- Around 28 S&P 500 companies, spanning banks and tech, will release earnings this week, featuring JPM, GS, MS, BAC, JNJ, UNH and Netflix
- FactSet projects Q2 S&P 500 earnings up 23.3% YoY, marking a second straight quarter of >20% EPS growth
- LSEG forecasts strong YoY earnings growth: BofA >25%, JPM ~10%, GS >30%, MS >35%, UNH ~20%, Netflix ~10%
- Analyst notes: BofA beats expectations 81% of the time, JPM has a four‑quarter earnings‑release loss streak, while GS and MS have high beat rates
July 12, 2026
▲ 20▼ 14◆ 6– 99
Markets 8
- Dow futures down 135 points (‑0.3%) and S&P 500/Nasdaq‑100 futures each down about 0.3‑0.5%
- Brent crude up 3.7% to $78.86/bbl; WTI up >3% to $74.05 amid renewed U.S.–Iran airstrikes
- Earnings season this week: 28 S&P 500 banks plus Netflix, Johnson & Johnson and UnitedHealth reporting
- June CPI data due Tuesday, adding to a risk‑off market tone
- FactSet expects Q2 S&P 500 earnings to grow >23% YoY
- AUD/USD slipped to around 0.6940 in early Asian trading.
- US and Iran exchanged new strikes over the weekend, weighing on risk assets.
- RBA has lifted its cash rate to 4.35% and markets price a possible hike to 4.60% in August.
- US CPI data due Tuesday could further influence the pair.
- UBS analysts argue the global equity bull market can continue even if Fed rates stay near 5.25%-5.5%
- Robust corporate earnings and strong balance sheets are seen as buffers against rate‑driven pressure
- UBS forecasts the S&P 500 to finish the year above 4,500, implying modest upside despite higher financing costs
- The bank expects the Fed to pause rate hikes after this quarter, limiting further upward pressure on yields
- Higher rates are projected to lift bond yields modestly, but equities remain the preferred asset class
- Analysts lifted Q2 earnings forecasts despite the typical pre‑earnings estimate cuts
- Energy sector revisions were the primary source of the upward shift
- Tech sector estimates also contributed to the overall increase
- Stock-market gains now linked to AI investment performance
- Oil price movements have less impact on market direction
- Earnings season start underscores AI as key growth driver
- Wars, trade wars and crop failures reduce the protective value of bonds
- Higher yields needed to compensate investors for heightened risk
- Safe‑haven appeal of bonds weakens, prompting a shift to higher‑yielding debt
- Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) closed up 0.10% at the end of trade
- Broad Saudi equity market posted modest gains across sectors
- The modest rise reflects continued investor optimism in the region
Macro/Economy 13
- GPIF's alternative investments sit at 1.7% of its $1.8 trillion portfolio, well below the 5% limit
- Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama aims to increase the alternative‑investment ratio toward the 5% cap
- The policy push sparked a rise in the yen and Japanese government bond prices on Friday
- A government panel will soon draft a report outlining the new target allocation
- Higher domestic alternative‑investment exposure is intended to broaden pension asset management and cut risk
- Bank of Korea likely to lift policy rate to 2.75% as inflation stays above target
- China's Q2 GDP growth projected at 4.6% YoY, decelerating from 5% in Q1
- World AI Conference in Shanghai attracts >1,400 guests and 1,100 companies, underscoring China's AI ambitions
- Sun Hung Kai Properties listed 120 units at Garden Regency, Kam Tin North
- Discounts of up to 16% offered on flats of 289–412 sq ft
- Developers such as Wheelock Properties plan new launches this month amid muted price growth expectations
- Fiscal 2027 investment budget is 20.8% of total spending, below the 25‑35% target suggested by think‑tank
- Constitutional Court cleared a 400‑billion‑baht loan decree, removing borrowing concerns for the year
- Business groups warn that recurring expenditures and limited investment risk Thailand’s long‑term competitiveness
- Federation of Thai Industries urges focus on high‑value projects, digital tax tools, and targeted welfare to improve productivity
- Fiscal outlook: watch FY2027 budget negotiations and potential spending adjustments
- Monetary policy: monitor Federal Reserve rate guidance and inflation outlook for H2 2026
- Regulatory agenda: follow pending legislation on infrastructure, tax policy, and trade measures
- 69% of Americans support forcing AI firms to transfer 50% of their stock to a public sovereign wealth fund.
- Goldman Sachs estimates up to 15 million US jobs, about 9% of the labor force, could be lost over a 10‑year AI transition.
- Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced legislation to create an AI sovereign wealth fund granting the public a 50% stake in major AI companies.
- Five Guys will launch its first Beijing outlet next month, its second city in China.
- The chain opened its inaugural Chinese restaurant in Shanghai in 2021 and aims to add three more sites.
- Other US fast‑food brands such as Wendy’s, Chili’s, Texas Chicken and Popeyes are also accelerating expansion in China.
- Chinese capital is accelerating investment in Africa's electric two-wheeler sector.
- The market is valued at multiple billions of dollars and is shifting from petrol to electric.
- Investors are supplying components, batteries and building battery‑swap networks for local assembly.
- Growth is expected to boost employment and reduce fuel consumption across East and West Africa.
