 baht per participating restaurant
- Aim to ease living costs for salaried workers and support farmers and SMEs
- UK imposed a 20% VAT on private school fees in 2023
- Hong Kong student enrolment at UK private schools fell 17% year‑on‑year
- New admissions from Hong Kong dropped 26% after the tax
- Enrollment has returned to pre‑emigration‑wave levels, per a recruitment consultant
- Government will allow national universities to pool investments in equities, real estate and other assets
- Policy targets smaller schools facing budget strain from falling enrollment and rising costs
- Joint investment expected to build larger endowments to cushion against enrollment decline and inflation
- Delaying benefits from full retirement age to 70 increases payments by roughly 8% per year, up to about 32% higher monthly benefit.
- The author's brother waited until 70, claimed his benefit, and died from cancer after receiving only one payment.
- Experts caution that the extra benefit may not outweigh the risk of a short payout period for individuals with health concerns.
Central Banks 1
- Q4 inflation now expected below 4.5%, lower than earlier forecast
- June headline inflation slowed to 2.42%, within the 1‑3% target range
- Bank of Thailand left policy rate unchanged at 1.00% on June 24
- Oil prices returned to ~ $70/barrel but rose about 4% this week amid US‑Iran tensions
- 2024 growth forecast remains at 2.3% after 2.4% expansion in 2023
Energy/Oil 4
- Renewed Iran conflict puts the Middle East back at the centre of global oil markets
- Strategic safety net for crude supplies is weaker than in previous crises
- Analysts see inventory replenishment as the main catalyst for the next oil bull market
- Jefferies flags buying opportunities in European energy due to Iran conflict
- European gas prices surge 10% as Iran conflict escalates
- WTI crude oil prices rise 2.5% to $104.50 per barrel
- Russia announced a ban on diesel exports effective this week.
- Global diesel prices surged sharply as supply tightens.
- Diesel represents the largest share of global oil consumption, magnifying economic impact.
- The move adds pressure to fuel markets already strained by years of shortages.
- Abelardo de la Espriella, far-right candidate, won the presidential election after a recount.
- His victory is seen as a boost for Colombia's oil and gas industry, which has been in decline.
- Potential policy shifts could revive production, though specific measures remain unclear.
Crypto 13
- Major crypto firms (Payward, ConsenSys, Ledger, Grayscale) postpone IPOs, dampening pipeline
- Investors rotate from crypto to AI and Mag‑7 equities, with recent AI pullbacks prompting another shift
- Macro headwinds—uncertain interest‑rate outlook and global deleveraging—reduce appetite for high‑beta crypto stocks
- Smaller tokens expected to contract; only BTC, ETH and SOL likely to remain significant over 3‑5 years
- Regulatory clarity no longer primary hurdle; lack of capital access now limits crypto IPO activity
- FCA finalised comprehensive crypto rules covering capital, admissions and disclosures
- Bank of England cut stablecoin reserve requirement from 40% to 30%
- £40 billion cap on any single systemic sterling stablecoin remains in place
- Mandatory UK crypto firm authorisation to commence by October 2027
- Attacker exploited Supra on-chain oracle verifier to inflate SAUCE collateral
- Bonzo Lend borrowed $9 million before the flaw was discovered
- Loss underscores vulnerability in Hedera-based DeFi lending platforms
- No immediate remediation reported; users may face further exposure
- Nearly 1,000,000 accounts purchased the $TRUMP meme coin
- All reported investors have incurred losses (total amount not disclosed)
- The episode underscores political branding influencing crypto markets
- Real Vision analyst Jamie Coutts projects Bitcoin reaching $250,000 within two years
- He deems a $1 million price by 2030 premature
- Forecast signals a late-stage bear market turnaround for crypto
- ETH price rises 3% to around $1,750 following strong tokenization activity
- Institutional investors continue accumulating ETH amid broader crypto rally
- Weak on‑chain and derivatives data keep the asset vulnerable to a $1,700 retest
- Analysts watch for a breakout above the $1,800 level as a key bullish signal
- Empery Digital sold 1,400 bitcoin at $62,200 each, raising $87.1 million.
- The company retains 1,514 bitcoin and says it will not buy more, may sell additional coins.
- Proceeds will fund a Midwest AI data center, marking a shift from crypto to AI infrastructure.
