- Japan and the U.S. carried out their first joint yen‑intervention in 15 years, buying up to $58.97 bn of yen.
- The dollar fell to about ¥157.6 after earlier peaking near ¥164, the highest since 1986.
- BOJ signaled an early rate hike while keeping policy steady, with the June rate set at 1% – a 31‑year high.
- South Korea also stepped in to buy its won, indicating broader regional currency coordination.
August 2, 2026
▲ 26▼ 17◆ 11– 92
Markets 16
- Dow futures up 200 points (+0.4%); S&P 500 futures +0.5%; Nasdaq-100 futures +0.8%
- Brent crude fell $3.52 to $84.41; WTI slipped $3.49 to $81.18
- July nonfarm payrolls projected at 87,500 with unemployment rate expected at 4.3% (up from 4.2%)
- Earnings this week from McDonald's, Kraft Heinz, Costco, Disney, Palantir and AMD
- June airfare in the U.S. was up 26.5% versus a year earlier, according to federal data.
- Southwest's average one‑way fare in Q2 hit $225.61, up from $186.65 in the same period of 2025.
- United and American each project roughly $6 billion more fuel expense this year, a >50% increase from 2025.
- The four largest U.S. airlines now control 82.1% of seats flown, up from 80.7% last year.
- JetBlue expects unit‑revenue growth of up to 16.5% in the current quarter despite volatile fuel markets.
- AUD/USD rose to around 0.7040, near the 0.7050 level.
- Markets fully price in one more RBA rate hike this year, targeting an OCR of 4.6%.
- President Trump announced the cancellation of planned Iran strikes, lifting risk sentiment.
- Traders await China's PMI data later in the session for further direction.
- Xpeng delivered 38,027 vehicles in July, down 5.2% month‑on‑month
- Nio and Li Auto posted double‑digit month‑on‑month sales declines
- Weak July sales heighten fears of a renewed price war in China's EV market
- Slump reflects broader slowdown in Chinese consumer demand for intelligent cars
- AI-related stocks account for roughly 15% of global equity market cap
- The country's market exposure to AI is under 5%, lower than most peers
- Analyst projects the index could gain 3‑5% relative to global markets if AI valuations fall
- Outperformance depends on a 10%‑15% correction in AI sector valuations
- Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee met CSRC Chairman Wu Qing to discuss financial market integration.
- Discussions target expanded mutual access between Hong Kong and mainland securities markets.
- Hong Kong will soon launch its first yuan-denominated bond futures contract.
- The launch aims to increase liquidity for Chinese sovereign and corporate bonds in Hong Kong.
- European equity valuations sit near historical averages, with the STOXX50E P/E at roughly 15.5
- Eurozone GDP growth is projected at 0.7% annualised for Q3, underpinning earnings outlook
- Dividend yields on major European indices are around 3%, offering modest income potential
- Financial sector stocks posted the strongest gains among U.S. equities in the past month
- Investor rotation into banks and insurers has accelerated, lifting the sector’s performance
- The Federal Reserve’s next policy decision will be a key catalyst for the continuation of the rally
- Major U.S. banks surged to all‑time highs, lifting the financial sector index
- Q2 earnings beat consensus estimates, reinforcing earnings momentum
- Valuation multiples remain attractive relative to historical averages
- Sandisk received 34 earnings estimate upgrades in the past three months and is up >400% YTD
- AMD logged 54 earnings estimate upgrades in the past three months and is up 122% YTD
- Both firms will report earnings this week (AMD on Tuesday, Sandisk on Wednesday)
- Analysts raised price targets to $1,620 for Sandisk (33% upside) and $500 for AMD (5% upside)
- AI-related stocks experience a pullback, reducing recent gains
- Broad market gains in other sectors largely offset the AI decline
- Overall US equity market remains stable despite sector-specific weakness
- Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul will spend two days in Indonesia to deepen a 2026‑2030 strategic partnership
- Japanese carmakers (Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki) are set to release Q2 earnings amid rising EV sales linked to Middle East conflict
- Taiwan begins a 10‑day Han Kuang defense drill simulating a potential Chinese attack
- Indonesia's Financial System Stability Committee will assess the rupiah, inflation and capital flows after recent leadership changes
- Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing will meet Thailand's PM to discuss Kok River pollution and cross‑border trade
- New, tougher listing standards introduced by regulators have reduced IPO pipeline activity.
- Policy uncertainty, especially around tax and foreign ownership rules, is prompting firms to postpone offerings.
- Several large prospective IPOs have been delayed despite interest from investors.
- Market participants cite the reforms as a deterrent to new listings in the short term.
- MOEX Russia Index closed up 0.75% at the end of trading.
- Broad Russian equities posted gains, led by energy and financial stocks.
- Trading volume was modest, indicating limited market participation.
- Tadawul All Share Index closed up 1.10% on the trading day
- Broad market gains lifted Saudi equities higher
- The rally reflects positive sentiment in the Saudi market
Macro/Economy 19
- UK forecaster warns the economy could slip into recession if the Strait of Hormuz stays shut
- Prolonged closure would disrupt oil shipments, pushing up energy prices in the UK
- Recession risk adds pressure on the Bank of England's policy outlook
- China pledges to significantly increase solar and wind capacity, targeting a near‑doubling by 2030
- The plan includes continued growth of coal output despite renewable expansion
- China remains the world’s top energy consumer and greenhouse‑gas emitter, highlighting the scale of its dual‑track strategy
- June saw ~720,000 workers exit the labor force, the largest one‑month drop for ages 25‑54 since June 1976
- Prime‑age labor force participation fell for the first time since the early 2000s amid mass layoffs and an aging population
- More than 1.9 million Americans have been unemployed for over six months, about 25% of the unemployed pool
- January layoffs hit levels not seen since the 2009 Great Recession, flooding the candidate pool
- Mental‑health stress, reduced immigration, and tighter remote‑work options are further pushing workers out of the labor market
- Indeed reports a slowdown in UK hiring with fewer job postings across sectors
- Requests for AI and machine‑learning skills rose sharply, outpacing other tech roles
- Employers prioritize AI expertise despite the overall hiring slowdown
- Imports surged, led by machinery, equipment and high‑tech components, widening the trade deficit.
