US

Former US President Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social on August 18-19, 2026, labeling the Strait of Hormuz as "new US territory," escalating tensions with Iran. Iran dismissed the claim as delusional, asserting sole control over the strategic waterway. Oil prices surged toward $92 per barrel as the strait—through which 20% of global oil passes—remained effectively closed, with only two vessels passing on Friday. Multiple ship attacks were reported, and no talks are scheduled between the US and Iran.

16 reports · 10 sources · Updated Aug 28, 07:58 PM UTC

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump held last-minute negotiations to avoid 50% U.S. tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian exports, including hockey sticks and liquor, set for a Wednesday deadline. The tariffs, invoked under the rarely-used Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, were paused for three days after progress toward a deal. The dispute stems from U.S. allegations of Canadian trade discrimination in alcohol, autos, and dairy. Existing tariffs already cover Canadian steel, aluminum, and lumber.

137 reports · 39 sources · Updated Aug 31, 04:45 AM UTC

The Federal Reserve’s July 2026 meeting minutes, released August 19, show a 9-3 vote to hold rates at 3.5%-3.75%, with three officials favoring a hike. Many participants indicated a rate increase would be necessary if inflation does not decline, citing “highly uncertain” outlooks complicated by the Iran war. The minutes reveal growing internal concern over persistent inflation, signaling a hawkish tilt and potential tightening at the September meeting.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 20, 01:38 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the United States and Ukraine plan to build a drone factory in the U.S. as part of a new defense partnership. The agreement combines American manufacturing capabilities with Ukraine's battlefield-tested drone technology, which has been refined during the war with Russia. Zelensky made the announcement in an interview with far-right influencer Laura Zoomer, stating that the deal expands on an initial drone cooperation agreement. The partnership aims to leverage Ukraine's practical combat experience in drone warfare to produce advanced systems in the U.S., potentially accelerating production and deployment. The announcement signals deepening defense industrial cooperation between the two countries amid the ongoing conflict.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 25, 06:52 PM UTC

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized US Secretary of State Marco Rubio for describing the 2025 Alaska summit between Putin and Trump as a failure, accusing Washington of deviating from agreed compromise positions. Speaking on the sidelines of a summit in Kyrgyzstan, Lavrov reiterated Moscow's determination to achieve its war goals in Ukraine, with or without a diplomatic solution. He noted that Ukraine rejected Russian proposals due to continued US weapons support. The article also reports that Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, targeting the Wildberries online retailer near St. Petersburg, injuring three people. Meanwhile, Kyiv faced Russian attacks overnight, with air defense systems active. The Alaska summit's concrete results were never made public, and Putin has not softened his demands, including claims to Ukrainian territories not under Russian control.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 10:10 AM UTC

The US dollar remained largely unchanged on July 21, 2026, as investors balanced concerns over escalating US-Iran tensions in the Middle East against softer-than-expected inflation data. The US dollar index, measuring the currency against six major peers, held steady at 100.97. The lack of clarity regarding the trajectory of the US-Iran conflict has left the dollar in a state of limbo, with market participants uncertain about the potential economic and geopolitical fallout. Meanwhile, softer inflation figures provided some counterbalance, suggesting that the Federal Reserve may have room to ease monetary policy. The article, published by The Business Times in Singapore, highlights the conflicting pressures on the dollar from geopolitical risk and macroeconomic data, reflecting a cautious market sentiment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 12:14 PM UTC

According to customs data, China's exports of rare earth magnets to the United States have dropped by 20% in the first half of 2026 compared to the average from 2022 to 2024, despite a trade truce between the two countries. Monthly shipments averaged 479 tonnes, down from 586 tonnes in the three-year period before trade restrictions were introduced. The data indicates that shipments are stabilizing in 2026 but remain significantly below pre-curb levels. The decline highlights the lasting impact of trade restrictions on bilateral trade in strategic materials, even amid a temporary truce.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 07:13 AM UTC

A news analysis from The Business Times reports that former US President Donald Trump has not publicly outlined his plans regarding Iran, even as the US death toll in the ongoing conflict has reached 17. The White House declined to comment on reports that the US is moving additional refueling aircraft to the region, a move that analysts say could signal a potential escalation. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding the next steps in the conflict, with risks of a full-scale reignition remaining high. The analysis underscores the strategic ambiguity from the US leadership at a critical juncture, leaving observers and allies guessing about the administration's intentions.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:18 AM UTC

