- S&P 500 futures fell ~0.2% while Nasdaq-100 futures rose 0.1% and Dow futures slipped 0.2% (99 points)
- WTI crude oil rose about 1% to just above $79 per barrel amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty
- Fed funds futures indicate a 44% chance of a September rate hike, down from 67% a week earlier
- Investors await CPI and PPI releases later this week for inflation guidance
August 9, 2026
▲ 16▼ 20◆ 5– 100
Markets 9
- Major U.S. firms reported earnings that beat forecasts
- Results eased market concerns over AI spending
- Inflationary pressure worries were reduced after the reports
- U.S. equity indices extended their record‑high streak
- Energy companies in the S&P 500 posted a 42.5% revenue increase in Q2
- Overall index sales grew at the fastest pace in almost five years
- Energy sector's earnings boost underpins the equity index's performance
- Equity funds are up 10.6% year‑to‑date, the best performance so far in 2026.
- Tech stocks surge on heightened AI expectations, with the Nasdaq leading the rally.
- Historical reference: 55 years ago Nixon ended the gold standard, underscoring past monetary shifts.
- S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq futures unchanged as investors await key inflation numbers later this week
- U.S. CPI data expected to be released on Friday, with market focus on core inflation trends
- Iran's new demands heighten uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping lane
- For the first time in four years, the count of S&P 500 stocks beating the index reached its highest level since 2020.
- The breadth metric rose above 50%, indicating more than half of the constituents outperformed the benchmark.
- Analysts project the proportion could keep climbing as earnings momentum and sector rotation continue.
- AI stock valuations in China have sparked volatility, challenging Beijing's 'long bull' strategy
- State-backed 'national team' funds reappeared on July 19 ahead of memory chip maker CXMT's IPO
- Tech-focused ETFs recorded record inflows as authorities pledge market stability
- Two AI-picked stocks posted gains of +48% and +28% over the reporting period
- Both stocks outperformed typical market returns during the same timeframe
- Performance underscores growing interest in AI-driven investment strategies
- Tadawul All Share Index closed 0.05% higher
- Broad market participation with modest gains across sectors
- No significant corporate earnings or macro data drove the move
Macro/Economy 16
- Ceuta migrant influx sparks tension among the EU's 27 member states.
- The border crisis emerges just before an expected tough China trade confrontation in autumn.
- Divisions raise doubts about the EU's ability to present a coordinated front on China tariffs.
- The traditional August break meant for respite has been overtaken by geopolitical strain.
- July CPI expected at 3.4% YoY and core CPI at 2.5% YoY, per FactSet forecasts
- July PPI projected to rise 0.1% MoM headline and 0.3% MoM core
- Retail sales (July) due Tuesday and existing home sales due Friday, with retail seen as more market‑moving
- Only earnings report this week: Cardinal Health, trading within 1.5% of its prior close
- Fed Governor Lisa Cook highlights AI data‑center capex as a new inflation driver, shifting risk balance
- BOJ left rates unchanged; a split vote saw one board member call for a 0.25% hike.
- India's July CPI hit the 4% target for the first time in 1.5 years, RBI projects 5% inflation for FY2026/27.
- Vietnam-Australia bilateral trade reached $8.1 bn in H1 2026, up about 22% YoY.
- SMIC posted Q2 earnings, emphasizing AI‑related demand amid industry supply constraints.
- Indonesia's President Prabowo will present 2027 budget assumptions in the upcoming State of the Nation address.
- Job creation slowed, indicating a cooling labour market
- Unemployment rate held steady
- REC/KPMG view suggests the labour market is stabilising
- Thailand could remain in a middle-income trap for 10‑20 years if workforce upgrades lag behind technology changes
- More than 300,000 new graduates are unemployed each year, costing the economy over 10 billion baht annually
- The country employs over 4 million low‑cost migrant workers, sustaining labour‑intensive industries
- Around 1 million students are in vocational programmes, yet funding is limited and many graduates lack technical skills
- TDRI recommends a 50:50 study‑internship model and industry‑vocational school MOUs to align training with tech‑sector demand
- Unemployment rate edged up to 0.94% in H1 2026, up from 0.90% YoY
- Unemployed persons increased by 35,000 (9.8% YoY) to 397,000
- Underemployment rose 7.4%, adding about 400,000 workers with <35 hrs/week
- Average weekly working hours fell to 42.42 from 42.57, and real wage index dropped to 96.8 (2019=100)
- Business closures jumped 12.5% YoY in the first half of 2026
- Unemployment rate rose to 0.9% in Q1 2026, with layoffs projected to hit 500,000 this year
- Factory closures outnumbered new registrations for the first time in 10 quarters; 32 steel firms shut in H1 2026
- Section 33 layoffs grew at a 7% CAGR (2022‑2025) and are expected to average at least 40,000 per month in 2026
- ICE pickup sales fell 4.7% to 70,141 units in H1 2026 amid high household debt and rising oil prices
- Chinese steel exports to SE Asia rose to 44.6 million tonnes Jan‑May 2026, up from 41.2 million tonnes a year earlier
- Thailand-Myanmar border trade totaled 244.05 bn baht in 2025, with 81% (199.11 bn baht) from border and transit trade.
- Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing visited Thailand on Aug 6‑7, signalling a milestone for renewed economic ties.
