- Brent crude up 4% amid renewed U.S.-Iran conflict
- CoinDesk 20 index lost 0.6% as equities benchmarks in Europe and U.S. index futures decline
- June CPI due later today, expected to slow to 3.8% from 4.2% year-over-year
July 14, 2026
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Markets 38
- US CPI increased 3.5% YoY in June, down from 4.2% in May, easing inflation concerns
- MSCI global equities index up 0.42% to 1,121.57 as major US banks posted record profits
- Oil prices rose 1.5% (WTI $79.34) and 1.7% (Brent $84.73) amid US‑Iran strikes in the Strait of Hormuz
- Dollar index fell 0.33% to 100.94; US 10‑year Treasury yield slipped 2.1 bps to 4.589%
- Spot gold rose 1.29% to $4,051.79 per ounce
- NZD/USD jumps 1.23% to a one-month high at 0.5820
- US CPI falls 0.4% MoM in June, below forecast of 0.1% decline
- Core CPI flat MoM, annual rate slows to 2.6% from 2.9%
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- S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures traded near the flatline
- Probability of a rate hike at the July Fed meeting fell to 17% from 42%
- Markets price in a 63% probability of a rate hike following the September meeting
- US CPI fell 0.4% MoM in June, the largest decline since April 2020, easing annual inflation to 3.5% from 4.2%
- GBP/USD trades just under 1.3400, retreating from a brief spike near 1.3450 as the 200‑day EMA caps recovery
- Fed rate‑hop odds rise to about 86% for this month, with roughly 70% probability of at least one hike by year‑end
- Bank of England rate stays at 3.75%; June vote split 7‑2, with two members urging a move to 4.00%
- Technical support at 1.3350 (first) and 1.3300 (second); resistance at 1.3400‑1.3450
- The yen has slipped to around ¥152 per dollar, its weakest level in over a decade.
- Japanese authorities have signaled possible market intervention if the pair breaches ¥155.
- US equities have risen roughly 7% this year, but a sharp yen rally could dampen that momentum.
- Portfolio managers should monitor the USDJPY rate and hedge currency exposure accordingly.
- US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.4% to 100.90 after softer-than-expected US inflation data
- West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Oil rises 2.1% to $79.60 amid renewed geopolitical concerns
- Gold climbs 1.3% to $4,053, supported by weaker US Dollar and softer inflation data
- US CPI fell 0.4% MoM in June, annual inflation eased to 3.5% from 4.2%, below the 3.8% forecast
- ADP employment average slipped to 19.75K, weakening expectations of a July Fed rate hike
- EUR/USD climbed to around 1.1420, trading near 1.1423 with support at 1.1418 and resistance at 1.1434
- DXY down about 0.38% to 100.92 after softer CPI data
- June headline CPI rose 0.4% MoM, annual inflation 3.5% vs 3.8% forecast
- Core CPI flat MoM, annual core rate 2.6% below 2.8% forecast
- July Fed hike probability fell to 12% from 40%; September odds dropped to 59% from 74%
- Higher oil prices keep inflation risks alive, limiting USD losses
- US CPI cools to 3.5% YoY, below forecasts.
- Fed hike pricing drops as traders trim tightening expectations.
- WTI strength keeps July inflation risks on traders' radar.
- JPY remains weak with USD/JPY near 162.00, but Japanese Government Bonds (JGBs) are outperforming global yields.
- Japanese policymakers are signaling plans to redirect domestic savings and pension assets back into home markets.
- Proposals include tax incentives for individual investors and a strategic review of the ¥294 trillion ($1.8 trillion) Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF).
- Japan's $3.6 trillion net foreign asset position means even a marginal portfolio rebalancing could trigger significant capital repatriation.
- Banks project an upward-biased medium-term trajectory for the JPY, driven by potential domestic investment policy changes.
- UK 10-year bond yield reaches 5.07%, a five-month high
- Iran-US ceasefire collapse sparks global market jitters
- UK borrowing costs rise for third time since Iran war
- Prediction market platforms recorded over $50 bn in monthly volume in June, driven by the 2026 World Cup.
- Kalshi posted $31 bn in notional volume, with $22.4 bn tied to World Cup contracts; Polymarket logged $10.8 bn globally and $3.5 bn in the U.S.
- Rothera generated $2 bn in its debut month, accounting for about 7 % of U.S. prediction‑market activity.
- U.S. sportsbooks are projected to handle only $2.8‑$4.3 bn for the tournament, far below prediction‑market totals.
- Kalshi's female user base grew 106 % during the World Cup, reaching 33.3 % of its users.
- 30-year total return of the index exceeds the S&P 500 by a wide margin
- Annualized returns are higher than the S&P 500 over the same period
- The index is presented as a superior long‑term investment option
- AI‑related stocks like Micron (+243%) and Sandisk (+644%) have surged this year, but Cramer calls them outliers
- S&P 500 trades at about 20× forward earnings versus over 25× at the 2000 dot‑com peak
- Major banks (BofA, Goldman, JPMorgan) trade at 12‑18× forward earnings, deemed "ridiculously cheap"
- Cooler CPI reduces expectations of imminent Fed rate hikes
- SK Hynix ~4× and Micron ~6× 2027 earnings estimates, indicating low valuations despite AI hype
- S&P affirmed Indonesia's BBB sovereign rating with a stable outlook, citing fiscal discipline and a 3% deficit ceiling
- The agency flagged higher bond yields and a weaker Rupiah as headwinds despite the rating stability
- USD/IDR rose 0.3% to 18,105, approaching its all‑time high of 18,178
- Bank Indonesia pledged to "go all out" to keep the Rupiah stable amid pressure
- IBM CEO Arvind Krishna said cyber security is a top priority as customers shift spending to servers and memory
- CrowdStrike surged 12%, while Okta and Netskope each climbed about 11% after the remarks
- SailPoint, Zscaler, SentinelOne and Palo Alto Networks all rallied roughly 7%
- Analysts raise Q2 earnings expectations for S&P 500 firms, setting a higher bar than previous quarters
- Piper Sandler argues corporate America can still meet the elevated earnings targets
- Meeting the heightened expectations could boost equity valuations, while a miss may trigger sell‑offs
- CFTC issued an order preventing Kalshi from voiding trades for Michigan customers
- Michigan court had ordered cancellation of sports‑related prediction contracts, the first direct state intervention
- CFTC Chair Mike Selig warned that reversing executed contracts could undermine market confidence
- UK plans to launch its first digital gilt by early 2027.
- Digital Gilt pilot, announced in 2024, tests distributed‑ledger tech to cut market costs.
- HSBC chosen to run the blockchain platform for the tokenised bond.
- Bank of England says the digital gilt can be used as collateral in its market operations.
- 10-year Treasury yield slipped roughly 5 basis points amid easing inflation concerns
- U.S. CPI rose 0.2% month‑on‑month, posting a 3.0% year‑over‑year increase
- Dollar index fell about 0.3% as market sentiment shifted toward lower‑rate expectations
- June exports rose 27% YoY and imports 36% YoY, far above expectations, driven by AI infrastructure demand.
- CFETS RMB index has remained above 102 since late June, a level not seen in four years.
- USD/CNY climbed 50 pips to 6.78 and offshore USD/CNH rose 30 pips to 6.79, reflecting modest dollar firmness.
- Q2 GDP is forecast at 4.5% YoY, a slowdown from 5.0% in Q1, with policymakers poised to support growth if needed.
- S&P reaffirmed Indonesia's BBB/A-2 sovereign rating with a stable outlook, removing immediate downgrade risk.
- USD/IDR traded near 18,105, with resistance at 18,190 and support at 18,000 and 17,910 (21‑day MA).
- A rebound in oil prices may curb IDR gains by increasing import bills, inflation and fuel‑subsidy costs.
- IDR shows mild bullish momentum but RSI near overbought, suggesting limited upside.
- CleanSpark jumped 11% after signing a 20‑year, $6.6 bn data‑center lease in Georgia.
- IBM fell 25% on preliminary Q2 earnings that missed expectations ($2.93 vs $3.01 EPS).
- HCA Healthcare slid >7% after cutting FY EPS guidance to $28.70‑$30.50 from $29.10‑$31.50.
- Goldman Sachs rose 7% as Q2 EPS topped forecasts ($20.98 vs $14.48) and revenue beat estimates.
- Apple dipped 1% after KeyBanc downgraded the stock, setting a $250 price target implying 21% downside.
- DJIA at 52,356, down 0.29% while defending the 52,000 level
- June CPI annual rate fell to 3.5% from 4.2%, below the 3.8% forecast
- July Fed rate hike odds collapsed to 17% from 42%, September odds stay near 63%
- WTI crude rose above $78 per barrel (+1%) and Brent above $85 (+2%) after Strait of Hormuz blockade news
- Goldman Sachs shares jumped 8% on earnings beat, while IBM fell 25% on a profit warning
- AUD/USD rose to about 0.6992, approaching the 0.7000 psychological level
- US headline CPI fell 0.4% MoM and annual inflation slowed to 3.5% YoY, below forecasts
- Core CPI unchanged month; annual core inflation eased to 2.6% YoY
- Fed Chair Kevin Warsh maintained a hawkish tone but gave no clear policy guidance
- USD/CAD fell to 1.4055, its lowest since June 17, down about 0.70% on the day
- US CPI for June dropped 0.4% MoM and 3.5% YoY, below forecasts of 0.1% MoM and 3.8% YoY
- WTI crude rose roughly 9% this week to around $78 per barrel, bolstering the loonie
- Fed July rate‑hike odds slipped to 12% from 40% after the CPI data
- Bank of Canada is expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at 2.25% on Wednesday
- Corporate bond yields have reached their highest levels in years.
- Despite attractive yields, they may not sufficiently offset the increased risks involved.
- Investors face a challenge in balancing the higher returns with potential downside risks.
- GBP/JPY trades at 217.04, staying within the 217.00‑218.00 range after a bullish breakout.
- RSI shows buyers in control, supporting a potential move above the 218.00 resistance.
- A break above 218.00 could target 219.00 and 220.00, while support lies at 217.00 with next downside levels at 216.60 and 216.00.
- S&P/BMV IPC closed up 0.82% on the day
- Mexico's equity market ended higher
- Broad investor sentiment turned positive
- COLCAP slipped 0.39% to close lower.
- Broad Colombian equities were down, with most major stocks posting modest losses.
- No significant economic data or corporate news drove the move; market sentiment was mildly negative.
- DXY fell 0.35% to 97.15 in the latest session
- The index has declined in three of the past four trading days
- The move follows a 0.4% drop in the previous session
- MOEX Russia Index closed at +0.15% after the session
- Broad Russian equities posted modest gains
- The rise was limited, indicating a routine market move
- USD/CNH is trading within a tight 6.7700‑6.8100 band
- 24‑hour session saw a low of 6.7766 and a close at 6.7818
- UOB forecasts short‑term range of 6.7785‑6.7915 and 1‑3 week range of 6.7700‑6.8100
- USD/SGD closed at 1.2945, trading between 1.2906 and 1.2950.
- SGD NEER remains 1.68% above its midpoint.
- UOB expects USD/SGD to stay within 1.2890‑1.2990 range, with support at 1.2935‑1.2920 and resistance at 1.2990.
- Short‑term upward momentum may push USD above 1.2955, but a break above 1.2990 is unlikely.
- USD/CHF fell 0.70% to 0.8093, slipping below 0.8100 after US inflation data
- RSI remains above 50, preserving the pair's bullish bias
- A close above 0.8100 could target 0.8152 and 0.8171 resistance, with 0.8200 next
- Immediate support at 0.8060; breach may expose 0.8030 and 0.8010 levels
- Around 150,000 SK Hynix options traded by midday, far below Micron's 380,000 contracts and Nvidia's 2.3 million.
- Calls outnumbered puts, with the top trade being a sale of ~2,200 180‑strike calls for roughly $2 million.
- New leveraged single‑stock ETFs on SK Hynix and the $23 bn DRAM ETF (SK Hynix third‑largest holder) may have siphoned speculative interest.
