Value

• Data centre values in the Asia Pacific region are projected to exceed USD $950 billion, driven by surging AI demand and power constraints. • Colocation revenue is expected to top USD $66 billion by 2030, with approximately 7.8 gigawatts of future capacity already secured across the region. • While Australia, Malaysia, India, and Japan recorded the highest committed capacity, Indonesia and Thailand saw the fastest growth, with pre-leasing volumes rising fivefold and ninefold.

• Finansia has identified "value play" stocks as a primary growth theme for the Thai benchmark market, driven by anticipated fund inflows and the current AI investment cycle. • Energy stocks are receiving support from Brent crude oil prices, which are currently hovering around $93.8 per barrel. • The commercial banking sector is expected to benefit from Thailand's improving economic outlook, making it a key target for foreign capital.

• AIA Group reported a 10% increase in its new business value for the first half of the year, with positive growth across all reportable segments except Thailand. • The insurer maintains a broad operational footprint across 18 Asian markets, including mainland China, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as Australia and New Zealand. • The growth comes amid market pressure following reports that Chinese tax authorities may levy a 20% personal income tax on returns from Hong Kong insurance policies.

• SanDisk has experienced a significant price surge, signaling a broader trend of renewed opportunities within the value stock sector. • The report identifies three industry-leading companies characterized by strong financial fundamentals and attractive current valuations for investors. • This analysis is supported by Steve, the Founder of Alpha Picks, who utilizes a data-driven, systematic approach to remove emotional bias from stock selection.

• Investors are currently analyzing European stocks to identify companies trading below their intrinsic value amid a resurgence in market risk appetite and resilient earnings. • The analysis focuses on capitalizing on market inefficiencies, specifically looking toward valuations as of August 2026. • This search for undervalued assets is occurring while market participants closely monitor how geopolitical developments may impact overall stock valuations.

• Axis Max Life CIO Sachin Bajaj reports that Indian equities are entering a favorable phase driven by recovering earnings, moderate valuations, and strong domestic flows. • Bajaj specifically recommends investing in financials, healthcare, capital goods, digital platforms, and manufacturing beneficiaries, while advising caution regarding overpriced stocks. • Fundamental outlooks have improved as Q1 FY27 earnings growth is exceeding expectations and high-frequency economic indicators signal sustained positive momentum.

• The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index recently rose by 1.70%, driven by resilient corporate earnings and an improved appetite for risk among investors. • This growth occurs despite persistent geopolitical uncertainties, creating a climate of cautious optimism across European equity markets. • The current market environment presents a strategic opportunity for investors to identify value stocks that are currently trading below their estimated intrinsic worth.

Poll finds consensus on what makes people proud to be British but deep divisions on issues such as immigrationYou may think it’s a commitment to buying a round, the ability to chat at length about the weather, or making a proper cup of tea. But when it comes down to what makes people proud to be British, there is a consensus across all ages, demographics and political groups – and tea, pints and the weather don’t get a look-in.Hard work, fair play and community are the values that voters – no matter which political party, age group, social class or region they come from – instinctively believe capture what it means to be British, according to a large-scale study of British values by Public First. Continue reading...

• The combined market capitalization of four of India's top-10 most valued firms increased by Rs 1.43 lakh crore last week. • State Bank of India (SBI) emerged as the biggest winner among the gaining companies during this period. • Market growth occurred despite volatility caused by the RBI's monetary policy decision, geopolitical uncertainties, and the new Closing Auction Session (CAS) framework for F&O stocks.

Documents published on US embassy’s website prompt claims of attempt to export Maga propaganda to UKThe US embassy in London is offering grants of up to half a million dollars for new “public education” programmes in what has been criticised as interference in British domestic politics.Using language that the pro-Trump Maga movement has sought to appropriate, a funding notice identifies a goal of fostering a “national conversation” about “shared civilizational values” underpinning US-UK ties. Priority will go to applicants aiming to celebrate “freedom of speech” and “limited government”. Continue reading...

• Leopold Aschenbrenner’s AI hedge fund is relaunching with a $400 million bet following a significant financial collapse in July. • During the previous downturn, the fund lost the majority of its value and was forced to dump its entire portfolio to Citadel. • This comeback highlights the high-risk, high-reward nature of AI-driven speculative investing and Aschenbrenner's ability to attract substantial capital despite past failures.

• Defense tech startup Hadrian has reached a valuation of nearly $8 billion following a fresh round of funding. • The company joins other high-value firms like Shield AI, valued at $12.7 billion in March, and autonomous ship maker Saronic, valued at $9.25 billion. • This surge in investment is driven by President Trump's strategic plans to modernize and upgrade the U.S. military infrastructure.

Clean Energy Council calls for a national, legislated scheme to funnel benefits of hosting renewables projects back to local councilsSign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter hereOrganised campaigns against wind and solar energy have proved “extremely effective” in undermining community support for renewable energy but enthusiasm for electric vehicles has jumped following Donald Trump’s attack on Iran, according to a detailed snapshot of Australian attitudes to the clean energy transition.The survey found levels of “deep support” for clean technologies were highest for home batteries and rooftop solar and also improving for major infrastructure projects such as transmission lines, which have been a target for critics of renewables.Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s Clear Air column as a free newsletter Continue reading...

• Nine of India's top 10 most valued firms saw their combined market capitalization erode by Rs 2.74 lakh crore last week. • HDFC Bank suffered the most significant loss, with its market value dropping by over Rs 1 lakh crore, while Reliance Industries also experienced a notable decline. • Analysts attribute the downturn to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, a weakening rupee, and mixed Q1 FY27 earnings reports from the banking sector.