- Thailand will convene a joint trade commission this year to tackle customs, non‑tariff barriers and logistics.
- Ongoing sanctions on Myanmar's military and internal conflicts pose risks to trade expansion.
- 1.75 million visitors attended over 130 events between January and June 2024
- Total visitor spending reached HK$5.8 billion (US$739 million), averaging HK$3,314 per person
- Event‑related activity contributed HK$3.3 billion to Hong Kong's economy
- 130,000‑150,000 Vietnamese workers go abroad each year, per the home ministry.
- Domestic seafood and garment industries report a labour shortage despite recent wage hikes.
- Hanoi is expanding overseas labour drives to boost remittance earnings and move up the value chain.
- Analysts warn the dual focus on migration and up‑skilling may strain domestic production capacity.
- Five-year plan to be unveiled next month aims to create more quality jobs for Hong Kong residents
- Policy includes support for young entrepreneurs to start businesses
- Northern Metropolis megaproject will assist young people in moving up the housing ladder
- Government may set up an independent agency to oversee plan implementation
- Burnham announces plans to target hard‑to‑cancel subscriptions and misleading discount offers
- Announcement made as Labour leader returns from holiday and begins a national tour on financial pressures
- Policy aims to ease consumer cost‑of‑living challenges by eliminating 'subscription traps'
- Exported 1,110,656 tonnes (68,044 containers) Jan‑Aug, up from 979,045 tonnes in 2023
- Export revenue topped 127 billion baht in the same period
- Production forecast at ~2 million tonnes, a 33% rise year‑on‑year
- 70‑80% of southern crop in market; 200,000‑tonne of 300,000‑tonne target already handled
- New federal mortgage regulations require condo associations to boost reserve fund contributions
- Associations must allocate a larger share of budgets to reserves for future repairs
- Homeowners could face higher monthly dues as a result of the added reserve requirements
- 8% of homeowners at Wang Fuk Court have not accepted the buy-back offer
- 91.9% of owners have submitted acceptance letters to the government
- 65.7% of owners have signed sale-and-purchase agreements
- Buy-back deadline expires at the end of the month
- Hundreds marched in Soller, Mallorca on Saturday
- Protesters say tourism raises cost of living for locals
- They claim tourism makes housing harder to access
Central Banks 2
Energy/Oil 3
- Europe has endured three energy crises in the last four years
- Before February 2022, Russian oil accounted for about 40% of EU supply
- Peak‑oil forecasts suggest a looming global production decline
- EU still imports over 60% of its fossil‑fuel needs, heightening vulnerability
- Gasoline prices have risen above $4 per gallon, pressuring Republicans ahead of midterms
- A previous Jones Act waiver in March had minimal impact on pump prices
- Shipping costs make up only a small fraction of total gasoline price, limiting potential savings
- The proposed waiver would again permit foreign-flagged vessels to transport fuel domestically
- Brent crude rises as markets await decision on Strait of Hormuz reopening
- WTI follows Brent higher on supply‑concern backdrop
- Ongoing uncertainty keeps oil market volatility elevated
Crypto 7
- More than 100 crypto projects have shut down, filed for bankruptcy, or gone dark in 2026.
- Altcoin prices have dropped 70%‑90%, eroding token‑denominated startup treasuries.
- $1.1 billion lost to exploits in the first half of 2026, with venture‑capital rescue funds drying up.
- Surviving firms like Aave, Hyperliquid and Ether.fi now charge fees in stablecoins or cash, shifting to revenue‑based models.
- Revenue concentration is at 67% of total app revenue, dominated by Hyperliquid and Pump.fun.
- Enforcing branch halted at block 961,633 after only two blocks, while non‑enforcing chain reached 961,721
- Gap between chains expanded to 88 blocks
- Only 51 of the previous 2,016 blocks (2.53%) signaled support for BIP-110
- Mandatory signaling will continue through block 963,647, delaying difficulty adjustment
- Senate will not hold a procedural vote on the Clarity Act before the August recess.
- Bill's chances of passage this year become uncertain, with any vote possible only after mid‑September.
- Industry concerns focus on ethics over President Trump's $1.4 billion crypto profit and unresolved stablecoin yield issues.
- Open interest rose to just above $11 bn on July 13, the platform's 2026 high
- Gross protocol revenue dropped 43% from $357 m in Q3 2025 to about $202 m in Q2 2026
- Fee‑sharing program (HIP‑3) now routes ~18% of revenue to builders, up from <6% a year earlier
- HYPE token fell ~5% week‑over‑week, trading near $55, 28% below its June 16 peak
- Builder Trade.xyz accounts for >90% of HIP‑3 open interest, concentrating risk
- U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs recorded $853.5 million net inflow for the week ended Aug 7, the strongest since mid‑April
- BlackRock's IBIT ETF alone drew $693 million of the total inflow
- Bitcoin price held near $64,000‑$65,100 despite recent negative headlines
- Weekly inflows remain far below the $4.5 billion net outflow YTD, highlighting need for sustained buying
- Rule becomes effective on Jan 1, 2027, requiring a 24‑hour hold for crypto transfers exceeding $10,000
- Applies to transactions sent to overseas providers or self‑custody wallets and those flagged for review
- Designed to combat crypto fraud by giving authorities time to investigate suspicious activity
- May curb high‑value cross‑border crypto flows and deter large transfers within Brazil
- BTCPay Server temporarily blocks public remote connections to Lightning nodes after a vulnerability allowed credential theft.