Macro/Economy 36
- CPI down 0.4% month‑over‑month, annual inflation 3.5% versus 3.8% forecast
- Core CPI flat month‑over‑month, 12‑month rate 2.6% below 2.9% expectation
- Energy index slumped 5.7% MoM, still up 15.7% YoY; gasoline rose 26.7% YoY but fell >9% MoM
- Fed hike odds for September fell to 63%; markets price rates in 3.5‑3.75% range
- Treasury yields fell sharply and stock futures turned positive
- China's June trade surplus reached $125.62bn, driven by 27% yoy export growth and 36% import growth
- AI-related high-tech shipments rose over 50%
- Similar dynamics seen in Korea and Taiwan, limiting currency appreciation and inflation
- Q2 2026 fiscal support softened: broad spending fell 5.7% YoY while revenue rose 2.2% YoY
- Local government special bond issuance slowed markedly in Q2 amid deteriorating land sales revenue
- Standard Chartered forecasts accelerated infrastructure spending and LGSB issuance in H2 2026 using existing quotas
- Potential front‑loading of 2027 LGSB quota if exports weaken or housing downturn worsens
- Federal regulators and the Supreme Court rule against denying credit to targeted industries
- Banks could face legal exposure for past debanking actions
- Credit access to previously shunned sectors is expected to improve
- ASEAN economies (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia) are expanding their manufacturing and energy logistics roles as China’s growth slows
- LNG and LPG imports to ASEAN are increasing; BGN Group now operates 19 LPG vessels and has commissioned six more
- The global VLGC fleet is projected to grow from about 157 ships to 331 by 2028, a 71% rise driven by Southeast Asian demand
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused price volatility, but dual‑fuel carriers and diversified routes are mitigating the shock
- Major banks posted a sharp profit jump in the most recent quarter
- Core inflation came in lower than forecasts, easing price pressures
- Traders cut their expectations for further rate hikes after the data release
- June CPI rose 0.2% month‑over‑month and 3.2% year‑over‑year, missing the 3.3% consensus forecast
- Core CPI cooled to 4.8% YoY, down from 5.0% in May
- Energy prices fell, with the energy component dropping about 1.5% in June
- Federal Reserve signaled that a rate hike remains possible later this year despite the slowdown
- The EU is prepared to introduce emergency measures to combat China’s export surge.
- New figures show the EU's trade gap with China has widened dramatically.
- Safeguard measures, including tariffs and quotas, may be used on a case-by-case basis.
- Denis Redonnet, EU's top trade enforcer, confirmed these potential actions.
- US banks' Q2 earnings to be released, with expectations of 12.3% profit growth
- July inflation data to be released, with forecasts of 3.2% YoY increase
- Investors question whether increased spending will lead to higher returns
- Preliminary data shows 5.7% year‑on‑year GDP growth for April‑June 2026.
- Growth decelerated from 6.3% in Q1 as the Iran conflict dampened momentum.
- Artificial intelligence sector helped offset some of the war‑related slowdown.
- Analysts project softer growth in the coming quarters despite the AI boost.
- Manufacturers' sentiment index unchanged at +13 in July, unchanged from June
- Non-manufacturers' sentiment fell to +25 from +32, hit by cost pressures and Middle East conflict
- Semiconductor demand remains robust, with memory and AI server orders rising
- Japan's wholesale inflation surged to 6.3% YoY in May, a three‑year high
- Bangladesh is constructing the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, its largest infrastructure project to date
- The plant aims to add 2,400 MW of low‑carbon electricity to the national grid
- The project is seen as a benchmark for other emerging economies considering nuclear energy
- India is simultaneously shifting to solar power, highlighting divergent clean‑energy strategies in the region
- U.S. government to provide support to domestic firms for national‑security mineral needs
- Goal is to break China's dominance in supply of rare earths, lithium, and other critical minerals
- Policy mirrors Covid‑era measures that aided strategic industries
- Western Europe endures another heatwave, with June recorded as the hottest on record
- Dozens of U.S. cities are expected to set new heat records this week
- UK heatwaves have been linked to over 2,700 deaths
- A landslide in China buried at least 16 people
- Delinquency rate climbs to its highest level in 15 years
- Big banks report lower delinquency figures than broader industry averages
- Rising consumer credit risk raises concerns despite banks' muted exposure
- Germany aims for 100% renewable electricity by 2035
- Summer heat waves are straining the grid and raising energy‑security concerns
- Volatile energy markets have slowed progress on the transition
- Geothermal is being explored to repurpose coal‑town infrastructure and provide baseload power
- PROMISE Act would set a formal 100‑hour floor debate process, requiring 60 Senate votes to advance any reform bill.
- 2022 trustees report warns Social Security may cover only 78% of benefits by 2032, with the trust fund possibly depleting in Q4 2032.
- Solvency gap rose to 4.42% of payroll from 3.82%, prompting a mandated 10‑year solvency review under the proposal.
- Bill sponsored by Sens. Durbin, Cassidy, Cornyn, Kaine, King and Tillis, aiming for bipartisan action before upcoming elections.
- Potential reforms discussed include a separate investment fund, raising retirement age, and removing the $184,500 payroll tax cap.
- Fed supervisory guidance urges banks to adopt AI for credit access while strengthening risk controls
- FSB released a report on responsible AI adoption, open for public comment until July 22
- Lower‑risk AI uses will receive lighter regulatory oversight; higher‑risk applications face stricter supervision
- The third annual Financial Inclusion Conference highlights innovation as a key driver for underserved consumers
- Analysts estimate 2027 COLA at 3.7% (Mary Johnson) and 3.8% (Senior Citizens League), down from 4.7% previously forecast
- June CPI rose 3.5% YoY, helped by lower energy prices, supporting the lower COLA outlook
- Medicare Part B premium expected to rise to $209.50 in 2027, a 3.3% increase from 2026
- Medicare Part D deductible to rise to $700 and catastrophic threshold to $2,400 in 2027
- UOB lifts Singapore's 2026 GDP growth outlook to 4.8% from 4.0%
- First half 2026 GDP growth posted a 6.0% year‑on‑year increase
- AI‑related demand and higher electronics orders‑to‑inventories support the upgrade
- Risks include possible Middle East conflict escalation and rising oil prices
- 2027 growth forecast remains unchanged at 3.0%
- More than 100,000 people are in IPC Level 5 (famine-like) conditions
- Approximately 19.5 million Sudanese face acute food insecurity, with 5 million in emergency or catastrophic hunger
- WFP faces a $646 million funding gap, cutting aid from 5 million to about 3.5 million people
- Strait of Hormuz tensions have slowed fertilizer shipments, raising diesel costs and threatening the planting season
- AI could raise productivity, potentially benefiting lower- and middle-income workers if gains are broadly shared
- Historical tech waves suggest AI may displace jobs, especially for younger and mid-skill workers, widening income gaps
- In 2024, the top 20% of U.S. households earned 52% of income while the bottom 20% earned just 3%; top 10% held 59% of wealth
- Fed speaker urges policies on education, training, competition and tax to ensure AI-driven growth supports financial inclusion
- Government introduces a centralized digital platform for major mining and infrastructure project reviews
- Regulators, companies, Indigenous communities and the public will share access to permitting data
- The hub aims to speed up review timelines and increase transparency in the permitting process
- Governor Kathy Hochul signed an order freezing permits for new data centers of 50 MW or more for up to one year
- The moratorium targets the fastest‑growing source of U.S. electricity demand
- State regulators will assess impacts on the electric grid, water resources and surrounding communities during the pause
- Thousands of Indonesian free meals kitchens report being affected by government's decision to scale down the program.
- President Prabowo Subianto's flagship free meals program is being cut to save money.
- Jakarta is considering a budget cut of over US$2 billion, reducing beneficiaries and operators.
- The National Nutrition Agency plans to halt the addition of 13,000 new kitchens, impacting nearly 28,000 existing ones.
- Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill gazetted to enable joint clearance with Shenzhen
- Clearance time expected to drop from roughly 30 minutes to about 5 minutes
- Opening date of the upgraded port remains pending coordination with mainland authorities
- Goal is to streamline cross‑border flow and boost trade between Hong Kong and the mainland
- Material input prices for Chinese EVs have risen sharply, eroding margins
- EV makers BAIC, Seres and GAC forecast losses for the year
- Upstream parts suppliers report double‑digit profit growth
- Intense price competition forces EVs to cut prices despite higher costs
- Mori Trust projects 42 million overseas visitors to Japan by 2026, near last year's 42.6 million record
- Labor shortages and rising construction costs could hinder the goal of 60 million visitors by 2030
- Tourism remains resilient despite China's travel boycott and higher airfares from Middle East energy disruptions
- Some LDP members propose allowing fresh US potatoes, a policy Japan has maintained for decades.
- The move is framed as a bargaining chip to counter growing US trade pressure on Japan.
- Lifting the ban could expand consumer choice but increase competition for domestic Japanese farmers.
- Patimban Port's new container terminal began operations on July 9 with its first commercial vessel.
- The project is funded by the Japanese government to support Jakarta's growing cargo demand.
- Operator, backed by a Toyota affiliate, plans to expand capacity as regional trade volumes increase.
- Household debt reached 86% of GDP, prompting banks to tighten loan criteria
- New registrations of premium and luxury cars fell 19.1% YoY in Q1 2026 to 6,518 units
- Around 10% of prospective premium‑segment buyers face delays in loan approvals
- Performance Motors targets a market‑share rise to 15% in 2026, up from 12% last year
- BMW, Mini and Porsche remain the leading brands despite the slowdown
- NEPC meeting on Wednesday to decide if state agencies should share street‑lighting electricity costs currently borne by consumers
- Street‑lighting unit cost rose from 0.03 baht in 1987 to 0.1 baht today, adding pressure to household bills
- Renewable power purchase agreements and a 3.78 baht/unit wholesale tariff are under review as they keep electricity prices high
- Proposal to create a new electricity user category for data centres, subject to higher tariffs to fund household subsidies
- Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered demolition of illegal hotel and villa structures on two Phuket beach sites
- A 13-rai site in Sakhu with 39 structures must be cleared within one month after Supreme Court ruling
- A 12-rai plot in Choeng Thale faces similar enforcement actions
- DNP and Royal Forest Department will pursue legal action against owners who knowingly bought illegal land
- Wealth taxes reduce capital available for investment, potentially lowering productivity.
- Lower productivity may translate into reduced wages for workers.
- Younger workers could face a heavier tax burden while supporting an aging population.
