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Attention is turning to how US consumers are spending in a so-called K-shaped economy, where higher-income households keep spending strongly while lower-income households pull back under pressure from prices and borrowing costs. Commentators and analysts are weighing what this divergence means for retailers, overall economic growth and the outlook for consumer demand in the months ahead.
- 2US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weaponsβSaudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons program, US intelligence assesses
US intelligence agencies assess that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing a nuclear weapons program, according to the assessment. The finding highlights lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear intentions, even as the two countries discuss closer cooperation, including potential civil nuclear agreements. Observers say the assessment could complicate diplomatic efforts over regional security and nonproliferation.
- 3UN warns Sudan hunger crisis deepening as aid funds run outβSudan's hunger crisis deepens as aid money runs out, UN warns
The United Nations is warning that Sudan's hunger crisis is getting worse as funding for humanitarian operations runs out. Aid agencies say money for food and emergency relief is nearly exhausted while the country's conflict continues to displace families and block deliveries. Millions face severe food shortages as supplies dwindle.
- 4Mortgage Rates Top 7% as Housing Market Questions GrowβMortgage Rates Exceed 7%. Where Will the Housing Market Go?
US mortgage rates have climbed above 7%, a threshold not seen in years, leaving buyers facing significantly higher monthly payments and sellers facing reduced demand. Commentators are debating whether the housing market will cool further, see prices fall, or remain tight because of low housing supply and homeowners locked into lower rates.
- 5Central Bank announces six measures to ease foreign tradeβCentral Bank takes 6 key measures to facilitate foreign trade
The Central Bank has announced six key measures aimed at facilitating foreign trade. The steps are intended to simplify procedures for importers and exporters, according to the announcement reported by Tehran Times. Details of the individual measures have not been widely discussed yet, so their practical impact on businesses and trade flows remains to be seen.
- 6US intelligence says Saudi nuclear weapons option remains openββNuclear weaponsβ option still open for Saudi Arabia, US intel says; senators target Trump deal
US intelligence assessments indicate Saudi Arabia has not ruled out pursuing nuclear weapons, even as American senators move to block a proposed deal with Riyadh backed by President Trump. The combination of intelligence findings and congressional pushback has reignited debate in Washington over nuclear proliferation risks in the Gulf and the terms of any US-Saudi cooperation agreement.
- 7Israel forces kill militant behind Noa Argamani's October 7 abductionβΌIsrael security forces kill terrorist who kidnapped Noa Argamani on Oct. 7 in weekend strikes
Israeli security forces say they killed a militant responsible for kidnapping Noa Argamani during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack, in strikes carried out over the weekend. Argamani, who became one of the most recognizable faces of the Hamas assault after footage of her abduction spread widely, was later freed in a rescue operation in June 2024. The strike is being reported across Israeli media as a symbolic closure in the case of one of the hostages most identified with the attack.
- 8Scammers impersonate finance chiefs to target retail investorsβScammers impersonate financial chiefs to lure retail investors online
Fraudsters are posing as senior financial officials and prominent finance chiefs to trick retail investors online, according to a Korea Times report. The impostors use the credibility of well-known figures to persuade victims to hand over money or personal details through fake investment schemes. Authorities and experts urge investors to verify identities and be wary of unsolicited approaches promising returns.
- 9Economists warn US $40 trillion debt worse than Japan'sβJapanβs debt is twice the size of its economyβbut economists warn U.S.βs $40 trillion sum is worse
Japan's national debt stands at roughly twice the size of its economy, the highest ratio among developed nations, but economists writing in Fortune argue the United States' debt load of around $40 trillion is the more worrying case. They point to America's faster-growing deficits and political gridlock over spending, contrasting it with Japan's domestic, stable creditor base.
- 10WWII-Era Feud Threatens Key Alliance for UkraineβA World War II-Era Feud Is Threatening a Pivotal Alliance for Ukraine
A longstanding dispute dating back to World War II is straining an alliance that Ukraine considers pivotal to its war effort, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The article argues that historical grievances between wartime-era parties are now complicating cooperation at a critical moment for Kyiv, drawing attention to how old animosities continue to shape current geopolitics.