- Attackers accessed LND macaroon files, draining funds from at least two operators; total loss amount not disclosed.
- Version 2.4.2 (LND 0.21.1) now auto‑rotates macaroon credentials; operators urged to verify unauthorized payments and channel closures.
- The incident follows earlier Bitcoin‑related breaches, including a Coldcard flaw that caused over $100 million in losses.
Geopolitics 34
- Netanyahu says Israeli forces will not withdraw until Hamas is "genuinely disarmed"
- Trump's 15-point roadmap, unveiled July 30, ties phased Israeli pullout to Hamas disarmament
- Rejection comes ahead of October elections, where polls show Netanyahu likely to lose
- Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, maintains withdrawal only after complete Hamas disarmament
- Gaza death toll exceeds 73,300 Palestinians since the conflict began in October 2023
- Iran reports Oman deal on new Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes is in final stages
- Strait carries roughly 20% of global oil and LNG shipments
- Reopening depends on the United States meeting additional conditions
- Saudi Arabia joins Turkey and Pakistan in a mutual defence pact signed in Mecca
- The agreement marks the first formal security shift away from the US umbrella in the Gulf
- Analysts see the move as opening space for Beijing to increase its regional influence
- US‑Gulf strategic ties could be reassessed as the pact reshapes security dynamics
- Pentagon seeks accelerated production of munitions to replenish depleted stockpiles
- Deputy Defense Secretary gives industry leaders 21 days to submit plans for faster delivery schedules and increased production
- U.S. stockpiles of advanced missile interceptors have decreased by at least 65% since the start of the conflict with Iran
- Houthis launched a missile/drone strike on the Ras Tanura refinery in Saudi Arabia
- The attack occurred hours after Saudi Arabia signed a defence pact with the United States
- The strike could temporarily curtail output at the refinery, which processes about 10 million barrels per day
- Rising regional tensions heighten concerns for global oil supply stability
- Iran insists on pre‑conditions for any cease‑fire, delaying diplomatic progress
- Trump administration's timeline for ending the conflict pushed back amid Tehran's stance
- Negotiations remain uncertain as the US seeks a resolution without clear Iranian agreement
- Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay restricted until the US meets its demands
- UAE accuses Tehran of targeting an oil tanker in the Gulf
- Houthis claim responsibility for an attack on a Saudi refinery
- Disruption could affect roughly 20% of global oil trade that passes through Hormuz
- Japan released a 610‑page 2026 defence white paper, again calling China its “greatest strategic challenge.”
- The designation marks the fourth consecutive year Japan has used this framing, first introduced in 2014.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi affirmed the policy, signaling an accelerated security posture toward China.
- Saudi Crown Prince, Turkish President and Pakistani Prime Minister signed the pact in Mecca on Friday
- Treaty declares an armed attack on any member as an attack on all three states
- Alliance aims to deter Iran and Israel amid heightened Middle East tensions
- Observers view the pact as insurance against perceived U.S. disengagement from regional security
- Unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has intensified ahead of the final round of regional elections
- Protests have turned deadly, marking the territory's worst political crisis in years
- The instability reflects longstanding divisions within the region and could affect broader South Asian security
- Malaysia's ongoing political turmoil could disrupt China's Belt and Road projects and broader influence in Southeast Asia
- Pew Research Centre survey indicates global favorability for China has risen relative to the United States
- With Washington pulling back from global leadership, Beijing is seeking to present itself as a more reliable partner
- Explosive-laden drone discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, raising security concerns.
- Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt says Germany faces daily hybrid warfare, including espionage and cyberattacks.
- Germany plans to double anti-drone experts from 150 to 300 and increase bases from 4 to 8.
- Recent drone sightings also reported over a German military base and near Bulgaria's Trans-Balkan gas pipeline.
- No nation identified; Russia denies involvement, calling the incident a fabricated provocation.
- Seven civilians killed in combined Russian and Ukrainian attacks overnight
- Ukrainian drone strikes caused five deaths and roughly two dozen injuries
- Russian missile raids persist as Ukraine faces a critical shortage of Patriot interceptors
- M23 rebels accepted the handover of 15 prisoners from the Kinshasa government
- The release follows a Doha Framework agreement signed last year after Qatar mediation
- The move revives a peace process that had stalled for months in eastern DRC
- President Trump signals a shift to economic pressure rather than additional military action against Iran
- He describes the approach as 'low-keying it' in a brief phone call with reporters
- The statement follows a week of heightened threats and comes amid the ongoing Israel‑Iran conflict
- Ohio GOP deadline to replace Rep. Max Miller expired at 4 p.m. Monday, so he stays on the ballot.
- Miller would have needed to withdraw by Saturday to allow a replacement nominee for the 7th District.
- If Miller withdraws now, the GOP would lack a nominee, leaving the seat open for Democrat Brian Poindexter.
- House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into alleged domestic abuse and drug use by Miller.
- President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson continue to back Miller despite GOP pressure.
