Real-time News

On July 2nd, Valar Atomics, a California-based nuclear energy startup, used an advanced reactor to generate electricity to power Nvidia's AI chips. While the generated power was very small, this marks the first time a next-generation reactor in the United States has achieved this. During a demonstration at the company's Utah base on Wednesday, Valar's Ward 250 reactor was connected to an Nvidia Blackwell chip and used to temporarily host a website. The two companies also announced an agreement to jointly explore methods for developing nuclear-powered AI systems. This latest development comes after the reactor reached "criticality" last month, marking the beginning of a self-sustaining fission reaction. Valar belongs to a group of companies developing next-generation nuclear technologies that use new materials and designs aimed at improving safety and performance. However, the industry is still in its early stages, and no advanced reactors have yet been commercialized in the United States.

On July 2nd, local time, Iran released a video of a speech by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Qassem Ghalibaf on the evening of July 1st. Ghalibaf stated that claims about "allowing IAEA inspectors to enter destroyed nuclear facilities" are false. He stated that the Iranian Islamic Parliament passed a law, approved by the Supreme National Security Council, stipulating that access to destroyed or damaged nuclear facilities cannot be permitted in any way. Ghalibaf emphasized that the IAEA is only allowed access to two locations: the Bushehr nuclear power plant and the Tehran nuclear research reactor. Iran does not grant any privileges beyond those granted by the Supreme National Security Council.

Market news: A fire broke out at the Primir Palace Hotel in Kyiv following a Russian drone attack.

July 2nd - According to a report by US tech journalist Gurman, Apple (AAPL.O) is planning to launch an upgraded iPad Pro series and a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro next year, along with several other major new products to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the company is testing four new iPad Pro models planned for release in the spring of 2027. These new models will retain the current 11-inch and 13-inch screens. The updates will primarily focus on internal improvements, including faster chips. As previously reported, Apple has tested a vapor chamber cooling (VC liquid cooling) system for its tablets to improve sustained performance and reduce overheating issues. Apple also reportedly plans to launch a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro, codenamed K104, in the first half of next year. This 14-inch laptop will feature a completely new design, consistent with Apple's upcoming high-end touchscreen MacBook, which is expected to be released between the end of this year and the beginning of next year.

BHP Billiton (BHP.N): Has submitted an environmental permit application and plans to invest $1.5 billion to reactivate the Cerro Colorado copper mine in Chile.

Market sources say Apple (AAPL.O) is about to launch a new iPad Pro and a redesigned entry-level MacBook Pro.

July 2 – The U.S. Treasury Department today announced the investment portfolio for the “Trump Account,” including the initial default investment plan to be launched, and four additional low-cost index fund options to be available to stakeholders in the coming months. Upon account launch, all funds deposited into the “Trump Account” will be invested in the State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 ETF (SPYM). In addition, the Treasury has selected the following other low-cost index ETFs for the “Trump Account” portfolio: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI), State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 1500 Composite Stock Market ETF (SPTM), and iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT). The Treasury stated that SPYM will be the default investment option for all “Trump Accounts.” In the coming months, the Treasury expects to roll out a feature allowing parents or guardians to allocate funds among other investment options. Until this feature is available, all contributions will continue to be invested in the default fund.

According to CNBC, Goldman Sachs estimates that the World Cup could add an additional 40,000 jobs to the U.S. June jobs report.

Market news: Ukrainian officials say air defense systems are intercepting Russian drone attacks on Kyiv, and drone debris has been found in at least two areas.

US President Trump: Oil prices are falling.

Market sources say SoftBank is in talks with several lenders to raise $10 billion in collateralized loans, backed by OpenAI equity and repayment guarantees. Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Mizuho Financial Group are expected to join the syndicate.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 12.98 points, or 0.02%, at 52,306.22 on Wednesday, July 1; the S&P 500 closed down 15.97 points, or 0.21%, at 7,483.39 on Wednesday, July 1; and the Nasdaq Composite closed down 173.69 points, or 0.66%, at 26,040.03 on Wednesday, July 1.

A U.S. judge blocked the postal service from imposing restrictions on mail-in ballots.

Market news: The United States has signed an agreement to establish a permanent embassy in Jerusalem.

The World Bank's Executive Board approved a $150 million financing package for Sri Lanka to support its reform agenda.

Hang Seng Index futures closed up 0.63% at 22,990 points in overnight trading, a premium of 109 points.

Federal Reserve Chairman Walsh: Samantha Schwab, an aide to Treasury Secretary Bessant, will be selected as an advisor.

July 2nd - As of 2:30 PM closing, the Shanghai Gold Futures main contract rose 1.23%, the Shanghai Silver Futures main contract rose 1.44%, and the SC Crude Oil main contract fell 3.43%.