Japan, South Korea markets hit records on hopes for a winding down of the Iran war | World

• U.S. stock markets are concluding a solid first half of the year, though recent volatility in semiconductor stocks suggests growing investor concern over AI-driven profits. • Markets are now focusing on upcoming jobs data, which will serve as a critical indicator of the overall strength of the U.S. economy.

• Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) saw its modeled fair value price target increase slightly to US$58.18, up from the previous estimate of US$57.42. • The adjustment follows recent analyst discussions with company management and key takeaways from industry conferences.

• Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,542.34 points on June 26, 2026, marking a decrease of 16.21 points or 1.04%. • The total trading value for the session reached THB 66.47 billion, reflecting significant activity despite the downward trend.

• Asian stock markets experienced a significant slide, driven primarily by a slump in technology shares. • South Korea's Kospi index faced extreme volatility, requiring trading to be halted three times in one week to curb panic selling.

• Analysts identify the KOSPI as a critical variable in global stock markets, including the U.S. and Japan, due to its high volatility and recent sharp fluctuations. • Foreign media, including U.S. investment outlet Barance, now view the Korean market as a primary indicator of global AI investor sentiment.

• Italy's competition regulator, AGCM, is investigating Microsoft over allegations that the company triggered AI-fueled price hikes for Microsoft 365 subscribers. • The probe focuses on claims that users may have been defaulted into more expensive plans featuring Copilot AI tools without receiving sufficient information to make an informed decision.

• Binance's application for a bloc-wide crypto license in Greece failed last week, prompting the exchange to shift its application efforts to France. • The move comes as all crypto firms must obtain a license under the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation by July 1 to avoid penalties.

• Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced it will stop providing services to clients in the European Union. • The decision follows the company's failure to obtain the necessary licensing required to operate under the upcoming Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulations.

• Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has expressed concern regarding European Union measures that restrict users' access to top global liquidity pools. • Zhao argues that these regulatory constraints limit consumer options and hinder the ability of EU traders to access the most efficient markets.

• The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the draft of its new merger guidelines to update antitrust oversight. • The initiative follows recent regulatory scrutiny in the chocolate sector and investigations into Italian private-label markets.

• Fidelity National Financial (NYSE: FNF) is highlighted as a top insurance stock, leading the U.S. market in title insurance policies and escrow services. • The company has diversified its revenue streams by offering annuities and life insurance through its subsidiary, F&G.

• ActionForex forecasts a moderation in labor market growth, predicting June payroll additions will slow to 120K. • The unemployment rate is expected to remain stable at 4.3%, suggesting that while conditions are steady, the recent rapid pace of hiring is unsustainable.