- AI agents identified a remote crash bug in Ethereum's gossipsub layer that could shut down validators, logged as CVE‑2026‑34219
- Human reviewers filtered out numerous false positives, noting three common types: test‑only crashes, injected‑value attacks, and trivial formal proofs
- The vulnerability was patched quickly, but the experiment highlighted AI’s limits in detecting multi‑step exploits like recent Edel Finance and BONK attacks
- Ethereum’s security team now uses AI to suggest suspicious sequences while retaining traditional testing and human validation
- BTC price up almost 10% during the first two weeks of July
- Analysts caution the rally may end in August, echoing the 2022 downturn
- Market sentiment remains mixed as gains are weighed against bearish expectations
- IMF working paper examines dollar‑denominated stablecoins and their impact on foreign‑exchange markets
- Stablecoins can broaden access to hard currency for users in emerging markets
- Paper warns they may facilitate coordinated capital flight, raising risk of currency crises
- Regulators are urged to monitor stablecoin usage despite no specific policy recommendations
- More than 70,000 AI agent accounts created by equities and options traders since May
- Robinhood will extend the AI agent feature to crypto traders in the near term
- The AI agent is currently in beta and expected to roll out to crypto users within weeks
- Peak multiples fell from 75x in 2017 to 3.5x in 2021 and 1.8x in 2025 across halving cycles
- A $300,000‑$500,000 target for 2029 would need more than double the 2025 high of $126,000
- Growing institutional participation and Bitcoin ETFs have lowered volatility, implying modest gains
- U.S. Department of Justice filed a motion to dismiss the case against Matthew Goettsche.
- The case involves alleged $722 million fraud linked to the BitClub mining pool.
- Goettsche was slated for trial in October on wire‑fraud and unregistered‑securities charges.
Geopolitics 29
- Iran and the U.S. exchange threats, with President Trump stating the cease‑fire is over
- Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is at roughly 50% of pre‑conflict levels after recent attacks
- One‑fifth of global oil and LNG normally transit the strait, so any escalation could impact crude supplies
- Qatari mediators and Iranian officials are meeting in Oman to seek de‑escalation, keeping diplomatic channels open
- BJT's support drops to 17% from 26.6% in the latest Nida Poll
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's support falls to 21.6% from 29.6%
- Losses occur among senior citizens, conservatives, farmers, and lower-income groups
- Eight civilians killed in recent Russian attacks, dozens more injured.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskiy calls for accelerated delivery of military aid.
- Escalation raises concerns over the conflict's impact on regional stability.
- Lawyer Ro Khanna reports his vehicle was surrounded by settlers armed with M4 rifles in a Palestinian village
- The incident occurred during a tour of the southern West Bank, an area with frequent settler attacks
- Khanna framed the episode as an unfiltered view of the human toll of the Israeli occupation while eyeing a 2028 presidential run
- Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition captured a landslide win in Johor's state assembly vote
- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Harapan (PH) suffered a heavy defeat
- The result is seen as an early barometer for Malaysia's upcoming general election
- The US marks its 250th anniversary as strategic competition with China intensifies.
- Books have historically shifted individual views of China, e.g., a 14‑year‑old's career path.
- Cultural exchanges are highlighted as a soft‑power channel that could ease geopolitical tensions.
- Authors and translators act as informal bridges, fostering long‑term connections despite policy frictions.
- Judge Timothy J. Kelly dismissed the seditious conspiracy charges against four Proud Boys members with prejudice
- The ruling follows President Trump's executive order pardoning and commuting sentences for Jan 6 defendants
- The four men had previously received prison terms ranging from 10 to 18 years for convictions related to the Capitol attack
- Israeli intelligence warned Trump of Tehran's renewed assassination plans just before ceasefire termination.
- US agencies say evidence of Iranian targeting of the president has been tracked for six years, intensifying since the war began.
- The alleged plots date back to operations near Baghdad, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- California has invested heavily in renewable energy capacity over the past decade.
- State policies have helped lower emissions while many other U.S. states lag behind.
- The Trump administration continues to double down on support for fossil fuel production.
- US and Lebanese delegations met in Beirut to define the mechanism for the first of two pilot zones under the June 26 framework agreement
- The deal calls for Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon but sets no timetable; Israel will retain a 10km security zone while Hezbollah stays armed
- UN reports over 732,000 displaced Lebanese have returned home, leaving roughly 430,000 still displaced
- Hezbollah rejects the framework; further talks scheduled in Rome next week and Lebanese President Aoun plans a Washington visit later this month
- FIFA refused Palestinian calls to suspend the Israeli Football Association despite allegations of games on occupied land
- The organization reversed a US player suspension after intervention by President Donald Trump
- FIFA leadership accused of ignoring human‑rights violations and aligning with Israeli policies in the Gaza conflict
- US President Donald Trump announced Syria’s removal from the state‑sponsor‑of‑terrorism list, ending the final major US sanction.
- World Bank reports sanctions have slashed Syrian exports and widened the trade deficit since 2011.