- Bilateral trade between Gulf states and Hong Kong rose 35% year‑on‑year in Jan‑May 2026
- Gulf capital is increasingly flowing into Asian markets, said Hong Kong's finance chief
- Hong Kong and the Middle East have deepened ties in economy, finance, innovation and technology
- The shift signals diversification of Gulf investment away from traditional regions
- Japan recorded 42.7 million foreign visitors last year, up 16% YoY
- Tokyo aims to raise annual tourist arrivals to 60 million
- Chinese visitor numbers remain weak, limiting growth prospects
- Domestic traveler numbers projected to fall for the first time in six years this summer
- Higher hotel prices and overall travel costs outpace rising summer bonuses
- Weaker tourism demand could dampen Japan's service‑sector growth in the second half of 2024
- The share of residents aged 65 and over is steadily increasing.
- Median age in Hong Kong has risen over the past decade.
- An older demographic could pressure healthcare and pension systems.
- Potential decline in labor‑force participation as the population ages.
- Tokyo's summer temperatures and humidity now match those of Southeast Asian cities
- Nationwide, heat-related work time lost has topped 2.8 billion hours annually
- Prolonged heat may pressure employers and policymakers to adapt work practices
Central Banks 1
- Goldman expects the Fed to keep the policy rate in the 5.25%‑5.50% range through year‑end
- Analysts project one rate cut in 2024, with the first cut possibly in Q3
- Equities could benefit modestly, with potential upside of 3‑5% in major US indices if cuts occur
- Higher‑for‑longer rates may keep volatility elevated, limiting broader market rally
Energy/Oil 2
- Oil and gas prices have jumped roughly fourfold since early 2024 after US‑Israel strikes on Iran
- Supermajor oil firms are set to report record Q2 earnings driven by the price spike
- Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz tightened global supply, further boosting prices
- US and European governments are publicly criticizing the windfall profits for Big Oil
- Elevated Brent and WTI prices keep oil markets volatile and support bullish sentiment
- Uruguay has only three exploration wells to date, all dry.
- Shell, Chevron, Eni, QatarEnergy, APA and YPF have secured offshore blocks.
- The area is likened to Vaca Muerta and Namibia discoveries, aiming for a potential billion‑barrel resource.
- Exploration drilling is set to start soon, boosting activity in the South Atlantic margin.
Crypto 11
- Michael Saylor and Adam Back publicly oppose the BIP-110 Ordinals proposal
- The proposal seeks a temporary fork to enable Ordinals functionality
- Ordinals transaction volume has fallen sharply over the past two years
- Critics warn the fork could further fragment the Bitcoin network
- Robinhood's new Layer 2 solution is seen as bullish for Ethereum price prospects
- Critics of ETH acknowledge the potential upside from the Robinhood chain integration
- Nigel Farage and Donald Trump are linked to emerging crypto-related scandals
- New draft of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, adding roughly 70 pages, slated for release this week
- Senate floor vote anticipated for the week of July 20 or July 27, needing at least 60 votes (seven Democrats)
- House Financial Services Committee digital assets subcommittee will hold a Clarity Act hearing on Friday
- Draft omits an ethics provision and a CBDC ban, factors that could affect bipartisan support
- Stablecoin market cap has shrunk by $10 billion since May, with a $7.7 billion decline in June alone.
- The decline is modest compared to the 26% contraction during the 2022 crypto bear market.
- Newer regulated issuers are beginning to chip away at the dominance of USDT and USDC.
- Bitcoin price around $62,700 is closing in on the $58,000 lower support line of Fidelity’s power-law model
- The gap below the trendline has deepened to -56%, matching levels seen in the 2018 and 2022 lows
- Fidelity’s Jurrien Timmer says no catalyst exists; Bitcoin may trade sideways near support for months
- Institutional capital has rotated from Bitcoin to gold and now to semiconductor stocks
- Bitcoin traded around $63,800, down 0.3% in 24 hours and up 2% for the week
- Ether hovered near $1,800, also up 2% for the week
- US launched its third round of strikes on Iran and Tehran announced the Strait of Hormuz closure, yet crypto prices showed only fractional moves
- Oil, equity and bond markets were closed for the weekend, leaving crypto as the only major asset pricing the escalation in real time
- A sharper reaction is expected in crude markets on Monday when trading resumes
- Ripple considered winding down and handing its XRP holdings to shareholders after the 2020 SEC lawsuit
- The legal battle cost the company roughly $150 million in fees over four years
- A federal judge later ruled XRP is not a security, allowing Ripple to continue operations
- Empery Digital sold a portion of its Bitcoin holdings to raise cash for an AI data centre project
- The share price rose following the Bitcoin sale announcement
- The move follows a shareholder push to abandon the company's Bitcoin treasury strategy
- Standard Chartered flags communication gaps at Michael Saylor's Strategy as a risk for Bitcoin investors.
- The bank says unclear pivot messaging is 'muddying the waters' for Bitcoin in the near term.
- Analysts suggest clearer guidance could improve investor confidence and price stability.
- Pakistan's virtual assets regulator met with an Islamic scholar who upheld a ban on crypto purchases
- The scholar's ruling reinforces restrictions on using digital assets for payments
- Regulator called for continued dialogue to address the treatment of crypto in Islamic finance
- Ethereum's annual electricity consumption is estimated at 7.87 GWh.
