Rambus edged up 0.1% to $96.52 after the semiconductor company reported second-quarter results. 

Revenue increased 20% to $207.4 million from $172.2 million, net income advanced 17% to $67.6 million from $57.9 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to 61 cents from 53 cents a year ago. 

Product revenue increased to $99.2 million from $81.3 million, royalties revenue advanced to $84.2 million from $68.6 million, and contract and other revenue rose to $24.0 million from $22.3 million a year ago, respectively. 

The company also had licensing billings of $84.1 million, which is an operational metric that reflects amounts invoiced to its licensing customers during the quarter. 

The company estimated third quarter revenue to range between $210 million and $216 million, GAAP diluted earnings per share between 59 cents and 67 cents, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share between 75 cents and 82 cents. 

Japan's Indexes Extended 3-Week Sell Off Amid Asia-Wide Weakness

Japan's indexes turned sharply lower on Tuesday, as semiconductor and technology stocks faced renewed selling pressure.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 4%, the broader TOPIX decreased more than 2%, and the Japanese yen eased to 163.77 against the U.S. dollar. 

Semiconductor-related stocks came under heavy pressure, tracking losses in overnight trading in New York amid renewed concerns that circular AI finance arrangements could break down if hyperscalers slow the current level of capital spending.    

Five leading U.S. tech companies—Microsoft, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, and Amazon—are likely to spend in 2026 more than $700 billion in equipment and technologies to build AI-powered data centers.  

The weakness in global semiconductor stocks extended for a third consecutive week, dragging down benchmark indexes in South Korea by 9% and in mainland China by more than 2%.  

Investors are increasingly questioning valuations of semiconductor- and AI-related stocks, as hyperscalers continue to postpone return on investment beyond 2027.

The Brent crude oil price decreased 0.7% to $87.28 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran paused military exchanges for the second consecutive day. 

However, tensions remained high in the Middle East as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued to target Saudi vessels passing through the Red Sea, destabilizing global crude oil shipments.   

Japan Indexes and Stock 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 3.9% to 62,399.75, and the broader TOPIX index declined 2.2% to 3,975.14.

Semiconductor-related stocks led decliners in Tokyo on Tuesday and extended their selloff to the third consecutive week. 

Tokyo Electron plunged 10.8% to ¥56,000.0, Advantest Corp. dropped 10.5% to ¥25,395.0, and Softbank Group declined 4.7% to ¥5,079.0. 

The three leading financial services providers declined amid growing expectations of a rate hike later in the year. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group decreased 2.9% to ¥7,004.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group declined 2.8% to ¥3,691.0, and Mizuho Financial Group fell 4.7% to ¥8,228.0. 

Nippon Yusen KK decreased 0.6% to ¥6,037.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines declined 0.8% to ¥5,864.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. eased 1% to ¥2,819.0.   

Japan's Indexes Extended 3-Week Sell Off Amid Asia-Wide Weakness

Japan's indexes turned sharply lower on Tuesday, as semiconductor and technology stocks faced renewed selling pressure.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 4%, the broader TOPIX decreased more than 2%, and the Japanese yen eased to 163.77 against the U.S. dollar. 

Semiconductor-related stocks came under heavy pressure, tracking losses in overnight trading in New York amid renewed concerns that circular AI finance arrangements could break down if hyperscalers slow the current level of capital spending.    

Five leading U.S. tech companies—Microsoft, Alphabet, Tesla, Meta, and Amazon—are likely to spend in 2026 more than $700 billion in equipment and technologies to build AI-powered data centers.  

The weakness in global semiconductor stocks extended for a third consecutive week, dragging down benchmark indexes in South Korea by 9% and in mainland China by more than 2%.  

Investors are increasingly questioning valuations of semiconductor- and AI-related stocks, as hyperscalers continue to postpone return on investment beyond 2027.

The Brent crude oil price decreased 0.7% to $87.28 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran paused military exchanges for the second consecutive day. 

However, tensions remained high in the Middle East as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued to target Saudi vessels passing through the Red Sea, destabilizing global crude oil shipments.   

Japan Indexes and Stock 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 3.9% to 62,399.75, and the broader TOPIX index declined 2.2% to 3,975.14.

Semiconductor-related stocks led decliners in Tokyo on Tuesday and extended their selloff to the third consecutive week. 

Tokyo Electron plunged 10.8% to ¥56,000.0, Advantest Corp. dropped 10.5% to ¥25,395.0, and Softbank Group declined 4.7% to ¥5,079.0. 

