BUSINESS

Asian stock markets rose as oil prices fell over 4% due to US-Iran ceasefire talks. China's CXMT made a strong debut, reflecting investor interest in semiconductor manufacturing.

Indian stock indices Sensex and Nifty 50 surged on Monday, driven by gains in banking, IT, and consumer goods sectors, amid a weaker dollar and shifting investor sentiment favouring emerging markets.

Thousands of Xbox users faced service disruptions, struggling to access games and online features. Despite widespread complaints, Microsoft's status page showed no issues, leaving users frustrated and without answers.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index has reached record highs in 2026, driven by corporate reforms, AI demand, and economic growth, despite experiencing volatility. Key companies and investment strategies are highlighted.

Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose 0.50% following Nvidia's AI investment deals with South Korean firms, sparking a recovery in Asian tech stocks despite recent market volatility and economic pressures.

South Korea's Kospi index surged as Nvidia's partnerships with Samsung and SK Hynix boosted investor confidence in AI-driven growth, marking a volatile yet historic year for the country's stock market.

Capricorn Metals has seen its shares soar over 100% in the past year, driven by strong gold production, strategic asset management, and a favourable gold price environment, solidifying its ASX position.

Australia's ASX 200 index fell due to U.S. tariff threats and strong jobs data, marking a third weekly decline. Technology and mining sectors were hit, while banks showed resilience.

South Korea's $950 billion AI chip deal with major tech firms, including Samsung and SK Group, raises questions about its true impact and transparency in the global AI supply chain.

Elon Musk predicts that by 2036, money will become largely irrelevant due to AI and robotics, sparking debate amid a significant decline in his net worth and company stock values.

AI is the leading cause of job cuts in 2026, with roles like computer programmers and customer service representatives most affected. The trend highlights AI's growing impact on the labour market.

Walmart recalls 11 products, including bagged salads, due to a cyclospora outbreak affecting multiple states. Consumers are advised to discard affected items and seek refunds or replacements.

Naver's shares dropped nearly 6% after announcing a $10 billion AI investment with Nvidia and Brookfield, highlighting investor concerns over financing and execution risks despite the project's strategic potential.

Nvidia invests $1 billion in Naver to expand an AI data centre in South Korea, part of a $10 billion project with Brookfield, enhancing AI capabilities for Korean and U.S. developers.

The 2027 NBA offseason is set to feature a historic free agent class, headlined by Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, potentially reshaping the league with record-breaking contracts and strategic team planning.

Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped due to escalating attacks, causing global oil prices to surge. The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran threatens global energy stability.

Executive perks at major U.S. companies are surging, with security costs leading the way. This trend highlights growing concerns over executive safety and the broader implications for corporate governance.

YouTube updates its monetization policies, restricting ad revenue for channels producing low-quality AI-generated content, focusing on originality and human creativity to maintain content quality and advertiser trust.

Recent leaks suggest Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra will feature a new 'Pro' model, upgraded camera systems, and a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chip, with a launch expected in early 2027.

GameStop's ongoing attempt to acquire eBay, despite repeated rejections, highlights a unique corporate takeover saga, with analysts questioning the feasibility of the smaller company's bid.

The global trillion-dollar club is now dominated by AI and semiconductor companies, with the US, Taiwan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia hosting the world's most valuable public firms.

OpenAI's ChatGPT and related services experienced a global outage, marking the fourth disruption in four days. The incident affected users worldwide, impacting both individual and business applications.

Explore the investment potential of SK Hynix and SpaceX, two major IPOs with distinct business models and risk profiles, as they shape the AI and space infrastructure markets.

Ford is recalling over 500,000 Bronco SUVs due to a wiring harness defect that could lead to engine fires. Owners are urged to schedule inspections and repairs at no cost.

Apple is set to overhaul its Mac lineup over the next two years, introducing new designs and chips to meet rising AI demands, with the first updates arriving this fall.

Apple shares rise after analysts raise price targets, driven by strong performance and anticipation of new product launches, including a foldable iPhone. Investors await upcoming earnings report for further insights.

Intel's shares fell despite a strong earnings report and increased capital spending plans, as investors took profits following a significant rally. The company's AI-driven growth and future outlook remain positive.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average shows a modest recovery after a tech-driven selloff, amid new global tariffs and rising geopolitical tensions affecting investor sentiment.

Thermo Fisher Scientific's shares surged after reporting strong Q2 results, surpassing expectations and raising full-year guidance, indicating a recovery in the life sciences sector.