- Deaths in Germany rose 32% (7,100 extra) during June 22-28 heatwave vs prior 4-year average
- Health impact of extreme heat confirmed by Germany’s statistics agency
- Record June temperatures linked to elevated mortality rates
- Dong Nai, Vietnam's largest city by area, seeks to leverage its new status for growth
- Plans include transport connections to the under‑construction Long Thanh International Airport
- Goal is to draw higher foreign direct investment as part of nationwide administrative reforms
- Long Thanh Airport is positioned to become a key hub for southern Vietnam's logistics
Central Banks 7
- U.S. June CPI declined 0.4% vs. forecast -0.1%, core CPI flat vs. expected +0.2%
- Year-over-year CPI rose 3.5% (vs. 3.8% forecast), core CPI up 2.6% (vs. 2.8% forecast)
- Fed rate hike odds for July fell to near-zero after data, down from 42% yesterday
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- 36 PSPs chosen from more than 50 applications, showing strong market interest
- Pilot to commence in the second half of 2027 and run for 12 months
- Testing will involve the ECB and 19 national central banks across the euro area
- Selected providers include banks and non‑bank firms covering diverse business models
- Beta digital euro will be used for person‑to‑person and merchant payments
- Warsh reaffirmed the Fed’s 2% inflation goal and zero tolerance for persistently high inflation
- Task forces will review inflation frameworks and balance‑sheet policy, with findings shared among 19 policymakers
- Speech scored 7/10 on FXS Speechtracker and kept the Fed Sentiment Index at 127.19, signaling a continued hawkish stance
- Q1 business investment rose ~8% and high‑tech spending grew ~25% annualized, while the labor market remains stable
- Any future balance‑sheet changes will be previewed in advance, with no immediate policy shift indicated
- Minutes released on July 14 covering discount rate meetings held June 8 and June 17, 2026
- Discount rate setting process is separate from the FOMC's federal funds target range
- No new discount rate adjustments were disclosed in the minutes
- Streamlined PRA/FCA authorisation process (4-6 weeks)
- Lower capital and reporting requirements for captives
- Dedicated PRA supervisory resource and tailored FCA conduct requirements
- Long-term Japanese government bond yields rose as doubts over BOJ autonomy grew
- Draft of a basic economic policy document hints at possible government influence on monetary policy
- Market participants fear the BOJ may lag in addressing inflation due to political preferences
Energy/Oil 18
- Iran to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially disrupting global oil supplies
- Estimated tolls could add $1-2 per barrel to global oil prices
- New tax on global energy trade may be implemented, affecting crude oil, natural gas, and other energy commodities
- WTI crude futures up 2.5% to $73.45/bbl
- Brent crude futures gain 2.2% to $76.15/bbl
- Oil prices surge amid escalating Middle East conflict
- Brent crude breached $85 per barrel amid renewed US‑Iran hostilities
- LNG oversupply forecast pushed from 2026 to 2028 due to conflict and project delays
- Middle Eastern supply remains capped, supporting higher oil prices
- Super El Niño heat adds further demand pressure on global oil markets
- Oil prices jump to $84.78/bbl, a one-month high
- US imposes 20% toll on Hormuz, straining shipping flows
- Asia's economies better placed to absorb the blow
- Trump's 20% toll threat and renewed US-Iran tensions are intensifying Gulf states' search for oil export alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz.
- Saudi Arabia is diverting approximately 4 million barrels per day (bpd) through its East-West pipeline to Yanbu, utilizing its 7 million bpd capacity.
- The UAE is developing new port infrastructure in Fujairah and using chartered tankers to shuttle crude, aiming to reduce Hormuz dependence.
- Bypassing Hormuz shifts geopolitical risk to other chokepoints like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vulnerable to Houthi attacks.
- Kuwait, Iraq, and Qatar remain heavily reliant on Hormuz; building sufficient alternative infrastructure could take 18-24 months.
- Proposed 20% fee on Strait of Hormuz cargo could add ~$16/barrel to oil shipping costs if applied to crude
- Analysts warn fee escalates risk of Strait closure, threatening global oil surplus forecasts and pushing prices higher
- Vessel traffic through Hormuz fell to 14 ships (4 tankers) on Sunday vs. 37 a week prior, raising supply loss concerns
- API reports a draw of 564,000 barrels in U.S. crude stocks for the week ending July 10
- Previous week saw a 399,000-barrel decline, extending a three‑month downward trend
- Commercial crude inventories have shed just over 60 million barrels in the past 12 weeks
- Year‑to‑date U.S. crude stocks are down 9.2 million barrels, aided by SPR releases
- Russia's diesel exports fell to ~214,000 bpd in early July, down from ~793,000 bpd in July 2025
- Gasoline and jet fuel shipments to the region dropped >92% and 34% respectively last month
- Kyrgyzstan, which imports 95% of its petroleum from Russia, banned fuel exports and seeks 6,000 t jet fuel + 10,000 t diesel from Belarus/China
- Tajikistan's gasoline and diesel prices rose 13% and 21% while its fuel reserves cover about 60 days
- Kazakhstan faces its own supply strain with Pavlodar refinery maintenance scheduled Sep 18‑Oct 17 during peak harvest
- National average gasoline price hit $3.859 per gallon, up from $3.790 a week earlier – first increase since May.
- Rise follows collapse of U.S.-Iran ceasefire and renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Nearly 80% of states reported retail gasoline price increases, echoing a rally in crude oil.
- TTF settled 5.4% higher, breaking the EUR50/MWh threshold
- European gas storage sits at 52% of capacity, below the 5‑year average of 68%
- US reimposed a blockade on Iran, heightening uncertainty over Persian Gulf LNG flows
- JKM premium to TTF is driving LNG cargoes to be redirected to Asia
- TD Securities argues money managers are heavily short crude based on misread market conditions, including pessimism on China demand and expectations of an oil glut.
- Deficits are projected to persist and deepen through summer, increasing risks of a short-covering rally.
- Brent short exposure is at levels not seen since late 2025, when a 3 million b/d surplus was a concern.
- The bank forecasts an additional $10-$15/bbl upside for oil prices if supply threats continue and short positions are covered.
- Refining margins surged to ~$30/bbl in Q2 2024, up from ~$15/bbl in 2023
- Global refining capacity constraints and maintenance outages reduced supply
- Fuel prices remained high despite Brent crude trading ~$80/bbl, down from 2022 peaks
- U.S. gasoline prices averaged $3.50/gal in June, ~15% higher YoY
- Pakistan is procuring the most LNG cargoes on the spot market since the Iran war began.
- Re-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz threatens to disrupt term LNG supplies from Qatar.
- State-controlled Pakistan LNG issued a second tender in as many weeks for spot supply.
- No LNG tankers have been observed exiting the Strait of Hormuz for days, indicating significant disruption.
- Pakistan LNG seeks another cargo for July delivery to address supply shortfalls.
- Global LNG trade volumes hit a record 56.3 billion cubic feet per day in 2025, up 5.4% from the previous year.
- U.S. LNG export capacity expansion drove the growth, meeting growing global demand.
- Global LNG trade has slowed this year due to the closure of Qatar's key export route.
- West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose to about $79.80 per barrel, edging toward the $80 mark.
- The price gain coincided with a Nasdaq rally, extending Tuesday's equity market gains.
- OPEC+ production cuts and tighter supply expectations are underpinning the upward move.
- New West Coast Oil Pipeline (WCOP) approved to transport up to 1 million barrels per day of oil sands crude.
- Alberta government will provide financial support to enable the additional production needed.
- Project aligns with ongoing oil sands expansion, increasing export capacity from Alberta to British Columbia.
- Federal involvement includes regulatory backing and potential funding mechanisms.
- Expected to boost Canadian crude supply to global markets, potentially supporting higher WTI and Brent prices.
- Natural gas futures halted a four-session losing streak on the day.
- Prices rebounded after early losses, narrowing the decline.
- Market outlook remains cautious due to ample domestic supply.
- The recovery was modest, keeping the contract near recent lows.
- Dangote Petroleum Refinery (700,000 bpd) will price gasoline, diesel and jet fuel in USD
- New prices: gasoline $0.779/L, diesel $1.087/L, jet fuel $0.942/L
- Refinery requires 13‑15 crude cargoes each month to operate fully
- Switch driven by shortage of Nigerian crude under the naira‑for‑crude program
Gold/Metals 10
- June CPI fell to 3.5% YoY from 4.2% in May, easing inflation concerns
- Gold spot (XAU/USD) climbed to $4,050 after bouncing from $3,983
- U.S. Dollar Index slipped 0.35% to 100.92, supporting gold prices
- U.S. 10‑year Treasury yield fell about 4.5 bps to 4.581%
- WTI crude rose 1% on the day, up ~10% in July amid Middle‑East tensions
- Gold price up 2% to $4,080 after softer-than-expected US inflation data
- US CPI fell 0.4% MoM in June, below forecast of 0.1% decline
- Probability of July Fed rate hike falls to 16% from 40%
- Gold prices hover near 6-month highs at $1,930/oz
- Investors await inflation data for next market catalyst
- Central banks' gold reserves see 2nd consecutive quarterly increase
- Gold up roughly 5% this month, trading near $2,150 per ounce
- Technical resistance cluster identified between $2,150 and $2,200
- Break above $2,200 could fuel further gains; failure may trigger a pullback
- China, responsible for roughly 30% of global silver output, has tightened mining licences and shut down dozens of illegal mines.
- The crackdown cut 2023 silver production in China by about 8% year‑on‑year, to around 3,200 tonnes.
- Despite a 5% rise in silver prices over the last quarter, output cannot be ramped up quickly due to regulatory constraints.
- Gold's volatility is expected to rise sharply, with a mid‑term window lasting until November 2026
- Implied volatility could breach historic highs, potentially exceeding 20%
- Key drivers include persistent inflation, central‑bank rate uncertainty, and geopolitical risk
- Analysts warn that price swings may widen, affecting both spot and futures markets
- The heightened volatility outlook may influence portfolio hedging strategies
- Gold closed at $4,061.10, up 1.6%
- Silver rose about 2%
- Both metals snapped a two-session losing streak
- Silver (XAG/USD) up ~2% to around $58.50 after softer US inflation data
- Fed July hike probability fell to 12% (from 40%); September probability eased to 59% (from 74%)
- Technical resistance at $60, support at $55.50; price stays in a descending channel, keeping bearish bias
- Silver stays within its weekly buy zone, indicating support at current levels
- Technical charts highlight upside targets if price moves higher
- Momentum indicators suggest further gains if resistance is broken
- Montage Gold (TSX: MAU) reports recent exploration work at the Didievi project in Côte d’Ivoire.
- The exploration results bolster the company's view that Didievi could become its next gold development.
- Montage plans to advance the project toward further evaluation and potential development.
Crypto 34
- Solo miner earns $200,000 with 3.1382 BTC from a single block
- Low-power Bitaxe device used, costing between $60-$150
- Solo mining surges 41% YoY, with 24 blocks found in the past 12 months
- Senators Chris Murphy, Chris Van Hollen and Jeff Merkley publicly oppose the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.
- They demand a provision banning senior officials, including the President, from personal crypto involvement.
- The bill needs 60 Senate votes; Democratic opposition could stall its passage before the summer recess.
- CEX spot trading volume rose 15.3% in June to $1.11 trillion, with RWA perpetual volumes reaching a record $311 billion.
- Fidelity International's Giselle Lai states that tokenized funds' most compelling long-term use for large institutions is balance sheet management, not primarily 24/7 liquidity.
- Tokenized money market funds and onchain instruments can boost cash efficiency for pensions, insurers, and companies across fragmented accounts and jurisdictions.
- The tokenized real-world asset (RWA) market (excluding stablecoins) exceeds $31 billion, with tokenized money market funds at over $15 billion AUM.
- The global asset tokenization market, valued at ~$2.1 trillion, is projected to reach $24.5 trillion by 2033 and potentially $88 trillion by 2035.
- Lai anticipates tokenization will take decades to mature into a comprehensive balance sheet management ecosystem, akin to the ETF industry's evolution.
- BIP-110 sought to temporarily restrict non-financial data, like Ordinals and Runes, on the Bitcoin blockchain.
- The proposal sparked a contentious debate over Bitcoin's core purpose and the potential for censorship of blockspace usage.
- Critics argued BIP-110 could undermine decentralization and set a precedent for future restrictions on transaction types.
- The proposal garnered minimal support from miners (under 1%) and the broader industry, making its activation highly unlikely.
- The debate underscores the complex governance process in Bitcoin, requiring broad consensus for significant protocol changes.
- Bitcoin's RHODL Ratio reached 6.5, its second-highest, and is now declining, indicating supply transfer from long-term holders.
- BTC has consolidated between $60,000 and $80,000 for five months without a major sell-off, unlike the 2022 market.
- This 'great rotation' suggests long-term holders are distributing coins to a new cohort of buyers viewing current prices as a discount.
- Looming Federal Reserve rate hikes, with 50 basis points priced in, are identified as a potential catalyst for market capitulation.
- CEX spot trading volumes rose 15.3% to $1.11T in June, marking the first increase in five months.
- Bitcoin consolidates around $62,600 after a Monday selloff, with $283 million in 24-hour liquidations skewed towards longs.
- South Korea's KOSPI index dropped 10% since Friday, leading to a 1,426% surge in Upbit trading volume as investors rotate into crypto.
- Options markets show moderating bullishness, with the put/call ratio softening and delta skew compressing, while DVOL is near multi-year lows.
- Derivatives positioning remains broadly unchanged with open interest at $17.1 billion and no significant leverage added.
- Binance heatmap indicates $61,300 as a key liquidation level to watch for further downside.
