Update

• Stock futures declined as oil prices rose, while investors prepared for a heavy schedule of corporate earnings from major technology and industrial firms. • Airbus released mid-term guidance targeting adjusted earnings before interest and tax of €12 billion to €13 billion ($13.6 billion to $14.8 billion) by 2029. • The aerospace company surprised the market by announcing a €5 billion share buy-back program over the next three years.

• US stock markets climbed, led by the Nasdaq, as optimism surrounding artificial intelligence fueled a rally in technology and semiconductor shares. • Chipmakers like Micron, AMD, and Intel surged following strong export data from Taiwan and South Korea, signaling continued high demand for AI chips. • While General Motors rose on better-than-expected earnings, other major companies including Amazon, Walmart, and IBM experienced crashes.

• Deeptech startup Khageshvara Aviation Technology has secured an undisclosed investment from Finvolve and India Accelerator. • The funding is part of the company's ongoing pre-seed round to support the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft. • This investment is critical for advancing sustainable aviation technology and enhancing cargo transport efficiency through electric propulsion.

• House Republicans have cleared a key procedural hurdle to advance a short-term funding bill and a separate legislative package dubbed "Reconciliation 3.0." • GOP leadership aims to pass both measures before the House adjourns for a scheduled five-week recess this Thursday. • These legislative efforts are critical to avoiding a government shutdown and implementing priority policy changes through the reconciliation process.

• The AI Safety and Management Act (AISMA) introduces a new regulatory framework targeting "large frontier developers" to mitigate catastrophic AI risks. • The law applies to developers with annual gross revenues exceeding $500 million who train models using more than 10²⁶ integer or floating-point operations. • "Catastrophic risk" is specifically defined as a single incident causing the death or serious injury of over 50 people, or property damage exceeding $1 billion.

• Thailand continues to navigate a complex geopolitical relationship with Cambodia, focusing on resolving long-standing border disputes. • Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly urged both nations to prioritize diplomatic dialogue over confrontation to maintain regional stability. • The Thai government is simultaneously balancing these external tensions with domestic priorities, including sweeping infrastructure investments and cultural recognition efforts.

• Arizona voters are casting ballots in critical primary elections to determine candidates for governor, secretary of state, and various House districts. • In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson is preparing for the general election as Republicans scrutinize his political record for potential liabilities. • Roger Rogoff, a U.S. attorney for the Western District of Washington, has sued the Trump administration after being fired less than an hour after being sworn in.

• The Trump administration has resumed military strikes on Iran and expanded sanctions targeting weapons procurement and oil-shipping networks. • On July 17, the EU Council sanctioned one individual and five entities linked to the ABS Electro group for producing electronic components used in Russian drone warfare. • Simultaneously, the U.S. Congress is advancing legislation that could impose unprecedented tariffs on major energy buyers to further isolate Russia.

• Scotiabank increased its price target for ATCO from C$70.00 to C$79.00 on July 21, 2026, maintaining a “sector perform” rating. • ATCO's shares were last traded at C$77.97, reflecting a market capitalization of C$7.87 billion and recent quarterly revenue of C$1.43 billion. • SoFi (NASDAQ:SOFI) shares rose 1.6% to $17.29 following new 2026 guidance projecting an adjusted net income margin near 21% for the second half of the year.

• The Houthis have announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to disrupt maritime traffic in the region. • This escalation risks expanding the existing shipping crisis in the Middle East, potentially impacting global trade and energy security. • The move highlights the growing influence of the "Axis of Resistance" and the volatile security situation surrounding the Iran conflict.

• Deeptech startup Khageshvara Aviation Technology has secured an undisclosed investment from Finvolve and India Accelerator. • The funding is part of the company's ongoing pre-seed round to support the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft. • This investment highlights the growing interest in sustainable, electric aviation solutions for logistics and cargo transport.

• Arizona is holding primary elections today to determine candidates for governor, secretary of state, and several competitive House battleground districts. • Separately, President Trump is meeting with the Lebanese president to discuss military aid and the ongoing conflict involving Israel. • Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine, has criticized the Trump administration for removing senior generals and admirals from the Defense Department since January 2025.

• Novartis shares climbed 1.7% in London trading following a second-quarter report that exceeded core operating profit expectations. • New British Prime Minister Burnham officially took office on Monday, introducing a vision for a "new economic model" for the UK. • Burnham's strategy includes a comprehensive 10-year plan focused on national reindustrialization and fostering a more collaborative political environment.