- It ranks second‑lowest in market‑value‑adjusted energy intensity among studied proof‑of‑stake networks.
- The findings come from a Cambridge University analysis of blockchain energy use.
Geopolitics 37
- England and Argentina renew their longstanding football rivalry with a World Cup final place at stake.
- The two nations have a history of controversy and drama in their matches, including the infamous 'Hand of God' goal in 1986.
- The current crop of Argentina fans still sing about England in the stands throughout this World Cup.
- The match will be the first of any kind between the perennial powerhouses in 21 years.
- US Central Command said the strikes began at 5 p.m. New York time on Sunday.
- Operations aim to weaken Iran's capacity to attack civilian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Allies including Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan and the UAE reported Iranian fire and injuries.
- Iran's IRGC fired at commercial ships and launched a cruise missile and attack drone, which US aircraft intercepted.
- Escalating tensions could affect oil supply outlook, weighing on WTI and Brent crude prices.
- Israeli forces attacked several sites across Gaza on 12 July 2026
- A nine-year-old girl was killed by gunfire in central Gaza
- Video shows flames and smoke rising over Gaza City after the strikes
- Election scheduled for Oct. 27, the latest date permitted by law
- Current Knesset will complete a full four-year term, a first in half a century
- Former army chief Gadi Eisenkot leads in a Channel 13 poll, narrowly ahead of Netanyahu
- Netanyahu confirmed his candidacy while facing a corruption trial that could carry up to 10 years in prison
- Government proposes judiciary reform and a bill to suspend detention of ultra‑Orthodox men avoiding military service
- Senator Lindsey Graham (R‑SC) died at age 71 from an aortic dissection following a brief illness.
- His death leaves the Republican Senate majority at 53‑47 until a replacement is appointed or elected.
- South Carolina filing for a replacement candidate opens on July 21, with a primary slated for Aug. 11.
- Graham was a co‑sponsor of the SAVE America Act; his absence could further stall the legislation.
- He had just returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met President Zelenskyy and discussed sanctions.
- Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz is closed following a recent attack on Gulf states
- The United States insists the waterway remains open despite Iran's claim
- The strait handles a large share of global oil and gas shipments, making the dispute critical for energy markets
- Tensions rise after Iran's latest strike, reviving concerns over maritime security in the region
- Iran and the United States have resumed hostilities, breaking the ceasefire signed in June 2026.
- Analyst Ali Vaez says both sides view each other as unreliable partners and lack a "knockout blow" at an acceptable cost.
- Despite acknowledging the need for diplomacy, neither side is prepared to make uncomfortable concessions.
- President Trump expressed frustration over the slow diplomatic progress.
- US CENTCOM completed three strike rounds, hitting over 300 Iranian military targets in at least 10 provinces.
- Iran says attacks have cut roughly 4,200 MW of electricity generation capacity amid a 40°C heat wave.
- IRGC declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again, warning of disrupted oil transit routes.
- Civilian casualties reported, including a firefighter killed in Chabahar and multiple fishermen injured.
- Israel signals possible renewed strikes in Iran, heightening regional escalation risk.
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar’s former emir, died at age 74
- He ruled Qatar for 18 years, from 1995 until his abdication in June 2013
- His tenure saw Qatar become a global player in diplomacy, media and investment
- He voluntarily transferred power to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013
- Qatar News Agency reported the death without providing a cause
- Republicans hold 52 of 100 Senate seats after Graham's death
- Governor Henry McMaster can appoint a successor; GOP primary set for Aug 11 with runoff on Aug 25
- President Trump says he has a potential candidate but will not name them yet
- A June Impact Research poll showed Graham leading Democrat Annie Andrews by just 3% before his death
- Beijing has not excluded the possibility of building facilities on the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
- Manila has stepped up its transparency campaign over activities at the shoal.
- Wu Shicun, head of China's South China Sea Institute, says the issue remains open for future action.
- Khanna’s van was stopped by settlers for about 20 minutes, with the incident lasting over an hour.
- Israeli ambassador Michael Leiter said Khanna failed to coordinate his trip with Israel, implying political motives.
- Pro‑Israel figures accused Khanna of staging the incident, while a few, like Tucker Carlson, defended his response.
- The piece references prior settler attacks on US citizens, including a 20‑year‑old killed a year ago and a Chicago father killed three weeks later.
- Israel has received more than $21 billion in US military aid over the last two years.
- Israeli military posted footage of huge detonations in villages across southern Lebanon
- Explosions were aimed at Hezbollah infrastructure and underground tunnel networks
- U.S. military delegation met with Lebanon's army in Beirut to discuss Israel's planned pilot‑zone withdrawal
- Iran says about 12 projectiles struck Qeshm Island and nearby Bandar Abbas
- Incidents follow the fifth wave of US strikes launched three weeks after a ceasefire deal
- Tehran claims it has retaliated against US military assets in the region
- Russian drones and missiles killed four people in Ukraine overnight
- Ukrainian strikes on Russian‑occupied areas killed five people, including four in Enerhodar
- Ukraine faces a critical shortage of Patriot air‑defence munitions, limiting missile interception
- NATO summit pledged additional Patriot munitions; US President Trump offered a domestic production license
- Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will travel to Washington next week for a week-long visit.
