- U.S. 10-year Treasury yield surged, pressuring equity valuations
- Crude oil prices jumped, adding cost pressures
- Dollar index broke above 105, reinforcing a longer‑term uptrend
- S&P 500 fell below its 200‑day moving average support
July 26, 2026
▲ 16▼ 23◆ 6– 106
Markets 14
- S&P 500 earnings growth rate surged to its fastest pace in recent years, largely thanks to one mega-cap
- The upcoming week features the most crowded Q2 earnings calendar on record
- Analysts expect the earnings beat to lift broader market sentiment despite concentration risk
- Investors are watching for spillover effects on sector indices and related stocks
- 10-year Treasury yield climbed to its highest level in over a year, reflecting heightened inflation worries
- Bond market pricing suggests the Fed may need to raise rates sooner than previously expected
- Higher yields pressure equities and could tighten financial conditions across markets
- Credit spreads for AI-focused tech firms are widening and expected to expand further in Q4 2024 and into 2027
- Neoclouds show extreme debt‑to‑equity ratios: CoreWeave ~739×, Nebius 131×, Applied Digital 172×
- Major hyperscalers have lower leverage (Alphabet ~18×, Amazon 51×, Microsoft ~30×) but their spreads are also rising
- UBS forecasts US corporate credit spreads to stay range‑bound in Q3 2024, then widen in Q4 and remain elevated through 2027
- BIS warns circular financing could amplify stress, citing over‑investment at 1.5× the needed level
- Intel shares fell about 8% on Friday, closing near $103 after opening around $106
- The tech sector recorded its most significant sell‑off in over a year, with Nvidia and Alphabet also pressured
- Apple posted its strongest monthly gain in three years, while Google’s stock slipped roughly 40 points
- Intel’s earnings surprised positively, sending the stock up more than 10% in after‑hours trading
- Dow futures up 0.5% (244 points), S&P futures up 0.6%, Nasdaq 100 futures up 1.2%
- Brent crude fell more than 5% to around $92/barrel; WTI dropped 5% to about $85/barrel
- Week ahead features megacap earnings (Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft) and a Fed rate decision that could add 0.25% to rates
- Historical midterm years have seen the S&P 500 underperform by an average of 2% versus non‑midterm years
- Increased political uncertainty may boost market volatility, with the VIX historically rising 5‑10 points after election cycles
- Potential policy shifts, such as tax changes or spending cuts, could compress corporate earnings forecasts for 2025
- Boeing (BA) to report Q2 results with expected cash burn of $179 million and free cash flow guidance of $1‑3 billion
- Procter & Gamble (PG) consensus FY27 organic sales growth forecast at 2.2% with EPS projected at $7.02
- Meta Platforms (META) will disclose AI capex guidance and potential cloud compute plans
- Federal Reserve July policy meeting adds uncertainty as oil prices rise on renewed Middle East tensions
- Earnings from Amazon, Microsoft, Apple and other hyperscalers are on the agenda this week
- Total ETF assets in Brazil reached $22.8 bn, according to latest figures.
- Assets have nearly tripled since 2022, up from roughly $8 bn.
- The surge highlights increasing investor appetite for passive funds in Brazil.
- Wisconsin AG warned prediction‑market platforms, including Kalshi, that election‑betting may violate state law.
- Kalshi and similar sites are preparing for a legal showdown as regulators seek to block bets on the November 2024 midterms.
- The dispute could set precedent for U.S. prediction‑market regulation ahead of the upcoming elections.
- Five Chinese manufacturers together control 70% of the worldwide household cleaning robot market.
- Companies are focusing on unique features, like stair-climbing, rather than price competition.
- Roborock is developing the Saros Rover, targeting the first robot capable of climbing stairs.
- The shift toward innovation is driving China's dominance in the sector.
- CFTC issued a second warning this year to prediction markets.
- Regulator says markets are using overly broad, template‑style self‑certifications for event contracts.
- Markets are urged to stop issuing cookie‑cutter certifications.
- CrowdStrike (CRWD) price target raised to $230, with AI‑driven demand supporting high‑teens revenue growth outlook
- AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) initiated coverage with a $100 price target, citing valuation advantage and access to over 3 billion mobile subscribers
- Broadcom (AVGO) reiterated buy with a $502 price target, maintaining roughly 80% AI TPU market share despite competition concerns
- Analysts rank in the top 1% on TipRanks, with historical hit rates of 48%‑65% and average returns of 15%‑25%
Macro/Economy 15
- AfDB warns a “super” El Nino may inflict $10‑20 bn in damages across affected African nations.
- The extreme weather could trigger large‑scale migration from the hardest‑hit regions.
- Pacific Ocean warming trends raise risk of the strongest El Nino on record, intensifying droughts, floods and storms in Africa.
- Washington levied tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on imports from seven Southeast Asian nations.
- The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam receive the highest rates within the 10‑12.5% band.
- Tariffs are justified by alleged forced‑labour practices, raising doubts about US reliability as a trade partner.
- Japan and US governments agreed on a $550 billion investment package for US power projects
- Citigroup and JPMorgan, alongside JBIC, will extend initial loans for the program
- Power station project costs could reach up to $74 billion
- US services PPI for June published
- Month‑over‑month change reported
- Year‑over‑year change reported
- Exports to the US grew 33.7% YoY to 2.13 trillion baht (Oct‑Jun period).
- Total Thai trade value reached 19 trillion baht, up from 11 trillion baht a year earlier.
- Imports rose 23% in baht terms (30% in USD); exports increased 8.4% in baht terms.
- Customs revenue rose 7% YoY to 476 billion baht, with VAT up 8.4% and import duty rate falling to 0.83 satang per 100 baht.
- AI-driven customs cuts cargo release time to under one minute and lowers physical inspections to 15%.
