Daily Global-Macro Brief LIVE

Markets 12

  • DXY fell to around 99.50 in the Asian session, its lowest level this week.
  • Optimism over a US‑Iran peace agreement, to be signed Friday, reduced safe‑haven demand for the dollar.
  • Fed is expected to keep rates unchanged at 3.50%‑3.75% at the June meeting.
  • CME FedWatch shows the probability of a December rate hike dropped to 64% from 69% last week.
  • EUR/USD flatlines around 1.1610 in early Asian session
  • Fed expected to keep benchmark rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% at June meeting
  • CME FedWatch shows 42.6% probability of a 25 bps rate hike by year‑end
  • US May retail sales data to be released later in the day
  • Potential US‑Iran deal could boost risk assets, supporting the euro
  • Bank of Japan lifted its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1% on June 16
  • The Nikkei Stock Average rose above 70,000 for the first time, hitting a record high
  • Market welcomed the move, noting the absence of hawkish language in the BOJ statement
  • ASX plans to limit share issuances in public M&A to a maximum of 25% of the target company's equity without a shareholder vote.
  • The rule is intended to protect minority shareholders and reduce dilution in takeover transactions.
  • If adopted, any issuance above the 25% threshold would require explicit shareholder approval.
  • Issuance volume in the convertible‑bond sector climbs to its peak since the start of the Covid‑19 pandemic.
  • AI‑focused firms are leading the surge, using convertibles to raise cash while preserving upside potential.
  • Investors view convertibles as a flexible financing tool amid elevated equity valuations and uncertain credit conditions.
  • USD/CAD halted its four‑day rally, trading around 1.3990 during Asian hours
  • Lower crude oil prices weigh on the commodity‑linked Canadian dollar
  • US‑Iran peace‑deal expectations weaken the US dollar, supporting CAD
  • Fed meeting ahead; rates likely unchanged in the 3.50‑3.75% target range
  • GBP/USD climbs to around 1.3430 in early Asian trading.
  • US‑Iran peace hopes lift risk‑off assets, supporting the pound.
  • Fed expected to keep rates steady at 3.5‑3.75% ahead of its June decision.
  • BoE likely to hold rates at 3.75% as oil price declines ease inflation concerns.
  • USD/JPY stalls below the 160.50 intervention zone amid yen support
  • Bank of Japan raised rates to the highest level since 1995 on Tuesday
  • Fed is widely expected to keep policy rates unchanged at the upcoming FOMC meeting
  • US‑Iran peace talks weaken the dollar, capping further USD/JPY gains
  • JGB futures rose in early Tokyo trading
  • Move tracks overnight price gains in U.S. Treasury market
  • U.S. Treasury yields fell, supporting bond price rally
  • SGD/USD pair consolidated during Asian session
  • Recent declines in crude oil prices may bolster the Singapore dollar
  • Analysts cite oil price drop as a supportive factor for the currency
  • PBOC set the USD/CNY central rate at 6.8096 for the session
  • Rate is slightly stronger than yesterday's fix of 6.8108
  • Rate sits marginally above Reuters estimate of 6.7659
  • Move underscores PBOC's focus on exchange‑rate stability amid broader policy tools
  • Hong Kong aims to leverage its maritime insurance expertise to enter the space insurance market.
  • The initiative is presented as a way to diversify the city’s economy and capture emerging space‑related risks.
  • Regulatory, technical and market‑size challenges are highlighted as obstacles to rapid growth.
  • Success could position Hong Kong as a regional hub for niche insurance services.

