Diplomatic tensions are high as France summons the US ambassador over antisemitism claims and Iran's supreme leader rules out direct talks with the US, while South Korea's president prepares for trade and military alliance talks with Trump. Trade is heavily influenced by Trump's tariffs, impacting Deere and prompting US food groups to plead for relief, as sanctions on Russia are questioned for their effectiveness and Palestinians dread an Israeli assault on Gaza City, with cultural events facing boycotts related to the Palestinian flag.
Significant shifts are anticipated in US monetary policy, with talk of a "Maga makeover" for the Fed and Trump's intensified attacks on Fed officials aiming to influence borrowing costs. Investor hopes for a rate cut hinge on US inflation data, and the administration's influence extends to domestic governance as **Trump fired Puerto Rico’s overseers**.
The business world is abuzz with **Keurig Dr Pepper nearing an $18bn deal to buy European coffee group JDE Peet’s, a move that could reshape the beverage giant. In aerospace, SpaceX scrubs its critical 10th test launch of the Starship rocket following prior setbacks, while China's expanding stock markets raise concerns about long-term confidence, and Wall Street attempts to put a price on team spirit**.
The financial sector faces a downturn as private equity fundraising slides and HSBC's Swiss unit culls wealthy Middle Eastern clients amid regulatory scrutiny over anti-money laundering. Economists warn to beware populist economics, citing its historical link to unsustainable debt and lower GDP.
The UK government implements tougher community penalties and plans an overhaul of the asylum appeals process, alongside addressing **rising online ‘ethno-nationalism’. Elsewhere, Canary Wharf sees a new lease of life, London councils seek to repurpose closed schools for Send pupils, and the Bundesbank weighs abandoning its Frankfurt HQ due to spiralling refurbishment costs, while new work patterns like term-time employment gain traction**.
The entertainment industry celebrates **‘KPop Demon Hunters’ as Netflix’s first No. 1 box-office hit, while the legal landscape grapples with who owns the copyright for AI work. Lifestyle stories explore how money influences readiness for relationships, and Maria Sharapova’s 'superpower' is unveiled as she enters the Hall of Fame, alongside advice on dealing with a terrible ex-employee’s job search**.