QtrendsTech leads global stock gains outside the U.S.
Technology stocks drove most first-half gains in global markets, but the strongest performers were concentrated outside the United States. The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time high, while the Nasdaq declined as investors weighed remarks from Fed Chair Warsh alongside economic data. Nearly all of the Nasdaq-100's first-half gains came from just 10 stocks, highlighting narrow market leadership. Analysts are also identifying value stocks poised for rapid growth through 2028.
Hong Kong's luxury home market is attracting renewed interest from buyers, with agents predicting mild price growth of up to 2%. Strong first-half momentum has kept the market buoyant, and developers are offering incentives such as Mercedes giveaways to entice wealthy purchasers. The luxury segment is expected to remain resilient through the rest of 2026, though price increases are likely to stay modest.
The White House has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced AI models, which had been frozen over cybersecurity concerns. The move reverses a prior ban and allows Anthropic to deploy its Claude models internationally. Reports indicate the administration acted after a security review found the models no longer posed elevated risk. The decision marks a shift in U.S. AI export policy.
Donald Trump's financial disclosures reveal he made more than $1 billion from cryptocurrency businesses in his first year back in the White House. Filings show approximately $1.2 billion in crypto-related income, including over $100 million in Bitcoin investments. The revelations highlight the former president's deep financial ties to the digital asset industry during his second term.