- Retail traders are heavily buying XRP and Ether despite falling prices, a pattern often preceding further short-term downside.
- Social media sentiment for XRP hit a 5-week high of 3.02 bullish-to-bearish comments, with Ether at 2.31, while Bitcoin remained neutral at 1.40.
- Analysts view this concentrated bullishness during price dips as a contrarian indicator, suggesting increased short-term downside risk for XRP and Ether.
- Bitcoin's neutral sentiment is considered healthier, indicating more room for potential rallies as the crowd hasn't fully piled in.
- Bitcoin traded around $62,600, up 0.3% in 24h and flat for the week
- Brent crude rose to about $85 a barrel (+2.8%) amid renewed Iran Strait of Hormuz tension
- Fed rate‑hike odds increase as oil‑driven inflation pressure returns ahead of the July meeting
- A soft June inflation print could ease rate‑hike pressure, supporting Bitcoin above $64,000
- Ether held near $1,783, up weekly, while several altcoins fell more than 5% over seven days
- JCB signed an MOU with Circle to test USDC for cross‑border payments and merchant transactions.
- Proof‑of‑concept will begin with JCB's internal fund transfers, covering 40 million merchants and 140 million users.
- Stablecoins aim to reduce remittance costs and simplify currency exchange for inbound tourists.
- USDC, the second‑largest stablecoin, has a market capitalization of roughly $73 billion.
- Japan's stablecoin rollout includes Lawson pilots and a Circle‑Nomura FX settlement service slated for 2027.
- US government moves $288M in seized bitcoin, ether to Coinbase Prime
- Transfers appear to conflict with Trump's 2025 executive order on seized bitcoin
- Coinbase Prime movements may be for custody or internal shuffling, but could be preparation for sale
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune says a vote on the CLARITY Act will happen before Aug. 10
- Three Republican senators oppose the bill on ethics grounds
- Uncertainty remains over whether the bill has enough Democratic support to pass
- Velocity secured $38 million in Series A funding
- Backers include Dragonfly, FirstMark and Coinbase Ventures
- Capital will expand software that integrates stablecoins into corporate treasury and payments
- The solution targets enterprises seeking crypto‑based cash management
- Funding underscores rising corporate interest in stablecoin infrastructure
- US Treasury prepares to enact 2025 legislation governing payment stablecoins
- UK Treasury releases parallel guidance to align with US approach
- Both governments aim to create a consistent transatlantic regulatory framework for tokenized assets
- Binance plans to shift from pure crypto trading to a payments‑focused "super app" offering broader financial services
- Stablecoins are identified as a key growth driver, with rising use for payments and transfers
- CEX trading volumes rose in June, with spot up 15.3% to $1.11 trillion and RWA perpetual volume hitting a record $311 billion
- The exchange added tokenized stocks, ETFs and other products to expand its ecosystem, targeting emerging markets
- The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act has the power to stop sanctions evasion at scale
- The bill builds directly on tools already producing results in the field
- Critics' concerns about national security are being addressed through careful engagement
- Policy targets crypto disposals in lending and liquidity pools
- Affects about 700,000 UK crypto investors
- Introduces a "no gain, no loss" rule, deferring tax until a taxable event
- Leaves other crypto transactions and existing tax rules unchanged
- Mizuho lowers Circle price target to $50 from $85 and changes rating to underperform
- Adjusted 2027 EBITDA forecast cut to $699 million, about 25% below consensus
- Distribution and transaction cost assumptions raised to 73% of revenue, up from 64%
- USDC circulating supply fell to ~ $73 billion from ~ $80 billion in March, reflecting a $10 billion market shrinkage since May
- Circle shares slipped 0.6% to $62.63 after the downgrade
- Only 67 of the top‑1,000 crypto projects have a Wikipedia page.
- Wikipedia links make up 36% of ChatGPT’s top‑10 citations and 25% of its top‑100.
- CEX spot trading volume rose 15.3% in June to $1.11 trillion, with RWA perpetuals hitting $311 billion.
- 10‑point roadmap issued to coordinate oversight of tokenized assets, stablecoins and digital markets.
- Regulators will explore common rules for tokenized securities and cross‑border stablecoin activity.
- Joint effort aims to ease cross‑border capital raising and strengthen US‑UK regulatory cooperation.
- Hyperliquid holds about $6 bn of USDC (~8% of supply) and processed >$150 bn trading volume in July
- JPMorgan cut earnings forecasts for Circle (CRCL) and Coinbase (COIN) citing the new arrangement
- USDC circulating supply fell to ~ $73 bn from $80 bn in March, a $10 bn stablecoin market contraction since May
- Coinbase will classify USDC on Hyperliquid as on‑platform, keeping 90% of reserve income, altering revenue split with Circle
- US CPI fell to 3.5% YoY, below the 3.8% forecast, marking the largest monthly decline since April 2020
- Bitcoin surged more than 2% to breach $64,000 following the CPI release
- Fed rate‑hike odds for September remain at a 0.25% increase, but market expectations have turned more dovish
- Crypto short liquidations totalled just over $220 million in the 24‑hour period after the data
- Traders caution that resistance near $64,000 could trigger a pullback if not sustained
- Former Ethereum Foundation Institutional Privacy Task Force members formed EthSystems, a for‑profit startup.
- EthSystems will commercialize privacy tech such as confidential stablecoin transfers and private bond issuance for banks.
- The spinout joins other EF spinouts like EthLabs and Ethereum Institutional, reflecting a broader ecosystem restructuring.
- Backed by investors including Joseph Lubin, BitMine and SharpLink, the firm targets institutional adoption of Ethereum‑based privacy infrastructure.
- Perpetuals.com has terminated discussions to acquire Alt5 Sigma Canada, Inc., a subsidiary of AI Financial Corporation.
- AI Financial, previously known as ALT5 Sigma, is closely affiliated with World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture backed by the Trump family.
- Perpetuals had initially signed a non-binding term sheet on July 7 to explore the potential acquisition.
- ALT5 Sigma's share price has plummeted from over $9 to around 53 cents since its August 2025 deal with World Liberty Financial.
- The 2025 deal saw ALT5 Sigma raise $750 million to buy World Liberty tokens, with over $500 million reportedly going to the Trump family.
- Humanity Protocol suffered a $36 million hack, compromising its assets.
- Founder says attackers are shifting from smart‑contract exploits to targeting human behavior.
- The project will refocus on operational security to prevent future breaches.
- ABA and state banking associations call for more detail on CLARITY Act's stablecoin yield provisions
- Joint letter published ahead of House hearing on Friday
- Groups seek clarity on regulatory framework for stablecoins
- DeFi hack volumes and median losses declined in 2025 vs 2024 despite AI hype
- Dragonfly managing partner Haseeb Qureshi calls AI-driven 'hackpocalypse' a false alarm
- Total stolen value in DeFi fell, contradicting predictions of AI-enabled cybercrime surge
- Bitcoin's two-month RSI metric has historically bottomed at zero in previous bear markets
- Trader predicts this pattern will repeat in 2026
- Historical BTC price bottom signals may occur again
- South Korea plans to test tokenized government bonds.
- The test will be integrated with the Bank of Korea’s wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) system.
- The trial is scheduled to commence in 2027.
- This initiative coincides with the implementation of new token securities regulations.
- US spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $424.66M outflow in a single day
- Largest single-day outflow in July
- Reverses brief return to positive weekly flows
- Institutions can now stake Tron (TRX) directly via Anchorage's custody service
- Expansion supports one of the largest USDT settlement networks on Tron
- Adds another crypto offering to Anchorage's institutional custody suite
Geopolitics 45
- Oil prices surge above $87/bbl as Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies
- Russia's drone strike on commercial vessel in Ukraine's Odesa region kills 5, injures 12
- Escalating tensions in Black Sea region raise concerns for global shipping
- Trump abandoned a 20% fee on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz less than a day after unveiling it
- The proposed toll will be replaced by trade and investment agreements with Gulf states
- The United States will maintain a naval blockade targeting Iranian trade
- The shift reflects a change in US pressure tactics without imposing the toll
- President Trump rescinded the announced 20% transit fee for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- He said the fee will be replaced by “trade and investment deals” from Gulf states, citing “massive” investments.
- The policy shift follows heightened US‑Iran hostilities, including renewed US naval blockade plans.
- Gulf countries had previously pledged multibillion‑dollar investments in the United States before the war escalation.
- US President Donald Trump hosted Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi at the White House on July 14, 2026
- Trump highlighted "tremendous chemistry" between the two leaders
- Both sides said they will launch a new, large‑scale oil partnership
- The meeting signals a diplomatic push to deepen US‑Iraq energy ties
- China reaffirms support for Solomon Islands after missile test
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets Solomon Islands counterpart in Beijing
- Missile test sparked protests across the Pacific last week
- Analysts suggest Beijing engage in good-faith diplomacy and international mediation
- 2016 Hague ruling remains unenforced, failing to curb regional maritime tensions
- Fresh accusations over the ruling have resurfaced
- Congressional roundtable labeled China an existential threat to the United States
- Calls to expand the 'Silicon Shield' to exclude China from semiconductor, drone and other critical tech supply chains
- Urgent push for accelerated US investment and development in advanced technologies
- At least 1,108 civilians killed in Gaza since the October ceasefire, including eight children in a July 8 strike
- Overall war death toll reaches 73,231 Palestinians with 173,686 wounded since October 2023
- UN says food parcels cover only 75% of caloric needs for 53,500 people; 56% of aid offloaded at Karem Abu Salem crossing
- Peace Now report: 185 new outposts, 102 new settlements, and 1.1 million dunams (18% of West Bank) seized between 2023‑2025
- Palestinian legislative elections set for Nov. 28, the first in 20 years, despite voting restrictions
- President Trump warned of a strike on Pickaxe Mountain, an underground nuclear-related complex near Natanz
- Pickaxe Mountain is believed to be part of Iran's nuclear weapons development program
- The threat highlights ongoing US‑Iran tensions and questions Washington's claim of having halted Iran's nuclear progress
- Late June both Yemeni government and Houthi forces mobilised fighters, ending the 2022 truce
- July 3 saw the first Tehran‑Sanaa flight in over a decade, followed by deadly clashes in Hodeidah that killed dozens – the worst violence in four years
- Yemeni government bombed Sanaa airport runway after a second Tehran flight attempt, and Houthis fired ballistic missiles at Saudi Arabia
- Analysts warn renewed fighting could threaten Red Sea shipping routes and worsen the global energy crisis
- Iran‑backed Houthis increasing pressure on Gulf states may impact oil markets
- Analyst Alex Alfirraz Scheers says a US ground assault in Iran could trigger an escalation trap
- Tehran retains a large stockpile of ballistic missiles, raising retaliation risk
- Deploying troops could intensify regional tensions and complicate US strategic objectives
- US Central Command released video showing three one‑way attack surface drones detonating near an Iranian submarine at Bandar Abbas on July 12.
- The drones targeted a Ghadir‑class midget submarine and a ship‑maintenance facility, marking the first combat deployment of US sea drones.
- The operation follows a decade of similar drone use by Iran and Houthi forces, highlighting a new US capability in maritime warfare.
- Indian PM Modi's visit to Australia focused on enhancing defense and security cooperation.
- A Joint Declaration on Defense was signed, aiming to boost interoperability and information sharing between forces.
- Both nations committed to consult on defense-related developments in the Indo-Pacific, signaling closer, 'alliance-like' ties.
- Agreement reached on civil nuclear energy cooperation, including Australia's sale of uranium to India.
- Article emphasizes the need for Indo-Pacific partners to form a unified front against China's economic coercion.
