Picks

Two advisers have links to a venture fund co-investing in US defense companies that benefit from federal spendingPete Hegseth’s appointments to a key Pentagon advisory body include two men with ties to the venture capital fund where Donald Trump Jr is a partner, which has lucrative investments in military and space technology.Defense Policy Board appointee Marc Andreessen’s firm, Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s largest venture capital firms and known by the name “a16z”, co-invests alongside the Trump partnership 1789 Capital in three defense contractors. Fellow DPB appointee Blake Masters also sits on the boards of three ventures tied to 1789 Capital. Continue reading...

• Market analysts have identified nine top banking stocks to buy, citing strong fundamentals and positive earnings momentum across the sector. • Axis Bank is the top pick among the list, with analysts projecting a significant upside potential of 27.46%. • Other recommended stocks include major institutions such as ICICI Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and Canara Bank.

Factories in upbeat mood despite fears over economic impact of US war on Iran, poll findsBusiness live – latest updatesUK manufacturers ramped up production last month for the fourth consecutive month and at the fastest pace in almost two years, according to a leading survey of the industry.The S&P Global poll of manufacturers found them in upbeat mood in July, though anxious about the prospect of a long war in the Middle East that would block supplies of oil and gas, and raise the cost of production. Continue reading...

• Amazon Prime Video has signed a multi-year deal with CJ ENM to bring over 100 Korean dramas to the Indian market. • This agreement extends a 2025 global licensing pact and includes 26 new series, featuring titles such as 'Yumi's Cells Season 3', 'Filing for Love', and 'The Legend of Kitchen Soldier'. • The move highlights the surging popularity of K-content in India and Prime Video's strategy to capture a larger share of the regional streaming audience.

• Brokerages have identified several top stock picks for today's trade, including SBI Life, SBI Cards, Adani Energy, Tata Consumer, and Shriram Finance. • ACC is undergoing a merger with Ambuja Cements, where ACC shareholders will receive 328 Ambuja shares for every 100 ACC shares held. • Financial forecasts for an unspecified entity show a significant earnings trim of 28% for FY27E and 2% for FY28E, with the target price lowered to Rs310.

• Global economic trends show mixed signals, with US unemployment claims hitting a near 60-year low, indicating a highly stable labor market. • South Korea's economy experienced faster-than-expected growth, primarily fueled by a continuing boom in artificial intelligence chips. • Central bank policies diverged as the European Central Bank deferred rate hikes until September, while Russia and Hungary cut rates and Indonesia and South Africa held them steady.

Judit Polgár to discuss role with prime minister, who says Hungary needs someone the whole nation is proud ofHungary’s prime minister, Péter Magyar, has announced plans to ask Judit Polgár, widely considered the greatest female chess player of all time, to take on the largely ceremonial role of president.Magyar said he would meet Polgár on Monday to discuss the matter. “Our country needs unity, peace and a president that all Hungarians can be proud of,” he wrote on social media. “Judit Polgár’s name has been synonymous with talent and perseverance for decades.” Continue reading...