Demand

• Stanley Black & Decker's stock remains steady, supported by consistent demand for professional and consumer tools. • The company's performance is currently driven by its exposure to construction cycles and the implementation of ongoing efficiency initiatives. • As a mature industrial business, the stock's long-term outlook depends on management's portfolio strategy, capital allocation, and cost-efficiency measures.

• US and South Korean tech stocks faced significant volatility and declines as US Treasury yields surged beyond 4.6%. • J.P. Morgan Asset Management reports that TSMC has achieved record-high revenue, asserting that the current demand for AI is not a bubble. • Taiwan's corporate earnings growth is projected to reach 27.4% in 2027 and a remarkable 43.3% by 2026, driven by semiconductor exports.

• Stock futures rose Wednesday, driven by gains in technology shares and a positive sales outlook from chip-equipment maker ASML due to surging AI demand. • PayPal shares also jumped following reports of a potential takeover, adding to the bullish momentum in the tech sector. • Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday, emphasizing the central bank's independence from political influence.

• Singapore's manufacturing sector experienced a 12.2% year-on-year growth in the second quarter of 2026, accelerating from 8.0% in Q1. • This surge was primarily driven by strong AI-related demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. • The manufacturing boom significantly boosted the broader economy, leading to an overall growth rate of 5.7% for the period.

• Singapore's GDP grew by 5.7% in the second quarter, driven primarily by a surge in manufacturing fueled by AI-related demand. • While goods-producing industries accelerated, the services sector saw a slowdown, edging up only 0.3% sequentially compared to 2% in Q1. • Sector performance was mixed, with real estate expanding due to steady developer activities while the food and beverage services sector contracted.

• Sanofi's stock price has remained steady as of July 13, 2026, reflecting the company's stable market position within the global pharmaceutical industry. • The company's long-term growth is supported by a diversified portfolio that includes prescription medicines, vaccines, and consumer health products. • This stability is driven by consistent global demand for healthcare services, providing a reliable foundation for long-term investors.

• AI-related chip stocks are experiencing significant volatility as investors debate the sustainability of AI demand and corporate spending. • Rebellions, a South Korean chip startup backed by industry giants Samsung and SK Hynix, reports that demand for its technology remains "almost unlimited." • This surge in demand suggests that despite market fluctuations, the underlying need for AI hardware continues to grow rapidly.