🔥 Top Stories
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on the 4th that Russia is prepared to end the Ukraine war through diplomatic channels and willing to use the US-Russia Anchorage talks as a basis for ceasefire negotiations. Putin emphasized that if negotiations fail, Russia will defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, but only if Ukraine makes concessions. Putin claimed to have reached relevant agreements with US President Trump.
Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved a drug and impaired driving prevention report reclassifying etomidate (known as zombie drug) from Schedule II to Schedule I controlled substance. The drug has caused multiple serious traffic accidents. The government will implement fourteen measures across three areas: source deterrence, enforcement enhancement, and severe penalties for drug-impaired driving. Trafficking etomidate now carries a maximum death sentence.
The US House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution with a vote of 215-208, requiring President Trump to obtain congressional authorization before military action against Iran or withdraw US troops. Though largely symbolic at this stage, the resolution reflects growing concerns within the Republican Party and represents a significant political setback for the Trump administration.
The European Commission unveiled a comprehensive initiative to expand the EU's domestic technology supply chain and enhance self-sufficiency in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The plan aims to reduce dependence on suppliers from the United States and Asia, reflecting the EU's strategic commitment to technological autonomy.
SpaceX filed documents with the SEC showing plans to issue approximately 555.6 million shares at $135 per share, raising approximately $75 billion in what would be the largest IPO on record. The company's valuation is expected to reach nearly $1.77 trillion. JPMorgan Chase, serving as one of the underwriters, will have CEO Jamie Dimon personally pitch the stock to high-net-worth investors.
🏛 Politics
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on the 4th that Russia is prepared to end the Ukraine war through diplomatic channels and willing to use the US-Russia Anchorage talks as a basis for ceasefire negotiations. Putin emphasized that if negotiations fail, Russia will defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, but only if Ukraine makes concessions. Putin claimed to have reached relevant agreements with US President Trump.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution requiring American military withdrawal from operations against Iran. President Trump criticized the measure as unpatriotic, arguing it interferes with U.S.-Iran negotiations. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform expressing disapproval, emphasizing the resolution's negative impact on diplomatic talks.
Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved a drug and impaired driving prevention report reclassifying etomidate (known as zombie drug) from Schedule II to Schedule I controlled substance. The drug has caused multiple serious traffic accidents. The government will implement fourteen measures across three areas: source deterrence, enforcement enhancement, and severe penalties for drug-impaired driving. Trafficking etomidate now carries a maximum death sentence.
On the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident, President Lai Ching-te posted on social media urging China to face history and acknowledge the truth, calling for reconciliation and dialogue. Lai emphasized that truly great nations should not rely on military might, contrasting Taiwan's democratic approach of investing in youth with suppression of freedom and expression.
Taiwan's government plans to amend laws to impose criminal penalties on those manufacturing, transporting, selling, and supplying e-cigarettes. The move responds to repeated traffic accidents caused by drivers using e-cigarettes laced with etomidate, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. Administrative fines and confiscation measures will apply even to simple possession, while proxy purchasing or carrying e-cigarette cartridges may incur criminal liability.
US President Trump stated Thursday that he would be willing to meet with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei if both nations reach an agreement to end their conflict. Trump emphasized that ending the months-long dispute through negotiations and direct dialogue with Iran's leadership would be an honor. His remarks signal potential progress in peace negotiations as the US-Iran conflict enters its fourth month.
A Lufthansa Boeing 787 aircraft experienced a nose landing gear collapse at Frankfurt Airport's gate today, resulting in multiple injuries. Emergency response procedures were activated immediately following the incident. The accident has raised concerns about the aircraft's safety performance, and Lufthansa is cooperating with investigations into the cause of the collapse.
The US House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution with a vote of 215-208, requiring President Trump to obtain congressional authorization before military action against Iran or withdraw US troops. Though largely symbolic at this stage, the resolution reflects growing concerns within the Republican Party and represents a significant political setback for the Trump administration.
John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor, reportedly plans to plead guilty to charges of possessing classified documents. Bolton served as National Security Advisor during the first Trump administration. The case involves the handling of classified materials, and his potential guilty plea marks a significant development in the proceedings regarding government officials' responsibility for managing sensitive information.
A 46-year-old man fatally stabbed a 61-year-old postal worker in Zhunan Township, Miaoli County on the afternoon of the 4th. Police investigation revealed the suspect's residence was adjacent to the postal service vehicle entrance and unloading area. The suspect had previously engaged in disputes with the postal office over noise issues and was sentenced to 10 days of detention two years ago for threatening others with a utility knife.
