Global

Global https://www.benzinga.com/views/taxonomy/term/17027 en Carnival Stock Rises As Oil Prices Fall After MoU https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/26/06/53289891/carnival-stock-rises-as-oil-prices-fall-after-mou?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><strong>Carnival Corp</strong> <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CCL" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CCL" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CCL">CCL</a>)</a> shares are moving higher on Thursday as cruise stocks benefit from falling oil prices following a new agreement between the United States and Iran to halt their conflict and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/prediction-markets/26/06/53284836/the-14-point-us-iran-deal-broken-down-what-it-means-for-oil-prices">reopen the Strait of Hormuz</a>.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Carnival shares are powering higher. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CCL" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Why is CCL stock surging?</a></li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">U.S., Iran Strike Deal To End Hostilities, Reopen Strait</h2> <p>After more than three months of conflict and a series of stalled diplomatic efforts, the United States and Iran signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The deal allows Iranian crude exports to resume immediately, although the most sensitive issue, Iran's nuclear program, will be addressed in a separate 60-day negotiation window.</p> <p>Under the agreement, the United States will begin lifting its naval blockade at once and fully remove it within 30 days. Iran agreed to permit commercial vessels to pass safely at no cost for 60 days, with shipping lanes expected to return to normal once mine clearing operations are completed. Iranian media reported that 11 Iranian vessels crossed the blockade shortly after the memorandum was signed.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oil Prices Continue To Ease</h2> <p>West Texas Intermediate slipped about 1.3% to roughly $75 per barrel on Thursday, while Brent traded near $78.66. Crude prices are now down close to 38% from the April peak. The national average ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/26/06/53289891/carnival-stock-rises-as-oil-prices-fall-after-mou?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Carnival Stock Rises As Oil Prices Fall After MoU>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> CCL News why it's moving Global Movers CCL PA1436583006 News Global Movers Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:26:53 +0000 Evette Mitkov 53289891 at https://www.benzinga.com Miduoduo Files For Hong Kong Listing; TikTok Tie-up, Southeast Asia Focus May Boost IPO prospects https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53286331/miduoduo-files-for-hong-kong-listing-tiktok-tie-up-southeast-asia-focus-may-boost-ipo-prospects?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><em>China's fifth-largest marketing services provider for cross-border e-commerce customers is shifting to social media platforms and its own direct sales for growth</em></p> <p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18062405/%E5%B1%8F%E5%B9%95%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_18-6-2026_142151_thebambooworks.com_-1024x673.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-34707" /></figure></p> <p><em>image credit: Bamboo Works</em></p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></h4> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Miduoduo has chalked up three years of losses ahead of its application for a Hong Kong IPO, but attributes that to costs associated with its recent business shifts</li> <li>The provider of cross-border e-commerce marketing services says its strong revenue growth last year reflects a tie-up with TikTok and focus on Southeast Asia</li> </ul> <p>It's a familiar story when startups head for the capital markets with a track record of losses. Cross-border e-commerce company <strong>Miduoduo Group Inc.</strong> was one of the latest cases in point when it <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/app/sehk/2026/108636/documents/sehk26061201939.pdf" rel="nofollow"><strong>applied for</strong></a> a Hong Kong listing last week.</p> <p>The company reported losses of $16.4 million in 2023, $163,000 in 2024 and $24.5 million last year, on revenue of $70.9 million, $71.1 million and $138.1 million, respectively. Prior to rule changes introduced in 2018, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange probably would have simply dismissed Miduoduo's application due to its earlier requirements for two years of profitability before an IPO.</p> <p>Adjusted for certain non-cash items, the company's bottom line looks better – with a net profit of $59,000 in 2023, followed by a loss of $87,000 in 2024 and a $2.3 million profit last year.