Forecasts

• Samsung Electronics forecasts a massive 19-fold increase in operating profit for the second quarter of 2026. • The projected earnings are expected to surpass the company's combined total profits from the previous three years. • This surge is driven by an intense global chip crunch fueled by skyrocketing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

• Japan's Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI for June was reported at 54.8, slightly missing the forecasted value of 54.9. • The reading indicates continued expansion in the manufacturing sector, as any figure above 50.0 signals growth. • This data is critical for economists and FX experts to gauge the health of Japan's industrial output and potential monetary policy shifts.

• Wholesale inventories remained steady with a reported figure of 0.3%, precisely matching the projections set by market analysts. • This stability indicates that wholesalers are maintaining a balanced approach to inventory management amidst a cautious economic environment. • The alignment between the actual data and forecasts suggests that current supply chain and stock levels are meeting market expectations.

• The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index has surpassed both previous readings and market forecasts, signaling stronger-than-expected economic resilience. • This index is a critical metric for investors and policymakers as it tracks consumer attitudes that directly influence national spending and saving behaviors. • The unexpected rise in sentiment may spark increased market optimism and could potentially shift current investment strategies.

• Micron and Qualcomm released positive financial forecasts, triggering a massive $400 billion rally across AI-related chip stocks. • The surge is driven by strong demand for high-bandwidth memory and AI-capable processors as companies integrate artificial intelligence into consumer devices. • This rally underscores the critical role of hardware infrastructure in the AI boom, signaling robust investor confidence in the semiconductor sector's growth.

• Eurofiber forecasts its 2026 revenues to reach approximately EUR 361 million, representing a EUR 12 million increase over the previous year. • This growth is driven by the strategic expansion of the company's fiber optic footprint across France and Germany. • The company expects capital expenditure to decrease by an estimated EUR 8 million, bringing the total down to EUR 203 million.

• UK inflation dropped to 2.8% in April 2026, performing better than initial forecasts. • Economic experts predict a rebound in inflation, expecting it to rise to 3.5% by the end of the year. • The labor market is showing signs of cooling, with the number of payrolled employees steadily decreasing since mid-2024.