China A-share rare-earth permanent-magnet names were active; Dadi Xiong rose more than 10%, with Jinli Permanent Magnet, Zhongke Sanhuan, Ningbo Yunsheng, Zhongke Magnetics and Galaxy Magnetics also advancing.

European weather services have issued a red wildfire alert as record heat and below‑normal rainfall sharply increase fire risk and more extreme conditions loom. In France, over 800 firefighters are tackling a blaze that began on Wednesday, which has burned roughly 12 sq km across Hérault, Aude and Bouches‑du‑Rhône. Last year France recorded its worst wildfires in 70 years, with more than 170 sq km scorched and vineyards and farms destroyed.

The yen suddenly jumped against the dollar on Thursday, prompting traders to brace for possible Japanese intervention to support the currency. It is unclear what triggered the move or whether authorities entered the market. The amplitude of the move appeared smaller than in prior post-intervention episodes. Sumitomo Mitsui chief FX strategist Hirofumi Suzuki said it remains uncertain this was intervention, but reports suggest authorities may have shifted tactics to avoid advance signaling, which could make further yen weakness harder.