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XPeng Motors Faces Whistleblower Allegations Over Steering Design Flaw and Concealment

After Foundation Models, Intelligent Agents Take Center Stage as Tech Firms Accelerate Deployment | Live from MWC Shanghai

Ministry of Commerce: Online Retail Sales Increased by 8.5% from January to May

Canadian Government Signals Possible Tariff Adjustment on U.S. Steel and Aluminum to Safeguard Domestic Industry

Largest “Triple Witching Day” on Record May Disrupt U.S. Stock Trading This Friday

Ukraine’s Debt Talks Gain Momentum Amid IMF Review

Ukraine is preparing to resume debt restructuring talks with international creditors, focusing on its GDP-linked warrants. These negotiations will follow an upcoming IMF debt sustainability review, expected within two weeks, which could unlock a $500 million disbursement. A missed $600 million payment earlier this month on GDP-linked instruments has raised concerns, though Ukraine clarified it does not signal broader default. The government targets a restructuring agreement by mid-2025, aligning with IMF program milestones. Market volatility has increased around Ukrainian bonds, and the outcome of these talks may set a precedent for restructuring sovereign debt in post-conflict economies.

Markets Waver as Central Banks Split on Rates, Iran Threatens Hormuz Closure

Global markets are under pressure amid rising geopolitical risks, particularly Iran’s threat to block the Strait of Hormuz, which briefly pushed Brent crude above $95 per barrel. Meanwhile, central banks are taking divergent policy paths: Switzerland and Norway cut rates, while the U.S. Federal Reserve held steady, citing inflation risks. Equity markets posted mixed results, with energy and defense stocks outperforming and tech leading losses. Safe-haven demand surged, boosting gold and U.S. Treasuries. Trade tensions are reemerging as the U.S. plans new tariffs on European goods, while talks to ease frictions remain uncertain. Investors are expected to stay cautious, with key upcoming drivers including U.S. inflation data, central bank testimony, and developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.

Vietnam’s Top Leader Readies Washington Visit as Tariff Deadline Looms

Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam is planning a late-June trip to Washington to press U.S. leaders for a framework agreement on “reciprocal” tariffs - currently 46% on Vietnamese exports - before a July 8 deadline that could inflict heavy costs on the country’s trade-dependent economy.

Alibaba, JD Lead 618 Festival to Record Highs, Yet Consumer Spending Per Day Declines

China's major mid-year shopping event, "618," concluded with a record-breaking total sales volume, yet analysis indicates a decline in average daily consumer spending.

Mounjaro: Safety Profile and Efficacy for Weight Management

Mounjaro, an injectable medication, has demonstrated safety and effectiveness for weight loss when properly prescribed. Approved after extensive trials, it aids weight reduction by influencing appetite and blood sugar. While generally well-tolerated, potential side effects and specific contraindications necessitate medical oversight, particularly regarding long-term use and interactions.

EIB Set to Invest €70 Billion in European Tech Through 2027

The European Investment Bank plans to launch a €70 billion funding program for European tech firms from 2025 to 2027. Focused on AI, green tech, and digital infrastructure, the initiative is expected to attract €250 billion in private investment.

SoftBank Proposes $1 Trillion AI and Robotics Hub in Arizona, Seeks Partnership with TSMC

SoftBank is pitching a $1 trillion AI and robotics industrial park in Arizona and is seeking partners like TSMC and support from U.S. officials. The plan aims to outsize other AI infrastructure efforts and elevate the U.S.'s position in the global AI race.

Nippon Steel Completes Acquisition of U.S. Steel, Advancing Global Expansion Strategy

Nippon Steel has completed its full acquisition of U.S. Steel at USD 55 per share, totaling a planned investment of USD 11 billion by 2028. The deal will preserve U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh and is expected to create over 100,000 jobs across multiple states.

META's Current Trends in Social Media and Stablecoins

The tech landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by Meta's aggressive AI talent acquisition and strategic investments despite regulatory scrutiny. Social media companies like Meta and Snap may benefit from the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the TikTok ban. Simultaneously, the passage of the GENIUS stablecoin bill signals a new era of regulation and potential adoption for digital currencies.