The three leading financial services providers declined amid growing expectations of a rate hike later in the year. 

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group decreased 2.9% to ¥7,004.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group declined 2.8% to ¥3,691.0, and Mizuho Financial Group fell 4.7% to ¥8,228.0. 

Nippon Yusen KK decreased 0.6% to ¥6,037.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines declined 0.8% to ¥5,864.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. eased 1% to ¥2,819.0.   

China's Indexes Tumbled as Chip Stocks Plunged Driven by AI Trade Worries

China's benchmark indexes declined sharply as semiconductor stocks extended their selloff amid intensifying competition and growing worry over AI circular financing. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index dropped 2.7% as investors turned away from high-flying semiconductor stocks for the third consecutive week. 

Market sentiment reversed a day after the listing of memory-chip maker CXMT, which soared more than 460% on its first day of trading. 

The sell-off in computer chip stocks dragged down market indexes in Japan by 4% and in South Korea by 8% amid growing unease over the sustainability of AI infrastructure spending and circular AI finance arrangements. 

China's benchmark indexes have struggled to rise above the flatline for three consecutive weeks as investors question the valuation of semiconductor-related companies and look for clues about monetization plans for AI-related investments. 

The Brent crude oil price decreased 0.9% to $86.85 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran paused military exchanges for the second consecutive day. 

However, tensions remained high in the Middle East as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued to target Saudi vessels passing through the Red Sea, destabilizing global crude oil shipments.   

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.5% to 25,085.68, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 2.7% to 4,576.58. 

Semiconductor- and AI-related stocks led decliners in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as investors worried that the rising competition and cooling demand could exacerbate market conditions. 

Cambricon Technologies decreased 6.1% to ¥1,165.32, GigaDevice Semiconductor plunged 10% to HK $460.60, SMIC fell 1.8% to HK $69.40, and Zhongji Innolight declined 12.2% to ¥946.01. 

CXMT Corp. dropped 1.6% to ¥48.20 a day after surging more than 460% on its first trading day in Shanghai. 

China's Indexes Tumbled as Chip Stocks Plunged Driven by AI Trade Worries

China's benchmark indexes declined sharply as semiconductor stocks extended their selloff amid intensifying competition and growing worry over AI circular financing. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index dropped 2.7% as investors turned away from high-flying semiconductor stocks for the third consecutive week. 

Market sentiment reversed a day after the listing of memory-chip maker CXMT, which soared more than 460% on its first day of trading. 

The sell-off in computer chip stocks dragged down market indexes in Japan by 4% and in South Korea by 8% amid growing unease over the sustainability of AI infrastructure spending and circular AI finance arrangements. 

China's benchmark indexes have struggled to rise above the flatline for three consecutive weeks as investors question the valuation of semiconductor-related companies and look for clues about monetization plans for AI-related investments. 

The Brent crude oil price decreased 0.9% to $87.25 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran paused military exchanges for the second consecutive day. 

However, tensions remained high in the Middle East as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels continued to target Saudi vessels passing through the Red Sea, destabilizing global crude oil shipments.   

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 0.5% to 25,085.68, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index fell 2.7% to 4,576.58. 

Semiconductor- and AI-related stocks led decliners in Shanghai and Hong Kong, as investors worried that the rising competition and cooling demand could exacerbate market conditions. 

Cambricon Technologies decreased 6.1% to ¥1,165.32, GigaDevice Semiconductor plunged 10% to HK $460.60, SMIC fell 1.8% to HK $69.40, and Zhongji Innolight declined 12.2% to ¥946.01. 

CXMT Corp. dropped 1.6% to ¥48.20 a day after surging more than 460% on its first trading day in Shanghai. 

U.S. and Iran Pause Attacks, Stocks Rally Ahead of Megacap Earnings

U.S. indexes scaled higher as investors prepared for a busy week of earnings and rate decisions. 

The S&P 500 Index increased 0.7%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.4% as investors awaited quarterly results from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta. 

Market sentiment has wavered over the last three weeks amid worries that the elevated levels of artificial intelligence infrastructure are likely to cool sooner than anticipated. 

Last week, world stocks wobbled as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings from leading tech companies. A sharp hike in oil prices, lackluster earnings from two megacap companies, and an uncertain international trade outlook added to market anxieties. 

So far, the investments in artificial intelligence have failed to deliver monetary returns promised by the leading tech companies, and the investment horizon is constantly extended.  

Investors turned cautious after Alphabet and Tesla signaled rising costs of AI infrastructure and IBM lowered revenue and earnings growth outlook.  