- Oil and gas memorandums of understanding are expected, including a fund backed by half a million barrels per day.
- The talks aim to deepen strategic ties and attract US investment after revenue losses from halted oil exports.
- National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko ends partnership with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- The split triggers a constitutional standoff dividing Senegal's leadership
- Sonko condemns recent xenophobic violence in South Africa as unacceptable
- He calls for economic reparations for slavery across Africa
- Approximately 30 soldiers killed and about 60 wounded in the retaking of Anefis.
- Anefis, about 100 km from Kidal, was recaptured after nearly a week of fighting.
- Tuareg separatists and al‑Qaeda‑linked militants seized the town on July 4 before the army's operation.
- The clash follows earlier attacks that killed Defence Minister Sadio Camara and prompted a siege on Bamako.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) died at 71, leaving the Senate Budget Committee chair vacant.
- His loss complicates the SAVE America Act, which still needs 60 votes to overcome the filibuster.
- A third reconciliation bill on military spending and affordability now lacks his guidance.
- Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche faces a tighter 11‑10 confirmation vote on the Judiciary Committee.
- Graham's recent Ukraine trip and role in a new sanctions package targeting Russian oil and gas are now uncertain.
- Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stepped down on Sunday.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a fresh government reshuffle.
- Svyrydenko had previously served as Ukraine's economy minister.
- The reshuffle occurs under martial law, with wartime elections prohibited.
- Photo reveals J‑16 carrying 10 external missiles in an “extreme loadout” configuration
- Loadout suggests enhanced long‑range, air‑superiority and strike capability for the PLA Air Force
- Analysts say the development points to a more offensive tactical posture for China’s air force
- Syria’s transitional parliament met for its inaugural session on 13 July 2026.
- The body will draft a new constitution and oversee a five‑year transition after Assad’s removal in Dec 2024.
- The previous rubber‑stamp legislature was dissolved and a temporary constitutional declaration was adopted.
- Myanmar foreign minister reports Aung San Suu Kyi, 81, is in good health while detained since the 2021 coup
- ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar pledges to look after Suu Kyi's welfare
- Philippine foreign minister Maria Theresa Lazaro continues to seek access to Suu Kyi
- Suu Kyi's detention remains a focal point of regional diplomatic efforts
- Survey of 24 EU countries: 8 favor China, 9 favor the US, 7 undecided.
- Results highlight growing uncertainty in global geopolitics.
- China is emphasizing soft power and reputation to attract European partners.
- Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress took effect this month, shifting focus to assimilation of minorities
- Framework designed to counter perceived Western ideological influence on ethnic groups
- United States and European Union have voiced concerns over potential forced assimilation
- China labels US-led military deployments as the primary threat to South China Sea peace
- Statement issued on the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling China does not recognise
- Beijing reasserts its "historic rights" and condemns US and allies' "militarising and coercive behaviour"
- China Eastern ordered 25 Airbus A330neo aircraft, valued at $9.35 billion.
- The purchase follows a previous Airbus order made three months earlier.
- The deal strengthens EU aerospace sales while China pushes its own C919 jet.
- A330neo competes in the widebody segment where China seeks to replace foreign models.
- ASEAN foreign ministers met Myanmar's military foreign minister Tin Maung Swe in Bangkok on July 12, the first informal gathering since the 2021 coup.
- The meeting was framed as a diplomatic olive branch, but ASEAN made clear no policy concessions were offered to the junta.
- The dialogue signals ASEAN's continued engagement in the Myanmar crisis despite stalled political progress.
- Opposition figure Kem Ley was assassinated in June 2016, prompting regional alarm
- In the past decade, Cambodia's opposition parties have been effectively dismantled
- Independent media face severe restrictions, with most outlets silenced
- Former MP Mu Sochua now lives in exile, heading the Khmer Movement for Democracy
- Japanese firm presence in China fell ~10% from its 2012 peak
- Small‑ and midsize Japanese companies cite Sino‑U.S. tensions, slowing Chinese growth and new espionage law as key exit drivers
- Staffing firm Quick has withdrawn from China, reallocating resources to its U.S. and European offices
- Isoc's proposed 2027 budget is 5.73 billion baht, with 5.31 billion baht recorded as "other expenditure"
- Around 75% of the budget is earmarked for operations in the southern border provinces
- Nearly 70% of the southern allocation funds allowances for about 49,000 personnel from military, police and civil agencies
- Army asserts Isoc's role differs from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, focusing on security rather than development
- Acknowledges the 2019‑20 protests as a serious, sad episode in Hong Kong's recent history
- Calls for the community to creatively consider how to draw a line under the unrest
- Highlights the need to address flaws in extradition legislation and political execution
- Activists unfurled a giant Palestinian flag on Tower Bridge in London
- Banner called for the release of Gaza hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safia
- Dr. Abu Safia has been detained by Israel for over 500 days
- Rajoy claimed the French squad had “no French players,” sparking criticism in Spain and France
- Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez and transport minister labeled the remark xenophobic
- French officials noted 23 of the 26 players were born in France, with three born abroad
