U.S. stock futures moved higher on Monday as investors welcomed signs of a pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran, helping to ease pressure on energy markets ahead of a crucial week for corporate earnings and central bank decisions.
By 05:49 GMT, Dow Jones futures had gained 398 points, or 0.8%, while S&P 500 futures were up 66 points, or 0.9%. Nasdaq 100 futures led the advance, climbing 406 points, or 1.4%.
Wall Street ended last week on a mixed note as rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment. However, indications that the White House is seeking to avoid a broader military escalation have improved market confidence, pushing oil prices lower while supporting both equities and bond markets.
Investors are now turning their attention to one of the busiest weeks of the earnings season, with around one-third of S&P 500 companies scheduled to publish quarterly results. Overall earnings are forecast to increase by approximately 26.5% compared with the same period last year.
Several of the world's largest technology companies are due to report this week, including Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). Their results are expected to provide fresh insight into whether the rapid pace of investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure can continue, as markets increasingly debate the long-term profitability of AI-related spending.

#points #investors #prices

Ireland have announced a 14-member squad for the first three ODIs of their five-match series against Afghanistan, beginning on August 5, with several first-choice players unavailable due to injuries. The selectors have opted to announce the squad only for the opening three matches, with the remaining two ODIs to be finalised after ****** sing the fitness of injured players.

One of the biggest talking points is the inclusion of Jai Moondra, who made his T20I debut against India earlier this month and impressed during Ireland's historic T20I series triumph over the reigning world champions. The youngster has now received his maiden ODI call-up and is one of two capped T20I players in the squad, alongside Ben Calitz, yet to make their 50-over international debut.

Ireland have also handed a first international call-up to medium pacer Byron McDonough. The 24-year-old enjoyed an impressive domestic campaign with Leinster Lightning, helping them win the Inter-Provincial Limited Overs Cup after claiming eight wickets in five matches. Across nine List A appearances, McDonough has picked up 15 wickets at an average of 29.33.
Captain Paul Stirling returns to lead the side after missing the recent T20I series against India through injury. However, Ireland continue to deal with a lengthy injury list, with Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany all unavailable due to injuries or return-to-play protocols. Cricket Ireland confirmed that the squad for the final two ODIs will be announced later, with changes possible depending on the recovery of the injured players.

The Afghanistan series will mark the first ****** ignment for newly appointed head coach Gary Wilson, who recently replaced Heinrich Malan. Former England batter Jonathan Trott will also join the Irish camp as a consultant for the first two ODIs against Afghanistan, having previously served as the Afghan national team's head coach.

The five-match series will also be Ireland's first men's bilateral ODI ****** ignment since hosting the West Indies in May 2025. The opening two matches will be played in Bready, while the remaining three fixtures will take place at Stormont.
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.

#ireland #t20i #squad

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Since Russia's full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has repeatedly spilled across Romania's border as drones violate the airspace of the neighboring European Union and NATO member.
Now Romania is trying something new to stop the incursions: shooting down the drones.
Romanian pilots shot down the first of three drones in as many days from F-16 fighter jets starting Friday as Russia intensified attacks against Ukraine near the border. After determining the drones were of Russian origin, Romania summoned Moscow's ambassador in protest and expelled a Russian diplomat on Monday.
Drones have crossed into Romanian territory multiple times from Ukraine to the north and east, including in May when a drone injured a mother and child after crashing into an apartment block in the eastern town of Galati along the Danube River.
Romanian authorities largely responded by scrambling jets, collecting debris, erecting fallout shelters near the border and frequently admonishing Moscow for its war spilling into its territory.

#drones #romanian #border #territory

Marriage isn't on the agenda for Ant Anstead and Renée Zellweger, at least not right now.
The Born Mechanic host, 47, shared an update on his five-year romance with the Oscar winner, 57, during an interview with The Telegraph. According to an article People published Tuesday, July 28, Anstead told The Telegraph that the couple isn't feeling any urgency to tie the knot. "I still believe in marriage, but right now we're really happy," he said, "We don't need the pressure of a label."
CraSH/imageSPACE / MEGA
The two have kept their romance largely out of the spotlight since they met in 2021 on the set of Anstead's discovery+ show, Celebrity IOU: Joyride. "Renée is a hands-on car girl. She used a grinder to cut metal, she was welding, she was on the spanners," Anstead said, per the report, noting she "never normally does [projects] outside film."
One of the first things that impressed Anstead about the Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy star was her confidence behind the wheel. "A lot of people in America don't drive stick [manual cars] but, on the first day of filming, we needed to relocate a car for a scene," he said, according to the article. "Ren jumps in, goes, 'I'll do it!', slams it into first, and off she goes. I'm like, 'Wow. This lady really knows her cars.'"

