According to CNBC, tech analyst Dan Ives will leave Wedbush Securities to launch a "modern merchant bank" focused on artificial intelligence. The new firm intends to combine research, investment-banking advisory, capital raising and investment activities to offer integrated financial and research services to companies and investors amid AI-driven structural change.

A source familiar with the Doha talks said maritime transit and a Lebanon ceasefire are central to US-Iran negotiations. Qatar and Pakistan mediators are providing technical support to draft preliminary agreements for approval by both sides' decision-makers. Iran insists five key MOU terms must be implemented before it will negotiate other issues. The interim package reportedly includes commitments to end Israel’s campaign in Lebanon, enable return of displaced persons and restore Lebanese sovereignty; Iran says Israeli strikes and attempts to seize strategic sites in southern Lebanon are undermining the deal. Tehran is seeking release of its frozen assets and says funds must be transferred to Iran’s central bank for international purchases. On maritime issues Iran pledges safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz while reiterating that the waterway remains under Iranian and Omani sovereignty. Tehran also reaffirmed continued adherence to the NPT and cooperation with the IAEA.

Nationwide said UK house prices were flat in June for a second consecutive month, with the average at £277,484 after a 0.6% fall in May, missing economists’ 0.1% growth forecast. Middle East hostilities disrupted the mortgage market and ended the strong early‑year price momentum. Mortgage rates have eased from April peaks but remain above pre‑conflict levels. With investors increasingly expecting a US‑Iran ceasefire to hold, market bets on further Bank of England hikes have eased, leaving scope for mortgage costs to fall further in coming months.