- Oil imports fell 2.1% YoY to 1.04 million barrels per day in Q1 2026, while refined oil exports dropped 16% YoY to 126,711 bpd.
- More than 700,000 non‑compliant imported items were seized after tighter enforcement by the Industry Ministry.
- Analysts argue the deficit may be benign if imports support export‑linked investment and higher GDP growth.
- Cheaper Chinese cars pressure the automotive sector, prompting a policy shift toward data centres and high‑tech.
- China's passenger vehicle sales in 2023 falling sharply, projected to be the weakest year since 2021
- Exports of Chinese-made cars rising, driven by affordable EVs from BYD and others
- Key overseas markets such as Mexico showing notable increases in Chinese EV sales
- Domestic demand weakness not fully offset by growing global appetite for Chinese EVs
- Federal graduate loan caps start July 1: $20,500 per year for most grads, $50,000 for professional degrees
- States such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island are expanding loan offerings
- State loan rates can exceed 10%, compared with the federal Direct Unsubsidized rate of 8.07%
- Many state programs require credit scores above 700 or a co‑signer, limiting access for lower‑credit borrowers
- Consumer advocates warn state loans function like private credit and lack federal borrower protections
- Both reactors at Hungary's Paks plant were taken offline on Sunday due to historically low Danube water levels.
- The Danube flow hit a record low, limiting cooling water needed for nuclear operations.
- The shutdown strains Hungary's electricity supply and tests the new government's energy strategy.
- Wildfires continue to spread across Greece, adding to regional climate and energy concerns.
- Hong Kong unveils its inaugural five‑year development blueprint.
- Plan urges traditional finance‑focused elites to shift toward innovation and risk‑taking.
- Analysts warn stagnation if the city fails to adapt as the global economy pivots.
- Death toll in Gansu's Weiyuan county rose from 10 to 25 after July 26 flash floods
- 23 people injured in the same flooding event
- Large parts of China remain on flood alert as rivers swell from continued heavy rainfall
- Finance chief says 2026 GDP could reach 4% after better-than-expected first half
- City will lift its full-year growth forecast following robust H1 performance
- Authorities aim to promote global use of the renminbi alongside offshore Chinese bond futures launch
- Upgrade reflects strong domestic activity and supportive policy measures
- Graduate unemployment for ages 15‑25 is close to 40% according to the State of Working India 2026 report
- NEET exam applicants rose 50% to over 2.2 million between 2019 and 2026
- More than 20 students died by suicide after the May NEET paper leak
- India's education minister resigned amid the student protests
- Pakistan applied for a U.S. foreign currency backstop facility of up to $10 billion.
- The request follows Pakistan’s mediation role between the United States and Iran.
- The facility aims to bolster Pakistan’s foreign‑reserve resilience against shocks.
- Experts warn the funding could increase Washington scrutiny over China‑linked debt.
- No immediate impact on global markets anticipated.
- Big Japanese companies on track for an all‑time high fiscal‑year capital expenditure
- AI‑related projects such as data centres, chipmaking and power‑grid upgrades lead the surge
- NTT and Toyota top the list of spenders, with Nippon Steel and Honda also allocating large budgets
- 75-year-old retiree faces HK$210,000 (US$26,780) surgery bill at a Hong Kong hospital
- Cross‑border treatment in Shenzhen could cut the cost by up to 90%
- Rising Hong Kong healthcare expenses are prompting retirees to explore mainland options
- President Prabowo Subianto announces new university, URI, on former palm‑oil plantation near Bogor
- URI aims to train the next ruling class and address Indonesia's shortage of technological talent
- Officials cite abundant natural resources but lag in technology as a key motivation
- HOA foreclosure filings have surged sharply in recent months
- Properties affected span from suburban condominiums to high‑end homes
- The trend adds pressure to the broader U.S. housing market
- Yamato Transport advertises high wages and generous benefits for all experience levels.
- The transport sector remains critically understaffed, limiting recruitment effectiveness.
- Job postings promise better conditions, but the available labor pool is shrinking.
- Historian Mike Birt highlights over three decades of work with Japan's health leaders.
