- Buffett will cease future donations to the Gates Foundation, ending a $48 billion contribution history
- He plans to accelerate Berkshire share giveaways to dispose of his holdings within about eight years
- Buffett disclosed he initiated Berkshire's $30 billion Alphabet position, adding $10 billion in Q1 2024 after prior purchases
- Berkshire shares fell on the news but closed the week slightly lower
July 18, 2026
▲ 21▼ 17◆ 4– 105
Markets 8
- Recent earnings season shows profit growth across major KOSPI constituents
- KOSPI index fell about 1.3% despite the earnings beat
- Analysts point to rising global rate concerns and weaker foreign demand as sell‑off drivers
- Momentum shift indicates investor caution despite domestic earnings strength
- European corporate earnings rose 5% YoY in Q2, beating the US's 2% growth
- Barclays projects the Euro Stoxx 50 could gain about 3% this year on earnings momentum
- Industrial and consumer discretionary sectors drove the outperformance, while tech lagged
- Currency impact was limited as the euro held steady against the dollar
- S&P 500 posted a 1.6% weekly loss, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) down over 10%
- Oracle (RSI 17.4) fell 10% to a 52-week low, while Super Micro (RSI 25.3) dropped more than 14% this week
- IBM plunged 26% after earnings missed expectations, reporting adjusted EPS $2.93 on $17.2 bn revenue
- Overbought stocks like Cintas (RSI 77.2) rose 14% and PayPal (RSI 76.4) jumped 22% after positive news
- US stock valuations are at record highs, driven by AI investment, raising crash risk
- Higher US interest rates and persistent inflation add pressure on equity markets
- The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran could amplify market volatility globally
- Japan's fiscal strength and lower exposure to US equities may help it weather a crash
- Asian markets could feel spillovers but may decouple from a US downturn
- VC firms are increasingly targeting post-IPO equity stakes rather than pre-IPO funding
- U.S. IPOs this year have reached a 10‑year high, with more than 300 offerings so far
- New financing structures let investors lock in upside while limiting downside risk
- The trend could boost overall market liquidity and support higher equity valuations
- Fahmi Quadir, dubbed “the Assassin,” built reputation by shorting firms like Wirecard
- After years of high‑profile short campaigns, she is pivoting to a new, undisclosed target
- The shift signals continued activist short‑selling pressure on listed companies
- Goldman Sachs identifies three investment themes that exclude artificial intelligence
- The themes aim to provide diversification for investors seeking alternatives to AI‑focused assets
- Report suggests these themes could guide portfolio allocation in the coming year
Macro/Economy 13
- Early June heatwave brings record-high temperatures to Germany and France, persisting for weeks
- Severe rainfall deficit lowers river water levels, prompting navigation limits on major inland waterways
- Freight capacity on barges is cut, disrupting supply chains and power‑generation water intake
- Drought threatens electricity output and could tighten European energy markets
- The United States will levy a 25% Section 301 tariff on most Brazilian imports starting July 22, citing Pix as an unfair trade practice.
- Brazil's Pix instant‑payment system serves over 90% of adults and processed roughly R$3 trillion ($590 bn) in June, outpacing credit‑card volumes.
- Dollar‑linked stablecoins account for about 90% of crypto transaction volume in Brazil, handling $6‑8 bn in monthly payments.
- Brazil's central bank will ban stablecoins for cross‑border payments from Oct 1, limiting their role in regulated transactions.
- Confirmed death toll rises to 5,119, with 16,740 injured
- Approximately 20,000 people remain displaced in overcrowded shelters
- IMF disburses $346 million in emergency financing from Venezuela's reserve tranche
- Twin quakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck on June 24, followed by over 1,300 aftershocks
- Rescue efforts hampered by delayed military deployment and equipment shortages
- Parliament will debate legislation for a Bali financial hub this week
- Investment minister cites Hong Kong as a model for the new centre
- Goal is to position Bali as a trusted destination for global investors
- Chinese firms constructed the Alassane Ouattara (Cocody) Bridge linking Cocody and Plateau.
- Abidjan port’s second container terminal was expanded with Chinese partnership.
- The Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, another China-backed project, underscores growing involvement.
- Ivory Coast is reassessing China’s role as its reliance on megaprojects evolves.
- Germany will overhaul its renewable subsidy scheme, cutting feed‑in tariffs for new projects starting in 2027
- Support will shift to generators that match electricity demand and do not exacerbate grid congestion
- The move responds to rising solar output that is straining the national power grid
- Business-friendly reforms introduced to improve the Philippines' investment climate
- Government plans to upgrade railways, ports and power grid to attract FDI
- Targeting a share of the projected billions of dollars in regional foreign direct investment
- Index Ventures co‑founder Neil Rimer says AI wealth redistribution is inevitable, preferring a voluntary approach
- U.S. charitable giving reached a record $592.5 bn in 2024, but donor participation dropped 4.5% YoY
- California may vote on a 5% one‑time wealth tax on billionaires, prompting some tech founders to relocate to Florida
- Forbes identified 45 new AI billionaires in 2026 with combined net worth $2.9 tn; top‑1% U.S. household wealth share hit 31.7% in Q3 2023
- India and Indonesia agree to strengthen manufacturing collaboration to raise output in the region.
- Both governments highlight the need for quality jobs for a growing Gen Z workforce across Asia.
- The partnership seeks to alleviate unemployment pressures, though specific investment amounts were not disclosed.
- Pilot program targets 53,795 poor residents in Roi Et, identified via university-led platform
- Platform has verified 1,243,449 poor individuals across 20 provinces, covering 303,444 households
- More than 70 universities have developed 3,638 technologies for food processing, fisheries, agriculture and waste valorisation
- Scheme will be expanded nationwide if pilot proves successful
- Only 9.5 million of 18.8 million applicants qualified for the 2026 welfare card, down from 13.2 million under the previous scheme.
