Russia's MOEX Index gained 0.96% to 2,165.54 points, and RTS Index rose 1.44% to 874.26, after the Central Bank's unexpected 25-basis-point interest rate cut to 14%, surprising market consensus expecting a pause.
Bitcoin dropped below $65,000 to three-day lows as escalating US-Iran tensions caused US stocks to slide and oil prices to rally. Traders offered diverging short-term outlooks for BTC, while rising inflation expectations and a higher probability of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike added to market strain.
Southwest Airlines reported a 9.4% increase in second-quarter net income to $233 million, driven by higher fares and a 16.4% revenue jump to $8.4 billion. However, its third-quarter adjusted earnings forecast of 50-75 cents per share fell below analyst expectations of 82 cents, despite projected sales growth.
JD Wetherspoon issued its fourth profit warning in seven months, attributing it to worse-than-expected sales, despite the World Cup, and rising costs for food, labour, energy, and property taxes. Shares in the pub chain tumbled 10% on the news.
Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways expects its first-half net profit to surge by up to 75% to HK$6.5 billion (US$829 million), driven by increased passenger and cargo traffic, alongside a HK$1.4 billion gain from its Air China interest dilution.
Market forecasts indicate a doubled likelihood of a Reserve Bank interest rate hike as escalating Middle East tensions drive fuel prices higher. Brent crude surged 23% to near $US90/barrel, impacting Australian motorists and raising stagflation concerns for the economy.
Queensland's Liberal National government buried a report by domestic violence victim-survivors that criticized police handling of cases and advocated for civilian review mechanisms, despite promises to prioritize victims in justice policies.
The escalating Middle East crisis has driven Brent crude prices up 23% to near $US90/barrel, doubling market forecasts for an Australian Reserve Bank interest rate hike. Australian motorists face rising fuel costs as experts warn of a critical juncture for global energy markets.
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.
The UK government borrowed less than expected in June, reporting £16bn, £7.9bn less than forecast. This comes as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced plans to cut VAT on household electricity bills, funded by cancelling the digital ID program, signaling a new economic direction.
General Motors raised its 2026 earnings forecasts and full-year guidance after exceeding Q2 expectations, driven by strong North American operations, consistent vehicle prices, and reduced EV losses. The automaker reported adjusted EPS of $3.57 and revenue of $48.03 billion.
The MOEX Russia Index climbed 2.16% to 2,000.83 points, while the RTS Index rose 2.27% after an initial dip attributed to dividend ex-dates. Experts from BCS World of Investments, Freedom Global, and Tsifra Broker provided varied forecasts for Tuesday's trading, with some cautioning against signaling a sustainable market reversal.
Researchers at the University of Warwick developed a new method to predict the strength of the Sun's solar cycles up to seven years in advance. By identifying a "switch-off" point where extreme space weather abruptly ceases, they can forecast the next cycle's sunspot peak, with an early estimate suggesting a moderate Solar Cycle 26.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts dry, wintry conditions for most of Queensland, with showers on the south-east coast and light falls in Wide Bay. Hazardous surf conditions are expected to weaken from today, though beachgoers are advised to remain cautious.
South Korean beauty (K-beauty) is experiencing a "second wave" in the U.S., marked by Olive Young's successful store openings in California and a 48% sales increase. This trend is reshaping the American beauty market, benefiting retailers like Ulta and Target, but also posing risks to average selling prices.
The IEA reports global oil demand will decline by 1 million barrels/day in 2026 due to the US-Iran war disrupting Middle Eastern oil production and exports, despite gradual export resumption.
Apurva Shrivastava, an Indian-origin MIT engineer, co-founded Avoca with Tyson Chen, an AI answering service for home businesses. The company, valued at $1 billion, uses AI voice agents to book appointments and follow up on leads, addressing the critical issue of missed calls for small contractors.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a 1.047 million bpd drop in global oil demand in 2026, the first contraction since 2020. Despite a May slump, improved supply data and lower prices are expected to stimulate consumption, with demand returning to growth in Q4 2026.
A developing Super El Niño may disrupt the Polar Vortex, potentially causing colder temperatures and more snow in the US, Canada, and Europe during the winter of 2026-27. Meteorologists are monitoring these long-range climate signals.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and several fatalities across India. Red and orange alerts are in effect for multiple states, with authorities on high alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
India is experiencing severe monsoon rains, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions, landslides, and rescue operations across multiple states. The India Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, with several regions reporting fatalities and infrastructure damage.
Western Europe recorded its hottest June on record with an average temperature of 20.74°C, surpassing last year's record. This is over 3°C above the 1991-2020 average, highlighting significant climate change impacts.
Delhi experienced heavy monsoon rains in the early hours of Thursday, bringing relief from humid weather. The IMD issued an 'orange' alert, forecasting more rainfall and leading to waterlogging in several areas.
The IMF forecasts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume by mid-July, with a return to pre-conflict conditions expected by March 2027. Geopolitical uncertainty is projected to continue throughout the coming year.
