Share 2026

• Shares of chipmakers fueling the AI boom experienced massive growth in the first half of 2026, with some companies seeing their valuations triple. • This surge in semiconductor stock prices has driven a sharp upward trend across Asia Pacific stock markets. • The growth highlights the critical role of hardware infrastructure in sustaining the global artificial intelligence expansion.

Value of some chip manufacturers have tripled, or more, driving Asia Pacific stock markets sharply higherShares in chipmakers have surged in the first half of this year as investors piled into companies that make the hardware underpinning the AI boom, according to analysis.Investors have driven up the value of semiconductor and memory chip manufacturers, whose profits have soared during 2026, at the expense of some large software companies, which have fallen out of favour this year. Continue reading...

• The Bull released its weekly "18 Share Tips" for June 29, 2026, highlighting top ASX shares recommended by leading analysts. • Aristocrat is featured for its substantial on-market share buy-back, strong cash generation, and digital expansion, which are expected to drive earnings per share growth. • Goodman Group (GMG) is highlighted for its strategic acquisitions and development in data centers, AI infrastructure, and cloud computing.

• Asian stock markets rallied on Thursday, June 25, 2026, driven by a surge in technology shares across the region. • The rally was triggered by "blockbuster" earnings reports from US chipmakers Micron and Qualcomm, which renewed investor confidence in artificial intelligence. • This movement highlights the continued global influence of US tech performance on regional indices such as the Nikkei 225 and markets in Seoul and Taipei.

• Kraft Heinz reported Q1 2026 sales of $6,047 million, net income of $798 million, and basic EPS of $0.67, beating expectations. • Company completed $1.51 billion share repurchase and launched $1.10 billion tender offer for long-dated debt notes, affirming quarterly dividend of $0.40 payable June 26. • Results highlight early turnaround progress under CEO Steve Cahillane amid weak North American volumes and inflation pressures; projects $24.8 billion revenue by 2029.

• HSBC released its Q1 2026 earnings call transcript showing results fell short of expectations amid challenging market conditions. • Despite the earnings miss, HSBC's stock price increased following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the bank's outlook. • The results highlight ongoing pressures in global banking, with potential impacts on investor sentiment toward international financial institutions listed in the US.

Kelley Carter, senior entertainment reporter at ESPN's Andscape, previewed her 2026 Oscars predictions on ABC News Live, highlighting frontrunners in key categories. The segment aired as Hollywood gears up for Conan O'Brien's hosting debut this Sunday at the Dolby Theatre. Carter's insights come amid widespread speculation on winners like Warner Bros' contenders. Fans anticipate surprises in best picture and acting races during the live broadcast.