#according #article

Do the Seattle Seahawks need more at running back for the 2026 NFL season?
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay named Tennessee ******* ans star Tony Pollard as a running back that is worth the Seahawks pursuing in a trade prior to the start of next season.
"With good hands and acceptable pass-blocking talent, Pollard can be involved in all phases of Seattle's offense and used in a variety of ways," Kay said. "He's an ideal plug-and-play veteran for the defending champs as they gear up for another deep run."
Pollard is a perennial 1,000-yard rusher who excels in picking up yardage up the middle. He is consistent, skilled and has the experience to allow Seattle to not only run the ball in volume, but also change pace well next season.
With question marks at the running back position in Seattle, Pollard is a player who is capable of providing stability in the offensive backfield next to rookie Jadarian Price beginning in 2026.

#Seattle #seahawks

It seems like just yesterday, Elon Musk was anointed the world's first trillionaire by capital markets. Now, with **** e Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) stock down 43% from highs set in the days following its initial public offering (IPO), Musk's net worth is close to getting cut in half as bearish sentiment sets in.
Are we still far from intrinsic value, or is **** eX stock a screaming buy at $120 or below? When looking at the numbers, the answer is clear.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Wall Street and the tech community hyped up the **** eX initial public offering (IPO) because of the immense growth potential at play with this **** e economy and artificial intelligence (AI) stock. The key word in that statement is "potential."
SpaceX is the leader in commercial rocket launches, but it is a relatively small business, revenue-wise, given its current $1.5 trillion market capitalization. In 2025, the **** e segment only generated $4 billion in sales and actually lost money. **** eX's revenue and profit primarily come from its connectivity segment, Starlink satellite internet. This segment is growing 50% year over year and hit $11.4 billion in revenue last year.

#SpaceX #signal #down #flashing

RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) on Thursday lifted its sales and profit outlook for 2026, amid sustained demand for commercial aircraft maintenance and military systems, as airlines continue to rely on older fleets and governments restock weapons.
The aerospace and defense company now projects adjusted sales in the range of $95 billion to $96 billion, up from its earlier estimates of $92.5 billion to $93.5 billion. Wall Street has an average forecast of $94.08 billion. The full-year adjusted EPS is expected in the range of $7.10 to $7.25, up from $6.70 to $6.90, and above ******* ysts' forecast of $6.92 per share.
The forecast lift came during the second quarter earnings call on July 23, where RTX beat Wall Street's estimates for both revenue and profit. Quarterly revenue came in at $24.7 billion, growing 14% year-over-year, while adjusted EPS was logged at $1.89, representing a 21% increase from the prior year's period.
The Pratt & Whitney unit, which manufactures engines for Airbus jets and the F-35, saw a 16% increase in sales to $8.89 billion, while demand for air and missile defense systems drove an 18% sales growth in the company's Raytheon defense business. Collins Aerospace, which delivers advanced aviation systems, saw an 8% increase in sales.
The company said its backlog expanded 22% from the prior year's period to $289 billion, which included $170 billion in commercial aerospace and $119 billion in defense-related orders. Operating cash flow during the quarter came in at $3.5 billion, resulting in free cash flow of $2.9 billion.

#sales #adjusted #forecast #increase

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 659 points, or 1.3%, on Tuesday as strong earnings from Coca-Cola and Sherwin-Williams lifted blue-chip stocks while falling oil prices added support. The S&P 500 rose 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite finished little changed.
Sherwin-Williams stock surged 8% to pace the Dow after the paint maker topped second-quarter estimates. Coca-Cola stock climbed 5% after the beverage giant beat on both revenue and earnings and lifted its full-year guidance. Salesforce stock also gained 5%.
A broad rotation out of technology and into other sectors drove much of the day's action. The Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund hit its lowest level since May 7, while the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF and Financials ETF surged to record highs. Consumer-staples stocks led the S&P 500 with a 2.7% gain.
The VanEck Semiconductor ETF dropped more than 3%, marking a fourth straight session of losses for chip stocks. Micron shares declined roughly 8% and AMD shed 7%. A drop of nearly 6% in the PHLX semiconductor index pushed the Nasdaq-100 into correction territory at its session low, though the index recovered to close above that threshold, according to the Wall Street Journal. Software names provided a partial cushion, as Microsoft advanced nearly 2% and the iShares Expanded Tech-Software ETF added close to 2%.
Mounting anxiety over AI spending levels and China's accelerating advances in the sector have pressured chip stocks, according to the Journal. The weakness extended across the Pacific, where South Korea's Kospi finished down 10% and ****** an's Nikkei lost 4%.