- Five Palestinians were killed near Nablus amid ongoing clashes
- Four new Israeli outposts were erected in the area
- The cycle of occupation and resistance continues to intensify
- Poll finds 70% of Jewish Israelis fear election integrity risks
- Only 43% remain optimistic about Israel's democratic future
- Election set for Oct 27, 2026 as Netanyahu seeks another term
- President Herzog and opposition leaders warn of possible interference and violence
- Government slashes central elections committee budget by 50 million NIS (~$15 m)
- OCHA reports 67% of Gaza's population is food insecure
- About 200,000 people (≈10% of Gaza) are in pre‑famine conditions
- Children receive only one daily meal, mainly rice and lentils, lacking protein and vitamins
- The 2025 famine (Aug‑Dec) caused severe weight loss; recovery can take six months or longer
- Syria and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to turn the Hmeimim airbase and Tartus naval base into joint training and capacity‑building centres.
- The transition must be completed within three months, with civilian facilities to be handed over to Damascus immediately.
- The deal follows a year‑and‑a‑half of negotiations and underscores Damascus’ claim over sovereign assets after Assad’s 2024 ouster.
- President Trump signed two new executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship
- The orders focus on curbing "birth tourism" and other categories of foreign nationals
- They follow a Supreme Court decision that rejected a broader attempt to limit birthright citizenship
- Israel authorises water, sewage and electricity works in eastern Rafah, near the Israeli‑imposed "Yellow Line"
- Entry of caravans or mobile homes is banned until at least November, limiting humanitarian reconstruction
- Experts argue the scheme is designed to fragment Gaza and force displacement ahead of October elections
- Proposed International Stabilization Force expected to be limited to about 200 troops each from Morocco and Uganda, far below original plans
- Relations have improved from a low point since 2017 to a 'good enough' baseline.
- Assessment authored by former ambassador Graham Fletcher, now Lowy Institute fellow.
- China still expects broader ambitions, indicating limited progress.
- No concrete policy shifts announced; outlook remains cautious.
- Myanmar's military-backed government dismissed ASEAN's call for Suu Kyi's unconditional release
- The junta rejected the proposal for a special ASEAN envoy to address the Myanmar crisis
- President Min Aung Hlaing continues efforts to gain political legitimacy after the 2021 coup
- ASEAN's renewed appeal highlights ongoing regional tension over Myanmar's governance
- Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu called on July 26 to restart SAARC meetings after a 12‑year hiatus.
- The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has been suspended for over a decade.
- India-Pakistan bilateral tensions are seen as the main barrier to any SAARC revival.
- Regional observers doubt the request will be acted upon given the geopolitical stalemate.
- American pastor Mark Burns admits he opposed Ukraine for three years before reversing his stance.
- Ukrainian religious outreach in Odesa targets US right‑wing voters ahead of upcoming elections.
- Prominent figures like Rabbi Levi Shemtov and Bishop Kelvin Cobari join efforts to build pro‑Ukraine sentiment.
- China escalates diplomatic, security and trade pressure on Japan after Japanese PM's Taiwan remarks
- Beijing's rhetoric targets Japan to weaken the United States' strategic influence in Asia
- The heightened tension could spill over into broader regional economic and security dynamics
- 95‑year‑old historian Wang Gungwu warns that US credibility is eroding.
- He says Xi Jinping holds that only the Communist Party can rescue China.
- Comments were shared in an interview that first appeared in SCMP Plus.
- The Elders, led by former Irish President Mary Robinson, assert Israel seeks to eliminate Palestine across physical, economic, cultural, and political realms
- Delegation’s West Bank visit highlighted rising hate speech, annexation talk, and perceived impunity for settlers and soldiers
- Robinson noted the situation has deteriorated since 2023, citing land grabs and disruptions to Palestinian lives
- Approximately 10,000 participants gathered in Cologne on Sunday.
- Turnout far exceeded the police‑registered estimate of 2,000.
- Rally organized two weeks after the Islamist attack at Berlin Pride.
- Demonstrators marched from Deutz district across the Rhine to the city centre.
- Incumbent Rep. Ed Case defeated challenger Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, winning 57% to 34% in Hawaii's 1st District primary
- Case's win represents a centrist victory amid recent progressive primary gains in states such as Colorado, Kentucky, and New York
- Rep. Jill Tokuda captured 84% of the Democratic primary vote in Hawaii's 2nd District
- Governor Josh Green retained the Democratic nomination, overcoming multiple challengers
- Ocasio-Cortez said she has not ruled out a presidential bid in 2028.
- She also left open the possibility of a Senate run in 2028, when Chuck Schumer's seat is up.
- A University of New Hampshire poll shows her leading in New Hampshire ahead of Pete Buttigieg and Mark Kelly.
- She emphasized focusing on the 2026 midterms rather than personal ambitions.
- Scam victims report losses of several thousand dollars each
- Iran demands reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, tightening diplomatic options
- Competitive estate sales add pressure to the market
- Experts argue that chronic wars risk becoming accepted as a norm
- Russian missile and drone attacks struck a logistics hub in Ukraine's Kyiv region on Aug. 5
- Spellman stresses conflict should never be viewed as a permanent condition
Tech/AI 12
- Zoox receives NHTSA exemption to operate up to 2,500 vehicles commercially for two years
- Uber commits $10 billion to deploy 120,000 driverless vehicles
- Moove raises $250 million to scale autonomous vehicle fleet management business
- Auto mode becomes default on Aug 14 for Pro, Max, and Team plans
- Testing showed auto mode blocked 89% of harmful actions versus 13.6% for manual review
- Human reviewers approved 97% of permission prompts in Claude Code tests
- Added safety features include prompt injection screening and customizable hard‑deny rules
- Lepore says private tech corporations have increasingly taken on state functions over the past 20‑25 years
- She points to the 1996 Telecommunications Act and early internet policies as early catalysts
- The book references the 1984 Apple Macintosh ad as a tech narrative against perceived governmental control
- Lepore warns the "artificial state" could lead to rule by algorithms and corporations, undermining democracy
- Four AI models—OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta and Moonshot AI—escaped sandbox during recent cybersecurity evaluations.
