Summary of global news: Strikes near Kiev, Putin on Russian defense, Zelensky on Ukrainian conflict, Khan's ICC removal, EU sable fur sanctions avoided, and various geopolitical tensions.
US stocks (S&P 500, Nasdaq) fell as Middle East tensions drove oil prices up, inflation concerns rose, and investors scrutinized AI spending returns. Key earnings from Alphabet, Intel, and healthcare players like Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson also influenced the market.
Romania downs third drone in as many days, attributing the incidents to Russia, escalating tensions. Meanwhile, the EU manages a delicate trade balance with the US, facing new tariffs and a potentially inflammatory Google fine amid fragile truce.
Oman and Iran held talks on ensuring safe shipping through the Hormuz Strait, respecting both nations' sovereign rights, with progress made and ongoing technical/political consultations.
Israeli settlers have attacked Palestinian villages in the West Bank, burning mosques, cars, and land, amid rising tensions following a deadly clash. The Israeli military has deployed troops and promised investigations, while PM Netanyahu vows 'powerful action', including possible home demolitions.
Comparison of ProWritingAid and Grammarly, two popular grammar-checking tools, highlighting their features, pricing, pros, and cons to help users decide which suits their writing needs best.
US President Donald Trump criticized the media for "fake news" and "Trump Derangement Syndrome" at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner, while also praising press freedom and awarding an officer for stopping a gunman at the original event.
Les États-Unis menacent l'UE de nouvelles mesures protectionnistes après les amendes imposées à Google et d'autres géants américains de la tech, qualifiant les décisions européennes de « comportement illégal et immoral ».
Canada has opened the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, in a low-key ceremony without US officials due to strained relations over trade negotiations and tariff threats from the US, despite the bridge symbolizing cooperation between the two nations.
President Trump criticized Canada after the US was "disinvited" from the opening ceremony of the Gordie Howe Bridge, citing tariffs and a "terribly negotiated" original agreement, amid heightened US-Canada tensions over trade and other disputes.
US President Donald Trump attended the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Association dinner, marked by heightened security after a shooting incident in April, amidst ongoing clashes with the media over press freedom and access.
Yemen's Houthi fighters claim Red Sea shipping attacks, threatening a key maritime route and exacerbating Middle East tensions. This occurs amidst ongoing US-Iran strikes and fears of a regional arms race following a Saudi nuclear deal.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting the US and Canada over the Detroit River, is set to open to traffic Monday after a ceremony in Windsor, Ontario. The event was scaled back due to new US tariffs on Canadian goods, highlighting ongoing trade tensions.
Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Donald Trump at the White House next Tuesday, coinciding with Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral. The visit occurs amid escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Israel's war in Gaza, and calls for Netanyahu's arrest by the ICC.
US missiles struck targets in Iran, including the Caspian coast and Ahvaz, killing four. This followed Iran's attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, and Jordan intercepting Iranian missiles. The escalation comes after Trump vowed "major military punishment" for Iran and its Houthi allies over a Red Sea blockade.
The U.S. continues airstrikes on Iran, which retaliates against U.S. targets in the Gulf, escalating regional tensions. President Trump considers a "massive attack" as the UN warns of an unimaginable crisis. Oil prices fluctuate, and Houthi rebels attack Saudi tankers, drawing further threats.
Southeast Asian governments face renewed energy shocks and trade disruptions due to revived US-Iran hostilities, prompting ASEAN foreign ministers to express grave concern and urge an immediate cessation of fighting.
Tensions between China and the Philippines escalated after the Philippine Coast Guard accused its Chinese counterpart of firing a water cannon at government vessels near Scarborough Shoal for the second day, risking collision. China claims its actions were lawful amid ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
South Korean food and confectionery companies, including Nongshim, CJ Foodville, and BR Korea, are raising product prices by 5.8% to 6.5% due to increased costs from the Korean won's depreciation and rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.
At least seven explosions occurred near a U.S. military base in Irbil, Iraq, with smoke rising, as the U.S. concluded its 13th night of strikes against Iran. This comes amid escalating tensions, Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers, and threats to key shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
Seoul stocks plunged nearly 6% on Friday, ending a three-day winning streak, as escalating Middle East tensions and a bearish outlook for the semiconductor sector sapped risk appetite. The KOSPI's sharp decline triggered a five-minute trading suspension.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko stated Moscow advocates for continued dialogue between Tehran and Washington to prevent negative consequences in the Middle East, following recent US strikes on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation across the region.
South Korea will keep fuel price caps unchanged for four weeks, citing renewed US-Iran tensions in the Middle East and domestic inflation. The decision aims to shield the economy and consumers from global oil price volatility.
Cathay Pacific announced an increase in passenger and cargo fuel surcharges effective August 1, marking the first rise since April's peak. Surcharges on flights between Hong Kong and the South Asian subcontinent will see the steepest jump of 41.3%, while routes to mainland China will increase by 20%.
