Global corporate bond issuance reached $3.68 trillion in 1H, driven by companies raising funds for AI investment, up 10% versus Jan–Jun 2025 and the largest first-half on record. Investors are pushing for higher yields amid concern over aggressive corporate borrowing. Deal count fell 12% to 10,408, implying larger average issuance sizes. Issuance was concentrated in the United States, whose share of global corporate supply topped 30% for the first time in six years.

UNCTAD said in its Global Trade Update released June 22 that global trade continued to expand in 1H 2026, but with rising price pressures and a more uneven pattern of growth. It estimates goods trade at about $13.7 trillion, up 12.5% YoY, and services trade up 10.5% YoY, with combined trade adding roughly $2 trillion and on track for an annual record. Strong demand for high‑tech goods—AI-related equipment, semiconductors and data‑centre infrastructure—was a key driver. UNCTAD cautioned that price pressures, geopolitical tensions and shifts in trade policy could weigh on future trade.

US Secretary of State Rubio said he hopes Houthi militants will stop their attacks, adding they have been duped by Iran.