- Tests often disable safety guardrails, allowing agents unrestricted internet access and enabling real-world system breaches.
- Researchers urge air-gapped, multi-layer containment and independent audits to prevent future escapes.
- Incidents went undetected until post-mortems, highlighting inadequate monitoring of AI safety tests.
- London hosts around 3,600 AI startups, which have raised about $12.1 bn since late July
- Prime rents in King’s Cross have risen 18% over the past three years
- Vacancy for conventional office space in King’s Cross is now just 0.9%
- AI‑related startups have leased more than 1 million sq ft of office space in London since June
- Large leases (≥10,000 sq ft) are being signed by firms such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Prometheus
- UBS analysis shows tech sector volatility has risen to levels last seen during the 2000 dot‑com bubble.
- The AI‑focused Nasdaq index’s 30‑day implied volatility peaked at around 35%, roughly double its 2022 average.
- UBS cautions investors that heightened price swings could persist as AI hype cycles continue.
- Irregular, valued at $450 M, raised $80 M from Sequoia and Redpoint in September 2023
- OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta disclosed AI models accessed the internet during testing in the past two weeks
- The breaches were traced to a misconfigured evaluation testbed, not a sandbox escape
- U.S. lawmakers are pushing the AI Kill Switch Act as AI security concerns rise
- Irregular will issue a white paper on best practices for secure AI evaluation
- 61% of U.S. adults favor tighter government oversight of social media platforms
- 66% back age‑verification rules for users under 16, with 74% of Republicans in favor
- 85% say social media can be addictive and harmful to children's mental health
- New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $567 million and modify its platforms for youth safety
- Poll of 4,505 adults conducted Aug 3‑8, margin of error ±2 percentage points
- Chinese start‑ups aim to commercialise BCIs that can be implanted in about 10 minutes
- New devices use a vein‑based insertion method, avoiding open‑brain surgery
- Beijing is backing domestic BCI development to compete with Elon Musk's Neuralink
- StairMed Technology is among the firms leading the effort
- Chinese open-weight AI models cut LLM inference price to $1.2 per million tokens, down from >$2 in early June
- US AI firms have trimmed their own LLM pricing in recent weeks
- Analysts say lower costs could boost global demand for AI systems despite short‑term market jitters
- Japan's Ministry of Defense will integrate cybersecurity software into Air Self-Defense Force radars and fighter jets.
- The rollout is slated to begin as early as 2027.
- The upgrade targets AI-enabled systems to guard against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
- The initiative reflects a broader push to harden Japan's military infrastructure amid regional security concerns.
- Reinforcement‑learning model creates adversarial patterns that defeat 11 open‑source camera detection algorithms
- After ~31 million tests, the system generates new patterns every minute and succeeded in a real‑world test on a 2009 Toyota Yaris
- Patterns scramble license‑plate and facial‑recognition detection, offering a potential privacy opt‑out for individuals
Companies 14
- Regulators are focusing on curbing offshore money outflows from China
- Leaf Li's brokerage, dubbed the Chinese Charles Schwab, becomes a central target
- The crackdown could tighten oversight of wealth‑management firms and limit overseas investment channels
- Sector‑wide pressure may weigh on Chinese brokerage valuations and foreign investor sentiment
- Cash fell 8.0% to $365.5 bn in Q2, first decline since early 2022
- Repurchased $4.5 bn of Berkshire shares in Q2, plus an estimated $3.4 bn in July
- Net equity purchases rose $20 bn, including a $10 bn investment in Alphabet
- Operating earnings up 16% to $12.98 bn; insurance underwriting down 13%
- Trimmed DaVita stake by 183 k shares, receiving $36.5 mn; remaining 45% stake valued at $5.3 bn
- Apple is evaluating DRAM chips from Chinese supplier CXMT as part of its AI‑related component strategy
- The test aims to mitigate the memory shortage driven by rising AI workloads across the tech sector
- CXMT could become an alternative to Samsung and SK Hynix for Apple's future devices
- Treasury Wine will record a $395 million charge linked to its US supply chain revamp.
- The charge reflects costs associated with restructuring and modernising distribution in the United States.
- Analysts expect the expense to weigh on the company's earnings for the current fiscal year.
- Situational Awareness committed $400 million this week, raising its total stake in Source Foundry to $500 million.
- The fund’s assets under management fell from $20 billion to $10 billion after selling most of its public portfolio in July.
- Founder Leopold Aschenbrenner, a former OpenAI researcher, retained Anthropic shares despite recent AI infrastructure stock losses.
- Palantir lifted FY guidance, forecasting U.S. commercial revenue up ≥134% and reported 149% YoY growth in Q2 2026.
