Last updated: July 28, 2026, 2:30 AM ET
Global Equities Slide on AI Spending Doubts and Chip Rout
Global stock markets, led by a significant selloff in semiconductor shares, as investors grew increasingly concerned about the sustainability of artificial intelligence spending. Asia equities and headed for a correction, with South Korean markets leading the losses as a rout in chipmakers spread across sectors, forcing trading halts on the Kospi index. Japanese and South Korean stocks tumbled in tandem, pulled down by semiconductor shares, with Nvidia Corp.’s AI supply deal and intensifying competition from Chinese chipmakers weighing heavily on investor sentiment. The FTSE 100 also saw a dip, rattled by the chip selloff amidst a flood of earnings reports.
Taiwanese Bond Yields Surge Amid Rate Hike Bets
Taiwan’s five-year bond yield climbed to its highest level since 2008, driven by a disappointing 20-year bond sale last week and growing expectations of a central bank interest rate hike, which sapped demand for the debt.
China's Chip Sector Shows Outperformance, But Global Doubts Linger
Despite a blockbuster initial public offering for chipmaker CXMT, which saw government-backed funds achieve gains of 5,000%, and the potential for a $192 billion windfall for the province, broader concerns over artificial intelligence spending are casting a shadow. India’s software stocks are set for their biggest monthly outperformance over global chipmakers, signaling a potential shift away from the AI trade. However, doubts over the long-term profitability of AI are growing, with even China’s AI powerhouses. The global selloff in semiconductor stocks deepened on fears of China's advancing chipmaking capabilities and concerns about the AI spending boom.
Mercedes-Benz Cuts Sales Guidance Amidst China Market Weakness
Mercedes-Benz expects sell this year than last, and group revenue is also anticipated to fall slightly, as the German automaker cited a worsening market in China. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD, meanwhile, is challenging Japan's "kei" car market with a new tiny EV, aiming to become the world's largest carmaker in five years.
Oil Prices Decline as U.S.-Iran Tensions Ease
Oil prices after the U.S. and Iran paused hostilities, leading to a significant decline in Brent crude futures. The pause in conflict and saw Treasury yields fall as traders weighed the prospects for interest rate decisions. Satellite images showing smoke at Saudi oil facilities, but the ongoing pause in U.S.-Iran hostilities continued to pressure prices lower. US stock futures following the U.S. pausing strikes against Iran.
Nvidia's Data Center Ambitions and AI Investment Landscape
Nvidia is backing a potentially $500 billion data center project with OpenAI, signaling a massive investment in the AI computing market. The chipmaking giant is also reportedly in talks to provide a $250 billion financial backstop for the project, which would be one of the largest of the AI boom. BlackRock raised $12.5 in debt for a Meta Platforms Inc. data center project in Texas, with the bonds rallying in early trading. However, concerns about big tech credit risks are rising sharply as AI spending soars, and some investors are questioning the valuations of chip stocks. Apple regained its spot as the most valuable public company, surpassing Nvidia amid growing concerns about the costs associated with the artificial intelligence boom. Nvidia shares declined in a mixed day for stocks.
Taiwanese Yields Hit Multi-Decade Highs
Taiwan’s five-year bond yield jumped to the highest level in almost two decades, as a combination of weak demand at a recent 20-year bond sale and increasing anticipation of a central bank interest rate hike weighed on the market.
Private Equity Sees Potential Mega-Deals
One of Wall Street’s premier private lenders has held talks to acquire one of the oldest and most profitable private equity firms, potentially signaling a significant consolidation in the sector. Ares Management is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Leonard Green & Partners, a deal that would more than quadruple the size of its private equity business.
European Wind Turbine Makers Eye Mergers Amidst Chinese Competition
European wind turbine manufacturers are exploring merger prospects to create stronger domestic champions, a move spurred by increased competition from Chinese manufacturers and updated EU guidelines.
India's IPO Market Heats Up Ahead of Deadline
Indian companies are rushing to file for initial public offerings to beat an August deadline for audited results, with several offerings closing and more firms announcing their IPO schedules. Managed workspace provider Tablespace Technologies Ltd. is preparing to file for an IPO that could raise as much as $350 million.
Johnson & Johnson Settles Talcum Powder Lawsuit
Johnson & Johnson to resolve approximately 76,000 lawsuits alleging that its talcum powder products caused ovarian cancer.
Hungary's Thawed EU Relations Boost Foreign Fund Trade
Hungary's improving relations with the European Union are providing lucrative trade opportunities for foreign funds, though a global bond sell-off sparked by high energy prices is prompting questions about how much further yields can fall.
UK Restaurants Rush to Install Air Conditioning
Many UK hospitality businesses are seeking to install air conditioning systems, facing lengthy planning application processes for the cooling solutions.
