Stock Market Hits Record Highs Amid Earnings Frenzy

The article discusses the upcoming deadline for new tariffs on August 1, and how investors are currently unbothered despite the potential impact. The positive start to earnings season, with 83% of S&P 500 companies exceeding expectations, has helped to quell tariff fears. Big Tech earnings are upcoming and may further dispel geopolitical jitters. The article also touches on China's steady benchmark lending rates, Huawei's advancements in artificial intelligence, and the potential for the Singapore dollar to become a safe-haven currency.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hit record closing highs on Monday as optimism around earnings season overshadowed concerns over trade developments. The S&P 500 rose 0.14% to 6,305.60, while the Nasdaq jumped 0.38% to 20,974.17. Earnings season is off to a strong start with over 85% of S&P 500 companies reporting beating expectations. Major tech names like Meta Platforms and Amazon drove gains, while Tesla and Nvidia underperformed. Analysts remain confident that the 'Magnificent Seven' companies will drive earnings growth.

U.S. stock futures rose on Monday as investors awaited major tech earnings reports and tracked trade developments, with the White House reiterating its stance on tariffs. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq had previously reached all-time highs, driven by a strong earnings season start and optimism around megacap companies like Alphabet and Tesla.

The article discusses the slow adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in businesses despite executives' enthusiasm about its potential. It suggests that economic factors may be the reason behind this slow spread, contrary to the optimistic claims made by company leaders.

The article by Miranda Devine argues that despite media claims, President Donald Trump's reputation has not been damaged by recent allegations linking him to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Devine asserts that Trump's association with Epstein ended long before Epstein's criminal activities became public, and that Trump actually banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club around 2004 due to Epstein's inappropriate behavior. The article also discusses the release of a Wall Street Journal story about a potentially forged letter attributed to Trump in Epstein's birthday book, Trump's denial of the letter, and his subsequent $10 billion libel action. Devine concludes that the media's attempts to smear Trump through his association with Epstein are unfounded and that Trump's approval ratings have actually increased during this period.