- Several French politicians condemned the comment as unacceptable and racist
- Flags of Palestine, Syria, Sudan and Somalia were draped over a bonfire tower before being set alight
- Police arrested one man in connection with the hate display
- The incident occurred during an annual celebration, underscoring heightened community tensions
- White Democratic clergy are forming a slate to run in the November midterm elections
- They claim Republicans have hijacked Christian messaging for political gain
- Goal is to curb Donald Trump's influence, especially on immigration policy
- Volunteer force grew by more than 5,000 members in the past year
- Growth linked primarily to recent pay raises rather than attitude shifts
- Taiwan continues to grapple with chronic manpower shortages and retention issues
- Demographic decline persists, posing long‑term recruitment challenges
Tech/AI 13
- Musk sued Apple and OpenAI, alleging anti‑competitive practices that hurt his Grok AI model
- SpaceX completed a $75 billion IPO, while OpenAI confidentially filed for its own IPO
- Both companies unveiled new AI models this week: SpaceX’s Grok 4.5 and OpenAI’s GPT‑5.6 Sol
- Musk’s $60 billion all‑stock acquisition of Cursor is pending regulatory approval, targeting AI coding tools
- The public spat drew over 11 million views on X, highlighting heightened rivalry in the AI sector
- NHTSA administrator Jonathan Morrison issues directive to AV developers to fix interference issues with first responders
- Waymo, with largest robotaxi fleet in US, has had repeated run-ins with first responders
- AV developers must present solutions to NHTSA by end of month
- AI-focused equity index fell about 7% in the past week, its steepest decline since Q1 2023
- Nvidia (NVDA) dropped 5% after missing revenue expectations, pulling down related chip makers
- Analysts cite elevated price‑to‑earnings multiples and slowing enterprise AI spending as key drivers
- S&P 500 Tech sector underperformed the broader market by roughly 2 percentage points
- AI adoption has surged over the past five years, moving from niche to mainstream.
- Companies are integrating AI into search, apps, and daily services at accelerating pace.
- Analysts warn the technology's practical limits may curb growth expectations.
- Potential bubble risk could lead to a slowdown in AI-related investments.
- 183,000‑square‑foot facility in Sacramento will house the new plant.
- Capacity of 4 GWh per year, enough to power roughly four million households.
- First U.S. production site dedicated exclusively to sodium‑ion battery systems.
- Project aims to strengthen U.S. clean‑energy storage and narrow the gap with China.
- Goldman Sachs starts coverage on Zhipu (Knowledge Atlas) with a neutral rating and HK$1,880 price target, about 15% upside from the close
- Zhipu shares have surged roughly 70% over the past 60 trading days, while peers Minimax fell >70%, Alibaba down ~10%, and Tencent down ~5%
- Goldman’s three preferred Chinese AI model firms are Zhipu, DeepSeek and ByteDance, noting Zhipu’s GLM‑5.2 rivals Anthropic’s Fable 5
- AI tools are now being deployed in pharmaceutical research labs.
- Wall Street remains cautious about allocating capital to AI-driven drug development.
- Analysts question the timeline for commercial returns from AI drug discovery.
- Memory and SSD prices in Huaqiangbei have risen roughly 200% (tripled) over the past 12 months
- Global AI demand is identified as the main driver behind the DRAM and NAND price surge
- Higher component costs now dominate the expense profile of personal computer builds for gamers and enterprises
- Local assemblers face squeezed margins, and consumers may look for cheaper alternatives
- Chip equities have rallied ~360% in the past year, yet recent sell‑offs spark debate on AI demand sustainability.
- AI executives claim demand is "almost unlimited," with data‑center capacity shortfalls expected to last five years.
- Enterprises are shifting from "tokenmaxxing" to ROI‑driven "valuemaxxing," tightening AI spend.
- Semiconductor startups and photonics firms (e.g., Lumentum) report product backlogs extending up to five years.
- Hayabusa2 performed a close flyby of asteroid Torifune, passing within 800 m (0.5 mi)
- The maneuver showcases Japan's growing capability for asteroid deflection and planetary defence
- JAXA confirmed the probe responded to all commands from ground control during the operation
- The mission highlights Japan's "goodwill science" role in protecting Earth from cosmic threats
- Proposal aims to transmit electricity via laser from sunlit crater rims to permanently shadowed regions
- Target area is the Moon's south pole, where near‑continuous sunlight and water‑ice deposits coexist
- Concept revives Nikola Tesla's early 20th‑century vision of wireless energy transmission
- If realized, could provide power for future lunar habitats and resource extraction
- Honda, ANA and FamilyMart are offering cash bonuses to staff who use AI on the job
- Payments are linked to employee evaluations as firms seek faster AI adoption
- Japan's AI uptake is slower than in other economies, prompting new incentive schemes
- Consumer 3D printer sales are accelerating in China as younger, digitally‑savvy users adopt the technology.
- Startup Bambu Lab expands its ecosystem with downloadable designs and a creator‑points rewards program.
- The trend reflects broader interest in maker culture and home manufacturing among China's youth.
Companies 15
- Citigroup is forecast to deliver the largest earnings gain among the major U.S. banks reporting this week
- The bank still trails its own performance target despite the expected improvement
- Analysts note the upside is driven by a key profitability metric, though details remain pending
- Amazon (AMZN) expected to report 2% above consensus revenue, driven by AWS and advertising growth
- Marvell Technology (MRVL) to sustain 40%+ growth for the next 3 years, driven by AI demand and optical connectivity leadership
- Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to reiterate confidence in MI450 series and Helios ramp, with increasing focus on $20/sh EPS in CY28
- Khosla family agreed to purchase the Seattle Seahawks for $9.612 billion.
