Real-time News

SpaceX (SPCX.O): The Falcon Heavy booster has completed additional pre-launch tests. Preparations are underway for a Starship launch as early as Thursday, July 23rd local time. Weather conditions remain a key concern affecting the launch.

July 23 - U.S. refiners are pushing diesel production to near record highs, reversing seasonal trends. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, refineries are producing an average of 5.3 million barrels per day of refined fuel oil (primarily diesel) this month. If this pace continues, it will be the highest monthly diesel production in the U.S., and one of the highest-producing months on record outside of the winter heating season. Diesel production typically peaks at the end of the year; however, this year, due to severe global supply shortages, refineries have increased production months earlier than usual.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagaei: During the US Secretary of War's testimony before Congress, not a single question addressed the humanitarian impact of the war against Iran, even though it is clear to all parties that this was an illegal war.

Hang Seng Index futures closed up 0.33% at 24,997 points in overnight trading, a premium of 104 points.

According to data from the U.S. Treasury Department, in the latest bi-weekly reporting period, investment funds purchased $29.103 billion in 10-year Treasury securities maturing on May 15, 2036 (compared to $28.962 billion in the previous month). Foreign investors purchased $5.788 billion in 10-year Treasury securities maturing on May 15, 2036 (compared to $5.2 billion in the previous month).

Meta Platforms (META.O): A minor plaintiff who accused Meta of harming his mental health withdrew his lawsuit against the company days before the trial was scheduled to begin.

On July 23, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, during a meeting with ambassadors and chargés d'affaires from 25 European countries, stated that the US military actions had not yielded strategic gains and instead threatened regional and global peace and security. He urged Europe to uphold the UN Charter and international law, and condemned the "aggressive acts" against Iran. Iran noted that some European countries (including Spain) had not followed the US position but had taken different approaches. Iran also warned that Europe would be considered a participant in the conflict if it provided bases and territory to the US. Iran stated that it had inflicted serious damage on the "aggressors" in the previous 40-day war and would continue to defend its national interests in the new round of military operations.

US data center operator GMI Cloud announced a strategic computing partnership with NVIDIA.

As of the 2:30 closing bell, the main Shanghai gold futures contract rose 1.16% to 904 yuan/gram, the main Shanghai silver futures contract rose 1.69% to 14,735 yuan/kilogram, and the main SC crude oil futures contract rose 2.74% to 565 yuan/barrel.

The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill that would prohibit members of Congress from trading stocks.

Kremlin: Ukraine's appointment of a new commander-in-chief of the armed forces will not change the situation on the front lines.

Iranian President: The Iranian people will not succumb to threats. We have always emphasized the importance of diplomacy and advocated resolving differences through political means.

On July 23, Wang Yi stated that China highly appreciates the Papua New Guinea government's announcement of the closure of the "Taipei Economic Office in Papua New Guinea." This is another key measure by the Papua New Guinea government to implement the one-China principle, following the closure of the "Trade Representative Office of Papua New Guinea in Taiwan." It is a completely correct move, in line with the fundamental interests of Papua New Guinea and its people, and will further consolidate the political foundation of China-Papua New Guinea relations, inject strong momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and also provide a model for other countries to correctly handle issues related to Taiwan institutions.

On July 23, Wang Yi stated that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Brazil have made positive progress in jointly building a community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. The comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has always been at the forefront globally, and it is necessary for both sides to maintain strategic communication, strengthen strategic coordination, and deepen strategic cooperation. China will continue to support Brazil in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, and believes that Brazil will, as always, respect and support China in safeguarding its core interests. China is willing to work with Brazil to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen cooperation in areas such as aerospace, connectivity, and artificial intelligence, and provide greater support for their respective development. China welcomes Brazil's accession to the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to safeguard common interests and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the new round of technological revolution. Vieira stated that the leaders of Brazil and China maintain close communication, build high mutual trust, and jointly lead bilateral relations to a high level. Exchanges between Brazil and China at all levels are frequent, and bilateral trade reached a new high last year. Brazil looks forward to working with China to further deepen cooperation in areas such as finance and trade, and strengthen collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and BRICS.

The Federal Reserve accepted a total of $376 million from two counterparties in its fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.

White House officials: U.S. Middle East envoys Witkov and Kushner spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Zelensky on Wednesday to discuss a diplomatic solution.