</p> <p>Despite that bumpy profit record, more is going on with Miduoduo that merits a closer look beyond its bottom line. For one, the company's latest backers include sovereign wealth fund Central Huijin Investment, whose fresh funding last year valued Miduoduo at HK$5 billion ($638 million).</p> <p>The company is trying to position itself more like a hot high-tech startup rather than a 14-year-old player in the mature ad services industry, counting on its most recent embrace of the exploding market for outbound e-commerce selling goods from Chinese merchants to buyers in other countries.</p> <p>It wants investors to see it not only as a marketing services provider, but also as an operator of its own direct cross-border e-commerce platform with a focus on Southeast Asia. It says it will use IPO proceeds to bankroll localization and e-commerce warehouses in four key Southeast Asian markets – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia. Its recent partnership with the popular TikTok short video site, which operates the TikTok Shop e-commerce platform, is also an important part of its ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53286331/miduoduo-files-for-hong-kong-listing-tiktok-tie-up-southeast-asia-focus-may-boost-ipo-prospects?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Miduoduo Files For Hong Kong Listing; TikTok Tie-up, Southeast Asia Focus May Boost IPO prospects>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> contributors IPOs Global Opinion IPOs Global Opinion Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 17:42:25 +0000 Bamboo Works 53286331 at https://www.benzinga.com From Scarcity To Execution: China's AI Valuation Reset https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53283928/from-scarcity-to-execution-chinas-ai-valuation-reset?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><em>Zhipu and MiniMax have lost more than 40% of their market value in just two weeks, as investors reassess the true worth of China's large language model developers</em></p> <p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18061954/%E5%B1%8F%E5%B9%95%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_18-6-2026_135029_thebambooworks.com_-1024x648.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-34704" /></figure></p> <p><em>image credit: Bamboo Works</em></p> <p>Investor enthusiasm for AI stocks was in overdrive earlier this year, when <strong>Knowledge Atlas Technology Joint Stock Co. Ltd.</strong> (2513.HK), better known as Zhipu, and <strong>MiniMax Group Holdings Ltd.</strong> (0100.HK) made their Hong Kong stock market debuts amid sentiment reminiscent of the most exuberant days of China's internet and electric vehicle booms.</p> <p>As some of the first large language model (LLM) developers to reach public markets, both companies quickly became investor darlings. On May 29, Zhipu's shares surged to an intraday high of HK$1,993, more than 17 times their IPO price, giving the company a market value of more than HK$880 billion ($112 billion). MiniMax closed the same day at HK$840, more than four times its listing price, with a market value exceeding HK$260 billion.</p> <p>Based on Zhipu's 2025 revenue of 724 million yuan ($107 million), the company was briefly valued at more than 1,000 times sales at its peak. Its market capitalization even surpassed that of some profitable technology companies, underscoring how investor optimism toward China's AI champions had stretched far beyond what conventional financial metrics could justify.</p> <p>But sentiment reversed sharply just two weeks later. By June 12, Zhipu's shares had fallen to HK$1,097, down 44.9% from their peak, while MiniMax had dropped to HK$396, a decline of 52.9%. Together, the two companies lost more than HK$400 billion in market value.</p> <p>At first glance, the selloff appears to be the result of upcoming lockup expirations. According to Hong Kong Stock Exchange filings, stock held by Zhipu's first batch of cornerstone investors will become eligible for sale on July 8, involving 25.68 million shares, equivalent to about 11.9% of its H-share capital. Given that only about 11.74 million shares are currently freely tradable, the company's free float will triple overnight. MiniMax faces a similar situation on July 9, when shares held by cornerstone investors, anchor investors and certain existing shareholders will be unlocked, significantly increasing the supply of stock available for public trading.</p> <p>Yet attributing the ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53283928/from-scarcity-to-execution-chinas-ai-valuation-reset?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=From Scarcity To Execution: China's AI Valuation Reset>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> contributors Expert Ideas Global Opinion Markets Global Opinion Markets Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:36:33 +0000 Bamboo Works 53283928 at https://www.benzinga.com Visual China Files For Hong Kong IPO As It Reframes For An AI Era https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53283045/visual-china-files-for-hong-kong-ipo-as-it-reframes-for-an-ai-era?