#Stock #williams

Those beginning to worry about the renewed chip stock rout may find comfort in the fact that the broader markets are holding up very well.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) is still trading near record highs and above all key moving averages, per Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace data. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is holding above its 100-day and 200-day moving averages, but late last week it slipped below the 50-day.
A few factors are preventing the chip stock pullback from harming the broader market, according to Charles Schwab strategist Kevin Gordon. However, investors should be on the lookout for whether these trends reverse.
'You've got essentially two-thirds of S&P 500 companies that are trading above their 200-day moving average. That's relatively healthy and still consistent with the market that is more rotational in nature and not necessarily one that is correctional," Gordon said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid.
The equal-weighted index and cyclical stocks have all signaled a strong economy, he explained. "And when you do look at the reaction of the market to some of these earnings beats, most of the pressure and most of the underperformance has been concentrated in the tech sector. Outside of that, when you look at financials or industrials or consumer discretionary, the reaction in the market has actually been positive."

#gordon

The recent entry of Elon Musk's ******* eX (SPCX) into public markets has garnered investment interest on Capitol Hill, with half a dozen lawmakers taking stakes in the company, according to recently disclosed transactions.
The first apparent purchase came from Rep. Lisa McClain, a Republican and member of House Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership team. Her husband purchased between $100,000 and $250,000 in Musk's xAI in December 2025, before it was folded into ******* eX in February, giving the lawmaker and her family early exposure to the public debut on June 12.
SpaceX's initial public offering then saw five more lawmakers make purchases, according to the disclosures.
Rep. John James, a Michigan Republican, was first in as his wife bought between $15,000 and $50,000 worth of stock on the day of the IPO.
Three more GOP lawmakers — Rep. Daniel Meuser of Pennsylvania, William Timmons of South Carolina, and John McGuire of Virginia — obtained shares three days later.

#SpaceX #john #first #elon

SpaceX (SPCX) is poised to sink further after the stock hit a new all-time low Monday, days after a successful test of its Starship rocket. The surprising drop indicates that investor caution toward the newly public company persists, despite hitting an important launch milestone.
SpaceX shares are down nearly 4% in pre-market trade, this after dropping to $109.53 on Monday, before closing down 1.4% at $113.50. Shares have shed nearly 30% from the stock's $150 market debut last month, and are down an astounding 50% from its all-time high of $225.64.
Concern seems to be growing ahead of **** eX's big second quarter earnings report set for August 4th, with a big share unlock happening on August 6th. Per **** eX's lock-up period plan, as many as 20% of shares are eligible to be sold.
The rising angst among **** eX investors comes after Starship launched Friday evening from Starbase, Texas, on its 13th test flight, the first since **** eX's June IPO. Starship deployed all 20 of its next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, relit an engine in **** e, and made what **** eX called its softest ocean splashdown yet.
"I'm a little over the moon right now," **** eX spokesperson Dan Huot said on the company's livestream. "Lucky number 13."

#Monday #time #nearly

Newcastle United have added Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek to their list of summer targets as they continue the search for another senior option between the posts. According to Sky Sports, the Magpies are reassessing the market after missing out on James Trafford, with Hornicek now viewed as a genuine candidate.
The 24-year-old Czechia international appears to fit the profile Newcastle have been examining. He is young, has strong recent exposure in European competition and, crucially, has already shown the sort of consistency that tends to elevate a goalkeeper into a more competitive transfer bracket. A return of 24 clean sheets in 55 appearances last season underlines why interest is building, while seven shut-outs in 14 Europa League matches points to a player comfortable on a bigger stage.
Photo IMAGO
There is no suggestion yet that Newcastle have advanced to a formal bid, but enquiries have been made and the situation is clearly active. Hornicek's reported £30 million release clause gives this potential move a defined framework, even if competition from elsewhere in Europe could yet shape the pace of any negotiations. Benfica are also checking on his availability, while Hull City previously moved to trigger the clause before the player turned that opportunity down.
That context matters. It indicates Hornicek is in demand, and it also suggests he is being selective about the next step in his career. For Newcastle, that may be encouraging if they decide to move decisively.

