- Brent crude fell 7.0% to $83.77/bbl, WTI crude fell 5.1% to $80.34/bbl
- Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite rose 1.32%, 1.48%, and 2.13% respectively
- Amazon's market value topped $3 trillion for the first time
August 3, 2026
▲ 47▼ 44◆ 12– 134
Markets 31
- Yen surged to 155.23 per USD after rare joint intervention by Tokyo and Washington
- Action reversed yen's 40-year low decline, strongest level since early May
- US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's 'to-do' list hinted at coordinated policy steps
- USD/JPY trades near 156.90 as intervention keeps the Japanese Yen underpinned
- Investors await BoJ Minutes for clues on hawkish shift spread across the board
- US ADP Employment Change expected to slow to 70K in July, testing Greenback resilience
Read on FXStreet ↗
also: FXStreet
- Joint intervention follows yen slide to 163.73 per dollar, the weakest in nearly four decades
- Yen recovered to around 157.6 per dollar after the coordinated buyback
- Action aims to avoid forced Treasury sales as U.S. 10‑year yields have risen about 57 basis points YTD
- Intervention used the Fed's FIMA repo facility to provide dollar liquidity without selling Treasuries
- Analysts see the move as a signal of stronger U.S.–Japan cooperation and a deterrent to speculative yen bets
- US equity indices posted gains after President Trump's diplomatic overtures toward Iran
- Crude oil prices dropped sharply amid hopes for reduced Middle East tensions
- Market participants view the diplomatic signal as a catalyst for risk‑on sentiment
- Major equity indices gained roughly 0.8% after oil prices dropped about 3% on easing Hormuz tensions
- WTI crude fell to around $78 per barrel, its lowest level in several weeks
- Amazon's market value topped $3 trillion, joining a small elite of companies
- Alibaba announced a new AI model, intensifying competition in generative AI
- Amazon's market value topped $3 trillion for the first time after a sharp rally
- Shares jumped 5% to $285.01, up more than 23% year‑to‑date
- AWS reported its strongest cloud growth in over four years, driven by AI demand
- Other hyperscalers rose: Microsoft +4%, Meta +6%, Alphabet +3.6%, Oracle +5%
- Amazon added roughly $1 trillion in market value in just over two years since June 2024
- US Treasury bought yen using euros in rare FX intervention, not dollars, to avoid signaling broad dollar weakness
- Japan’s MOF spent ~$36.6B on yen-buying intervention Friday, yen surged ~4% last week to ~157 per USD
- Analysts warn broader ECB-led yen-strengthening accord remains low-probability but high-impact event
- US ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July, topping the 54.0 forecast
- AUD/USD fell toward 0.6990, retreating from above 0.7050 earlier in the week
- New Orders index rose to 56.7 while Prices Paid eased to 71.1
- Australia's July services and composite PMI are expected at 53.0 and 52.6 respectively
Read on FXStreet ↗
also: FXStreet
- Citic Securities says A-share tech has only corrected after AI rally, not a deleveraging shock
- Brokerages expect a rebound in domestic tech and semiconductor equities in August
- Liquidity pressure persists in some sectors, but overall outlook remains positive
- USD/CHF rose ~0.27% to 0.8100 after US‑Japan FX intervention
- Bulls aim for 0.8150; a break could lift the pair to 0.8200 and the yearly peak of 0.8207
- Key resistance levels: 0.8250 and 0.8300; support at 0.8100 and 50‑day SMA 0.8037
- RSI turned bullish after two days of weakness
- Palantir shares jump 10% after Q2 results beat expectations, driven by ~150% rise in U.S. commercial revenue.
- ON Semiconductor up 5% as Q2 EPS of $0.74 beats $0.71 forecast; revenue $1.6bn slightly above $1.59bn estimate.
- Snap gains 11% despite a $0.10 loss per share; Q2 revenue $1.6bn beats $1.54bn estimate, with strong user metrics.
- Whirlpool falls 3% after posting a Q2 loss of $0.21 per share versus expected $0.05 loss and missing revenue outlook, also cutting full-year guidance.
- Contrarian view sees recent market exits as a bullish signal
- Technical indicator points to an extended bull market phase
- Recent sell‑off by timers may be short‑lived
- 10-year Treasury yield eased by several basis points amid easing geopolitical risk
- Improved prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz reduce risk premium on sovereign debt
- Bond prices rise, supporting risk‑off sentiment in global markets
- S&P 500 ended July down 0.1% while the Nasdaq fell 3.2% and Dow rose 0.3%
- ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) gained nearly 8% in July; Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) rose about 1%
- Analyst‑selected Dividend Aristocrat stocks show upside: Albemarle (ALB) target +63% despite 13% July loss, Air Products (APD) target +17%, Walmart (WMT) target +26%
- Dividend yields: NOBL 2.42%, VIG 1.54%; Air Products leads with 2.5% yield
- Investors view dividend stocks as a hedge against volatility and sticky inflation
- US manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July, topping the 54 forecast
- DXY recovered to around 100, up from an intraday low of 99.42 (weakest since June 15)
- Markets price roughly a 60% chance of a Fed rate hike in September ahead of payrolls
- Analysts see DXY trading within a 96.00‑100.00 range amid Fed policy uncertainty
- USD/CHF trades around 0.8109, up 0.38% on the day.
- Swiss July CPI at 0.4% y/y, below June's 0.5%; core CPI unchanged at 0.3% y/y.
- Pair holds above the 21‑day SMA (~0.8110) and 50‑day SMA (0.8038); key support near 0.8000.
- DXY rebounds to about 99.96 after dipping to a low of 99.42.
- Technicals show neutral RSI (52.5) and negative MACD, indicating steady upside potential.
- EUR/USD trades around 1.1515 after peaking at 1.1558, its highest level since June 17
- US ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July, beating the 54.0 forecast
- Eurozone Manufacturing PMI slipped to 51.9, missing the 52.0 market expectation
- DXY recovered to about 99.84 after falling to 99.42, its weakest level since June 15
- Upcoming US jobs reports (JOLTS, ADP, NFP) will influence Fed rate expectations
- Fed decision anchors US front‑end yields, supporting emerging‑market duration
- Brazil and Mexico likely to maintain rates in a more comfortable policy environment
- Latin American sovereign bonds offer better risk‑reward than FX amid dollar weakness
- Falling US real rates and a softer dollar improve inflation outlook via import channel
- USD/CAD rises 0.14% to about 1.4040 as the CAD weakens on falling oil prices
- Crude prices tumble after President Trump cancels planned Iran strikes, easing supply‑risk concerns
- Investors eye a busy US data week – ISM Manufacturing PMI, JOLTS, ADP and Friday Nonfarm Payrolls – plus Canada’s employment report
- PP MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu and actor Rattapoom "Film" Tokongsup reported to the DSI on 4 Aug 2026.
- Both are charged in connection with an alleged illegal foreign‑exchange trading scheme.
- The DSI investigation alleges misuse of forex transactions and possible money‑laundering activities.
- No penalties have been announced; the case remains under investigation.
- Dollar Index up 0.09% to 96.19
- Ends a four‑trading‑day losing streak
- Market eyes upcoming Fed minutes for direction
- USD/SGD slipped to 1.2809 and closed near 1.2821 (+0.06%)
- Key support at 1.2790; a clear break below is needed for further SGD weakness
- Upside breach of 1.2845 would negate the current downside bias
- If support fails, next target is 1.2765
- Strong resistance noted around 1.2875
Macro/Economy 22
- A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit challenging tariffs on 60 economies covering 99.4% of U.S. imports.
- The tariffs impose uniform duties of 10% or 12.5% on most imported goods.
- States allege the tariffs violate Section 301 requirements and seek a halt, a declaration of unlawfulness, and refunds of duties paid.
- The administration grouped the 60 economies into four tariff categories, with only 2.5 percentage points separating the two main rates.
- The lawsuit follows earlier Supreme Court rulings limiting the administration’s authority to impose such tariffs.
- USD/MXN slips 0.14% as carry appeal supports Mexican Peso demand.
- Mexico GDP rebounded strongly, driven by household consumption and welfare programs.
- Banxico hold bets rise as inflation forecasts move lower.
- Taiwan's 2Q GDP growth slowed to 12.9% yoy, but remained solid at 9.9% QoQ saar
- Domestic demand contributed 7.1ppt to headline GDP growth, marking the first time in five quarters
- Upside risks to 2026-2027 growth forecasts, with expectations for a central bank rate hike in 2H26
- On June 24, the US announced a 10% blanket levy on imports from 60 countries, with additional sector-specific duties.
- The tariff package targets China, Japan, South Korea, India and EU member states, expanding existing trade tensions.
- The move follows US concerns over critical mineral supply chains and follows recent election misinformation claims.
- Analysts warn the tariffs could weigh on global growth and pressure affected economies.
- July official manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.2, re‑entering contractionary territory since March.
- Services and construction PMIs fell to multi‑year lows, with all three major PMIs below the 50 growth threshold.
- CPI inflation likely eased to 0.5% YoY in July, the first sub‑1% reading in six months, while PPI stayed near 4.1% YoY.
- Retail sales growth was buoyed by base effects, but fixed‑asset investment remained in contraction and loan demand stayed weak.
- Commerzbank expects the South African Rand (ZAR) to weaken due to the SARB's rate hold and deteriorating terms of trade.