- 7.2 million qualified are existing cardholders; 2.3 million are new applicants, while 5.99 million former beneficiaries were excluded.
- Applicants must update records by Aug 16 and can request a review until July 31; new criteria include vehicle ownership and student status.
- Women earn about 15% less than men on average, cutting retirement savings potential
- Career breaks for caregiving reduce pension accrual and Social Security benefits
- Longer life expectancy means women need roughly 20% more retirement assets than men
- All 138 units launched in the Garden Regency development in Kam Tin North, Yuen Long were sold by 3:30 pm.
- The sold flats are the first batch of a 566‑unit, three‑tower project.
- The rapid sell‑out follows the Lime Spark launch two months earlier, signalling strong demand for SHKP homes.
Central Banks 1
- Fed statement trimmed to ~130 words, down from >300 in prior releases
- Only 5% of post‑decision press conference sentences were policy‑relevant, versus 27% under Powell
- F/m Investments built "WarshGPT" AI tool in two weeks for under $1,000 to parse ~1,800 Fed documents
- UBS and JPMorgan are deploying dashboards and alternative frameworks to gauge Fed tone amid reduced guidance
- Analysts warn less Fed communication could boost market volatility while offering alpha opportunities
Energy/Oil 6
- US reimposes naval blockade on Iran's southern ports, halting roughly 1.5 million barrels per day of crude exports
- Global oil prices rose to about $90 per barrel in response to the supply cut
- Iranian rial fell to a new all‑time low of around 1.93 million per USD in Tehran's open market
- Tehran Stock Exchange main index slipped 2.4% to 4.77 million points amid the escalation
- The blockade adds pressure on already‑tapped global strategic oil reserves
- SPR inventory dropped to roughly 350 million barrels, the lowest since 1983.
- This is about 150 million barrels below the 2021 peak of around 500 million barrels.
- Low reserves raise concerns of supply disruptions amid ongoing Middle East tensions.
- A potential emergency release could add up to 30 million barrels per month to the market.
- Iraq signed 48 agreements with U.S. firms across energy, healthcare and technology sectors.
- Reconstruction of the Iraq‑Syria crude pipeline targets an initial capacity of 2 million barrels per day.
- The deals are valued at more than $60 billion and involve majors such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and Halliburton.
- The new pipeline could lessen Iraq's reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports.
- A partnership with Starlink will bring satellite communications services to Iraq.
- New pipeline will link eastern and western Canada to cut reliance on U.S. oil routes
- Alberta's oil reserves total roughly 158.9 billion barrels
- U.S. imports made up 63.4% of Canadian crude shipments in 2025
- Project faces criticism for conflicting with Canada's climate targets
- Pipeline aims to boost self‑sufficiency, but financing and timeline remain uncertain
- U.S. remains the largest producer at roughly 12.9 million barrels per day (bpd).
- Saudi Arabia and Russia hold second and third places with about 10.9 m bpd and 10.5 m bpd respectively.
- Canada, Iraq and the UAE round out the top six, each producing between 3.7 m and 5.2 m bpd.
- Brazil, Iran, Kuwait and Nigeria complete the top ten, with outputs ranging from 1.8 m to 3.0 m bpd.
- Asia holds roughly 60% of the world's known coal reserves.
- Coal is the primary stopgap source powering the region's AI infrastructure rollout.
- AI demand is outpacing clean‑energy generation capacity, increasing reliance on coal.
Crypto 9
- Bitcoin price rose to roughly $65,000, recouping earlier losses
- The prior dip was linked to AI‑related market concerns and a pending crypto bill
- Recovery indicates resilience despite regulatory uncertainty
- France's gambling regulator classified Polymarket as illegal gambling and mandated ISP blocking
- Polymarket logged 578,751 visits from 205,057 unique French users in June despite a prior ban
- Violations can be fined up to €100,000, citing addictive mechanics and lack of self‑exclusion tools
- The ban adds France to more than 30 countries that have restricted Polymarket
- Visa's stablecoin tracker logged $6.6 bn in volume across 132.4 m retail‑size transactions in the last 30 days
- Standard Chartered projects stablecoin circulation to rise about sevenfold to roughly $2 tn by 2028
- Neobanks now serve over 1.4 bn users and capture nearly 40% of new global banking accounts
- Binance reports its user base is increasingly younger, especially in emerging markets
- $1.6 bn of DeFi liquidity was idle in H1 2026, covering 85% of tracked pools.
- Around $542 m (29.5%) sat out of range each week, earning no fees.
- Idle capital could forgo roughly $150 m in annual fees at a 35% APR.
- Positions > $1 m held 47% of idle capital (~$260 m) despite lower out‑of‑range rates.
- Out‑of‑range share peaked at ~41% in early February, typically 25‑35%.
- Traders have bought $2.5 bn in bitcoin call spreads on Deribit, aiming for $72,000 by July 31
- The spread uses 20,000 contracts at $70,000 and 20,000 contracts at $72,000, each representing 1 BTC
- Bet coincides with the Fed’s July 29 rate decision, where markets largely expect a hold
- Bitcoin rebounded to $64,000 after dipping below $58,000 earlier in the month
- CEX spot volume rose 15.3% in June to $1.11 trillion; RWA perpetual volume hit a record $311 billion
- 84% of surveyed financial institutions consider tokenization a strategic priority.
- 92% expect digital and traditional assets to coexist; 69% plan to integrate tokenization into existing systems.
