QtrendsSmall-cap stocks surge in best first half since 1990s
Small-cap stocks are experiencing their strongest first-half performance in 35 years, driven by easing interest rate expectations and renewed investor appetite for risk. Major US indices including the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq are all on pace to end the quarter with double-digit gains. Analysts point to improving economic sentiment and a broadening market rally beyond the mega-cap tech names that dominated earlier. Sandisk is among the stocks expected to follow a record-breaking quarter with further gains.
China has added 20 Japanese entities to its export control list, escalating trade tensions between the two economies. Meanwhile, US tariff refunds are expected to boost profits for Japanese companies by up to $3 billion, providing a significant tailwind for Japan Inc. In a move to reduce dollar dependence, Japan and India are taking steps toward establishing direct yen-rupee settlement mechanisms. These developments highlight the shifting dynamics in global trade and currency arrangements.
India is experiencing a surge in digital adoption, reflected in the country's biggest-ever share sales driven by mobile-first consumers. While much of India's technology stack relies on imported foundational technologies, the domestic market continues to grow rapidly. A data center construction boom is emerging as the next major investment theme, with analysts identifying top picks to play the trend. The mobile and digital transformation is reshaping India's capital markets and infrastructure landscape.
Analysts warn that the legacy of the last Iran nuclear deal continues to complicate prospects for a new agreement, as lingering mistrust undermines diplomatic efforts. NPR explores the broader question of why wars persist despite their immense costs, examining conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, and Gaza through five recurring factors that drive nations toward violence. The analysis comes amid ongoing tensions across multiple geopolitical flashpoints.
South Korea has announced a landmark $576 billion investment plan in partnership with Samsung and SK Hynix to build a massive AI chip manufacturing hub. The project, which some sources value at $518 billion, aims to position South Korea as a dominant force in the global AI semiconductor supply chain. President Yoon Suk Yeol has been actively promoting the chip hub initiative, particularly in the country's southwestern region. The investment underscores the intensifying global race for AI chip manufacturing capacity.