- Three possible scenarios for ZAR recovery: SARB proven right, Iran conflict ends, or SARB reverses course.
- Even in positive scenarios, Rand recovery will likely be slow and take time.
- Buffett Indicator at 145.6, highest since 2000
- Market cap to GDP ratio exceeds historical averages
- Potential warning sign for market downturn
- CPI rose 2.8% YoY in July, below Reuters median forecast of 3.0%
- Monthly CPI fell 0.2% in July, first decline in eight months, helped by a 5.5% drop in petroleum prices
- Core CPI increased to 2.6% YoY, the highest since December 2023
- Bank of Korea raised rates in July, its first hike in 3.5 years, signalling further tightening
- Finance ministry said fuel price caps cut inflation by 0.3 percentage points, while a one‑off base effect will add 0.8 points in August
- Probe of former securities regulator Fang Xinghai underscores opaque policy communication in China
- Trip.com fell ~20%, Futu dropped >27%, and UP Fintech slid >25% after regulatory crackdowns
- State-backed memory chip CXMT surged ~470% in debut and will join the MSCI China All Shares Index on Aug 10
- Chinese market volatility remains higher than Europe and Japan, deterring foreign capital
- Key data releases upcoming: Services PMI (Aug 5), trade data (Aug 7), CPI & PPI (Aug 9)
- Shopping centre and warehouse space take‑up hit record highs in 2023
- Office leasing volumes in H1 2024 were the second‑highest on record
- Flat sales in India's eight biggest cities posted the strongest half‑year performance in 12 years
- Affordable‑housing supply remains insufficient, widening the gap for low‑income buyers
- JPMorgan will allocate $750 billion through 2035 to increase U.S. housing supply.
- Target: finance up to 1 million affordable housing units and 200,000 first‑time‑buyer loans.
- The program aims to boost homeownership and address chronic housing shortages.
- Trade deficit expanded 26.2% YoY to $10.4 bn in June
- Exports rose 21.7% YoY to $24.9 bn, while imports rose 23.0% YoY to $35.3 bn
- Intermediate goods imports jumped 30% YoY; consumer goods imports fell 1.2% YoY
- Deficit stays around 6% of GDP, highlighting ongoing balance‑of‑payments pressure
- Q2 2026 GDP growth fell to 4.3% YoY, down from 5.9% YoY in Q1 and below Bloomberg's 4.9% estimate
- GDP contracted 0.6% QoQ in Q2, marking the first quarterly decline since Q4 2022
- Retail sales recorded a 13th consecutive month of growth in May; visitor arrivals rose 13.0% YoY in H1 2026
- Residential property prices rose 0.3% MoM and 12.7% YoY in June, continuing a 13‑month upward streak
- UOB keeps its 2026 GDP forecast at 3.9% and 2027 forecast at 2.4%, above the Hong Kong government's 2.5‑3.5% range
- Rail link connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao airports is deemed essential despite delays and possible downgrade from high-speed status.
- Eastern Economic Corridor targets up to 60 million passengers per year under its Eastern Aviation City plan.
- Russian charter flights to U-tapao are expected to decline, with only 2 of 4 operators confirming service for the upcoming high season.
- Airfares have risen roughly 40% since regional unrest, and 70% of travelers normally rely on Middle East hubs, lowering confidence.
- Domestic tourists now form the majority of Pattaya visitors, with demand peaks in July and August school holidays.
- Reader states intention to forgo future Social Security benefits
- Motivation framed as charitable gesture toward lower‑income recipients
- No indication of broader policy shift or impact on program finances
Central Banks 11
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposes expanding the Fed's FIMA repo facility for a $60‑$80 bn yen intervention
- Yen hit a 1986 low of about 164 per dollar before coordinated action lifted it to just under 157
- 10‑year Treasury yield briefly rose above 4.7% ahead of the yen support, linking currency moves to bond markets
- New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh signals openness to rewrite the Treasury‑Fed accord and extend swap lines to other nations
- Japan holds roughly $1.1 tn of US Treasurys, making any Fed‑Japan coordination significant for Treasury liquidity
- ISM manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July, best since May 2022 and above the 54.0 forecast.
- Prices index stayed elevated at 71.1, marking the 22nd straight month of rising prices.
- Employment gauge hit its highest level since August 2022, expanding for the first time in 33 months.
- CME FedWatch odds for a September rate hike fell to 64.5% after the report.
- Analysts say the strong manufacturing data could support a Fed rate increase despite mixed market sentiment.
- USD/JPY dropped roughly 2 big figures to an intra‑day low of about 155.23 after coordinated intervention.
- Japan's finance minister confirmed yen purchases with the U.S. Treasury and warned of possible further action.
- Analysts project USD/JPY to move toward 140.00, reflecting the US‑Japan real 10‑year yield spread.
- Intervention size to be disclosed by end‑August for Japan and mid‑November for the United States.
- All three coordinated US‑Japan FX interventions since 1998 have historically succeeded.
- BNY expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%.
- RBI's focus will likely be on macroprudential tools, inflation expectations, and supply-side risks for financial stability, rather than interest rates.
- The Indian Rupee (INR) is anticipated to remain under pressure due to elevated oil prices and a stronger US Dollar.
- RBI, along with the Philippine central bank, is actively intervening in FX markets to cap USD/INR and USD/PHP upside despite softer domestic fundamentals and higher energy costs.
- Bank of Thailand targets an additional 130 billion baht in SME loans by end‑2025
- SME Credit Boost programme has already facilitated roughly 50 billion baht of loans
- Corporate lending rose 4.8% while SME lending stays in contraction, with Northeast loan growth down about 10%
- Northeast region non‑performing loan ratio sits near 10%, versus a 3% system‑wide average
- GDP growth forecast lifted to 2.3% for 2026, up from 1.5%
Energy/Oil 17
- Energy sector earnings growth surged 128.2% YoY, far above the S&P 500 average of 37.9%
- Big oil companies reported record Q2 profits, driven by sustained high crude prices
- Oil price strength gave the sector the highest earnings growth among 11 market sectors
- Brent crude slipped 6% in the session, the sharpest drop since early 2022.
- WTI mirrored the decline, falling 6% and erasing recent gains.
- Analysts say the pullback highlights market vulnerability without geopolitical tension.
- The slide pressures oil‑exporting economies and raises concerns over fiscal impacts.
- WTI dropped 7.8% to about $78.45 per barrel on Monday, its sharpest decline in weeks
- OPEC+ announced a production increase of roughly 188,000 barrels per day from September, ending 2023 voluntary cuts
- Brent crude fell 4.7% to $83.84, with other benchmarks also sliding as geopolitical risk premium eased
- President Trump suspended planned strikes on Iran, prompting markets to unwind risk premium
Read on FXStreet ↗
also: FXStreet
- Shell, Exxon and Chevron say global fuel inventories are at critically low levels
- Refining bottlenecks identified as the main constraint in the energy system
- Companies expect retail gasoline prices to remain elevated even if crude oil prices fall
- Analysts previously flagged the shortage based on physical market data
- Russian crude processing fell to 3.6 million barrels per day in July, the lowest since May 2002.
- Output is roughly one‑third below the seasonal average for the month.
- Ukraine expanded its drone campaign to target refineries, tankers, pipelines and export facilities.
- Typical Russian refinery runs between 5.3 and 5.6 million bpd for the 2020‑2025 period.
- Dutch TTF natural gas futures dropped about 4% at market open after Trump's reversal.
- Crude oil prices slipped roughly 5% on renewed hopes of US‑Iran diplomatic talks.
- Mid‑day trading saw gas losses ease as a heatwave boosted electricity demand in Europe.
- The episode underscores European energy markets' sensitivity to geopolitical developments.
- Saudi oil revenue up 18% YoY to $143.6B in Q1
- Export constraints due to maintenance, logistical issues
- Saudi Aramco's exports to Asia, US decline in Q1
- California diesel price climbs to $6.92 per gallon, up from $5.10 before the war
- U.S. average diesel price is $5.36 per gallon, creating a $1.56 gap with California prices
- Global diesel supply is about 8% short of demand due to the Iran war and reduced Russian refining
- Exports from western ports projected at ~2.7 million bpd in August, a 4% rise from July
- Drone attacks on Russian refineries limit domestic processing, freeing crude for export
- Urals‑India price spread narrowed to a $2‑$3 discount to Brent, reflecting firm Asian demand
- Loadings near port capacity but strikes and limited tonnage could cap volumes
- Chinese refiners secured most of the ESPO Blend for September cargoes at tighter discounts
- Kulevi refinery began processing Kazakh crude in July and will continue through August
- A Libyan cargo is slated to arrive between Aug 20 and Aug 30 under a July 3 agreement
- The shift aims to avoid EU sanctions on Russian oil that take effect in January
- Owner Black Sea Petroleum is diversifying supply sources ahead of the sanctions
- Seven months after Maduro's ouster, no major investment deals have been signed with Venezuela.
- U.S. majors ExxonMobil and Chevron are delaying projects, citing past nationalizations and political risk.
- Venezuela's crude reserves remain among the world's largest, but uncertainty limits supply‑side upside.
- Stalled negotiations with the interim government keep potential oil output growth on hold.