• The first day of Parliament's 2026 Monsoon Session concluded on Monday without substantial business, following a "Mangal Milan" gathering of PM Modi and NDA leaders. • CPI MP P Sandosh submitted a Suspension of Business Notice under rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to demand an urgent discussion on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). • The notice highlights systemic irregularities, including organized cheating, paper leaks, and administrative failures that have undermined the credibility of the medical entrance exam.

• Indian benchmark indices traded flat in early sessions, with the Sensex at 77,710 and the Nifty exceeding 24,230. • ICICI Bank shares rose nearly 3% following a strong June-quarter report, which saw consolidated net profit increase 13.88% year-on-year to Rs 15,440 crore. • Market gains were offset by sharp losses in HDFC Bank and Axis Bank after their quarterly earnings, as well as renewed US-Iran tensions.

• Republicans are seeking ways to force a Senate vote on the SAVE America Act, which would mandate proof of U.S. citizenship for federal election registration. • Former President Donald Trump has publicly pressured lawmakers to pass the measure and send it to his desk before the 2026 midterm elections. • Some Senate conservatives are now considering attaching the act to a short-term government funding bill to ensure its passage.

• Iran has launched a series of attacks targeting Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant escalation in regional conflict. • The offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 3 U.S. service members and left dozens of others wounded. • In a potential diplomatic shift, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni traveled to Pakistan on Monday to engage in talks with the country acting as a key mediator.

• The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is scheduled to hold talks with BJP leader JP Nadda following large-scale youth protests and reports of police lathi-charging demonstrators ahead of a march to Parliament. • Activist Sonam Wangchuk remains on a fast, with his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, stating he will only end it on Monday if political leaders visit him in the hospital. • The protesters are demanding education accountability, with Wangchuk requiring a formal assurance that this issue will be addressed during the current Parliament session.

• The Monsoon Session of Parliament was adjourned for the day following the laying of papers, oath-taking by new members, and obituary references. • Proceedings were disrupted as protests by the CJP intensified and opposition parties launched sharp attacks against the government. • Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously expressed hope that the session would remain smooth and productive.

• A review of the dark fantasy drama "The East Palace" was published on July 21, 2026, praising the show's thrilling narrative. • Despite the high quality of the drama, the reviewer noted that the production was hindered by "choppy graphics." • The review highlights the tension between technical flaws and strong storytelling in modern high-budget fantasy series.

• China's men's national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, despite the tournament expanding its field to 48 teams. • FIFA is now considering a further expansion to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament to increase the likelihood of China's participation. • This move is driven by FIFA's desire to tap into China's massive market of soccer fans and the billions in potential revenue they represent.

• On February 28, the US and Israel launched joint "pre-emptive" strikes against targets in Iran, escalating a conflict that Iran describes as a "full-scale war." • The military escalation has triggered an immediate economic impact, with US gasoline prices rising to an average of $4 per gallon according to AAA. • This surge in energy costs presents a significant political risk for President Donald Trump, as affordability is expected to be a primary concern for voters.

• Yelp (YELP) and Opera Limited (OPRA) are diversifying into social media, connected TV, and search to drive revenue growth amid ongoing economic and regulatory pressures. • TE Connectivity (TEL) is set to report its Q3 fiscal 2026 earnings on July 22, with analysts forecasting a 17% year-over-year increase in adjusted EPS to $2.83. • TEL's projected revenue of approximately $5 billion reflects a 10% increase, supported by strong order backlogs in the Transportation and Industrial Solutions sectors.

• Bengaluru-based healthtech startup Plazza has successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round. • The investment was co-led by Accel, Elevation Capital, and Nexus Venture Partners, with additional support from All In Capital and Better Capital. • This capital injection allows Plazza to scale its healthtech operations and expand its reach within the competitive Indian startup ecosystem.

• JioStar is significantly expanding the "Bigg Boss" franchise by launching versions in six different languages. • The expansion features a high-profile lineup of hosts and stars, including Salman Khan, Mohanlal, and Sourav Ganguly. • This strategic move represents a major bet by JioStar to capture a broader regional audience within the $2.83 trillion global entertainment industry.

• The United States has intensified military strikes against Iranian targets following the death of a third American service member. • President Donald Trump stated that Iran was hit "very hard" in response to the recent casualties. • The escalation occurs amid regional instability, including Houthi accusations that Saudi Arabia attacked the Yemeni capital's airport, ending a long-term de facto truce.

• Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that critical decisions regarding negotiations were reached without the input of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. • This admission indicates potential internal friction or a breakdown in the decision-making hierarchy within the Iranian leadership. • The revelation is significant as it highlights a possible disconnect between the diplomatic wing and the highest authority in Iran.