- Deal requires NFL owners' approval, with a meeting scheduled for August.
- Khosla family must relinquish its 3.1% stake in the San Francisco 49ers.
- Transaction follows the 2023 Washington Commanders sale valued at $6.05 billion.
- Seahawks are the defending Super Bowl champions, having won 29‑13 over the Patriots.
- Fewer Thai companies displayed Pride flags and launched campaigns this year, sparking concerns about corporate support for LGBTQ+ initiatives.
- Experts attribute the decline to budget cuts amid economic uncertainty and a shifting political environment.
- Marketing experts say genuine advocacy and core values are replacing surface symbolism in LGBTQ+ support, with a focus on inclusive workplaces and employee benefits.
- Exports of Thai‑produced BEVs to Australia will begin in the fourth quarter of 2026
- Thailand plant has a 5,000‑unit annual capacity and aims to produce about 100 Ioniq 5 units per month
- EV3.5 scheme requires a 2:1 production‑to‑import ratio in 2024‑25, rising to 3:1 by 2027
- Hyundai targets 2,800 Ioniq 5 sales in 2024, up from 2,300 in 2023
- SET index has climbed above 1,600 points, boosting consumer confidence in premium cars
- Meta plans to begin production of its own AI chip in September, per internal memo.
- The new chip is intended to double Meta's AI computing capacity compared with current hardware.
- The move is part of Meta's strategy to bring more AI workloads in‑house and reduce reliance on external providers.
- Analyst highlights uncertainty over Nvidia's valuation amid high multiples
- Questions raised about sustainability of AI-driven revenue growth
- Investor focus on potential supply constraints and increasing competition
- China Life Insurance will commit 5 billion yuan (~$737 million) to a semiconductor-focused fund.
- The fund targets companies developing semiconductor technologies, aligning with Beijing’s call for “patient capital.”
- The partnership is backed by the State Council, signaling state support for the domestic chip sector.
- AI‑driven model lifts SpaceX price target to $X, the highest among street forecasts
- Analysts deem Samsung's recent ~5% drop overdone and keep a buy stance
- The moves highlight growing reliance on AI for equity recommendations
- TCS targets 1‑1.5% of its workforce (5,900‑8,900 staff) as forward‑deployed AI engineers
- The company will explore acquisitions in AI, data security and cybersecurity after years of organic growth
- AI revenue growth slowed to 13% YoY in Q1, down from 28% in the previous quarter
- TCS allocates about $1 billion annually to talent development and AI training
- Mitsui Fudosan will allocate $1.4 bn to build a rental laboratory facility in central London.
- The project forms part of the British Library redevelopment and marks the developer’s first lab‑space asset in Europe.
- The complex aims to serve life‑science firms seeking R&D space for drug discovery.
- Construction is planned for the mid‑2020s, targeting completion within the next several years.
- Brad Gerstner, founder of a hedge fund, is championing children's investment accounts.
- The accounts are designed to encourage early saving and investing among families.
- Gerstner is using his platform to raise awareness for the new financial product.
- Yosemite now employs 17 people, up from its founding team three years ago
- Several blockbuster biotech drugs face patent cliffs within the same timeframe
- AI has become a central component of Yosemite's strategy, according to founder Reed Jobs
- The firm’s rapid growth reflects accelerating opportunities in biotech and AI
- Pasona, a Japanese temporary employment agency, is entering tourism with a luxury long‑stay resort on Awaji Island.
- The retreat emphasizes wellness, offering amenities such as yoga lessons and extended‑stay accommodations.
- Target clientele are affluent, health‑conscious travelers seeking multi‑day experiences.
- The initiative diversifies Pasona beyond staffing services, marking its first major hospitality venture.
- Seven new itineraries launching in 2027, lasting 10 to 14 days each
- Departures run from June 10 to August 19, covering ports in Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark and more
- Ships used include Oceania Insignia, Marina and Vista, targeting upscale adults‑only travelers
- Highlights feature Baltic ports, Icelandic fjords, historic Scandinavian cities and cultural experiences
- Emphasis on slow travel with immersive local cuisine, history and nature
Thai Markets 2
- The EV3.5 tax incentive program ends in 2025, risking a flood of tariff‑free Chinese EV imports.
- Local manufacturers must meet 40% (BEV) or 45% (PHEV) domestic parts content, but firms seek stricter rules.
- Changan aims to raise local EV component sourcing to 70% by 2027 and 80% by 2030, targeting 200,000 units annually.
- FTI targets 1.5 million vehicle production in 2026 (950k export, 550k domestic) amid export‑risk concerns.
- Pickup sales have declined for years, prompting calls for government support to revive the segment.