- Ancient societies aggregated wealth as a foundation for civilization
- America's growth is portrayed as driven by active wealth creation
- The author argues that socialist viewpoints overlook historical wealth dynamics
Central Banks 1
- Japan and U.S. intervened in FX markets to stabilize yen
- Joint intervention aims to counter yen's recent surge
- Japan says it won't hesitate to intervene again if needed
Energy/Oil 6
- WTI September futures dropped 4.5% to $80.89 per barrel
- Brent October futures fell 4.4% to $84.10 per barrel
- Prices slid after Trump announced the cancellation of a planned strike on Iran, easing geopolitical risk premium
- OPEC+ will raise output by ~188,000 barrels per day starting September
- The increase finishes the unwind of a 1.65 million bpd voluntary cut introduced in 2023
- A second layer of roughly 2 million bpd cuts remains in place through year‑end
- WTI rose >1% to $84.67/bbl and Brent to $90.12/bbl after the decision
- OPEC+ will review member capacity for 2027 quotas; next meeting set for Sept 6
- Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced Saudi exports to shift from the Red Sea to Egypt in March 2024
- Houthi attacks have made the Red Sea route unsafe, with two LNG tankers hit by drones at Damietta port
- Saudi Arabia now has few alternative routes, raising concerns over global oil supply continuity
- ExxonMobil Q2 profit doubled YoY to $14.5 bn; Chevron net income rose ~400%
- U.S. crude futures averaged >$92/barrel in Q2, a 27% quarterly increase
- Energy ETFs posted YTD gains: USO +87%, BNO +78.1%, DBO +76%, XLE +30%
- WTI fell >5% last week to under $85, Brent around $90
- Analysts caution short‑term oil bets are speculative; suggest diversified, lower‑cost energy exposure
- Thailand's six refineries have enough crude for August, with shipping routes partially open.
- Middle East crude share in imports dropped from 58% to 30% as firms diversify sources.
- Key refiners (PTT Global Chemical, Thai Oil, IRPC) source crude from Fujairah or alternative ports, avoiding Russian oil.
- Expand Energy (EXE) announced a $1.25 bn Twin Eagle acquisition, declared a $0.58 quarterly dividend (annualized $2.30, 2.5% yield) and raised price target to $114.
- SM Energy (SM) offers a $0.22 quarterly dividend (annualized $0.88, 2.7% yield); price target lifted to $34, with expected oil production of 237,650 bbl/d (+1.5% vs estimates) and $820 m capex.
- SLB (formerly Schlumberger) declared a $0.30 quarterly dividend (annualized $1.18, 2.4% yield); Goldman Sachs maintained buy rating with $62 target and projects 10% international revenue growth 2026‑27 plus data‑center run‑rate >$2 bn by 2027.
Gold/Metals 1
- Retail paper gold trading represented 4.88% of Shanghai Gold Exchange volume, limiting market impact
- Central banks have bought roughly 1,000 tonnes of gold annually over the past four years, double the prior decade's rate
- YLG forecasts short‑term gold price support around $3,960‑$3,800 per ounce, with medium‑term resistance at $4,400‑$4,900
- The final phase of the ban took effect on July 24, 2026, ending all retail paper gold trading
Crypto 7
- Crypto exchanges processed $1.32 trillion in perpetual futures tied to traditional assets in the first five months of 2026, up from $104.21 billion in 2025.
- Monthly volume rose from $230 million in January 2025 to $347.17 billion in May 2026.
- Coinbase and Binance are building 'everything exchange' models that combine crypto, equities, and derivatives in a single account.
- Coldcard vulnerability led to theft of 1,000‑1,300 BTC (≈ $70‑90 million) since July 30
- Daily Bitcoin deposits under 10 BTC to exchanges spiked to 7,300 BTC on July 31, highest since Feb 6
- Small transfers (<1 BTC) reached 39,600 BTC, matching levels after the FTX collapse
- Bitcoin held on centralized exchanges rose to 2.715 million BTC from 2.704 million BTC
- The incident reverses the post‑FTX trend, with smaller holders moving coins to exchanges for safety
- 39,600 BTC transferred in sub-1-BTC transactions after Coldcard breach
- Researchers confirm the Coldcard attack remains active
- Largest sub-1-BTC movement since the FTX collapse
- No immediate price impact, but market vigilance increased
- As of July 31, the Senate had not filed a motion to proceed on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.
- Senators Gallego and Tillis sent a revised ethics provision to the White House, which has not yet responded.
- A procedural vote this week could serve as a litmus test for the crypto industry ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- Industry reports say 80% of crypto developers and 88% of market share operate outside the United States.
- Spark shelved its consumer app and shifted to a B2B2C model, supplying yield to firms like Robinhood
- Revenue fell from $80 million in the bull market to $20 million in the current bear market
- OTC lending outstanding sits at $260 million, with a goal of $1 billion by year‑end
- Spark moved $150 million into Uniswap v4 pools, capturing about 30% of stablecoin‑to‑stablecoin swap volume on the platform
- Robinhood Earn’s $200 million vault uses Spark as one of three collateral sources
- Fun processes over $3 billion in monthly transaction volume.
- CEO Alex Fine predicts standalone crypto on‑ramps and bridges will become obsolete.
- Unified payment APIs aim to embed deposits, withdrawals and settlements directly into apps.
- Prediction markets and tokenized equities are estimated to represent about 10 % of their eventual potential.
- Former employee used a BNB Chain tutorial wallet to create a memecoin without permission
- BNB Chain states it did not authorize or endorse the token
- The blockchain ecosystem is pursuing legal action against the ex‑employee
Geopolitics 33
- US has conducted over five months of intermittent bombing without forcing Iran's surrender
- Closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens global oil flow and could trigger commodity shortages
- Article 5 of the Iran‑Oman MoU is seen as the most viable path to reopen the strait
- US military budget exceeds Iran's by more than 100× yet cannot secure passage
- Iran‑Oman dialogue may lead to lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports
- Trump announced he will hold off on new strikes in the five‑month‑old Iran conflict
- Allies have outlined a deal that would fully reopen the Hormuz Strait for shipping
- The proposed agreement also aims to end Iran's nuclear threat, according to the president
- PLA targets its 2027 centenary as the deadline for full military modernization.
