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5 World Market themes for the week ahead

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5 World Market themes for the week ahead
Summer lull? Don’t even think about it. There’s a multi-trillion dollar selloff in AI-linked equities taking place, devastating wildfires across Europe and the war in the Middle East continues to rage.

In Asia, India holds a crucial central bank meeting against a complex backdrop, while Friday’s U.S. non-farm payrolls report comes as traders grow increasingly convinced that the Federal Reserve may have to hike interest rates again.

1/AI-WATERING MOVES

The AI-driven bull run has gone from seemingly unstoppable to spectacularly volatile in a matter of weeks.

Investors are increasingly uneasy about profitability, competition and who’s paying ‌for it all. Unprecedented volatility ⁠in chipmakers ⁠and other AI-related stocks is the result. South Korea’s KOSPI, which jumped 18% on Friday after tumbling 40% over the previous six weeks, is the prime example.

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Pressure is emerging elsewhere too. The cost of insuring against default by some AI hyperscalers has risen as debt levels climb, while earnings reports are triggering increasingly dramatic market reactions.

More turbulence may lie ahead. Elon Musk’s SpaceX reports its first results since its blockbuster June IPO. Since then, its market value has slumped by an eye-watering $1 trillion.

2/WAR WORRIES

Markets will remain focused on the Middle East, where a U.S.-Iran ceasefire announced in mid-June now appears a distant memory and oil prices have climbed back towards $90 a barrel.
A drone strike on two U.S.-owned gas tankers in Egypt’s Mediterranean port of Damietta this week has opened a potential new front in the five-month conflict, raising concerns that traffic through the Suez ⁠Canal, one of ‌the world’s most important trade routes, could come under threat. In another first, Saudi Arabia publicly joined military strikes alongside U.S. forces this week, targeting Iran-aligned groups in eastern Iraq. The U.S. military also carried out what it described as a “heavy wave” of strikes against Iran after an attempted ballistic ⁠missile attack on U.S. forces in the region.

Diplomatic efforts continue, however. Saudi Arabia is seeking to lead a 14-country coalition to boost maritime defence in the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, all critical chokepoints for global energy supplies.

3/JOLT FROM JOBS?

Markets get a fresh read on the U.S. economy on Friday when closely watched non-farm payrolls data are released.

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Economists polled by Reuters expect the July report to show payrolls increased by 91,000 jobs and the unemployment rate held at 4.3%. A stronger-than-expected reading could raise bets that the Fed may need to resume raising rates to contain persistently above-target inflation at its next meeting in September.

The central bank held rates steady on Wednesday, but three policymakers voted for a hike and Chair Kevin Warsh reiterated the Fed’s commitment to returning inflation to its 2% target.

4/ EUROPE’S BURNING ISSUES

Europe’s record-breaking heatwave looks set to ‌continue with fears mounting that wildfires that have devastated parts of Spain and France are spreading to Italy, Central Europe and Greece.

Markets should pay attention.

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The economic costs are mounting, from healthcare spending and insurance claims to reconstruction bills and higher food prices, at a time when many heavily indebted governments are already grappling with the fallout of the Iran ⁠war. Adding to concerns, a ‘super’ El Nino event appears increasingly likely, raising the risk of further extreme weather globally.

In Britain, also facing wildfires and drought, major supermarket groups warn another food-price shock could be looming. In Germany, meanwhile, a contentious cabinet reshuffle has renewed pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the country also battles record temperatures.

DRUPEE

The Reserve Bank of India announces its latest policy decision on Wednesday, with most economists polled by Reuters expecting no change to the benchmark interest rate of 5.25%.

However, authorities will be attempting to prop up the rupee , one of Asia’s worst-performing currencies this year.

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In June, the central bank unveiled measures designed to boost capital inflows and strengthen the balance of payments. The moves attracted more than $20 billion in their first month, but renewed strength in oil prices has since clouded the outlook.

For those thinking an interest rate increase might help, retail inflation has just breached the central bank’s target for the first time in over a year. Nevertheless, economists still expect the risks to growth to keep policymakers from acting, for now at least.

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Looking for top-performing equity mutual funds? Here are the best performers across categories in the last 1 year

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The Economic Times

Returns from mutual fund schemes over the past year show a wide gap between the best- and worst-performing funds across categories, underscoring the importance of scheme selection for investors. Here are the top performers across categories against their benchmark and category average, as reported by ET Bureau.

