Hackers drain $35.55M in 3 exploits: AFX Trade, Verus, B² Network

Citi analysts noted in a client report that the stock of STMicroelectronics (STM.N) already reflects a recovery in its end markets and accelerating growth in data center revenue. The analysts added that the European chipmaker’s second-quarter results and guidance were largely in line with market consensus, driving its share price higher this year. Since January, STMicroelectronics’ share price has more than doubled, surging nearly 160%. The analysts warned: “Without a positive catalyst to lift expectations, the stock could face near-term resistance.”

Driven by a boom in artificial intelligence and data center project investments, foreign investors have applied to invest 1.37 trillion baht (around $40.6 billion) in Thailand in the first half of 2026, an 80% year-on-year rise. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of Thailand’s Investment Promotion Commission, stated that in the six months ending June 30, the commission received a total of 1,299 domestic and foreign investment applications, with a combined total investment value of 1.47 trillion baht, including 877 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects. The digital sector alone accounted for 1.12 trillion baht, exceeding three-quarters of the total application amount. These investment projects also show that the Middle East conflict has pushed up energy and other costs, yet has not weakened Thailand’s attractiveness to investors.

According to Bitget market data, South Korea’s KOSPI index closed up 299.12 points on Thursday, July 23, with a 4.4% gain, ending at 7096.82 points. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 307.00 points to close at 66422.60 points on the same day, marking a 0.46% increase.

According to CCTV News, a special meeting on promoting the application of the national standard series *Artificial Intelligence Agent Interconnection* was recently convened at the Zhongguancun Exhibition Center in Beijing. Seven guiding national standards under GB/Z185-2026 were unveiled at the event. This marks China’s first interconnection standard system covering the entire lifecycle of AI agents, laying unified underlying rules for global AI collaboration. The agent identity code serves as the core implementation carrier among the seven key links. A ceremony for the first batch of agent identity code issuances was held on site, with over 2,000 identity codes issued to key industry AI agents, endowing each agent with a unique, traceable “digital ID” to build a trusted underlying trust framework for interconnection. This system is currently the world’s first systematic interconnection standard system for AI agents.

UBS Gold Strategist Joni Teves remains optimistic about gold's medium- and long-term outlook. She noted that gold prices have continued to rise since the start of this week, with gold stocks in mainland China and Hong Kong surging around 20% cumulatively over three days, a positive signal. "We believe market confidence in gold is starting to improve, and we continue to expect gold prices to rebound from current levels by the end of the year," she said. The UBS global team remains upbeat on gold's medium-term outlook, forecasting gold prices will reach $4,675 per ounce by the end of 2026 and $4,800 per ounce by the end of 2027. Key events to watch next include the Federal Reserve's policy stance at its July FOMC meeting and further developments in the Middle East. (Jin10)

Tesla's Frankfurt-listed shares fell nearly 5% as the company's latest earnings missed market expectations. (Jinshi)