- SCB X, Thailand's oldest commercial bank, is launching a virtual bank as a strategic growth pillar
- The AI‑powered platform targets 3 million customers in its early years
- The initiative aims to offset a sluggish domestic economy and expand digital reach
- Virtual banking will operate under the SCB X brand, enhancing the group's fintech footprint
Other 37
- 27 fatalities confirmed at the Bangkok pub fire
- 22 people remain in critical condition after the blaze
- The fire erupted just before midnight on Sunday
- Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the incident site
- Over 2.8 million people evacuated, including more than 2.2 million in Zhejiang province
- Hangzhou cancelled 327 flights; Shanghai cancelled 684 flights and suspended 1,620 train trips
- More than 1,300 trees fell in Yueqing and individual damage exceeded 6,000 yuan (~$885)
- Rainfall reached up to 190 mm in Hebei and nearly 80 cm in Taiwan’s Miaoli county
- Storm expected to bring heavy rain to Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces
- Lindsey Graham, 71, died following a sudden cardiac event at his Capitol Hill residence
- Longtime Republican shifted from Trump critic to staunch ally after 2016 election
- His death announced by his office on Sunday, with preliminary medical examiner report pending
- Experts propose converting ISOC into an "Isoc 3.0" model merging security, development and military functions
- Parliament examines a 2027 budget of 5.73 bn baht, with 92.6% listed as "other expenditure" and only 44.3 m baht for permanent staff
- Critics raise transparency concerns, citing alleged ghost payments, misuse of funds for political websites, and duplicated spending in southern provinces
- Government supports three large-scale hydro‑storage projects
- Projects aim to diversify the UK energy mix and boost energy security
- Hydropower highlighted as a key pillar of the green transition
- Initiative follows years of neglect in the sector
- McConnell suffered a fall on June 14 that left him briefly unconscious and hospitalized.
- He was diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia but no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, or stroke.
- The 84‑year‑old says he remains fit to serve but will not return to the Senate floor for voting yet.
- McConnell, who stepped down as Senate GOP leader, will retire at the end of his term in 2025.
- Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's former ruler (1995‑2013), died at age 74
- He was interred after a simple Islamic ceremony at Lusail Cemetery in Doha
- Under his rule Qatar's GDP grew over 24‑fold and it became the world's largest LNG exporter by 2006
- Hong Kong's population is ageing quickly, prompting concerns over health and quality of life
- Half (50%) of Hong Kong's elderly are socially isolated, a risk comparable to heavy smoking
- Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Hong Kong, driving focus on prevention and detection
- SCMP's Health Matters series offers community‑based strategies for older adults and retirees
- 65 people detained in a coordinated police operation targeting unlicensed nightclubs and gambling dens.
- Authorities allege the syndicate supplied illicit drugs and employed illegal hostesses.
- Raids focused on industrial buildings in Hung Hom and other sites across Kowloon West.
- On Nut facility covers about 580 rai and has seen over 48,000 trees planted in the past four years
- Two ageing compost plants (600‑tonne and 1,000‑tonne) will end contracts by end‑2026 and June‑2027
- e‑Nose odour readings usually range 0‑3 D/T, peaking around 5 D/T, below the 9 D/T threshold
- Future plan splits site roughly 50/50 between green space and enclosed waste‑management systems, including a 1,000‑tonne waste‑to‑energy incinerator
- Real‑time odour data will be made publicly available online this week
- OECD recommends Thailand's State Enterprise Policy Office introduce a Golden Share allowing government veto on national‑security decisions even if stake falls below 50%
- Finance Ministry currently holds 51.38% of PTT Plc; Golden Share would preserve voting rights on critical matters such as oil pricing
- Proposed amendment would raise the maximum age for directors of state‑owned firms from 65 to 70 years
- Legislative changes require parliamentary approval and must not conflict with the constitution or affect routine corporate matters
- Mitch McConnell announced he will remain absent from Senate duties for the foreseeable future
- No specific timeline was provided for his return to the chamber
- His continued absence may affect Senate leadership dynamics and scheduling
- Southwest monsoon to bring heavy to very heavy rain in western Central, East, and western South regions
- 40-60% of Bangkok and nearby provinces expected to experience thunderstorms through Wednesday
- Authorities warn of flash floods in Ranong, Phangnga, Chanthaburi, Trat and Kanchanaburi
- Typhoon Bavi, after landfall in China, may intensify monsoon conditions
- Monitor Neil Barofsky says UAW President Shawn Fain retaliated against officer Rich Boyer and misused authority for personal gain
- Allegations include pushing bonuses for non‑union staff at a Stellantis training center that would benefit Fain’s fiancée and intervening in a workers’ compensation case for his fiancée’s sister
- Disciplinary action has been deferred pending further review, coming just before the UAW leadership election where Fain seeks a second term
- Fain calls the report politically motivated and cites a personal dispute with the monitor over a Gaza ceasefire stance
- The UAW remains under federal oversight since a 2020 DOJ settlement addressing a prior union corruption scandal
- Fatalities confirmed at 4,490 after the recent earthquakes
- Rescue and relief operations ongoing across the affected regions
- Authorities continue to assess damage and coordinate aid distribution
- High salaries or hot stocks are not prerequisites for financial independence
- Relying on a single income source or speculative assets increases risk
- Secure individuals prioritize emergency savings for sudden crises
- Budgeting, diversified investing, and disciplined saving are key steps
- Natural England identifies southern England and the Midlands as highest wildfire risk
- Fire severity index shows 'exceptional' risk spreading to South East and east England by midweek
- Most of England and Wales classified as 'very high' risk over the coming days
- Ongoing heatwave raises likelihood of wildfires across the United Kingdom
- Two fatalities confirmed at the Salsa on St Clair festival in Toronto.
