BUSINESS

The TSX Composite Index rose slightly as investors considered U.S. inflation data and oil market volatility, with attention focused on the Bank of Canada's upcoming interest rate decision.

ASML Holding NV reported strong Q2 results, driven by AI infrastructure demand, raising its 2026 revenue outlook. The company's EUV technology remains crucial for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

US stocks rose as the Dow Jones surpassed 52,700 points, driven by cooling inflation data and ASML's optimistic AI demand forecast, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran.

Bitcoin's price surged above $65,000 following softer U.S. inflation data, sparking a broader cryptocurrency market rally. Despite gains, investor sentiment remains cautious amid ongoing market volatility.

GameStop's attempt to acquire eBay faces rejection from eBay's board, raising doubts about the deal's feasibility and GameStop's future strategy.

The FTSE 100 index fell due to declining mining stocks and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with homebuilder Barratt Redrow bucking the trend by posting strong results.

Apple is reportedly preparing an all-glass iPhone for its 20th anniversary in 2027, with manufacturing preparations underway. The design aims to mark a significant milestone in Apple's history.

Samsung introduces Flex Titanium for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, aiming to improve durability and reduce crease visibility. The new display technology will debut at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 22.

OpenAI is developing a screen-free smart speaker designed as a humanlike AI companion, aiming to revolutionise home AI interaction. The device will feature advanced conversational capabilities and personalised user experiences.

Sunrise Energy Metals' shares surged 13.34% as investor enthusiasm for its Syerston scandium project in New South Wales grows, bolstered by a significant supply agreement with Lockheed Martin.

SK Hynix shares rose nearly 9% amid strong AI chip demand and a successful U.S. listing, despite global market volatility. Analysts predict continued growth due to supply shortages and AI infrastructure spending.

McDonald's is reintroducing its popular Caesar flavour with a new sauce and three menu items, offering fans a nostalgic taste experience without bringing back the original salad.

Coles has revamped its Flybuys program, enabling members to redeem up to $100 off their grocery bill in a single transaction, intensifying competition with Woolworths' loyalty scheme.

South Korea's Kospi index surged over 7% as chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics led a rebound, driven by softer U.S. inflation data and strong global market performance.

Australian shares rose on Wednesday, with the ASX 200 index climbing above 8,800 points. Energy stocks led gains amid rising oil prices, despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting global markets.

Volkswagen's CEO announced potential job cuts of up to 100,000 positions, sparking negotiations with labor unions amid industry pressures and restructuring challenges. Analysts suggest this may be a negotiation tactic.

ChronoScale Holdings, an AI infrastructure company, sees its stock rise 16.68% amidst ongoing volatility. The company, formerly Ekso Bionics, transformed through a merger with Applied Digital Corporation.

SK Hynix's shares surged over 24% following a historic plunge, driven by new ETFs, options trading, favourable inflation data, SoftBank's AI outlook, and technical market dynamics.

SK Hynix's ADRs surged 23.85% after a volatile trading week, driven by AI investment optimism, new leveraged ETFs, and options trading, despite earlier losses in Korean markets.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose slightly amid volatile trading, driven by cooler inflation data and mixed earnings reports, with IBM's decline and bank results influencing market sentiment.

Explore the investment potential of SpaceX and SK Hynix, two major 2026 IPOs, offering diverse tech exposure and distinct risk profiles. Understand their market positions and growth prospects before investing.

Samsung has regained the lead in the global smartphone market, surpassing Apple in Q2 2026, despite a significant industry slowdown due to a persistent memory chip shortage.

The ASX 200 fell 0.42% amid rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, impacting investor sentiment. Mining and technology stocks also faced declines, while a major gold sector merger was announced.

Lazard's analysis shows U.S. natural gas power costs at a 17-year high due to rising demand from data centres and AI infrastructure, highlighting challenges in balancing renewable integration and reliability.

SpaceX shares fell 3.76% amid post-IPO volatility and limited public float. Despite operational growth, valuation concerns persist as the company navigates public market dynamics.

The S&P Energy Select Sector Index rose 2.45% as oil prices increased due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, highlighting energy stocks' role as a hedge during uncertainty.

The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.05% as tech and semiconductor stocks faced selling pressure. Geopolitical tensions and profit-taking contributed to the decline, highlighting market sensitivity to sector rotations.

SK Hynix's ADRs fell 9% after a strong Nasdaq debut, driven by profit-taking and geopolitical tensions. Despite declines, analysts remain optimistic about the AI semiconductor sector's long-term prospects.

TSMC's June sales rose 67.9% year-over-year, driven by AI demand, previewing strong second-quarter earnings. Analysts view TSMC as a key player in AI infrastructure, despite geopolitical and competitive pressures.