Real-time News

Cathay Pacific: In response to the recent rise in fuel prices, Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo will adjust passenger and cargo fuel surcharges starting August 1.

JPMorgan Chase raised its price target for Intel (INTC.O) from $45 to $85.

Piper Jaffray: Lowered its price target for Tesla (TSLA.O) from $500 to $450.

The Federation of Thai Industries predicts that Thailand's automobile production will decline by 3.33% in 2026.

Thai officials: Mitsubishi Motors plans to invest 16 billion baht in Thailand by 2030.

The Federation of Thai Industries reported that automobile exports fell 7.45% year-on-year in June (compared to a 26.69% year-on-year decline in May).

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Karas: EU sanctions are aimed at cutting off Russia's financial support for the war in Ukraine, making it more difficult for Russia to raise funds overseas.

Futures News, July 24th: International crude oil prices are expected to maintain an upward trend next week, strongly supported by geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. The change rate is expected to widen positively, with the price adjustment window closing at 24:00 on July 31st. It is anticipated that gasoline and diesel prices will increase by more than 0.8 yuan per liter, providing a positive boost to the market. On the supply side, the operating rates of major refineries are steadily increasing, while the operating rates of independent refineries are fluctuating slightly, resulting in a relatively stable overall supply of refined oil products. Due to the continued widening of the retail price increase in this round, downstream operators are more willing to replenish their stocks. Recently, sales of refined oil products from independent refineries have been smooth, with concentrated shipments and most refineries currently facing no inventory pressure. Furthermore, some major refineries are implementing wholesale quantity limits in certain regions to ensure stable supply, further supporting the overall market. Overall, driven by positive factors, refined oil prices are expected to remain high and firm next week.

On July 24, in response to rumors that "Mercedes-Benz may suspend CLA production in China," Mercedes-Benz stated, "The CLA model is still in production, and monthly sales are relatively stable. As is customary, different production lines will rotate for high-temperature breaks, and we will also take this opportunity to conduct equipment maintenance."

JPMorgan Chase raised its price target for Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO.N) to $690 from $600.

JPMorgan Chase raised its price target for Nasdaq (NDAQ.O) from $112 to $114.

On July 24th, three sources familiar with the matter revealed that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is likely to maintain its warning about inflation exceeding its 2% target next week, but also hinted that these risks have not increased significantly compared to three months ago. The BOJ is expected to focus on the ongoing inflation risks from the Middle East conflict, strong global demand for artificial intelligence, and rising import costs due to a weaker yen in its quarterly outlook report to be released at its policy meeting next week. Meanwhile, the BOJ believes the likelihood of the worst-case scenario—a severe supply disruption triggering a price surge and forcing the central bank to raise interest rates rapidly—has decreased compared to three months ago. Furthermore, the statement made during its June rate hike that there is a risk of "potential consumer inflation deviating from and exceeding the 2% target" is expected to reappear. Sources said that with the risk of a short-term inflationary shock from oil prices easing, policymakers are now turning their attention to the extent to which businesses continue to pass on rising costs to households. This shift indicates that the BOJ is moving beyond the direct impact of the Middle East conflict and focusing on broader inflationary factors, including AI-related demand and a weaker yen, to assess the timing of the next rate hike.

Iranian Foreign Minister: Once the government normalizes asset confiscation, no one's assets will be safe. The resulting chaos will not be peaceful or orderly.

July 24th - This morning (July 24th), the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the theme of "Starting the 15th Five-Year Plan." Officials from the Ministry of Public Security introduced the relevant situation regarding strengthening governance, protecting the people's safety, and promoting development, and fully serving and guaranteeing the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and answered reporters' questions. Currently, new types of crimes using artificial intelligence mainly include: using AI technology to forge identities, intrude into government and enterprise information systems, and steal others' information and property; or impersonating acquaintances or authoritative figures to gain the trust of victims and then commit fraud; and using AI tools to generate online rumors and disrupt public order. Public security organs are making every effort to combat the above-mentioned illegal and criminal activities, while also severely cracking down on criminal gangs providing technical support, striving to eradicate the breeding ground for crime at its root. In the first half of this year, more than 170 cases of using AI tools to generate online rumors were investigated, and more than 190 people were dealt with according to law.

The Hang Seng Tech Index fell by more than 2%, with PCB, robotics, and artificial intelligence concepts among the biggest losers.

The main palladium futures contract fell by 6.00% during the day, currently trading at 295.20 yuan/gram.

Sources say the Bank of Japan is shifting its focus to the extent to which businesses are passing on rising costs to households.

Sources say the Bank of Japan will maintain its warning next week that inflation could exceed its 2% target, but will also suggest that the risk of an immediate price shock triggered by oil has eased since April.

July 24th - As of the end of June, Shandong's total social financing reached 27.3 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.3%, marking the 86th consecutive month that the growth rate has exceeded the national average. In the first half of the year, the added value of the financial industry increased by 7.8% year-on-year, continuing to show a positive trend of "four better than": better than the national average by 1.1 percentage points, better than the GDP growth rate by 2.2 percentage points, better than the service sector growth rate by 1.4 percentage points, and better than the same period last year by 2.7 percentage points.