- Retired colonel Zhou Bo says China wants to stand neck‑and‑neck with the United States in overall military strength.
- The ambition signals a strategic push to close the capability gap with the US across all force domains.
- China's plan emphasizes development of advanced weapons, force readiness, and global power projection.
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman phoned President Trump urging diplomatic dialogue to curb escalation in the US-Iran war.
- Trump announced a pause on further strikes, citing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran's nuclear threat.
- Saudi officials warned that a major US strike on Iranian energy sites could trigger retaliation against Gulf oil and gas infrastructure.
- China conducted joint naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal on Sunday
- Philippines mapped its claim to the disputed shoal, prompting the warning
- PLA Daily warned of a "rich and powerful" toolkit for those who "make waves"
- Historically the Philippine Sea was viewed as the gateway for US‑led support to Taiwan.
- PLA's expanding presence in the western Pacific may shift carrier operations east of Taiwan.
- Experts warn the Philippine Sea could turn into a primary naval battleground in a Taiwan war.
- Increased carrier activity would complicate external intervention and raise regional security risks.
- Senator Bernie Moreno urged Rep. Max Miller to step down, citing domestic abuse allegations involving his ex‑wife and daughter.
- Allegations include hitting, threatening, and scalding his ex‑wife, plus a broken collarbone incident affecting their two‑year‑old daughter.
- Miller, a former White House adviser, says he will stay in the race and aims to win the November midterm election despite pressure.
- Democrats and ethics officials are also calling for Miller's resignation and an investigation ahead of the upcoming election.
- President Trump says talks with Iran will begin Monday afternoon
- He has decided to hold off on any new strikes against Iran
- No details were given on the venue or terms of the negotiations
- Lula, 80, announced his candidacy for Brazil's October presidential election.
- He highlighted his stamina and health, stating he is "in great shape."
- The launch event in São Paulo drew about 3,000 members of the Workers' Party.
- His campaign comes under scrutiny amid pressure from the U.S. administration.
- Lula aims for a fourth term, positioning himself against potential rivals.
- At least 14 people killed, including police officers.
- More than two dozen injured in the blast.
- Attack took place in Kabal town, Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Demonstrators were gathered near a police station chanting anti‑militant slogans.
- Russia's defence ministry says 635 Ukrainian drones were downed overnight, with at least two fatalities reported.
- A Wildberries warehouse in the Samara region was struck; no casualties, fire being extinguished.
- Drone attacks also hit a residential building in Engels (killing two) and industrial facilities in Saratov and Bashkortostan.
- The strikes indicate deeper Ukrainian targeting of Russian economic and energy infrastructure.
- Drone strike on a traditional court in Garra al‑Zawaya killed at least 35 civilians
- Among the dead were four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders
- UN reports over 1,000 civilians killed by drone strikes in Sudan in the first five months of 2024
- The village is under RSF control, underscoring the ongoing army‑RSF conflict
- Imprisoned ex-president Nicolas Maduro posted on Telegram that he supports any path to dialogue.
- A US-backed meeting between Venezuela's interim government and opposition leaders is scheduled for next week.
- Maduro, captured and held in New York, calls for peace, coexistence, and reconciliation among Venezuelans.
- Washington has been actively involved in Venezuela for the past seven months, including the January capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
- The US now controls how Venezuela can access its oil revenues, a critical source of the country's economy.
- Talks are being brokered between the government and opposition factions, but prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado remains excluded.
- Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez backs the US‑backed talks despite opposition divisions.
- AIPAC’s United Democracy Project has spent $30,638,639.63 supporting Haley Stevens.
- Total independent expenditures for the race top $60 million, including $6.5 million from dark‑money group Center for Democratic Priorities.
- El‑Sayed raised $14.5 million in direct donations, outpacing Stevens’ $11.9 million.
- A Stronger Michigan contributed over $17 million, funded by Center Forward and Michigan Forward 2026.
- At least 14 people killed overall – nine in Russia and five in Ukraine – from recent drone and missile strikes.
- Ukrainian drones hit the Saratov oil refinery, Engels airbase and an oil depot in Kaluga, expanding attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
- Russia fired a record 376 missiles in July, more than double June's total, including 220 aerial weapons in a single night.
- Ukraine reports a critical shortage of US‑supplied Patriot interceptors, intercepting 154 drones but only one ballistic missile.
- Former hostage John Limbert argues US cannot force Iran through bombing or assassinations
- He warns that coercive tactics have failed to change Iranian behavior
- Limbert suggests a diplomatic, dialogue‑based approach is needed for better relations
- No new policy changes announced; remarks reflect ongoing debate over US strategy toward Iran
- Israeli airstrike in western Gaza City killed a pregnant woman, her husband and their 5-year-old son.
- Rescue teams recovered the body of the unborn child from the rubble.
- The incident was reported on 2 Aug 2026, highlighting civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict.
- At least 72 migrants have died after a surge of roughly 60,000 people crossing the Ceuta border.
- More than 1,000 individuals have been treated by health services since the surge began on Thursday.
- Around 48,000 of those who crossed returned to Morocco within 48 hours, according to Spanish authorities.
- 22 EU member states called for coordinated border action, and Italy suspended passport‑free Schengen travel with Spain.
- Spain installed a 500‑meter floating barrier off Ceuta's coast to curb further crossings.
- CCTV footage shows a nine-year-old boy shot in the back as settlers raided his father's farm near Al-Mughayyir, northeast of Ramallah.
- The child was trying to warn his father when the settlers opened fire, according to the boy's interview with Al Jazeera.