💰 Finance
US stock markets showed divergent performance on Thursday (4th). The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 874.86 points (up 1.73%) to 51,561.93, reaching a record closing high, driven by gains in financial and healthcare stocks. The S&P 500 rose 30.63 points (up 0.41%) to 7,584.31. However, technology stocks weakened as Broadcom's earnings, while beating expectations, failed to raise AI chip guidance, triggering profit-taking in semiconductors. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell over 2%, and the Nasdaq declined 23.02 points (down 0.09%) to 26,830.96.
International oil prices fell sharply on Thursday, with Brent crude dropping 2.84% to $95.03 per barrel and WTI declining 3.1% to $93.04 per barrel. The decline was driven by the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement, expectations of US-Iran peace negotiations, and anticipated normalization of Hormuz Strait shipping. Market risk sentiment cooled significantly, reversing the previous day's gains from Middle East tensions.
TSMC Chairman Mark Liu stated at the shareholders meeting that the company's prospects remain strong in coming years, encouraging retail investors to continue holding shares. He committed to sustained dividend growth and emphasized that all investment plans are funded through the company's own earnings. Liu expressed confidence in future growth and pledged stable returns for shareholders.
Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, international crude oil prices fell approximately 3%. Investors are hopeful about potential negotiations between the United States and Iran to end conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which could ease global energy supply concerns. The reduction in Middle East geopolitical tensions has driven the oil price correction.
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book report released on the 3rd indicates that the US economy maintains moderate growth supported by artificial intelligence investment, with stable employment overall. However, the Iran conflict is driving inflation pressures, disproportionately affecting lower and middle-income households. The Fed expressed caution regarding price outlook.
Vanguard's VOO exchange-traded fund, which tracks the S&P 500 index, became the world's first ETF to surpass $1 trillion in assets on the 2nd. This milestone reflects sustained investor confidence in the U.S. stock market and appreciation for Vanguard's relatively low management fees. The achievement demonstrates the continued appeal of broad U.S. equity exposure to investors.
South Korea's stock market has become the envy of neighboring countries due to the artificial intelligence boom. South Korean listed companies are projected to surpass Japanese enterprises in overall profitability this year for the first time since 2008. This trend reflects the significant economic impact of AI industry development on South Korea's business landscape.
SpaceX filed documents with the SEC showing plans to issue approximately 555.6 million shares at $135 per share, raising approximately $75 billion in what would be the largest IPO on record. The company's valuation is expected to reach nearly $1.77 trillion. JPMorgan Chase, serving as one of the underwriters, will have CEO Jamie Dimon personally pitch the stock to high-net-worth investors.
Broadcom reported better-than-expected last quarter revenue and current quarter guidance, but full-year outlook disappointed investors. With AI semiconductor orders exceeding $30 billion last quarter but only $10.8 billion shipped, substantial unshipped orders indicate highly uncertain revenue recognition timing. Market concerns triggered a stock decline exceeding 15% in early trading on day four.
TSMC Chairman Wei Che-hua stated that despite surging AI demand and tight advanced process capacity, TSMC will not suddenly raise prices like memory chip manufacturers. He humorously noted envying memory makers' 80% gross margins but emphasized TSMC won't quadruple customer prices, highlighting the company's commitment to stable pricing strategy amid market pressures.
💻 Technology
Intel CEO Chen Li-wu visited Taiwan and signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Foxconn Chairman Liu Yang-wei during the Taipei International Computer Show. The partnership focuses on next-generation AI platforms including AI server cabinets, edge AI, and physical AI. Industry analysts note that Intel faces competition from Nvidia and AMD in the AI sector, and aims to leverage Foxconn's supply chain expertise to strengthen its competitive position in future products.
The European Commission unveiled a comprehensive initiative to expand the EU's domestic technology supply chain and enhance self-sufficiency in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The plan aims to reduce dependence on suppliers from the United States and Asia, reflecting the EU's strategic commitment to technological autonomy.
Microsoft announced that Office 2019 for Mac will enter a limited functionality state starting July 13, 2026. Mac, iPhone, and iPad users continuing to use the legacy Office version will be unable to edit and create documents normally. The move has prompted users to seek alternative solutions.