- 44% of capital markets firms have tokenization initiatives in production, compared with 20% of asset managers and 9% of wealth managers.
- Around 80% anticipate tokenized mutual funds and money‑market funds will be significant within five years, while about 50% expect similar adoption for tokenized equities.
- Regulatory uncertainty and integration complexity are cited as the top challenges.
- Kaspersky reports a new malware framework aimed at crypto investors
- Attack vector uses social engineering and trojanized GitHub applications
- Framework designed to steal cryptocurrency assets and credentials
- ByteDance employee reports burning close to 1 billion AI tokens each month
- AI tokens are used for a wide range of internal tasks across Chinese tech giants
- Tokens cannot be used for consumer purchases such as coffee or rent
- DOG Mode client relaxes default relay policies without altering Bitcoin consensus rules
- Proposal counters BIP-110, which sought tighter rules on data-heavy Ordinals and Runes transactions
- Widespread adoption could fragment the mempool, impacting fee estimation and transaction propagation
Geopolitics 32
- Two U.S. service members were killed in an Iranian drone strike on a Jordanian base.
- A third soldier is missing and several others were wounded.
- First U.S. combat fatalities in the region since the war began in February.
- Incident heightens tensions amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict in the Middle East.
- No immediate market impact observed.
- Two US service members killed and one missing after Iranian missile and drone attacks in Jordan
- US death toll in the conflict rises to 16 service members killed in action
- Iran announced it will no longer honor the interim peace memorandum signed last month
- US conducted a seventh consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian logistics and maritime assets
- Iranian IRGC reported blocking four commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
- Supreme Leader Khamenei says US attacks will bring "unforgettable lessons" for Tehran and allies
- US intensified strikes on Iranian civilian infrastructure, including bridges and water plants, this week
- Tehran retaliated by hitting civilian targets in Kuwait, prompting local electricity rationing
- Houthis may close the Bab al-Mandeb strait, risking further disruption to global oil markets
- The month-old US-Iran MoU is declared void by both sides after alleged breaches
- US airstrikes damaged multiple bridges and a desalination plant in Iran on the seventh consecutive night of attacks
- Iran responded by firing missiles at U.S. allies in the Gulf region, including targets in Kuwait
- Kuwaiti authorities urged residents to conserve electricity following the missile threat
- Republican Congressman Ralph Norman declares candidacy for the vacant South Carolina Senate seat
- The seat opened following the death of longtime Sen. Lindsey Graham
- Norman is expected to compete in a Republican primary before a special election later this year
- The race could reshape the Senate's partisan balance if the seat changes parties
- China imposes a nationwide ban on most civilian drone flights within city limits
- The restriction follows heightened security concerns after the Ukraine war's drone usage
- Shanghai's iconic Huangpu River corridor, once a popular drone spot, is now subject to the ban
- The move could curb activity in the world’s largest commercial drone market
- Ceasefire agreed in October has not prevented Israeli strikes on Gaza.
- Recent Israeli attacks on residential areas killed at least eight civilians.
- Gaza Health Ministry reports most casualties are women and children, with the death toll continuing to rise.
- Two strikes hit al‑Nasr and al‑Zeitoun neighborhoods in Gaza City
- At least eight Palestinians killed, including five in an apartment blast
- Attacks expanded beyond the cease‑fire "Yellow Line" that Israel was meant to hold
- Palestinian death toll since the war began exceeds 73,000; 1,127 killed since the cease‑fire
- Around 370 Ukrainian drones were launched toward the Moscow region, with 1,892 intercepted between July 11‑18
- Strikes on Wildberries logistics centres killed 8 night‑shift workers (7 in Tambov, 1 in Moscow) and wounded about 90 people
- The attacks are part of Kyiv's "long‑range sanctions" campaign targeting Russian oil infrastructure and major e‑commerce facilities
- Mayor candidate Zohran Mamdani will consult city legal advisers about arresting Israeli PM Netanyahu if he attends the UN General Assembly in September
- Netanyahu is subject to an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, which Mamdani calls a war crime
- May poll shows roughly 75% of Democratic voters now oppose US aid to Israel, up from 45% three years earlier
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will travel to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Talks will focus on strengthening the ceasefire, securing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and extending Lebanese state authority.
- Recent US‑mediated talks in Rome set up "pilot zones" but tied Israeli troop pullout to Hezbollah disarmament, with no fixed deadline.
- Israeli forces remain in a 10‑km security zone and have conducted air strikes on towns near Tyre and Nabatieh.
- The conflict has caused over 4,000 deaths and displaced more than 1 million Lebanese since March.
- Belgium bans imports of goods produced in Israeli settlements, joining Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Ireland in similar actions.
- Investigations showed roughly 1 in 6 Israeli agricultural shipments to Europe contained settlement produce, rising to nearly 1 in 5 for EU-bound shipments.
- EU ministers remain deadlocked; the European Commission has proposed an import ban, licensing scheme, or high tariffs, but no bloc-wide decision has been reached.
- DOJ memo lifts 2022 ban, allowing TikTok downloads on federal devices
- TikTok U.S. operations transferred to Oracle‑backed joint venture; ByteDance keeps 19.9% stake
- Employees can install the app subject to agency discretion and workplace policies
- Iranian missiles struck multiple sites in Kuwait's Mangaf area on 18 July 2026
- The attacks targeted a power generation plant and a water desalination facility
- Kuwaiti authorities urged citizens to conserve electricity amid the strikes
- UK government fully nationalised loss‑making British Steel on national security grounds
- Chinese owner Jingye, which bought the firm for £70 million in 2020, says it loses about £700,000 daily
- China’s foreign ministry warned that the handling of the case will affect Chinese investor confidence in the UK
- British Steel supports roughly 2,700 direct jobs and thousands in the wider supply chain
- 2018 floods in Assam sparked debate on weather control as a security issue.