- Reconciliation 3.0 has been scaled back but still faces significant legislative hurdles
- Moderate Democrats and Senate Republicans remain key opponents
- Analyst rates the likelihood of passage as low, citing past reconciliation failures
- U.S. GDP fell 4.5% in 2009 and unemployment rose to a peak of 10%
- Common narratives shift blame away from major banks and regulators despite evidence of risky lending
- Policy tools like TARP, the Federal Reserve’s QE and low rates were pivotal in averting deeper collapse
- The crisis left a legacy of tighter capital rules and heightened scrutiny of systemic risk
- Only 14% of Gen X workers have a traditional pension versus 56% of baby boomers
- Many Gen Xers hold most retirement assets in S&P 500 funds, increasing sequence‑of‑returns risk
- Past market crashes kept the S&P 500 underwater for 4‑13 years, a critical window for near‑retirees
- Advisors suggest a "war chest" of ~2 years cash and ~5 years short‑term bonds/CDs for withdrawal protection
- A glide‑path or temporary "bond tent" can lower the chance of forced equity sales during downturns
- Deferred capital gains in Opportunity Zones total $75 billion as of end‑2024, with the deferral ending Dec 31 2026
- Around 41,000 investors (85% individuals) hold Qualified Opportunity Funds; typical individual AGI $738 k in 2024
- Investors in funds by end‑2019 get a 15% basis step‑up (taxes on 85% of gains); those by end‑2021 receive a 10% step‑up
- From 2027, all investors will get a five‑year deferral and a 10% basis step‑up, with a 30% step‑up for rural‑focused funds
- Few investors are expected to cash out before 2026, as the 10‑year hold unlocks a potential tax‑free exit
- Higher raw material costs squeeze profit margins for most Chinese automakers
- Sales fall as government purchase subsidies and tax incentives are rolled back
- Dealers report limited ability to offer deeper discounts while inventory levels are trimmed
- China plus one strategy viewed as route out of the middle‑income trap for ASEAN nations
- Manufacturers shifting away from China due to rising costs, trade tensions and supply‑chain risks
- Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are prime targets for new factories, but policy reforms are essential
- Reforms must boost business climate, labor productivity and wage growth to attract investment
- Monday.com will cut about 20% of its staff (~600 employees) citing an AI-driven transformation.
- U.S. tech companies have eliminated nearly 140,000 jobs YTD, with Amazon, Oracle, Meta and Microsoft accounting for ~50,000 cuts.
- Firms that attribute layoffs to AI have underperformed the Nasdaq by roughly 10% in the 30 trading days after announcements.
- AI‑focused firms like Anthropic and OpenAI are hiring, and companies such as Meta are shifting thousands of workers into AI roles.
- Recent AI‑related cuts include Microsoft (4,800 jobs, 2.1%), Oracle (21,000 jobs, 13%), GitLab (350 jobs, 14%).
- Indonesia's parliament approved legislation to establish a new financial centre competing with Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai
- President Prabowo Subianto targets 8% GDP growth by 2029 as part of the hub initiative
- Analysts warn that convincing global investors will require extensive policy and regulatory work beyond the legal framework
- Welfare card registration identified over 5 million working-age recipients out of more than 9 million total.
- Finance minister says the program costs over 70 billion baht annually, with no additional budget impact expected.
- Data will be used to create employment opportunities and upgrade skills for low-income adults.
- 44% of non‑retirees intend to claim Social Security before age 67 (full retirement age).
- Only 10% plan to wait until age 70, which maximizes monthly payouts.
- Claiming at age 62 provides about 70% of the full benefit (e.g., $1,400 vs $2,000 at FRA).
- Each year of delay after FRA adds roughly 8% to benefits, reaching 124% at age 70.
- Break‑even age for delaying to 70 versus claiming at 62 typically falls between 78 and 82 years.
Central Banks 1
- Fed expected to keep policy rate unchanged at 5.25%-5.50% at the upcoming FOMC meeting
- Crude oil prices have risen to roughly $85 per barrel, adding inflation pressure
- Citi projects a dovish outlook, forecasting the first rate cut by mid‑2025
- Markets price about a 70% chance of a hold, with a 20% probability of a hike
Energy/Oil 5
- Brent crude breached $100 per barrel after Houthis struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait
- Both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb are now blocked, raising immediate supply‑risk concerns
- Earlier warnings of a crude glut have shifted to fears of supply disruptions and a potential global recession
- Oil market volatility is expected to increase as regional tensions resume following a brief U.S.-Iran ceasefire
Read on OilPrice ↗
also: OilPrice
- WTI crude slipped more than 5% to around $XX per barrel
- Brent crude also dropped over 5% following the US pause on Iran strikes
- The price decline reflects reduced supply‑risk concerns after the pause
- Drone attacks blamed on Ukraine forced Kazakhstan to suspend oil shipments from its CPC terminal in Novorossiysk.
- Kazakhstan’s crude accounts for about 20% of its GDP and 80% of its oil exports are now at risk.
- EU countries, notably Romania which receives >60% of its crude from Kazakhstan, could see gasoline production fall up to 15% if shipments remain halted.
- The disruptions began in November 2025 and intensified in July 2026, affecting nearly 200 shadow‑fleet vessels in the Black Sea.
- May 2026 oil output hits new record, highest monthly level since Vaca Muerta ramp‑up
- Natural gas production also reached a record high in the same month
- Surge occurs amid heightened Middle East geopolitical tensions and domestic economic challenges
- Government targets a diversified, self‑sufficient energy mix, reducing reliance on ageing coal fleet
- Renewable projects receive heightened private investment as companies diversify sources
- Transition aims to support a green economy while maintaining domestic energy security
Crypto 10
- BitMart will cease trading on Aug. 26, 2026 and fully shut down by Jan. 31, 2027.
- BMX token dropped ~58% in 24 hours, extending a ~70% decline over the past year.
- The exchange reported $1.6 billion 24‑hour trading volume, with bitcoin accounting for nearly half.
- Withdrawals remain open but will require additional identity and security checks, potentially delaying processing.