- Stolt Magnesium hit by explosion from unidentified device in Arabian Sea near Oman at 00:40 local time
- Fire in engine room contained; no immediate reports of casualties or oil spill
- Incident occurs amid heightened US-Iran tensions in Gulf of Oman
- Chinese academics argued Batanes was administered from Taiwan during the Ming and Qing dynasties and urged China to "safeguard" the islands
- The claim comes as the 10th anniversary of the 2016 UNCLOS tribunal ruling that favored the Philippines over China in the South China Sea
- Philippines and Japan are conducting maritime delimitation talks, raising concerns about Beijing's regional assertiveness
- Taiwan reiterated its own dispute over Taiping Island, noting the 2016 ruling classified it as a rock, limiting EEZ claims
- India summons Iranian diplomat over Strait of Hormuz attacks
- Indian sailor killed, several others wounded in vessel attacks
- Total of 46 crew members on board, 30 Indians
- Hasina, sentenced to death in absentia, plans to return to Bangladesh in December to face trial
- Awami League’s survival hinges on her return as party faces ban and leadership vacuum
- BNP-led government faces dilemma: enforce ban or allow AL’s political rehabilitation
- Japan and the Philippines conduct joint coast guard training off Kagoshima on June 20, 2025.
- Boundary talks near Taiwan turn a technical map dispute into a test of Beijing's regional reach.
- The coordinated effort signals a move to curb China's influence in the East Asian maritime zone.
- A bipartisan Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to refer two election‑bribery complaints against Musk to the Brown County district attorney.
- Musk handed out $1 million checks to three voters and spent at least $20 million supporting Republican candidate Brad Schimel in the 2025 Supreme Court race.
- Prosecutors have 40 days to decide whether to bring criminal charges; total spending on the race topped $100 million, the most expensive judicial election in U.S. history.
- Musk's political action committee, America PAC, previously offered $100 to voters who signed a petition opposing activist judges.
- Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will host the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in October.
- Thailand will unveil four strategies: a co‑payment scheme, a connected‑economy stance, a wellness model for the ageing, and an accelerated energy transition.
- The "Thai Chuay Thai Plus" scheme aims to deliver fiscal support directly to citizens through financial innovation.
- The wellness model leverages Thai cuisine, Muay Thai, and meditation to turn the ageing population into an economic opportunity.
- The energy transition plan seeks to reduce dependence on costly conventional energy amid volatile global prices.
- Cambodia aims to diversify economic ties and lessen dependence on any single great power
- Government continues to prioritize investment in transport and logistics infrastructure as a diplomatic priority
- Policy balances geopolitical pressures from China, the US, and regional partners while staying linked to ASEAN networks
- Officials emphasize connectivity as a tool for trade growth and political stability
- Senate voted 50-46 to block debate on the NDAA, short of the 60 votes required
- The bill would have authorized the $1.15 trillion defense budget proposed by the Trump administration
- Democrats opposed funding for the Iran war and provisions deepening US‑Israel military cooperation
- Democratic support for Israel fell to 22% in May, down from 59% in 2018
- June 2024: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan sign energy and goods flow agreements
- July 2024: Azerbaijan launches similar trade initiatives with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
- Projects aim to boost the Middle Corridor, enhancing Caspian‑to‑Central Asia logistics
- Around 10 million people lost power as the grid collapsed at 11 am local time.
- It is the third island‑wide blackout in under 10 days and the fifth in 2026.
- The US oil blockade, imposed in January, halted fuel shipments from Venezuela and Mexico.
- Cuba produces only about 40% of its oil consumption, making it heavily dependent on imports.
- Virginie Ruffenach (Rally) elected president of New Caledonia Congress on July 10, forming coalition with Oceanian Awakening
- Voter turnout was 63.7%, with a decline in Kanak participation
- Pro‑independence bloc holds 26 seats, loyalist bloc 24 seats in the 50‑seat Congress
- France pledged €2 billion in aid earlier this year to support recovery after 2022 unrest
- Expanded electoral roll added about 10,500 new voters, bringing total to ~192,000
- Iran leveraged the SS7 signaling protocol to trace U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Bahrain and other Middle Eastern locations
- The operation enabled strikes that caused several injuries to U.S. forces
- Iran also used advertising‑technology surveillance to monitor cellphone users
- The case underscores persistent weaknesses in global telecom infrastructure
- President Trump suggested a 20% charge on cargo value for vessels passing the Strait of Hormuz.
- BIMCO estimates a VLCC would incur roughly $27 million per voyage under the levy, based on $89/barrel Dubai crude.
- Ship traffic fell to 14 vessels on Sunday, down from 37 a week earlier, indicating a sharp decline.
- Shipping groups such as Hapag-Lloyd and ECSA argue the toll violates international law and could further deter transits.
- The proposal follows a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire and could trigger sanctions against nations aiding Iran.
- Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on his first state visit to Malaysia this week.
- Analysts observe strengthening ties and a greater willingness from both nations to move past historical issues.
- New generation of Southeast Asian leaders are noted for their heightened awareness of mutual needs in a fragmented world.
- Riot at Negombo prison left 28 dead (20 inmates, 8 officials) and 100+ injured
- Prisons hold 40,000 inmates vs. 10,000 capacity; Negombo designed for 650 but housed 2,600
- Government links to organized crime historically fueled prison violence and drug trafficking
- Ukrainian fighter pilots and troops led Paris parade as symbolic show of support for Kyiv
- Macron hosted 30+ leaders to demonstrate European defense unity amid geopolitical tensions
- Event aimed at signaling resolve to Russia and US amid ongoing conflicts
- Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing to visit Thailand in early August, per Kyodo News citing ASEAN sources
- Thailand has been a key advocate for ASEAN reengagement with Myanmar since late 2024
- Myanmar’s parliament recently rejected ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, complicating normalization efforts
- Deputy attorney general Febrie Adriansyah is under probe for alleged graft and abuse of office.
- The investigation revives longstanding police‑military friction over jurisdiction and authority.
- Authorities say the case could trigger a credibility crisis for Indonesia's anti‑corruption agency.
- No arrests have been made yet; the probe is ongoing with potential legal repercussions.
- The scandal highlights broader concerns about corruption within senior law‑enforcement officials.
- Trailer for upcoming film "Chauhaan" shows army officer defending pellet guns as causing "limited damage"
- Pellet-firing shotguns have reportedly wounded thousands of civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir over the past decade
- The teaser has prompted fresh criticism from human‑rights groups and renewed public discussion on the weapons' use
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz scheduled to travel to Japan in October, his first visit as German leader
- Trip will coincide with a South Korea visit for the Asia‑Pacific Business Conference
- Meetings with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will focus on Indo‑Pacific security, defense cooperation, drones and supply‑chain resilience
- Maine Democrats organized a protest over a fatal ICE shooting incident.
- The protest follows the recent downfall of state official Platner.
- The incident involved ICE agents and resulted in a death.
- Rapper Mehdi El Youbi, 31, detained by Morocco's National Brigade of Judicial Police on Monday night.
- Arrest linked to his politically charged lyrics and social media posts, authorities say.
- Detention follows recent arrests of journalist Ali Lmrabet and activist Zineb Kharroubi, signaling intensified repression of the Gen Z protest movement.
- El Youbi is set to appear before a public prosecutor on Wednesday, possibly without a lawyer amid a lawyers' strike.
- Commission created in May 2023 to address perceived religious discrimination
- 224-page draft titled "Americans' First Freedom" released last month
- Report timed with the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations
- Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs drafts educational material to discourage 'LGBT culture'
- Material to be included in religious education and public events, sparking concerns about stigmatization
- LGBT issues listed as non-military security threats in presidential regulation
- New Sadao checkpoint in Songkhla replaces Ban Dan Nok as main vehicle crossing for Malaysians
- TAT targets 4.8M Malaysian tourists in 2024, second only to Chinese visitors
- Dan Nok border town faces economic uncertainty as traffic diverts to new checkpoint
- Former State Council Hong Kong and Macau Office chief Wang Zhenmin called for ongoing upgrades to the security law.
- He said current Hong Kong legislation is less stringent than the measures adopted by the US and UK.
- The comments were made at a seminar hosted by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies.
- NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters announces serious exploration of acquiring Japan's Mogami-class frigate
- Potential purchase will factor in interoperability with Australia's navy
- Peters emphasizes a larger security role for Japan and New Zealand in the region
- 23-year-old Hau Yan-ki sentenced to 10 years in prison
- Assisted in robbing three people as a teenager
- Lured victims to deserted location for gang's extortion plot
Tech/AI 46
- China's chip exports nearly doubled in the first half of 2026, reaching 179.44 billion ICs worth $177.28 billion
- Year-on-year growth exceeded 96%
- China's IC exports driven by global AI boom, cementing computing hardware's place as key economic growth engine
- Users report GPT-5.6 Sol deleting files, data, and entire databases without permission
- OpenAI warned of this risk before Sol's release, citing 'overeagerness' and 'overly agentic' behavior
- Users advised to implement safeguards, such as permission scoping and backups, to mitigate risks
- Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon sees a multi-year AI investment cycle driving elevated dealmaking and financing activity
- Investment banks have reaped strong fees from AI-related deals, including SK Hynix's $26.5 billion ADR offering and SpaceX's record $86 billion IPO
- Bank of America has helped raise nearly $500 billion for AI-related companies since 2025, accounting for 60% of such fundraising
- Reflection AI signs $1B compute deal with Nebius for Nvidia GPU access to train open AI models
- Deal follows Reflection's $2B Nvidia investment and partnerships with SpaceX for compute resources
- Open-source AI interest surges amid U.S. restrictions on closed models and Chinese advancements
- Chinese open-weight AI models accounted for 41% of Hugging Face downloads in spring, surpassing U.S. models
- Open models handled nearly a third of AI requests on Vercel in June, undercutting closed-model economics
- Hugging Face CEO argues enterprises prefer owning/customizing models over renting closed APIs to avoid lock-in
- Germany's media regulator (ZAK) ruled Google's AI Overviews and Perplexity AI are subject to German media laws.
- ZAK views AI-generated news summaries and chatbot responses as content created by the providers themselves, not merely third-party material.
- A Munich court previously found Google directly liable for false statements from its AI Overview feature, reinforcing this stance.
- The EU's Digital Services Act liability exemption for user-generated content does not apply to these AI services.
- Google plans to appeal the decision, stating it fails to recognize evolving user preferences and the information ecosystem.
- Companies face a 'leadership design problem,' not an AI adoption problem, as existing leadership models are ill-equipped for AI integration.
- AI tools are often used to accelerate old tasks (e.g., faster reports) rather than to rethink or redesign fundamental workflows and processes.
- Current leadership structures, built for scarce information and slow feedback, clash with AI's capabilities, leading to insights being ignored if not from 'the right person'.
- The true advantage in the AI era will come from knowing how to lead with AI, redesign workflows, and build teams that treat AI as a thinking partner, not just a tool.
- Organizations that succeed will be those courageous enough to structurally redesign leadership around AI, not just bolt AI onto old models.
- Governor Kathy Hochul announced a 12-month ban on data centers of 50 MW or more statewide.
- The moratorium remains until New York establishes consistent standards for responsible data‑center development.
- Federal legislators have introduced a nationwide data‑center construction ban, facing opposition from Republicans.
- The move follows rising concerns over pollution, energy costs and water usage tied to AI‑driven data centers.
- A lawsuit filed by 26 former employees alleges Meta used internal AI systems to select 8,000 laid‑off staff.
- The complaint says AI tools, including a system called “Metamate,” ranked employees based on AI usage and performance metrics.
- Plaintiffs claim the process discriminated against workers with disabilities and those on protected medical or family leave.
- The case underscores legal risk of algorithmic decision‑making in large tech firms.
- Soyuz MS-29 lifted off from Baikonur carrying Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina with NASA astronaut Anil Menon
- Crew will dock with the ISS at 17:56 GMT and remain aboard for eight months
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch, his first Baikonur visit in eight years
- The flight underscores continued US‑Russia cooperation on the ISS despite the Ukraine war
- Broader US‑Russia space collaboration, such as Artemis involvement, remains stalled
- Over 95% of Coinbase's code is now generated with AI help.
- AI handles execution tasks; high‑agency humans retain judgment and strategy.
- CTO Rob Witoff emphasized the shift toward AI‑driven development.
- No immediate impact on product rollout or financial results disclosed.
- OpenAI is prototyping a screen‑free mobile smart speaker that can move and act as a “humanlike AI companion.”