- India's finance minister warned about China's Tianhe (Sky River) weather‑modification initiative.
- Experts cite the potential for weather manipulation to become a new geopolitical lever.
- No concrete international regulations or agreements currently govern climate‑engineering weapons.
- Senior staff are reviewing how prediction market data has permeated government decision‑making
- Officials worry that inside information could bias betting outcomes on political events
- The review follows concerns that such markets may affect policy transparency and ethics
- No immediate regulatory changes have been announced, but oversight is being considered
- Xi Jinping met Thailand's prime minister and Cambodia's leader on the same day to discuss the dispute
- The border clash last year killed more than 100 military personnel and civilians
- A ceasefire reached in December has largely held, though both sides allege breaches
- China is pressing both neighbours to negotiate a lasting settlement
- Taiwan's biggest food safety scandal in years involves soybean salad oil from Central Union Oil Corp found with excessive benzo[a]pyrene
- Benzo[a]pyrene is classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
- The scandal is a political liability for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party ahead of November's local elections
- Opposition parties gain ammunition, potentially hurting the DPP's electoral prospects
- Trump claims China interfered in U.S. elections ahead of November midterms
- Beijing political scientist Zheng Yongnian says the allegation is campaign rhetoric
- Zheng adds the claim is unlikely to materially affect China‑U.S. relations
- He warns the accusations expose a broader crisis in American democratic institutions
- Andy Burnham, set to become UK Prime Minister, must decide on day one whether to allow US use of British bases for Iran attacks
- US has resumed air strikes against Iran, prompting high‑level talks in London about military support
- Burnham was elected Labour leader on Friday while the outgoing Starmer government handles the immediate diplomatic response
- Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports handle the bulk of UAE's $1 trillion annual non‑oil trade
- Both ports sit inside the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint the government aims to cut to zero dependence
- UAE is planning alternative logistics routes to bypass Hormuz and reshape Asia‑Europe trade flows
- The strategy addresses strategic security concerns over potential disruptions in the waterway
- China launched a ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine, signalling heightened offensive capability.
- Japan will revise three key security documents by year‑end to bolster the U.S. extended nuclear deterrence.
- The policy shift could revive debate over Japan's long‑standing non‑nuclear weapons stance.
- Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara landed in Miami after serving a five‑year sentence in Cuba
- He was sentenced in 2022 for insulting national symbols, contempt and disturbing public order
- Washington urges Havana to release more than 700 political prisoners
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, sparking fresh UK political turmoil
- Talk of the United Kingdom rejoining the EU gains momentum
- Proposal floated for the UK to become a "special sovereignty" within the EU
- Hong Kong's post‑colonial experience highlighted as a possible lesson for post‑Brexit Britain
- Royal Thai Navy confirms the ship cited in attack reports was not flying the Thai flag
- Ship‑tracking data used to verify vessel identity and locate the only Thai cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman
- Thai vessel and crew confirmed safe and continuing normal operations
- 17-year-old Fadi al‑Nassan, a Palestinian youth national team player, died from injuries after being shot on July 11
- His death brings the total of Palestinian sports‑related martyrs since Oct 7, 2023 to 1,013, including 568 footballers
- The incident occurred alongside separate settler attacks that burned olive trees near Ramallah and a home near Nablus, and Israeli raids near Jenin
- Thousands gathered in London to protest Israel's war in Gaza.
- Demonstrators urge incoming PM Andy Burnham to impose an arms embargo on Israel.
- The conflict has killed over 73,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
- Labour leader Burnham set to become prime minister amid criticism over UK arms sales to Israel.
- Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn joined the march, calling for an end to UK complicity.
- JNIM and separatist FLA claim responsibility for ambushing a Malian convoy near Tabankort.
- Rebels say they inflicted "great human losses" and "serious material damage" on the army and its partners.
- The attack follows recent fighting that killed about 30 soldiers and injured 60 during the retaking of Anefis on July 10.
- Government will not schedule a by-election to replace former lawmaker William Wong after his resignation.
- Decision driven by time constraints and concerns over cost‑effectiveness.
- Public consultation on Hong Kong's five‑year plan attracted 2,500 submissions, about half focusing on the plan.
- Historical Chinese conflicts show cycles of dominant empires followed by periods of multipolar balance.
- Power consolidation often relied on military conquest, administrative centralization, and tribute systems.
- The rise and fall of dynasties highlight how overextension and internal dissent can undermine hegemony.
Tech/AI 16
- AI trade upstages strong start to Q2 earnings season
- West Texas Intermediate crude spikes 15.5% to $82 per barrel
- Semiconductor names decline as investors shift to hyperscalers
- Apple climbs to record highs after receiving approval to bring Apple Intelligence to China
- OTA updates now embedded across much of the auto sector, first used by Tesla in 2012
- Norway, Denmark and Britain have flagged sabotage risks as a national security concern
- A Norwegian bus test showed control‑system access via a Romanian SIM, enabling potential vehicle shutdown
- US AEI report urges tighter security reviews and restrictions on foreign vehicle hardware/software
- OTA technology is expanding to maritime, rail, drones and industrial robotics, widening attack surface
- Bill requires digital service providers with revenue over 1.8 million baht to disclose income sources in Thailand.
- Platforms must process user complaints within 24 hours, verify sellers, and clearly disclose fees and paid ads.
- Non‑compliant providers face penalties; social media and ride‑sharing firms may be held liable for fraud.
- Legislation to be reviewed by the Council of State and is slated for House consideration in September.
