Fed Independence Clash: The US Supreme Court ruled Fed governor Lisa Cook can stay for now, while expanding presidential power by upholding other Trump firings—raising fresh questions for central-bank independence and market stability. Inflation Watch (South Africa): South Africa’s inflation expectations jumped to 3.9% in the second quarter, complicating the Reserve Bank’s 3% target as policymakers prepare for the next rate decision. Tokenization Goes Public: Securitize cleared its merger hurdle and is set to debut on the NYSE as SECZ, betting on growing Wall Street demand for blockchain-based investment products. Trade Deal Momentum (India-US): US ambassador Sergio Gor said the India-US trade agreement is in the “last one or two per cent,” with a near-final phase of talks. Energy & Food Risks (Europe): RaboResearch warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could keep energy costs high, pushing European food inflation back up into late 2026 and 2027. UK Cost-of-Living: UK living standards fell as real household disposable income per head dropped, even as GDP growth looked stronger than expected. Corporate & Capital Markets: Rocket Lab agreed to buy Iridium in an $8bn deal, while Zee Entertainment won approval for Rs 418 crore foreign investment from OFI Global China Fund. Africa Investment Push: Liberia launched a high-level diplomatic forum to reposition the country as a West Africa investment destination, aiming to turn goodwill into FDI.