#goalkeeper #lukas

Chennai: As India look to usher in a new generation of fast bowlers, Australian great Glenn McGrath believes Prasidh Krishna has all the ingredients to become Jasprit ****** rah's long-term pace partner.

The legendary fast bowler, who is the director of coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation, has closely followed Prasidh's rise and feels the tall Karnataka seamer has transformed his potential into performances.

"I'm a big fan of Prasidh," McGrath said. "If he gets his length right, he's got everything going for him."

"He has really matured. He's tall, bowls in good areas, generates bounce and has genuine pace. Occasionally he's a little short, but apart from that, I think he's the whole package. He's really developed and put his potential into performance," he said.

India have handed opportunities to several young quicks during the recent tours of the UK and Zimbabwe as they prepare for a demanding cycle of white-ball cricket, with the ODI and T20 World Cups to be played in South Africa and Australia-New Zealand respectively. It means India will need a strong pace attack firing on all cylinders, and McGrath believes the transition phase they are going through will not be easy.

"You've got ****** rah, who's a class bowler, and Mohammed Shami, who's world-class as well. Mohammed Siraj has been around for a long time too. You can't just expect to pick up straight where you left off. It's always going to be a transitional period," he said, referring to the Australian team, which will also go through a similar phase.

"Other than Pat ****** mins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, hardly anybody gets a chance... So it's not going to be easy for Australia either."

McGrath also pointed out that ****** rah's unconventional action demands careful workload management.

"The way he powers through those last few steps probably puts more stress on his body than most bowlers. It'll be interesting to see how he manages himself," McGrath said.

While India appear keen to fast-track younger bowlers, McGrath insisted experienced pacers still have an important role to play.

"It's always good to have experience there. Young bowlers learn by playing alongside senior guys. I was fortunate to watch Craig McDermott and Merv Hughes. That's where you really learn. I'd always pick an experienced team over a potential team," he said.

On whether veterans such as Shami or Bhuvneshwar ****** ar could still mount a comeback, McGrath said the decision rested on their bodies, motivation and the selectors.

"If they're prepared to put the work in and their body allows it, then why not? As fast bowlers get older, the work only gets tougher. Ultimately, it's up to them and the selectors."

McGrath also called for a rethink in the way fast bowlers are rehabilitated after injuries, arguing that modern systems often "wrap bowlers in cotton wool" instead of making them physically stronger.
132677427
"The best way is to get stronger. Even when you're in

Louis Vuitton owner LVMH reported first-half 2026 revenue of €38.64bn ($43.93bn), down 3% on a reported basis, though organic revenue rose 2% year-on-year.
Growth accelerated to 3% organically in the second quarter, or 4% excluding the impact of the Middle East conflict.
Profit from recurring operations stood at €8.69bn, down 4%, while the group share of net profit held steady at €5.69bn.
Second-quarter revenue alone reached €19.52bn, up 3% organically.
Regionally, the US saw growth pick up pace across the half, while Asia excluding **** an continued the improving trend that started in the second half of 2025.

#second

2026 has marked a significant turning point in biotech capital markets, not just a small comeback. Venture funding for biotech startups reached $9.1 billion in the first half of the year, the highest first-half total since 2022, while 13 biotech IPOs raised a combined $4.5 billion, with a median haul of nearly $302 million per offering, unusually high by recent standards, with the majority of this year's debutants still trading above their offering price. Dealmaking has also maintained its pace, with 38 acquisitions closing in the same time period, placing the industry at its fastest M&A pace in at least seven years.
Underneath that broad comeback is a more unique validation story for RNA interference in particular. The market for RNAi treatments is expected to rise from $2.9 billion in 2025 to $3.6 billion in 2026. This growth comes after RNAi spent nearly two decades as a research curiosity before receiving its first licensed medicine in 2018. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) has recently emerged as the clearest example of this transition, and the market's reaction raises the question of whether the story has been properly priced.
During Q1 2026, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALNY) exceeded $1 billion in quarterly product revenue for the first time in its history, with $1.036 billion in net product revenue, up 121% year-over-year and 4% sequentially over Q4 2025, on total revenue of $1.17 billion, up 96% year-over-year. AMVUTTRA alone delivered $890 million, bringing total TTR franchise revenue (AMVUTTRA plus ONPATTRO) to $910 million, up 153% from the previous year.
That growth completely flipped the company's bottom line: GAAP net income was $206 million, compared to a $15.9 million loss in the same quarter the previous year, and GAAP income from operations came in at $268.6 million, up from a prior-year loss. A company that continued to burn cash a year ago is now solidly profitable on a GAAP basis.
The growth is also not driven by a single medicine, which is important for long-term viability. The rare disease franchise, GIVLAARI and OXLUMO, added $126 million, increasing 15% year-over-year, while AMVUTTRA's worldwide rollout has reached seven markets, with payment negotiations still ongoing in the Spanish and French markets. This means that a significant portion of the revenue base is yet to be released.