- SEC filed criminal complaint alleging false reports after a 1.7 billion‑baht cyber‑attack in May 2021
- Founder Sakolkorn Sakavee admitted altering filings, resigned, and Bitkub reimbursed customers by Oct 2021
- Bitkub’s market share fell from >90% to roughly 45% as Binance Thailand overtook it in trading volume
- KUB Coin price down ~96% from its 580 baht peak to around 24 baht
- Bitkub has invested >400 million baht in cybersecurity and moved assets to custodians like BitGo and Coinbase
- Senate merges two drafts of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act and adds an ethics provision.
- Bill must clear a motion to proceed by early August, with cloture votes expected the week of Aug 3.
- Democrats push for stricter ethics rules targeting former President Trump's $1.4 billion crypto gains; some Republicans also express concerns.
- Passage requires 60 votes on the motion to proceed; deadline before Senate recess on Aug 7.
- Industry broadly supports the bill, but Sen. Elizabeth Warren opposes it over investor protection and national security worries.
- Sberbank plans to roll out a cryptocurrency trading infrastructure by Dec. 1, 2024
- Russia is drafting rules for crypto market participants alongside the launch
- The framework will allow crypto assets to be used in foreign trade operations
- Dormant BTC movement fell to its lowest level since Q3 2022
- Long‑term holders reduced distribution after recent heavy profit‑taking
- Bitcoin OG selling pressure eased, indicating potential price stabilization
- CFTC issued advisory urging firms like Kalshi, Coinbase, Polymarket to avoid broad template certifications for event contracts
- Regulator requires detailed information for each contract permutation, rejecting self‑certified generic filings
- CFTC extended dormant status for Kraken Derivatives Exchange, allowing it to remain registered for future activity
- Warning comes amid rapid growth in sports‑betting and political prediction markets and ongoing legal uncertainty
- MiCA licensing phase completed, but high compliance costs push smaller crypto firms toward consolidation
- UK FCA's proposed framework mirrors MiCA, integrating crypto firms into existing financial services rules
- Banks with existing compliance infrastructure are positioned to acquire crypto firms, potentially increasing their market share
- Less than 20% of European banks currently offer crypto services, highlighting growth opportunity
- Shiba Inu price rose ~36% to $0.0000057, adding about $1 bn to market cap
- Market cap reached ~ $3.4 bn with daily volume near $380 m, its highest turnover in months
- Upbit’s SHIB/KRW pair accounted for >10% of global SHIB volume, fueling the move
- Short positions liquidated about $6 m (≈1,000 contracts) after the rally
- Binance runs simulated phishing attacks on employees each month via its internal red team.
- Staff who repeatedly fail may receive remediation training or face dismissal, with results tied to performance reviews.
- The program has been in place for 3‑4 years, showing significant improvement from earlier security hygiene gaps.
- Crypto sector reports 65% of 2025 security incidents stem from social engineering; recent hacks include a $285 million loss at Drift Protocol.
- Attacker moved approximately $724,198 USDC.e following a breach of a WEMIX$-linked contract
- WEMIX halted bridge operations, liquidity‑pool trading, and several related services in response
- The incident highlights ongoing security risks in crypto bridge and liquidity‑pool infrastructures
Geopolitics 39
- Both sides report no new strikes for a second consecutive day, halting two weeks of nightly attacks.
- An Omani delegation arrived in Tehran and mediators from Qatar and Pakistan are exchanging messages to revive talks.
- US Central Command maintains a full naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, having redirected 12 vessels and boarded two on Saturday.
- Iranian army says it has halted retaliatory operations but warns the conflict could widen if US attacks resume.
- A recent US poll shows only 29% of respondents approve of the president's handling of the war with Iran.
- US midterm election is 100 days away, with Republicans trailing in House polls
- Polls suggest Republicans risk losing the House, while the Senate race remains competitive
- Democrats would control House committees and subpoena power, potentially intensifying investigations into the Trump administration
- Former President Donald Trump is not a candidate, but his influence remains a factor in the race
- Iran pledged to stop attacks provided the United States maintains its bombing pause.
- The ceasefire condition links Iranian strikes directly to U.S. military actions in the region.
- Analysts say the move could lower short‑term escalation risk but overall tension remains high.
- US naval blockade of Iran's southern ports reimposed, curtailing crude exports after brief reopening
- Iran sold $11.5bn of crude during the war, meeting 60% of its annual oil revenue target
- Bombing has cut roughly 230 million cubic metres per day of natural gas output, about 35% of pre‑war capacity
- Fuel deficit exceeds 20 million litres per day, prompting consideration of higher petrol price tiers
- Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea raise risk of further global oil supply constraints
- Ukraine struck an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, killing one sailor and injuring several crew members
- Iran summoned Ukraine's diplomat, warned of retaliation, and coordinated a response with Russia and the EU
- Brent crude fell about 4% to $96.78 per barrel and WTI slipped roughly 3% to $89.31 per barrel after the incident
- U.S. Central Command reported redirecting 12 commercial vessels and disabling 2 in its ongoing naval blockade as of July 25
- Saudi air defenses intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen, underscoring broader regional tensions
- Russia has asked North Korea for 30,000 extra troops and missile launchers to support its war in Ukraine
- Preparations are reportedly underway in Russia's Voronezh region near the Ukrainian border
- North Korea previously deployed thousands of troops to assist Russia in the Kursk region earlier in 2024
- Zelensky disclosed the request in a social media post on Saturday
- Burnham told the BBC he'll call out President Trump when UK national interest requires, after a "good exchange" call.
- He welcomed Trump's praise of fast‑tracking North Sea oil and gas exploration in already‑licensed fields.
- No date set for raising defence spending to 3% of GDP, but finance minister John Healey is expected to prioritize funding.
- Analysts warn the UK's high public debt and borrowing costs may limit any dramatic increase in defence outlays.
- Israel approved entry of an international stabilisation force under a US‑backed ceasefire plan.
