Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.
Fuel smuggling from Iran to Pakistan is increasing due to disrupted oil flows and rising prices, driven by the US-Israeli war. Thousands in Balochistan, like Mazaar, risk their lives ferrying petrol and diesel, facing dangers from heat, accidents, and conflict, as it's their only livelihood.
Central banks are increasingly storing gold bullion domestically, driven by geopolitical tensions and concerns over accessibility of overseas reserves. The World Gold Council survey shows a rise in domestic storage and diversification of foreign locations, with expectations of continued central bank gold purchases.
UK inflation remained at 2.8% in the year to May, defying expert expectations of a rise. Food price inflation slowed to a 17-month low, but transport costs saw the fastest annual rise since December 2022. Analysts suggest a US-Iran peace deal may temper future increases.
Lidl has opened its first pub, The Middle Ale, in Northern Ireland, a move driven by the region's strict licensing laws. The supermarket had to overcome legal hurdles, including the 'surrender principle' and the 'inadequacy' test, to obtain a license for a pub, which it passed due to recent bar closures.
SpaceX stock options indicate a 15% chance of a 50% rise and a similar probability of a 50% drop within three months, reflecting investor debate over valuation and future fundamentals.
Japan's exports grew 17% year-on-year in May, exceeding expectations, with significant boosts from car and semiconductor shipments. This growth, driven by demand for AI technology and automotive sales, also saw strong increases in shipments to China and the U.S., though exports to the Middle East declined.