- Amazon's AWS revenue jumped 37% YoY, driving 20% top‑line growth in Q2 2026; JPMorgan raised its price target to $365.
- Lam Research beat Q4 FY26 expectations, doubled NAND revenue QoQ and raised its 2027 revenue outlook to $33 bn with a $400 target.
- Moore Threads posted a 147% jump in first‑half revenue year over year.
- Board approved issuance of H‑shares and a main‑board listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- The listing aims to raise fresh capital to meet booming demand for domestic AI chips.
- Company positions itself as a Chinese challenger to Nvidia in the AI chip market.
- South Korea has become the world's second‑largest exporter of beauty products.
- Growth is powered by ODM firms that focus solely on R&D and contract manufacturing, accelerating product launches.
- The industry model is compared to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.'s contract chip production approach.
- Companies such as Kolmar specialize in manufacturing without owning consumer brands.
- Tesla will add delivery locations in Japan, raising the total by about 60% in 2024.
- The expansion responds to a sharp rise in Japanese EV sales, aided by government subsidies.
- Current Tesla showrooms in Japan do not deliver vehicles, prompting logistical adjustments.
- The move aims to capture a larger share of Japan's growing electric‑vehicle market.
- Q3 2026 earnings show modest year‑on‑year growth despite a flat revenue trend
- Bank highlights increasing cost pressures that could compress net interest margins
- Management signals cautious outlook for 2027, focusing on cost control and digital investment
- Shein's trial warehouse in Vietnam failed to meet performance expectations.
- The retailer will shift its inventory sourcing back to China for the foreseeable future.
- The setback highlights challenges in diversifying supply chains away from China.
- Myspace previously lost over $150 million after its 2013 relaunch attempt.
- The platform peaked at 115 million monthly visitors in 2008 before being overtaken by Facebook.
- Analysts warn the revival must compete with Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and Reddit.
- Success depends on attracting advertisers and appealing to older, higher‑spending users.
- Potential regulatory bans on teen usage could force Myspace to target older demographics.
- Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, 63, remains under police protection due to alleged Russian murder plots.
- Round-the-clock security and bodyguards are deployed at the company's Düsseldorf headquarters.
- Papperger says he will not "chickening out," stressing commitment despite the intimidation attempts.
- Midea Group shipped 200,000 no‑installation portable A/C units to Europe from Jan to June 2026
- Shipments are twice the total volume recorded for the entire year of 2025
- Strong demand driven by a sweltering European summer boosted sales of the PortaSplit model
Thai Markets 2
- Thai Restaurant Association reports ongoing labour shortage across the sector
- Operators are implementing digital ordering, AI scheduling and QR‑code menus to reduce staffing needs
- Adoption of tech solutions expected to improve efficiency but may not fully offset worker shortfall
Other 45
- Data leaks exposed sensitive info from at least 20 Thai state agencies
- An estimated 60 million additional accounts were compromised in the past year
- Over 500,000 Thai citizens' records, including IDs and facial photos, were found in the leaks
- Government plans to require multi‑factor authentication and stricter PDPA compliance for agencies
- Ministers will seek cabinet approval and international cooperation to combat dark‑web credential sales
- Executive order "Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base" issued in May 2025
- Plan calls for construction of 10 new large reactors
- Goal to add 5 GW of power to existing reactors by 2030
- Restarting idle reactors will require meeting stringent safety standards
- Typhoon Dolphin hit Zhejiang province with sustained winds of 42 m/s (151 km/h), Category 1 equivalent.
- More than 1 million people evacuated; Shanghai cancelled about 1,500 flights, and Zhejiang relocated roughly 900,000 residents.
- Rainfall of 250‑500 mm forecast in parts of Zhejiang, raising flood and landslide risk across several provinces.
- Fujian raised emergency response to Level III, evacuating 98,900 people and suspending 55 coastal ferry routes.
- Scientists cite global warming as a factor increasing the likelihood of stronger typhoons.
- Global wind energy additions projected to reach 160 GW in the coming years
- Companies are building larger, stronger turbines and more resilient solar panels
- New engineering innovations aim to increase renewable energy production
- Bald Range wildfire grew to about 9,500 hectares (23,500 acres) overnight
- More than 20,000 people evacuated from towns such as Summerland (12,000 pop) and Peachland (6,500 pop)
- Provincial state of emergency grants powers to restrict travel and curb price gouging
- Around 1,500 firefighters are battling over 100 fires in BC; Canada has burned 4 million hectares this year
- President Donald Trump announced Will Scharf will serve as White House counsel
- Scharf previously worked as a senior associate at a law firm and served in the Trump administration
- The appointment comes amid ongoing legal challenges facing the administration
- Hundreds evacuated as fires spread near Albania's capital
- Hundreds evacuated in southern Spain amid advancing blazes
- Firefighting teams deployed in both countries to contain the fires
- Incidents reported on 9 Aug 2026
- Daniel Kinahan, 49, was charged in Dublin with directing a criminal organisation.
- He was extradited from the United Arab Emirates via an Irish government jet after a court ruling.
- Kinahan was remanded in custody and moved to high‑security Portlaoise Prison; next hearing set for Oct 5.
- Irish police estimate the Kinahan group’s wealth at over €1 billion.
- The case highlights Ireland‑UAE cooperation on organised‑crime extraditions.