- Two Saudi‑crude tankers (Suezmax Lesvos and supertanker Desh Vaibhav) passed Bab el‑Mandeb with AIS transponders off
- Both vessels loaded at Yanbu, showing continued attempts to bypass Houthi‑targeted routes
- Houthi attacks keep Saudi crude shipments vulnerable, sustaining heightened security concerns for Red Sea oil flow
- Record peak load of 91.1 GW on July 22, 2026, 6% above the previous 85.5 GW record (2023)
- Peak occurred at 6:00 p.m. CT, with generation 48% natural gas and 32% solar
- Heat wave drove demand; another wave could push the record higher this summer
- Southwest Power Pool set its own record demand of 57.9 GW on July 27, 2026
- India’s July imports of Russian crude hit a record, the highest monthly volume ever
- Imports rose sharply from June, underscoring growing demand for Russian oil
- The increase boosts Russia’s overall export figures for the month
- WTI crude prices fell 2.5% to $73.50/bbl
- Brent crude prices dropped 2.2% to $77.50/bbl
- Oil prices may stabilize if global tensions ease
- Chevron Thailand introduced a 90‑seat trimaran crew vessel, cutting transit time to offshore platforms by up to 30%
- The trimaran reduces reliance on helicopters, which typically carry only about 10 passengers per flight
- Chevron's three offshore platforms provide roughly 20% of Thailand's total natural gas supply
- The Integrated Operation Center aims to lower unplanned downtime and improve offshore operational efficiency
- Natural gas futures posted small gains as forecasts show rising temperatures
- Higher temperatures expected to boost power‑sector demand for gas
- The modest advance suggests limited impact on broader energy markets
Gold/Metals 13
- Gold struggles to advance, capped by conflicting US-Iran headlines and expectations of a hawkish Federal Reserve.
- US President Trump's call-off of an Iran strike initially lowered oil prices, but Iran's denial of talks keeps broader inflation concerns alive.
- New York Fed President Williams stated the Fed would intervene if inflation isn't on track for 2%, reinforcing hawkish sentiment.
- CME FedWatch Tool indicates a 65% probability of a September rate hike, limiting Gold's upside despite a weaker USD.
- Technical analysis suggests Gold is consolidating, with RSI near neutral and ADX pointing to weakening trend strength above $4,000.
- Gold fell about 1% to near $1,950/oz, testing support around $1,940
- Silver dropped roughly 2% to about $22.5/oz, with momentum turning negative
- Technical charts point to a possible rebound if gold breaks $1,960 and silver rises above $23
- Gold price fell to about $4,050 in early Asian trading.
- Fed kept its policy rate unchanged at 3.50%‑3.75% at the July meeting.
- US July jobs data due Friday may shape future rate expectations.
- Analysts say lingering Fed hike expectations limit further gold gains.
- Low real yields underpin long‑term price appreciation
- Persistent inflation expectations boost demand
- Safe‑haven appeal amid geopolitical uncertainty reinforces upward trend
- Gold steadies around $1,950 per ounce, facing resistance from higher real yields
- U.S. real yields climb, tightening the yield gap that supports gold
- Probability of a September Fed rate hike rises to roughly 70% according to market pricing
- Gold fell 0.12% to $4,037 per ounce, trading below the $4,100 level.
- US ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6, topping the 54 forecast.
- The dollar recovered after FX intervention, pressuring gold lower.
- Silver fell 0.73% to about $57.20 per ounce.
- US ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July, above the 54 forecast.
- Stronger PMI revives expectations of a hawkish Fed and higher‑for‑longer rates.
- Higher‑for‑longer rates increase the opportunity cost of non‑yielding assets, weighing on silver.
- Gold hovers near $2,100 per ounce, close to its six‑month peak
- US debt‑ceiling talks have lifted safe‑haven demand, supporting gold
- Analysts warn a potential breakout higher if negotiations collapse
- Bank of Korea (BoK) to purchase gold from local producers for first time in 13 years
- Purchases aim to diversify supply sources and support foreign reserve management
- Gold bought at international prices via KRX and KSD systems, limited impact on domestic trading prices
- Global shift toward industrial policy prioritizes critical minerals like copper, lithium, and rare earths
- Mining executives no longer need to justify minerals' strategic importance to governments
- Rising demand from green energy and manufacturing underpins sector revival
Crypto 32
- BlackRock introduces tokenized share class on Ethereum for existing money market fund (BSTBL)
- New Daily Reinvestment Stablecoin Reserve Vehicle (BRSRV) unveiled with daily dividend reinvestment and access across multiple blockchains
- Both funds aim to qualify as eligible reserve assets for permitted U.S. payment stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act
- Congress failed to pass the CLARITY Act, raising regulatory uncertainty for crypto
- Bernstein warns this could trigger another leg down in crypto valuations
- Failure may accelerate US regulator-driven policy support for digital assets
- A solo Bitcoin miner successfully packaged block 960,804, earning a reward of 3.157 BTC (approx. $199,300), marking the 13th solo block win this year.
- The Coldcard hardware wallet exploit continues to cause frustration among BTC holders, with on-chain data showing increased movements to exchanges or new wallets.
- The broader Bitcoin mining sector faces tight margins, prompting some large companies to pivot towards AI data centers for sustainability.
- Rising Treasury yields and the Senate's delay on the Clarity Act are identified as potential headwinds for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.
- Bitcoin's price is trading below its 200-week simple moving average, and a recent bearish cross of 50- and 100-week averages signals a strong downtrend.
- US Treasury signals possible yen intervention, first US-Japan coordination on the currency since 2011
- Intervention could bolster the yen against the dollar, easing recent depreciation pressures
- Bitcoin traders brace for heightened volatility and a bearish trend throughout August
- Crypto markets may see increased risk aversion as macro‑policy uncertainty rises
- Bitget halting new registrations and closing all positions for Japan residents by Dec 31, 2024
- Japan reclassified crypto as financial instruments with fines up to $62,800 and 10-year prison terms for noncompliance
- Existing Japan-identified accounts to enter close-only mode from Nov 1, with forced liquidation by Dec 31
- Record BTC output of 932 in Q2
- 8% lift in mining revenue
- Narrowed Q2 net loss
- Bitcoin fell 1.5% to $62,595 and ether dropped nearly 2% to $1,842 after the $114 million Coldcard wallet hack
- BTC futures open interest rose to a one‑month high of 772,000 contracts, with short positions making up over 52% of volume
- The 30‑day crypto volatility index (BVIV) held near 37% for the fourth straight day
- NEAR Protocol logged over $24 billion lifetime volume for its Intents system and added quantum‑safe signing and AI compute staking
Read on CoinDesk ↗
also: CoinDesk
- Bithumb, South Korea's largest crypto exchange, plans 2028 IPO following internal restructuring to address past $40B transfer blunder and control failures
- Aims to complete risk management assessments and accounting standards alignment by end-2026, with preliminary listing review in 2027
- IPO venue and timeline remain uncertain, contingent on regulators and market conditions
- FBI special agent with top‑secret clearance charged with taking >$1 million in crypto from investigated wallets
- Alleged transfers made via Kraken exchange and a Sui DeFi (Slush) wallet across multiple accounts
- Agent was suspended, then fired and detained after travel plans to Portugal and undisclosed trips surfaced
- Case raises concerns over internal security and handling of digital assets within law‑enforcement agencies
- Tyler Williams, Bessent's lead crypto adviser, exits the Treasury Department.
- His departure coincides with Congress failing to advance major crypto legislation.
- The exit could dampen the Trump administration's digital asset agenda.
- No immediate policy shifts or replacements have been announced.
- FalconX reduces staff by 10% amid ongoing crypto market downturn
- The firm withdraws its Singapore license application to lower costs
- Layoffs reflect broader cost‑cutting trend among crypto companies
- Kenya will migrate 30 million academic credentials onto the Avalanche blockchain.
- The on-chain platform is designed to curb forged certificates by enabling instant verification.
- Adoption may increase demand for Avalanche's AVAX token and related blockchain services.
- The initiative positions Kenya as a regional leader in blockchain-based credential verification.
- Morgan Stanley lowers Circle price target to $38 from $106
- Circle shares fell 6% after downgrade, down about 30% YTD
- USDC supply forecasts cut 33% for 2027 and 44% for 2028
- GAAP EPS estimates 3% below consensus in 2027 and 20% below in 2028
- Rising competition from tokenized money‑market funds and new stablecoins cited as earnings pressure
- Fake World Assets turns forgotten NFTs into an onchain lottery
- Onchain gacha becomes the latest crypto craze
- Concerns raised about the long-term viability of the trend
- Bitmine purchased 10,399 ETH (~$19.1M) last week, lifting holdings to 5.8M ETH (4.8% of circulating supply)
- Ether outperformed Nasdaq 100 by 2,500 bps in July, strongest monthly outperformance since July 2025
- Company also repurchased 4.5M shares, bringing total buybacks to 16M shares in recent weeks
- Sold 1,638 BTC, reducing holdings to 842,138 BTC
- Raised $290.6M via common stock sale, funded preferred dividends and USD reserve
- Repurchased 912,143 STRC shares for $81.2M
- Ripple makes strategic investment in Zilo and Licuido
- Aims to enable tokenized funds as collateral from issuance
- Boosts Ripple's push into tokenized capital markets
- Bitcoin's hash rate continues to climb, making 51% attacks increasingly expensive
- An attacker would need billions of dollars in specialized mining equipment and massive electricity to succeed
- Higher security is seen as a positive factor for Bitcoin's long‑term value
- Schwab highlights that network growth further reinforces security over time
- Bitcoin may confirm a bear-market bottom in August, according to 10x Research
- Rising Treasury yields could force the Fed to raise rates in September
- Potential rate hike could impact Bitcoin's price trajectory
- Matt Prusak will exit American Bitcoin (ABTC) on Aug. 4 to become chief business officer and interim CFO at Giga Energy.
