Malaysia Trade Surge: MATRADE says Malaysia’s Jan–May 2026 trade hit RM1.455tn (+18.3% y/y), with exports up 24.3% and a record RM132.77bn surplus, led by E&E and AI-linked semiconductors. Middle East Risk & Markets: US-Iran peace talks helped keep bitcoin near $64k, while crude whipsawed on Strait of Hormuz headlines; European futures leaned softer. Korea Semis Leadership: SK hynix overtook Samsung as KOSPI’s top firm by market cap, underlining AI-driven chip demand. Healthcare Pricing Pressure: Romania’s health insurers urged medicine price reform, warning access to innovation is delayed by the current reimbursement system. UK Weight-loss Demand: PwC Strategy& forecasts UK GLP-1 users could more than double to 7m by 2027, with oral options boosting uptake. Private Equity Caution: Coller Capital expects more “zombie funds” as dealmaking stays muted and exits remain hard. Crypto Policy Watch: US scrutiny of prediction markets grows as lawmakers target Kalshi/Polymarket. India Data Centers: Goldman Sachs flags India as a fast-growing data center hub on AI demand and talent, but power bottlenecks loom. Corporate Finance: Nigeria FX turnover rose to $2.32bn (+7.7% w/w), signaling renewed currency risk management appetite. Retail/Brand Signals: Nike’s CEO admitted the turnaround is slower than planned, with global consistency still a work in progress. Sector Forecasts: Biohazard bags, teleradiology, 5G tech, and laminated glass all saw bullish market-size projections, while engagement-ring demand shifts toward platinum as gold prices bite.