Marvell Technology: A Deep Dive into its AI-Driven Growth and Market Position

Marvell Technology is poised for significant AI-driven growth, as highlighted by its recent investor day. Its focus on custom AI chips and hyperscaler partnerships, coupled with strong financial projections and favorable analyst sentiment, underpins a promising outlook. Easing trade concerns further enhance its market position, making Marvell a compelling consideration in the evolving AI landscape.

Eli Lilly to Appeal UK Rejection of Alzheimer’s Drug Kisunla Reimbursement

Eli Lilly plans to challenge a decision by the UK health authority that denies public funding for its Alzheimer’s treatment, arguing the ruling overlooks key clinical data and undermines access for patients with early-stage disease.

Rio Tinto Reaches $138.75 Million Settlement Over Investor Fraud Claims in Mongolian Mine Expansion

Rio Tinto has agreed to a $138.75 million settlement in a U.S. class action lawsuit that accused the company of misleading investors about significant delays and cost overruns in its $7 billion underground expansion of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.

The UK's Alternative Investment Market: Enduring Struggles and Future Prospects

The UK's AIM market, celebrating 30 years, faces significant struggles including declining company numbers, investor outflows, and reduced IHT relief. Macroeconomic factors, private market growth, and political shifts contribute to its contraction. Proposed reforms and government initiatives aim to revitalize AIM, but the increasing appeal and efficiency of private markets, particularly through new frameworks like PISCES, pose a substantial competitive threat, potentially undermining AIM's future relevance.

The Shifting Sands of Global Currency: Envisioning a New World Order

The global currency landscape is poised for change, moving beyond U.S. dollar dominance towards a multi-polar system with coexisting sovereign currencies. Driven by shifting confidence, geopolitical tensions, and central bank diversification into yuan and gold, this transition aims for greater resilience and stability. The euro is also gaining traction as a key reserve asset.

Meta Reportedly Offers $100 Million Bonuses to Lure OpenAI Talent Amid Intensified AI Talent War

Meta Platforms Inc. is reportedly making massive financial offers—some reaching as high as $100 million in signing bonuses—in an aggressive attempt to lure top talent away from OpenAI. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, these recruitment efforts signal a growing turf war among tech giants over the limited pool of elite AI engineers.

Limited IPO Activity Drives High Valuations Amid Investor Enthusiasm

The recent wave of initial public offerings (IPOs) from companies such as CoreWeave, Circle Internet Group, and Chime Financial has generated significant market excitement, with share prices soaring despite modest overall IPO activity. However, the combination of limited supply and investor enthusiasm may be inflating valuations beyond what company fundamentals support.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau of Hong Kong releases the "ESG Development Roadmap for the Logistics Industry" to help small and medium enterprises enhance their competitiveness.

A spokesperson from the Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau stated that for Hong Kong logistics small and medium enterprises deeply integrated into the global supply chain, practicing ESG is no longer a choice, but a necessary measure to ensure the survival of enterprises and maintain international competitiveness.

Amazon Expands Prime Day to Four Days Amid Competitive Retail Landscape

Amazon will extend its Prime Day sale to four days, July 8 to July 11. The move comes amid rising competition from major retailers and emerging platforms like TikTok Shop, as well as broader concerns over tariffs and economic volatility. U.S. during 2024 event, shoppers spent $14.2 billions. Amazon's target is now focusing on young consumers with discounted Prime Memberships.

Volvo and Daimler Launch Joint Venture to Develop Software-Defined Trucks

AB Volvo and Daimler Truck have launched Coretura, a joint venture aimed at developing a software-defined vehicle platform. The initiative seeks to reduce dependency on suppliers, lower production costs, and set a new industry standard in truck software. With the first platform deliveries expected by 2027, the partnership underscores the critical role of software in the future of commercial transportation.

Global Markets Rattle as Israel–Iran Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Soar

Global markets turned volatile following direct military conflict between Israel and Iran, with Brent crude briefly surging over 10% to exceed $95 per barrel and U.S. equities closing lower—Dow Jones down 1.8%, S&P 500 off 1.3%, and Nasdaq falling 1.1%.

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