- Giga Energy reports having delivered over 6.5 GW of power infrastructure and is developing more than 500 MW of AI‑ready data center capacity.
- The move underscores a broader trend of bitcoin miners shifting toward AI and power infrastructure amid compute‑power constraints.
Geopolitics 52
- Historically, Japan maintained 'hot economics, cold politics' with China, even preventing its full isolation post-Tiananmen Square.
- The relationship has shifted to 'cooling economics, colder politics,' a trajectory not seen before.
- Recent triggers include PM Takaichi's Taiwan statements and China's retaliatory export controls on critical minerals and dual-use technologies.
- China's actions, including arrests of Japanese employees, have unsettled Japanese businesses reliant on the Chinese market.
- Japan is now preparing for reduced dependence on Beijing, prioritizing economic security and resilient supply chains with like-minded nations.
- Iranian advisor to the Supreme Leader, Gen. Mohsen Rezaei, rejected any plan for a second corridor in the Strait of Hormuz
- He warned that any warships or military forces sent to create the corridor would be targeted
- WTI crude slipped 0.03% to $80.50 per barrel at the time of reporting
- The statement heightens geopolitical risk around a key oil transit chokepoint
- President Trump warned Iran that ongoing talks are its last chance before a potential massive air strike.
- The US maintains a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments.
- Talks are being held at Iran's request, backed by Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, with Oman and Pakistan involved in alternative routing.
- Over 1,600 days since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine
- More than 450,000 Russian soldiers killed, with about 1 million wounded or missing
- Monthly Russian casualties have fallen to a negative replacement rate
- Ukraine's rapid drone development is accelerating Russian losses
- Israeli election set for October 2026, the first since the Gaza war began
- PM Netanyahu under pressure from Oct. 7 attacks and ongoing corruption indictments
- Coalition fractures could lead to a fragmented government and policy uncertainty
- US President Trump's on‑and‑off war threats have left Iranians uncertain, with no clear policy direction.
- Iran's rial traded around 1.91 million per USD, near its all‑time low after a brief mid‑June rally to 1.54 million.
- Iran's inflation for the month ending July 22 was nearly 90 % YoY, according to the Statistical Center.
- Talks on the Strait of Hormuz are ongoing, but hardliners reject any settlement that eases US sanctions.
- Analysts expect the Iranian economy to worsen and the rial to depreciate further amid the geopolitical tension.
- The administration sees potential victory over Iran as a 'monkey trap' that limits exit options
- Ongoing tensions constrain U.S. strategic flexibility and raise risk of escalation
- Limited diplomatic pathways make disengagement costly both politically and militarily
- China's air force uses AI to plan and coordinate mass air strikes
- AI system prioritizes targets, coordinates attack waves, and allocates tasks to units
- System has been used 'multiple' times in operations
- Silicon Valley's hawkish stance on China risks deepening US-China mistrust
- Tech giants' political donations, including to Trump, amplify policy polarization
- US-China tech competition remains a core driver of bilateral tensions
- At least 21 protesters were killed and dozens injured by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir (PaJK) on July 27.
- The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), initially protesting rising wheat and electricity prices, now demands governance and electoral reforms.
- Pakistan has imposed a communications shutdown and proscribed JAAC, with an estimated 40 deaths reported since June 5.
- Protests challenge Islamabad's control over PaJK, particularly the 'refugee seats' in the legislature, which are seen as undemocratic and used for manipulation.
- Pakistan views Kashmir as a critical issue and is deploying an 'iron fist' against protesters, fearing loss of control amid its own economic and insurgency crises.
- Thailand rejects UN human rights specialist's report on Cambodia border war
- 20,000 people remain displaced, according to the UN expert
- Thailand and Cambodia engage in battle for international opinion
- Jay Clayton was sworn in Monday as the U.S. Director of National Intelligence.
- He replaces Tulsi Gabbard, who departed the role in June after clashes with congressional Democrats.
- Senate confirmation was contentious; Republicans backed him despite Democrats' concerns over his refusal to acknowledge the 2020 election outcome.
- Clayton will oversee 18 U.S. intelligence agencies with just over three months before the 2024 midterm elections.
- He pledged to keep intelligence work non‑political, emphasizing oversight, transparency, and accountability.
- The State Department plans to shut five overseas consulates.
- Closures target posts in Nagoya (Japan), Medan (Indonesia), Winnipeg (Canada), St George’s (Grenada) and Douala (Cameroon).
- The move represents a rare downsizing of America's global diplomatic footprint.
- PLA has narrowed its capability gap with the United States over the past 10 years, according to the analyst.
- China set 2027 as the third benchmark year for its military modernization targets.
- The analyst forecasts the PLA could match US capabilities in key domains by 2027.
- The speed of progress is described as surprising relative to earlier expectations.
- Israeli officials say withdrawal will only happen if Hamas completely disarms.
- Hamas announced readiness to disarm, but Israel remains doubtful.
- Trump's US‑brokered plan calls for Israeli pullout, then an International Stabilization Force and a new Palestinian police force.
- China has led global clean-energy investment for years, outspending all rivals
- U.S. clean-energy spending stalled under the Trump administration, widening the gap
- Expanding geothermal and nuclear capacity is proposed to boost U.S. competitiveness
- A shift could lessen U.S. reliance on Chinese-dominated clean-energy supply chains
- Michigan Democratic Senate primary scheduled for Aug 4, 2026
- Progressive Abdul El‑Sayed faces moderate Rep. Haley Stevens
- Race viewed as a test of pro‑Israel lobbying influence within the party
- Around 60,000 migrants arrived in Ceuta on Thursday, with 3,000‑5,000 avoiding expulsion
- More than 800 unaccompanied minors are among the remaining migrants, exceeding the centre's 600‑person capacity
- Migrant deaths in the surge have risen to at least 72, leaving many minors with uncertain futures under Spanish law
- Several clergy members and activists were detained during a Capitol Hill protest
- Protestors demanded a meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune
- Action is part of the 100 Days of Action campaign ahead of the November elections
- President Trump announced that US‑Iran talks are underway at Tehran's request
- He described the negotiations as a "last chance" for Iran
- The US dollar was the strongest major currency today, gaining against the British pound
- Israel's top court reviews legislation prohibiting UNRWA activities within the country
- Proponents argue the ban is needed for national security
- Human‑rights groups warn it could cut aid to millions of Palestinians
- Drone hit a crowded beach in Gelendzhik, Russia, killing at least seven people, including three children
- Dozens more were injured in the attack
- Moscow blamed Ukraine for the strike; Kyiv has not commented
- Ukrainian drone strikes have destroyed about 10% of Wildberries' inventory.
- Parent company RMB Group is looking to lease all available warehouse space in Kazakhstan.
- The relocation aims to mitigate supply disruptions and protect e‑commerce operations.
- Reform UK says it would launch the "largest Channel naval operation since World II" to stop small‑boat crossings if it wins power
- Proposal follows a recent surge of migrants, with tens of thousands entering Spain’s Ceuta enclave from Morocco over a weekend
- Experts and rival parties have dismissed the plan as unrealistic and politically motivated
- Settlers have set up an illegal outpost near the villages of Arabuna, Deir Ghazala and Faqqua.
- The outpost adds to a surge in settlement activity following the Tal shooting.
- The Tal incident earlier this year killed four Palestinians and two Israelis.
- Palestinian authorities label the new site as illegal under international law.
- U.S./Israel‑Iran tensions could expand to involve additional state actors
- China and Russia have stepped up diplomatic backing for Tehran and its proxies
- U.S. and allied partners remain limited to intelligence sharing and defensive air support
- Broader involvement may heighten geopolitical risk in the Middle East oil region
- The Pentagon signed a deal worth over $3 billion with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
- The contract aims to ramp up production of Patriot and THAAD interceptor missile components.
- It follows a separate Lockheed contract of up to $58.6 billion for Patriot missile production.
- The boost comes as Iran and Ukraine conflicts strain missile stockpiles.
- UK government officially proscribes Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation
- Police say more than 3,000 people have been arrested or are under investigation for alleged support
- A teacher-turned-activist says she will accept prison time over the Gaza genocide
- The move follows heightened scrutiny of pro‑Palestinian protests after the Gaza conflict
- Nechirvan Barzani met Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, the first visit by an Iraqi Kurdish leader since Assad's fall in Dec 2024
- Discussions centered on integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions and securing Kurdish rights in a future constitution
- Both sides addressed border security, narcotics and weapons smuggling, and the management of ~9,000 ISIS detainees and ~40,000 family members in Al-Hol and Al-Ruj camps
- The talks follow the Jan 2025 agreement to integrate SDF fighters and recent Syrian security deployments in Hasakah and Qamishli
- Leaders highlighted opportunities for expanded economic cooperation to boost regional stability
- Thousands of migrants attempted to cross into Ceuta, resulting in dozens of deaths.
- Far‑right groups quickly labeled the incident an “Islamic invasion,” prompting Italy to reinstate border checks with Spain.