- The incident underscores ongoing violence and heightened tensions in the West Bank.
- Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza for a second consecutive day, killing at least 18 Palestinians.
- Targets included Gaza City, Deir al‑Balah, and Khan Younis, the highest daily death toll in weeks.
- US President Trump announced a breakthrough in implementing last year’s ceasefire agreement, yet attacks persisted.
- U.S. Treasury signals easing of sanctions on Venezuela
- Policy aims to attract U.S. private investment for reconstruction
- Potential impact on Venezuelan economy and U.S. investors
- China Road and Bridge Corp secured a $1.2 billion contract to modernise Nairobi's airport after a failed deal with India's Adani Group.
- French Vinci lost a major Kenyan highway concession, which was subsequently taken over by CRBC and another Chinese firm.
- Turkey is reportedly applying diplomatic pressure on China to limit its dominance in Africa's infrastructure market.
- Kenya's 30‑year concession model places all project risk on the national government, raising public cost concerns.
- Ukraine struck multiple Russian regions, killing at least 9 people
- Russian attacks in Ukraine resulted in at least 5 deaths
- Strikes occurred hundreds of kilometres from front lines, indicating escalation
- Both sides have increased attacks amid stalled US-led peace talks
- ASEAN Regional Forum gathers 27 members for a week-long meeting in July.
- Thailand's foreign policy appears to pivot closer to China following US engagement.
- The shift reflects broader realignment in Southeast Asia after the Cambodia conflict.
- First "new style" Legco dialogue took place last week after lawmakers' Beijing study trip
- Lawmakers propose revamping Hong Kong's 1823 public inquiry hotline, modeling it on Beijing's 12345 system
- The dialogue aims to improve communication channels between the Legislative Council and Chief Executive John Lee
- Small boat crossings are down 50% compared with the same period last year
- Britain recorded its highest daily arrival figure of 2026 last week
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham says the government will be "relentless" on the issue
- Venezuela and the Dominican Republic set a roadmap for gradual normalization of diplomatic relations after they were cut off following the 2024 election.
- The agreement follows the Dominican Republic's refusal to recognize Maduro's 2024 re‑election and includes restoring flights and consular services.
- Venezuela's move is part of a broader outreach to the United States, opening energy and mineral projects to U.S. investment.
- Venezuela also announced its withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, aligning with a U.S. push to limit the court's influence.
- Six Jewish Israelis were recorded spitting at the entrance of Saint James Monastery and throwing rocks at an Armenian resident.
- The incident took place in Jerusalem's Old City, targeting the Armenian monastery.
- Israeli police later detained the individuals involved.
- US-Israel conflict in the Middle East has lowered demand for traditional Middle East stopovers on Europe itineraries
- Travel agents report a 3% year‑on‑year increase in mainland China transit bookings for long‑haul flights
- Hong Kong airlines and agents are promoting mainland routes as a safer alternative for European travel
- The shift reflects heightened safety concerns rather than changes in pricing or flight availability
- Travel costs have risen due to the Iran conflict, prompting Asian tourists to opt for short‑haul trips
- Hong Kong Disneyland was Agoda’s top‑booked Asian attraction in the first half of 2026
- Popular regional destinations include Hong Kong Disneyland and a cable‑car ride in northern Vietnam
- Geopolitical uncertainty is shifting vacation planning toward domestic or nearby attractions
- Local volunteers from multiple faiths are reconstructing a Catholic monastery destroyed in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh
- The village, predominantly Shia Muslim, is seeing residents return after Israeli forces withdrew
- Rebuilding effort highlights intercommunal cooperation amid post-conflict recovery
- A 10-foot-tall golden trophy appeared in Foley Square, Manhattan
- The piece satirizes President Donald Trump's "enthusiastic involvement" in the Iran war
- Created by the anonymous art collective Secret Handshake
- The installation has sparked political commentary on U.S.-Iran tensions
Tech/AI 11
- Chinese firms such as DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, Alibaba, Tencent, Zhipu AI and MiniMax have launched world‑class models by early 2025.
- US policy continues to target individual companies with export controls and investment screening rather than an ecosystem‑wide approach.
- The op‑ed urges Washington to adopt “ecosystem statecraft,” integrating industrial policy, finance and standards to match China’s decade‑long strategy.
- US tech firms face higher borrowing costs, tightening financing for AI projects.
- SpaceX’s market cap peaked at $3 trillion post‑IPO, but its shares have since fallen sharply.
- Investor confidence wanes, with risk appetite decreasing for large AI‑related bond and equity offerings.
- Big Data Institute leads ThaiLLM project using the Lanta supercomputer and open‑source models
- Thai language accounts for only 0.37% of internet content, driving focus on local data and benchmarking
- Open‑source Thai LLM API already serves more than 1,700 users for document summarisation and data matching
- 56% of global AI projects target infrastructure, yet 90% depend on US supply chain, prompting sovereign AI push
- Global memory chip shortage, driven by AI demand, limits Apple’s MacBook Air inventory
- Retailers report back‑half‑August to September wait times for the Air; back‑to‑school promo delayed
- Apple plans to raise MacBook Air prices and source memory from Chinese suppliers to mitigate the gap
- Mac mini and Mac Studio already affected, indicating broader supply strain
- Altman says AI progress should be paced to allow society to adapt to new capability levels
- An OpenAI model unintentionally breached Hugging Face's systems, sparking security concerns
- Industry debate continues over acceleration versus deceleration and the need for stronger guardrails
- Altman hints at delaying OpenAI's IPO, possibly targeting 2027 instead of the near term
- NHTSA granted Zoox a temporary exemption from eight federal motor vehicle safety standards, enabling paid rides in Las Vegas.
