International oil prices saw a sharp plunge in off-hours trading, and Trump ordered the U.S. military to pause strikes against Iran
In the early hours of July 26, international oil prices in off-hours trading plunged sharply. As of 9:50 a.m. Beijing time, both the WTI and Brent off-hours prices fell by more than 3%. International oil prices in off-hours trading saw a sharp plunge, and Trump ordered the U.S. military to pause strikes against Iran
Citing a report from the U.S. Axios News website on July 25, Xinhua News Agency said that on July 24, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. military that day not to launch strikes against Iran, breaking a stretch in which the U.S. military had carried out airstrikes against Iran for 13 consecutive days.
The report, citing two people familiar with the matter, said that over the past two weeks, Trump had approved strike plans submitted by the military every afternoon, and those actions were typically carried out within a few hours. But on the 24th, after Trump received a similar plan, he did not approve it. Instead, he instructed the military not to carry out strikes. It is not yet clear whether this is only a one-time measure.
The report said that Trump’s move shows, on the one hand, that he is willing to create more room for diplomatic efforts. On the other hand, it also indicates that he recognizes that, unless large-scale military operations are restarted, the U.S. military’s current airstrikes are unlikely to achieve further results. A source said the U.S. military is still making plans for a possible resumption of large-scale combat operations, but Trump has not made a decision yet.
The report also said that hours before Trump ordered a pause in strikes, an Omani delegation arrived in Iran to hold talks on new arrangements for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Two sources in the region said the negotiations have made progress and that Oman and Iran may reach an agreement over the weekend.
On the afternoon of July 24, Trump told the media at the White House that the U.S. and Iran are still in talks, adding that Iran is “serious this time.” He also threatened that the U.S. could continue military strikes against Iran, saying, “If necessary, we can fully upgrade to a higher level. We are ready and can act at any time.” #夏日创作营 $XTIUSD ‌

#IntelQ2RevenueSurges25%
INTEL JUST DELIVERED ITS FASTEST REVENUE GROWTH IN 15 YEARS AND AI IS LEADING THE COMEBACK
Intel has delivered one of its strongest quarterly performances in more than a decade. For Q2 2026, the company reported $16.1 billion in revenue, representing a 25.4% year-over-year increase—its fastest quarterly revenue growth since Q3 2011. The results exceeded both company guidance and Wall Street expectations, sending Intel shares 9–11% higher in after-hours trading on July 23.
After gaining more than 170% year-to-date, Intel is no longer being viewed solely as a legacy semiconductor manufacturer. The latest earnings reinforce a broader transformation centered on artificial intelligence, data centers, and advanced chip manufacturing.
AI DATA CENTER BUSINESS IS DRIVING THE MOMENTUM
The biggest contributor to Intel's strong quarter was its Data Center and AI Group (DCAI).
The division generated $6.3 billion in revenue, a remarkable 59% increase compared with the same quarter last year.
Growing demand for AI servers, enterprise computing, and cloud infrastructure continues to fuel investment in high-performance processors, making this business the primary engine behind Intel's recovery.
The results also demonstrate that AI infrastructure spending remains strong despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
CORE BUSINESSES CONTINUE TO IMPROVE
Intel's Client Computing and Physical AI Group (CCPG) reported $8.9 billion in quarterly revenue, improving steadily from $7.9 billion one year earlier.
Meanwhile, Intel Foundry generated $5.8 billion in revenue while reaching another important milestone.
The company's Intel 18A-P process technology has officially entered risk production, marking significant progress in Intel's long-term strategy to compete more aggressively in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
This development strengthens Intel's position within the global foundry market alongside other major chip manufacturers.
PROFITABILITY SHOWS A MAJOR TURNAROUND
Operationally, Intel delivered one of its strongest improvements in years.
Key highlights include:
• Non-GAAP operating income improved from a $0.5 billion loss last year to a $2.8 billion profit
• Gross margin recovered to 42%, a significant improvement from 2.5% a year ago
• Non-GAAP net income reached $2.2 billion
• Non-GAAP earnings per share came in at $0.42
Although Intel reported a GAAP net loss of approximately $11 billion, management explained that the loss primarily reflected a large accounting adjustment related to escrowed shares connected to its CHIPS Act agreement rather than deterioration in underlying business performance.
GUIDANCE REMAINS CONFIDENT
Looking ahead, Intel expects Q3 2026 revenue between $15.8 billion and $16.8 billion, comfortably above many analyst forecasts.
Management also highlighted continued investment in:
• AI infrastructure
• Advanced manufacturing equipment
• Clean-room expansion
• Semiconductor substrates
These investments indicate Intel expects AI-driven demand to remain strong throughout the remainder of 2026.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR TECHNOLOGY AND CRYPTO
Intel's results extend beyond one company's earnings.
They reinforce several important trends:
• Enterprise AI spending continues accelerating.
• Data center investment remains robust.
• Semiconductor demand shows no meaningful signs of slowing.
• Domestic chip manufacturing capacity continues expanding.
The same AI infrastructure supporting cloud computing, machine learning, and enterprise workloads also benefits the broader digital economy, including blockchain infrastructure, high-performance computing, and emerging AI-focused crypto ecosystems.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Throughout 2026, investors have increasingly rewarded companies with meaningful exposure to artificial intelligence.
Intel's strong recovery demonstrates that AI investment is beginning to translate into measurable financial performance rather than remaining purely a future growth narrative.
Strong earnings from semiconductor companies also reinforce confidence that the global AI infrastructure cycle remains intact.
Intel's 25.4% revenue growth marks its strongest quarterly expansion in 15 years, highlighting how rapidly artificial intelligence is reshaping the semiconductor industry.
With record growth in its Data Center and AI business, improving profitability, stronger guidance, and continued manufacturing expansion, Intel is demonstrating tangible progress in its multi-year transformation.
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, the companies building the hardware foundation behind that growth are increasingly delivering results that match investor expectations.
#SummerCreationCamp
@Gate_Square