- Experts say the move removes a key barrier but does not guarantee immediate foreign investment or rapid economic rebound.
- President Maia Sandu nominated 44‑year‑old Vasile Tofan, senior partner at Horizon Capital, as prime minister
- Tofan has 15 days to present a governing programme and cabinet lineup to parliament
- He pledged to revive the economy and push Moldova’s EU accession, targeting entry by end‑2028
- Tofan said no major cabinet changes are planned initially, emphasizing continuity
- Algeria announces return of its ambassador to Mali, ending a diplomatic rift that began in April 2025
- Both countries reopen airspace to civilian and military flights after a year-long closure
- Mali’s military government confirms reciprocal measures, restoring full diplomatic relations
- Rapprochement follows regional security concerns amid rising ISIL and al‑Qaeda activity in the Sahel
- Zheng Yongnian proposes an institutionalised China‑US G2 framework as a structural guarantee for world peace
- He cites four intertwined global challenges: geopolitical conflicts, increasingly "religionised" societies, economic imbalances, and the fading UN‑centred governance system
- The adviser stresses high‑level bilateral cooperation as essential to address these crises
- Around 90% of Gaza's power lines have been destroyed, forcing hospitals onto generators
- Since early May 2026, many generators at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital have failed due to overload and fuel shortages
- Israeli air raids since the October 2025 ceasefire have killed at least 1,092 people and injured 3,507
- 38 hospitals and 96 primary health centres have been destroyed or rendered inoperable
- Frequent outages delay surgeries and threaten intensive care and neonatal units
- Houthi rebels killed 16 government troops and wounded 22 in Hays district on July 5
- A cargo ship was attacked off Hodeidah on July 5, underscoring risks near Bab al-Mandab strait
- Iran's request for a Mahan Air flight to Sanaa was rejected, sparking a dispute over airport control
- A prisoner‑exchange deal covering more than 1,600 detainees has been postponed indefinitely
- Russian strike employed ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, killing 2 civilians and wounding 19
- Eleven people injured in Kyiv during the attack
- Ukraine cites a shortage of air‑defence munitions and urges allies for additional supplies
- Chinese envoy Xu Feihong accused of neglecting his diplomatic role amid India outreach
- Social media users in China label his efforts as misguided and question his priorities
- Critics suggest the ambassador is allowing Indian influence to grow, sparking xenophobic remarks
- New Zealand and India sign a strategic partnership covering defence and security.
- The pact follows a free‑trade agreement signed in April, promoted as an economic boost.
- Announcement made during PM Modi's July 6‑11 Indo‑Pacific tour, which also included Indonesia and Australia.
- African companies in mining, banking, telecoms, tech, energy and infrastructure face overlapping US and Chinese sanctions.
- US sanctions target third‑party nations while China adds counter‑measures, forming a complex compliance landscape.
- Analysts warn of heightened legal risk and increased operating costs for firms dealing with both superpowers.
- President Trump threatens Iran with missiles following Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral
- Open calls for Trump's killing were voiced at the funeral ceremony
- US officials demand Iran publicly confirm the Strait of Hormuz is open and safe for shipping
- Defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr rules out broader military talks with China
- Manila will keep only limited military communication channels open with Beijing
- Philippines is drafting anti‑spy legislation that could further strain relations
- Teodoro is sanctioned by the U.S. and barred from visiting China
- The U.S. commemorates 250 years of independence, prompting reflection on its global role
- Analysts cite AI leadership and soft‑power initiatives as key factors to maintain advantage over China
- No clear consensus on whether America is entering a period of decline or continued dominance
- Whistleblower complaint says $4.4 million contract for column repainting was awarded after work began, with $1.5 million in repair costs estimated
- Renovations reportedly bypassed standard federal contracting rules, including a no‑bid $8 million contract for concert‑hall work
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse calls for full accounting, citing rusting columns, uneven paint and removed bathroom tiles as evidence of mismanagement
- DOJ issued subpoenas to two New York Times reporters regarding an Air Force One leak
- Subpoenas demand testimony and documents about the source of the classified information
- Action reflects increased scrutiny of media handling of classified material under the Trump administration
- Thousands of undocumented Afghan migrants are being forced to leave after a government deadline.
- UN estimates hundreds of thousands of Afghans have already returned to Afghanistan.
- Authorities cite national security concerns as the primary reason for the crackdown.
- The operation coincides with heightened political tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
- Around 3,000 people attended the ceremony marking 31 years since the July 1995 massacre.
- Ten newly identified victims were interred, raising the count of identified victims to over 8,010.
- More than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed; over 1,000 remain missing.
- International figures, including Pakistan's prime minister and London's mayor, condemned the atrocity.