Macro/Economy 9

  • Exports in May jumped 17% YoY, above the 16.2% Reuters forecast
  • Shipments to China rose 17.9% YoY and to the U.S. 12.5% YoY
  • Semiconductor export value surged 61.2% YoY; car shipments up 16.4%
  • Imports grew 12.5% YoY, the fastest since Jan 2025, while petroleum imports fell 28.5%
  • Bank of Japan raised policy rate by 25 bps to 1%, its highest in over 30 years
  • Housing deficit exceeds 900,000 units nationwide
  • 37% of residential buildings classified unsafe by 2020
  • 3,856 building collapses recorded from 2000 to 2013 (about one per day)
  • U.S. fuel blockade entered its fifth month, deepening the crisis
  • Hundreds of families displaced into temporary gym shelters
  • Regulator will intensify cross‑sector collaboration to manage systemic financial risks
  • Will target risks from the property market and local government debt exposures
  • Will tighten oversight of small and medium‑sized financial institutions and illegal activities
  • Encourages firms to raise capital via diverse channels and direct resources to emerging industries
  • Non-oil exports jumped 38.4% year‑on‑year in May.
  • Growth was led by AI‑related products and services.
  • The surge highlights expanding demand for Singapore's tech sector.
  • The total fertility rate dropped to 1.6 children per woman in 2023, the lowest since records began.
  • Smartphone ownership among adults reached 85%, with studies linking screen time to delayed family planning.
  • Housing costs have risen 15% year‑over‑year, making home ownership less attainable for young couples.
  • Real wages have stagnated for a decade while average student debt sits around $30,000, reducing economic stability for prospective parents.
  • The U.S. Commerce Department decided not to place DeepSeek and CXMT on the Entity List for now
  • The decision follows a review of concerns over AI and semiconductor export controls
  • Both firms remain subject to existing export licensing requirements
  • Myawaddy checkpoint reopened on May 28 after closure since August 2025
  • Border trade Jan‑Apr 2026 fell 14.4% YoY to 60.8 bn baht; Mae Sot trade down 39.8% YoY
  • Thai exports to Myanmar were 37.9 bn baht and imports 22.9 bn baht in Jan‑Apr 2026
  • Export volumes via Mae Sot dropped 42.5% to 13.4 bn baht, imports fell 30.4% to 4.75 bn baht
  • DFT cites improved logistics but notes import licensing and FX policies as ongoing constraints
  • Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) is monitoring the growing market for high‑value trading cards in Malaysia.
  • Collectors may face tax audits if hobby activities are deemed business transactions.
  • Single card trades can involve transactions worth thousands of ringgit, prompting tax scrutiny.
  • LHDN urges collectors to ensure compliance with income tax obligations.
  • Hanoi announces a softer, phased plan to limit gasoline‑powered motorcycles.
  • The city, one of the world’s largest motorbike hubs, will introduce curbs gradually to avoid major disruption.
  • The new roadmap aims to curb emissions while protecting the existing motorbike fleet.

Central Banks 2

  • BOJ raises policy rate to 1%, highest since 1995
  • Concerns over CPI exceeding 2% target drive rate hike
  • Uncertainty over Iran conflict contributes to cautious monetary policy
  • AUD/USD trades near 0.7070, staying above 0.7050 in early Asian session.
  • RBA kept the official cash rate unchanged at 4.35% after three consecutive 25 bps hikes.
  • RBA signaled potential for further hikes if inflation risks persist.
  • US‑Iran peace talks boost risk appetite, supporting the Aussie as a higher‑yield currency.
  • Fed expected to keep rates unchanged in the 3.50‑3.75% range at its upcoming meeting.

Energy/Oil 4

  • Battery storage costs have fallen below gas-fired power plants for the first time
  • Prices of batteries dropped 40% in 2025 due to overproduction in China and EV slump
  • Construction costs for battery storage stations have decreased significantly
  • WTI steadied around $75.80 per barrel after a near 5% drop the previous day
  • An interim US‑Iran peace pact slated for Friday could resume Iranian oil exports and boost global supply
  • US crude inventories fell by 8.3 million barrels last week, but experts warn shipment recovery may take weeks
  • Interim US‑Iran peace deal leaves timeline for non‑crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz unclear
  • Crude oil is expected to move through the strait before other commodities such as fertilizer
  • Fertilizer supplies could stay stranded, raising concerns over global supply constraints
  • Middle East conflict pushed crude prices higher, supporting Chinese energy companies
  • CITIC Resources forecasts H1 profit roughly double year‑on‑year
  • Eve Energy projects net profit up 95%‑110% YoY for the first half
  • Guidance signals robust earnings momentum for China's energy sector