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><em>China's biggest platform for licensed images has filed for a Hong Kong listing as it tries to reposition itself as a provider of AI-enabled design services</em></p> <p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18062615/%E5%B1%8F%E5%B9%95%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_18-6-2026_135745_thebambooworks.com_-1024x674.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-34710" /></figure></p> <p><em>image credit: Bamboo Works</em></p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></h4> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>The company's core revenue from content licensing fell 14% last year, slipping below 70% of overall turnover</li> <li>Visual China hit the headlines in 2019 when it tried to charge for a landmark scientific image that had been issued as free for general use</li> </ul> <p>Generative AI is disrupting creative industries across the board, and the business of sourcing visual content is no exception.</p> <p>Whether for news coverage, corporate marketing or advertising campaigns, businesses have traditionally obtained images through platforms such as <strong>Getty Images</strong> <a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="GETY" data-exchange="NYSE" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GETY" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GETY">GETY</a>)</a> and <strong>Shutterstock</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SSTK" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="SSTK" data-exchange="NYSE" rel="noopener">(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SSTK">SSTK</a>)</a>. But the rapid adoption of AI-powered tools has meant that many users are opting to create their own images, without the help of a go-between.</p> <p>Still, the stalwarts of the licensed image industry believe their extensive content libraries remain a store of value, as they reposition themselves as integrated platforms offering content assets and AI capabilities. This strategy lies at the heart of an<strong> <a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/app/sehk/2026/108639/documents/sehk26061400174.pdf" rel="nofollow">IPO</a> </strong>pitch by China's biggest provider of stock images, <strong>Visual China Group Co. Ltd.</strong> (000681.SZ), which wants to raise money to invest in its AI services.</p> <p>The founder of Visual China, Chai Jijun, started out as a photojournalist at China Youth Daily before getting into the business of content licensing.</p> <p>In 2016, the company acquired the image licensing division of Corbis, the photo agency founded by Bill Gates, gaining access to an international portfolio of copyrighted content. It later added the photographer community 500px and obtained a controlling stake in Chengdu Guangchang Creative Technology, building a content ecosystem spanning images, videos, audio and 3D models.</p> <p>By ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53283045/visual-china-files-for-hong-kong-ipo-as-it-reframes-for-an-ai-era?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Visual China Files For Hong Kong IPO As It Reframes For An AI Era>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> contributors GETY SSTK SSTK IPOs Global Opinion SSTK SSTK GETY IPOs Global Opinion Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:08:30 +0000 Bamboo Works 53283045 at https://www.benzinga.com The Meta-Scale Multiplier: Why The Data Center Race Is A Power Grid Story https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/26/06/53270429/the-meta-scale-multiplier-why-the-data-center-race-is-a-power-grid-story?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p>The global race to build data centers has accelerated to the point where <strong>Meta Platforms, Inc.</strong> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="META" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/META">META</a>)</a> has ditched conventional plans, pitching billion-dollar tent cities.</p> <p>The situation is known. AI needs servers, which need liquid cooling systems, advanced chips, and warehouse-sized computing clusters. Yet, according to new <a target="_blank" href="https://www.woodmac.com/press-releases/wood-mackenzie-data-centre-metals-demand-isnt-an-asset-story.-its-a-grid-story" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> from <strong>Wood Mackenzie</strong>, that narrative misses the bigger—and far more metal-intensive—story.</p> <p>"Most assessments of data center metals demand stop at the server room door," said <strong>Shashank Sriram</strong>, senior research analyst for aluminum markets at Wood Mackenzie. "That captures the smallest part of the picture."</p> <p>The consultancy's latest report argues that data centers aren't standalone technology assets but rather giant power infrastructure projects. After grid upgrades, transmission lines, substations, and on-site generation, the total aluminum and copper demand rises between three and four times the volume of the data center itself.</p> <p>That distinction matters because it changes the outlook for commodity markets just as the global metals supply chain is coming under unprecedented strain. The recent conflict in the Middle East exposed the fragility of global supply chains.