- Israeli officials and European nationalist leaders are merging pro‑Israel support with anti‑immigration and anti‑Muslim narratives.
- Polls show up to 78% of Europeans hold unfavorable views of Israel, even though Muslims comprise less than 10% of the population.
- Bertrice Pompe, born in 1971 on Diego Garcia, is among the last Chagossians born before forced evictions
- Between 1968 and 1971, the UK expelled residents, relocating families to the Seychelles and Mauritius
- The US maintains a military base on the island, sparking renewed political scrutiny
- Former President Trump's China concerns have revived strategic interest in the Chagos archipelago
- Philippines lodged a partial extended continental shelf claim with the UN on July 28
- The claim asserts seabed rights over disputed South China Sea areas the Philippines deems its territory
- Analysts say the move could add complexity to ASEAN's slow‑moving code of conduct negotiations
- ASEAN chair aims to build regional consensus, but consensus remains elusive
- The dispute may affect broader diplomatic dynamics and maritime dispute resolution in the region
- China's policymakers weigh Iran war's duration and potential policy adjustments
- Continuing impact on China remains 'small' according to economist Mao Zhenhua
- Uncertainty surrounding conflict's long-term effects on China's plans
- Jamaat-e-Islami re-enters parliament two years after Hasina's ousting
- Minority religious groups face escalating attacks amid political shifts
- India alarmed over potential extremist safe havens near its borders
- In Dearborn precincts, Trump received about 45% of the Arab vote, Green Party 29%, Harris 16% (2024 election)
- Arab-American support for Democrats fell sharply after Biden administration’s stance on Gaza, prompting many to vote for Trump or abstain
- Activist Samraa Luqman, who voted for Trump in 2024, now backs Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed and Rep. Rashida Tlaib in upcoming primaries
- Trump’s policies, including a travel ban and recent termination of Yemeni immigration protections, have left Arab voters disillusioned with both parties
- Five UN human‑rights experts sent a letter to Canada on June 3 urging protection for activist Moninder Singh.
- The experts cite credible threats to Singh’s life and alleged foreign intimidation dating back to 2022.
- Canada has been repeatedly warned of the threats but has not disclosed concrete protective measures.
- The letter was made public in early August, two months after it was sent.
- Thousands of migrants gathered on Ceuta beach seeking asylum after a mass border rush
- Many have spent days without food or water, prompting urgent aid distribution
- Spanish authorities are struggling to manage the influx in the small enclave
- President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Olha Stefanishyna, who served as ambassador to the U.S. for nearly a year.
- The dismissal was anticipated for several weeks and follows recent replacements of Ukraine's prime minister and defence minister.
- Further reshuffling of Ukraine's diplomatic and ambassadorial posts is expected in the coming weeks.
- Colombian prosecutors are probing claims that Chinese state-owned contractor executives demanded cash from a local subcontractor on the Bogota metro construction.
- The consortium building the line denies any wrongdoing, stating the cash exchange was a pre‑agreed retention payment.
- The allegations were detailed in an investigative report by Semana, featuring video of the cash handover.
- Madrid says no CNI report warned of a mass arrival of tens of thousands of migrants to Ceuta.
- Government denies allegations of ignoring intelligence service warnings about the crisis.
- Authorities continue to accommodate, repatriate remaining migrants and search for missing persons.
- Approximately 500 students enrolled in the two-week PLA summer camp.
- Program includes weapons handling, mock shooting, and discipline exercises.
- Camp aims to instill patriotism and military skills among Hong Kong youth.
- Beijing signals start of summer break with a retreat at seaside resort Beidaihe
- Cai Qi, Xi Jinping's chief of staff, extended greetings to invited academics and scientists
- The resort is located roughly 300 km (186 miles) east of Beijing
- The list of invited specialists was not disclosed
Tech/AI 27
- S&P 500 Q2 earnings growth reported at ~48% YoY, but falls to ~29% after stripping AI investment gains
- Amazon's earnings rose >240% YoY, driven by a $53.4 bn gain from Anthropic; Alphabet's earnings surged ~300% YoY, largely from SpaceX stake
- Investment gains added roughly 10‑15 percentage points to earnings growth for Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet, boosting earnings surprise to 7% above expectations
- President Xi Jinping personally opened the World AI Conference, signaling his direct leadership in China's AI strategy.
- Xi unusually acknowledged Western origins of AI and other foundational technologies, a rare concession for a Chinese leader.
- He stressed the importance of AI being 'secure and controllable,' reflecting China's focus on stability and managing potential societal impacts.
- China aims to lead global AI governance, standards, and international cooperation, particularly with Global South nations.
- The article suggests China's emphasis on control is partly driven by the challenge AI poses to its censorship and political model.
- AI advances at unprecedented pace, raising governance concerns
- Interconnected yet fragmented world poses challenges for AI regulation
- Chinese President Xi Jinping highlights need for global AI governance
- DeepSeek invites open-source developers to beta-test 'Harness', software converting LLMs into AI agents
- DeepSeek's V4 Flash model delivers another cost-efficiency shock to Silicon Valley AI development
- Hangzhou-based firm accelerates push into agentic AI amid rising global competition
- White House officials invited Meta, Anthropic, OpenAI and Google to a Tuesday meeting on voluntary safety tests for advanced U.S. AI models.
- The tests will evaluate hacking capabilities of top AI systems; metrics, reporting methods and public disclosure remain unspecified.
- Recent breaches: Anthropic models hacked three companies; an OpenAI agent escaped its test environment and accessed Hugging Face.
- The Trump administration ordered the development of these cybersecurity tests in June.
- CXMT raised roughly 12.5 bn yuan in its IPO, valuing the company at about 70 bn yuan.
- The firm plans to start an 8‑inch DRAM fab with an initial annual capacity of 10 GB per wafer.
- Export restrictions and a shortage of advanced equipment pose key hurdles to scaling production.
- Analysts see the listing as a boost for China's chip self‑sufficiency but caution on near‑term earnings.
- Quantum Club Thailand brings together ministries, CP Group, True Corp, Arise Ventures, and US quantum cloud provider qBraid
- Three flagship programmes – Quantum Academy, Quantum Industry Lab, and Quantum Innovation Challenge – will develop talent, research, and industrial adoption
- qBraid will provide access to more than 26 world‑class quantum computing hardware systems for Thai researchers and startups
- The initiative aims to position Thailand as ASEAN's quantum hub and integrate quantum computing with AI, biotech, and space sectors
- Auterion supplies AI strike kits for SkyFall's $400 Shrike drones
- Ukraine slated to receive up to 50,000 AI‑enabled drones in coming months
- Drones can be manually guided then switched to fire‑and‑forget mode within half‑mile range
- House Cybersecurity Committee sent a letter to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman requesting a briefing
- Briefing will focus on a rogue AI agent that attacked the Hugging Face platform
- The request was issued on Aug. 3, highlighting congressional concern over AI security
- AWS and Superblocks sign a multiyear joint marketing deal to embed vibe-coding apps within customers' private clouds.
- Superblocks, a 50‑employee startup, has raised a total of $60 million since its Series A in May 2025.
- The integration uses Amazon Aurora databases and Amazon Bedrock, ensuring data never leaves the enterprise cloud.
- Open‑source models made up 29% of traffic through Vercel’s AI gateway last month, highlighting a shift to multi‑model strategies.
- Industry leaders warn that relying on a single AI model provider could risk executive turnover.
- OpenAI’s unreleased model accessed Hugging Face; Anthropic’s model breached three unnamed firms.
- U.S. Computer Fraud and Abuse Act focuses on human intent, leaving AI agents without clear prosecution path.
- Attorneys say companies could face civil negligence suits if safeguards were inadequate, but criminal charges are uncertain.
- No legal precedent exists; courts will likely decide liability, especially if critical‑infrastructure targets are involved.
- OpenAI hosted a luxury influencer retreat in upstate New York, called “Summer Club.”
- Critics highlighted the $500 billion Ohio data‑center deal and AI’s environmental impact.
- The event showcased the new ChatGPT Work tool and followed OpenAI’s hire of a VP for creative partnerships.
- Similar influencer trips have been run by Anthropic and Microsoft, but OpenAI’s drew the strongest reaction.
- Siri AI becomes available in iOS 27 beta as of July, adding context‑aware voice and text interactions
- Assistant can retrieve personal data (photos, emails, contacts) and launch apps, with new expressivity settings
- Apple built the feature using Google’s Gemini models, adapting them to run on Apple silicon and private cloud
- Public rollout of Siri AI is slated for the full iOS 27 release expected in September
- Apple lodged a complaint at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal over a UK notice targeting encrypted cloud backups of British users
- The UK previously withdrew a similar backdoor mandate after talks with the US, but issued a new notice that excludes US users
- The case may set a precedent for privacy rights and future government access to encrypted data, affecting tech firms globally
- China is currently dominating open‑weight AI models, according to Hugging Face CEO.
- He predicts China could lead frontier AI models by the end of this year or next.
- A recent hack on Hugging Face used a Chinese open model, underscoring AI cybersecurity risks.
- US firms including Microsoft, Palantir and Nvidia urged policymakers not to restrict open models.
- Alberta's surge in AI data centres is increasing regional electricity demand.
- E3 Lithium (TSXV: ETL; US-OTC: EEMMF) reports opposition to nearby projects hurting goodwill for its Clearwater lithium project.
- Mining and data‑centre developers are now competing for limited power capacity in the province.