- 31-year-old University of Michigan semiconductor scientist Wang Danhao died by suicide after U.S. law‑enforcement questioning.
- His ashes were repatriated to his mother in China nearly four months after his death.
- The case underscores ongoing sensitivities surrounding Chinese researchers in the United States.
Tech/AI 13
- Morgan Stanley highlights expanding AI demand as a primary growth driver for Nvidia
- Analysts expect Nvidia to capture AI adoption across multiple industry sectors
- Investment focus should weigh the sustainability of AI-driven revenue for Nvidia
- Bank of America’s research highlights South Korea and the United Arab Emirates as the top non‑US/China AI contenders
- The United States and China remain the dominant AI powers in BofA’s assessment
- BofA’s ranking suggests growing investment opportunities for AI development in South Korea and the UAE
- OpenAI hires a dedicated product manager to build experiences for families, caregivers and older adults.
- Share of ChatGPT users aged 35+ rose to 31% in Q2, while 18‑24 share fell to 29% (Sensor Tower).
- Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. parent smartphone users used ChatGPT in Q2, up from 16% a year earlier.
- Parents underestimate child AI use: 27% say child used generative AI last week vs 38% of children reporting usage.
- BrainCo secured 2 billion yuan ($280 million) in a funding round co‑led by IDG Capital and Walden International
- Chinese government has classified BCI as a strategic industry in its Five‑Year Plan, targeting key breakthroughs by 2027
- Company roadmap: start with medical prosthetics, expand to ADHD/depression treatments, then mass‑market consumer wearables
- Non‑invasive BCI faces signal‑noise challenges; BrainCo uses a dry‑electrode sensor and AI algorithm to improve decoding
- Analysts view invasive implants and ultrasound‑based methods as the most promising BCI frontiers
- China successfully recovered its Long March-10B, becoming only the second nation after the US to achieve controlled orbital-class recovery.
- The milestone underscores rapid progress in China's space capabilities and may intensify competition with the United States.
- Commercial demand for satellite internet constellations continues to surge, bolstering the broader space sector.
- AI tools now used by 35% of large US firms, up from 20% a year earlier
- Companies with AI report profit growth about 4% higher YoY
- Productivity improves roughly 2% where AI is integrated
- Morgan Stanley projects AI could add $2.5 trillion to US GDP by 2030
- AI is projected to boost growth in economies linked to the tech supply chain, leaving others behind
- The IMF warns the AI surge could heighten financial system vulnerabilities and spark crises
- Policymakers must balance fostering AI‑driven growth with managing systemic risk
- CISA had no pre‑written playbook for the May incident, forcing staff to create one on the fly
- The breach exposed contractor‑owned keys on a public GitHub repo, prompting CISA to revoke and replace them
- Agency cited poorly defined researcher reporting channels and has since revised them
- CISA has operated without a permanent director and has cut about one‑third of its workforce since Jan 2025
- Honda, ANA and FamilyMart are tying AI usage to employee performance evaluations
- Companies are offering cash incentives to staff who adopt AI tools on the job
- AI adoption in Japan is lagging behind other economies, prompting new incentive schemes
- G2 features a 1,200‑nit monochrome HUD, 60 Hz refresh rate and 75% larger display area versus the G1
- Device omits cameras and speakers, emphasizing productivity tools like translation, navigation and AI assistance
- Phone connectivity has improved after updates, but notification reliability and app accuracy remain issues
- Battery life is claimed up to two days per charge; the charging case can recharge the glasses up to seven times
- Millions of 18‑year‑olds in China face complex university admissions decisions
- AI tools are being adopted by middle‑class families to evaluate thousands of programmes across hundreds of schools
- The trend reflects growing reliance on technology for personal education planning
- Scientists at Chinese Academy of Sciences' Shenyang Institute of Automation created a wearable dopamine sensor
- Patch uses microscopic needles to sample interstitial fluid, delivering rapid and ultrasensitive readings
- Designed for at‑home tracking of dopamine levels in Parkinson’s disease and depression
- Device is reported to be painless and suitable for continuous monitoring
- Typhoon Bavi is forecast to make landfall in eastern China, prompting heightened public attention.
- State broadcaster China Media Group warned that amateur AI weather forecasts could breach the law.
- Bloggers are posting predictions derived from open‑source artificial‑intelligence weather models.
- Authorities signal possible legal action against unlicensed weather forecasting on social media.