</p> <p>According to Reuters, data from the International Aluminum Institute show that Gulf region production run-rates fell by 2 million tons through ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/26/06/53270429/the-meta-scale-multiplier-why-the-data-center-race-is-a-power-grid-story?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=The Meta-Scale Multiplier: Why The Data Center Race Is A Power Grid Story>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> ALUM Analyst Color COPX DBB Expert Ideas META News REMX Sector ETFs XME Specialty ETFs Commodities Global Top Stories Markets Tech ETFs DBB US73936B7055 XME US78464A7550 COPX US37950E8619 REMX US57060U4720 ALUM US37950E7132 META Sector ETFs News Analyst Color Specialty ETFs Commodities Global Top Stories Markets Tech ETFs Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:43:18 +0000 Stjepan Kalinic 53270429 at https://www.benzinga.com Ant Group-Backed AI Startup Targets Over $900 Million Valuation In Nasdaq IPO https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/26/06/53269332/ant-group-backed-ai-startup-targets-over-900-million-valuation-in-nasdaq-ipo?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><strong>DSC Holdings</strong>, a Chinese technology company focused on AI-powered infrastructure for the used-car industry, filed for a Nasdaq listing on Wednesday that could value the company at roughly $901 million.</p> <p>The <strong>Ant Group</strong>-backed company, also known as DaSouChe, said it will offer 3 million American Depositary Shares at an expected price range of $16 to $18 apiece, seeking to raise up to $54 million. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">IPO Terms And Use Of Proceeds</h2> <p>According to a Reuters report, citing a term sheet, the offering could increase to about $62 million if underwriters exercise an option to purchase an additional 450,000 shares.</p> <p>The company said it plans to use the proceeds to expand services for auto merchants, invest in technology and support working-capital needs.</p> <p>Pricing is expected on June 24, while <strong>China International ...</strong></p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/ipos/26/06/53269332/ant-group-backed-ai-startup-targets-over-900-million-valuation-in-nasdaq-ipo?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Ant Group-Backed AI Startup Targets Over $900 Million Valuation In Nasdaq IPO>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> Ant Group Asia China IPOs Global Tech Asia IPOs Global Tech Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:42:18 +0000 [email protected] 53269332 at https://www.benzinga.com Stock Market: Will S&P 500 Open Up Or Down Today? https://www.benzinga.com/markets/prediction-markets/26/06/53268883/sp500-june-18-open-up-or-down-polymarket-fed-warsh-rate-hike-outlook?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p>The S&P 500 tumbled on Wednesday after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/26/06/53267306/fed-holds-rates-steady-signals-future-tightening-as-dow-futures-jump-260-points">Federal Reserve signaled</a> that interest rates could rise this year, but Polymarket traders are betting the benchmark index will rebound sharply at Thursday’s open.</p> <p>The S&P 500 closed down 1.21% at 7,420.10 after its worst session in nearly a week. However, the June 18 Polymarket contract implied a 98% probability that the index will open higher on Thursday.</p> <p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="605" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18044927/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-14.16.04-1024x605.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1513798" style="width:691px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18044927/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-14.16.04-1024x605.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18044927/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-14.16.04-300x177.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18044927/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-14.16.04-768x453.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18044927/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-14.16.04-1536x907.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/18044927/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-14.16.04.png 1907w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why That Number Matters</h2> <p>Investor sentiment was rattled Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged but released a more hawkish-than-expected dot plot.</p> <p>The median Fed official now expects the benchmark rate to end 2026 at 3.8%, up from 3.4% in March projections, suggesting at least ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/prediction-markets/26/06/53268883/sp500-june-18-open-up-or-down-polymarket-fed-warsh-rate-hike-outlook?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Stock Market: Will S&P 500 Open Up Or Down Today?