- 11UK Gave Citizenship to Hamas Chief's Guard Who Then Plotted TerrorβUK gave citizenship to Hamas chiefβs guard, then he βplotted terrorβ
British authorities granted citizenship to a man who served as a bodyguard to a Hamas leader, according to The Times. The man is then reported to have been involved in plotting a terrorist attack, raising questions about how the security services vetted his application. The case is expected to prompt scrutiny of UK citizenship policy and counterterrorism checks, particularly given Britain's designation of Hamas as a proscribed terrorist organisation.
- 12Gaza's 61m tonnes of rubble conceal up to 10,000 bodiesβ61m tonnes of rubble: Gaza aid workers face delicate task of clearing ruins concealing up to 10,000 bodies
Aid workers in Gaza are beginning the enormous task of clearing an estimated 61 million tonnes of rubble left by the war, a job expected to take years. Rescue and recovery teams say the ruins may conceal the bodies of up to 10,000 people, making clearance a delicate operation as families continue searching for missing relatives amid the devastation.
- 13Real estate stocks slump as investors rotate into technologyβReal estate stocks slump amid rising bond yields, sector rotation into technology
Real estate shares are falling as rising bond yields weigh on the sector, with investors shifting money into technology stocks. Higher yields raise borrowing costs and make property dividends less attractive, accelerating the move out of real estate. Market watchers are tracking whether the rotation continues if rates stay elevated.
- 14Berkshire Hathaway raises stake in slumping homebuilderβBerkshire adds to nearly doubled stake in slumping homebuilder
Berkshire Hathaway has increased its position in a homebuilder whose stock has been falling, after nearly doubling the stake earlier. The move by Warren Buffett's conglomerate draws attention because investors often read Berkshire's purchases as a signal of conviction in a beaten-down sector, even as homebuilders face pressure from elevated mortgage rates and softer housing demand.
- 15Trump rejects Iran ceasefire offer on Hormuz and nuclear talksβPresident Trump said on Saturday he turned down Iranβs latest cease-fire proposal that offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart talks on the countryβs nuclear program in exchange for U.S. concessions. The rejection was the latest turn in a cycle of bo
President Trump said on Saturday that he turned down Iran's latest ceasefire proposal, which would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz and restarted negotiations over Iran's nuclear program in exchange for concessions from the United States. The rejection marks another turn in an ongoing cycle of back-and-forth between Washington and Tehran, leaving the prospects for de-escalation uncertain and keeping attention fixed on the strategic waterway.
- 16Kevin Warsh Criticizes Federal Reserve's 2020 Policy FrameworkβWarsh Criticizes Fedβs 2020 Framework, Says It Wasnβt First Central Bank To Seek βA Little More Inflation And End Up With A Lot Moreβ
Former Fed governor Kevin Warsh criticized the Federal Reserve's 2020 monetary policy framework, arguing its average inflation targeting approach invited persistent price pressure. He said the Fed was not the first central bank to seek 'a little more inflation and end up with a lot more', a warning aimed at the framework's role in the post-2020 inflation surge.
- 17Hong Kong and Indonesia Expand Cross-Border QR Payment CooperationβHong Kong, Indonesia Central Banks Deepen Cooperation On Cross-Border QR Payments
The central banks of Hong Kong and Indonesia are deepening cooperation on cross-border QR code payments, aiming to make retail payments between the two economies faster and more interconnected. The move fits a broader regional push, led by Southeast Asian regulators, to link national payment systems and reduce reliance on traditional correspondent banking channels for everyday transactions.
- 18Lithuania moves to lift ban on nuclear weaponsβLithuania moves to lift ban on nuclear weapons as βRussians do not attack the strongβ
Lithuania has moved to lift its ban on nuclear weapons on its territory, with officials arguing that 'Russians do not attack the strong'. The debate reflects growing security concerns among Baltic states over Russian aggression and doubts about whether NATO's conventional presence and existing deterrence are sufficient to protect the region.
- 19Investors keep buying Asia-Pacific property despite high borrowing costsβWhatβs luring investors to Asia-Pacific property despite higher borrowing costs?