Gold/Metals 2

  • Silver (XAG/USD) trades near $70.40‑$70.50 per ounce, marking a fifth consecutive day of gains
  • An interim US‑Iran peace agreement in Switzerland is expected to restore oil flows and ease inflation concerns
  • The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged within the 3.50%‑3.75% range
  • Gold price modestly rises on improved sentiment
  • Easing concerns over energy supply disruptions boost confidence
  • Higher inflation and interest rates create a supportive backdrop for gold

Crypto 1

  • Senators demand Treasury include a clear state certification pathway for stablecoin issuers.
  • GENIUS Act permits states to regulate stablecoins with market value ≤ $10 billion; only Tether, USDC and USDS exceed that threshold.
  • Treasury's draft rule lacks timeline and procedural details, creating uncertainty for state regulators.
  • Public comment period closed June 2; final rule to be published in the Federal Register.

Geopolitics 15

  • Framework outlines phased sanctions relief tied to Tehran's nuclear commitments
  • Iran to resume limited oil exports up to 1.5 million barrels per day under the deal
  • U.S. to lift certain secondary sanctions once verification milestones are met
  • Markets focus on potential impact on oil prices, with Brent and WTI expected to react
  • The United States has held off blacklisting DeepSeek, CXMT and more than 100 other Chinese companies on the Commerce Department's Entity List.
  • An interagency committee approved the additions last year, but no new listings have been published since October, the longest gap in over a decade.
  • Sources say at least 75 Chinese entities in advanced semiconductors and AI were slated for blacklisting.
  • The pause reflects concerns about escalating U.S.-China tensions despite national‑security concerns.
  • Iran says Israel has violated the Lebanon truce 84 times since the US‑Iran memorandum
  • Israeli forces killed four people in southern Lebanon
  • US President Donald Trump urged Netanyahu to be "more responsible" in Lebanon
  • Iran warned of a "harsh response" if attacks continue
  • 2,029 landmine casualties reported in Myanmar in 2025, almost twice the 2024 total
  • Children made up over 20% of 1,052 verified civilian casualties in 2023
  • Rakhine State logged the second-highest casualties with 117 incidents in 2025
  • Since the 2021 coup, non-state armed groups have also begun using antipersonnel mines
  • Mines are placed around military bases and in civilian areas such as jungles and villages
  • A suspected Russian drone attacked a residential building in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
  • At least seven people were injured in the incident
  • Fire broke out and emergency services responded to the blaze
  • The attack highlights the ongoing conflict in the region
  • President Trump reiterated on June 16 that the interim nuclear agreement bars Iran from acquiring a bomb.
  • He warned that any move by Tehran to develop a nuclear weapon would trigger "hell will rain down".
  • The comment underscores U.S. commitment to enforce the nuclear non‑proliferation terms of the deal.
  • Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Israel has handed authority over Hebron to the army
  • The transfer includes control of the Cave of the Patriarchs, a key holy site
  • Announcement made on 17 June 2026
  • UN monitoring shows cross-border fire incidents in southern Lebanon have fallen sharply since the US‑Iran agreement was announced.
  • The reduction is described as a significant drop in hostilities, according to UN spokesperson statements.
  • Iran asserts that Lebanon is covered by the agreement, reinforcing the diplomatic context.
  • June 10 saw Taiwan fire HIMARS rockets westward toward the Taiwan Strait for the first time.
  • The exercise highlights a strategic move to use mobile strike weapons to disrupt a potential Chinese invasion before shore contact.
  • Beijing has not yet issued an official response to the launch.
  • Analysts say the drill reveals Taiwan's intent to increase deterrence amid rising cross‑strait tensions.
  • A US‑Iran ceasefire framework is expected to enable the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Resumption of oil flows could ease pressure on South Korea's energy‑dependent economy.
  • Seoul faces a diplomatic dilemma over how much to contribute to securing the waterway.
  • President Lee Jae Myung will raise the issue during his visit to the G7 summit in France.
  • Over the past five years, Taliban policies have closed schools and universities for Afghan girls
  • Employment opportunities for women have been severely limited, and travel requires a male guardian
  • A 17‑year‑old girl was compelled to marry and sought refuge in a Kabul women’s shelter
  • Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan's main opposition party, spent two weeks in the United States.
  • The trip included meetings with U.S. lawmakers and think‑tanks to promote the KMT’s positions.
  • She sought to enhance her international standing while addressing lingering questions over Taiwan’s defence policy.
  • The visit underscores ongoing cross‑strait and U.S.–Taiwan strategic dynamics.
  • Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on June 16.
  • The visit was his second high‑profile diplomatic engagement in two weeks, bolstering his international legitimacy.
  • Xi urged the Myanmar leader to pursue a "right path" amid ongoing political turmoil.
  • Three people, including a 17-year-old schoolboy, have been killed in protests against the facility.
  • A court injunction has stopped construction of the planned 50‑bed quarantine centre at Laikipia airbase.
  • The dispute revives historic grievances over colonial land dispossession and ongoing foreign influence.
  • US officials say the centre will isolate American citizens potentially exposed to Ebola, prompting sovereignty debates.
  • The unrest reflects broader Kenyan concerns about foreign military presence and strategic projects.
  • House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to grant a visa waiver for Ana Candida Evora, mother of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha.
  • Cape Verde citizens previously faced visa bonds of up to $15,000 under Trump-era rules; the bond requirement was recently lifted for World Cup ticket holders.
  • Evora missed the Spain‑Cape Verde match in Atlanta because the visa cost and processing time made travel impossible.