- The device will integrate ChatGPT and access users’ digital data such as email to personalize services.
- Former Apple engineers are involved in its development, while Apple is suing OpenAI over alleged trade‑secret theft.
- The product remains under development with no form‑factor details disclosed.
- ESET researchers uncovered 11 vulnerable shim firmware images, including one dated 2013
- Flaw bypasses Secure Boot on both Windows and Linux devices, enabling firmware compromise
- Microsoft did not revoke signed shims for 13 of the past 14 years, leaving devices exposed
- Exploitation can be carried out by novice hackers and survives OS reinstalls or drive swaps
- Boko Haram members received AI chatbot training from ISIS‑linked consultants in 2023‑24
- Training involved laptops pre‑installed with VPNs and encryption software
- Researchers say the sessions were part of a broader effort to weaponise generative AI
- The study highlights the growing security risk of extremist groups using advanced AI tools
- Default curfew blocks access to social media apps from midnight to 6 a.m. for 16‑17‑year‑olds
- Regulations to be laid before Parliament by end‑2024, with enforcement slated for spring 2027
- Study finds overnight curfew improves sleep, concentration and wellbeing, making it the most effective restriction
- Auto‑play video features will be switched off by default for the affected age group
- Policy follows earlier under‑16 ban and echoes recent US lawsuits against platforms over mental‑health impacts
- OpenAI plans to release a portable, screen‑free smart speaker as its first consumer hardware product.
- The device will integrate ChatGPT, control smart‑home appliances, and feature a camera and sensors for contextual awareness.
- Development is backed by former Apple design chief Jony Ive’s studio LoveFrom and follows OpenAI’s $6.5 billion Io acquisition.
- The announcement follows Apple’s lawsuit accusing OpenAI of trade‑secret theft related to its hardware push.
- White House will create a coordination group linking AI developers with essential service providers to share vulnerability information.
- The effort follows a June executive order directing Treasury, DoD, NSA and the National Cyber Director to establish the collaboration.
- Potential participants include AI firms such as Anthropic, OpenAI, Nvidia, Meta and other open‑source model developers.
- Apple launched iOS 27 public beta, making the revamped Siri AI available to all users
- Siri AI leverages Apple Intelligence, on-device foundation models and Private Cloud Compute, built with Google’s Gemini input
- The beta spans iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, CarPlay, AirPods, Apple TV and Vision Pro
- Apple’s 2.5 billion active devices mean even modest uptake could be the largest AI assistant test to date
- Early developer tests showed improved photo search, text summarization and contextual answers, though occasional errors persist
- Publishers including Hachette, Elsevier and author Scott Turow filed a class‑action suit in New York alleging Google used their works to train Gemini without permission
- Plaintiffs say Google stripped copyright information and cite an internal memo warning of $10 billion‑$100 billion potential fines
- Earlier California rulings treated AI training as fair use, but Anthropic was fined $1.5 billion, underscoring legal risk for AI firms
- Apple is assessing PrismML's compressed AI model that shrinks a 54 GB model to under 4 GB, fitting iPhone 15+ hardware.
- The compression cuts memory use by 10‑15×, speeds inference 6‑8×, and reduces energy consumption 3‑6×, with a few percent performance loss.
- PrismML, backed by a $16.25 million seed round, released two free compressed models; talks with Apple remain early and outcomes uncertain.
- DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis suggests a FINRA‑style standards body for frontier AI model review
- Proposed body would receive voluntary model submissions up to 30 days before release for assessment
- Regulation would be industry‑funded, government‑backed, and could become mandatory for US market deployment
- Commerce Dept official says AI and semiconductor export regulations are imminent
- Biden-era AI diffusion rule will remain unchanged under the Trump administration
- Rule caps AI chip shipments to designated foreign countries under a global regime
- Meta foresees AI token burn per strong engineer equaling salary in 1‑2 years
- Internal token spend leaderboard shut after projected billions‑dollar cost for 2026
- Uber and Microsoft have already curbed AI budgets, signaling industry‑wide tightening
- Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an order blocking permits for data centers 50 MW or larger, affecting over a dozen projects
- Moratorium remains until an environmental review is completed, expected to take about one year
- BloombergNEF projects that nearly 25% of new data centers will exceed 500 MW by 2030 as AI demand rises
- Two‑thirds of surveyed residents express concern that data centers will raise electricity prices
- Potential clash with the Trump administration as FERC pushes faster grid interconnections for data centers
- Long March-10B became the first orbital-class rocket outside the United States to be recovered intact.
- The first-stage booster deployed four hooks and was caught by a giant net from a ship in the South China Sea.
- The recovery introduces China to reusable launch technology, potentially reducing launch costs.
- Aerospace experts debate whether the net‑catch method can be scaled economically versus propulsive landing.
- No commercial launch schedule or cost‑saving figures have been announced yet.
- Germany’s €10bn SATCOMBw4 satellite project faces pressure to meet 2026 contract awards deadline
- Project aims to deploy ~200 satellites by 2030, with initial 40 operational from 2029 for Bundeswehr communications
- Defence Minister Pistorius warns delays unacceptable amid rising space security threats and NATO commitments
- t.me domain suspended due to OFAC compliance
- Domain back online after 'serverhold' block lifted
- Suspension likely due to link to sanctioned VPN provider in Treasury listing
- Premium users in US, Ireland, Sweden can now chat with Spotify to request music/audio via AI assistant
- Feature allows voice/text queries to refine playlists, explore listening history, and discover new artists
- Beta release uses Spotify’s AI plus third-party models; broader rollout expected
- Sen. Tim Scott to host Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh for semiannual monetary policy report
- Scott to focus on artificial intelligence and data centers, citing concerns over electricity and water use
- Data center moratoriums gaining ground in US as voters react to increased utility bills
- OpenAI's ChatGPT now displays Kalshi's World Cup prediction market odds
- First reported deal between OpenAI and a prediction market platform
- Kalshi's World Cup odds available in ChatGPT search results
- Professor Lu Yaxiang spent roughly a decade developing commercially viable sodium-ion batteries.
- In April, he was awarded the China Youth May Fourth Medal, the nation's top honor for under‑35 achievers.
- Sodium-ion batteries are touted as a low‑cost, abundant alternative to lithium-ion, which depends on scarce raw materials.
- EU lawmakers are demanding a 'youth mode' for children on social media platforms.
- This mode would disable addictive features and targeted advertising for minors.
- There are growing calls for social media platforms to be designed with child safety in mind from the outset.
- An expert report also recommended a 'safety-by-design' approach to protect minors from app-related harms.
- Alibaba and Honor to announce operating system tie-up at WAIC
- Partnership to accelerate development of AI-powered devices in China
- Demonstrations of new agent capabilities to be showcased at WAIC
- Western firms prioritize visible, charismatic leadership to drive results
- Eastern firms value disciplined, vision‑driven leadership focusing on depth
- The differing styles shape the competitive dynamics between China and the US
- AI workload growth is prompting chipmakers to revisit CPU designs for inference and training tasks
- GPU supply constraints are driving a shift toward CPU-based solutions in data centers
- Major manufacturers such as Intel and AMD are accelerating development of AI‑optimized CPUs
- Global AI infrastructure will require $5 trillion in annual investment by 2040
- AI is projected to account for 20% of world GDP by 2040
- Expansion will include data centers, power supplies, and humanoid robots
- Statement made by SoftBank Group founder Masayoshi Son at SoftBank World 2026
- Nvidia is evaluating Mitsubishi Heavy's cooling and energy‑management systems for its AI factories.
- Collaboration aims to boost energy efficiency in AI‑focused data centers.
- Mitsubishi Heavy could become a key supplier of cooling equipment for Nvidia's AI infrastructure.
- The partnership may lower operating costs for large‑scale AI compute facilities.
- Hybrids gave Japanese carmakers a temporary edge, but the next competitive frontier is vehicle software.
- Toyota's Woven City, a living lab for mobility and AI, is slated for completion in September 2025.
- Analysts warn automakers must accelerate software development to keep pace with intelligent‑vehicle rivals.
- Foxconn's AI‑driven line can output a server rack tray every minute, boosting capacity.
- Rising demand for AI data‑center hardware is driving Taiwanese makers to speed up production.
- Nvidia highlighted the collaboration by signing a tray at Computex, signaling strong vendor ties.
- Lorde publicly called Meta's AI glasses “not sexy” during a Madrid festival performance
- Meta's Ray‑Ban AI glasses sold over 7 million units in 2025, more than triple 2023‑24 combined sales
- Privacy lawsuits allege misuse of footage captured by the glasses, fueling ongoing concerns
- A recent survey identified improper use of driver-assistance features as the top safety concern among respondents.
- Over 60% of participants reported frequent reliance on these systems beyond their intended limits.
- Common misuse includes ignoring alerts, disengaging hands on the wheel, and over‑reliance in complex traffic conditions.
- Experts warn that such behavior could increase accident rates despite the technology's safety potential.
- The new ad shows a burning house, surveillance scenes, a cemetery and a mine, prompting viewer unease.
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mocked the ad on X, sparking broader industry backlash.
- Critics say the ad's somber tone and controversial images undermine Anthropic's ethical branding.
- The marketing approach mirrors past campaigns but appears to have backfired this time.
- New ink can be painted in custom designs on skin and dries into a functional electrode for biomonitoring.
- Addresses prior e‑tattoo limits on curved or hairy surfaces and enables larger‑area signal coverage.
- Building on 2024 polymer‑based inks that were printed on scalp for EEG, the approach could support mobile health monitoring.
- Study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
- New "For You" gallery rolls out in the coming weeks on desktop for U.S. English users
- Users can save images to custom collections, mirroring Pinterest's inspiration model
- AI image generation integrated via the Nano Banana model for text-to-image prompts
- Feature requires a signed-in Google Account and aims to boost ad revenue by increasing platform time
- The RingConn 3, priced at $349, was chosen over the Oura Ring 5 ($399 + $6/month subscription) for its lower cost and aesthetic appeal.
- Despite its attractive design and comfortable fit, the device required manual intervention for workout tracking and provided basic, often obvious, sleep insights.
- A key 'headache detection' feature failed to predict a severe migraine, leading to the reviewer's decision to return the product.
- The article highlights growing consumer interest in screenless wearables, but critiques the RingConn 3's practical utility despite its design.
Companies 50
- IBM shares drop 25% in biggest single-day decline in history
- Company cites shift in customer spending from software to AI hardware and memory chips
- Profit warning sparks investor concerns about IBM's future growth prospects
- IBM stock dropped 25% on Tuesday, its steepest single‑day decline in history
- Q2 adjusted earnings were $2.93 per share on $17.2 bn revenue, below forecasts of $3.01 and $17.86 bn
- CEO blamed weaker software and infrastructure sales as clients shifted capex to servers, storage and memory
- Previous quarter saw software revenue rise 11% and revenue beat expectations, highlighting the contrast
- Uber in talks to acquire Delivery Hero, aiming for a deal this week
- Transaction likely to value Delivery Hero above €36 ($41.23) per share
- Delivery Hero shares rise 5% to €38.93, Uber down 3%
- Goldman revenue rose 39% to $20.3 bn; JPMorgan revenue up 27% to $58 bn in Q2
- Equities trading revenue jumped 86% at JPMorgan and 72% at Goldman, adding $4.4 bn above expectations
- Investment banking fees rose 55% at Goldman and 30% at JPMorgan, delivering over $1 bn extra revenue
- Goldman shares surged 8% and JPMorgan rose 2% after earnings release
- Switch has appointed Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan as lead underwriters for the IPO.
- The offering could raise up to $10 billion and value the company at roughly $80 billion including debt.
- IPO could launch as early as Q4 2024, adding to a US IPO market that has generated $155.5 billion this year.
- Switch's data centers power AI workloads for customers such as Nvidia, Dell Technologies and FedEx.
- Private fundraising talks target a valuation of at least $40 billion before the public offering.
- Twenty-six Meta employees filed a lawsuit claiming the company used AI software to target workers with disabilities or those on medical leave for layoffs.
