โ ๏ธ๐บ๐ธ๐จ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ต The United States and its allies conducted the largest naval exercises in history, known as the "Rim of the Pacific," showcasing enhanced military cooperation amid concerns over actions by China and North Korea, according to the Wall Street Journal. Recently, North Korea's state media, KCNA, stated that the resumption of war against Japan and the U.S. is merely a matter of time.
๐จ The United States plans to attempt to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in the coming weeks, according to Senator Marco Rubio.
๐จ The head of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, is exploring the possibility of reducing the number of FOMC meetings where interest rate decisions are made. This could mark the most significant change in the Fed's operations in recent years, according to the New York Times. Currently, there are eight FOMC meetings held annually.
๐บ๐ธ The earnings season for the second quarter of 2026 continues in the U.S. Among the companies that have reported, 77% exceeded revenue expectations, surpassing the five-year average of 70% and the ten-year average of 68%. Additionally, 86% surpassed earnings per share (EPS) expectations, exceeding the five-year average of 78% and the ten-year average of 76%, according to FactSet.
โ ๏ธ๐บ๐ธ The rise of AI is significantly impacting company financials. Capital expenditures are soaring, with costs increasing even more than anticipated, according to CNBC. Amazon, Alphabet, and Tesla reported negative cash flow in Q2 2026, while cash generation at Metaโdesignated as extremist and banned in Russiaโplummeted by 91%.
๐จ๐ฏ๐ต The Japanese yen (JPY) continues to strengthen significantly against the US dollar (USD). In just two days, three months of JPY depreciation against the USD have been erased. Initially, interventions were conducted solely by the Bank of Japan, but the US Treasury joined in yesterday. A month ago, Japan's Finance Minister Katayama revealed discussions with US Treasury Secretary Yellen amid the yen's collapse against the dollar.
โ ๏ธโด๏ธ BTC spot ETF flows remain stagnant as Bitcoin trades between $70,000 and $58,000. The consensus remains unchanged: signs of a potential bottom formation are emerging, but a "mass capitulation" in the market has yet to occur. The possibility of a "final" drop to the $50,000 to $40,000 range still exists.
๐จ In the world of BTC, the Santiment platform reports the lowest-ever ratio of positive to negative comments on social media. Fear currently outweighs greed to an unprecedented degree. Additionally, concerns over cold wallet cybersecurity have arisen following a vulnerability discovered in the Coldcard wallet firmware. This flaw compromised secure key generation, leading to the theft of approximately $38 million from single-signature wallets, many of which had remained unused for years.
โ ๏ธ๐ท๐บ The vessel "Yanina," owned by FESCO, sank on Saturday night, 130 miles from Novorossiysk, following a drone attack by Ukrainian forces. The crew members have been rescued, according to Likhachev.
โ ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ท The U.S. embassies across the Middle East have issued a travel warning, advising citizens against visiting the region. They recommend reassessing travel plans, exercising caution, and being prepared for flight cancellations and airspace closures, according to Fox News.
Earlier, WSJ reported that Trump had ordered strikes on Iran in the coming days, potentially starting this weekend. CBS News noted that the U.S. and Israel plan to target Iran's energy infrastructure. The IRGC has warned that such attacks would lead to widespread power outages in the region and strikes against U.S. allies' energy infrastructure.
Earlier, WSJ reported that Trump had ordered strikes on Iran in the coming days, potentially starting this weekend. CBS News noted that the U.S. and Israel plan to target Iran's energy infrastructure. The IRGC has warned that such attacks would lead to widespread power outages in the region and strikes against U.S. allies' energy infrastructure.
โ ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ท Trump has canceled "the most powerful" strike against Iran, stating that Tehran and Middle Eastern countries requested him not to proceed with the attack. He noted that key terms of an agreement with Iran have been preliminarily established, including complete access to the Strait of Hormuz and the elimination of nuclear threats. The strike will only be averted if a swift agreement can be reached. -- Truth Social
โ ๏ธ๐ข OPEC+ has reached a preliminary agreement to increase oil production by 188,000 barrels per day in September, according to RTRS. A meeting is scheduled for today.
๐ข๐ช๐บ Gas injection into European storage facilities in July reached its lowest level in six years, with reserves nearing a historic low, according to TASS reports.
โ ๏ธ๐บ๐ธ๐ท๐บ The US Senate is expected to approve the "hellish sanctions" bill against Russia in a final procedural vote next week. Following this, the bill will go to the House of Representatives, which will review it after returning from recess in September. Concerns regarding the extensive powers granted to Trump over tariffs may lead the House to block the legislation, as previously reported by RTRS and Politico.
โ ๏ธ๐ฎ๐ท Iran's Foreign Minister Zarif confirmed Trump's statements about an agreement over Hormuz, leading Trump to cancel what he called the "most powerful" strike against Iran, according to Channel 12. However, FARS, linked to the IRGC, denied any agreement shortly after. Iran is divided between those favoring a secular state and those wanting to maintain the current regime. Tensions persist, with conflicting statements from Iranian officials and ongoing negotiations with the U.S., creating a chaotic and uncertain environment.
๐ Michael Saylor announced that Strategy plans to remain a net buyer of BTC.
๐ Key events for this week include ongoing corporate earnings seasons in the US, Europe, and Russia.
On Monday, August 3, Canada observes Civic Holiday with no trading. Key data releases include Manufacturing PMI figures from several countries, including Japan, China, India, and the US.
Tuesday features the US trade balance and job openings.
Wednesday highlights include Australia's Services PMI and US ADP Employment data.
Thursday focuses on US jobless claims, while Friday presents Chinaโs trade data and US Non-Farm Payrolls.
On Monday, August 3, Canada observes Civic Holiday with no trading. Key data releases include Manufacturing PMI figures from several countries, including Japan, China, India, and the US.
Tuesday features the US trade balance and job openings.
Wednesday highlights include Australia's Services PMI and US ADP Employment data.
Thursday focuses on US jobless claims, while Friday presents Chinaโs trade data and US Non-Farm Payrolls.
๐ Michael Saylor has dismissed recent rumors that Strategy plans to sell an additional $5 billion in BTC, stating that these are old news based on a company strategy approved a month ago. He emphasized that there is currently no need for the company to make urgent sales. Saylor reaffirmed the company's commitment to remain a net buyer of BTC in the market.
๐ช๐บ๐ฎ๐ท European countries, including Ukraine, have assured Tehran that they will not fight alongside the United States, according to Iran's Foreign Ministry. This statement comes amid reports from Politico about Kyiv's plans to assist the U.S. and Gulf nations with interceptor drones.
๐ช In St. Petersburg, on Airborne Forces Day, a man jumped from a high-rise building using a parachute. This unusual stunt caught the attention of onlookers and was reported by Fontanka.