South China Morning Post examines why investors continue to target Asia-Pacific real estate even as higher interest rates raise borrowing costs across the region. The report points to draws such as expected long-term value, portfolio diversification and income stability, suggesting institutional buyers see opportunities that outweigh tighter financing conditions. Discussion centres on which markets and asset types are attracting capital.
- 20Trump rejects Iran's seven-day ceasefire proposalβTrump reiterates Iran can not have a nuclear weapon as prez rejects regime's seven-day ceasefire proposal
Donald Trump has again declared that Iran cannot be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, while rejecting a seven-day ceasefire proposal put forward by Iran's leadership. The stance signals continued hardline US positioning toward Tehran amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program, with diplomacy stalled over terms for any pause in hostilities.
- 21
US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, reiterating a long-standing American position on Tehran's nuclear program. The remark comes amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear activities and international efforts to curb enrichment. Observers are watching whether the statement signals firmer policy or renewed diplomatic pressure on Tehran.
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The United States is set to finalize vehicle fuel economy standards that are sharply lower than previously planned, according to a Reuters report. The rollback would ease requirements on automakers to improve mileage efficiency, a reversal of stricter rules pursued under earlier policy. The move is likely to draw criticism from environmental groups while being welcomed by parts of the auto industry.
- 23FedWatch's Ben Emons Sees 10-Year Yield Hitting 6%βFedWatch's Ben Emons Sees 10-Year Treasury Yield Hitting 6% By January 2027 β Warns It Could Put Housing βIn A Crunchβ And Slow The Economy
Ben Emons of FedWatch forecasts that the 10-year Treasury yield will reach 6% by January 2027, a level not seen in years. He warns that borrowing costs at that height would put the housing market 'in a crunch', pushing mortgage payments sharply higher and slowing the broader US economy.
- 24Trump approves new fuel economy standards, unwinding Biden rulesβTrump says he approved new fuel economy standards, rolling back Biden-era rules
President Donald Trump says he has approved new fuel economy standards that roll back stricter emissions and mileage requirements put in place under the Biden administration. The move eases obligations on automakers to raise average fuel efficiency, reversing one of the previous administration's key climate policies. The change is likely to draw criticism from environmental groups while being welcomed by parts of the auto industry.
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Iran is publicly stating that a religious decree, or fatwa, forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The declaration reiterates a long-standing position by Iranian leaders that such arms are prohibited under Islamic law, a claim Tehran has repeatedly made while insisting its nuclear program is purely peaceful. The statement comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear activities and stalled diplomatic efforts over its nuclear program.
- 26US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Record $2.4 Billion Weekly InflowsβUS spot Bitcoin ETFs saw $2.4B inflows in a rec...
US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds took in $2.4 billion in inflows during a recent period, marking a sharp return of investor demand for the funds. Market watchers see the figure as a sign of renewed institutional appetite for Bitcoin exposure, with analysts noting that sustained flows of this size could support prices and signal growing mainstream adoption of crypto investment products.
- 27Sudanese fleeing to Chad surges twentyfold as aid dries upβNumber of Sudanese fleeing to Chad surges 20-fold as aid runs dry, UN says
The United Nations reports a twenty-fold increase in Sudanese refugees crossing into Chad as the country's civil war drives mass displacement and humanitarian funding collapses. Aid agencies warn food, water and shelter in border camps are running out, leaving hundreds of thousands of new arrivals without basic support. Reuters and other outlets are highlighting the crisis as one of the world's fastest-growing but least-funded refugee emergencies.
- 28
U.S. stock markets fell as Treasury yields climbed sharply, pressuring equity valuations. The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all declined as investors reacted to rising borrowing costs in the bond market. Rising yields often weigh on stocks, particularly technology and growth shares, and the move has sharpened concerns about interest rates staying higher for longer.
- 29Bitcoin eyes $100,000 after breaking $80,000 resistanceβBitcoin eyes $100K after breaking $80K resistan...
Bitcoin has broken through the $80,000 resistance level, and analysts are now watching whether it can push toward $100,000. The move past a long-standing technical barrier has revived bullish sentiment among traders, with market commentary focusing on momentum, institutional buying, and whether the rally can be sustained toward the six-figure milestone.
- 30Bitcoin holds $83k-$85k range after strong rallyβBitcoin holds $83k-$85k after strong rally; sig...