Tech/AI 6

  • Indian authorities blocked Telegram access until June 22 to prevent cheating in the NEET-UG exam on June 21.
  • The ban affects an estimated 150 million Indian Telegram users, while the message‑editing feature remains disabled until June 30.
  • The National Testing Agency cites organized cheating racks using Telegram channels to sell leaked papers for amounts ranging from a few thousand to several lakh rupees.
  • Telegram founder Pavel Durov argues the restriction punishes ordinary users and that leaks have shifted to other apps.
  • NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta, Palantir, TSMC led AI gains with NVIDIA alone surging over 1,000% since 2022
  • Concentration in top AI names risks overexposure as sector matures beyond chipmakers and hyperscalers
  • AI software stocks transitioned from speculative bets to mainstream holdings in 2024
  • BYD, Google and AMD (plus Tesla) are increasing requests for Samsung's contract chipmaking services.
  • AI infrastructure surge is straining TSMC's advanced capacity, prompting customers to look to Samsung.
  • Samsung's advanced semiconductor offerings are gaining attention as rivals face production constraints.
  • Government aims to fund 30,000 young scientists for overseas training over the next five years.
  • Target fields include artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
  • Potential expansion of financial support is being considered as a weak yen raises living costs abroad.
  • Kaynes Technology will establish a back‑end assembly line in Japan targeting automotive chip makers
  • The expansion seeks to diversify semiconductor supply chains away from Taiwan, China and Southeast Asia
  • Production will be linked to Kaynes' new Gujarat plant to serve Japanese orders
  • No immediate impact on major semiconductor indices or related stocks is expected
  • Kee Wah Bakery disclosed a ransomware intrusion that disrupted its internal network on Friday.
  • The breach exposed employee personal data and other internal information.
  • Hong Kong's privacy watchdog is requesting details to evaluate potential data leak risks.