#revenue #first #gaap #markets

Liverpool's interest in Bradley Barcola has become one of the most discussed stories of the current market, and Fabrizio Romano has now offered a pointed update on where things stand. In his latest discussion, Romano urged caution on the speed of any potential move, while making clear that the situation is alive and developing.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the key message for now is patience. He said, "many questions again tonight. I understand the excitement of Liverpool fans. I will tell you more tomorrow, but what I can say tonight as an update is don't expect something something imminent."
That line is central to the current picture around Barcola, Liverpool and PSG. The noise around the situation has grown quickly, but Romano was careful to stress that the pace of events should not be misread.
Romano addressed the intensity of the reaction around the winger directly. His wording left little room for misunderstanding as he explained, "So, I know that now everyone is jumping on the story. No one was caring about the Barcola in Liverpool in April, in May, in June, in July. Now, everyone is jumping on the story, but it doesn't mean that Liverpool signed Barcola today."
That is the current state of play as described by Romano. The conversation around Bradley Barcola and Liverpool may be gathering momentum publicly, but there is no suggestion from his update that an agreement has been completed or that a breakthrough is expected immediately.

#barcola #bradley #fabrizio

Liverpool are ready to test Paris Saint-Germain's resolve over Bradley Barcola, with Nico Schira reporting that a bid worth more than €100 million is being readied for the France winger. The 22-year-old is understood to be Liverpool's leading target as the club plans for life after Mohamed Salah, although PSG are said to value Barcola closer to €150 million to €170 million.
That gap is significant, yet it does not appear to have deterred Liverpool from moving the situation forward. The key line from the update is clear, "Liverpool are now ready to submit a bid to #PSG over €100M to try to sign Bradley #barcola ," which points to fresh intent rather than background admiration. It also underlines that Barcola has moved to the front of Liverpool's thinking in the wide forward market.
Barcola is widely regarded as one of Europe's most dynamic young attackers. His pace, one v one quality and capacity to stretch defences make him a natural fit for Premier League football, and Liverpool's recruitment team will know they are dealing with a player whose ceiling remains extremely high. If Salah's long-term succession plan is being accelerated, this is the sort of profile Liverpool would be expected to pursue.
PSG's stance is equally important here. The suggestion that Paris would demand €150 million to €170 million indicates they are in no rush to sell and would only engage seriously on elite terms. That leaves Liverpool with a familiar decision, pay a premium for a priority target or ***** s whether the market offers stronger value elsewhere.
From Liverpool's side, an opening bid above €100 million would carry weight and demonstrate conviction. It would also set the tone for talks, even if it falls well short of PSG's reported expectations. Clubs often begin with a number that reflects both intent and room to negotiate, especially in a deal of this size.

#Paris #bradley #ready #target

The bears may not be going anywhere on semiconductor stocks.
Quick insight: The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) — which counts Nvidia (NVDA), Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), and Broadcom (AVGO) as its top three holdings — has begun to form a head-and-shoulders stock pattern, according to Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace chart ****** ysis (below).
The left shoulder took shape starting in mid-May, with the head forming in late June, and now the right shoulder has emerged. The pattern will be official if the ETF falls below the May 19 closing low of $543.
The head-and-shoulders pattern is widely considered bearish, as it suggests that buyers are gradually losing control of the market for a particular stock or ETF.
During the formation of the left shoulder and head, buyers can still push prices to new highs. But the inability to push higher on the right shoulder suggests that buyer demand is beginning to weaken.

#shoulder #pattern #Stock #suggests

Abhishek Sharma's struggles in T20Is have come under renewed focus following another disappointing series against Zimbabwe, with former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth calling on the selectors to make a difficult decision if the opener's poor run continues.

The left-handed batter endured a forgettable three-match series, failing to register a double-digit score. His recent numbers have also become a concern, with Abhishek unable to cross 20 in each of his last six T20I innings. Since India's T20 World Cup triumph, he has managed just one half-century, putting his place in the side under the scanner as competition for the opening spot continues to grow.