• During the Parliament monsoon session on July 27, Union minister Jitendra Singh is scheduled to introduce the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. • CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar submitted a Suspension of Business notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to demand an Independent Judicial Commission. • The requested commission would investigate police actions against students protesting NEET exam irregularities and the broader failure of the national examination system.

• Nine of India's ten most valued companies saw their combined market capitalization erode by Rs 2.74 lakh crore during a volatile trading week. • HDFC Bank suffered the most significant loss, with its market value dropping by over Rs 1 lakh crore, while Reliance Industries also experienced a notable decline. • Market analysts attribute the downturn to rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, a weakening rupee, and mixed Q1 FY27 earnings reports from the banking sector.

• French politician Laure Miller is championing Europe's first age-threshold law to restrict teenage social media access, driven by a desire to protect children from online harms. • France, Greece, Denmark, Italy, and Spain recently tested "zero knowledge proof technology," allowing users to verify their age via national ID apps without exchanging additional personal data. • This initiative signals a shift toward more stringent restrictions than those currently implemented by Australia, the primary mover in global social media bans.

• Chinese AI lab Moonshot AI plans to begin discussions in August for a final round of pre-IPO fundraising, targeting a valuation of up to US$50 billion. • The company is currently finalizing a separate financing round that began in summer 2024, which values the firm at approximately US$31.5 billion. • This capital injection is intended to leverage excitement surrounding Moonshot's latest AI model to strengthen its financial position before going public.

• OpenAI researcher Miles Wang is reportedly in talks to launch an AI-driven drug discovery startup with a projected valuation of $2 billion. • Venture capital firm Lightspeed is in discussions to lead the funding round, though Wang has disputed the specific valuation figures and company description. • The move highlights a surge in investor interest in life sciences, exemplified by Chai Discovery's recent announcement of $400 million in funding at a $3.8 billion valuation.

Broadway star, who is performing on the vessel, expresses shock after authorities ban Scarlet Lady from docking in Kuşadası A cruise ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers and the Broadway performer Patti LuPone has been blocked from entering Turkey after local authorities said their behaviour didn’t “align with the structure of our society and our moral values”.Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady set sail from Athens, Greece, on 5 July for what was billed as “an epic all-gay voyage” over 10 days run by Atlantis, a US company that puts on cruises and vacations for LGBTQ+ people. Continue reading...

• Analyst Callum Thomas provided a weekly S&P 500 ChartStorm overview, highlighting a broadening bull market and shifting dynamics between value and growth stocks. • The analysis compares equal-weighted versus cap-weighted indices and examines the performance of financials, micro caps, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). • A critical component of the review includes an ongoing "bubble watch" regarding AI stocks to determine if current valuations are sustainable.

• India's M&A deal value surged 31% to $86.9 billion in the first half of 2026, according to a report by LSEG. • While total deal volumes decreased by 8%, the value increase was driven by fewer but larger transactions, including significant restructurings and cross-border acquisitions. • Sector-specific growth was strong in healthcare, industrials, and financials, with inbound M&A specifically rising 28.8% to $13.8 billion.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged nearly 600 points (1.1%) to reach a new record high of 52,900 during a volatile trading session in 2026. • In a stark contrast, the Nasdaq-100 fell by almost 500 points (1.6%), while the S&P 500 remained virtually unchanged. • This divergence highlights a significant shift in market momentum, where gains in traditional value industries offset heavy losses in the technology sector.

Exclusive: Finance experts warn against investing in bitcoin treasury companies after Stack BTC assets plungeA bitcoin company that Nigel Farage has advertised lost more than 15% of its asset value, prompting finance experts to warn investors against those types of firms.The Reform UK leader has invested £215,000 in a bitcoin treasury company named Stack BTC. A bitcoin treasury buys the cryptocurrency on behalf of its shareholders, and Stack aims to purchase other companies with the increase in value it gets from holding bitcoin. Continue reading...

• Palo Alto Networks shares rose 3.26% today, reaching a trading price of $352.13. • The stock's upward movement is attributed to strong technical momentum and increased bullish buying pressure within the market. • This gain reflects positive investor sentiment and short-term trading strength for the cybersecurity firm.

• The "Magnificent 7" tech giants—Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Tesla, and Amazon—lost approximately $2.3 trillion in combined market value during June 2026. • The decline was driven by growing investor skepticism regarding whether massive investments in AI infrastructure will generate significant near-term financial returns. • This shift is critical as it signals a market correction based on the perceived ROI of AI, potentially impacting chip supply chains and procurement strategies.

More than half of homes taken to auction not selling while median property price in Adelaide started to slide in JuneGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastHouse prices are now falling in four capital cities with the Adelaide market beginning to slide in June, while Sydney values have dropped by $48,000 since the start of the year.Data from Cotality, released on Wednesday, showed Sydney and Melbourne recorded their biggest one-month decline in values since August 2022, falling 1.2% and 1% respectively. Continue reading...

• The market capitalization of six of India's top 10 most valued firms increased by a combined Rs 88,678.1 crore during the last week of trading. • ICICI Bank emerged as the biggest winner of the surge, with HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries also seeing significant gains in valuation. • Conversely, the overall growth was tempered by valuation drops experienced by major companies including Bharti Airtel, TCS, and LIC.