Companies 22

  • Reliance Jio plans to launch an initial public offering worth about $4 billion.
  • The filing is expected within the next few days, according to the Financial Times.
  • The IPO would be one of the largest in India, expanding the Reliance Group's capital base.
  • Globe Telecom's board approved a registration statement with the SEC and a listing application with the Philippine Stock Exchange.
  • The IPO will represent about 12% of Mynt's post‑IPO shares, targeting roughly $1 billion in proceeds and a valuation of at least $8 billion.
  • Shares will have a par value of 0.03 pesos each and will include both primary and secondary offers.
  • If completed, the offering would match the Philippines' largest IPO to date, about $1 billion raised by Monde Nissin in 2021.
  • Kingboard plans to raise $1.5 bn by selling a stake in its laminates business
  • Proceeds will be used to fund growth initiatives and reduce debt
  • Shares of Kingboard surged on the announcement
  • Softbank Group's share price declined in early trading after media reports of large OpenAI expenditures.
  • The spending is described as significantly higher than previously disclosed, prompting concerns over the group's AI investment strategy.
  • Analysts warn the drop could pressure Softbank's valuation amid broader market scrutiny of AI-related costs.
  • Several Singapore-linked restaurant chains are scaling back operations in China
  • Firms are shifting focus to other Asian markets as growth slows in China
  • Intensified competition and evolving consumer tastes are eroding Singapore brands' edge
  • Options pricing implies about a 15% probability SpaceX will rise another 50% by September
  • Pricing also suggests roughly a 13% chance the stock could fall 50% in the same period
  • SpaceX shares have climbed about 50% since IPO, putting its market cap near Amazon and Microsoft
  • Call volume was the fifth-highest of the day, indicating strong trading interest
  • OpenAI's cash burn totaled $3.7 billion in the first quarter of 2026.
  • The high outflow reflects continued heavy investment in AI research and infrastructure.
  • No revenue or profitability data were disclosed alongside the cash‑burn figure.
  • The sizable burn may shape OpenAI's financing strategy and investor expectations.
  • Qantas will reveal its inaugural ultra-long-haul route under the Project Sunrise program
  • The announced route will be the first non-stop service planned for the initiative
  • Project Sunrise aims to connect major international destinations with ultra-long-haul flights
  • The move is part of Qantas' broader strategy to expand its long-haul network
  • SoftBank Group will introduce a cybersecurity offering built on OpenAI technology for Japan's corporate sector
  • The service targets rising demand for AI-driven defense capabilities against cyber threats
  • CEO Masayoshi Son cautioned that AI attacks could become a major security challenge for Japan
  • Launch announced on June 16, 2024
  • Tokio Marine will seek merger and acquisition targets in Australia and Canada
  • Collaboration with Berkshire Hathaway aims to enable larger deals and diversify beyond core insurance
  • CEO highlighted interest in cyber‑security investments as part of the expansion strategy
  • Marubeni Corp. completed acquisition of EagleRidge Energy II, a Texas-based natural gas developer.
  • The purchase secures U.S. gas supply for the growing data center and AI infrastructure demand.
  • Marubeni's global LNG portfolio already exceeds 700,000 metric tons annually.
  • Go's shares closed 10% above the IPO price on debut.
  • The offering raised capital to fund its autonomous‑driving and robotaxi program.
  • Go plans to accelerate development of robotaxi services in Japan.
  • Listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market reflects strong investor demand.
  • Kioxia plans to keep capital expenditures flat for the upcoming fiscal year despite a surge in AI‑driven NAND demand.
  • The firm cites concerns over a potential NAND oversupply and prefers to avoid a capacity glut.
  • Management projects steady revenue growth but warns of inventory risks if demand eases.
  • NTT's IOWN optical network concept, unveiled in 2019, is being eclipsed by advances from U.S. semiconductor firms.
  • U.S. chipmakers, including Nvidia, are moving into optical infrastructure, leveraging AI-driven data traffic growth.
  • Analysts see the shift as a setback for NTT's ambition to lead next‑generation data networks in Japan.
  • SPRINKLR submitted a Form 144 to the SEC on June 16, indicating planned insider sales
  • The filing does not disclose the number of shares or transaction price
  • Market impact is uncertain pending further details
  • Director Jeffrey Hinson sold Live Nation shares worth $370,125
  • The transaction was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the SEC
  • The sale adds to recent insider selling but represents a small fraction of total shares
  • Director John Malfettone disposed of New Mountain Finance shares worth $611,684
  • The transaction was disclosed in a recent filing, reducing his stake in the company
  • No additional insider transactions were reported and the company gave no comment
  • Former Star Entertainment CEO receives a six‑year ban from corporate management in Australia
  • Court orders a fine of AUD 495,000 for the former executive
  • Ban also restricts the individual from holding any directorship or senior role in Australian companies
  • Longcheer Technology, a Shanghai-based contract smartphone maker, is shifting focus to AI-powered devices in the United States.
  • The company supplies Meta’s upcoming smart‑glasses, highlighting its role in emerging AI hardware.
  • Management says the US consumer market remains critical despite ongoing uncertainty over China‑US tariffs.
  • Longcheer says it remains unfazed by tariff risk, with no immediate impact expected.
  • Avex plans a $100 million investment to acquire music copyrights by April 2027
  • The initiative targets overseas publishing rights to build a stable revenue stream
  • Avex secured a partnership with Bruno Mars in March to administer his song publishing
  • ASICS' European division creates a dedicated research and development facility for tennis products
  • The new hub partners with a French sports science institution
  • Aim is to develop high‑performance gear for top‑level tennis athletes
  • CFO Michael Mann disposed of $71,816 worth of Verisk Analytics shares
  • The sale was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the SEC
  • The transaction represents a small portion of his holdings and is unlikely to move the stock