>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> ACN Earnings Equities Government KR Market Summary Polymarket Prediction Markets stock market today Futures Global Economics Pre-Market Outlook Markets ACN IE00B4BNMY34 KR US5010441013 Earnings Equities Government Prediction Markets Market Summary Futures Global Economics Pre-Market Outlook Markets Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:54:27 +0000 Eva Mathew 53268883 at https://www.benzinga.com Why Did Euro Tech Holdings (CLWT) Stock Jump Over 12% After Hours? https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/06/53268541/why-did-euro-tech-holdings-clwt-stock-jump-over-12-after-hours?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><strong>Euro Tech Holdings Company Ltd. </strong><a class="ticker-link" data-ticker="CLWT" data-exchange="NASDAQ" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CLWT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CLWT">CLWT</a>)</a> shares jumped 12.17% to $1.76 after the bell on Wednesday, extending a 30.83% intraday gain.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Norway Deal Signals European Expansion</h2> <p>The Hong Kong-based manufacturer and distributor of water treatment equipment announced before the market opened Wednesday that it had selected <strong>Sea Clean AS </strong>as a strategic partner to launch a next-generation hybrid Ballast Water Port Reception & Treatment Facility in Norway.</p> <p>Sea Clean will provide land located next to the seashore for the facility, along with on-site operational services to support future vessel requirements. The mobile facility is scheduled to be dispatched to Sea Clean's port site in Torvasted, Norway, in early July.</p> <p>Euro Tech plans to present the ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/06/53268541/why-did-euro-tech-holdings-clwt-stock-jump-over-12-after-hours?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Why Did Euro Tech Holdings (CLWT) Stock Jump Over 12% After Hours?>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> benznews CLWT Equities News Why is it moving? Movers & Shakers Events Global After-Hours Center Markets General CLWT VGG320301010 News Equities Movers & Shakers Events Global After-Hours Center Markets General Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:26:34 +0000 Mohd Haider 53268541 at https://www.benzinga.com Trump Thanks Xi And Putin For Staying 'Totally Neutral' During Iran Conflict: 'They Could Have Made It Much More Difficult...' https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/06/53268169/trump-thanks-xi-and-putin-for-staying-totally-neutral-during-iran-conflict-they-could-have-made-it-?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p>On Thursday, President <strong>Donald Trump</strong> expressed his appreciation for the neutrality exhibited by Chinese President <strong>Xi Jinping</strong> and Russian President <strong>Vladimir Putin</strong> during the conflict with Iran.</p> <p>Trump praised the two leaders for not hindering his attempts to restrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “I want to thank China, President Xi. I was with him, and he stayed neutral, totally neutral, and I appreciate it,” Trump commented. He also thanked Putin, stating, “he was very neutral. They could have made it much more difficult for us.”</p> <p><figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><br /> <div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Trump Asked: What's The Difference 'Between Giving Iran US Dollars And Unfreezing US Dollars?'" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qOfATncoXZk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <p></p></figure></p> <p>Following the signing of a ceasefire agreement in the conflict with Iran, Trump made the remarks during a press conference at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. </p> <p>He expressed gratitude to the leaders for not intervening in the conflict, stating, “I just want to thank them because they made it a lot better.”</p> <div class="bz-read-next-block"<br /> data-variant="card"<br /> data-news-mode="manual" <p> ...</p></div><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/06/53268169/trump-thanks-xi-and-putin-for-staying-totally-neutral-during-iran-conflict-they-could-have-made-it-?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Trump Thanks Xi And Putin For Staying 'Totally Neutral' During Iran Conflict: 'They Could Have Made It Much More Difficult...'>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> Asia Government News Politics Global News Government Asia Politics Global Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:47:52 +0000 Namrata Sen 53268169 at https://www.benzinga.com Will Ships Be Able To Sail Normally Through Strait Of Hormuz After Trump's Iran MOU? Here's What The Prediction Market Says https://www.benzinga.com/markets/prediction-markets/26/06/53267981/will-ships-be-able-to-sail-normally-through-strait-of-hormuz-after-trumps-iran-mou-her?