- During Hurricane Maria in 2017, Casa Pueblo's solar‑battery microgrid kept one building powered while the island remained dark.
- In the nine years since, microgrids have moved beyond emergency use into military, commercial and community projects.
- Adoption is driven by the need for resilient, renewable‑based power and reduced reliance on centralized grids.
- Moonshot AI unveiled Kimi K3, claiming frontier-level performance against top models like Claude and GPT
- Independent analyses from Arena.ai and Vals AI say Kimi is competitive with leading frontier AI models
- Nasdaq fell about 1% as investors sold chip stocks, notably Nvidia, after the announcement
- US officials warned that open‑source Chinese AI could trigger regulatory risk and affect American competitiveness
- US DC fast chargers grew from ~32,000 in July 2023 to over 64,000 by 2026
- Charging reliability index rose from 85 to the mid‑90s, a ~10‑point gain since 2023
- Typical fast‑charging sessions deliver ~140 kW and last ~20 minutes with no wait times
- Tesla’s network opened to non‑Tesla EVs, expanding overall access
- A 600‑mile road trip in 2026 required only three 20‑minute charging stops, versus multiple issues in 2023
- Beijing identifies Chinese-language data as a new strategic frontier for AI development
- Government accelerates a national ecosystem covering text corpora, training datasets, standards, and governance
- Analysts note the AI race is shifting focus from chips and models to data resources
- WAIC in Shanghai emphasized urgent global cooperation on AI to avoid widening digital divide
- Scholars urged development‑focused AI regulations and equal access for Global South nations
- Beijing proposes an AI package covering training, infrastructure, and greater influence in global governance
- T-Head will release the full SAIL software stack for its Zhenwu AI chips as open source
- The move aims to simplify developer operations and reduce reliance on Nvidia's CUDA platform
- Announcement made at the World AI Conference in Shanghai
- Alibaba positions the open-source stack as a competitor to Nvidia's dominant ecosystem
- Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched Vikram-1, India's first privately built orbital rocket.
- The rocket lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Saturday, aiming for low‑Earth orbit to carry small satellites.
- The test flight marks a key milestone for India's private space sector and its push into the global space economy.
- TSMC announced plans to build a semiconductor fab on Kyushu, Japan.
- Taiwanese and Japanese banks and investment firms are setting up operations to fund the new ecosystem.
- The Kumamoto Semiconductor Venture Pitch in February attracted startups such as LINK-US, indicating early-stage interest.
- Prior authorization delays lead many patients to abandon recommended treatments.
- 61% of physicians fear AI will increase wrongful denials, according to a 2025 AMA survey.
- AI could expedite approvals for clearly allowable claims but meets resistance from providers.
- No regulatory changes announced; the impact on insurance workflows remains uncertain.
- 142 protests were organized in 42 states on July 18.
- Texas hosted the most events with 18 protests, followed by Georgia with 11.
- Only 14% of Americans support a data center in their community for AI projects, according to a June Reuters/Ipsos poll.
- Protesters highlight water concerns, citing a proposed California data center that could use 260 million gallons of water per year.
- Organizers say the issue is nonpartisan and could become a factor in the November midterm elections.
- Biren Technology introduced next‑generation “supernode” architecture that links thousands of AI chips via optical data transmission
- The optical interconnect aims to overcome current hardware bandwidth limits in AI server clusters
- The move positions Biren in the competitive AI infrastructure race, targeting markets dominated by Nvidia and other chip makers
- Machine‑learning models are being trained to spot outbreak signals before hospitals report cases
- Researchers use diverse data sources such as wastewater, social media, and health records for early detection
- Early warnings could shorten response times and help contain disease spread
- First Ultimate Robot Knock-out Legend (URKL) event held in Shenzhen this week
- Two identical T800 humanoid robots faced off in an MMA-style fight
- One robot lost its head during the bout, sparking social media reaction
Companies 17
- Tesla's automotive revenue rose ~20% YoY to $XX billion in Q2
- Gross margin on vehicles improved to about 15%, up from 12% a year earlier
- The auto segment now accounts for roughly 70% of total earnings, up from 60% last year
- Shares gained ~5% after the results, reflecting investor optimism on the turnaround
- Analysts now price in a 10% upside if the auto margin sustains
- U.S. K-beauty sales reached $2.8 billion in early 2026, a 48% increase from a year ago
- K-beauty penetration in U.S. households climbed to 28.7% over the latest yearly period
- Morgan Stanley analyst forecasts K-beauty sales to reach $4 billion in 2026
- Honda cancels 4 EV models, including the Prologue, due to US tariffs and Chinese competition
- Hyundai stops selling the Ioniq 6 in the US due to tariffs
- Nissan doesn't produce the Ariya SUV for the 2026 US market
- Polestar leaves the US market due to the ban on Chinese-connected vehicle technology
- Tesla ends production of the Model S and Model X to focus on AI and autonomy
- Samsung Electronics America will lay off 739 roles in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.
- Around 100 workers were let go at the Plano, Texas office, with many offered relocation.
- The consumer electronics unit is expected to post its first mobile division loss amid rising chip costs.
- The relocation follows a broader trend of tech firms moving operations to Texas for lower taxes.
- Leon Black testified before the US House Oversight Committee on June 26.
- He disclosed a $21 million payment to a woman to keep an affair secret.
- The woman had previously demanded $100 million, claiming Black ruined her life.
- The interview is part of a congressional probe into Apollo Global Management's governance.
- Netflix announced a multi‑billion‑dollar investment in sports rights to expand live content.
- The company expects live sports to drive new subscriber sign‑ups and reduce churn.
- Investors remain wary as overall engagement metrics have slowed, keeping the stock under pressure.
