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SpaceX market value plunges by $400 billion in one day

SpaceX market

NEW YORK: SpaceX suffered a historic market setback as its valuation plunged by an estimated $400 billion in a single day, amid a broad sell-off in technology stocks driven by rising bond yields, interest rate concerns and investor unease over heavy spending on artificial intelligence.

According to market reports, shares of Elon Musk’s aerospace and technology company came under significant pressure as investors moved away from high-growth technology stocks.

SpaceX shares initially fell about 3% during trading before closing down 16.4% at $154.60. The sharp decline wiped out roughly $400 billion in market value, marking one of the largest single-day valuation losses ever recorded by a company.

The company’s stock has now fallen 31.5% from its record high reached following its $86 billion initial public offering on June 11.

As a result of the sell-off, SpaceX’s market capitalization dropped from a peak of nearly $3 trillion to approximately $2.03 trillion.

Market analysts attributed the decline to rising U.S. Treasury yields, which have increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates in the coming months to combat inflation. Higher borrowing costs typically weigh on technology companies whose valuations are tied to future growth expectations.

Investors have also expressed concerns about the substantial capital being directed toward artificial intelligence projects, prompting renewed scrutiny of technology sector valuations.

Despite the sharp losses, SpaceX shares recovered about 2.4% in later trading as some investors moved to buy the stock at lower prices. However, analysts said concerns over interest rates and AI-related spending continue to pressure the broader technology market.

Global oil prices extend decline as Brent Crude falls below $73 barrel

Global oil prices

LONDON: Global oil prices continued to decline in the latest trading session, extending a downward trend driven by easing supply concerns and weaker demand expectations.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell to $72.91 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped to $69.63 per barrel. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also declined, trading at $66.35 per barrel.

Natural gas prices fell to $3.31 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), reflecting broader weakness across energy markets.

Economic analysts said Brent crude has now reached its lowest level since tensions between the United States and Iran escalated earlier this year.

Market observers attributed the decline to improving global supply conditions and concerns over slowing demand growth in major economies. Increased production levels and easing geopolitical fears have also helped reduce pressure on energy markets.

The latest price movements are being closely monitored by investors and policymakers as energy costs remain a key factor influencing inflation and global economic growth.

Deadly heatwave sweeps Europe, killing hundreds

Deadly heatwave

MADRID: A relentless heat wave sweeping across Europe has claimed hundreds of lives and strained healthcare systems as temperatures soar to record levels in several countries.

Spanish authorities reported that at least 212 people have died over the past four days as a result of extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the country.

In France, the death toll linked to the heat wave has risen to 50. Temperatures climbed above 44 degrees Celsius (111.2 Fahrenheit), marking one of the hottest periods in decades and the first time in 80 years that some areas have recorded such extreme heat.

Italy also reported five heat-related deaths within a 24-hour period as scorching temperatures continued to affect large parts of the country.

Meanwhile, weather officials extended a red heat warning for London and southeast England through Friday, cautioning residents about potentially dangerous conditions.

The UK Met Office said temperatures in London are expected to remain between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Hospitals across several European countries are reporting an increase in heat-related illnesses. The Royal College of Physicians warned that the extreme temperatures are not only increasing patient admissions but are also affecting the performance of medical equipment and hospital infrastructure.

Authorities have urged residents, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, to take precautions as Europe endures one of its most severe heat waves in recent years.

Powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela, death toll rises to 167

Powerful earthquakes

CARACAS, Venezuela: Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within minutes of each other, causing widespread destruction across the country and prompting fears that the death toll could rise significantly as rescue efforts continue.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an initial magnitude 7.1 earthquake was followed minutes later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The tremors struck around 6 p.m. local time, shaking buildings and triggering panic in several cities.

Authorities reported extensive damage in the capital, Caracas, and other urban centers, where dozens of buildings collapsed. Emergency officials warned that many people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez described the disaster as a national tragedy, saying numerous structures had been destroyed and that Caracas’ main Maiquetía International Airport had suffered significant damage.

Rodríguez said at least 167 people had been confirmed dead and more than 970 injured. Rescue teams have been deployed across affected areas following the government’s declaration of a state of emergency.

The U.S. Geological Survey warned that the earthquakes could result in a far higher casualty toll, estimating that fatalities could ultimately range from 10,000 to 100,000 if the worst-case scenario materializes.

Meanwhile, a separate magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck northern California, prompting authorities to issue alerts to nearly one million residents. No major damage or casualties were immediately reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump said early reports from Venezuela were alarming and indicated significant loss of life. He said U.S. agencies had been directed to provide immediate assistance.

Separately, Iran offered support for relief operations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei expressed condolences and said Tehran was prepared to provide any assistance needed to help Venezuelan authorities and affected communities.

Spain also announced plans to deploy a military emergency response unit to assist with rescue efforts. Spain’s Defense Ministry said a 54-member team equipped with specially trained search dogs, rescue cameras and geophones was preparing to travel to Venezuela.

Reports fuel speculation over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding plans

Reports fuel

NEW YORK: Speculation surrounding the wedding plans of pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce has intensified following reports that the couple may be nearing the final stages of preparations for their marriage.

Recent media reports have suggested that the engaged couple could soon tie the knot, although neither Swift nor Kelce has publicly announced a wedding date.

The renewed attention comes after Swift made a surprise appearance at the Tight End University summer camp organized by Kelce. Her attendance drew praise from participants and organizers, including NFL player George Kittle, who described the singer as friendly, down-to-earth and generous with her time.

Kittle said Swift interacted warmly with attendees and spent time speaking with his mother during the event, despite what he described as a busy period for the couple.