Other 14

  • New cost estimate for the White House ballroom project tops $600 million, up from earlier $400 million figure.
  • Only $293 million of the projected cost is expected from private donors; the rest would be funded by taxpayers.
  • Trump previously claimed the project would be “tax‑payer free” and cost $200‑$400 million, contradicting the latest estimate.
  • Mbappe reached 58 goals for France, surpassing Olivier Giroud as the nation's all‑time scorer.
  • He scored his 14th World Cup goal, overtaking Just Fontaine's record of 13 and becoming France's top scorer at a World Cup.
  • With 14 World Cup goals, Mbappe now sits third on the all‑time World Cup scoring list, two behind Miroslav Klose's 16.
  • $360 million investment for a new aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul complex.
  • Site is Van Don International Airport, about 200 km east of Hanoi.
  • Joint venture includes HAECO, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Toyota Tsusho with Sun Group.
  • Project aims to expand Vietnam's aviation MRO capacity and regional service capabilities.
  • Expected to generate jobs and support growth in regional air traffic.
  • Activist campaigns in Japan rose to 72 from Jan to May 2024, up from 70 in the same period last year.
  • Japan remains the second-largest market for activist investors after the United States.
  • Campaigns are adopting bolder, American-style tactics and targeting larger corporate targets.
  • Small-scale fishers along Kenya's coast are collecting digital catch data to monitor stock levels.
  • The initiative aims to counter declining fish stocks and promote sustainable fishing practices.
  • Kenya is hosting a major oceans conference, highlighting the locally-led data effort on the global stage.
  • Sinkhole measured about 3 m wide, 4 m long and 1.5 m deep.
  • Road reopened to traffic at 5 am after repairs finished by 1 am.
  • Repairs involved pumping water and filling with fast‑setting concrete.
  • BMA blames the incident on a Metropolitan Electricity Authority cable manhole.
  • No injuries were reported.
  • The 'Shore Fire' burned an estimated 2,053 acres as of midnight (0700 GMT) on June 16.
  • Aerial footage captured the blaze on Monday, June 15.
  • The fire is located in Southern California's Riverside County.
  • Puppy preschools in China provide games, treadmills, music and snacks for young dogs
  • Young Chinese pet owners treat dogs as family, raising discretionary spending on services
  • The niche is growing quickly within China's booming pet industry
  • Seven patients have been discharged from an Ebola treatment centre in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • Health officials confirm the recoveries, asserting the outbreak is real.
  • Local groups continue to claim the Ebola outbreak is a hoax, which authorities dispute.
  • Local governments are rolling out dual pricing at historic attractions
  • Himeji Castle will charge non-residents more than double the resident rate
  • Pricing aims to mitigate overtourism and fund site upkeep
  • The dual‑pricing model is spreading to other popular tourist spots
  • Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in Group I of the World Cup.
  • Erling Haaland netted two goals, his 57th in 51 international appearances.
  • The win places Norway atop Group I, ahead of France.
  • Earliest known alcoholic beverage dates to ~10,000 years ago, a rice wine from Henan, China
  • Recent Chinese studies reconstruct ancient brewing methods from archaeological evidence
  • Discovery of an unopened ancient bottle provides direct insight into early Chinese libations
  • Recording Academy announces five new award categories for 2027, including Best Asian Pop Music Performance
  • New categories also cover Best R&B Collaboration Performance, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Traditional Folk Album, and Best Latin Song
  • Best New Artist rules revised to permit up to four submissions instead of three
  • Asteroid 34871 was officially named in honor of Ho Wai‑ho, a 37‑year‑old firefighter.
  • Ho died while rescuing residents during the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po in November 2023.
  • The naming was proposed by amateur astronomer William Yeung Kwong‑yu, former president of the Hong Kong Astronomical Society.