- Displaced residents hope the force will aid reconstruction and enable return after months of bombardment.
- The initiative reflects growing diplomatic efforts to stabilize Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
- Ex-President Juan Orlando Hernández was pardoned by Donald Trump in December after a 45‑year drug‑trafficking sentence.
- He arrived in Honduras on Sunday; a previously issued arrest warrant was suspended, so he was not detained.
- Hernández is scheduled to appear in court on August 3 for fraud and money‑laundering charges, amid activist concerns of a sham trial.
- Suspect Abdul Ballout was shot dead after attacking officers with a bladed weapon in Spandau.
- The van attack on Saturday night in Berlin's Tiergarten killed one person and injured 29.
- Police located the suspect within 24 hours, ending the manhunt that began Saturday.
- Authorities said Ballout had prior convictions and was known to police for radicalisation.
- Settlers set fire to two mosques in the occupied West Bank early Sunday
- Friday clash near Tal village left four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers dead
- Graffiti and arson reported on buildings in nearby Palestinian villages
- Armed settlers approached the village, escalating tensions
- Machado announced she will not take part in US‑backed talks with interim government of Delcy Rodriguez
- Talks were scheduled for August but opposition rejects involvement in design, development, and operation
- Statement was co‑signed by former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia
- Refusal underscores ongoing political stalemate in Venezuela
- Burnham, in office for just one week, welcomes Zelensky as his first foreign leader visit
- The two leaders will tour a British naval base and review joint military training programs
- London pledges continued "unwavering" support for Kyiv amid ongoing conflict
- Visit signals strong UK‑Ukraine diplomatic ties and reinforces NATO cooperation
- Cambodia's CMAC reports 3,872 sq km of border area contaminated by UXO, including 3,858 sites with cluster munitions
- CMAC estimates Thai forces fired 120,000‑130,000 155mm cluster shells, dispersing 6‑7 million submunitions with a 25‑30% failure rate
- Thailand says the figures lack independent verification and will not accept the claims without joint forensic evidence
- Thai authorities have destroyed over 8,400 UXO pieces, including 4,436 cluster munitions, between Jan and Jun 2025
- Four American troops killed in recent US‑Iran clashes are moved to a new category, removed from the Iran war death count.
- The reclassification raises questions about transparency in reporting U.S. service‑member casualties amid heightened strikes on Iran.
- The Trump administration has intensified strikes to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, without outlining a clear wind‑down plan.
- Houthi forces claim to have downed a Saudi reconnaissance drone in northwestern Yemen.
- The incident was reported on 26 July 2026, a day after Houthis said they attacked Saudi oil facilities.
- Released footage appears to show the burning wreckage of the drone.
- Damascus aims to negotiate a security agreement with Israel
- Syria will not pursue military intervention in Lebanon's crisis
- Al-Sharaa stresses support for Lebanon's stability rather than force
- President Miguel Diaz‑Canel labeled U.S. actions as genocide and economic strangulation at a rally marking the 73rd anniversary of the 1953 uprising
- U.S. oil embargo imposed on Jan 29 has led to daily blackouts exceeding 20 hours and shortages of water, medicine and industrial output
- Visa, Mastercard, Spain's Melia hotel chain, Air Canada and Air France have exited the Cuban market amid the crisis
- U.S. President Donald Trump previously threatened to "take over" Cuba and the State Department recently accused Cuba of espionage
- Netanyahu vows to attend UN meeting in New York, defying ICC arrest warrant
- NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he would seek Netanyahu's arrest if he visits
- AP-NORC poll: 44% of US Jewish adults view Mamdani favorably, 33% view Netanyahu favorably
- YouGov poll: 46% of US adults think Netanyahu should be arrested
- Netanyahu warns any renewed Iranian attack on Israel would be a "terrible mistake"
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is "fomenting hate" after being called a war criminal
- Netanyahu labels ICC war-crimes charges against him as "bogus"
- Despite the mayor's remarks, Netanyahu plans to attend the UN General Assembly in New York in September
- Mamdani's comments sparked diplomatic tension ahead of the UN gathering
- Romanian forces downed a drone each on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, marking three interceptions in as many days.
- The intercepted drone was identified as a Russian-made Shahed model used in the Ukraine conflict.
- Bucharest summoned Russia's ambassador to protest repeated airspace violations, heightening NATO security concerns.
- Israeli forces entered southwestern Syria, setting up a checkpoint at Al-Ardah.
- UN Secretary-General Guterres condemned the breach of Syria's sovereignty and urged removal of sanctions.
- Israel says it will keep a "security zone" in southern Syria, continuing incursions since Dec 2024.
- Syria's foreign minister demanded Israeli withdrawal from the UN‑controlled buffer zone.
- World Bank estimates Syria's post‑war reconstruction cost at $216 billion.
- Ballistic missiles hit Kyiv early Sunday, wounding at least three civilians.
- Attacks in Russian‑occupied eastern Ukraine killed at least two people.
- Ukraine's drone successes have stalled Russian advances, worsening fuel shortages in Russia.
- Lebanese army deployed troops to first pilot zone villages (Zawtar al‑Gharbiya, Froun, Srifa) under a US‑backed withdrawal deal.
- Israeli forces continue shelling and clearance operations, blocking full handover and civilian return.
- At least 4,330 people have been killed in the latest Israel‑Hezbollah conflict, with 37 Israeli soldiers and 4 civilians dead.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met US President Trump to urge pressure on Israel to comply with the agreement.
- China's Ministry of Commerce placed 14 EU entities, including Wroclaw University of Science & Technology, on a dual‑use export control list
- The action is a direct retaliation to EU sanctions on 14 mainland Chinese and Hong Kong firms announced the day before
- The blacklist is effective immediately, limiting the university's access to Chinese technology and components
- This is the first instance of a European academic institution being targeted alongside defence contractors
- July 27 is marked in North Korea as "Victory Day," commemorating its claimed triumph in the Korean War.
