Latest market news
Independent UK financial coverage with full source attribution.
Microsoft unveils Majorana 2 chip with 1,000x reliability gain
Microsoft launched its Majorana 2 topological quantum chip at Build 2026, claiming 1,000x greater qubit reliability and pulling its commercial quantum target forward to 2029.
Microsoft unveils MAI-Thinking-1 and Project Solara at Build 2026
Microsoft launched its first in-house reasoning model, MAI-Thinking-1, alongside a new Android-based OS for AI agent devices and an always-on enterprise assistant at Build 2026 on June 2.
Eurozone inflation tops 3% for first time since 2023 as ECB hike bets firm
A busy European session shaped by a eurozone inflation beat, oil price retreat on ceasefire progress, and sharp moves in AI-linked semiconductor stocks.
Streeting backs North Sea drilling and NI cut in leadership pitch
Former UK health secretary Wes Streeting called for new North Sea oil and gas licences and a targeted cut to employers' national insurance, distancing himself from Keir Starmer's government.
Dell unveils redesigned XPS 13 at $699 at Computex 2026, $599 for students
Dell launched a redesigned XPS 13 at Computex 2026, priced at $699 ($599 for students), competing with Apple's MacBook Neo.
Florida sues OpenAI and Altman over alleged ChatGPT safety failures
Florida became the first US state to sue OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman on 1 June 2026, filing an 83-page complaint alleging ChatGPT harmed minors and aided mass shooters.
US-Iran deal uncertainty keeps oil elevated; Trump proposes 25% Brazil tariff
A moderately active overnight session dominated by Hormuz supply concerns, a new US-Brazil tariff proposal, and commodity moves in aluminum and LNG.
US bars Nvidia AI chip exports to overseas subsidiaries of Chinese firms
US government guidance dated 31 May 2026 extended semiconductor export restrictions to cover overseas subsidiaries of Chinese AI companies; Nvidia (NVDA), SOXL, and SMH were named in cluster coverage as instruments with exposure.
US intercepts Iranian missiles over Kuwait as ceasefire talks stall
A tense European session dominated by escalating US-Iran military exchanges, rising oil prices, and divergent equity moves tied to Nvidia's PC chip launch.
Israel expands Lebanon ground offensive; oil rises above $93 on ceasefire uncertainty
An active overnight session dominated by Middle East escalation, with oil prices rising sharply, yen weakness persisting, and emerging Asian equities reaching record highs on AI demand.
US guidance bars Nvidia AI chip exports to overseas Chinese AI subsidiaries
US government guidance issued 31 May 2026 targeted Nvidia advanced AI chip shipments to overseas subsidiaries of Chinese AI companies; Nvidia (NVDA) and the Philadelphia Semiconductor ETF (SMH) were named in coverage.