The Russian stock market experienced a decline at the start of the main trading session, with both the MOEX and RTS indices falling. Concurrently, the yuan weakened against the ruble, dropping below 11.5 rubles for the first time since July 16, 2026.
ChangXin Memory Technologies' (CXMT) $8.6 billion IPO on the Shanghai STAR Market, expected July 27, is sparking fears of a liquidity squeeze in Chinese equities as investors reallocate funds. While an amplifying factor, analysts say crowded positioning and high leverage are the primary causes of recent tech sector pullbacks.
The Russian stock market, represented by the MOEX and RTS indices, began the main trading session with a decline, while the yuan also fell against the ruble on the Moscow Exchange.
South Korea and Taiwan now account for over half of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, a dramatic shift from a year ago when China and India dominated. This change is driven by an AI-fueled surge in semiconductor exports and corporate earnings in both economies, leading to significant stock market rallies.
Daily average trading volume at South Korea's five major crypto exchanges has fallen to 597.8 billion won, representing 1.59% of the KOSPI market's volume. This significant drop from 11.29% in January is attributed to falling Bitcoin prices, a semiconductor-driven stock market rally, and a focus on altcoins.
The Indian rupee gained 0.1% against the US dollar on Thursday, opening at 96.49, despite facing pressure from rising crude oil prices. Traders expect continued strain, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention anticipated to limit sharper losses. Geopolitical tensions are driving oil prices higher, offsetting previous RBI measures.
Tesla reported Q2 earnings with profits of 31 cents per share, below Wall Street's 51-cent prediction, causing its stock to dip. Despite exceeding revenue expectations and auto sales, the company faces competition and subsidy ends, pivoting focus to AI, robotics, and autonomous driving projects like Optimus and Robotaxi.
UK warehouse landlord Segro's board has unanimously agreed to recommend a £14bn takeover offer from US rival Prologis, a U-turn after rejecting previous bids. The decision follows pressure from major investor Norges Bank and comes amid a rush of overseas bids for British companies.
FTSE 100 warehouse landlord Segro capitulated to a £14bn takeover offer from US giant Prologis, despite CEO David Sleath's fight for independence. The deal, valued at £10.32 a share, is seen as a blow to the London stock market's diversity and a sign of its vulnerability to overseas firms.
South Korea's major crypto exchanges saw trading activity fall by an average of 77% year-over-year, while the KOSPI stock index more than doubled. This suggests a significant shift in retail speculative interest from cryptocurrencies to equities, potentially impacting smaller crypto platforms.
President Trump promotes "Trump Accounts" offering $1,000 in seed money to children, but some parents report delays in receiving the funds. The program, aiming to boost stock market investment, faces criticism amid economic concerns and upcoming midterm elections.
China Merchants Securities, a leading Chinese brokerage, ceased market making for the mainland's only South Korea-focused ETF and five other QDII products. This move, described as commercial, aligns with Beijing's efforts to stabilize capital markets amidst significant volatility in South Korea's KOSPI index.
Meliá, a Spanish hotel chain, will cease all operations in Cuba by week's end, citing "major difficulties" and "impossible" operational stability due to escalating US sanctions, following an earlier decision to cut 15 hotels.
Russia's MOEX Index gained 3.9% and the RTS Index rose 3.59% on Tuesday, with analysts forecasting continued recovery but expressing concerns over a potential tightening of the Bank of Russia's monetary policy. The ruble showed mixed movements against major currencies.
UK government contractor Mitie has agreed to a £3.1bn cash takeover by private-equity owned rival OCS Group, ending its nearly four decades on the London stock market. The deal, recommended by Mitie's board, offers a 46.8% premium to shareholders.
Beijing is actively intervening in China's US$15 trillion stock market to foster a durable bull run, aiming to support strategic tech self-sufficiency and preserve household wealth. Initial efforts saw the Star Market 50 Index jump 11% after state-backed insurers pledged equity investments and regulators vowed stabilizing measures.
Young investors like Michelle Huynh, Shyan Lim, and U Chan Lee are increasingly investing in volatile tech stocks, particularly those linked to AI, to combat shrinking purchasing power and achieve financial goals. Despite significant gains and drops, many view these as long-term bets, while authorities in South Korea curb speculative borrowing.
South Korean stocks plunged over 4% amid AI concerns and Mideast tensions. Simultaneously, the acting police chief vowed to overhaul the investigation system, Daejeon was selected to host the 2029 Invictus Games, Homeplus appealed to revive rehabilitation, and UNESCO officials in Busan urged global action to protect heritage sites.
Austria's ATX index has become Europe's best-performing equity market in 2026, gaining 21.3% since January. This surge is primarily driven by AT&S, a semiconductor supplier specializing in integrated circuit substrates, whose shares have climbed 459%, reshaping the market's composition.
Bitcoin dipped below $62,500 at Wall Street's open, extending losses as fresh US-Iran military strikes and earnings disappointments pushed stocks and crypto lower. Traders noted choppy, rangebound price action, with some analysts identifying a bear-market trend line forming.
B Treasury Capital AB's BTC PREF preference share, aimed at funding Bitcoin purchases, is set to start trading on the Spotlight Stock Market on July 20, after a rights offer saw only 52% of shares subscribed, raising approximately SEK 12.2 million ($1.26 million). The share's 10% issue yield will face a market price test, with its attractiveness to income investors uncertain due to potential dividend deferrals and sparse trading concerns.
Oil prices soared and Asian stocks plummeted after the US launched new strikes against Iran, escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose 4.7%, while markets like South Korea's Kospi dropped 8%. Chip companies were severely hit.
SpaceX shares, initially soaring after its IPO, have fallen significantly, leading to investor concern. The company's valuation dropped, with some retail investors facing losses, and its stock is being compared to a 'meme stock'. Analysts are divided on its future prospects.
SpaceX shares surged after its IPO, surpassing Amazon and Microsoft in market value, fueled by AI excitement. However, the stock has since fallen significantly, leading to investor concern and potential losses, with analysts predicting further dips.