Gold prices stabilized around US$4,010 an ounce on Monday, recovering slightly after sliding more than 2% last week. The precious metal has hovered in a narrow range near US$4,000 in recent weeks, following a 14% loss in the second quarter—its worst performance since 2013. Traders are assessing the interest rate path in the context of recent US-Iran clashes, which have added geopolitical uncertainty to the market. The article, published by The Business Times on July 20, 2026, highlights the interplay between geopolitical tensions and monetary policy expectations in driving gold's price action.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:35 AM UTC

This article from Yahoo Finance previews a busy week in markets, headlined by earnings from Alphabet and Tesla on Wednesday. It follows a week dominated by the resurgence of war in the Middle East and a sharp sell-off in semiconductor stocks, which erased over $3 trillion in market value since June 22. The S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all posted weekly losses. The US-Iran conflict threatens the Strait of Hormuz ceasefire, pushing Brent crude above $90. Other key earnings include Intel, IBM, GE Vernova, Honeywell, and telecoms AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Analysts highlight that Big Tech must deliver measurable returns on massive AI-related capital expenditures, with top hyperscalers expected to spend $644 billion in 2026. The article also notes a relatively tame economic data calendar, with S&P Global index readings providing a broad economic assessment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 12:23 PM UTC

Youlin Chen, a Chinese-born American seismologist, has been detained in China for nearly two years on espionage charges, according to his wife. Chen's research involved analyzing seismic signatures from North Korean nuclear tests using publicly available data, with funding from the U.S. State Department and Air Force. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated him as wrongfully detained in March. Chen has reportedly lost significant weight while in custody and is awaiting a closed-door trial. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China over espionage allegations and the treatment of American detainees.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 12:00 AM UTC

United Airlines announced on July 15, 2026, that it expects nearly US$6 billion in additional fuel expenses this year compared to its initial 2026 estimates, driven by a renewed surge in oil prices following heightened US-Iran hostilities. Despite the fuel shock, the carrier raised the low end of its full-year profit forecast to US$9-$11 per share, citing strong travel demand, higher fares, and capacity cuts. The company reported Q2 adjusted earnings of US$1.99 per share, beating analyst estimates of US$1.88, with revenue rising 16% to US$17.7 billion. United expects to recover 80-90% of fuel cost increases in Q3 and fully offset them by Q4. The airline's Q3 earnings forecast of US$2.50-$3.50 per share is based on current fuel prices, with a midpoint of US$3.00 versus analyst estimates of US$3.60. Shares fell about 2% in extended trading.

1 reports · 1 sources

Apple Cash, the peer-to-peer payment service integrated into Apple's ecosystem, is currently experiencing a service disruption affecting a subset of iPhone users in the United States. According to Apple’s official System Status page, the ongoing issue began at 6:11 p.m. Eastern Time. The status update indicates that affected users may be unable to complete purchases using the service. This incident marks the second recent disruption; a separate, shorter outage occurred earlier, lasting only 15 minutes from 7:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET, which Apple has since marked as resolved. While the earlier issue broadly prevented use of Apple Cash, the current problem specifically impacts transaction capabilities. User reports on social media platform X corroborate the service difficulties, although data from DownDetector suggests that complaint volumes are decreasing, potentially reflecting the resolution of the initial, shorter-lived glitch. 9to5Mac continues to monitor the situation for further updates or additional information from Apple regarding the remaining unresolved issue. This event highlights temporary reliability challenges within Apple's financial services infrastructure.

1 reports · 1 sources

FIFA has announced that Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop group BTS will headline the first-ever halftime show during the 2026 World Cup final. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and is expected to attract millions of viewers globally. The performance will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, a non-profit organization. Proceeds will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to education and football for children worldwide. Additionally, $1 from every ticket sold for the tournament will be donated to this fund. The announcement was made via social media, featuring a video with Chris Martin, Sesame Street characters, and BTS. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the upcoming show as a historic moment for the tournament. This marks a significant expansion of entertainment offerings for the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City with matches across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Previously, FIFA confirmed J Balvin would headline the opening ceremony.

1 reports · 1 sources

LiberNovo has announced the launch of its new Maxis and Omni series ergonomic desk chairs, designed to address chronic back pain for desk workers and gamers. The Omni series, recognized as the world’s first dynamic ergonomic chair, has won the 2026 Red Dot Product Design and iF Design awards and holds GreenGuard Gold Certification. The lineup includes the Omni SE for value-conscious buyers and the Omni Pro, which features electric lumbar support, spinal massage, and battery-powered components. The new Maxis series is specifically engineered for "Big & Tall" individuals, supporting users up to 6’7" tall and 399 lbs. Key features include an extended neck support, arc armrests, controlled recline, and an ultra-deep seat. Both series utilize aluminum alloy bases for durability. Pre-orders are currently open in the US, Canada, and the EU with a refundable deposit, offering discounts and extended warranties. The official global launch is scheduled for June 16, 2026. This release aims to provide personalized ergonomic solutions beyond standard "average" office chairs.