- Trump Media & Technology Group proposes $100,000 per month for fastest Truth Social data feed, with $60,000 discount for three‑year contracts
- The "Truth API" would deliver posts from the 10 most influential accounts within milliseconds, targeting high‑frequency traders
- TMTG shares have fallen ~27% this year and closed flat at $9.66, valuing the company at about $2.7 billion
- Senators Wyden and Warren criticize the plan as ethically questionable and potentially enriching the president
- TMTG says it has already signed customers ahead of the August 1 launch, though identities remain undisclosed
- Data tied to roughly 3,300 user accounts was stolen from Ecopetrol and 15 subsidiaries
- Company says no operational disruption or immediate financial loss, but a material adverse impact cannot be ruled out
- Hackers issued extortion demands and threatened to publish the data; a ransomware attempt was blocked
- Quarterly sales rose 20% to €6.3bn, beating the 11% consensus forecast
- Jewellery sales up 24% organically; Japan sales +36% YoY, Americas +27% YoY
- Richemont shares jumped 6% in early trading, with peers LVMH, Kering and Hermes each gaining over 2%
- Watch division sales increased 8% and fashion division sales rose 9% on a like-for-like basis
- Middle East sales grew 3% despite regional war impacts
- Xpeng unveiled the compact Mona L03 SUV at a high‑profile event in Munich, Germany.
- The launch marks the largest European showcase by a Chinese automaker to date.
- Chairman He Xiaopeng announced plans to not only sell but also manufacture vehicles in Europe.
- CFM International secured approval to enhance durability of its jet engines
- The upgrade will allow longer intervals between engine overhauls
- Airlines could benefit from reduced maintenance costs
- Samsung Electronics America filed a WARN notice for a workforce reduction of 739 employees in New Jersey.
- The layoffs are part of a broader cost‑cutting initiative announced by the company.
- No immediate impact on Samsung's product output or earnings was indicated.
- Service was paused for approximately one hour to assess a power outage affecting about 7,000 PG&E customers
- Waymo made temporary adjustments and restored service once local conditions were monitored
- San Francisco mayor called for stricter state regulations on autonomous vehicles during major incidents
- Previous outages have previously stalled Waymo vehicles, highlighting operational challenges
- Fanatics expects >$14 bn revenue in 2025, up from $8 bn in 2024
- Company serves >150 million fans across merchandise, collectibles, and betting
- Fanatics will avoid ticketing and live‑sports broadcasting, citing competition and fan‑experience focus
- Fanatics Fest targets >200,000 attendees over its four‑day run
- Homeplus shut 67 operating stores after earlier suspension of 37 outlets.
- The closures end South Korea's second‑largest hypermarket chain.
- The move underscores a shift toward time‑poor consumers favoring convenience formats.
- Restructuring reflects financial distress and evolving retail habits in Korea.
- Hong Kong delivery firm Lalamove teams up with professional services firm EY.
- Collaboration targets the "low-altitude economy" to expand logistics reach in the Greater Bay Area.
- EY will provide planning, business modelling, risk, governance, tax and customs advisory.
- The joint initiative aims to transform conventional business models through integrated logistics and advisory services.
- Lululemon's same-store sales at sampled Chinese malls declined 4% YoY in May
- The decline follows a 3% YoY drop in the previous month, showing accelerating slowdown
- Analysts cite fierce competition and shifting consumer preferences pressuring China's yoga apparel market
- Domestic consumption remains sluggish as middle‑class shoppers diversify away from yoga apparel
Thai Markets 2
- Scheme targets 40‑year‑old civil servants, aiming to cut workforce of 414,088 employees
- Approximately 121,545 staff (≈30% of workforce) are in the 41‑50 age bracket, primary focus group
- Critics warn the plan may lose experienced talent and could increase costs if compensation is generous
- Implementation study expected by FY2027; potential shift to private health insurance also under review
- Chinese investors view Thailand's logistics network as a competitive edge and call for faster approvals and fewer regulations
- PM Anutin pledged to curb corruption and streamline procedures, targeting missing rail/road links and southern port upgrades within 5‑10 years
- Thailand will accelerate free‑trade agreement negotiations to lower tariffs and boost export value after discussions with Chinese leaders in Chengdu
- A new Board of Investment office was opened in Chengdu, signaling deeper Thailand‑China economic cooperation
Other 44
- Smoke from Canadian wildfires caused unhealthy air quality in the Northeast, with NYC rated worst globally on Friday
- Air quality forecast improves to "moderate" for sensitive groups by Sunday, the day of the World Cup final
- Thunderstorms expected to clear most haze; temperatures around 27 °C (80 °F) with light breezes at kickoff
- Spain's pre‑final training halted by storms, while Argentina completed its outdoor session without issue
- House Ways and Means Committee approved the Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act (H.R. 9500) 39-0 on July 1
- FTC reported $15.9 billion in fraud losses in 2025, up 27% from 2024 and 430% since 2020
- Bill would restore theft‑loss deductions, remove the 10% early‑withdrawal penalty, and allow deductions in the year losses occur
- Investment‑fraud losses remain deductible, but other scams (impersonation, romance) are not under current law
- Seniors (60+) account for 68% of six‑figure fraud losses, totaling $1.6 billion in 2024
- The IRS has provided no guidance on whether prediction market profits are taxed as gambling income, capital gains, or under Section 1256 contracts.
- Section 1256 treatment would tax 60% of gains at long‑term rates (0%, 15% or 20%) and 40% at ordinary rates up to 37%, regardless of holding period.
- The Trump‑signed bill caps gambling loss deductions at 90%, meaning a $100 win and $100 loss yields $10 taxable income.