Companies 12
- DRAM prices in Q2 were almost four times higher than a year earlier
- Micron, SK Hynix and Samsung forecast $1.4 trillion free cash flow over the next three years
- Micron's FY2026 net profit is projected at about $83 billion with ~80% operating margin
- Customers have filed a class-action lawsuit alleging price‑fixing among the three memory giants
- Supply constraints may persist until around 2028 as new fabs take years to build
- Ferrari stock up 14% since the Luce EV debut, yet down 24% over the past year
- Bank of America lifted price target to $458, implying about 22% upside from Friday's close
- Wolfe Research initiated coverage with a $436 target; 14 of 15 analysts rate buy or strong buy
- Luce BEV forecast cut to 500 units (2027e) offset by 500 units of the 12‑Cilindri Manuale (2027‑29)
- Next quarterly earnings report scheduled for end of July
- Amazon cut roughly 16,000 jobs in late January, adding to 14,000 layoffs earlier this year
- Total Amazon workforce reductions since 2022 exceed 57,000, about 16% of its corporate staff
- U.S. tech sector has shed about 140,000 jobs in 2024, with AI cited in 23% of cut announcements
- Amazon accounts for ~13% of all tech layoffs this year and continues smaller rounds in mid‑2024
- Laid‑off staff report months-long job searches, often applying to hundreds of positions before finding new roles
- Vivani Medical is developing a semaglutide implant (NPM-139) in collaboration with Novo Nordisk.
- Implant aims to deliver continuous dosing equivalent to a 2.4 mg weekly Wegovy dose, with replacement every six months (goal of annual).
- Clinical trials and regulatory clearance are still several years away; analysts project GLP‑1 market could exceed $100 bn by early 2030s.
- Potential benefits include reduced injection fatigue and side effects, but cost coverage and physician adoption remain uncertain.
- BYD's upgraded Z9GT completed a 15,000km trip from Rome to Hong Kong, lasting about a month.
- The car claims the world's longest EV driving range, highlighting high-performance battery capacity.
- Superfast charging was demonstrated across Italy, Croatia, Serbia and Turkey during the test.
- Delivered 971,000 units in China from Jan to Jun 2026
- Year‑on‑year decline of 26.1%, the sharpest in 16 years
- Lowest delivery volume since the first half of 2010
- Local EV brands cited as key factor eroding petrol‑car demand
- All three VW joint ventures in China reported the drop
- AstraZeneca stock fell 6.2% on Thursday and a further 3% on Friday after the Wainua trial failure
- Analysts estimate the trial’s valuation impact at 2‑4% (Citi ~3%, Jefferies ~2%)
- The miss raises doubts on the credibility of the pipeline ahead of upcoming AVANZAR and SERENA‑4 readouts
- Most analysts keep buy ratings and maintain the $80‑$83 bn sales target for 2030
- Market reaction exceeds the modest financial hit, suggesting a shrinking margin for error
- Oregon court dismissed the motion seeking to delay the Paramount-Warner Bros deal
- The merger can now proceed on its original schedule without legal hold
- No immediate impact on stock prices of Paramount (PARA) or Warner Bros (WBD) reported
- EDGE Group plans to expand defence exports beyond the Gulf, targeting Europe and other global markets
- Iran conflict underscored the need for domestic UAE defence capabilities, boosting demand
- CEO Hamad Al Marar says the firm will leverage its technology, manufacturing and export strategy to become a global player
- Berkshire B shares down 1.8% YTD, trailing the S&P 500's 10.7% gain (13.1% lead with dividends).
- June performance narrowed the deficit by about one‑third, reducing the gap from 17.5 to roughly 12.4 percentage points.
- Cash rose 6.5% YoY to $397.4 bn and the firm repurchased $234 million of shares in Q1 2026.
- Berkshire announced a $10 bn purchase of Alphabet shares on June 1 2026, adding to its top holdings.
- Bloomberg investigation alleges Phia used cookie stuffing to claim commissions on sales it didn't generate
- The practice prompted Phia's suspension from affiliate platform Impact.com
- Phia, founded in 2025, has raised over $40 million from investors including Khloé Kardashian and Hailey Bieber
- Phia says it has fixed the issue, but retailers' acceptance remains uncertain
- Mizuno unveils its inaugural esports equipment line at EVO Japan 2026
- Showcase held in May at Tokyo Big Sight during the fighting‑game festival
- Product development driven by professional esports athletes
- Marks Mizuno's expansion from traditional sports gear into esports
Thai Markets 4
- The 220‑billion‑baht three‑airport high‑speed rail project faces unresolved contract issues between State Railway of Thailand and Asia Era One.
- Prime Minister Anutin warned that unilateral termination could lead to blacklisting, forfeiture of performance guarantees, and legal liability.
- Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn approved a draft law to strengthen penalties for contractors that fail to fulfill government contracts.
- Delays in land handovers and legal restrictions have hampered financing, prompting the consortium to seek solutions rather than exit.