Alphabet, Google's parent company, fell more than 7% after the company hiked its 2026 capital expenditure estimate by as much as $20 billion. 

Tesla estimated its AI capex to soar to $25 billion in 2026 from $8.5 billion in 2025, driven by spending for compute infrastructure, expanding the robotaxi fleet, and scaling of humanoid robots.    

The Federal Reserve is set to announce its rate decisions at the end of its two-day policy meeting on July 29. 

Investors are widely anticipating rates to remain between 3.5% and 3.75%, but some economists are still holding out for a surprise rate hike amid rising energy costs. 

The West Texas crude oil price tumbled 9% to $83.03 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran paused military strikes following nearly two weeks of fighting. 

U.S. Movers 

AstraZeneca PLC gained 0.6% to $169.26 after the drugmaker reported higher second-quarter revenue and reiterated its estimate for the year on the back of a solid increase in sales in its oncology drugs. 

The drug maker said revenue increased 6% to $15.4 billion, and earnings per share rose 2% to $1.61 from a year ago, respectively. 

The company reiterated its full-year revenue growth outlook of "mid-to-high single digits" and core earnings per share to advance in low double digits. 

U.S. and Iran Pause Attacks; Stocks Rally Ahead of Megacap Earnings

U.S. indexes scaled higher as investors prepared for a busy week of earnings and rate decisions. 

The S&P 500 Index increased 0.7%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 1.4% as investors awaited quarterly results from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta. 

Market sentiment has wavered over the last three weeks amid worries that the elevated levels of artificial intelligence infrastructure are likely to cool sooner than anticipated. 

Last week, world stocks wobbled as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings from leading tech companies. A sharp hike in oil prices, lackluster earnings from two megacap companies, and an uncertain international trade outlook added to market anxieties. 

So far, the investments in artificial intelligence have failed to deliver monetary returns promised by the leading tech companies, and the investment horizon is constantly extended.  

Investors turned cautious after Alphabet and Tesla signaled rising costs of AI infrastructure and IBM lowered revenue and earnings growth outlook.  

Alphabet, Google's parent company, fell more than 7% after the company hiked its 2026 capital expenditure estimate by as much as $20 billion. 

Tesla estimated its AI capex to soar to $25 billion in 2026 from $8.5 billion in 2025, driven by spending for compute infrastructure, expanding the robotaxi fleet, and scaling of humanoid robots.    

The Federal Reserve is set to announce its rate decisions at the end of its two-day policy meeting on July 29. 

Investors are widely anticipating rates to remain between 3.5% and 3.75%, but some economists are still holding out for a surprise rate hike amid rising energy costs. 

The West Texas crude oil price tumbled 9% to $83.03 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran paused military strikes following nearly two weeks of fighting. 

U.S. Movers 

AstraZeneca PLC gained 0.6% to $169.26 after the drugmaker reported higher second-quarter revenue and reiterated its estimate for the year on the back of a solid increase in sales in its oncology drugs. 

The drug maker said revenue increased 6% to $15.4 billion, and earnings per share rose 2% to $1.61 from a year ago, respectively. 

The company reiterated its full-year revenue growth outlook of "mid-to-high single digits" and core earnings per share to advance in low double digits. 

Japanese Yen Dropped to a New Four-Decade Low and Stocks Advanced

Japan's indexes recovered from the previous week's losses as oil prices fell after the U.S. and Iran suspended attacks over the weekend. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.3%, the broader TOPIX advanced 1.2%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 163.57 against the U.S. dollar.  

The Brent crude oil price decreased 6.2% to $91.85 after the U.S. struggled to replenish ammunition following a 14-day attack on Iran. 

In Friday's trading, stock market indexes closed mixed in New York, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% following a selloff in AI-related stocks. 

Last week, world stocks wobbled as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings from leading tech companies. A sharp hike in oil prices, lackluster earnings from two megacap U.S. companies, and an uncertain international trade outlook added to market anxieties. 

Markets in Asia fell between 1% and 4% in Friday's trading after the U.S. president imposed a new set of tariffs ranging between 10% and 12.5% on imports from 60 countries. 

The new set of levies is imposed just to continue the temporary tariffs slapped on imported goods, which are set to expire on Friday, following the Trump administration's defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.3% to 64,766.57, and the broader TOPIX rose 1.2% to 4,059.61. 

AI- and semiconductor-related stock traded mixed over concerns that the massive AI infrastructure spending by hyperscalers is not sustainable. 