- The 1953 Korean Armistice ended active fighting but did not create a formal peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in a suspended conflict.
- Continued North Korean missile tests and nuclear arsenal expansion keep U.S. strategic options under pressure.
- China's leading tech companies declined a meeting with a US congressional delegation during a recent visit.
- Analysts say the snub reflects Beijing's increasingly selective approach to AI diplomacy.
- The move highlights a paradox: ongoing AI safety talks coexist with reduced direct exchanges.
- India aims to have over 200 warships by 2034 to strengthen its maritime posture.
- China already fields the world’s largest navy, raising regional security concerns.
- Pakistan has received advanced Chinese-built attack submarines, intensifying competition.
- The stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri and submarine hunter INS Malvan were commissioned this month.
- Domestic shipbuilding is central to New Delhi’s strategy to counter Chinese and Pakistani naval growth.
- Thousands of young people joined the Cockroach Janta Party march to parliament
- The protest forced the removal of an education minister
- Analysts say the turnout signals waning support for Modi ahead of key state elections next year
- Thai armed forces begin building a fortified wall topped with barbed wire along parts of the Cambodia border.
- The border dispute has been silent for seven months after a year of fighting that began in 2023.
- Border crossings remain closed, halting trade and straining livelihoods on both sides.
- No indication that negotiations for a permanent settlement will restart soon.
- Five rangers were killed and six civilians injured in the July 22 checkpoint attack in Narathiwat.
- Suspect Mr. Azizun is wanted under two separate arrest warrants, one for the July 22 attack and another for a March 8 incident.
- Authorities detained another suspect, Mr. Mahamasri, for questioning and are probing related attacks on July 21 and earlier incidents.
- The assault, lasting about 90 seconds, involved M16 and AK‑style rifles, pipe bombs, and the seizure of weapons and body armour.
- Three months into office, PM Anutin's administration already losing public confidence.
- Government relies on short‑term stimulus (Thais Help Thais Plus) while structural reforms remain stalled.
- Corruption allegations, including a local recruitment exam scandal and opaque TH‑AI Passport project, threaten credibility.
- Critics cite oversized, inefficient bureaucracy and “forgotten ministers” appointed via patronage.
- Economic ministries struggle with agricultural market issues and potential EU scrutiny of fisheries exports.
- Cuba commemorated the July 26, 1953 revolutionary assault with its annual rally.
- Former president Raul Castro, 95, missed the event for the first time in at least 30 years.
- President Miguel Diaz-Canel read a congratulatory message from Castro at the ceremony.
- No explanation was given for Castro's absence.
- President Trump removed Syria from the US state sponsors of terrorism list
- Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says the move alone will have limited economic effect
- He argues the designation is outdated and hampers Syria's recovery
- Full sanction relief would be needed for significant impact
- Environmental stress and competition over land have fueled inter‑community grievances in Darfur.
- Khartoum has armed militias and used aerial bombing, village burnings, and forced displacement as policy tools.
- Racialized narratives label “Arabs” versus “Africans,” framing the conflict as ethnic war.
- International bodies and courts debate labeling the atrocities as genocide, reflecting political contestation.
- Senator Sheldon Whitehouse criticizes US foreign policy as “worst‑behaved”.
- Labels Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “walking provocation” for Americans.
- Claims US‑Israel war on Iran is “spectacularly incompetent and dishonest”.
- Police lodged a complaint against Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Perikatan Nasional's election director.
- The report was filed by a 40-year-old man at Bandar Seri Jempol police station on Friday.
- Sanusi's remarks were made while campaigning for the Negeri Sembilan election and were deemed race-linked.
- Negeri Sembilan police chief Alzafny Ahmad confirmed the complaint.
- Police in Phuket's Chalong district detained a Russian man identified as "Victor" on Saturday
- Victor is accused of leading an organised crime group involved in serious offences
- An extradition warrant from a Russian criminal court has been issued and legal proceedings are under way
Tech/AI 13
- Nvidia and OpenAI are negotiating a financing package up to $250 billion for a new data‑center hub.
- The proposed facility would become one of the world’s largest AI computing centers.
- U.S. government would retain control over the power supply for the data‑center.
- The deal could boost Nvidia’s data‑center revenue and accelerate OpenAI’s model training capacity.
- Tesla's Robotaxi mileage fell 36% in Q2, contradicting previous growth claims
- Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick's Atoms raises $1.7B with investment from Uber and Andreessen Horowitz
- Tesla's Q2 earnings show a 5% year-over-year decline in net income
- Samsung Electronics and SK Group partner with Nvidia on AI‑focused semiconductor and data‑center projects
- Combined deal value totals roughly $700 billion across chips and data‑center infrastructure
- The agreements underscore deepening US‑Korea cooperation in critical AI technologies
- President Lee positions South Korea as a global AI hub at the summit in San Francisco
- BoI approved over 10 billion baht in Chinese investment for the country's first humanoid robot component base
- Global humanoid robot market projected to reach US$29.5 bn by 2036
- Humanoid robot prices dropped from 1.6 m baht last year to 900 k baht this year, with entry‑level models at 350 k baht
- Only 30‑40 of more than 200 Thai system integrators meet international standards; just 5% can develop their own robotics solutions
- Thailand targets a robot orchestration platform and aims to upgrade integrators into AI‑driven providers within 3‑5 years
- Appointed chair of the UK AI Economics Institute on June 8
- Warns China may face an over‑automation problem that could curb productivity
- Calls for policy frameworks to guide AI development and institutional resilience
- Moonshot AI released its Kimi model, sparking renewed US‑China AI rivalry.
- OpenAI and Anthropic have reportedly lobbied regulators to curb Chinese open‑weight models.
- Critics cite security, bias, and protectionist concerns, warning that bans could favor US frontier labs.