- DSI raided five locations on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan targeting suspected nominee networks.
- A luxury villa project tied to 15 land plots valued at 1.57 billion baht was among the sites searched.
- A law office was linked to more than 150 companies, with assets worth about 795 million baht across 100+ firms sharing the same address.
- The probe expands to 34 companies suspected of violating the Foreign Business Act by using Thai nationals as nominal shareholders.
- Deposits exceeding 5 million baht must disclose source of funds starting Q4 2024
- Cash exchanges of 1,000‑baht notes for smaller denominations will also need purpose explanation
- Large cash withdrawals have dropped 35% since the April‑May measures were introduced
- BoT projects Thailand's GDP growth at 2.3% for 2024, up from a feared 1.5% contraction
- The policy targets the grey economy and aims to address long‑term structural weaknesses
- Flight TG637 (Taipei-Bangkok) cancelled for July 12 because of Typhoon Bavi
- Three other Thai Airways services (Bangkok-Shanghai, Bangkok-Taipei) were suspended on July 11
- Passengers advised to use the THAI mobile app or contact customer service for rebooking
Other 47
- At least four NYT journalists were served subpoenas demanding grand jury testimony in Manhattan.
- The subpoenas were authorized by DOJ official Jay Clayton, whose DNI confirmation hearings begin next week.
- Press freedom groups condemn the move as intimidation, warning of a chilling effect on U.S. journalism.
- Noskova defeated Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to claim her first Grand Slam title
- She saved five match points in the second set before rallying to win the third
- At 21, she becomes the youngest women's Wimbledon champion since Petra Kvitova in 2011
- Her victory follows Czech winners Marketa Vondrousova (2023) and Barbora Krejcikova (2024)
- Bavi hit Taizhou with sustained winds of about 144 km/h (Category 1) around 1520 GMT Saturday
- Evacuations exceeded 1.7 million in Zhejiang province, plus over 100,000 each from Fujian and Beijing, and 34,000 from Shanghai
- The storm caused 17 deaths in the Philippines and 113 injuries in Taiwan, where 14,000 people were evacuated
- Taiwan cancelled 920 international and 282 domestic flights as the typhoon approached
- Prototype reactor canister delivered to Kansas site in early July 2026
- Deep Fission plans to prove an underground small modular reactor (SMR) to cut costs and boost safety
- Project serves as a first‑of‑its‑kind proof of concept for continuous carbon‑free power
- Success could speed deployment of buried SMRs across the United States
- Confirmed deaths exceed 4,300 since the June 24 quakes in La Guira state
- United Nations estimates roughly 50,000 people remain missing in the rubble
- Government aid limited; rescue efforts largely carried out by Qatari team, Syrian White Helmets, and locals
- Over 6,000 people reportedly rescued, but many buildings remain collapsed and unsafe
- SEC adopted a rule requiring activist investors to list their clients in registration statements and periodic reports
- Disclosure applies to any investor filing a Schedule 13D or 13G to influence a public company
- Firms must provide client names, ownership percentages, and compensation arrangements
- Rule aims to improve market transparency and reduce conflicts of interest
- Former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe found dead at her home
- Police have opened a murder investigation into her death
- Politicians from multiple parties expressed shock and paid tribute
- 15 Indian tourists died after the speedboat capsized near Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- The vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members at the time
- The accident occurred less than 0.5 km from shore near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island
- The capsizing happened on Saturday afternoon
- Nebraska records the lowest drug death rate at 8.7 per 100,000 in 2023
- North Dakota provides childcare at 9% of median family income, with 478 licensed centers
- Virginia's Ceasefire program reduces homicides 10% statewide and 24% in targeted areas
- Massachusetts has 53.4% of residents rating health as good or excellent, highest primary‑care physician density
- New Hampshire reports 110 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2024, a 44% decline since 2014
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment targets 25 rai of illegal land in Sirinat National Park
- 13-rai site in Sakhu ordered to demolish 39 hotel and villa structures after Supreme Court revocation
- 12-rai plot in Choeng Thale found to have title deed issued with forged documents
- Occupants given 15 days to comply before demolition under national park law
- Six encroachment cases pursued; two already instructed to vacate
- FIFA will auction turf fragments from the 2026 World Cup final stadium, priced at $450, $900 and $1,200
- Projected revenue from the turf sales exceeds $11 million
- Each price tier is limited to a maximum of 2,026 pieces
- Sales are restricted to customers in the United States and Europe, with shipping after the final
- The top‑tier souvenir includes a gold‑etched ticket, miniature ball and crystal trophy replica
- 5,372 of 15,000 DLA exam candidates (35.84%) flagged for irregularities
- Irregularities include 3,044 general scoring anomalies (20.31%) and 1,522 one‑point discrepancies (10.15%)
- 806 candidates (5.38%) failed minimum score; 399 cases (2.66%) remain under review
- Investigation panel given 30 days from July 6 to complete initial review
- Chiang Mai had highest normal result rate at 79.15%, followed by Phitsanulok at 72.9%
- Police identified Thai woman "RoseRose" (Chantra) as suspected head of a transnational heroin operation
- Network allegedly used a Thai Airways flight attendant to smuggle about 1 kg of heroin to Australia
- RoseRose is believed to have fled to Laos; authorities plan to request a court warrant for her arrest
- Arrest of coordinator Ekkawit Yongnichakul (RinRin) prompted the expanded investigation
- Early claim can free up cash now but reduces future benefit amounts
- Delaying benefits increases monthly payments, potentially outweighing lost compounding
- Decision depends on life expectancy, health status, and current portfolio size
- The global wellness market is projected to approach $10 trillion by 2030, fueling “maxxing” trends.