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p>President <strong>Donald Trump </strong>and Iranian President <strong>Masoud Pezeshkian </strong>on Wednesday <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/06/53267357/trump-threatens-to-bomb-iran-if-deal-is-violated-as-60-day-truce-talks-begin">signed the interim ceasefire agreement</a>, giving both sides 60 days to agree to a permanent peace deal.</p> <p>The agreement extends the ceasefire announced in April by 60 days and includes the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without any charges.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Here's What Prediction Market Is Saying</strong></h2> <p>As the two sides have signed the interim agreement, the prediction market is now hopeful that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will return to normal by July 31.</p> <p>Polymarket, a <strong>Polygon</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/POL-USD" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="POL" data-exchange="CRYPTO" rel="noopener">(CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">POL</a>)</a> based ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/prediction-markets/26/06/53267981/will-ships-be-able-to-sail-normally-through-strait-of-hormuz-after-trumps-iran-mou-her?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Will Ships Be Able To Sail Normally Through Strait Of Hormuz After Trump's Iran MOU? Here's What The Prediction Market Says>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> $POL $USDC Iran Prediction Markets Strait of Hormuz Commodities Global $USDC $POL Prediction Markets Commodities Global Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 06:17:41 +0000 Benzinga Neuro 53267981 at https://www.benzinga.com Park Ha Biological Technology (BYAH) Stock Surges Over 41% After Hours: Why Is It Moving? https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/06/53267592/park-ha-biological-technology-byah-stock-surges-over-41-after-hours-why-is-it-moving?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><strong>Park Ha Biological Technology Co., Ltd.</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BYAH" target="_blank" class="ticker-link" data-ticker="BYAH" data-exchange="NASDAQ" rel="noopener">(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BYAH">BYAH</a>)</a> shares jumped 41.66% to $1.70 in after-hours trading on Wednesday.</p> <p>According to Benzinga Pro data, stock of the Chinese skincare company dropped 20% to $1.20 in the regular session.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">$2M Direct Offering</h2> <p>The stock move followed a Monday announcement where Park Ha Biological announced the closing of a $2.0 million registered direct offering.</p> <p>The company priced 1.13 Class A ordinary shares along with pre-funded warrants for up to 200,000 additional shares at a combined price of $1.50 per unit.</p> <p>New York City-based <strong>D. Boral Capital LLC</strong> served as sole placement agent.</p> <p>The company said gross proceeds are estimated at approximately $2.0 million before fees, with net proceeds to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes.</p> <p>Last week, Park Ha Biological also announced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/26/06/53168452/why-is-park-ha-biological-technology-rocketing-on-friday">strategic AI-driven ...</a></p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/06/53267592/park-ha-biological-technology-byah-stock-surges-over-41-after-hours-why-is-it-moving?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Park Ha Biological Technology (BYAH) Stock Surges Over 41% After Hours: Why Is It Moving?>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> AI benznews BYAH Equities News Why is it moving? Health Care Financing Movers & Shakers Offerings Global After-Hours Center Markets Tech General BYAH News Equities Health Care Financing Movers & Shakers Offerings Global After-Hours Center Markets Tech General Benzinga Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:27:05 +0000 Mohd Haider 53267592 at https://www.benzinga.com Trump Unveils Iran Peace Framework As Questions Remain Over Long-Term Stability https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/06/53266348/trump-unveils-iran-peace-framework-as-questions-remain-over-long-term-stability?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p>President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended a newly unveiled framework agreement with Iran that aims to end months of conflict and reopen critical shipping lanes in the Middle East.</p> <p> <strong>• What’s the outlook for CVX <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVX" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shares?</a></strong></p> <p>The proposed 14-point memorandum of understanding, expected to be formally signed later this week in Switzerland, would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while negotiators work toward a broader and more permanent agreement.</p> <p>At the center of the deal is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies pass. The agreement calls for an end to maritime blockades in the Persian Gulf and the restoration of commercial shipping traffic.