Surprise

• Thailand's main stock index has surged over 20% in 2026 through Wednesday, outperforming regional benchmarks in Singapore and Vietnam while Indonesia saw declines. • The growth is largely driven by AI-related infrastructure, specifically power system makers like Delta Electronics (Thailand) and data center investments. • Other top-performing stocks contributing to this rally include Advanced Info Service, PTT, Gulf Development, and Airports of Thailand.

• The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index data for May. • As the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge for measuring inflation, this data is critical for determining future monetary policy and interest rate decisions. • Market participants are analyzing the results to see if inflation trends align with the Fed's targets or present a surprise that could shift the economic outlook.

• England played to a surprise 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second World Cup group stage match. • Despite creating several late scoring opportunities, the Three Lions failed to convert, resulting in a single point for the game. • This result follows a dominant 4-2 opening victory over Croatia featuring goals from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford.

• The second round of the 2026 World Cup featured standout individual performances, including record-breaking play by Eloy Room for Curacao against Ecuador and a tournament-best save by Iran's Alireza Beiranvand against Belgium. • Analysis highlights the tactical growth of Cape Verde, with player Vozinha helping the squad establish a cohesive identity, while Senegal suffered a significant defensive collapse in their match against Norway. • These results provide critical insights into team form and player momentum as the tournament transitions into the third round.

• Citigroup's US Economic Surprise Index reached 63.2, marking its highest level since August 2023. • The surge was driven by actual data for retail sales, employment, and manufacturing significantly exceeding Wall Street's median forecasts. • This deeply positive reading indicates that the US economy is performing meaningfully stronger than analysts had predicted.

• Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a "salty surprise" on a cold exoplanet nicknamed the "Pink Planet." • The research team noted that the chemical composition of this planet is unlike any other celestial body they have previously analyzed. • This discovery is significant as it provides new insights into the atmospheric makeup of some of the coldest exoplanets in the universe.

• England manager Thomas Tuchel has called up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah to replace Newcastle's Tino Livramento in the World Cup squad. • The replacement was finalized by a 9pm BST Tuesday deadline, just 24 hours before England's opening match against Croatia on Wednesday. • While Chalobah is currently traveling to the United States and will miss the Croatia game, he will be available for upcoming group stage fixtures.