- Psychologists warn that extreme self‑optimization (“maxxing”) can trigger anxiety, depression and body‑image disorders.
- “Looksmaxxing” practices, such as steroid use or excessive gum chewing, pose physical health risks, especially for teens.
- Experts advise setting realistic goals and seeking mental‑health support to avoid obsessive over‑achievement.
- New BLM rules would increase grazing on 155 million acres of western public lands.
- The overhaul marks the first major change to grazing policy since 1995.
- Proposed changes aim to reduce public oversight and allow more cattle, sheep and other livestock.
- 65 people detained, including 11 sex workers and 54 suspected illegal gambling participants
- Three additional summonses issued for operating an illegal petrol station
- Raids targeted five illegal gambling parlours and four other locations
- Operation involved police, fire services, and immigration authorities over two days
- Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming endorses appraisal reform that denies pay rises to the lowest 5% of performers.
- The policy targets the bottom quintile of police staff, preventing any salary increase for that group.
- Chow says management will use internal channels to explain the new policy to officers.
- Frontline officers have voiced concerns over the reform's impact on morale.
- More than 130 flights cancelled across Hong Kong, Taiwan, mainland China and Japan
- Hong Kong International Airport cancelled 64 inbound and 71 outbound flights on Saturday
- Over half of the cancelled flights were scheduled between Hong Kong and Taipei
- Ten high‑speed rail services were suspended due to the typhoon
- Traffic volume across the three cross‑harbour tunnels has risen above the peak recorded before the late‑2023 fee overhaul.
- Peak‑hour queues are still spilling onto connecting roads and non‑tunnel lanes, prompting concerns over congestion.
- The Transport Department paper to the Legislative Council recommends flexible toll adjustments to better manage vehicle flow.
- No government subsidies will be required for the Pak Shek Kok station construction.
- The rail-plus-property model is expected to fully cover the project's costs.
- MTR Corp's detailed design and cost estimates are still pending.
- Development rights have been granted for two sites along the East Rail line.
- Both a 22‑year‑old man and a 25‑year‑old woman received 21 lashes each
- Punishment was carried out on July 2 in Banda Aceh, Aceh province
- Aceh is the only Indonesian province that applies sharia law to such offenses
- Shanghai upgraded to a local typhoon warning, cancelling flights and ferry services
- Speed on overground sections of four subway lines limited to 60 km/h; further cuts possible Sunday‑Monday
- Thousands of residents evacuated in Shanghai and nearby cities as the storm approaches
- Hangzhou began evacuations and prepared emergency measures amid the typhoon threat
- NYC will ban firms from employing subscription traps that auto‑renew without clear consent
- The regulation targets deceptive auto‑renewal and hidden fee tactics
- City officials say the rule is intended to protect consumers from unfair billing practices
- Allegations that domestic helpers are recruited in Hong Kong to act as surrogate mothers for overseas couples
- Promised compensation cited up to 1 million pesos (≈US$16,200) per surrogacy
- At least five Filipino workers say they were not paid the promised amount after carrying pregnancies to term
- One reported case involved a child born with defects, prompting consular investigation
- Rising sea temperatures linked to climate change threaten Hokkaido scallop yields
- Industry has reduced reliance on Chinese market after Beijing's import ban three years ago
- Fishermen expect lower harvests and are seeking adaptation strategies
- US viewership of the World Cup hit record levels, indicating growing popularity
- Youth soccer participation in the United States has risen sharply in recent years
- Creators of 'Ted Lasso' attribute the surge to broader cultural acceptance of the sport
- Kansas City hosts large gatherings for World Cup matches, drawing thousands of fans
- Local restaurants and retailers report higher foot traffic and sales during game days
- Community events feature cultural displays, including Algerian fan celebrations and Dutch Oranje march
- Dave Lee started learning personal finance in middle school
- He helped his mother set up a brokerage account
- His early involvement reflects growing youth interest in investing
- Features two 48‑oz chambers that can produce two different frozen drinks at once
- Capable of making more than 10 drinks per batch, suitable for parties or families
- Priced at $399.99 and larger than the original model, requiring ample counter space
- Argentina, defending champions, face Switzerland in World Cup 2026 quarterfinal.