- Four additional attendees suffered serious injuries.
- Police continue to investigate and search for the shooter(s).
- The festival's final day was cancelled following the incident.
- RAP caps monthly payments at 1%‑10% of income and forgives loans after 30 years
- A payment late by even one day eliminates the interest waiver and $50 principal‑match benefit
- Nearly 46,000 borrowers have applied for RAP since its July 1 launch
- Enrolling in autopay by end‑September grants a 1‑percentage‑point interest‑rate cut through June 30, 2028
- Overpaying can trigger a "pay ahead" status, disqualifying borrowers from RAP benefits
- Archaeologists investigate why Polynesians began long-distance settlement after centuries of stability
- Climate evidence points to a shift in wind patterns around 1,700 years ago that may have enabled eastward sailing
- Study links environmental changes to the timing of Polynesian expansion across the Pacific
- First-ever emergency heatwave alert issued on Sunday
- New warning system launched in 2023 to address longer, more intense heatwaves
- Alert triggered when forecast reaches 38 °C or actual temperature hits 39 °C
- Ticket resale market dominated by organized scalpers, bots, and workarounds
- Fans struggle to obtain tickets at face value despite early logins
- Government proposes hefty penalties after earlier measures failed
- 46 adolescents aged 10-19 died by suicide in 2023, up from 34 in 2022
- Overall Hong Kong suicide deaths fell 10% to 1,019 in 2023
- The 46 youth cases are the highest in a ten‑year period
- Suicide numbers declined in all other age groups
- Regulate your own emotions before trying to manage your child's feelings.
- Share personal experiences and ask about feelings, not just performance.
- Accept the full range of emotions and repair after difficult moments.
- Avoid placing adult emotional needs on the child and invite, not interrogate, conversation.
- Practicing these seven habits from ages 7, 17 and 27 improves parent‑child communication.
- 29-year-old suspect arrested after holding a supermarket employee hostage for over 11 hours
- Charges include kidnapping for ransom, attempted aggravated extortion, and dangerous bodily harm
- Incident occurred Friday night around 10 pm in Berlin's Marienfelde district
- Sinner won 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 6-4 to claim his fifth Grand Slam crown
- The final lasted 3 hours 46 minutes on Centre Court
- Zverev's head‑to‑head losing streak against Sinner extends to 10 matches
- Sinner improves his season record to 44‑3 with his sixth title of the year
- Zverev will rise to second in the ATP rankings despite the loss
- Teen survivor recounts the recent earthquake that struck Venezuela
- She mourns friends she referred to as her "young forever" companions
- Story underscores the lasting emotional impact of the disaster
- Staying at home often requires costly home modifications, averaging $10,000–$30,000
- Long‑term care insurance premiums can rise 5%‑10% annually for retirees over 70
- Senior community move can reduce daily household chores by up to 40%
- Social isolation risk rises 30% for seniors living alone beyond age 80
- Over 940 restaurants opened to dogs under the new scheme on Thursday
- Viral videos show dogs licking plates and sitting on tables and chairs
- Some netizens argue many canine diners were well‑behaved
- A cafe chain withdrew from the programme just one day after launch
- Heavy showers and squally thunderstorms expected over Hong Kong on Tuesday.
- A low-pressure trough over the central South China Sea is driving the storms, but its development into a tropical cyclone is uncertain.
- The observatory cautions that the system could intensify, though no cyclone classification has been issued yet.
- 54-year-old Lam Chun traveled with his 90-year-old father and 85-year-old mother
- Journey covered about six hours by high-speed rail to Zhangjiajie, Hunan
- Trip lasted five days, chosen for suitability with elderly relatives
- Authorities are probing possible civil servant negligence after a 15-year delay by the Medical Council.
- The complaint, filed by the child's mainland Chinese parents in 2010, concerns a newborn who later suffered permanent disability.
- Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said delays occurred in multiple areas that should not have happened.
- Wang required 27 stitches to his ear and 12 to his face, totaling 39 stitches
- The injury occurred during a concert in Chengdu, Sichuan on July 5
- The incident has raised concerns about stage safety at Chinese venues
- Lan Kwai Fong district recorded up to a 70% increase in foot traffic during major World Cup games
- Numerous pubs, restaurants, and shopping centres reported brisk business linked to the tournament
- Venue operators noted heightened activity especially during high‑profile matches such as England vs Norway
- Thailand continues to attract foreign couples for surrogacy despite tightening regulations
- Chinese families seek surrogates to bypass legacy one‑child policy restrictions
- Women like Nicha receive payment for surrogacy, often losing contact with the child after birth
- International scrutiny is growing over the commercialisation of surrogacy services
- Parents Li Zhijian and Peng Hongying pursued justice for 16 years after their son was paralysed.
- Hong Kong's medical watchdog ruled a paediatrician guilty of professional misconduct.
- The family accepts the penalty but says their fight for accountability continues.
- Three individuals ordered to compensate the victim's family more than 100,000 yuan (≈$15,000)
- The incident occurred in Urumqi from about 9 pm to 3 am
- Liability includes two friends and the mahjong parlour owner
- The ruling sparked widespread online discussion in China
No stories match “”.