Quarterly

• Samsung is projected to achieve a record-high operating profit in the second quarter, fueled by surging demand for AI infrastructure and memory chips. • To sustain this growth, Samsung and SK Hynix have pledged a combined investment of 3,200 trillion won ($2.07 trillion) to expand chip production capacity in South Korea. • Samsung plans to execute its portion of this investment between 2026 and 2040, though SK Hynix has not yet provided a specific timeframe.

• The European Central Bank released balance of payments data for the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the euro area's current account surpluses. • The region recorded its largest bilateral surpluses with the United Kingdom at €236 billion and Switzerland at €78 billion, both increasing from the previous year. • Other notable surpluses were recorded against emerging economies (€140 billion), advanced economies (€111 billion), and offshore centres (€36 billion).

• European bank stocks experienced a strong rally in the second quarter, contributing to a total sector index gain of approximately 180% since the start of 2023. • Investors are driving this growth based on the expectation of stronger balance sheets and a significant revival in trading revenues and dealmaking. • The trend matters as it signals high investor confidence in the region's financial stability and growth potential despite broader economic volatility.

• The BSE Sensex closed 250 points lower and the Nifty50 dropped below 23,900, reflecting a bearish trend in the Indian stock market. • Global crude oil prices are experiencing a significant decline, positioning the commodity for its steepest quarterly loss since 2020 amid hopes for US-Iran peace talks. • Market losses were partially offset by improving domestic macroeconomic indicators and a strengthening Indian rupee, which helped stabilize overall investor sentiment.

• The Europe Stoxx 600 index is positioned to achieve its most significant quarterly gain in more than five years, driven largely by a surge in artificial intelligence interest. • Technology stocks specifically rose 1.7 per cent, putting them on track for their strongest quarterly performance since October 2001. • This growth highlights the profound impact of the AI boom on European equity markets and investor sentiment toward tech-driven sectors.

• Spain's economy grew by 0.6% in the first quarter of the year, according to confirmed GDP data. • The figures provide an official measure of the country's economic expansion during the start of the year. • This growth indicator is critical for assessing Spain's financial health and its performance relative to other Eurozone nations.

• TJX Companies reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 net sales of $14.3 billion, up 9% from $13.1 billion a year earlier. • The retailer said earnings per share rose as off-price demand remained resilient across its banner stores and inventory execution stayed strong. • The result is important because TJX is often seen as a read on consumer spending and value-oriented retail demand in the U.S.