</p> <p>Under the framework, Iran has pledged not to pursue nuclear ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/26/06/53266348/trump-unveils-iran-peace-framework-as-questions-remain-over-long-term-stability?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=Trump Unveils Iran Peace Framework As Questions Remain Over Long-Term Stability>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> Ceasefire CVX Donald Trump Government Iran Strait of Hormuz XOM Politics Global CVX US1667641005 XOM US30231G1022 Government Politics Global Benzinga Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:51:54 +0000 Benzinga News-desk 53266348 at https://www.benzinga.com UK Inflation Holds At 2.8% As Iran War Disrupts Energy Markets Ahead of BoE Decision https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53263695/uk-inflation-holds-as-iran-war-disrupts-energy-markets-ahead-of-boe-decision?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p>United Kingdom inflation remained unchanged ahead of the country's central bank interest-<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/bank-england-keep-rates-hold-after-ecb-hike-2026-06-15/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">rate</a> decision and after the economy contracted following nearly four months of global energy supply disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East.</p> <p>Inflation remained at 2.8% in May, unchanged from April, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerpriceinflation/may2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">said</a> on Wednesday. Air fares rose by 10.3% between April and May, reversing a 5.0% decline during the same 2025 period, the ONS data showed.</p> <p>"Inflation held steady in May as various price movements offset each other," ONS Chief Economist Grant Fitzner said. "The main upward movement came from transport with airfares, vehicle taxes, and petrol prices all pushing up inflation. These were offset by lower food prices."</p> <p><figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!P-SQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6389f90d-f0ed-4ee5-ab52-ac4a793409c7_726x478.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!P-SQ!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6389f90d-f0ed-4ee5-ab52-ac4a793409c7_726x478.png" alt="" /></a></figure></p> <p>The Bank of England (BoE) in April predicted an increase to 3.3%. The US-Israeli war on Iran kept UK inflation almost a percentage point higher than the ⁠central bank had forecast.</p> <p>The conflict has effectively re-tightened global energy markets at a moment when policymakers expected relief.</p> <p>"The war in Iran is disrupting energy markets, supply chains, and pushing up costs for businesses across the country," Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rt-hon-rachel-reeves-535713240_the-war-in-iran-is-disrupting-energy-markets-share-7462157635392405504-RYg2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">said</a>.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">US-Iran Deal May Ease Price Strain</h2> <p>The British economy has suffered since the war started in late February. The US-Iranian <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/14/us-iran-war-peace-deal.html" rel="nofollow">deal</a> to end the war may not change that immediately.</p> <p>Gross domestic product contracted by 0.1% in April, the first monthly fall since August, the ONS said on Friday. Industrial production stalled in April after contracting by 0.2% year-on-year in March.</p> <p>UK crude oil input prices rose by 71.8% in the year to May, compared with 76.8% in April. Motor fuel prices jumped 24.6%, the fastest pace since September ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53263695/uk-inflation-holds-as-iran-war-disrupts-energy-markets-ahead-of-boe-decision?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=UK Inflation Holds At 2.8% As Iran War Disrupts Energy Markets Ahead of BoE Decision>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> contributors Expert Ideas Global Econ #s Opinion Economics Global Econ #s Opinion Economics Benzinga Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:08:51 +0000 European Capital Insights 53263695 at https://www.benzinga.com AI Demand Drives $715 Million Canada Pension Fund Bet On India Data Center https://www.benzinga.com/markets/private-markets/26/06/53258740/ai-demand-drives-715-million-canada-pension-fund-bet-on-india-data-center?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><strong>Canada Pension Plan Investment Board</strong> (CPP Investments) has entered into a strategic partnership with CtrlS Datacenters Ltd., a data center operator in India, committing up to $715 million to scale its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/private-markets">digital infrastructure footprint.