- State regulators are treating prediction markets as gambling, imposing taxes up to 50% and filing lawsuits that further complicate federal tax treatment.
- Inquiry examined over 1 million files
- 80 witnesses testified across 30 public sessions
- Fire killed 168 people, Hong Kong's deadliest since 1948
- Panel chaired by Justice David Lok Kai-hong
- Chinese companies installed 79% of worldwide wind turbines in 2023, up 6 percentage points from the prior year
- Growth driven by strong domestic demand and expanding orders in Asia and Africa
- China now dominates nearly four‑fifths of the global wind turbine market
- Recall covers iceberg lettuce from central Mexico sold in 27 states, distributed June 29‑July 16
- CDC traced Cyclospora outbreak to shredded lettuce served at Taco Bell in 5 states
- Walmart and Taco Bell have removed affected lettuce products; no confirmed illnesses reported
- The implicated farm supplies less than 1% of U.S. iceberg lettuce; recall remains indefinite
- England wins 6-4 against France
- Match featured a total of 10 goals
- Game part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament
- Argentina and Spain set to meet in World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
- Persistent smog from Canadian wildfires made New York the world's most polluted city on Saturday
- Over 80,000 spectators expected, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
- Lionel Messi aims for a second consecutive World Cup title, tied for Golden Boot with Kylian Mbappe at eight goals
- Spain have conceded only one goal in seven matches, while Argentina overcame England in a dramatic semi‑final comeback
- Resale tickets for the final listed up to $2.3 million on FIFA’s platform.
- Secondary‑market prices range from $10,000 to $2.3 million, with an average of $11,000.
- FIFA set group‑stage tickets at $575, more than double the 2022 price.
- 99.7% of seats were filled during the tournament’s preliminary stage.
- No tickets were available on FIFA’s sales site on Saturday; a few listed at $32,000.
- Protests against new data center projects have spread to multiple states.
- Activists cite environmental concerns and community impact as primary grievances.
- Major tech firms such as Amazon, Microsoft and Google face heightened scrutiny.
- Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to a hospital on the 21st day of his hunger strike
- Party founder Abhijeet Dipke began a solidarity fast and was splashed with ink
- The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party protest escalated following the hospitalization
- Net worth: two homes valued at $2.8 million, no mortgage
- Liability: $19,000 credit‑card balance
- Considering a home‑equity line of credit to refinance debt or fund expenses
- Son’s lymphoma diagnosis linked to burn‑pit exposure adds potential medical cost concerns
- Social Security benefits are not reduced by inherited assets; only earned income matters
- Medicare Part B premiums can rise if the inheritance pushes MAGI above IRMAA thresholds
- 2024 IRMAA starts at $97,000 (single) or $194,000 (married) in MAGI, triggering higher premiums
- The inheritance itself isn’t taxable, but interest or dividends earned may be
- Strategic timing of withdrawals can help stay below premium‑increase brackets
- Season opens on 4 September 2026, three weeks later than last season
- League will feature 29 weekend rounds and one midweek fixture, ending 30 May 2027
- Promoted clubs Pattani, Rasisalai United and Si Sa Ket United join the top flight
- Ramadan matches in Pattani set for 7pm between 8 Feb and 10 Mar 2027
- Final round fixtures will be played simultaneously across all venues
- Israeli environment minister reclassifies crocodiles as “captive‑bred wildlife”, removing wild‑animal restrictions.
- Change enables the use of crocodiles for security, including deterring prison escapes.
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who suggested a crocodile‑surrounded prison in December, praised the move.
- Canadian military will use aircraft to evacuate Fort Hope, home to about 600 residents.
- Intense forest fires in northwestern Ontario are generating smoke that blankets large parts of the United States.
- The remote area has few roads, making air evacuation the primary option.
- Federal Emergencies Minister Eleanor Olszewski announced the evacuation plan on Friday night.
- Power Slap logged 1.88 billion social media impressions over the past year
- The sport generated $48 million in earned media value and ~40 million likes
- More sponsors have signed with Power Slap in two years than the UFC did in ten
- Dana White is backing Zuffa Boxing as a short‑term growth bet alongside Power Slap
- State media warns that social media accounts are monetising hints of officials' investigations before official announcements.
- The practice creates a “grey market” around Beijing’s anti‑corruption campaign, posing a new challenge for law enforcement.
- One method involves posting an official’s résumé as a coded signal that they are under disciplinary investigation.
- The report was published by the state‑run journal Banyuetan on Friday.
- 49% of registered voters watched at least some of the World Cup.
- 51% of Democrats, 47% of Republicans and 47% of independents tuned in.
- 51% of Harris voters watched versus 47% of Trump voters; 47% of Trump approvers and 50% of disapprovers watched.
- 59% of voters earning ≥$100k watched, compared with 31% earning <$30k; 65% with postgraduate degrees watched vs 40% with only a high school education.
- 88% of viewers watched matches not involving the US, including 82% of Republicans.
- 131 kg (289 lbs) of ketamine seized in Hong Kong air cargo
- Shipment declared as sugar cubes, originated from Germany
- Value estimated at HK$51 million (US$6.5 million); three suspects arrested
- Customs intercepted the consignment on Tuesday
- Nine fire victims' legal representatives propose folding the Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit into the Buildings Department.
- The call follows a public inquiry into the Wang Fuk Court blaze, Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades.
- Recommendations were submitted to the independent committee on Saturday, citing communication failures and regulatory overlap.
- Phone-scam reports in Hong Kong rose 46% in Jan-May 2026 YoY.
- Police operation "Pebblepace" led to 61 arrests, suspects aged 17 to 82.
- Operation foiled 54 cases involving over HK$31 million (US$3.95 million) in losses.
