US semiconductor storage sector falls in pre-market trading, SK Hynix down 3.5%

Move-to-Earn project Step App announced on Twitter that it will officially shut down after four years of operation. All services will be gradually phased out by August 21, with a reminder for users to unstake their locked tokens and settle their exchange positions prior to that deadline.

According to an announcement from Unitree Technology, the issuer and its sponsor (lead underwriter) have, based on the results of the initial inquiry, comprehensively assessed the company’s reasonable investment value, the valuation levels of peer listed companies, and the secondary market valuation of its sector, while fully considering factors including the valid subscription multiple of institutional investors, market conditions, fundraising requirements, and underwriting risks, negotiated to set the offering price at RMB 150.80 per share. No cumulative bidding inquiry will be conducted for the institutional offering portion.

Bernstein has reiterated its "Outperform" rating on Circle, setting a target price of $140. The firm stated that Circle's Q2 financial results counter market concerns over competition and declining reserve-related revenue. The analyst noted that the market may be underestimating Circle's distribution capabilities, regulatory standing, and the additional revenue streams generated by its Layer 1 network Arc.

After AMD released its quarterly results, institutional analysts remain broadly constructive overall. Though elevated expectations led to a mixed market reaction, the analysts’ consensus is that AMD’s AI and data center growth narrative remains intact. Wells Fargo issued the most optimistic update, raising its price target from $615 to $700, and believes earnings could significantly exceed its prior estimate of $20 per share for 2029–2030. Jefferies raised its price target to $650 and maintained a Buy rating, stating that while the results failed to meet lofty expectations, the long-term AI thesis remains on track. Mizuho cut its price target from $625 to $580 but kept an Outperform rating, noting the quarter’s performance was solid against a challenging backdrop. JPMorgan sharply raised its price target from $385 to $550 while maintaining a Neutral rating, citing that its September quarter guidance came in slightly below expectations. Overall, analysts see significant upside potential in AMD’s expanding AI GPU and server business, with the main debate centered on whether short-term execution can keep pace with increasingly aggressive expectations.

SoftBank Group has successfully secured a $10 billion margin loan using its stake in OpenAI as collateral. The two-year loan is provided by a consortium of lenders including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Mizuho Securities, Apollo Global Funding, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC). SoftBank plans to complete the fund drawdown this month.

Citigroup research report cuts SanDisk (SNDK.O) price target from $2,500 to $2,100.