Hong Kong stocks opened lower: Hang Seng down 0.49%, Hang Seng Tech down 1.27%. Baidu (09888.HK) fell more than 12% after earnings; China Unicom (00762.HK) dropped 7.7% after reporting 1H net profit down 34.6% YoY.

ECB President Lagarde warned Europe must not fall behind as AI reshapes the global economy. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Geneva, she cited survey data showing euro-area firms plan to allocate roughly 9% of total investment to AI this year. Lagarde said Europe largely missed the first digital revolution because the commercial gains from ICT diffusion accrued disproportionately elsewhere and warned Europe must not repeat that mistake with AI.

Kharkiv regional military administration head Syniehubov said on social media on the 18th that a missile struck the town of Pechenehy, killing 10 and wounding 8. The attack damaged multiple buildings, including 10 homes, and at least seven cars. Injured are receiving treatment and rescue teams are on site.