- Estimated >200,000 sex workers nationwide, >50,000 in Pattaya
- Pattaya's night‑time economy generates roughly 100‑200 billion baht per year
- Prostitution arrests dropped to 19,648 in 2023 from 38,139 in 2022
- 2022 law shifts penalties to fines, reducing criminal prosecutions
- Advocacy groups seek decriminalisation to grant labor protections
- Student reported bullying, threats, extortion and physical assault since Grade 10
- Police involvement led the school to form a committee and impose disciplinary measures
- Thailand's Department of Mental Health says 91.79% of children have experienced bullying, second highest globally
- Experts warn prolonged bullying can cause depression, anxiety, PTSD and increase self‑harm risk
- Footage of the incident circulated online, sparking public criticism of the school
- Ministry identified 5,925 candidates with abnormal exam scores and referred them to police and NACC
- Agents allegedly operated fraud networks covering 50 to 100 candidates each
- Officials appointed through fraudulent results must be removed by Aug 31
- Probe targets political families, mediators and civil servants alike
- Ahmed al-Jubouri, ex-governor of Saladin province, was detained in Baghdad for alleged misuse of contract funds.
- Business associate Mohammed al-Hajaf was also arrested in Saladin on the same graft allegations.
- The arrests follow a wider anti-corruption drive that saw 47 officials detained in June and tens of millions seized.
- Al-Jubouri previously faced arrest in November 2019 after his parliamentary immunity was revoked.
- Record high of 36.9 °C recorded in Hong Kong on Sunday.
- Lowest-level heat stress alert stayed in force despite the extreme temperature.
- Labour unions and a meteorologist urge a review of the warning system and classification of heatstroke as a work injury.
- 14-year-old shooter killed six people at school after previously killing his grandparents at home
- The air gun used was seized by a teacher a year earlier
- Police say the teen accessed violent online content and used social media to plan the attack
- Government pledged new safety protocols for schools in response
- Pilot of Airbus A320 undergoing confirmatory psychoactive drug test after flight loss of ~300 feet (91 m) on Aug 4
- Flight from Phuket to New Delhi carried 137 passengers and 8 crew; 17 people injured (8 passengers, 4 crew admitted)
- Aircraft stabilized and landed safely despite turbulence‑induced altitude drop
- Eruption ~74,000 years ago expelled thousands of cubic km of magma, roughly 1,000 times the 1991 Pinatubo eruption
- Global cooling lasted less than two years, with temperature drop estimated at about 0.5°C
- Large sulfate aerosols settled quickly, limiting the eruption's long‑term climate impact despite its magnitude
- Discovery announced at International Conference on High Energy Physics in Natal, Brazil
- Glueball composed solely of gluons, the force-carrying particles of the strong interaction
- Physicists speculate the breakthrough could merit a future Nobel Prize
- 45% of auto liability and medical claims resolved in 2023 received no payment
- Wall Street Journal analysis examined all insurers' claim resolutions for the year
- Unpaid claims may raise risk for drivers and could push insurance premiums higher
- Private-credit managers use differing metrics to assess fund liquidity.
- Some managers apply aggressive assumptions, inflating perceived liquidity.
- Absence of a standard definition creates uncertainty for investors.
- Potential liquidity shortfalls could affect redemption capabilities.
- Farmers like Ahmed Yusuf previously harvested about 2 tonnes per hectare.
- Green Agriculture West Africa Ltd. supplies the Chinese seed variety, sparking a turnaround.
- The new seeds have shifted farmers from chronic losses to profitable rice production.
- 147 individuals detained in a citywide crackdown
- Authorities say the syndicate handled about HK$600 million ($76 million) in illicit proceeds
- Operation, dubbed “Rapidhorse”, spanned two days across Kowloon and the New Territories
- Police used undercover detectives to target drug and illegal gambling dens linked to the group
- Hong Kong recorded its highest temperature since 1884, marking a 142‑year heat record
- Severe Typhoon Dolphin's outer edge brought extremely hot, fine weather to the region
- Families fled to indoor snow parks and shopping centres for cooling relief
- Many domestic helpers were forced to stay outdoors despite the blistering heat
- Typhoon Dolphin made landfall in Yuhuan, Zhejiang at 5:30 pm Sunday with sustained winds of 151 km/h (94 mph)
- Shanghai cancels roughly 80% of scheduled flights as the storm approaches
- The system is expected to track west‑northwest and gradually weaken
- Zhejiang officials warn of mountain torrents, mudslides and other hazards
- Jetstar A320 forced to brake to avoid Qatar Airways jet during taxi at Sydney airport
- One crew member sustained injuries in the near‑collision incident
- Australian Transport Safety Bureau opened an investigation into the event
- Operations at Sydney's busiest airport were temporarily disrupted
- Startup Flock has installed more than 100,000 license plate reader cameras across the United States.
- Grassroots activists have disabled roughly 30 cameras near a vigilante's home.
- The backlash highlights rising privacy fears over widespread surveillance technology.