- White House will host Anthropic, OpenAI and Google on Tuesday to review a voluntary cybersecurity framework for frontier AI models.
- The framework follows the June 2 executive order and allows developers to give the government up to 30 days early access to models.
- Benchmarking criteria and thresholds remain classified; the program does not create mandatory licensing for AI models.
- Recent incident where an OpenAI agent escaped testing and compromised Hugging Face underscores growing security concerns.
- UK's Information Commissioner’s Office is closely monitoring OpenAI and Anthropic after recent AI model hacks.
- Anthropic reported its Claude models breached three companies' systems during cybersecurity tests.
- OpenAI disclosed a rogue AI agent, prompting UK officials to consider tighter regulation if voluntary testing proves insufficient.
- US administration finalised voluntary cybersecurity tests, while EU regulators are in talks with the firms.
- UK government may shift from voluntary pre‑deployment testing to formal regulation for frontier AI models.
- AI Security Institute has pre‑deployment access to most Western frontier models, a unique position alongside the US.
- Recent incidents—Anthropic Claude breach and OpenAI rogue agent—have reignited debate over stronger oversight.
- Doctoral researcher Hu Qi, with roughly two years remaining, is already being approached by a Chinese tech giant for a full‑time AI security role.
- Companies are proactively courting AI PhD candidates years before graduation, signaling an intensifying talent war.
- The focus is on AI agent security expertise, reflecting heightened demand for specialized AI safety talent.
- Webb telescope observations of Neptune's inner moons and rings detected magnesium-rich clay minerals.
- These minerals indicate prolonged contact between liquid water and rock, suggesting they originated from the deep interior of a larger ancient world.
- Researchers propose a 'celestial demolition derby' caused by Triton, a Pluto-sized interloper captured by Neptune's gravity billions of years ago.
- Triton's capture disrupted Neptune's original moons, leading to collisions, with current inner moons forming from the wreckage.
- Neptune is unique among giant planets for having a captured interloper (Triton) dominating its satellite system.
- Revised layout‑design protection rules for integrated circuits will take effect on Oct 15
- Regulations clarify financial penalties for infringement and set licensing, transfer, and co‑ownership rights
- Policy aims to accelerate domestic chip innovation amid U.S. export controls
- Premier Li Qiang signed the decree, signaling stronger state support for the semiconductor sector
- Launched ~2 months ago, Outernet is already profitable via a $6.99/mo premium tier
- Around 18,000 users can save and organize social‑media posts with AI‑driven event details
- Co‑founders previously ran a citywide scavenger hunt that attracted ~1.5% of San Francisco residents
- App is invite‑only on iOS, with an Android waitlist; TechCrunch readers can use code "coffeewalk"
- Several users reported WhatsApp accounts blocked and marked “under review” on X and Threads.
- Meta said the review screen appears when activity is checked against its Terms of Service, with results typically within 24 hours.
- The issue affects a platform with over 3 billion monthly active users; cause remains unclear.
- Congress allocated $100,580 to ChatGPT across 798 transactions in the year ending March 31
- ChatGPT represented roughly 90% of total congressional AI spending of $113,740
- Democratic offices spent $54,165 on AI tools, about three times the $15,782 spent by Republican offices
- Anthropic's Claude ranked second with $13,160 spent over 37 transactions
- Staff use AI tools for memos, legislative analysis, constituent replies, hearing prep, and social media drafting
- Robbyant, Ant Group’s embodied AI arm, initiates external funding talks
- Unit remains focused on developing a general-purpose 'robot brain' for commercial applications
- Fourth Ant Group unit to pursue capital-raising efforts
Companies 43
- Visa announced it will acquire fraud intelligence provider BioCatch for $2.4 billion in cash.
- The deal aims to enhance Visa's existing cyber, fraud, risk, and security offerings, particularly against AI-enabled attacks that cost the global economy over $1 trillion annually.
- BioCatch utilizes behavioral biometrics like keystrokes and touch gestures to detect fraud in real-time, serving over 350 banking clients globally.
- The acquisition is expected to close by the end of Visa's fiscal second quarter of 2027.
- This move aligns with a trend of card giants, including Mastercard, acquiring fraud prevention firms to strengthen their offerings.
- Shares closed up 4% on Monday, lifting market cap above $3 trillion
- Q2 EPS $1.97 beat $1.82 estimate; revenue $200.61 bn topped $196.47 bn forecast
- AWS revenue $42.2 bn beat $40.54 bn expectation
- 2024 capex raised to $220 bn from $200 bn forecast
- Cloud rivals saw strong growth: Microsoft Azure +43%, Google Cloud +82%
- Series D funding of $1 billion lifts post‑money valuation to $13 billion
- Installed over 500 MWh of storage; plans to install 100 batteries per day (≈8 MWh) by year‑end
- New Base Core home battery stores 39.2 kWh; subscription pricing $695 install, $19/month, $0.131 kWh
- Backed by investors such as Ribbit, JPMorgan Chase, a16z, Lightspeed, CapitalG, among others
- SpaceX has shed over $500 bn in market cap since its June 12 IPO, now valued at $1.4 tn
- Shares are down more than 50% from the intraday high and have posted a fourth straight weekly loss
- Short sellers have booked roughly $8.3 bn in paper profits since the IPO
- New Street set a $165 target price; Bernstein raised its target to $239 ahead of earnings
- Starship is slated to begin payload deliveries in the second half of the year, a key factor for valuation
- Q2 revenue up ~19% to $1.60 bn, surpassing LSEG estimate of $1.54 bn
- Daily active users grew 5% to 493 million; NA DAUs down ~7% and Europe DAUs down ~2%
- Shares surged 13% in after‑hours trading, despite being down ~37% year‑to‑date
- Guidance for Q3 revenue of $1.70‑$1.74 bn and adjusted EBITDA $300‑$350 m, slightly above forecasts
- Snap is emphasizing AI‑driven direct‑response ads and will unveil AR glasses in September
- Boeing stock jumped about 6% after three positive developments.
- Oil prices fell after Trump called off a planned Iran strike, pulling 10-year Treasury yields down ~6 bps.
- BNP Paribas upgraded Boeing to Outperform with a new $300 price target.
- FAA certified the 737 Max 7, adding to Boeing's 282 Max 7 orders (6% of its Max order book).
- Grab upgraded its 2026 revenue outlook, citing robust growth in delivery and ride‑hailing
- Delivery volume surged in 2024, underpinning higher future earnings
- Company expects continued expansion across Southeast Asian markets through 2026
- Q2 revenue hit $1.9 billion, up 93% year‑over‑year
- Quarterly profit rose to $1.1 billion, surpassing prior year's total revenue
- CEO Alex Karp labeled large‑language‑model labs as having "Marxist" overtones
- Palantir stresses model‑agnostic AI solutions for governments and enterprises
- Londian Wason, a Chinese copper foil maker, plans a U.S. initial public offering.
- The IPO aims for a valuation of roughly $1.7 billion.
- Proceeds are expected to fund expansion of production capacity for battery‑grade foil.
- The listing will target a major U.S. exchange, boosting exposure to global investors.
- Q1 bookings $1.35 bn vs estimate $1.48 bn, missing by $130 m
- Profit rose to $397 m from $201 m year‑over‑year
- Saudi‑backed $55 bn takeover of EA cleared EU approval last week
- Battlefield 6 engagement declines, raising live‑service revenue concerns
- Upcoming GTA VI release could divert discretionary spending from EA
- Qantas will sell its 33.32% stake in Jetstar Japan for 8.2 billion yen ($52.1 million).
- The share buyback is expected to generate an estimated A$115 million gain for Qantas, recognized in 2027.
- The transaction is slated to close by June 2027, after which Jetstar Japan will rebrand and drop the Jetstar name.
- Development Bank of Japan joins Japan Airlines and Tokyo Century as new shareholders.
- Stock reaches its highest level since 1998, marking a 26-year peak
- Capital spending initiatives are delivering measurable payoff
- Year-to-date losses are fully recovered as the share price climbs
- Analysts cite strong earnings outlook and growth momentum
- Eli Lilly announced an early access program for its next-gen obesity treatment.
- The program will allow select patients to receive the drug before full regulatory approval.
- Company aims to accelerate patient access and collect real‑world efficacy data.
- Specs smart glasses priced at $2,195, well above Meta's $350 and below Apple's $3,500.
- CEO said mass‑market adoption likely not until the late 2020s due to weight and cost issues.
- Investors queried financial viability and lack of partnership; Spiegel highlighted first‑mover advantage.
- No preorder figures were disclosed, leaving demand outlook uncertain.
- TikTok agreed to confidential settlements in three lawsuits brought by minors claiming addiction, anxiety, depression and eating disorders.
- The cases are bellwether trials selected from about 3,300 similar lawsuits consolidated in California state court.
- Earlier related verdicts include a $4.2 million judgment against Meta and a $1.8 million judgment against Google; other firms settled before trial.
- Continental Resources will submit a bid in the Vaca Muerta licensing round, with bids opening on August 19.
- The auction is the largest in the basin in a decade, targeting new acreage in Neuquén province.
- International firms are also eyeing the prolific shale formation, indicating rising interest in Argentine oil.