Scottish Data Centers Spark Community Backlash
Communities in Scotland are voicing concerns over the boom in data centers, fearing they will strain electricity and water supplies, spoil rural landscapes, and primarily benefit tech giants with limited local job creation.
US Stocks Mixed as Oil Relief Offsets AI Doubts
U.S. stocks traded in a mixed fashion, as a pause in U.S.-Iran hostilities provided some relief, but this was offset by lingering doubts about the artificial-intelligence boom and the valuations of chip stocks.
Curium Nears Acquisition of Lantheus
Curium is in advanced talks to acquire radiopharma company Lantheus Holdings Inc. in a deal that could be announced in the coming days.
CME's 24/7 Gold Futures Trading Sees Strong Demand
CME Group Inc. reported that its debut weekend of 24/7 trading for one-ounce gold futures with deep liquidity, despite subdued market volatility.
US Automakers Vie for Army Truck Contract
Ford Motor has joined the race to build the next U.S. Army truck, as defense officials seek to boost domestic production of weapons and equipment.
Venezuela Creditor Group Expands Ahead of Debt Restructuring
A group of Venezuela bondholders is expanding its membership as it prepares for long-awaited debt talks, which could represent the largest sovereign restructuring in over a decade.
Shipping Upheaval Suggests Oil Selloff May Not Last
Despite a pause in U.S.-Iran hostilities, costly cargo diversions are already underway, suggesting that the recent oil price selloff may not be sustained.
Tyson and JBS Shares Surge as Mexico Cattle Imports Resume
Shares of meatpackers Tyson Foods Inc. and JBS NV surged after the U.S. announced it would resume cattle shipments from Mexico, easing a domestic shortage that had driven up animal costs.
Corporate Bonds Lose Appeal as Shock Absorbers
As corporate bonds become less reliable in protecting against market shocks, investors are increasingly looking to asset-backed finance for stability, according to Carlyle Group analysis.
Robeco Bets on Argentina After Hiatus
Robeco, one of Europe's largest emerging-market investors, has returned to investing in Argentine stocks after a nearly decade-long hiatus.
Chile Taps International Bond Markets
Chile is returning to international debt markets for the second time this year, shortly after Congress raised the limit on sovereign bond sales.
US Treasury Yields Follow Oil Lower Amid Fed and Supply Focus
U.S. Treasuries edged higher as oil prices softened following the U.S. pausing strikes against Iran, while traders focused on the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy meeting.
KKR, Blackstone Sign $16 Billion Kuwait Oil Deal
KKR and Blackstone, along with Brookfield with the companies managing Kuwait's oil sector.
AstraZeneca On Track for 2030 Goal Driven by Cancer Drugs
AstraZeneca's revenue rose 5% on a currency-adjusted basis, driven by strong growth in its oncology drug sales, keeping the company on track for its 2030 targets.
LVMH Fashion Unit Returns to Growth, Aiding Luxury Recovery Hopes
Sales at LVMH's key fashion and leather goods division, home to brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior last quarter, though this return to growth offers some relief for the European luxury sector amidst geopolitical tensions.
German Lender Nord LB Expands into Fund Finance
German lender Nord LB is seeking to boost its capital markets business by increasing lending to third-party funds and packaging loans for investors.
Main Street Banks Offer Cheaper AI Play
Regional banks can serve as a more affordable option to capitalize on the AI banking boom, with a strategic pivot to business models that support Wall Street titans potentially helping them navigate rising yields.
The Fed's New Chairman Faces a Critical Test
Kevin M. Warsh, the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve in deciding whether to pursue an interest rate increase at the upcoming policy meeting, given his stance on inflation.
Ukrainian Attacks Disrupt Power and Water in Crimea
Ukraine's campaign to bring the war home to Russian civilians has resulted in attacks in Crimea that have, aimed at pressuring the Kremlin to negotiate.
Paramount Bets on Johnny Depp's Comeback
Paramount Pictures that audiences will embrace Johnny Depp in a new Christmas Carol adaptation, a decade after allegations of domestic abuse and a defamation trial.
China's AI Giants Struggle to Monetize Success
Chinese artificial intelligence models are gaining ground, but the companies behind them lack a clear strategy to translate this progress into profits.
OpenAI's Hacking Incident Serves as Cyber Security Warning
Microsoft's AI chief has stated that the OpenAI hacking incident serves as a "warning shot" on cyber security, emphasizing the necessity for the software giant to develop AI defenses against automated attacks as a matter of necessity.
Mercedes-Benz Cuts Sales Guidance Amidst Chinese Market Woes
Mercedes-Benz expects sell this year compared to last, with group revenue also projected to be slightly below last year's figures, citing a worsening market in China.