The debate has intensified further after Sanju Samson, India's Player of the Tournament during the T20 World Cup-winning campaign, was left out of the Zimbabwe series despite his impressive performances. With several opening options available, Abhishek's extended lean spell has only added to the pressure on the ICC's former top-ranked T20I batter.

Reacting to the opener's dip in form, Srikkanth said rival teams have worked out a way to contain Abhishek and believes the selection panel may soon have to make a bold call. He also expressed confidence that Samson would return to the Indian setup.

"Abhishek Sharma has been sorted out (by opponents) in international cricket, right from the World Cup. I think a tough call has to be taken against him now. I feel Sanju will get his chance again now. He will receive a call back 100%. The selectors will have to take a tough call," he said in a video on his YouTube channel.

While Abhishek's form emerged as a talking point, India also found plenty to celebrate through the return of Mayank Yadav. The fast bowler made his comeback after a lengthy injury break, featuring in his first international match since October 2024.

Mayank made an immediate impact by claiming two wickets in the opening T20I before ending the series with a three-wicket haul in the final game. Bowling with genuine pace throughout the tour, he consistently troubled Zimbabwe's batting line-up and looked close to his best.

Srikkanth was delighted to see the pacer complete all three matches without any fitness concerns and urged the team management to continue investing in young talent.
132677455
"It was good to see Mayank Yadav playing all three games. So happy for him. Look at how consistent this boy was. The Indian future is very good. You have to back the right youngsters. I don't mind Ashok Sharma either," he said.

#three #World

BEIJING, July 27 (Reuters) - Profits at China's industrial firms grew at a solid, though slower, pace as resilient exports helped cushion sluggish domestic demand, highlighting ‌the economy's uneven recovery despite policymakers' efforts to spur consumption.
Exports and industrial production ‌have done much of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in consumption and the property sector, however, helped drag second-quarter growth to its slowest pace in more than three years, keeping calls alive for further policy support to address economic imbalances.
Industrial profit growth eased to 15.1% in June from 21.1% in May, while first-half profits rose 18.7% from a ‌year earlier, compared with an ⁠18.8% increase in the January-to-May period, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday.
"If this recovery can be sustained, it will ⁠be a good sign for the rest of the economy, as a return of profits growth could give companies room to resume wage growth," said Lynn Song, chief economist of Greater China at ING.
The figures add to evidence of a two-speed recovery in the world's second-largest economy, ‌where manufacturers have benefited from robust overseas demand, while sectors tied to domestic spending continue to struggle.

#industrial #recovery #second

Interested in RTX Corporation? Here are five stocks we like better.
RTX and Lockheed Martin both beat Q2 earnings and revenue estimates, sending shares up 7% and 10%, respectively, and expanding their record contract backlogs.
Neither company's backlog yet reflects the resumed Iran conflict, while an unenacted 2027 NDAA could threaten multiyear defense procurement contracts if not signed by October 1.
Lockheed's backlog is nearly all defense-related with limited commodity risk, whereas RTX's backlog is 58% exposed to commercial aerospace risks like fuel prices and airline capacity.
The war trade has resumed in July, and earnings from two of the U.S.'s most prominent defense contractors are leading the tape. After weak Q1 reports and a tenuous Iran ceasefire, aerospace and defense stocks deepened their drawdowns as the market repriced the re-stock trade and institutional selling intensified. But now that the war is back on and Q2 reports from defense companies are rolling in, the repricing is being repriced. Does the defense trade have staying power this time?

#backlog #Iran #stocks

by Charly Wegelius.
Tadej Pogacar won a record-equalling fifth Tour de France over the weekend. What better time, then, to read this 2013 memoir by a cyclist who won precisely nothing?
Cycling teams are built around ensuring one rider wins; teammates ride in front of the star for slipstreaming, set the pace on climbs, or even give up bike parts in case of a breakdown. Wegelius was one such "domestique." It is a "must-read," says the biking blog Velominati, and "it is a pleasure to read a book about modern cycling that is not a drug exposé." Buy Domestique from Amazon.
— Tom Chivers

#pogacar #velominati #amazon

While AI stocks have generally been hugely successful for shareholders, not every artificial intelligence (AI) company is riding high right now. ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) stock is trading down 51% from recent highs, and Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) has slid 18% over the past 12 months.
With these declines, some investors are likely wondering which AI stock is the better one to buy right now. Here's what investors should know.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Despite Palantir's significant share price declines this year, the company reported some impressive results in its first quarter (which ended March 31). Palantir's sales increased 85% to $1.6 billion, and adjusted non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings spiked 154% to $0.33 per share. Both results easily outpaced Wall Street's consensus estimates.
Palantir also reported that its total contract value is now $2.4 billion, up 61% from the year-ago quarter, and that it signed 72 deals worth at least $5 million and 47 deals of at least $10 million.