Tokyo Electron decreased 0.2% to ¥62,550.0, Advantest Corp. fell 1.9% to ¥28,410.0, and Taiyo Yuden Corp. eased 0.6% to ¥11,350.0. 

Toyota Motor Corp. increased 2.2% to ¥2,961.0, Nissan Motor Corp. gained 2.8% to ¥331.10, and Honda Motor Corp. gained 3.2% to ¥1,585.0. 

ChangXin Memory Technology soared more than 470% on the first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and traded at 49.50 yuan. 

CXMT, the memory chip maker, completed its initial public offering, and the company raised 57.96 billion yuan, selling shares at 8.66 yuan each. 

Japanese Yen Dropped to a New Four-Decade Low and Stocks Advan

Japan's indexes recovered from the previous week's losses as oil prices fell after the U.S. and Iran suspended attacks over the weekend. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.3%, the broader TOPIX advanced 1.2%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 163.57 against the U.S. dollar.  

The Brent crude oil price decreased 6.2% to $91.85 after the U.S. struggled to replenish ammunition following a 14-day attack on Iran. 

In Friday's trading, stock market indexes closed mixed in New York, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite decreased 0.6% following a selloff in AI-related stocks. 

Last week, world stocks wobbled as investors reviewed the latest batch of earnings from leading tech companies. A sharp hike in oil prices, lackluster earnings from two megacap U.S. companies, and an uncertain international trade outlook added to market anxieties. 

Markets in Asia fell between 1% and 4% in Friday's trading after the U.S. president imposed a new set of tariffs ranging between 10% and 12.5% on imports from 60 countries. 

The new set of levies is imposed just to continue the temporary tariffs slapped on imported goods, which are set to expire on Friday, following the Trump administration's defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.3% to 64,766.57, and the broader TOPIX rose 1.2% to 4,059.61. 

AI- and semiconductor-related stock traded mixed over concerns that the massive AI infrastructure spending by hyperscalers is not sustainable. 

Tokyo Electron decreased 0.2% to ¥62,550.0, Advantest Corp. fell 1.9% to ¥28,410.0, and Taiyo Yuden Corp. eased 0.6% to ¥11,350.0. 

Toyota Motor Corp. increased 2.2% to ¥2,961.0, Nissan Motor Corp. gained 2.8% to ¥331.10, and Honda Motor Corp. gained 3.2% to ¥1,585.0. 

ChangXin Memory Technology soared more than 470% on the first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and traded at 49.50 yuan. 

CXMT, the memory chip maker, completed its initial public offering, and the company raised 57.96 billion yuan, selling shares at 8.66 yuan each. 

China's Industrial Profit Growth Moderates In June, Oil Falls 6%

China's indexes lacked direction in Monday's trading, and investors awaited the market debut of the memory-chip maker following the recent selloff in AI-related stocks.  

The Hang Seng index increased 0.8%, the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.3%, and crude oil prices fell sharply after the U.S. and Iran suspended strikes against each other following fourteen days of fighting. 

The Brent crude oil dropped 6.2% to $92.25 a barrel as the U.S. struggled to continue missile attacks following the shortage of critical arms and related ammunition. 

China's industrial profit advanced 18.7% to 3.95 trillion yuan in the first half of 2026, slightly lower than the 18.8% increase in the January-May period. 

Resilient exports overcame the softness in domestic demand, highlighting the economy's uneven recovery despite the government's efforts to boost consumption. 

Profits at state-controlled firms increased 17.9% to 1.3 trillion yuan, while the joint-stock companies reported a stronger 24.7% rise to 3.04 trillion yuan, and private firms reported a 13% increase in profit to 965.6 billion yuan. 

The continued rise in rare-earth and precious metals prices supported the surge in profit for mining companies, noted the report released by the National Bureau of Statistics. 

Profits at mining companies soared 33.5% and manufacturing companies increased 20.1%, but declined 4.2% at utilities. 

Profits in June increased 15.1% from a year ago, slower than a 21.1% rise in May.   

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.8% to 25,151.33, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.3% to 4,661.02. 

PetroChina decreased 2.7% to HK $9.93, CNOOC decreased 1.8% to $23.14, and China Petroleum and Chemical added 0.7% to HK $4.30.

NAURA Technology Group decreased 0.1% to ¥756.22, Eoptolink Technology added 0.2% to ¥479.47, and Zhongji Innolight edged down a fraction to ¥1,046.49. 

ChangXin Memory Technology soared more than 470% in the first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and traded at 49.50 yuan. 

CXMT, the memory chip maker, completed its initial public offering, and the company raised 57.96 billion yuan, selling shares at 8.66 yuan each. 

