Trump's cancellation of Iran peace talks, US energy exports hitting records, and concerns over aid to Gaza highlight ongoing Middle East tensions, while attacks on Mali's Russian-backed regime underscore global instability.

• Trump cancels trip by US negotiators for Iran peace talks — Financial Times -
• Co-ordinated attacks threaten Mali’s Russian-backed regime — Financial Times -
• Where is Marco Rubio? — Financial Times -

• Iran seeks to resume flights from bomb-damaged airports — Financial Times -
• America’s bid for energy supremacy is being forged in war — Financial Times -
• Deliveries of food and goods into Gaza fell after Iran war began, officials say — Financial Times -
• U.S. Energy Exports Hit Records as World Adjusts to a Closed Persian Gulf — Wall Street Journal -

The race to produce advanced AI machines, the critical need for cybersecurity infrastructure defense, and investors' demands for higher yields on Oracle's AI-related data center debt indicate massive investments and challenges in the burgeoning AI sector.

• The Race to Make the World’s Most In-Demand Machine — Wall Street Journal -
• Companies with Mythos access urge joint defence of infrastructure — Financial Times -
• Investors push for higher yield on $14bn of Oracle-backed data centre debt — Financial Times -

EV ownership reaching a tipping point globally is coupled with thousands of affordable used EV car leases ending soon, suggesting a potential surge in accessible electric transport options.

• EV ownership at ‘tipping point’ in many parts of the world, experts say — Financial Times -
• Thousands of EV Car Leases Are Ending Soon, Giving Buyers a More Affordable Option — The New York Times Business -

News includes Trump's less exclusive memecoin event, uncertainty around tariff refunds for consumers, political instability in the UK regarding Starmer's leadership and potential tax reforms, and chaos in Peru's ongoing election.

• A Year Later, Trump’s ‘Most Exclusive’ Memecoin Event Is a Lot Less Exclusive — The New York Times Business -
• Who’s Getting a Tariff Refund? — The New York Times Business -
• Peru grapples with selecting new leader amid ongoing election chaos — Financial Times -

• Power is draining away from Starmer’s Downing Street — Financial Times -
• Banks brace for tax raid if Starmer is ousted — Financial Times -
• Pro-independence parties bank on rethink of UK ‘status quo’ after May 7 — Financial Times -

Diverse developments range from On Shoes' brand expansion challenge and the box office success of the 'Michael' biopic to rampant fraud in the wine industry, the impact of GLP-1 drugs on wedding dress sales, media consolidation talks between SiriusXM and iHeartMedia, and United Airlines' successful strategy.

• If On Shoes Are for Everyone, Are They Still Ons? — The New York Times Business -
• ‘Michael’ is Expected to Collect $200 Million in First Weekend, Shaking Off Bad Reviews — The New York Times Business -
• In Wine Country, Sales Are Down and Fraud Is Rampant — The New York Times Business -

• The Greatest Entrepreneurs in U.S. History, According to Business Historians — Wall Street Journal -
• Wedding Dresses Now Come With a Legal Waiver for Brides on GLP-1s — Wall Street Journal -
• Are your kids ignoring your money advice? — Financial Times -
• Costa del Sol vs the Algarve: which golf destination is best for property buyers? — Financial Times -
• SiriusXM Said to Be in Early Talks to Acquire iHeartMedia — The New York Times Business -
• United’s Card-Counting CEO Made a Huge Bet—and It’s Paying Off — Wall Street Journal -

Defense stocks seeing gains reversed due to production issues and funding uncertainty, alongside stagnant markets lacking clear direction, reflect investor caution in volatile times.

• Defence stocks give back gains as investors buy rumour but sell war — Financial Times -
• No edge, no hedge: why markets are stuck — Financial Times -