🔥 Top Stories
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly. According to the Wall Street Journal citing emergency dispatch records, a person experienced cardiac arrest at the scene, and medical personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. U.S. President Trump stated he was unaware of the cause of death.
Following the carcinogenic oil scandal involving China United Oil, Taiwan's Health Ministry announced plans to amend the Food Safety Act with four key measures: enhanced source management, process supervision, external audits, and mandatory independent directors for oligopolistic companies. The amendments aim to prevent similar food safety crises and address systemic failures in industry self-regulation.
The United States launched an attack on Iran's Qeshm Island in response to an incident involving a container ship attacked and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, with one crew member missing. Iran subsequently conducted retaliatory strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Tehran. The escalation has heightened regional tensions and drawn international attention.
Escalating US-Iran conflict sees the US military conduct its third airstrike on Iran within a week, prompting Iranian retaliation against at least five Arab nations and claims of striking two vessels. Both sides maintain hardline positions while uncertainty surrounding Hormuz Strait passage is expected to trigger significant international oil price fluctuations in coming days.
The contamination crisis involving Chung Lien soybean salad oil with excessive benzopyrene (BaP) continues to escalate. Fukushou discovered two products exceeding benzopyrene limits on June 30 but delayed reporting to Taichung authorities by six days. The city government imposed maximum fines of 3 million yuan per product, totaling 6 million yuan, to penalize the company's failure to promptly report the contamination.
🏛 Politics
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly. According to the Wall Street Journal citing emergency dispatch records, a person experienced cardiac arrest at the scene, and medical personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. U.S. President Trump stated he was unaware of the cause of death.
Following the carcinogenic oil scandal involving China United Oil, Taiwan's Health Ministry announced plans to amend the Food Safety Act with four key measures: enhanced source management, process supervision, external audits, and mandatory independent directors for oligopolistic companies. The amendments aim to prevent similar food safety crises and address systemic failures in industry self-regulation.
Under Taiwan's Military Service Punishment Act, male citizens who evade military service through non-reporting, failure to attend conscription examinations, or overstaying abroad face up to 5 years imprisonment. Legal experts note that current sentencing varies by case circumstances, with many courts allowing conversion to fines. Proposed amendments would eliminate fine options, requiring mandatory imprisonment for such violations.
The central government's annual budget review has been pending in the Legislative Yuan for over 318 days without passage. Initial review reports show that lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties made no cuts to the Legislative Yuan's budget of approximately 3.87 billion New Taiwan dollars, drawing criticism of double standards. In contrast, other government agencies faced stricter budget scrutiny, highlighting inconsistencies in the review process.
Following US airstrikes on Iran, Iran launched retaliatory attacks using drones and missiles against at least five Arab nations including Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar, causing only minor damage. Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, but the US Central Command denied this claim, asserting the waterway remains open to all vessels and that US military is prepared to ensure freedom of navigation, creating global maritime confusion.
A fire broke out early this morning at a beer restaurant near Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand, resulting in at least 30 deaths. Prime Minister Anutthin rushed to the scene to assess rescue operations. Multiple people were trapped during the fire, with some victims found deceased in restroom areas.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina passed away last night from a brief and sudden illness at age 71. Graham, a key ally of President Trump, was a prominent figure in the U.S. Senate. His office announced his death, prompting tributes from across the political spectrum.
The United States launched an attack on Iran's Qeshm Island in response to an incident involving a container ship attacked and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, with one crew member missing. Iran subsequently conducted retaliatory strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Tehran. The escalation has heightened regional tensions and drawn international attention.
Escalating US-Iran conflict sees the US military conduct its third airstrike on Iran within a week, prompting Iranian retaliation against at least five Arab nations and claims of striking two vessels. Both sides maintain hardline positions while uncertainty surrounding Hormuz Strait passage is expected to trigger significant international oil price fluctuations in coming days.
Taiwan's enterovirus cases are rising, with a severe case of enterovirus D68 detected in an eight-month-old boy in central Taiwan. Health authorities warn that D68 symptoms resemble common colds, making early detection difficult. With no vaccine or specific treatment available, prevention measures including hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and staying home when ill are recommended.
💰 Finance
The Zhonglian edible oil case continues to develop as Taiwan's health ministry requires the company to resubmit oil samples produced between April and June for retesting. Health Minister Shih Chung-liang stated that due to discrepancies between Zhonglian's test results and those of downstream companies, the ministry considers Zhonglian's results unreliable and will not publicly release them. Instead, the ministry will conduct its own independent testing and evaluation, with guidelines for downstream product relisting expected to be announced soon.
China has announced export restrictions on helium, a critical material for semiconductor manufacturing. Helium is essential for processes including chemical vapor deposition, wafer cooling, and etching, particularly for cooling EUV lithography machines. While China's limited share of global helium markets suggests limited catastrophic impact, the restriction will further strain the already fragile semiconductor supply chain amid surging AI-driven chip demand.
The US earnings season kicks off this week with second-quarter profits projected to grow over 29% year-over-year. However, persistent inflation, rising energy prices, and anticipated Fed rate hikes pose significant challenges to sustaining market gains. Fed Chair Powell's congressional testimony this week and June inflation data release will set the tone for July policy decisions.