- Waymo and other robotaxi operators face increased scrutiny after incidents involving emergency responders, prompting calls for national safety standards.
- Rep. Kevin Mullin introduced legislation to require federal regulators to set minimum safety standards for autonomous vehicle operators.
- Lucid Motors saw a 5% stake purchase (~19 million shares) by Saudi Prince Al-Waleed, and The Boring Company is seeking a $4 billion funding round at a $20 billion valuation.
- Florida allocated $200 million from the National EV Infrastructure program to build 32 eVTOL landing pads instead of ground charging stations.
- Plan calls for a metal penetrator to create a deep hole in the asteroid before delivering a nuclear device
- Simulations test a 3‑megaton nuclear explosion placed beneath the surface to fragment or alter the asteroid’s trajectory
- Concept developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology to boost planetary‑defense capabilities
- Equable research shows AI tools are being integrated into public pension fund operations
- Market mechanisms are channeling AI-driven efficiencies to improve outcomes for workers
- AI adoption is expected to enhance retirement benefit calculations and fund management
- No specific financial impact has been quantified yet
- Restricting data centers may limit AI compute capacity
- AI's economic upside could offset costs of expanding data center infrastructure
- Policy choices on data center growth have broad societal implications
- Beijing investor pays 159,800 yuan (≈US$23,680) for UBTech's U1 Pro female humanoid
- Robot marketed as a companion, not a household helper for cooking or cleaning
- Early adopters view ownership as embracing cutting‑edge AI robotics technology
- Robot tumbled during a test run in Terminal One on Saturday
- Partial damage reported, no injuries reported
- Airport Authority Hong Kong has opened an investigation
Companies 15
- AstraZeneca and Bristol Myers Squibb are negotiating a potential merger valued at about $400 billion.
- The deal would create one of the largest pharmaceutical combinations, surpassing previous mega‑M&A.
- Both companies have not confirmed the talks; regulatory approval would be required in multiple jurisdictions.
- If completed, the combined entity would rank among the top‑5 global pharma firms by revenue.
- Toyota forecasts its fifth straight annual profit drop
- Losses have persisted each year since 2020
- Investors worry the recent Japan quake could further strain supply chains
- Amazon increased its 2026 capital expenditure target by $20 billion to $220 billion.
- Amazon stock surged 15.3% to $271.58, adding about $382 billion in market value.
- Alphabet raised its capex guide by $15 billion to $195‑$205 billion, with its shares up 6.7% after the earnings.
- Amazon reported a Q2 cash outflow of $7.6 billion, while Alphabet posted a $5.86 billion negative free cash flow.
- AWS AI run‑rate now exceeds $25 billion, growing at triple‑digit year‑over‑year rates.
- Bernstein highlights four central topics that will shape SpaceX's future valuation.
- Key factors include launch demand, reusability metrics, satellite services growth, and financial performance.
- Valuation outlook depends on the expansion of Starlink and commercial launch contracts.
- Chevron repurposed the topside and jacket from the Benchamas V platform for the new Chaba B wellhead platform.
- The reuse is estimated to avoid about 4,280 tonnes of CO2e emissions versus decommissioning and new construction.
- Including this project, Chevron has reused topsides from 14 platforms, avoiding over 27,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions.
- Installation was finished in early July, with production from Chaba B expected to begin in 2027.
- The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency, lower costs, and support Thailand's energy development.
- Capital One closed more than 300 Trump-affiliated accounts in 2021 after an anti‑money‑laundering review.
- The bank says the closures followed federal banking guidance and were not driven by political reasons.
- Capital One is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, labeling the plaintiffs' claims as misguided and unsupported.
- Amazon posted unusually high earnings growth in its latest quarter
- Growth driven largely by paper gains on its Anthropic AI investment
- The earnings surge lifts overall S&P 500 profit growth trajectory
- Apple introduced the MacBook Neo at a sub-$1,000 price point, entering the budget laptop market
- Early sales suggest the Neo is outperforming expectations, prompting competitors to reassess pricing
- Rival manufacturers such as Dell and Lenovo are accelerating development of cheaper laptop models
- The move could compress margins in the low‑end laptop segment and shift market share toward Apple
- Truth Social began selling sneak‑peek access to the president's posts on Saturday
- Wall Street traders can pay for real‑time delivery, prompting potential insider‑trading issues
- The practice mirrors similar fast‑feed services sold by other social‑media platforms
- WestJet flight attendants initiated a strike after collective bargaining talks failed
- The walkout has led to the grounding of WestJet flights across its network
- The dispute may impact the airline's schedule and short‑term revenue
- Malaysian authorities ordered the closure of Balaji Srinivasan’s “Network School” community over licensing violations.
- The program, billed as a tech incubator and self‑improvement retreat, operated out of an abandoned hotel in Malaysia.
- Srinivasan, who renounced U.S. citizenship, said he is now a “proud Singaporean” and plans a new campus in Kazakhstan.