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Maharashtra-based SME stock plunges 20% as MD gets shot, director taken in police custody

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Maharashtra-based SME stock plunges 20% as MD gets shot, director taken in police custody
Maharashtra-based manufacturer GSM Foils on Friday announced that its Managing Director Mohansingh Parmar has been injured in a firing incident and police took one of its whole time directors in custody.

In an exchange filing, GSM Foils said the firing incident took place in the Naikpada area in Vasai-Virar, located near Mumbai. After getting injured in the incident, the company said that Parmar received prompt medical attention and is presently under proper medical care. His health condition was reported to be stable and improving.

Sagar Bhanushali, a whole time director of the company, was then taken into police custody in relation to the ongoing investigation into the firing case. The company said it is extending full cooperation to the investing authorities.

The senior management team has taken the necessary steps to ensure continuity of the company’s operations. At present, the company’s manufacturing facilities at Vasai and Ahmedabad, Plant continue to function normally,’ it added.

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Also read | Peter Lynch does not like the AI trade; here’s why he says ‘Know what you own’

GSM Foils share price

GSM Foils shares crashed 20% to close at Rs 192 apiece on NSE. Notably, the exchange filing came in the post market hours of Friday.


GSM Foils manufactures blister foils and aluminium pharma foils for the pharma industry. The sharp fall in the share price came prior to that as media reports around the incident surfaced.

US stock market losses behind murder plot?

Bhanushali plotted the attack to evade repaying Parmar Rs 32 crore and gain complete control over the company, Times of India reported. According to police officials cited by the report, Bhanusali suffered massive financial losses during a sharp selloff in the US stock market, leaving him burdened with debts running into crores.
The report quoted investigators as saying that Bhanusali had persuaded Parmar to purchase his stake in the company and took nearly Rs 32 crore. Instead of repaying the said amount, he allegedly conspired to kill Parmar, thinking this death would wipe out the liability and enable him to take complete control of the company.The attack took place on July 24 at the company’s premises when two motorcycle-borne hitmen opened fire at the 46-year old Parmar, who was hit in the shoulder by the first bullet.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

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Realty company Assetz to take confidential route for IPO

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Realty company Assetz to take confidential route for IPO
MUMBAI: Assetz, a Bengaluru-based real estate developer, is expected to confidentially file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for a Rs 1,200 crore initial public offering (IPO) in the coming days, according to people familiar with the development.

The proposed IPO is likely to be a combination of a fresh equity issuance and an offer for sale (OFS) by existing shareholders.

JM Financial, BofA Securities India and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are the book-running lead managers to the issue.

Email queries to the company and the bankers went unanswered.

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In the confidential IPO filing route, issuers are allowed to keep their initial draft prospectus confidential from the public domain until the regulatory review process reaches an advanced stage.


J.P. Morgan, Aditya Birla Capital, Motilal Oswal Alternates and HDFC Ltd have been investors in projects of Assetz, founded by Ben Salmon and Rajpal Singh Chaudhary in 2006.
Bengaluru’s residential property market has remained one of the strongest in the country, driven by sustained demand from technology professionals, Global Capability Centres (GCCs), startups and a steadily expanding white-collar workforce. Robust employment generation, rising incomes and continued infrastructure development have supported healthy home sales despite higher property prices.Developers have remained focused on premium housing and large integrated townships, while the city’s deep end-user demand and improving connectivity have encouraged continued land acquisitions, new project launches and institutional investments.

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Coveo Solutions Inc. (CVO:CA) Q1 2027 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Coveo First Quarter Fiscal 2027 Financial Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] This call is being recorded on Thursday, July 30, 2026. I would like to turn the conference over to Adhir Kadve. Please go ahead.