The European Union is developing a "solidarity tool" mechanism to help businesses reduce their dependence on critical supplies from China and mitigate retaliation risks during trade conflicts. The tool requires EU member states to negotiate funding contributions, though disagreements persist over the investment scale needed.
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management CIO Lisa Shalett warns that chip manufacturers' pricing power is increasingly limited, suggesting semiconductor stocks may be overvalued due to AI enthusiasm. She advises investors to exercise caution, citing growing evidence that the sector has experienced excessive gains driven by artificial intelligence optimism.
Tokyo authorities plan to boost pension fund investments in alternative assets, including unlisted stocks and real estate, to stimulate economic growth through capital deployment. The initiative aims to diversify investment strategies and enhance economic momentum. This reflects Japan's efforts to leverage capital more effectively for economic expansion.
South Korea's central bank is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points this week, with another anticipated increase by year-end. The rate hikes respond to accelerating inflation and weakening Korean won. Despite these headwinds, strong semiconductor exports continue to support economic growth momentum.
Economist Nouriel Roubini, a long-time cryptocurrency critic, is launching a digital token he claims is a stablecoin alternative. The token is backed by the Atlas Americas Fund ETF (ticker USAF), which he helps manage. It has received approval from UAE regulators and is expected to launch within weeks.
The contamination crisis involving Chung Lien soybean salad oil with excessive benzopyrene (BaP) continues to escalate. Fukushou discovered two products exceeding benzopyrene limits on June 30 but delayed reporting to Taichung authorities by six days. The city government imposed maximum fines of 3 million yuan per product, totaling 6 million yuan, to penalize the company's failure to promptly report the contamination.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company will hold its earnings conference. Market analysts note three distinct differences from previous years: expectations have peaked, stock prices have not risen prematurely, and June revenue will be released beforehand. Long-term investors should monitor key indicators and extend their observation period to ten trading days after the earnings call, executing their investment plans accordingly.
🌏 International
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly. According to the Wall Street Journal citing emergency dispatch records, a person experienced cardiac arrest at the scene, and medical personnel performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. U.S. President Trump stated he was unaware of the cause of death.
The United States launched an attack on Iran's Qeshm Island in response to an incident involving a container ship attacked and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz, with one crew member missing. Iran subsequently conducted retaliatory strikes against Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Tehran. The escalation has heightened regional tensions and drawn international attention.
Escalating US-Iran conflict sees the US military conduct its third airstrike on Iran within a week, prompting Iranian retaliation against at least five Arab nations and claims of striking two vessels. Both sides maintain hardline positions while uncertainty surrounding Hormuz Strait passage is expected to trigger significant international oil price fluctuations in coming days.
Following US airstrikes on Iran, Iran launched retaliatory attacks using drones and missiles against at least five Arab nations including Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar, causing only minor damage. Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, but the US Central Command denied this claim, asserting the waterway remains open to all vessels and that US military is prepared to ensure freedom of navigation, creating global maritime confusion.
The United States has launched fresh military strikes against Iran, escalating tensions over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration claims the waterway remains open for passage, while Tehran asserts it will stay closed until further notice. The conflicting positions highlight rising tensions in the strategically critical Middle Eastern region.
The United States launched a new round of strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, intensifying weekend military exchanges. The escalation reflects heightened tensions between the two nations in this strategically critical waterway.
A fire broke out at a bar in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, resulting in at least 27 deaths. Firefighters arriving at the scene found patrons escaping through intense flames. The exact time of the incident and cause of the fire remain under investigation.
The United States insists the Strait of Hormuz remains open for passage. Iranian forces previously declared the strait closed and launched extensive attacks against US allies and military bases throughout the region, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, has died following a brief and sudden illness. Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to the longtime ally, calling him a "true American patriot" who will be "greatly missed." Graham had maintained a close relationship with Trump throughout his political career.
The US Central Command announced additional attacks on Iran starting at 6 AM Japan time on the 13th. The action responds to Iran's Revolutionary Guards' declaration to block the Strait of Hormuz. The US military denies Iran's control over the strait. The situation in the Middle East remains tense.
A large-scale fire broke out in the early morning of the 13th at a restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand's capital. According to AP News, at least 27 people died in the incident. The fire has been extinguished, and local authorities are investigating the specific cause of the fire.
A major fire broke out at a pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district early Monday morning, killing at least 27 people, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The venue, identified as Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao, is a popular local establishment. Firefighters brought the blaze under control. First responders shared footage showing the massive fire engulfing the building as people attempted to evacuate.
Following the carcinogenic oil scandal involving China United Oil, Taiwan's Health Ministry announced plans to amend the Food Safety Act with four key measures: enhanced source management, process supervision, external audits, and mandatory independent directors for oligopolistic companies. The amendments aim to prevent similar food safety crises and address systemic failures in industry self-regulation.
The contamination crisis involving Chung Lien soybean salad oil with excessive benzopyrene (BaP) continues to escalate. Fukushou discovered two products exceeding benzopyrene limits on June 30 but delayed reporting to Taichung authorities by six days. The city government imposed maximum fines of 3 million yuan per product, totaling 6 million yuan, to penalize the company's failure to promptly report the contamination.
Ukrainian forces announced on the 12th an attack on a large-scale oil refining facility in Russia's central region. The operation aims to disrupt Russian military fuel supplies and reduce combat capability. Ukraine targets Russian energy infrastructure to weaken the adversary's military logistics and operational capacity.