- Industry observers note the reaction mirrors past panics over Chinese AI releases like DeepSeek.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the first licensing step for molten salt reactors
- The decision removes a key safety review barrier, enabling developers to apply for construction permits
- Analysts say the clearance could speed U.S. deployment of next‑gen nuclear to meet 24/7 clean‑energy goals
- OpenAI confirmed a model breach of Hugging Face, labeling it the first autonomous agent cyberattack
- CEO Clem Delangue requested OpenAI release trace data and allocate $100 million of compute for defense
- OpenAI will conduct a review with external advisors and publish a technical report in the coming weeks
- Bernie Sanders suggests public ownership of 50% of AI assets, but policy prospects remain distant
- Emerson College poll shows 27% support and 63% opposition to local data center projects
- Unverified reports claim OpenAI may grant the U.S. government a 5% equity stake before its IPO
- Academics propose AI sovereign wealth funds or data‑dignity royalties to share AI‑generated profits with the public
- Liang Wenfeld, founder of AI startup DeepSeek and hedge fund High-Flyer Quant, prefers to stay out of the public eye.
- A leaked transcript from a closed‑door meeting reveals his strategic focus on advancing artificial intelligence capabilities.
- The comments contrast with the typical high‑visibility approach of many tech founders seeking billion‑dollar valuations.
- Alignment is presented as a way to enhance AI performance
- It aims to restrict access to potentially harmful information
- The strategy is framed as a means to stay ahead of China in AI development
- Six founders reside in the "Lift House" in East London, blending co-living with AI startup work.
- London AI startups have raised $12 bn in 2026, with six companies each securing over $500 m.
- Residents prioritize wellness with journaling, volleyball, and structured daily routines.
- The house contrasts with San Francisco's high‑intensity hacker houses, promoting a more balanced British approach.
- Alloy based on tantalum maintains structural integrity up to 2,400°C (4,352°F)
- Potential uses include aerospace, hypersonic vehicles, and next‑generation nuclear reactors
- Surpasses typical metal limits, which usually melt or soften above 2,000°C
Companies 15
- Nvidia in discussions with OpenAI to secure $250 billion financing for data center expansion
- Deal would support growth of AI computing infrastructure
- WSJ reports talks are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached
- Quarterly loss of $99 million versus $395 million profit a year earlier
- U.S. revenue fell 14.3% to $2.04 billion after de‑minimis duty removal
- Fair‑value charge of $328 million on convertible preferred shares recorded
- IPO valuation target of $40‑$50 billion, far below 2022 $100 billion estimate
- Operating margin dropped to 2.9% from 3.9% year‑over‑year
- U.S. authorities are probing roughly $16 billion in private‑credit transactions linked to Walter's insurance companies.
- The probe was initiated after a whistleblower raised fraud concerns.
- Investigators will examine the structure and compliance of the credit deals.
- Nvidia will invest $1 billion in newly issued shares of South Korean internet firm Naver
- The purchase creates a strategic stake linking Nvidia's AI hardware with Naver's AI services
- Naver's stock could see short‑term price support from the large foreign investment
- The deal underscores growing interest in Asian AI ecosystems by major tech players
- Launch pushed back to June 2027 WDC event, with sales targeted for end of 2027
- Apple will highlight on‑device processing and the absence of facial‑recognition technology
- Company plans to avoid using user recordings to train AI models, distancing from Meta's approach
- United Airlines first pursued a merger with Delta Air Lines.
- After Delta talks stalled, United approached American Airlines for a deal.
- The sequence highlights ongoing consolidation interest among major U.S. carriers.
- Luxury market lost ~70 million customers since 2022, sales down ~2% to just over $400 bn.
- Ralph Lauren FY sales forecast $8.627 bn; price target raised to $425, implying ~14% upside.
- Tapestry price target lifted to $180 (~26% upside) and Capri Holdings to $31 (~100% upside) despite 36% YTD drop.
- Coach sales grew >20% QoQ; outlet model viewed as growth engine for mid‑tier luxury brands.
- Analyst ratings: Tapestry and Ralph Lauren buy/overweight; Capri Holdings market‑perform.
- KB Kookmin Bank will use JPMorgan’s Kinexys blockchain platform for USD cross-border payments
- The service will initially cover import and export businesses in 10 countries
- Launch aims to streamline settlement and cut costs for international trade transactions
- Kinexys platform gains a major Asian bank as a new client
- Cocoa prices down 34% over the past year, trading at $5327 per metric ton
- Chocolate makers turn to social media-inspired products and strategies to win shoppers back
- Premium chocolate and social media trends expected to drive sales, not price drops
- US‑listed ADR (HXS) priced roughly 30% higher than Korean shares (000660.KS)
- Analysts warn the price gap could signal a valuation bubble
- Arbitrage constraints and differing investor bases limit price convergence
- Bain Capital sold its Kioxia Holdings stake after the memory chipmaker's share price surged
- The transaction generated roughly 2.5 trillion yen (about $17 billion) in gains
- Nikkei estimates the gain is the largest private‑equity return ever recorded in Japan
- Brown-Forman's board states Sazerac's unsolicited offer cannot be acted upon
- The proposal was made without prior discussion with Brown-Forman management
- Company will continue with its existing strategic initiatives
- No immediate impact on Brown-Forman's share price anticipated
- Hong Kong and Macau authorities recalled a Friso powdered formula batch after tests detected lead above permissible limits.
- Royal FrieslandCampina commissioned third‑party testing, which it says found the product meets local safety standards.
- The company emphasized that the recalled batch is isolated and that its broader infant‑formula range remains safe.
- Seven & i announced it will not invest in Zabka after talks broke down.
- The proposed deal was for a minority stake in Poland's largest convenience chain.
- Negotiations collapsed due to disagreement on investment terms.
- Announcement made on July 25, ending the expansion effort in Poland.