- Chinese tourist arrivals to Norway have increased steadily over the past two years.
- Interest peaked during the summer World Cup, coinciding with Erling Haaland's advertising campaign.
- Tourism officials credit Haaland's social‑media presence for amplifying Norway's appeal to Chinese travelers.
- 43,347 day-school candidates sat the DSE exam in 2024.
- Only about 12,000 subsidised undergraduate spots are available across eight public universities.
- 85% of Form Six students in the 2024-25 cohort plan to pursue local tertiary education, including degrees, sub-degrees, and diplomas.
- Fossil from China shows birds shed long bony tails through a stepwise process
- Transition to short feathered tail occurred gradually, not suddenly
- Evolutionary change was key to bird survival after the 66‑million‑year‑old mass extinction
- As of July 16, 1,786 owners (about 90%) submitted acceptance letters for the buy-back.
- 769 owners have already signed sale and purchase agreements.
- Some residents worry the process is rushed, especially regarding priority flat selection.
- The scheme targets the fire‑damaged Wang Fuk Court estate to facilitate redevelopment.
- Officials from Fukuoka prefecture took overseas research trips to Paris and London
- Hotel upgrades and related expenses amounted to several million yen
- Governor Seitaro Hattori and the local Liberal Democratic Party face growing public criticism
- Controversy arises amid rising household costs in Japan
- Andrew and Tristan Tate were taken into custody by US Marshals in Miami on Saturday
- Arrest executed under a sealed warrant, details of charges not disclosed
- Detention follows a UK extradition request, according to unnamed source
- Mbappe reaches 22 World Cup goals, the most ever recorded
- He tallies 10 goals in this tournament, a new tournament record
- England defeats France 6-4 to secure third place
- Messi remains tied with Mbappe at 21 career World Cup goals
- Jude Bellingham becomes England's top scorer in the tournament with 7 goals
- San Camillo Hospital in Ratchaburi suspended the physician pending a probe.
- Patient died of two blocked coronary arteries after alleged lack of physical exam and ECG.
- Family alleges doctor dismissed symptoms, prescribed painkillers, and refused ECG.
- Hospital appointed a probe committee and pledged a transparent review.
- More than 150 square kilometres have burned in the fire.
- The blaze covers an 80‑km perimeter in northern Spain.
- Drone video released on 18 July 2026 highlights the scale.
- Founder spent $7,000 on tools to launch Locksmith Girl of NYC in July 2025
- Handles up to 60 jobs per week; busiest day covered 21 hours of work
- TikTok video in January earned over 600,000 views, driving client growth
- Women comprise less than 1% of U.S. installation, maintenance and repair workers, but numbers are rising
- Average annual salary for a New York locksmith is $76,745, according to Indeed
- A financial representative did not know AT&T is short for American Telephone and Telegraph
- The story underscores the need for basic corporate knowledge among advisers
- No broader market or economic impact is identified
- The most regrettable retirement error is unrelated to depleting savings
- Experts say other financial missteps can cause greater distress
- Early planning and proper asset allocation can prevent this mistake
- Kerr ran 3:42.66 to set a new mile record, beating the previous mark by 0.47 seconds
- The previous record of 3:43.13 was set by Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999, lasting 27 years
- The 28-year-old Briton achieved the feat at the London Diamond League in front of a 60,000‑person crowd
- Health, agriculture and consumer protection ministries open probe into cyclospora contamination at a Mexican farm
- Authorities aim to identify source and prevent further spread of the parasite
- Potential implications for domestic consumption and export of fresh produce
- Independent committee will submit final report in late October, a month later than the September deadline.
- Investigation into the Wang Fuk Court blaze has a nine‑month timeline that now extends to October.
- Delay attributed to additional time needed to review documents.
- Family of four lives on about $3,000 per month, far less than typical U.S. expenses.
- Mortgage payment dropped from $1,500 (U.S.) to $500 after buying a three‑bedroom home.
- Vehicle cost is $400 a month, electricity $20, and internet/phone $75.
- Groceries average $400 monthly and extracurricular activities cost $477.
- Sonam Wangchuk, 59, was moved to a hospital after 21 days of fasting.
- The hunger strike began on June 28 demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign over May exam paper leaks.
- The leaks affected millions of students, sparking protests by the Cockroach Janta Party.
- A 30-year-old man swam for three hours through floodwaters in Guangxi's Zhuang region
- Floods caused by torrential rains and dam collapses left 39 dead and affected nearly 400,000 residents
- From July 3‑6, cumulative rainfall reached 400‑600 mm regionally, with Qinzhou city receiving over 800 mm
- Food and Environmental Hygiene Department issued 1,000 permits by lottery in June
- 940 restaurants opened to dogs on July 9
- Owners report limited seating, with one stroller only half fitting in the designated area
- Several businesses withdrew from the scheme within days of launch
- 49‑year‑old Chen Cuiju was misdiagnosed as dead after a coma in 2023
- She was saved moments before cremation and later recovered consciousness
- Previously a factory worker who moved from Guizhou to Dongguan in 1995 at age 18
- She has turned to painting, gaining recognition for her artwork
- Sun Fanglin, 58, died on July 10 after treatment for an undisclosed illness
- He was director of the Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine at Tongji University
- Former dean of Tongji University's School of Life Sciences and Technology
- His research on cellular aging and tumor formation aided new cancer drug development
- His death was announced via an obituary on the institute's website
- Chef Keiko Kuwakino prepares a dinner for 20 guests at Michelin-starred Sanaburi in Niigata.
- The menu is missing udo, a wild spring vegetable traditionally foraged locally.
- Shortage highlights broader pressures on Japan's forest and farmland ecosystems.
No stories match “”.