#signal #down

The race to become America's next economic heavyweight may already have a frontrunner.
The latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) migration data show billions of dollars in taxpayer wealth flowing into Texas, while Census figures show the state's largest metropolitan areas continue to outpace much of the country in population growth, strengthening a decades-long shift in America's economic center of gravity.
What's more, Texas isn't relying on a single boomtown. Dallas-Fort Worth added more residents than any metropolitan area in the country over the past year, while Houston, Austin and San Antonio also ranked among the nation's fastest-growing metros.
That unusual breadth gives Texas multiple engines of economic growth, providing businesses with larger labor pools, diversified industries and a broader customer base than states anchored by a single dominant city.
Billions In Taxpayer Income Are Leaving Two Iconic States — As A New Economic Map Emerges

#taxpayer

BEIJING, July 27 (Reuters) - Profits at China's industrial firms grew at a solid, though slower, pace as resilient exports helped cushion sluggish domestic demand, highlighting ‌the economy's uneven recovery despite policymakers' efforts to spur consumption.
Exports and industrial production ‌have done much of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in consumption and the property sector, however, helped drag second-quarter growth to its slowest pace in more than three years, keeping calls alive for further policy support to address economic imbalances.
Industrial profit growth eased to 15.1% in June from 21.1% in May, while first-half profits rose 18.7% from a ‌year earlier, compared with an ⁠18.8% increase in the January-to-May period, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday.
"If this recovery can be sustained, it will ⁠be a good sign for the rest of the economy, as a return of profits growth could give companies room to resume wage growth," said Lynn Song, chief economist of Greater China at ING.
The figures add to evidence of a two-speed recovery in the world's second-largest economy, ‌where manufacturers have benefited from robust overseas demand, while sectors tied to domestic spending continue to struggle.

#profits #economy #exports

Earnings season kicked into warp overdrive this past week. And it won't be any easier to navigate the market next week, with results from the likes of Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT).
Here are a few observations about last week's stock moves from Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace that may get your mind right heading into another frenzied week for investing.
So much for the many positives on the AI front from Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) second quarter earnings report.
The market couldn't have cared less.
Alphabet's second quarter capital expenditures came in at $44.9 billion, slightly above Wall Street forecasts of $44.7 billion. Full-year capex guidance was raised to $195 billion to $205 billion from $180 billion to $190 billion, with a "significant" increase seen for 2027, executives said on the earnings call.

#market #second #quarter #Microsoft

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has firmly rejected rumours over Rohit Sharma's international future, stating there is "no question" of the India opener retiring at this stage despite growing speculation during the recent England tour.

Questions over Rohit's future gathered pace after a prolonged lean patch with the bat, with reports suggesting the third ODI against England at Lord's could potentially be his final appearance for India. However, the 39-year-old answered those doubts in emphatic fashion by smashing 138 off 110 **** , becoming the first Indian batter to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.

Speaking to reporters, Shukla rubbished the retirement rumours and insisted there was no truth to the speculation.

"Rohit Sharma is a part of our team and is continuing to play. The things being circulated in the media and on social media have no meaning. As of now, there is no question of his retirement," Shukla said.

Rohit's century at Lord's also reinforced his own stance on his future. The India opener has consistently maintained that he wants to continue representing the country and remains determined to secure a place in India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

In an interview with BCCI.tv after his match-winning innings, Rohit made it clear that outside speculation would not distract him from his responsibilities.

"My job is with the bat. Come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That's what I have been told to do since my debut so that's what I am going to do," Rohit said.

"The noise since I made my debut was there. And till the time I am going to stay here, it is always going to be there. So it doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun."

Shukla also brushed aside calls for changes in India's leadership group following criticism directed at captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but the decision on who stays in the team and who does not rests with the selectors. The Indian team is performing well and winning matches, so there is no need for any changes at present," Shukla said.

Although Rohit's century at Lord's was one of the highlights of the tour, India finished the United Kingdom leg on a disappointing note. The visitors lost the ODI series against England 2-1 after earlier suffering a 2-0 defeat to Ireland and a 4-0 loss in the T20I series against England.