1 reports · 1 sources

This financial analysis evaluates Palantir Technologies (PLTR), highlighting its strategic position as a leader in operationalizing artificial intelligence within complex enterprise and government workflows. The article notes that robust revenue growth is driven by hypergrowth in the US commercial segment, widespread adoption of its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), and sustained demand from government contracts, which provide multi-year stability. Despite these strong fundamental indicators and positive business momentum, the analyst argues that the stock is currently overvalued. Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models and peer comparisons suggest that PLTR trades at a significant premium to its intrinsic value. Consequently, the author issues a HOLD rating, balancing optimism regarding the company's long-term fundamentals with caution about the current share price, which appears to reflect excess market enthusiasm rather than underlying value. The piece serves as a warning to investors about the limited margin of safety at current valuation levels, despite the company's successful navigation of the AI boom.

1 reports · 1 sources

US lawmakers have sharply criticized the Pentagon for allegedly dismantling a congressionally mandated program designed to reduce civilian harm during military operations. This confrontation follows a May 2026 Inspector General report revealing that the Defense Department had begun shutting down the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan (CHMR-AP) despite legal requirements to maintain it. During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, representatives, including Ranking Democrat Adam Smith and Army veteran Jason Crow, accused the Army and DoD of defunding the initiative and violating federal law. The report highlighted that key components, such as the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence, were being hollowed out through staff reassignments and halted funding. While Rep. Crow emphasized that preventing civilian casualties is crucial for maintaining local support in conflict zones, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll defended the department's actions. Driscoll argued that the disruptions were part of necessary organizational restructuring rather than an intentional effort to scrap the program, affirming the Pentagon's continued commitment to its legal obligations regarding civilian protection.

1 reports · 1 sources

Public sector oil firms in India have increased petrol and diesel prices by approximately Rs 3 per litre across major metros, marking the first significant hike since April 2022. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices rose by Rs 2, while piped kitchen gas rates remain unchanged. The decision comes as state-run retailers face substantial financial losses, with daily under-recoveries estimated between Rs 500 crore and Rs 1,000 crore due to soaring global crude oil prices, which jumped from $69 to over $106 per barrel between February and May 2026. Although the current increase partially addresses these deficits, ratings agency Crisil notes that under-recoveries still stand at Rs 10 per litre for petrol and Rs 13 for diesel. Government officials indicated that further hikes may follow, contingent on administrative approval. This move aligns India with global trends, where countries like the US and Canada have seen significant fuel price surges. The adjustment occurs shortly after state elections, ending a prolonged period of price freezes intended to shield consumers from inflationary pressures.

1 reports · 1 sources

India's trade deficit expanded significantly in April to $28.38 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $26 billion, driven primarily by soaring energy import costs. The deficit jumped from $20.6 billion in March due to a broad-based increase in imports, particularly oil, which rose approximately 60% month-over-month. This surge stems from heightened international oil and gas prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war, forcing India to source costlier crude alternatives. While total exports grew 13.8% year-over-year to $43.56 billion, led by strong electronics and services sectors, the widening gap pressures the current account. In response to a record-low currency valuation against the dollar, the Indian government raised gold import duties from 6% to 15%, a move expected to reduce gold import volumes in May. Analysts have revised inflation estimates upward and downgraded economic growth forecasts, with BMI predicting GDP growth will slow to 6.7% in the 2026/2027 fiscal year due to the persistent oil supply shock and its broader economic repercussions.

1 reports · 1 sources

A new study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that aerosols, particularly those derived from coal burning, significantly hinder solar power generation globally. Researchers utilized AI-analyzed satellite imagery and crowdsourced data to create a comprehensive inventory of solar facilities, estimating potential versus actual energy production. The findings indicate that in 2023, over 25% of potential solar output was lost, with aerosols accounting for approximately 6% of this loss, equivalent to the annual output of 84 coal plants. Coal-derived sulfur dioxide aerosols constitute nearly half of the problematic particles. The impact varies regionally; China experiences a 7.7% reduction in solar efficiency due to aerosols, closely mirroring its coal plant distribution, whereas the US sees a lower 3% loss due to geographic separation between solar farms and coal plants. However, China's recent efforts to upgrade coal infrastructure and retire polluters are beginning to mitigate these effects. The study highlights a paradox where coal not only emits carbon but also actively suppresses the productivity of its primary renewable competitor, providing further economic and operational impetus for accelerating the transition away from coal-fired energy sources.

