Key Takeaways
- Perplexity AI, a prominent player in AI-powered search, has successfully secured $100 million in a new funding round, elevating its valuation to an impressive $18 billion, a substantial increase from $14 billion just two months prior.
- Japan’s ruling LDP–Komeito alliance faces the prospect of significant setbacks in today’s upper-house election, with polls suggesting it may fail to secure a majority—a scenario not witnessed since 2010.
- Tsunami warnings and watches have been issued for Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula and parts of Hawaii following two major offshore earthquakes, including a 7.4 magnitude tremor in the North Pacific.
- Iran and Russia are slated to commence a three-day joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea on Monday, aimed at bolstering maritime safety and regional cooperation.
Perplexity AI, an emerging leader in the AI-powered search sector, has announced a successful $100 million funding round. This latest injection of capital has propelled the company's valuation to $18 billion, marking a rapid increase from $14 billion just two months ago, according to reports from Bloomberg and Financial Times. The significant valuation jump underscores the continued investor confidence and rapid growth in the artificial intelligence market.
In geopolitical news, Iran and Russia are set to begin a joint naval exercise in the Caspian Sea from July 21 to 23. Iranian state media reported that the three-day drill is designed to enhance maritime safety and foster regional cooperation. This exercise highlights ongoing strategic alignment between the two nations.
Meanwhile, seismic activity in the North Pacific has prompted natural disaster alerts. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami warning for Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula following two offshore earthquakes, one measuring 7.4 magnitude and another 6.7 magnitude, as reported by the Associated Press. Concurrently, a tsunami watch was issued for Hawaii and other parts of Russia after the M7.4 quake in the North Pacific.
On the political front, Japan’s ruling LDP–Komeito alliance is bracing for potential losses in today’s upper-house election. Polls suggest the coalition might fall short of securing a majority, a development that would mark the first time since 2010 that the ruling bloc has failed to achieve this outcome. This election could signal a shift in the political landscape of Japan.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.