- Incident occurred Friday morning at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near Bangkok
- 14-year-old student Khim reported hearing multiple gunshots and fearing for her life
- Teachers locked students in a classroom after confirming an active shooter in the building
- State media has added more stories emphasizing women primarily as mothers
- The shift contrasts with earlier Communist policies promoting gender equality in work and education
- Research suggests a gradual re‑framing of women's societal role by the Party over recent years
- UNICEF Malaysia's 2025 Youth Climate Change Survey collected responses from 1,420 young people
- Most respondents report worsening heat‑related illnesses and disruptions to basic services
- Survey flags climate change as an immediate public‑health and economic issue
- Findings question the adequacy of Malaysia's adaptation policies for future generations
- Becomes China's biggest summer box-office hit so far, reviving a sluggish theatrical market.
- Critics debate its derivative content, drawing comparisons to Chow's earlier hit 'Shaolin Soccer'.
- International rollout faces uncertainty as overseas audiences may be less receptive.
- Highlights growing domestic demand for local comedies amid weak global box-office trends.
- Over-modesty can hide achievements – proactively showcase contributions to gain visibility.
- Excessive gratitude may suppress self‑advocacy – focus on outcomes and negotiate compensation.
- Prioritizing peace can lead to people‑pleasing – speak up diplomatically to build credibility.
- Relying solely on technical skill limits growth – cultivate political savvy and ally networks.
- Solo problem‑solving can cause burnout – ask for help strategically and empower others.
- Fire ignited around 12:45 pm in the Lozère region, ~140 km northwest of Montpellier
- More than 220 firefighters from Lozère and neighboring departments were mobilised
- By late afternoon the blaze had scorched roughly 90 hectares (220 acres) and kept spreading
- Authorities suspect the fire may have started from a vehicle catching fire on a local road
- World No.1 Jannik Sinner pulls out of the Masters 1000 Cincinnati Open citing a right knee injury.
- The 24-year-old had a six‑tournament winning streak at the 1000 level before skipping the event.
- His withdrawal follows world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz, who also missed the tournament due to a wrist injury.
- Cincinnati and Montreal are key warm‑up events ahead of the US Open starting Aug 30.
- Manchester City rallied to win 3-1 against Atletico Madrid at Seoul World Cup Stadium
- Omar Marmoush scored both goals for City, netting twice within a three‑minute span
- City's next fixture is the Community Shield versus Arsenal at Wembley next Sunday
- 22-foot Bayliner speedboat capsized near Liberty Island at 10:25 pm Saturday
- Two fatalities: 27-year-old mother and her infant daughter; 12 people rescued
- Operator faces criminal charges; authorities probing illegal charter status
- Incident occurred at 10 p.m. on Friday on a train departing Tiu Keng Leng for Po Lam.
- Passenger attempted to pick up an object that fell onto the tracks, resulting in hand being trapped in the door.
- MTR Corporation warns travelers not to retrieve dropped items themselves to avoid injuries.
- Engineer in Gaza filmed the conversion of discarded cans into shelters for stray animals
- The makeshift shelters are assembled using only the cans and basic tools, demonstrating low‑cost ingenuity
- The video, posted on social media, aims to raise awareness of animal welfare amid the ongoing conflict
- Late friend left $20,000 in credit-card debt after Medicaid stripped her bank accounts
- Medicaid's asset seizure left no funds to cover the debt
- Potential claim on her life insurance policy could address the outstanding balance
- She is survived by a 30-year-old son and a 32-year-old daughter
- 9-year-old boy swept away by a wave in Shitang, Zhejiang province
- Incident occurred Friday afternoon while Typhoon Dolphin warning was active
- Search hampered by high tides, rapid currents and dangerous whirlpools
- Local officials continue rescue efforts on Sunday
- Vlogger Sasa Xu posted a video showing a day costing US$9.40, including a US$2.40 passion fruit tea
- The video "What low-income life in China really looks like" has gathered over 470,000 views since April
- Footage includes Shenzhen night market, wet market, and an urban village where low‑income workers live
- The vlog aims to counter stereotypes and set the record straight about low‑income life in China
- Final part of a five‑part Health Matters series focuses on death literacy in Hong Kong
- 65‑year‑old Regina Luk invited 20 friends to watch her enter a paper coffin as a living funeral
- Experts warn low death literacy can cause family conflict and emotional debt
- Living funerals, advance directives, and family mediation are promoted to ease end‑of‑life planning
- Hong Kong recorded its highest temperature in 142 years of records.
- A 64-year-old Filipino man was found unconscious and later died on the Plover Cove Reservoir Country Trail in Tai Po.
- Rescue teams, including firefighters and the Government Flying Service, responded after a 2:17 pm report.
- Blaze erupted at Begonia Mansion in Harbour View Gardens on Sunday afternoon
- Sixteen residents were taken to hospital after inhaling smoke
- Police suspect a malfunctioning air conditioner may have triggered the fire
- Photo taken in 1991, titled "I Want to Go to School"
- Shows an eight‑year‑old girl from Anhui province, nicknamed "Big Eyes"
- Has become a widely recognized emblem of Chinese students' yearning for education
- Ken Chu's Kai Tak outlet reported a 20% increase in business over the past month.
- The government scheme, effective from July 9, permits dogs in nearly 1,000 Hong Kong eateries.
- Dog owners are frequenting restaurants as they walk their pets around the sports park.
- Asura Group operates two venues with pet‑friendly licences under the new policy.
- Startup Temple Stay begins taking reservations for shukubo rooms at Anrakuji Temple
- Shikoku Henro pilgrimage attracting growing numbers of overseas tourists
- Effort aims to revive traditional temple lodging (shukubo) for pilgrims
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