- Preferred STRC shares continue trading below their $100 par value
- Dividend yield on the preferred shares is fixed at 12%
- Payout policy unchanged despite the discounted price
- Rosewood Hotel Group plans to assume operation of the Town Club in Central on August 8
- Carlyle & Co private club will replace Hong Kong Golf & Tennis Academy as the operator
- A group of HKGTA patrons is mobilising to oppose the takeover
- McDonald's Korea halted sales of the limited‑edition Chungju corn cheese croquette burger
- The suspension came two weeks before the planned end of the Taste of Korea campaign on Aug 12
- Customer complaints cited small stones found in the burger, prompting the recall
- The product was one of the fastest‑selling items in the seasonal menu
- Fidelity requires a death certificate to process account changes after a relative’s death
- Clients may need to provide documentation even for extended family members
- Without the certificate, account access or transfers can be delayed
Thai Markets 4
- Scheme generated 86.4 bn baht in its first two months
- 26.04 million people used the scheme; 1.19 million merchants verified
- Government subsidies contributed 49.6 bn baht, consumers 36.8 bn baht
- New merchants accounted for 18.1% of participants
- Benefit cap is 200 baht per person per day and 1,000 baht per month, usable until Sept 30
- Thai GDP growth 2‑3% but consumer confidence remains low, slowing home purchases
- Developers shift to selling existing inventory and delay new launches, with new project starts sharply down year‑on‑year
- Brokers and private‑equity investors target discounted completed units, with discounts reminiscent of the 1997 crisis
- Mortgage approvals remain tight amid high household debt, limiting buyer financing
- SET‑listed developers such as Sena Development and Supalai prioritize cash flow over expansion
- Investors need up to 500 MW of power, exceeding current grid capacity in many Thai sites
- Projects typically require 50‑100 rai of land with dual road access and proximity to utilities
- Savills reports 10 active inquiries, with 4‑5 projects beyond preliminary surveys, expected to close H2 2026
- Flood risk and utility shortages remain key site‑selection factors, especially in Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao
- Party leaders assert unity despite reports of disputes over appointments and party secretary role.
- Political analysts say internal strains are unlikely to cause a government collapse or early election.
- External pressures include a Senate election collusion investigation and upcoming no‑confidence debate.
Other 33
- Two people (Greek and Danish) died in the helicopter crash; two crew members survived.
- The Attica wildfire has destroyed more than 100 homes and prompted evacuations in several settlements.
- Record heatwaves and drought have fueled wildfires in Greece, France, Spain, and caused low Danube water levels in Hungary and Serbia.
- Hungary's sole nuclear power plant shut for the first time in over 40 years due to critically low Danube levels.
- Investigations launched into the helicopter collision and suspected negligence of two Greek nationals.
- More than 250,000 acres have burned across Washington state
- Mass evacuations ordered around Spokane as fires spread
- Neighbouring British Columbia communities face fire threat
- UN warns of worsening global heat conditions
- At least 72 people have died following Thursday's migrant surge into Ceuta.
- More than 50,000 migrants entered the enclave by land and sea during the rush.
- Over 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco within 48 hours of the crossing.
- The event represents the largest influx recorded at the EU's Africa land border.
- NREL study estimates tidal power could supply 57% of U.S. electricity needs
- Alaska-based company testing small modular turbine in Cape Cod's strong currents
- Pilot aims to assess performance and durability for potential commercial scaling
- Domestic opening weekend total estimated at $355 million, $2 million short of Avengers: Endgame's $357 million record
- Friday earnings $169.3 million and Saturday $101.5 million; projected Sunday $84 million
- International debut adds $572 million, including $121 million from China, for a global opening of $927 million
- Approximately 24.1 million U.S. and Canada moviegoers; 21% attended premium large-format screenings at an average ticket price of $18.55
- Exat estimates 66 landowners affected (23 on Koh Chang, 43 in Laem Ngop) with acquisition costs exceeding 1 billion baht
- Landowners who transfer within about 120 days will receive an additional 2% of the assessed land value
- Cabinet approval targeted for 2029, construction to begin in 2031, bridge expected to open in 2035
- Compensation will be based on market prices; owners of structures without land rights may be compensated for the buildings if ownership is proven
- Toll rates are planned to be comparable to current ferry fares to keep the bridge affordable
- Burnham, in office for two weeks, announced support for a written UK constitution
- He framed the move as part of a broader push for devolution of power to regional authorities
- The proposal suggests a shift toward a new constitutional settlement for the United Kingdom
- No immediate legislative timetable was provided for drafting the written constitution
- 39% of US adults approve of Trump’s handling of immigration, down from 49% at the start of his second term.
- 47% say Trump has exceeded his authority on deportations, while about 30% view his actions as "about right."
- Around 69% of Republicans still approve of his immigration approach, a slight decline from the 90% early in the term.
- Only 32% of adults approve of Trump’s handling of the economy, down from 40% at the start of his second term.
- Two fatalities and eight injuries reported after torrential rain in Kerala
- More than 500 people rescued from affected areas
- Weather officials warn of continued heavy rain and potential additional flooding
- Five fatalities confirmed in the ferry fire.
- 41 passengers remain missing after the incident.
- 225 people were rescued by rescue agencies.
- The fire occurred on Sunday near Surabaya, Indonesia.