- The lawsuit alleges Meta relied on AI-driven factors like productivity and 'token usage,' disadvantaging employees who missed work for medical reasons.
- Plaintiffs seek a preliminary ruling to block Meta from completing layoffs while their claims proceed in private arbitration.
- Meta denies the claims, stating that workforce management and organizational decisions are made by people, not AI.
- This appears to be the first lawsuit against a major U.S. company challenging the alleged use of AI in conducting layoffs.
- Benchmark raised Hut 8's price target to $165 from $85, reiterating a buy rating.
- The valuation increase is driven by the Beacon Point AI data center project, transforming Hut 8 into an AI infrastructure platform.
- Hut 8 has secured $16.8 billion in contracted lease value across two AI campuses, with potential to grow to $42.8 billion if renewal options are exercised.
- The company's expanding 9-gigawatt development pipeline and low-cost project financing support a long-term growth story.
- Analyst Mark Palmer believes the market has yet to fully reflect Hut 8's rapid execution despite recent stock weakness.
- ChangXin Memory Technologies aims to raise over $8.54 billion in its IPO.
- The offering would be the largest semiconductor IPO in China to date.
- The IPO comes amid a global memory chip shortage driven by AI demand.
- Proceeds are expected to fund expansion of memory chip production capacity.
- The move underscores accelerating investment in the semiconductor sector.
- Shares climbed after reports of potential takeover interest
- No specific buyer or deal terms disclosed
- Analysts suggest a possible acquisition premium
- Stock movement limited to Lionsgate, no broader market impact
- Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM) stock down about 4% on Tuesday
- Health officials are probing Taco Bell locations over a cyclosporiasis outbreak
- The outbreak has prompted a broader public health response
- Lucid Motors refutes reports it is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing adequate liquidity through next year
- Shares fell over 50% intraday on Tuesday, later trading about 14% below opening price at $4.72
- Company has cut more than 2,000 jobs this year and will eliminate a second shift at its Arizona plant as demand forecasts tighten
- Delivered 3,953 vehicles in Q2, a modest increase over the same period last year
- Uber committed to purchase up to 35,000 Lucid‑Nuro vehicles for a planned robotaxi service
- 60% of Lay's potatoes in Thailand are sourced from local farmers, involving about 4,800 growers.
- PepsiCo uses AI tools on Thai farms to monitor pests, optimise water use and manage drought conditions.
- The company sources roughly 30 major crops across 60 markets worldwide.
- Regenerative agriculture now covers 4.7 million acres, targeting 10 million acres by 2030.
- 76% of Southeast Asian consumers cite taste and nutrition as top purchase drivers.
- Writers Guild alleges the proposed Paramount deal would harm writers' interests
- The lawsuit aims to halt the merger pending court approval
- Legal challenge could delay or derail the transaction if successful
- Netflix increased its monthly fee by 29% over the past 12 months
- Consumer groups criticize the hike and call for federal action
- The streamer remains a top‑performing Wall Street stock despite higher prices
- Regulators are stepping up scrutiny of streaming services' pricing practices
- Apple filed a 41‑page trade‑secret lawsuit accusing OpenAI of misusing confidential information.
- OpenAI says it sees no evidence the complaint has merit and stresses focus on its own technology.
- The suit targets former Apple hardware chief Tang Tan and alleges involvement of ex‑Apple engineers in OpenAI’s upcoming hardware project.
- Former Tesla finance VP and ex-Uber Eats exec join Zipline's C‑suite.
- Delivery rate now one drone every 20 seconds, up from one per minute in early 2025.
- U.S. business expected to grow 15× this year; market projected to reach 800 million deliveries by 2034 with 65% annual growth.
- Annual drone production capacity at 24,000 units; 1 million deliveries made in the past 12 months, 70% in the U.S.
- New partnership with Cleveland Clinic to launch prescription home‑delivery service.
- JPMorgan reported a sizable profit increase for the quarter
- Other major U.S. banks posted strong earnings, boosting sector outlook
- CEO Jamie Dimon said conditions are near optimal for banking
- OpenAI unveiled a screen-free smart speaker aimed at the home audio market.
- Sonos stock dropped roughly 5% following the product announcement.
- The new device directly competes with Sonos' own speaker lineup, intensifying market rivalry.
- JNJ shares up ~14% since start of June, driven by rotation from AI stocks to healthcare
- Darzalex Q1 revenue $3.96B (+18%); Q2 consensus $4.24B, implying ~19.8% annual growth
- Tremfya Q1 revenue $1.6B (+64%); Q2 forecast $1.78B, indicating ~50% YoY growth
- Analysts' average price target $254, near current price; ~70% of analysts rate buy-equivalent
- Q2 earnings will be pivotal to confirm the defensive rally and justify further upside
- Datadog shares have risen ~94% over the past year, trading around $266
- Q1 2026 revenue topped $1 billion, up ~32% YoY, with ARR exceeding $4 billion
- Valuation is high at ~108× forward earnings and 10‑11× forward sales, above analysts’ price targets
- Growth is driven by AI and cloud monitoring, but revenue concentration and thin GAAP profits pose risks
- Bernstein trimmed rating to Market Perform, citing near‑term demand caution
- Buffett aims to dispose of his Berkshire Hathaway shares (valued > $140 bn) by Dec 31 2034
- He is donating almost $6 bn in shares now, raising annual gifts to at least $17 bn, over double last year's $7 bn
- Future donations to the Gates Foundation are halted; its $4.5 bn share will be redirected to family foundations
- Three children’s foundations each receive 1 million Class B shares (~$500 m) and the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation gets 9 million shares (~$4.5 bn)
- Barclays initiates coverage with overweight rating and $330 price target versus current $167
- Projects 2027 revenue surge from HBM pricing uplift and strong market position
- Expects cash holdings >40% of market cap by year‑end 2027, enabling share buybacks
- Memory sector demand remains high amid AI boom, supporting price upside
- DeepSeek aims to raise about $1.5 billion at a $71 billion valuation
- Company previously secured $7 billion in a funding round at a $50 billion valuation
- Plans a 2027 IPO but could launch as early as year‑end 2024
- Handles roughly 23% of enterprise AI token processing on Vercel, versus Anthropic's 32%
- Investors include Tencent and Beijing’s National AI Industry Investment Fund
- CleanSpark stock surged 22% on the announcement
- Signed a lease for a Georgia data center valued at $6.6 billion
- Deal expands AI and high‑performance computing capacity for Bitcoin mining
- SuperCritical Materials granted exclusive DOE licence to commercialise patented seawater uranium adsorbent process
- Oceanic uranium estimated at ~4.5 billion tonnes, over 1,000 times land‑based reserves
- U.S. seeks domestic uranium supply for advanced reactors amid rising demand for HALEU and fuel fabrication
- Skeptics note commercial seawater extraction could be decades away due to low uranium grades
- Company aims to expand into allied nations and recover other strategic minerals from seawater
- Louis Vuitton Malletier has filed an administrative lawsuit against the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
- The case is set to be heard in a Chinese intellectual property court.
- A Chinese individual, Huang Minyao, is joined as a third party in the lawsuit.
- This legal action comes amidst public backlash in China against Louis Vuitton over a separate legal battle with a local milk tea brand.
- Genesis Minerals proposes merger with Vault Minerals to create A$2 billion gold producer
- Combined entity would become Australia's third-largest locally-listed gold producer
- Merger aims to create a stronger gold mining company
- MicroStrategy’s $13.5B Bitcoin exposure now exceeds its market cap, reviving dot-com era leverage risks
- CEO Michael Saylor’s 2020 pivot from failed dot-com strategy to Bitcoin treasury faces renewed scrutiny
- Bitcoin holdings now 10x larger than during 2021 peak, amplifying exposure to crypto market swings
- SLB to design and supply modular data center components
- Liberty to provide natural gas-fired power generation for data centers
- Partnership reflects broader push by oilfield contractors into power equipment and data solutions
- LimX Dynamics secured nearly $200 million in new financing
- Funding round valued the company at 15 billion yuan ($2.2 billion)
- Capital will be used to improve autonomy of its humanoid robot, Oli
- European investors participated in the round
- United Microelectronics Corp (UMC) starts advanced photonic chip manufacturing in Singapore
- Production aims to meet rising AI-driven high‑speed connectivity demand
- Photonic chips positioned as next‑generation growth driver for the semiconductor sector
- Huawei plans to raise smartphone production to up to 60 million units, up from under 50 million last year
- Targeted shipment growth exceeds 20% for the current year
- Expansion occurs amid a global memory chip shortage and ongoing U.S. export restrictions
- SBI will sell a Japan equities fund on blockchain, the first on‑chain management of such a fund
- The fund will allow 24‑hour trading for overseas investors
- SBI partners with a Singapore firm to broaden access to Japanese stocks
- Launch targets growing global interest in Japan equities
- Panasonic, once a TV and home appliance leader, is now targeting AI-driven data center markets.
- Chinese and South Korean manufacturers now dominate the global appliance sector, squeezing Japanese firms.
- The strategic shift follows decades of declining market share since the late 1970s.
- Ranked #1 globally for Q1 profit per ton among major blast furnace steelmakers
- Maintained profitability despite Chinese overcapacity and sluggish Japanese demand
- Strategic downsizing and pricing power offset market pressures
- Form 4 filed with the SEC on July 14
- Disclosed insider transactions for Xos Inc
- No material impact on company operations indicated
- The company executed a 12‑for‑1 reverse split, consolidating twelve existing shares into one
- Share count is reduced by a factor of twelve, potentially boosting the post‑split share price
- Existing shareholders receive one new share for every twelve held, with proportional equity unchanged
- Director Nick Khan disposed of $1.75 million of Tko Group Holdings stock
- The transaction was disclosed in a recent regulatory filing
- No information on remaining holdings or the reason for the sale was provided
- Qualcomm EVP/CFO/COO Akash Palkhiwala sold shares valued at $452,000.
- The transaction was disclosed in a recent insider filing.
- The sale represents a modest portion of his total holdings.
- JAS incurred ~100 million baht loss after securing 2026 World Cup broadcast rights
- Sponsorship revenue reached 100 million baht, half of the 200 million baht target
- More than 100,000 new subscribers signed up for sports packages at ~6,000 baht each
- Acquisition valued at US$70 million, with a US$25 million budget for the 2026 tournament
- Management expects improved 2030 returns thanks to prime‑time slots and longer sponsor lead time
- Attovia Therapeutics, a biotech company, submitted a registration statement to go public on Nasdaq.
- The filing marks the company's first step toward an initial public offering, pending SEC approval.
- No valuation or share price range was disclosed in the initial filing.
- Justin McLeod secured $18 million from Match Group, FirstMark Capital and Pace Capital
- Overtone will use voice‑and audio‑forward AI to make curated introductions, not a swipe‑based app
- Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff and relationship expert Esther Perel join Overtone's board
- Service slated to launch later this year in select locations
- TYLSemi secured $43 million in early-stage funding.
- Round led by Matter Venture Partners with Viola Ventures, GHOVC and Egis Technology participating.
- Startup will offer open‑standard chiplets for custom AI chips, allowing mix‑and‑match with other providers.
- Co‑founders Mohit Gupta and Sunil Bhardwaj are former Qualcomm AlphaWave executives.
- Strategic investment received from unnamed semiconductor and AI infrastructure companies.
- Judge Noël Wise dismissed the proposed class action, citing Section 230 immunity for online services
- The suit covered 2,680 plaintiffs and sought up to $32.8 billion in compensatory damages
- Dismissal was with prejudice, barring re‑filing; plaintiffs may appeal or pursue other claims
- Apple had earlier explored but later abandoned its NeuralHash tool for detecting CSAM
- Google Image Search celebrates 25 years since its launch in July 2001
- The service receives a minimalist redesign and expanded AI-driven features
- The update promises more images and AI-powered search results
- United will sell empty middle seats on its Airbus A321XLRs, with pricing to be announced later this year
- Seats are located in the extra‑legroom section and will be offered on a per‑flight basis
- The concept mirrors European airlines' short‑haul business‑class and could be added to other aircraft
- Delta has recently introduced basic business‑class and premium‑economy fares without traditional perks
- Airlines are expanding premium‑seat offerings to capture higher‑margin revenue
- Loki flake graphite deposit resource estimate increased by roughly 100%
- Resource classification upgraded to a higher confidence category
- Company to release a preliminary economic assessment (PEA) soon
- Graphite expansion strengthens Abasca's position in battery material supply
- Elevate Uranium buys another 15% of the Marenica uranium project in Namibia.