🌏 International
Taiwan's Executive Yuan approved a drug and impaired driving prevention report reclassifying etomidate (known as zombie drug) from Schedule II to Schedule I controlled substance. The drug has caused multiple serious traffic accidents. The government will implement fourteen measures across three areas: source deterrence, enforcement enhancement, and severe penalties for drug-impaired driving. Trafficking etomidate now carries a maximum death sentence.
The United States announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon on Wednesday night following fresh rounds of negotiations. Hezbollah subsequently rejected the agreement. The ceasefire aims to ease ongoing military tensions in the region following intensive diplomatic talks.
The US House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution with a vote of 215-208, requiring President Trump to obtain congressional authorization before military action against Iran or withdraw US troops. Though largely symbolic at this stage, the resolution reflects growing concerns within the Republican Party and represents a significant political setback for the Trump administration.
The European Commission unveiled a comprehensive initiative to expand the EU's domestic technology supply chain and enhance self-sufficiency in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. The plan aims to reduce dependence on suppliers from the United States and Asia, reflecting the EU's strategic commitment to technological autonomy.
SpaceX filed documents with the SEC showing plans to issue approximately 555.6 million shares at $135 per share, raising approximately $75 billion in what would be the largest IPO on record. The company's valuation is expected to reach nearly $1.77 trillion. JPMorgan Chase, serving as one of the underwriters, will have CEO Jamie Dimon personally pitch the stock to high-net-worth investors.
The United States announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed on ceasefire implementation in relation to discussions regarding ending combat with Iran. However, Israel subsequently indicated it will continue military operations against Hezbollah, a Shia Islamic organization, in southern Lebanon, casting doubt on the actual implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
Russian President Putin stated that US President Trump's peace proposals for Ukraine could end the fighting, but emphasized that Kyiv must make compromises. Putin indicated he sees no signs of Ukrainian willingness to compromise and said Russia is prepared to continue fighting until victory on the battlefield. The conflict, Europe's deadliest land war since World War II, has entered its fifth year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on the 4th that Russia is prepared to end the Ukraine war through diplomatic channels and willing to use the US-Russia Anchorage talks as a basis for ceasefire negotiations. Putin emphasized that if negotiations fail, Russia will defeat Ukraine on the battlefield, but only if Ukraine makes concessions. Putin claimed to have reached relevant agreements with US President Trump.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution requiring American military withdrawal from operations against Iran. President Trump criticized the measure as unpatriotic, arguing it interferes with U.S.-Iran negotiations. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform expressing disapproval, emphasizing the resolution's negative impact on diplomatic talks.
Intel CEO Chen Li-wu visited Taiwan and signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with Foxconn Chairman Liu Yang-wei during the Taipei International Computer Show. The partnership focuses on next-generation AI platforms including AI server cabinets, edge AI, and physical AI. Industry analysts note that Intel faces competition from Nvidia and AMD in the AI sector, and aims to leverage Foxconn's supply chain expertise to strengthen its competitive position in future products.
On the 37th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square incident, President Lai Ching-te posted on social media urging China to face history and acknowledge the truth, calling for reconciliation and dialogue. Lai emphasized that truly great nations should not rely on military might, contrasting Taiwan's democratic approach of investing in youth with suppression of freedom and expression.
TSMC Chairman Mark Liu stated at the shareholders meeting that the company's prospects remain strong in coming years, encouraging retail investors to continue holding shares. He committed to sustained dividend growth and emphasized that all investment plans are funded through the company's own earnings. Liu expressed confidence in future growth and pledged stable returns for shareholders.
Taiwan's government plans to amend laws to impose criminal penalties on those manufacturing, transporting, selling, and supplying e-cigarettes. The move responds to repeated traffic accidents caused by drivers using e-cigarettes laced with etomidate, resulting in serious injuries and deaths. Administrative fines and confiscation measures will apply even to simple possession, while proxy purchasing or carrying e-cigarette cartridges may incur criminal liability.
Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, international crude oil prices fell approximately 3%. Investors are hopeful about potential negotiations between the United States and Iran to end conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which could ease global energy supply concerns. The reduction in Middle East geopolitical tensions has driven the oil price correction.
A Lufthansa Boeing 787 aircraft experienced a nose landing gear collapse at Frankfurt Airport's gate today, resulting in multiple injuries. Emergency response procedures were activated immediately following the incident. The accident has raised concerns about the aircraft's safety performance, and Lufthansa is cooperating with investigations into the cause of the collapse.