Taiwan's Five-Year Yield Hits Near Two-Decade High
Taiwan's five-year bond yield climbed to its highest level in almost two decades, influenced by a disappointing 20-year bond sale and increasing expectations for a central bank interest rate hike that diminished demand.
CXMT Listing Creates Significant Windfall for Chinese Province
The initial public offering of Chinese chipmaker CXMT has generated a substantial windfall for the province, positioning it among the major beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence boom.
India's Software Stocks Set for Record Outperformance
India's software stocks are poised for their biggest monthly outperformance over global chipmakers, indicating a potential investor shift away from the artificial intelligence trade and towards previously undervalued sectors.
Software Stocks in India Outpace Global Chipmakers
India's software sector is set for its largest monthly outperformance relative to global chipmakers, suggesting a move by investors out of the artificial intelligence trade and into beaten-down information technology stocks.
Taiwan Five-Year Yield Jumps to Highest Since 2008
Taiwan's five-year bond yield climbed to the highest level in almost two decades, driven by a lacklustre 20-year bond sale and growing speculation of a central bank interest rate hike, which dampened demand.
Asian Equities Slide as AI Spending Doubts Grow
Asia stocks fell on Tuesday, with South Korean markets spearheading the declines amid escalating concerns over spending related to the artificial-intelligence boom.
Korean Markets Hit by Chip Rout and Trading Halts
South Korean stocks experienced a series of trading suspensions on Tuesday as a selloff in chipmakers permeated across various sectors.
BYD Challenges Japan's Kei Car Market with New EV
Chinese automotive company BYD is entering Japan's traditional "kei" car market with a small electric vehicle, aiming to become the world's largest automaker within five years.
Don't Underestimate the Economic Power of a UK Vibe Shift
Despite ongoing economic challenges, the UK may benefit from a positive shift in sentiment, suggesting that facing difficulties with optimism could be advantageous.
Private Equity Megadeal Potentially Brewing
A premier private lender on Wall Street has initiated talks to acquire one of the sector's oldest and most profitable private equity firms, hinting at a significant consolidation.
DCC Board Grapples with M&A 'Laggard's Dilemma'
DCC's board is confronting a challenging decision regarding mergers and acquisitions, as its price-to-earnings ratio has significantly declined since 2016.
EU Hesitates to Target Irish Plant Supplying Russia
European Union officials are reluctant to impose restrictions on alumina exports from an Irish plant accused of supplying Russia's war industry, fearing it could disrupt the bloc's aluminium supply chain.
Europe Must Reep Dividends of Radio Spectrum
To foster wealth creation, Europe must capitalize on the economic potential of radio spectrum, as national-level organization of this crucial sector hinders global competitiveness for its telecommunications industry.
Trump's Ability to Influence Oil Prices Tested
President Trump's capacity to verbally influence oil prices is facing scrutiny as the conflict in Iran persists, suggesting that verbal interventions may no longer suffice to suppress prices.
Hungary's Thawing EU Relations Benefit Foreign Funds
Hungary's improving diplomatic ties with the EU are creating lucrative trading opportunities for foreign funds, though a global bond sell-off driven by high energy prices raises questions about the sustainability of low yields.
UAE's Bold Gambit on Iran
The United Arab Emirates has quietly rebuilt its economic and diplomatic relationships with Iran while simultaneously strengthening defense ties with Israel and the United States.
Nvidia Backs $50 Billion Texas Data Center Lease
Nvidia is supporting a $50 billion lease for a data center in Texas, deploying its balance sheet to bolster the growth of the AI computing market.
Funding Gaps Hobble Western Critical Mineral Objectives
A report indicates that government-backed financing is critically needed to attract private investment and reduce China's dominance in the production of critical minerals.
UK Restaurants Rush to Install Air Conditioning
A significant number of UK hospitality businesses are moving to install air conditioning systems, encountering lengthy planning application processes for these cooling solutions.
Scottish Data Centre Boom Spurs Backlash
Communities in Scotland are expressing concerns over the burgeoning data center industry, fearing impacts on electricity and water access, rural aesthetics, and limited local job creation despite boosting tech giant profits as a consequence.
Europe's Wind Turbine Makers Examine Merger Prospects
European wind turbine manufacturers are considering mergers to establish stronger industry players, a potential move driven by Chinese competition and updated EU guidelines.
Investors Snap Up Properties as Housebuilders Offer Discounts
Bulk buyers are securing double-digit discounts on properties as housebuilders offer incentives, while cautious consumers remain on the sidelines.
Mundane Trade Fueled Wall Street Windfall During Index Rebalancing
Index rebalancing for traders betting on stock additions and deletions, leading to significant windfalls on Wall Street.
Ares Management Pursues Private Equity Megadeal
Ares Management has entered talks to acquire Leonard Green & Partners, a move that would significantly expand its private equity business.