#england #noise

Oscar Piastri's Friday at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix was an uphill battle from the start. Forced to sit out Free Practice 1 to fulfill McLaren's mandatory rookie running requirements, the Australian had just one hour to get up to speed on a highly inconsistent, freshly resurfaced track.
Despite finishing FP2 down in eighth place—nearly 1.4 seconds off the leading pace set by Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton—Piastri remains highly optimistic about McLaren's potential this weekend.
Jumping into the MCL40 for FP2, Piastri inherited a tricky situation from reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, who had driven the car during the opening hour.
Nov 21, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; McLaren driver Oscar Piastri (81) reacts after qualifying fifth for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Hungaroring proved incredibly difficult to tame, characterized by severe gusts of wind and a bizarrely inconsistent track surface where new patches of tarmac were already wearing away. Adding to the frustration, Piastri's initial qualifying simulation was completely derailed when Alpine's Franco Colapinto spun backwards into the final corner barriers, triggering a red flag.

#oscar #grand #mandatory

Texas A&M's No. 1-ranked 2027 recruiting class is all but complete, barring any last-minute flips, specifically focused on five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson, who is firmly committed to South Carolina but recently stated that his recruitment is "long from over," which provides an opening for the Aggies, especially if the Gamecocks struggle during the 2026 season.
Heading into the fall, third-year coach Mike Elko and his staff are focused on the season at hand, while a long list of priority prospects in the 2028 recruiting cycle are already on pace to announce their commitments, with blue-chip four-star quarterback Donald Tabron already receiving multiple predictions to become A&M's second commitment in its 2028 class.
Under Elko, Texas A&M has been in the running for nearly every top-ranked prospect, no matter the position, thanks to a strong culture and, yes, NIL advantage, and on Friday, it was revealed that 2028 five-star Edge Darieon Prescott is set to announce his commitment on Monday, July 27, and will choose between Notre Dame, Oregon, and Texas A&M.
Coming off his unofficial visit to College Station, Prescott has received a prediction from Rivals to land with the Fighting Irish, but it's important to note that early commitments are almost never set in stone, providing every contending program more than a year to make headway.
Standing 6'6" and 220 pounds, Prescott is your standard elite athlete with immense potential, whose length and bend off the edge provide whichever coaching staff is lucky enough to land him with NFL traits that should lead to a bright future at the next level. Prescott is currently positioned as Rivals' 24th-ranked prospect, 5th-ranked Edge, and 2nd-ranked prospect in Illinois.

#prospect #rivals #class

Call it a B-spec, call it a heavily revised AMR26, call it whatever you want – what Aston Martin rolled out at the Hungaroring for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix is, by any reasonable engineering standard, a new Formula 1 car. Sixteen separate components were declared upgraded, mechanics broke FIA curfew to get both cars fitted in time, and the team reportedly flew spare parts to Budapest just to guarantee Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll could each run the full package. That is not a development update. That is a rebuild.
The backstory is by now well-documented and not particularly flattering. Adrian Newey didn't get serious work underway on the AMR26 until mid-March 2025, and the wind tunnel didn't see a model until mid-April – three months behind rivals who were already deep into the new regulatory cycle. The car that arrived at pre-season testing in Barcelona was overweight, paddock insiders estimated by somewhere between 10 and 15 kilograms, maybe more, and the Honda power unit was generating vibrations severe enough to rattle onboard cameras loose and leave Alonso and Stroll visibly fighting the steering wheel.
At the Australian opener, Alonso qualified 2.462 seconds off the pace. Both cars retired when the vibrations damaged the battery systems. It went largely sideways from there – one point across the opening ten rounds, tenth of eleven teams in the constructors' standings, behind only the expansion Cadillac outfit.
The nose is the clearest sign of how deep the changes go. Where the original AMR26 carried a wide, blunt front structure, the Hungary version features a noticeably thinner, more tapered profile – the kind of slender nose Newey has favoured since his early Red Bull years. That change alone cascades through the entire front end: new uprights, revised aerodynamic ducting, changed actuator mounting, and a completely reworked front wing with reshaped endplates. Per Newey, the forward section of the chassis was lightened to the point that it required a full re-homologation and fresh crash testing – which, depending on your definition, crosses the threshold from upgrade to new car.
Newey himself occupies both sides of that argument simultaneously. "The main structural elements remain the same – the chassis and gearbox architecture don't fundamentally change – but we've taken weight out of both, which required re-homologating and crash testing the forward chassis," he said. So: same architecture, new crash test. Make of that what you will.

#call #stroll