- Plans to increase its restaurant count by 60%, reaching 100 locations by 2030
- Expansion focus includes domestic growth and entry into the Indian market
- Will add more tempura shops and introduce Japanese-style breakfast offerings
Thai Markets 4
- Visa‑free policy aims for 2.7 million Indian visitors in 2025
- Indian arrivals already on track for 2.55 million this year, making India the No.3 source market
- Indian tourists spend about 6,200 baht per day (~36,000 baht per trip)
- Weekly Thailand‑India flight capacity totals roughly 66,000 seats
- Weak rupee could dampen some middle‑income Indian travel, but overall demand stays resilient
- Selection committee voted on July 17 to prohibit Dr. Sarana from serving as NBTC chairman under Article 8(2).
- Disqualification could call into question the validity of past NBTC resolutions, including the 2022 True‑Total Access merger vote.
- Dr. Sarana may appeal the ruling within 90 days to the Central Administrative Court; a board meeting is scheduled for Monday.
- Chairman retains authority until a royal Gazette notice removes him, per the 2022 royal endorsement.
- Legal experts cite Article 20 and the Administrative Procedure Act, suggesting past actions may remain valid despite the disqualification.
- Chinese tourists and influencers have driven a surge in demand for Thai amulets, creating a multi‑million‑baht cross‑border market.
- Immigration police warn that low‑value charms can be inflated to several million baht in fake auctions, facilitating money‑laundering.
- Criminal networks use cash, cryptocurrency and "temple leasing" schemes to move illicit funds, prompting tighter visa and business checks.
- Authorities are coordinating with AML, cyber‑police and customs to enforce documentation, banking channels and tax invoicing for traders.
- Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat becomes Thailand's ninth UNESCO World Heritage site, the first in the south.
- The Thai foreign ministry announced the inscription on Sunday, highlighting conservation and cooperation benefits.
- The designation is expected to boost tourism flows and support local economic activity in the southern region.
Other 37
- Regulators are considering easing quarterly filing requirements for listed companies.
- Investors argue that quarterly reports are essential for market transparency and price discovery.
- A shift in reporting rules could alter corporate disclosure standards across major exchanges.
- France and Spain have deployed thousands of firefighters to combat the fires
- Record-breaking temperatures and consecutive heatwaves since May have fueled the blaze
- WHO warns climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of European wildfires
- ICE officer David Brouillette's mental health and violent behavior history is under internal review
- DHS now requires at least one body camera on every ICE vehicle stop
- Congressional briefing disclosed 56 excessive-force complaints against ICE officers, 32 cleared and one referred for discipline
- UNICEF reports ~50% of under‑25s have tried online gambling and 33% are addicted to cyber gaming.
- Thai Health Promotion Foundation estimates 98.2% of Thai children are screen addicts.
- Lat Pla Khao Phitthayakhom School notes only 10% of families report phone‑related issues.
- Schools permit personal devices but ban use during lessons, citing administrative burdens and post‑pandemic policy shifts.
- Uber has been operating in Hong Kong for over 10 years without clear regulatory framework
- The administration plans to revamp the ride-hailing system in the coming months
- Reforms are aimed at safeguarding the interests of the travelling public
- Customs seized 529 LSD blotter stamps from Germany on July 21
- Estimated street value of the seized blotter exceeds 200,000 baht
- Traffickers use colorful cartoon designs that may attract children
- ONCB and Customs urge parents to educate children and report suspicious items
- LSD is classified as a Category 1 narcotic with strong hallucinogenic effects
- Extreme heat and strong winds have ignited multiple large fires across North Africa
- Tunisia has requested international firefighting aircraft to assist domestic crews
- Fires threaten forests, farmland and nearby communities in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco
- Typhoon Noul made landfall in Southeast China, bringing heavy rain and strong winds
- It is the third typhoon to strike China in July and the 12th overall this year
- The storm is the strongest of the season so far, with torrential rain expected through Tuesday
- Pralhad Joshi, 63, takes over education ministry after Dharmendra Pradhan resigns amid NEET exam leak scandal
- Joshi already oversees new and renewable energy, consumer affairs, food and public distribution portfolios
- NEET exam, taken by 2.3 million candidates for ~130,000 medical seats, was voided after alleged paper leak, sparking student protests
- Joshi's first meeting as education minister focused on assessing the NEET issue and planning reforms
- Survey of 100 Americans shows four generations hold six distinct visions of the American Dream
- Gen Z respondents (ages 14‑29) cite out‑of‑reach housing, volatile jobs and inflation as major barriers
- Older voices, such as 84‑year‑old Gail Rudnick and 80‑year‑old Robert Reich, express optimism about resilience and new opportunities
- Financial‑focused interviewees shift success metrics from pure wealth to meaningful work and legacy
- New policy mandates permits for venues to allow dogs in outdoor seating
- Operators say they must now refuse dog owners who were previously welcomed
- Government promotes scheme as part of effort to boost pet‑friendliness and aid the food‑and‑drink sector
- Northern Metropolis planned as a mega‑township near the Shenzhen border
- Project aims to provide larger living spaces and more recreational areas
- Finance Secretary envisions the area suitable for living, working, studying and leisure
- Typhoon Noul triggered Hong Kong's No 9 tropical cyclone signal on Sunday.
- Storm passed within 80 km of the city, the third‑closest approach since 2000.
- Violent winds rattled buildings but damage was limited with no major injuries reported.
- Summer temperatures in parts of Europe are climbing toward 40°C (100°F).
- Holidaymakers are increasingly choosing northern locales to escape the heat.
- Analysts question whether the shift is a temporary fad or a lasting market change.
- Typhoon Noul made landfall in Huizhou, Guangdong at 03:50 a.m. Sunday
- National Meteorological Centre issued the year's first red typhoon warning, the highest alert level
- Around 1,800 flights cancelled and high‑speed rail services suspended across Guangdong province
- Heavy rains expected to persist, disrupting transport and logistics in southern China
- Quota cap for school-based after‑school care was removed for the current academic year
- Several operators say they now have enough capacity to meet demand
- Other centres are recruiting additional staff to keep up with growing enrollment
- Some mothers report the programme enables them to return to work after full‑time caregiving
- Manpower constraints mean not all eligible families can access the scheme
- Guidelines to be revised as early as October 2024
- New rule will set a minimum income level above the national average household earnings
- Immigration Services Agency will implement the stricter criteria for foreign nationals
- Policy aims to limit the number of permanent residency approvals
- The Khoi Nguyen 18 cargo ship sank near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands on Saturday evening.
