AI & Jobs Sentiment: Steve Wozniak’s “You all have AI — actual intelligence” moment at graduation is fueling a broader pushback against AI-doom narratives, while corporate leaders’ dismissive takes are getting booed—an attitude shift that could reshape hiring and training expectations. Private Capital Stress: A Coller Capital survey flags more “zombie funds” as dealmaking stays muted and exits remain hard, keeping pressure on distributions and fundraising. Middle East, Oil, and Airfares: Progress in US-Iran talks eased crude, but airlines may still keep fares elevated as capacity stays tight; jet-fuel declines could help margins more than passengers. FX & Rates Watch: Sterling slid on UK political uncertainty tied to Labour leadership speculation, while Asia currencies and stocks tracked oil and rate expectations. Inflation Expectations: A central bank survey in Türkiye shows households’ 12-month inflation expectations easing to 46.13%, with food and fuel still top concerns. India Industrials: Kotak reiterated “Sell” on Polycab, RR Kabel, and KEI, citing full valuations and margin risks from commodity swings and competitive entry. Korea Chips: SK Hynix overtook Samsung as South Korea’s most valuable public company on soaring HBM demand from AI. Energy Infrastructure: OPEC says Africa needs about $92bn of refining investment by 2050, spotlighting Nigeria-led expansion. Travel Demand Shift: Middle East turmoil is hitting long-haul travel, but intra-Asia demand is rebounding, with Thailand cutting long-haul forecasts while nearby markets recover. EV Policy: The UK’s looming pay-per-mile EV tax (eVED) is expected to deter new EV adoption, even as near-term savings from fuel and tax thresholds remain possible.