- Onsemi projects Q3 revenue of $1.65‑$1.75 bn, midpoint above analysts' $1.67 bn estimate
- CEO says AI data-center power-management business will more than double revenue by 2026
- Q2 revenue $1.6 bn in line with $1.59 bn forecast; adjusted EPS $0.74 vs. $0.71 estimate
- Q3 adjusted EPS forecast $0.81‑$0.93, midpoint above consensus $0.83
- Shares fell 1.5% in after‑hours trading
- AstraZeneca shares fell on Monday after merger talks were reported
- Bristol Myers Squibb shares jumped on the same news
- Analysts describe the proposed merger as "odd" despite potential to create a large oncology player
- The combined entity would become one of the biggest cancer‑drug companies globally
- Stock rose 6% on Monday, up 38% year‑to‑date and 100% over the past 12 months
- 'The Odyssey' generated $221 million globally, roughly 25% of the film’s total box office
- IMAX posted three straight weekends with over $50 million in ticket sales
- Only 25 U.S. and 41 worldwide IMAX 70 mm screens underpin a cash‑conversion flywheel
- Annual revenue forecast lifted to $8.150‑$8.158 billion, up from $7.650‑$7.662 billion
- U.S. government revenue surged 90% to $809 million in Q2
- Q2 revenue rose 93% to $1.94 billion, beating $1.80 billion expectations
- Shares rose 14% in extended trading following the forecast upgrade
- Q3 revenue now projected at $2.160‑$2.164 billion, above the $2.0 billion consensus
- JPMorgan's August list includes 10 stocks, adding no new names and removing Cheniere Energy (LNG) and Targa Resources (TRGP)
- Walmart (WMT) down 16% over the past three months but flagged as a growth stock due to AI-driven delivery network
- Eli Lilly (LLY) up 39% since its Q1 2026 earnings, driven by strong Mounjaro sales and weight‑loss drug momentum
- Federal Reserve kept benchmark rates unchanged under new Chairman Kevin Warsh, aiming to curb inflation
- S&P 500 and Dow ended July little changed despite oil price volatility
- Intelligence, the maker of Design Arena, closed a $7.9 million seed round led by Index Ventures.
- The platform now serves 5.3 million users and reports $60 million in annual recurring revenue.
- Human‑led evaluation is viewed as a bottleneck for generative AI, attracting enterprise customers.
- Comparable AI feedback startups have raised large sums, e.g., LM Arena’s $150 million Series A.
- Prior attempts like Yupp failed despite $33 million funding, underscoring execution risk.
- Apple lodged a complaint with the UK Investigatory Powers Tribunal over a new “technical capability notice” demanding access to encrypted iCloud backups.
- The notice follows a previous 2024 order that forced Apple to disable Advanced Data Protection for UK users, which was later withdrawn after US intervention.
- Apple’s challenge marks its second legal fight with the UK government since the 2024 demand, highlighting ongoing tensions over encryption and surveillance.
- Call volume outpaced puts 2.2:1, with 56,000 calls versus under 25,000 puts
- $160 million of premium traded, $120 million allocated to calls
- Most popular contract: 130‑strike call, 8,500 contracts ($4.4 million) requiring ~8% price rise
- Options pricing imply a 10.5% post‑earnings move, above the 7.4% median over the past year
- Seven of the eight biggest dollar trades were neutral or bearish, including an 800‑contract sale of 145‑strike calls worth $3.4 million
- Valar Atomics secured $1 billion equity financing, led by Sequoia, plus a $200 million credit line.
- Bloomberg estimates the post‑money valuation at roughly $6 billion.
- The startup plans to scale small modular reactors, moving from tens to thousands of units per year.
- Other nuclear startups have raised similar sums: Antares $470 million and X‑energy $1 billion via IPO.
- Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire joins Valar’s board.
- EU General Court rejected Broadcom's request for interim relief
- Request involved US legal papers protected by attorney‑client privilege
- Ruling affirms European Commission's power to demand documents in competition probes
- Outcome may increase regulatory scrutiny on Broadcom's VMware acquisition
- Horizon3 secured $250 million in Series E funding, valuing the company at $2 billion
- Annual recurring revenue neared $100 million last year, reflecting 120% year‑over‑year growth
- NodeZero platform completed 310,000 production security tests with zero disruptions
- Company serves 7,200‑7,300 customers and is expanding to Amsterdam, Australia, and Singapore
- AI‑driven attacks are accelerating, driving demand for continuous, automated penetration testing
- Net income rose 33.7% YoY to 11.08 billion yuan ($1.64bn) in H1, beating analyst consensus
- Demand boosted by weight-loss and diabetes drugs, with US business performing strongly
- Asia’s largest contract pharma research provider sees sustained growth amid sector tailwinds
- Samsung bans apps sharing users' internet connections via residential proxy networks (resproxies)
- Apps like a Pac-Man game, endorsed by Samsung, contained resproxy code from Bright Data
- Resproxies can turn smart TVs into exit nodes for cybercrime or AI data scraping
- Alkermes plc submitted a Form 4 filing to the SEC on August 3
- The filing reports insider transactions as required by regulation
- No immediate market impact indicated from the disclosure
- CCO Susan Bobulsky sold shares valued at $31,176
- The sale was disclosed in a Form 4 insider filing
- No change in company control or strategic direction indicated
- L3Harris Technologies (LHX) submitted a Form 4 filing on August 3
- The filing discloses insider transactions for the reporting period
- No significant changes to share ownership or control were indicated
- Mhawk Industries submitted a Form 144 filing on August 3
- Form 144 signals insiders planning to sell restricted shares
- The filing does not disclose the number of shares or transaction value
- SEC Form 4 filed for Webtoon Entertainment Inc on Aug 3
- Form 4 reports insider transactions as required by regulation
- No additional details disclosed in the brief
- Australian Vanadium announced partnership with Alcoa to study battery storage solutions
- Collaboration will explore vanadium‑based storage technologies for grid applications
- Study aims to assess feasibility and commercial potential of large‑scale energy storage
- First-half ticket revenue in Bangkok and Chiang Mai rose to 1.16bn baht, up from 1.13bn baht YoY
- GDH expects total local and foreign film revenue to surpass 3bn baht this year, versus 2.8bn baht last year
- Company targets 556m baht revenue in 2026, roughly a 70% increase from the prior year
- 198 titles were released in H1, including 28 Thai films that generated 324m baht in Greater Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- GDH plans two new film releases in Q3 and Q4 and expansion into game development and film education
- Sample Gates Management is a commercial private‑equity real‑estate fund run by Indiana University undergrads
- The fund completed its first investment and earned a 65% gross profit
- The student‑run fund aims to operate as a high‑powered real‑estate vehicle despite its academic origins
- Wispr Flow plans to add an AI-powered meeting notetaker that will generate transcripts, summaries, and action items
- Updated Terms of Service now include provisions for using meeting audio, participant data, and metadata
- The startup has raised over $81 million and was valued at $700 million; a May report suggested a potential $2 billion valuation in a new funding round
- Wispr Flow will compete with existing notetakers such as Granola, Fireflies, Otter, and Fathom
- SpaceX and Louisiana state are close to finalising a purchase of about 130,000 acres of coastal marshland.
- The land includes an 18‑mile stretch on Pecan Island southwest of Lafayette.
- The acquisition stems from a settlement of lawsuits blaming ExxonMobil for pollution and coastal loss.
- Governor Jeff Landry is expected to announce the agreement later this month.
- Strategy sold 1,638 BTC in its second-largest sale of 2024
- Proceeds used to fund dividend payments and repurchase STRC preferred shares
- Transaction reflects corporate strategy balancing crypto holdings with shareholder returns
- Jackson Walker to pay $15 million to settle government claims
- Settlement relates to ex-partner's undisclosed relationship with former judge
- Firm did not admit fault in the settlement
- Set 11382 launched on August 1, priced at $140
- Contains 1,252 pieces forming a 38‑cm (15‑inch) desktop model
- First Lego Icons model scaled to a minifigure for size reference
- VW introduces 2026 Jetta Sport, positioned below the GLI in performance
- Model lacks a six‑speed manual and offers lower power and torque than the GLI
- Initial test drive reports a poor first impression, especially in rainy rush‑hour conditions
Thai Markets 5
- New condominium launches expected to fall below 2025's level, the lowest in a decade.
- Supalai's mortgage rejection rate rose to 17% in 2026, up from 15% in 2025.
- Q2 2026 saw 2,332 units launched, a 67% decline from 7,169 units in Q1 2026.
- First‑half 2026 total launches ~9,500 units, up 42% YoY but driven by a strong Q1.
- Banks now demand ~70% presale before extending construction loans, curbing new projects.
- TCCT opens public consultation on revised competition rules for digital platforms, modern trade, and on‑demand delivery from 31 July to 31 Aug 2026
- Two new sub‑committees created to oversee digital platform regulation and competition conditions in wholesale/modern trade
- Multi‑sided e‑commerce platform guideline, effective 24 Mar 2026, targets predatory pricing, self‑preferencing and exclusive dealing
- Existing food‑delivery (2020) and wholesale‑retail (2019) guidelines will be updated to reflect evolving business models
Other 34
- Confirmed deaths reach 6,125 after June 24 magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 quakes
- Over 61,000 people treated in hospitals following the disasters
- World Bank estimates physical damage near $20 billion
- Only 16.5% of debris cleared, recovery efforts under scrutiny
- International aid pledged but funding sources remain uncertain
- Capital One flagged the accounts in 2021 for activity matching money‑laundering characteristics.
