Semiconductors & AI Capex: Intel posted its fastest quarterly revenue growth in years, with Q2 revenue up 25% to $16.1B and a stronger-than-expected outlook, lifting shares in after-hours—another sign AI demand is still pulling forward chip spending. Markets & Oil Shock: Wall Street slid as Alphabet and Tesla earnings revived worries about heavy AI investment, while Brent pushed back above $100 amid renewed US-Iran and Red Sea tensions—fueling inflation fears and pressuring risk assets. Europe Stocks & Tariffs: European shares rose as oil eased below $100, but UK firms warned Trump’s tariff plans could erode the UK’s advantage versus the EU. US Power Market Oversight: FERC warned PJM stakeholders it could impose governance reforms if credible changes aren’t agreed by end-September, as data-center-driven demand raises scrutiny over reliability and affordability. India Risk-Off: Sensex and Nifty extended losses for a fifth straight day on US trade-tariff worries, West Asia tensions, and foreign outflows. FX Pressure in Nigeria: Traders expect the naira to weaken further as fuel importers front-load dollar purchases to build inventories. Housing & Rates: US mortgage rates climbed to the highest level in nearly a year, adding pressure to affordability just as geopolitical risk keeps bond yields elevated. Corporate Restructuring: Volkswagen cut profit and forecast amid China competition, signaling deeper cost actions including up to 100,000 job cuts. Energy Transition Demand: US solar hit record monthly output while electricity demand tied to AI data centers keeps climbing, tightening the power-bills outlook.