European markets open Thursday trading in the green
The pan-European Stocks 600 index climbed 0.15% just after 8:10 a.m. ET, as many sectors across the continent experienced uplifting trends, and major exchanges saw early gains.
European banks increased by 0.8%, while sectors such as travel and leisure, household goods, and retail all rose by over 0.4%.
In detail, Germany’s index rose by 0.39%, Italy’s FTSE MIB added 0.37%, and France’s CAC40 saw a 0.23% increase. On the other hand, the British FTSE100 dipped 0.11% during the early trading session.
Kospi soars as Asia-Pacific markets finish mixed
Asia-Pacific markets wrapped up in a mixed fashion on Thursday. The Kospi surged by 3.6%, closing at 6,813.34, while the smaller Kosdaq rose 0.29% to settle at 861.37.
Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average increased by 1.16%, ending at 68,308.59, and TOPIX rose by 0.89% to 4,176.04.
In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped by 0.23% to 9,188.5, while mainland China’s CSI300 index fell by 0.57% to 4,663.95. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined by 0.38% as trading concluded.
Human investors take note of $2 trillion IPO record: FT
According to a recent report, Anthropic investors anticipate the company to be valued at over $2 trillion at its stock market debut. The AI startup is possibly looking towards an October launch, aiming for a record valuation, though no official IPO date has been confirmed yet. The Financial Times highlighted that rising sales could considerably enhance its valuation by fall.
A $2 trillion IPO would mark the largest in history, surpassing SpaceX, which went public at a valuation of approximately $1.77 trillion, although its stock has faced volatility since then.
UK economy grew 0.4% in second quarter due to unexpected surge in capital investment
British business investment experienced a 1.7% increase in the second quarter, contradicting forecasts of a 0.5% decline, while GDP rose in the three months ending June. Real GDP grew by 0.4%, which aligns with expectations, though it was a slowdown from the previous quarter’s 0.6% growth. Monthly GDP rose 0.3%, with May showing no growth.
The Office for National Statistics noted that a substantial growth in business investment, largely in areas like IT and machinery, contributed significantly to capital formation estimates for year-on-year increase at 0.8%. Economists have expressed that this second quarter strength may be influenced by temporary factors, notably warm weather and events like the FIFA World Cup. Warnings of a potential slowdown in the coming months have also been highlighted.
European markets expected to open in the green on Thursday
Futures for the Stocks 50 index climbed 0.39% ahead of Thursday’s market opening, suggesting a positive start for major exchanges. German market indicators showed strong growth of 0.34%, while the French CAC40 anticipated a 0.28% opening gain and the FTSE100 in the UK was expected to rise by 0.33%.
Asian semiconductor stocks rise as enthusiasm for AI returns
Asian semiconductor stocks advanced on Thursday, reflecting a recovery in the tech sector driven by easing fears over U.S. interest rate hikes and heightened AI spending optimism. South Korea’s SK Hynix saw an impressive rise of more than 7%, with Samsung Electronics also climbing about 5.7%. Other semiconductor entities, including LG Innotek and Seoul Semiconductor, reported gains too.
In Japan, semiconductor stocks similarly improved, with Advantest increasing by 4.9% and Tokyo Electron seeing a rise of around 3.2%. Several companies, including Disco, exhibited strong performances as well.
Samsonite stock rises 7% after suitcase maker agrees to acquire BÉIS
Shares of Samsonite surged by 7.2% after the luggage manufacturer announced its agreement to acquire an 85% stake in BÉIS, a U.S.-based lifestyle and travel brand, for $178.5 million. Founded in 2018, BÉIS appeals to younger consumers and has expanded its market reach, generating around $210 million in net sales in 2025.
Oil prices rise due to concerns over supply disruption due to worsening spill accident near Oman
Crude oil prices climbed on Thursday as fears of supply disruption rose due to recent attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Oman, coupled with escalating spill situations near Oman. Brent crude oil for October delivery increased by 1.01% to $88.09 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose by 1.15% to $82.31 per barrel.
A recent report indicated that a tanker carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian crude oil ran aground near Oman on June 30, under sanctions. The leak has raised concerns, particularly as it occurred close to a nature reserve housing sensitive wildlife.
Tencent and Foxconn stock prices fall after second-quarter results
Following their second-quarter earnings announcements, Tencent’s shares slid about 3%, and Foxconn’s stock fell by 2.8%. Tencent revealed that its revenue increased by 11% year-on-year, whereas Foxconn experienced notable sales and operating profit growth, even amid falling stock prices.
AI trade regains momentum and Korean stocks enter a bull market
South Korea’s stock market showed significant growth on Thursday, propelling the Kospi into a technical bull market as renewed interest in AI trade emerged after last month’s sell-off. Major companies in the semiconductor sector, particularly Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, played a critical role in this rally.
South Korea’s Kospi rose more than 4%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose more than 1%
The Kospi soared by 4%, while the smaller Kosdaq growth stood at 0.92%. Conversely, Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average increased by 1.5%, with the TOPIX showing a 0.99% rise. Australia’s S&P/ASX index, however, slightly fell by 0.12%.
Japan’s Nikkei stock average expected to rise on producer inflation data
Japanese stocks are projected to open higher, driven by potential impacts of overall inflation data. Futures for the Nikkei indicated an upward trend compared to previous closing prices, suggesting a positive market sentiment, while investors awaited U.S. wholesale inflation data.
Cerebras and Coherent are among the stocks that move the most after the bell
Cerebras saw a nearly 14% decline after its quarterly revenue fell short of expectations, while Coherent suffered a 3% drop after its margins met projections but did not outperform them.