The company said first quarter revenue soared 719% to 50.8 billion yuan, and net income attributable to shareholders rose to 24.8 billion yuan, as memory prices surged between 93% and 98% from a year ago. 

China's Industrial Profit Growth Moderates In June, Oil Falls 6%

China's indexes lacked direction in Monday's trading, and investors awaited the market debut of the memory-chip maker following the recent selloff in AI-related stocks.  

The Hang Seng index increased 0.8%, the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.3%, and crude oil prices fell sharply after the U.S. and Iran suspended strikes against each other following fourteen days of fighting. 

The Brent crude oil dropped 6.2% to $92.25 a barrel as the U.S. struggled to continue missile attacks following the shortage of critical arms and related ammunition. 

China's industrial profit advanced 18.7% to 3.95 trillion yuan in the first half of 2026, slightly lower than the 18.8% increase in the January-May period. 

Resilient exports overcame the softness in domestic demand, highlighting the economy's uneven recovery despite the government's efforts to boost consumption. 

Profits at state-controlled firms increased 17.9% to 1.3 trillion yuan, while the joint-stock companies reported a stronger 24.7% rise to 3.04 trillion yuan, and private firms reported a 13% increase in profit to 965.6 billion yuan. 

The continued rise in rare-earth and precious metals prices supported the surge in profit for mining companies, noted the report released by the National Bureau of Statistics. 

Profits at mining companies soared 33.5% and manufacturing companies increased 20.1%, but declined 4.2% at utilities. 

Profits in June increased 15.1% from a year ago, slower than a 21.1% rise in May.   

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.8% to 25,151.33, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 0.3% to 4,661.02. 

PetroChina decreased 2.7% to HK $9.93, CNOOC decreased 1.8% to $23.14, and China Petroleum and Chemical added 0.7% to HK $4.30.

NAURA Technology Group decreased 0.1% to ¥756.22, Eoptolink Technology added 0.2% to ¥479.47, and Zhongji Innolight edged down a fraction to ¥1,046.49. 

CXMT is set to commence its trading after the memory chip maker completed its initial public offering, and the company raised 57.96 billion yuan, selling shares at 8.66 yuan each. 

Japan Inflation Accelerated in June and Reached 6-Month High, Nikkei 225 Dropped 3%

Japan's indexes reversed gains of the previous session on Friday amid multiple headwinds rooted in international trade, geopolitical conditions, and AI trade. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 3.2%, the broader TOPIX fell 1.3%, and the Japanese yen weakened to 163.81 against the U.S. dollar. 

The U.S. president reimposed temporary tariffs of between 10% and 12.5% on goods imported from 60 nations, prolonging the higher costs of imported goods to U.S. consumers.

The new set of levies is imposed just to continue the temporary tariffs slapped on imported goods, which are set to expire on Friday, following the Trump administration's defeat at the U.S. Supreme Court.   

Asian markets fell sharply following the extension of U.S. tariffs on Friday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Benchmark indexes in China declined 1.2%, in India fell 1%, and in South Korea plunged 5.7%. 

The Brent crude oil price rose 0.1% to $100.75 a barrel after the U.S. and Iran continued to exchange military strikes, and the hostilities in the wider Middle East showed no signs of easing.  

Closer to home, Japan's headline inflation in June rose to a six-month high, largely driven by higher energy prices as the government scaled back energy subsidies.  

Consumer price inflation accelerated to 1.7% in June from 1.5% in May, driven by an acceleration in transportation to 2.4% from 1.9%, housing to 1.0% from 0.9%, household goods to 2.4% from 2.2%, and healthcare to 1.3% from flat.   

However, food price inflation eased to 3.2% from 3.5% in May and dropped to the weakest level since May 2024, said the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. 

Core inflation, which excludes food prices, accelerated to 1.6% from 1.4% in the previous month and stayed below the 2% target set by the Bank of Japan for the fifth consecutive month. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 3.2% to 64,294.53, and the broader TOPIX dropped 1.3% to 4,001.88. 

For the week, the Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.4%, and the broader TOPIX advanced 1.2%. 

Kioxia Holdings plunged 9.8% to ¥55,810.0, Tokyo Electron declined 6.3% to ¥61,780.0, and Advantest Corp. dropped 7% to ¥28,635.0, and Taiyo Yuden decreased 9.2% to ¥11,030.0. 

Nippon Yusen KK increased 2.2% to ¥5,949.0, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines rose 1.3% to ¥5,872.0, and Kawasaki Kisen Ltd. edged up 0.8% to ¥2,813.50.