- Match takes place at Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
- Kick‑off is set for 8 pm local time (01:00 GMT) on Sunday, 11 July 2026.
- Family of the deceased is calling for a transparent investigation
- Incident occurred in Mississippi, raising concerns over racial justice
- Authorities have not yet released details on cause of death
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed Swift covered a $160,000 police bill for her wedding.
- The cost includes NYPD officers and city resources deployed for the Madison Square Garden ceremony.
- The wedding was to Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, held earlier this month.
- 25-year-old South African midfielder Jayden Adams died shortly after playing in three World Cup matches.
- He started in the 1-1 draw with Czech Republic and the 2-0 loss to Mexico, and came off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea.
- Adams was an unused substitute when South Africa was eliminated by Canada on June 28.
- Prior to the tournament, he helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League.
- Heavy monsoon rains triggered a landslide in the hill town of Shimla, India on July 11, 2026
- Villagers were ordered to evacuate their homes amid fears of further collapse
- Residents blame a construction company for excavating despite a monsoon-season construction ban
- England beat Norway 2-1 in a World Cup quarterfinal at Miami Stadium
- Jude Bellingham scored both goals, including the extra‑time winner
- Match was decided in the first half of extra time after a rebound
- One runner suffered a facial goring during the event
- Several participants escaped serious injury despite chaos
- Six bulls and accompanying steers charged through the crowd
- The run lasted approximately two and a half minutes
- The ceremony marked the 45th year of the Student of the Year Awards in Hong Kong.
- Alumni spanning medicine, music and sport returned, including Dr. Chan Mui-tong, 1985 grand prize winner.
- The event highlighted the long‑standing role of the awards in recognising high‑achieving pupils.
- A new sign for Observatory Road was incorrectly printed as 'Observatoly'.
- The error stemmed from a contractor using an old, scratched marker as reference.
- Hong Kong Highways Department will review its sign‑making verification procedures.
- 40 pupils received top honours at the ceremony.
- The event marks the 45th anniversary of the awards programme.
- A new AI literacy category will be added starting next year.
- Organisers plan to extend the awards to locations beyond Hong Kong.
- WD 1856 b is the only confirmed planet to survive a Sun-like star's transition to a white dwarf
- The gas giant is roughly Jupiter-sized and orbits the white dwarf WD 1856
- James Webb Space Telescope delivered the first close-up observations of the system
- The planet was discovered after TESS surveyed about 2,000 white dwarfs in 2020
- Health ministry has fined more than 100 obstetrician‑gynaecologists and suspended them from duty
- Turkey's C‑section rate was 615 per 1,000 live births in 2023, the highest among OECD nations
- Doctors are required to undergo additional training as part of the crackdown on unnecessary surgeries
- 19‑year‑old Li, a Shanghai student, set up a notarised will.
- Estate valued at 20 million yuan (≈US$2.9 million) includes a flat and savings.
- Li says the assets came from his parents after their divorce and remarriage.
- Government proposes a $43 million program to reintroduce tigers to Cambodia's rainforests.
- Villagers recall a tiger attack from over 30 years ago and express strong opposition.
- Tigers were declared extinct in Cambodia a decade ago; the last confirmed sighting came from a camera trap.
- The plan aims to restore the species despite local safety concerns.
- Veterinary clinic in Fo Tan reports influx of three‑legged dogs and one‑eyed cats displaced by project.
- Northern Metropolis aims to develop 30,000 hectares (≈74,132 acres) for housing and economic growth.
- Animal welfare group highlights rising numbers of abandoned and injured pets as land is cleared.
- Wu Han, a Guangdong native, earned a master's degree from Tsinghua's Academy of Arts and Design.
- The graduation occurred 17 years after a childhood photo of her with her father at the campus.
- The story went viral on mainland Chinese social media, drawing widespread attention.
- Scammer posed as Singapore PM Lawrence Wong in a Zoom call
- Victim received a WhatsApp message claiming to be from cabinet secretary
- The fraud resulted in a loss of US$3.8 million
- The real PM was unaware of the deception at the time
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