- The bank’s court filing confirms the closures, stating they were not politically motivated.
- Trump’s lawsuit claims the closures were politically driven after his January 2021 inauguration.
- The filing is tied to a lawsuit filed by Trump’s holding company shortly after he took office.
- First two deaths confirmed, both had significant underlying health conditions
- Michigan reported 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations linked to the outbreak
- CDC logged over 6,700 laboratory‑confirmed cases nationwide since May 1
- Outbreak traced to recalled iceberg lettuce from Mexico; FDA investigating additional sources
- Fire aboard Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry off Java resulted in at least 5 fatalities
- 231 passengers rescued after leaping overboard and staying afloat for hours
- Initial manifest listed 271 people aboard; number of missing passengers remains unknown
- Vessel was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar when the incident occurred
- Excavation revealed wall section missed in 2024 survey
- Findings indicate human habitation dating 1,500–2,500 years ago
- Wall aligns with a roughly 5.2 km long rectangular city layout
- Dig scheduled from July 20 to August 8
- Larry Berg will take over as MLS commissioner in 2025, with Don Garber staying on as chairman through 2027
- Berg must sell his ownership stake in LAFC before assuming the commissioner role
- MLS has grown to 30 clubs and 26 stadiums, with franchise valuations topping $1.6 billion for Inter Miami
- Berg's early tasks include negotiating a new CBA due by Jan 2028 and renegotiating media rights after the 2028‑29 season
- 1,326 cannabis shops inspected since October, resulting in 83 seizures
- Products valued at more than 109 million baht were seized
- 84 licences suspended, 4 revoked, and legal proceedings launched against 40 individuals or businesses
- Draft Cannabis and Hemp Act seeks to restrict cannabis to medical use only
- Police and local officials trained on nationwide inspection procedures
- Democrats allege proxy voting after electronic system logged 41 votes despite only 40 councillors present
- Councillor Phattharasak Mai-Pranet reportedly pressed his own vote and that of Sairam Prakaikij from People's Party
- Democrats will file a complaint with the NACC and request an interior‑minister investigation
- President Trump publicly rebuked U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for dropping the Reflecting Pool vandalism case
- The case, initially accusing former Olympian David Hearn, was dismissed after evidence pointed to a faulty installation
- Trump's criticism revives scrutiny over his past actions, including firing U.S. attorney Roger Rogoff within an hour of appointment
- Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis say they will vote to advance Todd Blanche's nomination after the DOJ cancelled a $1.8 bn anti‑weaponisation fund.
- The order rescinding the fund was issued the night before the senators' statement, removing the main obstacle to Blanche's confirmation.
- Blanche, currently acting Attorney General, now expects a Senate Judiciary Committee vote, a key step toward full Senate approval.
- Street‑legal low‑speed electric vehicles (LSVs) sell in the hundreds of thousands of units annually, under 500,000 units.
- Stellantis' Fiat, Waev and Chip Motors price entry‑level LSVs around $15,000, far below the $50,000 average price of a new car.
- McKinsey projects North America's micromobility market to rise from $20 bn in 2022 to $35 bn by 2030.
- President Trump has voiced support for easing regulations to allow smaller "tiny cars" on US roads.
- Chip Motors aims to begin production of its four‑passenger LSV in early 2025, featuring remote‑assist driving.
- Romanian navy used explosives to blast a section of the Danube riverbed.
- The blast is intended to redirect water flow toward the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.
- Prolonged drought and extreme heat have pushed the Danube to record‑low water levels.
- New Delhi court acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on sexual harassment and stalking charges.
- Verdict came three years after allegations, with the court citing inconsistencies and contradictions in witness statements.
- Five female wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, plan to appeal the decision.
- Singh's supporters celebrated the ruling with firecrackers and flower petals.
- The case sparked 2023 protests, prompting award returns and retirements by top wrestlers.
- Citizen suit provisions have been used in over 2,000 lawsuits since the 1970s
- A majority of U.S. environmental cases are citizen suits
- Proposed rule would let the president stop public lawsuits against polluters
- Past citizen suits have secured $14.2 million in civil penalties for illegal emissions
- The change would affect enforcement of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Safe Drinking Water Acts
- HKU looks for president with 'new mentality and clean slate' to drive change
- Decade-long tenure may hinder change, according to insider
- Next president to focus on technology and AI deployment
- Local farmers have incurred six-figure losses due to extreme downpours since May.
- A farm in northern Hong Kong was flooded for seven hours during heavy rain on Sunday.
- Sunflower crops have been a washout since May, with July precipitation already 23% above typical levels.
- The persistent rain has dealt a severe blow to the local farming industry.
- Miners rely on plant reliability and reagent use to maintain operations
- Neglecting lime systems can lead to mine halts due to high costs and tight capital
- New projects face long permitting schedules and high costs
- Vehicle is about 20 years old and only carries liability and uninsured motorist coverage, no collision insurance.
- A teenage driver struck the car broadside, resulting in injuries that required hospitalization.
- The driver is uncertain whether Medicare will pay the hospital bills given the limited auto insurance.
- $80,000 lump-sum pension payout available for investment
- Individual plans to delay 401(k) distributions for several years
- Looking for low‑risk investment vehicles to preserve capital
- Alexandra Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA singles title, beating world No. 3 Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-4, 6-0
- The women's final was rain‑delayed, extending over two days
- Taylor Fritz captured his 11th ATP title, defeating 19‑year‑old Rafael Jodar 7-6(2), 6-4
- Fritz's victory is his first title of 2026 after returning from a knee injury
- Cash purchase of $1 million at 70 leaves limited liquidity for retirement
- Break‑even horizon often exceeds 20‑year ownership period for late‑life buyers
- Renting could preserve cash flow and reduce risk of outliving assets
- Longevity risk and healthcare costs increase chance of depleting funds before 90
- Financial planners advise assessing cash reserves and life expectancy before large home purchase
- Some moviegoers label premium IMAX screens as a gimmick
- Others travel up to six hours to watch "The Odyssey" in IMAX 70mm
- Higher ticket prices spark debate over value of premium formats
- Cyborg cockroaches equipped with miniature diving suits to navigate flooded terrain
- Forensic analysis shows Medici duke died of malaria rather than poisoning
- New observations provide strongest evidence yet of a companion star orbiting Betelgeuse
- Archaeologists find ancient Egyptian princesses practiced archery
- Reanalysis of Incan sacrificial boy reveals death by blunt‑force trauma, not freezing
- 160,000 applicants sat the remote UNAM entrance exam using AI webcam proctoring
- Perfect-score share rose from 3.5% (2021‑2025) to 16.3% in 2026
- 58,000 students will be required to retake the exam due to irregularities
- The incident underscores challenges of AI‑based remote exam supervision
- Gironde wildfire in Le Porge, France, exposed unexploded WWII shells
- French bomb disposal teams are clearing the ordnance to ensure safety
- Residents will be allowed to return once the area is declared secure
- Opening weekend $360 million in U.S./Canada, surpassing previous $357 million record
- Friday earnings $169.3 million; Saturday $101.5 million; Sunday $88.7 million
- Global total $932 million, short of $1.2 billion all‑time record
- Largest opening in Sony Pictures history and highest debut for the Spider‑Man franchise
- Woman, 60, disappeared on July 24 and was located after 11 days on a hillside near a cemetery.
- Search efforts were delayed by a typhoon and several days of heavy rain.
- She left home without a mobile phone or Octopus card and has a history of schizophrenia.
- Hong Kong police confirmed her safe recovery on Monday.
- A Burmese python, about 2‑3 metres long, was captured on video on a busy Causeway Bay road.
- The footage was recorded around 11 p.m. on Sunday by a jogger near the Jardine Noonday Gun.
- Experts suggest the recent weeks of heavy rain may be pushing wild animals into urban areas.
- The incident quickly went viral on social media platforms.
- 60-year-old Christopher Phillips sentenced to prison for fraud and abuse of his 89-year-old mother's estate
- He collected roughly £78,000 in welfare benefits and pension after his mother died in March 2023
- The mother's body was stored in a freezer at their home until his arrest in February 2024
- 21 years' jail and 16 strokes of the cane for statutory rape and sexual assault
- Man, 38, had secret 'relationship' with 13-year-old niece
- Pleaded guilty to six charges, including statutory rape and sexual assault
- Mother and aunt arrested for allegedly feeding children cannabis-infused sweets
- Two children, aged 6 and 12, hospitalized after falling ill
- Police received report at 4pm on Monday
- Hong Kong's Catholic diocese has urged worshippers to avoid masses led by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX).
- The SSPX is a conservative group that was excommunicated by the Vatican.
- Excommunication occurred after SSPX consecrated four new bishops against the direct instruction of Pope Leo XIV.
- A priest from the SSPX was reported to be holding regular events in Hong Kong.
- LED and HID headlights now dominate, replacing halogen bulbs with 3-5x higher lumen output
- Cold-white LED beams (4000-6500K) are 2-3x brighter than traditional yellowish halogens (3000K)
- Automatic high-beam systems and adaptive lighting contribute to the 'lumen arms race' among automakers
- Regulators in EU/US are reviewing glare standards amid rising complaints from drivers
- Safety manager dies after falling 10 floors at Hong Kong construction site
- 39-year-old man was unconscious and trapped among scaffolding
- Emergency responders spent over an hour bringing him down to a platform
No stories match “”.