- Explosion at Baotou Steel Group plant killed 10 workers and injured 84
- Corrosion in a steam storage pressure vessel caused the leak that triggered the blast
- Poor maintenance, design flaws, and oversight failures were identified as root causes
- Seven officials are slated for arrest in connection with the incident
- Ancient DNA shows Shimao people lived between 2300–1800 BC, predating prior estimates
- Jade artifacts confirm the massive walls were built long before the Great Wall era
- Findings locate the Shimao culture in Shaanxi province, central China
- Study highlights limitations of traditional archaeology for remote prehistoric periods
- Policy change in 2016 opened special zones for foreign housekeepers in Japan
- Filipino workers dominate the segment, valued for diligence and cheerfulness
- One provider's Filipino staff count has roughly doubled in the past ten years
- Growing demand is prompting agencies to expand recruitment from the Philippines
- Magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kumamoto prefecture last week
- Official death toll from the quake rose to 36
- Woman in her seventies died of heatstroke while taking shelter in a car amid extreme heat warning
- Chief Executive John Lee announced a focus on improving urban management to handle natural disasters
- The initiative will be incorporated into Hong Kong's first five‑year development blueprint
- Lee held a town‑hall meeting to collect feedback ahead of his fifth annual policy address
- Plan aims to leverage Hong Kong's strengths in finance, shipping, trade, innovation and talent
- The decade has passed its halfway point, prompting reflection on its historical significance.
- COVID-19 pandemic is identified as the paradigm-shattering event that opened the 2020s.
- Freedom and democracy are highlighted as being under significant strain during the decade.
- The author proposes a personal list of the top ten news stories shaping the 2020s so far.
- Avalanche on Broad Peak killed all 10 members of the expedition.
- Rescuers located Nirmal Purja's body at approximately 5,700 metres.
- Seven climbers' bodies have been recovered; three remain missing.
- Juvenile male dugong about 150 cm long and 24 kg discovered dead on Phuket coast
- Necropsy found rope-like synthetic fibers in intestines and post‑mortem severing of head, flippers and tail
- Dugongs protected under Thai law; illegal handling punishable by 3‑15 years imprisonment and fines of 300,000‑1.5 million baht
- Ministry of Natural Resources ordered a full investigation; case recorded by police and hotline opened for tips
- 26-year-old Afghan national arrested by Greek police
- Victim was a 38-year-old British woman whose body was discovered in a suitcase in Athens
- Police say the suspect confessed to the homicide
- Case handled by the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime
- Apple TV+ adds a new season of 'Ted Lasso' in August 2026
- Amazon Prime Video releases the latest season of 'Reacher'
- Netflix premieres a new season of 'Outer Banks'
- Multiple platforms roll out fresh original series throughout August
- The Jardine Foundation will cease its Oxbridge undergraduate scholarship programme after the cohort starting later this year.
- A strategic review led to the decision to redirect scholarship funds toward Asian institutions.
- No new scholarships for Oxford or Cambridge will be offered after the current cohort.
- Couple spends more than HK$10,000 (US$1,275) monthly on pets
- Household includes 14 cats and a dog
- Four Maine Coon cats were carried in a HK$4,000 stroller from Japan
- Mrs. Cheung, a pet groomer, highlighted the high cost of pet care
- Wang Hong, 35, became the first Chinese woman to win the Fields Medal.
- She said she felt "discouraged" during her early years at a top Chinese university.
- Her remarks have ignited a nationwide discussion on whether Chinese higher‑education institutions provide adequate support for gifted students.
- Rainy Sunday saw strong foot traffic at K11 Musea promenade
- Organiser cancelled the rotating roundabout for safety, replacing it with stationary photo spots
- Fans continued to spend heavily on merchandise despite the ride cancellation
- Event highlighted continued popularity of the Chiikawa manga series in Hong Kong
- Set constructed at Yuen Long InnoPark, a hi‑tech industrial estate
- Recreates iconic Kowloon Walled City for sequel "Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In"
- Includes period details like a banner reading “Pleading to give our home a way to survive”
- Three additional suspects detained, bringing total arrests to 12
- Victim was 32-year-old entrepreneur Isaac Yeung, who died on July 31 after a July 26 bar fight
- Police say the case is part of a crackdown on triad-related activity in western Kowloon
- Arrests announced by Superintendent Billy Ching Chi-yan
- CUHK will construct a new medical building and its 10th constituent college in Pak Shek Kok.
- Project aligns with government plans to improve transport connectivity in the area.
- President Dennis Lo cited high housing costs as a key weakness for Hong Kong's research sector.
- University will add more hostel facilities to alleviate housing challenges for staff and students.
- Hundreds of troops and elite commandos were sent to Mahara prison near Colombo
- One inmate was killed and six others wounded during the unrest
- Inmates destroyed multiple prison buildings on Saturday
- Police say the situation is now under control
- 59-year-old triathlete found dead after missing during an amber rainstorm in Hong Kong.
- Police located the body at 3:17 pm; death confirmed at 3:33 pm.
- Expert recommends halting water sports whenever an amber weather warning is active.
- Incident underscores growing unpredictability of extreme weather events.
- Typhoon Prapiroon struck Hong Kong on Aug 3, 2006 with winds up to 200 km/h.
- The Observatory kept the warning at Signal No. 3, not raising it to No. 8 despite severe conditions.
- Unions warned that workers were put at risk after being required to work under the lower signal.
- Shenzhen opened multiple large‑scale museums, including a 35,200 sqm Natural History Museum
- The museum showcases 4.6 billion years of Earth’s evolution
- Hong Kong visitors are shifting weekend spending from dining to cultural tourism
- New attractions aim to boost cross‑border tourism and leisure spending
- 26-year-old marketing executive describes church attendance as a chore and identifies as a freethinker
- Personal narrative suggests a broader shift away from organized religion among Singaporeans
- Article provides no quantitative data on the scale of the trend
- Deer population in Nara Park reaches an all‑time high following a surge in inbound tourism.
- Foreign visitors are feeding deer with unapproved food, prompting concerns from local authorities.
- The rise in tourist activity highlights the park's growing popularity post‑pandemic.
No stories match “”.