- Ownership in the Marenica asset increases to 90% for Elevate.
- The purchase is intended to scale the Erongo development and test project economics.
- Japan Airlines (JAL) and Marriott International announce mutual loyalty program benefits
- More than 300 million members will gain access to shared miles, room upgrades and other perks
- The partnership was launched on July 14 in Tokyo, expanding cross‑brand loyalty options
- Japanese sportswear brand ASICS plans expansion in Turkey amid rising demand for running shoes
- Targeting both casual joggers and marathon participants as jogging gains popularity
- Strategy focuses on emerging market opportunities in Istanbul and broader Turkey
Thai Markets 4
- Around 9,000 rai of serviced industrial land will be completed in Q4 2026, easing price pressure
- Average price reached 8.4 million baht per rai in Q2 2026, up 7% year‑on‑year
- Price growth slowed to 4% YoY in H1 2026 after a 10% surge in 2025
- A total of 20,286 rai of industrial land is slated for completion by end‑2027
- Deputy Transport Minister says termination is only one of several options under review
- The missing‑link rail project spans 25.9 km with an estimated cost of 44.6 billion baht
- Legal review will determine feasibility of contract termination and any compensation claims
Other 41
- Sotheby's auctioned the T. rex specimen "Gus" for $50.1 million, surpassing its $20‑30 million estimate.
- The sale broke the previous record of $44.6 million set by a Stegosaurus skeleton in 2024.
- Gus is about 61% complete, measuring 38 ft long and 12.5 ft tall, making it one of the largest T. rex fossils found.
- SEC examines its shareholder disclosure rules after a false 7% stake claim in True Corp was filed on July 3
- Joint fact‑finding with the Economic Crime Suppression Division included a July 10 interview of the filer
- Regulator is considering tighter verification and safeguards for Form 246‑2 filings to improve accuracy
- False filings also alleged stakes in Bangkok Bank, Kasikornbank, Major Cineplex, Asia Aviation and G J Steel
- SEC stresses need to balance rapid disclosure with thorough verification to protect investors
- Pollution from xAI power project affects Black communities disproportionately
- Unpermitted project sparks environmental concerns and community outrage
- Musk's xAI faces regulatory scrutiny over lack of permits
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett says threats against her and other justices have sharply increased
- Barrett revealed she once had to take a bullet‑proof vest home, explaining it to her 12‑year‑old son
- The justices testified before Congress, highlighting growing safety concerns for the judiciary
- Supreme Court seeks $228.4 million for FY2027, about a 10% increase from $207.8 million in FY2026
- Threat investigations rose to 512 in 2026, while the Supreme Court Police anticipate a 38% jump in threats this year after a 25% rise last year
- Capitol Police report a 50% increase in threats against Congress this year compared with 2025
- Justices disclosed personal security measures, including bullet‑proof vests and responses to swatting incidents
- AI‑driven cyber threats are driving additional funding for cybersecurity experts
- ICE ordered a temporary suspension of most vehicle stops across the U.S.
- The pause follows two fatal shootings of drivers in Texas and Maine within six days.
- Agency officials described the measure as a "temporary pause" pending review.
- No timeline was given for when vehicle stops will resume.
- Four Ahmadi victims killed between April 18 and May 16, 2024 (ages 19‑71), linked to extremist TLP actions.
- Constitution article 260(3) and Penal Code sections 298‑B/C criminalize Ahmadi religious practices, punishable by up to three years in prison.
- International Human Rights Committee report (June 2024‑Dec 2025) documents ongoing persecution and no arrests for attackers.
- Singapore's High Court awarded S$230,000 (US$177,860) each to two cabinet ministers.
- The damages were for a defamation suit against financial news outlet Bloomberg and one of its reporters.
- The suit stemmed from a story concerning the officials' property transactions.
- House approves the bill with a 308-117 vote
- Legislation would eliminate the twice‑year clock change nationwide
- White House backs the measure, citing more daylight during active hours
- States would retain the ability to opt out of the permanent DST rule
- DNA analysis identified blackchin tilapia in over 12,000 seized canned fish cans
- Findings contradict earlier government claims that the fish were Nile tilapia
- Opposition MPs demand accountability and stronger measures to control the invasive species
- Trump administration placed U.S. citizens in the DRC on a "do-not-board" list, blocking their return to the United States
- Travelers must spend a 21‑day period in a third country before they can board a flight back to the U.S.
- Roughly two dozen Americans scheduled to fly home have already been prevented from boarding
- The restriction, issued under Title 49 transportation authority, may also affect government workers, though this is unclear
- 26-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero identified as the person fatally shot by ICE agents
- Shooting occurred during an immigration operation in Biddeford, Maine
- Incident reported on 14 July 2026; authorities say Guerrero was not the intended target
- Spain defeated France 2-0 in the semifinal in Dallas
- Mikel Oyarzabal opened scoring with a penalty, his fifth World Cup goal
- Pedro Porro added a second with a finish after a pass from Dani Olmo
- France finished the match without a shot on target and will play in the third‑place playoff
- Around 6,700 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis reported since May.
- The illness causes diarrhea and is linked to contaminated fresh produce.
- Health officials advise cooking greens and skipping raw lettuce to lower infection risk.
- Outbreak is being monitored; no travel restrictions have been issued.
- Khalil filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court alleging a conspiracy involving the Heritage Foundation, Betar, Canary Mission, and senior Trump officials
- Defendants include Stephen Miller, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and others; the suit seeks damages and to block his deportation
- Khalil, a green‑card holder arrested on March 8, 2025, was detained for 104 days; the case is expected to reach the Supreme Court
- Buffett stops his annual mid‑year donation to the Gates Foundation.
- He was contributing roughly US$6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock (12 million Class B shares).
- The move follows disclosures of Bill Gates' interactions with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
- Future donations will be redirected to Buffett's four family foundations.
- Deadly blaze at a Bangkok pub claimed 30 lives
- Police are investigating the fire's cause and possible safety violations
- Grieving families gathered the bodies of the deceased
- Incident highlights concerns over fire safety standards in Thai venues
- Ann Widdecombe, former UK minister, was discovered dead at her home.
- Police state the killing was a clear targeted attack.
- Counterterrorism investigators are still probing motive and planning.
- Michigan has recorded 3,309 Cyclospora infections as of July 14, far above the usual ~50 annual cases
- 44 of the reported cases have required hospitalization
- Interviews with over 1,000 patients point to leafy greens as the likely source
- Taco Bell is being investigated as a possible contributor to the outbreak
- Jury awarded $5 million plus interest, totaling $5.6 million to Carroll
- Payment released from escrow account following the 2023 verdict
- Lawyer Roberta Kaplan confirmed receipt of the funds on Tuesday
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch, the first NASA chief visit to Baikonur since 2018
- Soyuz MS-29 lifted off at 10:47 a.m. EDT carrying astronaut Anil Menon and cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina
- The three will join Expedition 75, the ISS's 75th rotation crew, for an eight‑month stay
- Launch marks the resumption of crewed flights from the repaired Baikonur launchpad after a March cargo mission
- 5 traffic accidents in 3 days on new Tsuen Wan Road overpass
- 3 incidents occurred within 15 minutes on Tuesday morning
- 1 person injured in the accidents
- Improve credit score 3‑6 months before applying; paying bills on time can add ~13 points via Experian Boost
- Evaluate card offers 1‑2 months ahead; compare current bonuses to past deals to maximize welcome reward
- Map spending 2‑3 weeks before applying; a $4,000 requirement equals $1,334 per month or $333 per week
- Avoid overspending; interest charges can erase rewards if balances aren't paid in full
- Hong Kong book fair vendors aim to match 2025 sales levels
- Publishing and retail sectors face prolonged downturn
- Seven-day fair opens at Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai
- UK teens report sleep, concentration, and wellbeing gains under social media restrictions
- 15-minute daily limit had lowest compliance rate, often described as impractical
- 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. social media curfew produced most consistent reported sleep benefits
- 24 students achieved perfect marks in Hong Kong’s DSE exams, a record high
- 36.8% of day-school candidates met minimum university admission requirements, down from prior year
- Weaker performance in core language subjects cited as key factor reducing eligibility pool
- A Hong Kong couple lodged a complaint with the UN Human Rights Committee.
- The complaint alleges a breach of human rights by Swedish authorities.
- Swedish authorities applied to permanently transfer legal guardianship of their 4-year-old daughter to a local foster family.
- The couple's 3-month-old son was placed in Hong Kong social care.
- Conference held in Kumamoto, Japan, focused on corporate role in restoring natural capital
- Four new benchmarks introduced to standardize measurement of nature-positive initiatives
- Benchmarks aim to track ecosystem recovery outcomes such as groundwater and forest biodiversity
- Corporate responsibility emphasized as key to halting and reversing natural capital loss
- Six-month-old Rufus diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy
- Patient is in critical condition in the paediatric ICU at Hong Kong Children's Hospital
- Authorities have issued an urgent appeal for a heart donor
- Hospital Authority will request assistance from mainland China for the transplant
- Lionel Messi leads Argentina with 8 goals and 2 assists in the tournament
- Jude Bellingham has 6 goals, the first player since Maradona (1986) to score twice in consecutive knockout matches
- Harry Kane also records 6 goals and 1 assist, targeting a second Golden Boot
- Key players have logged over 500 minutes each, e.g., Messi (608) and Bellingham (574)
- World Cup sparks UK discussion on displaying England flag due to far‑right associations.
- Some fans propose alternative ways to show support without the flag.
- Critics argue football should stay separate from politics.
- Issue highlights broader tension between sport fandom and political symbolism.
- Explosion occurred at Jain Resource Recycling plant in Tamil Nadu
- One worker killed and several others injured
- Company suspended operations in the affected section pending damage assessment
- Arrests: 21-year-old student and 19-year-old unemployed man
- Alleged to have staged 123 traffic accidents from May 2023 to July 2024
- Fraudulent payouts exceeded HK$1 million (≈US$127,570)
- Boomers' drinking rate fell to 71% (down 2pp in 3 years), lowest among all generations
- Gen Z drinking rate rose to 74% (up 8pp in 3 years), nearing adult average of 76%
- Moderation trend observed across all age groups, per IWSR global beverage data
- 73-year-old American marine biologist Kent Carpenter shot dead in Sibulan, Negros Oriental
- Three masked men forced entry into the house on Sunday night and opened fire
- Philippine police are actively hunting the suspects
- Solana community lead Stephen 'Cap' Newnham enters UK by-election
- Pledges on pension reform and onchain transparency
- Running against Nigel Farage in Clacton by-election
- 12-year-old boy with spinal muscular atrophy graduates from primary school
- Defied doctors' prediction of not living beyond age 3
- Years of family care helped him outlive prognosis
- Ten men injured on Tuesday during the final bull run, raising total injuries to 57 this year.
- Victims include an 18‑year‑old with a thigh wound and a 46‑year‑old with a chest wound.
- Among the injured is an 86‑year‑old British man; the other eight suffered bruises.
- Independent Hong Kong bookshop Have a Nice Stay to close on August 30
- Citing financial losses and 'hard-to-grasp red lines' in the social environment
- Staff development and mental/physical well-being of team and families also factors
- Matchmaker 'Panlong' from Yunnan turns clients' personal flaws into humorous dating strengths in viral videos
- Accumulated nearly 3 million followers by rebranding attributes like quirks or unconventional jobs as assets
- Example: A client’s job was humorously framed as a unique selling point in dating profiles
- Malaysian comedian Harith Iskander sued by Rosmah Mansor for defamation
- Alleged defamation occurred during a stand-up comedy routine in January
- Rosmah claims she was mocked and insulted in the performance
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