Adhir Kadve
Head of Investor Relations

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Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us. With me to discuss Coveo’s first quarter fiscal 2027 results are Laurent Simoneau, Coveo’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Louis Têtu, Coveo’s Executive Chairman, and Karine Hamel, Coveo’s Chief Financial Officer. A reminder that some remarks made today will be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including those regarding our planned objectives, expected performance, and our outlook for the second fiscal quarter and full year fiscal 2027. These are forward-looking statements given as of July 30, 2026, and while we believe any statements we make are reasonable, they are based on current expectations and assumptions which are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied. Coveo disclaims any intent or obligation to update our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Further information on factors that could affect the company’s financial results is included in the filings we make with Canadian Securities Regulators, including the Risk Factors section of the company’s

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The Tech Tide Turns | Seeking Alpha

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Dow Jones And U.S. Index Outlook: Major Rotation Flows And Drops

Abstract Financial Data Visualization with Digital Stock Market Graphs

AlexSecret/iStock via Getty Images

Technology rallied 5.24% on Thursday for its best day since April 9, 2025, when the sector surged 14.15% after the Tariff Tantrum. Tech had fallen 5.41% over the prior four trading days, and the rebound recovered more than 90% of that decline. By comparison, the

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Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Kip Meintzer
Head of Global Investor Relations

Greetings, and welcome to the Check Point Software’s 2026 Second Quarter Financial Results Video Conference. I’m Kip E. Meintzer, Global Head of Investor Relations. And joining me today are Chief Executive Officer, Nadav Zafrir; and our Chief Financial Officer, Roei Golan.

Before we begin, I’d like to remind everyone that this conference is being recorded and will be available for replay on our website at checkpoint.com. [Operator Instructions] During the presentation, Check Point’s representatives may make forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements can relate to future events or future financial and/or operating performance. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made only as of the date hereof, Check Point Software undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements except where required by law.

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In our press release, which has been posted on our website, we present GAAP and non-GAAP results, along with the reconciliation of such results, as well as

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Amazon soars as cloud revenue surge allays fears over ballooning AI bets

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Amazon soars as cloud revenue surge allays fears over ballooning AI bets
Amazon shares surged nearly 14% on Friday after the tech giant’s solid cloud sales growth reinforced investor confidence in its massive AI bets and quashed any concerns about the company trailing its Big Tech rivals in the AI race.

The e-commerce and cloud titan posted its strongest cloud growth in over four years, indicating a fresh wave of demand that justifies its 10% increase in planned capital spending ‌for 2026 to $220 ⁠billion.

Amazon’s results ⁠come as a resounding sign to Wall Street that some of Big Tech’s AI investments are already generating measurable returns.

If gains hold, the stock could add more than $340 billion in market value on the back of a 37% jump in second-quarter cloud revenue. Earlier this week, Microsoft surged more than 15% after its cloud unit beat estimates with a 43% revenue jump.

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However, there’s a growing divide in investors’ tolerance for the ever-increasing AI spend by Big Tech, set to exceed $730 billion this year.


“The ⁠market is ‌no longer questioning whether AI demand is real. The new dividing line is whether unprecedented spending is producing visible, near-term revenue and margin expansion,” said Bill Birmingham, managing ⁠director at REX Financial.
“The market penalizes spending when monetization is delayed, indirect or difficult to measure.” Meta and Google-parent Alphabet both slumped 7%, despite strong growth in revenues, after the companies raised their capital spending forecasts while free cash flows cratered.

“Amazon is earning the right to keep spending. Where others are asking investors to trust that the payoff will come, Amazon showed it this quarter,” said Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at Investing.com.

“As long as AWS keeps accelerating and margins hold, the market looks willing to fund the build-out, even with ‌free cash flow in the red.”

Amazon’s free cash flow swung sharply negative in the quarter, with the company burning $7.6 billion on a trailing 12-month basis, versus $18.2 billion in positive free cash flow a year earlier.

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Still, ⁠CEO Andy Jassy reassured investors that Amazon is only pouring money into serving demand that already exists. He said a majority of available Amazon cloud capacity for 2027 and some capacity for 2028 had already been reserved by customers.

Chris Ballard, managing partner at Check Capital, said Amazon’s approach to spending was “methodical and responsible.”

“This level of capital deployment is all very new, so Amazon showing immediate results is a really good sign.”

At least 15 brokerages raised their price targets on the stock following results.

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Amazon trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.67, compared with Microsoft’s 22.94 and Alphabet’s 19.35.

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Aluminium signals recovery after correction; supply risks and energy concerns may drive the next leg higher

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Aluminium signals recovery after correction; supply risks and energy concerns may drive the next leg higher
After scaling a record high of around ₹393 per kg on the MCX during the first week of June, aluminium prices witnessed a healthy correction to nearly ₹330 per kg amid profit-booking and easing concerns over immediate supply disruptions. A similar price action has witnessed on the key global markets as well. However, the metal is once again showing signs of strength, with prices attempting to break through the important resistance zones.

