Recap

• The KOSPI index surged 404.76 points (5.90%) to reach 7,260.59 by 9:11 a.m. on the 15th, briefly recapturing the 7,200 level shortly after the market opened. • A market trigger was activated just six minutes after the opening bell due to a rapid surge in the price of index futures. • This volatility highlights extreme short-term fluctuations in the Korean stock market, potentially driven by aggressive futures trading.

• U.S. stock indices closed lower on July 13 following a sharp plunge in AI chip stocks and a drop in gold prices below $4,000. • Brent crude oil soared 10% as geopolitical tensions escalated between the U.S. and Iran, involving threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of a shipping blockade. • The market is now shifting focus to the start of the second-quarter earnings season, with major banks including JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs reporting on Tuesday.

• More than 70 European tech funding deals were tracked last week, totaling over €2.8 billion in capital, alongside five exits and M&A transactions. • Notable investments include €19.2M for Belgium's e-peas, €18M for Germany's Stenon, €18M for the Netherlands' Protein Brewery, and $18M for Spain's Sherpa.ai. • The UK's AI robotics group Dogtooth also secured £14M, highlighting a strong regional focus on energy harvesting, AI development, and robotics.

• Erling Haaland scored twice to lead Norway to a surprising victory over Brazil during the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. • The match took place on Day 25 of the 39-day tournament, marking a significant upset in the competition. • Beyond the pitch, media coverage has shifted to highlight the cultural significance of World Cup celebrations in Southern California, contrasting current reporting with past negative portrayals.

• The World Cup has entered the knockout stages with all three host nations successfully advancing to the round of 16. • Belgium captain Youri Tielemans set a new tournament record for the latest goal in World Cup history, scoring a penalty at 124 minutes and 44 seconds to defeat Senegal. • The current round of win-or-go-home games has been characterized by high drama, including two stoppage-time winners and two penalty shootouts.

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 22 novel drugs during the first half of 2026, expanding treatment options across various medical specialties. • Key approvals include copper histidinate (formerly CUTX-101) for Menkes disease, supported by two open-label studies involving 129 patients treated with subcutaneous administration for up to 3 years. • The FDA also granted approval for a new treatment targeting mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on phase 3 clinical trial data from both adult and pediatric populations.

• Metrigy analyst Irwin Lazar shared key insights from InfoComm 2026, focusing on the expanding integration of Artificial Intelligence within audiovisual (AV) and workplace collaboration technologies. • The analysis highlights critical advancements in AI-powered room management, data federation, and the development of specialized tools for deep fake detection. • These trends signify a shift toward "Agentic AI," where intelligent systems move beyond simple assistance to actively managing complex workspace environments and security protocols.