Rio Tinto’s second-quarter copper output fell 7% from the prior quarter after an unplanned outage at its Kennecott smelter in Utah shut a furnace that now needs to be rebuilt. The mine supplies about 15–20% of US domestic copper demand, and the disruption is expected to affect operations for the next six months. The miner maintained full-year copper production guidance of more than 800,000 tons. Iron ore shipments rose to 88.8 million tons, while higher diesel costs lifted Pilbara operating costs by about 80 cents a ton.

Asian equities rose as softer US inflation data eased expectations for further Federal Reserve rate hikes and the AI-driven trade regained momentum. South Korea’s Kospi surged more than 6% in a single session. Oil extended gains for a third session after US President Donald Trump threatened additional strikes on Iran, lifting Brent above $86 a barrel after an 11% rise over the prior two sessions. Gold held near $4,050 an ounce as demand for safe havens persisted.

US inflation eased more than expected in June, with headline CPI slowing to 3.5% year on year and core CPI to 2.6%. After the release, the US dollar index (DXY) fell 0.3%, USDJPY closed 0.1% lower and USDSGD also softened. The cooling print reduced near-term expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes and pushed short-dated US Treasury yields lower, pressuring the dollar and rippling across major Asian currency pairs.

SK Hynix shares rose nearly 13%, tracking a 28% jump in its U.S.-listed ADRs to $193.92 on the Nasdaq. Barclays initiated coverage with an “overweight” rating and a $330 a share price target for the ADRs. Broader U.S. equities also advanced as big bank results came in strong and June CPI cooled more than expected. Analysts said tightening DRAM supply could push the global memory industry toward its worst-ever shortage in 2027, with demand staying ahead of capacity and supporting higher prices and earnings.

Kusumgar Limited is scheduled to list on India’s BSE and NSE on July 15, 2026 (Wednesday). The IPO price was set at ₹419 per share, while the grey market premium (GMP) stands at ₹161, implying an expected listing price of ₹580, a 38.42% premium to the issue price. The IPO was subscribed 128.85 times overall, with strong oversubscription across QIB, NII and retail categories. The listing follows a pure offer for sale (OFS) that raised ₹650.36 crore.

The US Commerce Department issued a preliminary finding that would impose a 105% anti-dumping duty on Korea Aluminium’s exports, nearly four times the current rate. The decision stems from an ongoing trade investigation and has not taken effect as a final ruling. A Trump-owned company previously received a US$3.4 million payment from a South Korea-linked party, though the article says there is no evidence Trump or his family intervened in the probe.

New UK rules for buy now, pay later (BNPL) took effect from Wednesday, requiring providers to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority and to run an affordability check on every transaction. Consumers also gain access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for unresolved complaints and Section 75-style refund rights on faulty goods costing more than £100. Major providers including Klarna and Clearpay are directly affected. Kate Pender of Fair4All Finance estimated 10% to 30% of users could be turned down and may move to more expensive or unregulated credit options.

Atlas One Capital Corporation (TSXV: ACAP.P) said it has signed a binding letter of intent with privately held Ramsden Metals Inc. to acquire all of Ramsden Metals’ securities through a three-cornered amalgamation, positioning the deal as ACAP.P’s capital pool company qualifying transaction. Ramsden Metals’ main asset is the Eagle’s Nest critical metals exploration project in central Labrador, Canada, where no mineral resource has been defined. The proposed transaction remains subject to a definitive agreement, TSXV approval, due diligence and a concurrent financing, and ACAP.P shares are currently halted from trading.