1 reports · 1 sources

SpaceX has formally requested that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) terminate the $4.5 billion High-Cost program, which subsidizes traditional internet service providers in rural areas. In a letter to the commission, SpaceX argues that its Starlink satellite internet service has effectively resolved the broadband access gap by offering high-speed connectivity at competitive rates, rendering legacy subsidies redundant. The company cites recent data showing Starlink download speeds consistently exceeding 120Mbps in the US and notes significant federal investment through the BEAD program. This request coincides with the FCC's upcoming vote on modernizing the Universal Service Fund rules. Supporters of the proposal, including experts from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, argue that ending the program would reduce regressive costs on consumer phone bills and shift focus to more efficient, technology-neutral solutions. However, detractors remain skeptical about whether satellite internet alone can fully replace terrestrial infrastructure subsidies for all rural communities. The debate highlights the shifting landscape of broadband deployment as low-Earth orbit satellite constellations become more viable alternatives to traditional ground-based networks.

1 reports · 1 sources

The financial industry is undergoing a significant transformation as tokenization technology reshapes the relationship between corporate treasuries and transfer agents. A major indicator of this shift is technology investment group Bullish's agreement to acquire UK-based transfer agent Equiniti from Siris Capital Group in a $4.2 billion stock-and-debt deal, expected to close in January 2027. Bullish CEO Tom Farley describes tokenization as the defining infrastructure trend for the next 25 years, aiming to create a global transfer agent for tokenized securities with end-to-end services and a unified ledger. The acquisition aims to enable real-time ownership reporting, 24/7 transaction support, and automated corporate actions. Concurrently, Australian transfer agent Computershare has partnered with digital securities platform Securitize to offer issuer-sponsored tokens alongside traditional shares. Furthermore, the Depository Trust Company (DTC) plans to initiate a three-year pilot program for tokenizing highly liquid securities, including components of the Russell 1000 Index and various Treasuries. These developments highlight a broader industry move toward integrating blockchain-based assets with existing market infrastructure, signaling a tipping point for capital markets operations.

1 reports · 1 sources

Irish singer Tommy Fleming, who rose to fame in the early 1990s, has publicly revealed that he is gay, stating he had been living a lie for most of his life. The announcement follows the release of a leaked voice note involving a heated conversation with his former wife and manager, Tina Mitchell, which prompted a police investigation. Fleming expressed remorse for the public nature of the revelation and any hurt caused to his family, emphasizing that he needed to tell the truth to survive mentally. He described feeling trapped within a bubble of deceit and revealed that the pressure led to a previous suicide attempt. The couple, married for 20 years, separated in October 2025 due to growing distances exacerbated by their professional and personal entanglement. Fleming clarified that while he did not intend for his coming out to occur under these circumstances, he refused to continue lying. He aims to move forward with honesty and authenticity, marking a significant personal turning point after decades of concealing his sexual orientation.

1 reports · 1 sources

Target is facing significant backlash from customers and employees regarding its new fleet of all-plastic shopping carts, which were intended to improve the shopping experience as part of a broader strategy to win back frustrated patrons. Despite being designed for easier steering and featuring improved drink holders and safer child seats, users have widely criticized the new carts as defective and difficult to use. Customers report that the carts are falling apart immediately, with integral pieces breaking off, and that the child seats are too small for average toddlers. Employees have also voiced strong complaints, noting that the carts are incompatible with automated cart-pushers because the rear wheels lift off the ground when nested, causing them to slide uncontrollably rather than steer. This controversy arises amidst existing tension between Target and some conservative shoppers following the retailer's rollback of certain DEI policies and introduction of Pride-themed apparel, which previously triggered boycotts and sales declines. The negative reception to the hardware upgrade has further fueled online criticism, with some users linking their dissatisfaction with the carts to broader ideological grievances against the company.

1 reports · 1 sources

London-based alternative asset manager Eighteen48 Partners has successfully closed the first tranche of its inaugural private equity fund, raising EUR175 million. The firm aims to reach a total target of EUR350 million. This fund is specifically designed to support mid-market buyouts across Europe, utilizing a unique strategy that sources deals exclusively through independent sponsors. Unlike traditional private equity firms that raise blind-pool funds, independent sponsors identify specific acquisition targets before securing financing, offering investors greater visibility into deal terms. Eighteen48, co-founded by Julien Sevaux, Tarek AbuZayyad, and Edward Clive, has already deployed over EUR200 million in this strategy since 2020, making this fund a formalization of an existing track record. The move reflects a growing trend in Europe, where the independent sponsor model, long-established in the US, is gaining popularity due to challenging fundraising environments for traditional funds and a desire for more flexible capital structures among family offices and institutions.