Bitcoin is holding steady in the $83,000-$85,000 range following a strong rally, a sign that buyers may be consolidating gains rather than pulling back. Traders are watching whether the cryptocurrency can build on the momentum or will correct after the sharp run-up, with the current stability suggesting continued confidence in the market.
- 31El Salvador Increases Bitcoin Holdings to 7,787 BTCβEl Salvador boosts Bitcoin holdings to 7,787 BT...
El Salvador has increased its Bitcoin holdings to 7,787 BTC, adding to its national reserves. The country, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 under President Nayib Buares government, has continued buying the cryptocurrency despite conditions attached to its IMF loan program requiring limits on public-sector crypto exposure. Observers remain divided on whether the strategy will pay off as Bitcoin prices fluctuate.
- 32Bitcoin ETF Inflows Hit $2.4 Billion Weekly, Momentum SlowingβBitcoin ETF Inflows Reach $2.4 Billion This Week, But Daily Figures Decline: Is the Momentum Fading?
Bitcoin exchange-traded funds drew $2.4 billion in inflows this week, a substantial sum that nonetheless masks a slowing pace, as daily inflow figures have declined through the period. Analysts are questioning whether the institutional demand driving the funds' recent momentum is fading, with market watchers weighing whether the weekly total reflects durable appetite for bitcoin exposure or a peak that is now passing.
- 33Iran says it will make no nuclear concessionsβIran will make no nuclear concessions, Iranian official says, Asia News
A senior Iranian official has stated that Iran will make no concessions in nuclear negotiations, according to Asia News coverage carried by AsiaOne. The declaration signals Tehran's firm stance amid ongoing international pressure over its nuclear programme, with talks with world powers remaining deadlocked. Observers see the statement as a defiant message to Western negotiators demanding limits on uranium enrichment and greater inspection access.
- 34
The fast-growing private credit industry is coming under increased public scrutiny. Observers are raising questions about transparency, valuations and risk in a market that has expanded largely away from public view, and debate is mounting over whether the sector's growth has outpaced oversight.
- 35Iran awaits US response on Strait of Hormuz reopening planβIran awaits US response on plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz | Daily Sabah
Iran is waiting for a United States response to a proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Daily Sabah report. The strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has been at the center of tensions between Tehran and Washington, and any plan to restore its normal operation is being closely watched by energy markets and governments worldwide.
- 36US accuses China of secret nuclear tests amid arms race fearsβUS challenges China on secret nuclear tests as arms race looms
The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear weapons tests, raising fresh concerns about an accelerating global arms race. The challenge highlights growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over nuclear transparency and arms control. Observers warn the dispute could further strain relations and complicate efforts to negotiate limits on nuclear arsenals between the two powers.
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The Federal Reserve has put forward proposed rules governing stablecoins under the GENIUS Act, the US legislation establishing a federal framework for dollar-pegged digital tokens. The proposal would set out how banks and issuers must comply with the new law, covering reserves, oversight and market access. Industry participants and policymakers are weighing how the rules will shape the US stablecoin market.
- 38Saudi Central Bank Raises Stake in Meta PlatformsβMeta Platforms, Inc. $META Stock Holdings Raised by Saudi Central Bank
The Saudi Central Bank has increased its shareholding in Meta Platforms, according to a regulatory filing report. The move means the institution, which oversees Saudi Arabia's financial system, now holds a larger position in the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Market watchers flagged the disclosure as notable given Meta's recent stock performance and growing interest from sovereign-linked investors in major US technology firms.
- 39Iran refuses nuclear concessions despite Hormuz proposal, report saysβIran won't make nuclear concessions even if US accepts Hormuz plan: Report
Iran has signalled it will not make concessions on its nuclear programme even if the United States accepts a plan regarding the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report cited by TΓΌrkiye Today. The position suggests Tehran is keeping the two issues separate, offering possible flexibility on shipping lanes while holding firm on nuclear demands.
- 40US spot Bitcoin ETFs reverse deficit with $80 million inflowsβU.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs reverse deficit with $80...