The recent rebound has been supported by tightening global inventories, concerns over energy availability in key producing regions, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and expectations of robust demand from the power, transportation, renewable energy, and electric vehicle sectors. Additionally, China’s production constraints and growing global emphasis on electrification continue to reinforce the long-term bullish outlook for aluminium, a metal increasingly regarded as one of the most strategic industrial commodities alongside copper.

Factors Currently Supporting Aluminium Prices

Several factors have tilted market sentiment in favour of aluminium. The foremost among them is the growing expectation of a tighter global supply balance. There are estimation that the global aluminium market has moved from surplus conditions seen in previous years towards a marginal deficit as demand growth continues to outpace supply expansion. Electrification trends, including electric vehicles, solar installations, battery infrastructure, and grid modernization projects, are generating sustained demand growth across major economies. At the same time, aluminium smelting remains one of the most energy-intensive industrial activities, making production vulnerable to fluctuations in power costs and energy availability. China’s production restrictions and limited capacity additions elsewhere have further strengthened market fundamentals.

Impact of US-Iran Tensions

The recent escalation in tensions involving the US and Iran has emerged as a significant driver for aluminium prices. While Iran is not among the world’s largest aluminium exporters, any conflict affecting the Persian Gulf region raises concerns about the continuity of raw material shipments and finished metal exports. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Disruptions to shipping routes can delay alumina supplies and increase freight and insurance costs, thereby affecting aluminium production economics.

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Furthermore, gulf producers including Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE are major aluminium suppliers to international markets. Any prolonged geopolitical instability in the region could trigger a renewed supply squeeze and exert upward pressure on prices.

Global Supply-Demand Scenario

The global aluminium market is witnessing a gradual transition from comfortable supply conditions to tightening availability. China remains the world’s largest producer, accounting for nearly 60% of global output. Demand continues to be driven by transportation, construction, packaging, electrical infrastructure and renewable energy sectors. The rapid expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing and investments in power transmission infrastructure have emerged as the primary demand drivers. With inventories remaining relatively tight and new capacity additions lagging demand growth, the market is becoming increasingly sensitive to any supply disruptions.

China’s Dominant Role in the Market

China remains the single most important variable for aluminium prices. The country produces approximately 58-60% of global aluminium output and is also its largest consumer. However, Beijing’s production cap of around 45 million tonnes has prevented unrestricted expansion of smelting capacity. Environmental regulations, carbon-emission targets and energy consumption limits have restricted production growth in several provinces.


Despite weakness in the property sector, demand from automobiles, solar energy, power grids and energy storage projects has remained robust. As long as Chinese production growth remains constrained while domestic demand continues to expand, global aluminium prices are likely to remain well supported.

India’s Position and Deficit Concerns

India is among the world’s leading aluminium producers, with companies such as Hindalco and Vedanta playing important roles in the global market. While the country is not expected to face a severe aluminium shortage in the near term, domestic demand is rising rapidly. If global prices continue to rise and imports become costlier because of logistics disruptions, Indian consumers may face higher procurement costs. This could eventually increase production costs across various sectors. Although a sharp physical deficit is unlikely immediately, tighter market conditions could translate into higher prices for aluminium-intensive goods.

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Price Outlook for the Rest of the Year

Looking ahead, the outlook remains constructive. The combination of geopolitical uncertainty, energy market volatility, constrained Chinese supply growth, and structurally rising demand from electrification trends continues to favour higher prices. For MCX aluminium, while intermittent corrections cannot be ruled out, the broader trend remains positive as long as supply-side risks persist. If Middle East tensions escalate further or energy prices witness another sharp spike, aluminium could witness a stronger-than-expected rally in the second half of the year. Conversely, a significant increase in Chinese production or a slowdown in global industrial demand may cap gains.

(The author is Head of Commodity Research, Geojit Investments Limited)

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Why did the Japanese yen collapse in 2026?

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Why did the Japanese yen collapse in 2026?

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Form 144 Meta Platforms For: 1 August

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Form 144 Meta Platforms For: 1 August

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