Further speculation emerged after New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani appeared to reference a future Taylor Swift wedding while discussing major events expected to take place in the city. The remark quickly sparked discussion online about a possible date and venue.

Several entertainment reports have since suggested that Swift and Kelce could marry on July 3, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York, though no official confirmation has been provided by the couple or their representatives.

Swift and Kelce announced their engagement on Aug. 26, 2025. Since then, the high-profile couple has remained one of the most closely followed celebrity pairings, with fans eagerly awaiting news about their wedding plans.

Tom Holland and Zendaya share romantic photos after confirming marriage

Tom Holland

ROME:  Hollywood stars Tom Holland and Zendaya delighted fans by sharing romantic photos on social media following confirmation of their marriage.

The couple posted images taken during a promotional event in Rome for the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

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Zendaya shared a five-photo album on Instagram, appearing in a vintage 1997 Gianni Versace gown. The final image drew particular attention, showing Holland kissing her on the forehead while she smiled toward the camera.

In the caption, Zendaya wrote, “Just wanted to say hi from Rome.”

Holland also shared photos from the event, including an image of the couple walking hand in hand on the red carpet. He expressed his affection for Rome and highlighted the upcoming release of the new Spider-Man film.

The posts quickly generated widespread reaction online, with fans flooding social media with congratulatory messages and praise for the couple.

Many users described the images as having “honeymoon vibes,” while others referred to Holland and Zendaya as one of Hollywood’s favorite celebrity couples.

The photos offered fans a glimpse into the pair’s relationship as they continue promoting their latest film project together.

Egypt players recite Quran and offer prayer before World Cup match

Egypt players

WASHINGTON: Members of the Egypt national football team recited verses from the Quran and offered a collective prayer before their FIFA World Cup match against New Zealand national football team, a moment that quickly gained attention on social media.

A widely shared video showed Egyptian players reciting Surah Al-Fatihah and Surah Al-Ikhlas before gathering in prayer as they prepared to take the field.

The footage, recorded ahead of the World Cup match, drew praise from many social media users, who described the gesture as a reflection of faith, unity and reliance on God before competition.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features teams from several Muslim-majority countries, while many players representing other nations also practice Islam.

The video sparked positive reactions online, with supporters saying the players’ actions conveyed an inspiring message of humility and spiritual devotion on one of football’s biggest stages.

The moment comes days after Lamine Yamal attracted attention on social media for performing a prostration of gratitude after scoring during a World Cup match involving Spain.

Trump says US will control Iran’s frozen funds under proposed aid arrangement

Trump says

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States would retain control of Iran’s frozen assets under a proposed arrangement that would use the funds to purchase American agricultural products for shipment to Iran.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Trump said Iran had not yet received any funds and that no frozen assets had been released.

He also dismissed reports that Iran was collecting fees from ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that negotiations could be terminated immediately if false information was provided during the process.

Trump said the United States would oversee the management of Iran’s frozen funds and use the money to buy agricultural commodities from American farmers, including corn, wheat and soybeans, which would then be exported to Iran.

According to Trump, the proposal is aimed at addressing food shortages in Iran while supporting U.S. farmers.

He added that all goods purchased under the arrangement would be sourced from the United States.

The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Washington and Tehran, although details of any final agreement regarding frozen Iranian assets have not yet been announced.

SpaceX loses $400 billion in market value in historic one-day decline

SpaceX loses

NEW YORK: SpaceX suffered a historic market setback, losing an estimated $400 billion in value in a single day as a broad sell-off swept through technology stocks amid concerns over rising interest rates and heavy investment in artificial intelligence.

According to market reports, the decline was driven by rising U.S. Treasury yields, expectations of further interest rate increases and growing investor concerns about valuations in the technology sector.

Shares of SpaceX Official Website fell sharply during trading, ending the session down 16.4% at $154.60. The stock had earlier recorded a 3% decline before selling accelerated later in the day.

The company’s shares have now fallen 31.5% from record highs reached following its $86 billion initial public offering on June 11.

The sell-off reduced SpaceX’s market capitalization from a peak of nearly $3 trillion to approximately $2.03 trillion, marking one of the largest single-day losses in corporate market value on record.

Analysts said the decline ranks among the biggest one-day market capitalization losses ever recorded by a publicly traded company.

Despite the sharp drop, shares recovered modestly in later trading, gaining about 2.4% as some investors moved to buy the stock at lower levels.

Market experts said the volatility reflects growing concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve may keep interest rates higher for longer or implement further increases if inflation remains elevated. Rising bond yields typically weigh on high-growth technology companies by increasing borrowing costs and reducing the attractiveness of future earnings.

Investors are also closely monitoring the substantial spending commitments being made across the artificial intelligence sector, which have fueled questions about profitability and long-term returns.

Global oil prices hit four-month low

Global oil prices

ISLAMABAD: International crude oil prices have fallen to their lowest levels since late February, raising expectations of further cuts in petroleum prices in Pakistan.

Oil prices came under pressure following developments involving the United States and Iran, leading to a sharp decline in global benchmarks.

Brent crude dropped to $74 a barrel, its lowest level since Feb. 27. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell to $70 a barrel, while Murban crude declined to $67 a barrel.

The decline in international prices is already being felt in Pakistan, where the government recently announced significant reductions in gasoline and high-speed diesel prices.

Energy analysts said the continued slide in crude prices in recent days has shifted attention to the next fuel price review, with expectations growing that authorities could consider additional cuts if the downward trend persists.

Market observers said sustained weakness in global oil prices could provide further relief to consumers and ease inflationary pressures in the country.