U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded roughly $80 million in net inflows, reversing an earlier streak of outflows. The turnaround suggests renewed investor demand for regulated Bitcoin exposure and is being read by market watchers as a potential sign of stabilizing sentiment in the crypto market after a period of sustained withdrawals from the funds.
- 41Retail Investors Watch Cloud and AI Stocks After Microsoft Copilot Expansionβ3 Cloud And AI Stocks Retail Investors Are Watching After Microsoft Copilot Expansion
Microsoft's expansion of its Copilot AI assistant has turned attention to cloud and AI stocks that retail investors are following. Market coverage highlights three companies positioned to benefit from growing enterprise demand for AI-powered cloud services, as investors weigh which names stand to gain from the broader AI buildout beyond Microsoft itself.
- 42UBS sees AI shopping agents reshaping retailβHow AI shopping agents could reshape hardline, broadline and food retail - UBS
UBS analysts published research arguing that AI shopping agents could significantly reshape hardline, broadline and food retail. The report examines how automated assistants that search, compare and purchase on behalf of consumers may alter how customers find products, shift pricing power and change the role of retailers' websites and brands in the buying process.
- 43Finance is key barrier to extreme heat solutions, says UNEPβFinance is key barrier to roll out solutions to weather extreme heat: UNEP climate head
The head of the UN Environment Programme says a lack of financing is the main obstacle to rolling out measures that help communities cope with extreme heat. As heatwaves intensify worldwide, solutions such as cooling centres, urban shade and early-warning systems exist but remain underfunded, and UNEP is urging greater investment to protect vulnerable populations.
- 44
Israeli actions described as ceasefire violations have killed one person and wounded six others in Gaza, according to a report by IMEMC News. The incident comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with observers closely watching for breaches that could derail the truce and reignite large-scale fighting in the enclave.
- 45
President Trump is moving to lower federal fuel economy standards, rolling back efficiency requirements for cars and light trucks. The change would allow automakers to sell less fuel-efficient vehicles in the United States, reversing stricter rules adopted under previous administrations. Industry groups have long lobbied for weaker standards, while environmental advocates warn the move will increase gasoline consumption and emissions. Debate is expected ahead of the formal rulemaking process.
- 46German foreign minister urges Russia to abandon escalation in rare meetingβUkraine war briefing: German foreign minister urges Russia to abandon dangerous escalation in rare meeting
Germany's foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in a rare face-to-face encounter, urging Moscow to abandon what she called a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine. The meeting stands out given the near-total breakdown of direct diplomatic contact between Berlin and Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion, and it signals continued European efforts to keep channels open even as fighting intensifies.
- 47Consumers keep spending despite higher bond yieldsβDefying higher bond yields: Consumers keep spending and the economy keeps booming
US consumers continue spending at a robust pace even as bond yields rise, defying expectations that higher borrowing costs would cool the economy. Yahoo Finance highlights that resilient household demand is keeping growth strong, prompting debate among economists over how long spending can hold up against tighter financial conditions and elevated interest rates.
- 48Trump says he approved ending Biden's EV mandateβTrump says he approved fuel economy standards ending Biden EV mandate
President Donald Trump announced that he approved new fuel economy standards that would end what he calls the Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate. The move relaxes requirements pushing automakers toward EV production, and it is being widely reported by major outlets including Reuters. The change is expected to affect carmakers' plans and renew debate over federal climate and transportation policy.
- 49Power cuts and rubble greet returnees to Sudan's capitalβPower cuts, rubble greet returnees to Sudans war-ravaged capital
Sudanese residents returning to Khartoum after the war are finding a devastated city, with widespread power cuts, destroyed buildings and rubble lining the streets. Basic services remain largely broken, making daily life extremely difficult despite the army regaining control of much of the capital. The situation highlights the enormous reconstruction challenge facing Sudan as displaced families attempt to restart their lives.
- 50Bulgarian National Bank Warns Bank Tax Could Raise Cost of CreditβBNB Warns Bank Tax Could Raise Cost of Credit
The Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has warned that a proposed tax on banks could ultimately raise the cost of credit for businesses and households. The central bank's warning adds to a debate over whether the levy would hit lending conditions in the wider economy. Critics of such taxes argue banks typically pass the extra cost on to borrowers.