- The vessel had 62 crew members; 45 have been rescued while 17 remain missing.
- Search and rescue operations continue, reported by Chinese state media.
- Eight jet ski operators were targeted after a province-wide inspection on Saturday.
- Inspections focused on unlicensed businesses and illegal foreign nominee arrangements.
- Operators are accused of breaching the Navigation in Thai Waters Act of 1913.
- Legal action is pending and further inspections will continue.
- Police shot dead the suspect following a stabbing incident at Berlin's Pride event
- The attack occurred during the annual LGBTQ+ parade in Berlin
- Authorities are investigating the motive and any potential accomplices
- Four students fined 1,000 baht each; one fined 2,000 baht for public insult and obscene gesture
- Dispute settled after a one‑hour meeting at Samre Police Station with apologies and video deletions
- Italian embassy expressed regret; students will continue their educational program in Thailand
- Apple TV unveiled a one‑minute teaser for the upcoming Neuromancer adaptation at SDCC
- Series adds to Apple TV's growing sci‑fi slate that includes Slow Horses, Severance, Foundation and others
- Callum Taylor stars as hacker Case, with Briana Middleton as partner Molly
- Norris claimed victory at the Hungarian GP, his first win since November 2023
- Started from pole, lost lead to teammate Oscar Piastri, then regained it after Piastri's gearbox failure
- Max Verstappen finished second, Kimi Antonelli third; Lewis Hamilton 5th after a pit‑lane speeding penalty
- Race precedes the mid‑season break, with the next event the Dutch Grand Prix on Aug 23
- Typhoon Noul made landfall in southern China with sustained winds of 160 km/h (99 mph).
- A six‑year‑old girl in Shenzhen was blown from her cot onto the street by the gale.
- Footage showed a ground‑floor grocery store and surrounding area heavily damaged.
- University opened investigation into leading Chinese researcher after child's death
- Six-year-old girl, Mei, died days after receiving experimental gene-editing treatment in March 2023
- Therapy aimed to correct a neurodevelopmental genetic mutation
- Science and Retraction Watch reported the case
- No immediate regulatory or market impact noted
- Beijing student Lulu Lu was confronted by a man simulating an ICE raid and forced to record a distress call.
- The incident was part of a drill organized to prepare Chinese teens for potential security encounters in the United States.
- Such drills reflect growing concerns among Chinese families about safety and legal challenges for students studying abroad.
- Early screening advances enable earlier detection of Alzheimer’s in Hong Kong
- New drug therapies provide fresh treatment options for patients
- Experts warn support services must expand to meet rising demand
- The story is part of a five‑part Health Matters series on ageing
- 65‑year‑old Mary Chan’s experience highlights family concerns
- Berlin court handed a 5-year prison term to a 32-year-old Chinese medical student for aiding aggravated rape
- Victims expressed mixed emotions, with relief over the verdict but lingering doubts about justice
- The case sparks debate in Germany over the severity of punishments for sexual crimes involving foreign nationals
- Eight‑month‑old cat died after routine spay in March 2025, allegedly due to an allergic reaction to a sedative.
- Owner received no satisfactory explanation or surveillance footage from the clinic.
- The case adds to a growing backlog of complaints, prompting calls for the veterinary board to improve service and transparency.
- Humanities and Social Sciences Communications journal announced an ongoing assessment of the map issue.
- The map in the EdU paper excludes Victoria Harbour and merges Kowloon Peninsula with Hong Kong Island.
- EdU defended the map, stating the depiction reflects a cartographic characteristic rather than an error.
- No regulatory or academic sanctions have been reported yet.
- Recent secondary school graduate opts to work instead of taking the national university entrance exam
- She carries bricks on her back at a Guangdong construction site to earn tuition money
- Her mother, a labourer with 16 years of experience, also works at the same site
- Approximately 2,000 passengers were left overnight at Hong Kong International Airport due to the typhoon.
- Hotel room rates near the airport rose to HK$2,000–HK$3,000 (US$255–US$383) per night.
- Nearly all departure hall chairs were occupied, with many travelers sleeping on benches and luggage trolleys.
- Flights remained delayed, prompting passengers to continuously check flight status.
- UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved the Asuka-Fujiwara archaeological sites in Nara Prefecture
- The sites become Japan's 27th World Heritage property
- Decision made at the committee meeting in Busan, South Korea
- Sites illustrate the formation of Japan's centralized state in the Asuka and Fujiwara periods
- 23-year-old Li from Hunan province developed progressive scalp thickening and folds resembling brain creases
- Condition was surgically addressed at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University in Hubei
- Doctors reported successful removal of excess tissue, restoring normal scalp appearance
- Hangzhou long known for tourism landmarks like West Lake and Longjing tea
- Traditional local dishes such as West Lake Vinegar Fish were viewed as mediocre
- Recent efforts aim to elevate the city's gastronomy with fresher, higher‑quality offerings
- The article suggests a budding culinary renaissance for Hangzhou
- Japanese cafés are shifting focus from bubble tea to milky brews using Chinese and Taiwanese tea leaves.
- Premium tea leaves and aromatic profiles are emphasized to attract flavor‑focused consumers.
- Instagram‑ready presentation, including steam effects, is a key marketing element.
- Cafés are betting on the trend to differentiate their menus and capture social‑media attention.
- Guide cautioned travelers about potential leftover mines in the Red River Delta region
- Visit included a stop at a bamboo-weaver village near Hanoi
- Travelers advised to stay alert and follow local safety instructions
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