1 reports · 1 sources

OpenAI has launched a new personal finance feature for ChatGPT Pro subscribers in the United States, enabling secure bank account integration via Plaid. This tool allows users to connect over 12,000 financial institutions to analyze spending, track subscriptions, and receive personalized financial advice through a dedicated dashboard. Initially exclusive to the high-tier Pro plan, the feature leverages the GPT-5.5 model for improved reasoning. While OpenAI emphasizes user control and data privacy, the launch highlights significant industry shifts as AI expands into sensitive financial sectors, raising ongoing discussions about data security and trust.

30 reports · 21 sources · Updated May 28, 02:15 PM UTC

Turkey is preparing new legislation that would authorize President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to declare an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles from the Anatolian coast. This move directly impacts ongoing maritime disputes with Cyprus and Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean. The draft bill, developed by the ruling AKP party, aims to strengthen Ankara's legal standing regarding fishing, drilling, and mining rights in contested waters. While the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea allows for such zones, Turkey has not ratified the convention and rejects Greek claims that islands generate full EEZs. Ankara argues that Cyprus's maritime rights are limited to 12 nautical miles. This legislative effort comes amidst heightened tensions, with the EU threatening sanctions over Turkish drilling activities and the US urging dialogue. Additionally, reports indicate Turkey is developing a naval variant of the TAI Hurjet aircraft to enhance its maritime operational capabilities. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical struggle for energy resources and maritime sovereignty in the Levant region.

1 reports · 1 sources

Financial markets have shifted expectations for the Federal Reserve's next monetary policy move, now pricing in an interest rate hike rather than a cut. This reversal follows a week of unexpectedly high inflation data, with both consumer and wholesale prices reaching multi-year peaks. According to the CME Group's FedWatch tool, traders assign a 51% probability to a rate increase in December 2026, rising to 60% by January and over 71% by March 2027. The surge in import and export prices mirrors levels seen during the aggressive tightening cycle of 2022. Compounding the uncertainty, Kevin Warsh has officially assumed the role of Federal Reserve Chair, having previously suggested rates could be lowered. However, recent dissent within the Federal Open Market Committee and revised forecasts from professional economists, who now predict second-quarter inflation could top 6%, indicate a more hawkish outlook. The market reaction underscores growing concern that persistent inflationary pressures will force the central bank to tighten policy again, reversing earlier expectations of easing.

1 reports · 1 sources

According to Hong Kong-based geopolitical analyst Angelo Giuliano, recent US diplomatic efforts toward China have resulted in mostly ceremonial outcomes with limited practical substance. The analysis highlights that China currently holds a significantly stronger economic, industrial, and strategic position compared to nine years ago, allowing it to resist pressure and avoid making concessions on core issues. Key areas of contention, including technology restrictions, export controls, and structural trade imbalances, saw no meaningful resolution. China has firmly maintained its stance on Taiwan as a red line while utilizing the time to advance technological self-reliance and develop new productive forces. The US strategy of leveraging tariffs, tech bans, and alliances has failed to force China into submission, as Beijing has successfully diversified away from US dependence. By investing heavily in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and renewables, and strengthening ties with the Global South, China has built resilient supply chains. Consequently, China possesses leverage that the US can no longer wield unilaterally, enabling Beijing to play a consistent long game that remains open to dialogue but firm on principles.

1 reports · 1 sources

India's trade deficit expanded significantly in April to $28.38 billion, up from $20.6 billion in March, driven primarily by a surge in crude oil import costs. Government data reveals that the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict has disrupted supply chains through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing the average price of India's crude oil basket above $114 per barrel, a 61% increase from the previous financial year. This widening gap between imports and exports has intensified pressure on the Indian rupee, which hit a record low of 96 against the US dollar, marking it as Asia's worst-performing currency in 2026. The economic strain is contributing to higher inflation risks and impacting household costs for fuel and transport. In response, policymakers have implemented emergency measures, including raising retail fuel prices and restricting gold imports to stabilize the currency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly appealed to citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid gold purchases for the next year. The situation highlights India's vulnerability as the world's third-largest oil importer and raises concerns about prolonged economic stress if global oil supplies do not normalize soon.

1 reports · 1 sources