</a></p> <p>The partnership "aims to speed up the development of next-generation data center infrastructure to meet rising demand from hyperscalers, cloud services, AI applications and India's rapidly expanding digital economy," the pension board <a href="https://www.cppinvestments.com/newsroom/cpp-investments-commits-c1-billion-to-ctrls-data-centre-partnership-in-india/">said</a> in a press release.</p> <div class="bz-read-next-block"<br /> data-variant="card"<br /> data-news-mode="manual" <p> ></p> <p> <strong><br /> Read Also:<br /> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/private-markets/26/06/53236262/leaked-openai-financials-reveal-a-stunning-38-5-billion-loss" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><br /> Leaked OpenAI Financials Reveal A Stunning $38.5 Billion Loss</a><br /> </strong> </p> </div> <p>CPP Investments plans to invest $420 million to buy an 8.2% stake in CtrlS. Alongside the equity purchase, the two parties are establishing a separate venture to build hyperscale campuses across multiple Indian markets. CPP Investments said it will contribute up to $314 million for a 48% equity ownership ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/markets/private-markets/26/06/53258740/ai-demand-drives-715-million-canada-pension-fund-bet-on-india-data-center?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=AI Demand Drives $715 Million Canada Pension Fund Bet On India Data Center>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> Canada data centers India Private Markets Stories That Matter Global Markets Tech Private Markets Global Markets Tech Benzinga Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:46:38 +0000 Caroline Ryan 53258740 at https://www.benzinga.com PPLabs Files For Hong Kong IPO Eyeing Fresh Capital https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53255645/pplabs-files-for-hong-kong-ipo-eyeing-fresh-capital?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel <p><em>The computing power provider has filed for a Hong Kong IPO, hoping to attract investors with its surging AI cloud business</em></p> <p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/17080154/%E5%B1%8F%E5%B9%95%E6%88%AA%E5%9B%BE_17-6-2026_104347_thebambooworks.com_-1024x649.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-34615" /></figure></p> <p><em>image credit: Bamboo Works</em></p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></h4> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>PPLabs has filed to list in Hong Kong, reporting revenue from its AI cloud business surged by more than 10 times last year to 119 million yuan</li> <li>The computing power scheduling platform has yet to achieve profitability, and gross margin for its AI cloud business remains at a negative 10.7%</li> </ul> <p>The rapid rise of AI agents has made computing power infrastructure one of the hottest investment themes in capital markets lately. That tide is washing some names from China's golden internet era back to center stage for encore performances.</p> <p>One of those is none other than Yao Xin, founder of PPTV, which was once at the cutting edge of China's online video revolution. Now, Yao has now returned for his encore with a <strong><a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/app/sehk/2026/108628/documents/sehk26061000116.pdf" rel="nofollow">Hong Kong IPO application</a></strong> for his similarly named <strong>PPLabs Technology Ltd.</strong> From his earliest days building a content delivery network two decades ago, to his latest foray integrating decentralized GPU resources to build an AI computing power network, Yao Xin has always focused on the infrastructure at the base of the internet world.</p> <p>PPLabs does not train models, nor does it directly provide AI applications. Instead, it integrates decentralized computing power resources across the globe to provide edge cloud and AI cloud services to enterprises and developers. The company's computing power network covered over 1,340 cities and counties globally at the end of last year, with more than 4,600 compute nodes.</p> <p>The platform had over 574,000 registered developers at the end of April this year. According to third-party market data in its preliminary prospectus, the company is the largest independent edge cloud computing service provider in China, and is also the country's largest independent AI cloud computing service provider.</p> <p>Yao Xin founded his original PPTV online video platform in 2005, placing him in the generation of China's earliest internet entrepreneurs. After leaving PPTV, he became a partner at Lanchi Ventures before founding PPLabs in 2018. If PPTV's mission was tackling problems surrounding video transmission in the early internet era, then PPLabs is now tackling a new problem set involving computing ...</p><p><a href=https://www.benzinga.com/Opinion/26/06/53255645/pplabs-files-for-hong-kong-ipo-eyeing-fresh-capital?utm_source=benzinga_taxonomy&utm_medium=rss_feed_free&utm_content=taxonomy_rss&utm_campaign=channel alt=PPLabs Files For Hong Kong IPO Eyeing Fresh Capital>Full story available on Benzinga.com</a></p> contributors IPOs Global Opinion IPOs Global Opinion Benzinga Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:12:10 +0000 Bamboo Works 53255645 at https://www.benzinga.com