Category: Business

The movie theater industry finds itself at a pivotal crossroads as cinema attendance slowly recovers but remains fragile compared to pre-COVID levels.

While more moviegoers have returned to theaters this year compared to 2023, domestic ticket sales continue trailing pre-pandemic numbers by roughly 20%. The rise of streaming platforms has created fierce competition, and industry insiders express concern about potential consolidation effects on film releases as Warner Bros. faces possible new ownership under Paramount.

Against this uncertain backdrop, film industry executives and cinema operators are meeting this week in Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the yearly trade conference that gained wider recognition through Seth Rogen’s series “The Studio” and its portrayal of “old school Hollywood buffet” culture. However, real entertainment industry leaders face more pressing matters than party planning.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer, known for “F1” and “Top Gun: Maverick,” recently stated: “We are at a defining point in the future of this industry.”

Bruckheimer has joined forces with “Oppenheimer” producer Emma Thomas and “Sinners” director Ryan Coogler to tackle these challenges head-on. Cinema United, representing approximately 60,000 movie screens across the United States and internationally, announced last week that Bruckheimer will lead their new filmmaker leadership council, with Thomas serving as deputy chair and Coogler among the founding participants.

The council also includes Brad Bird, Celine Song and Jason Reitman, who will provide guidance on key industry challenges such as theatrical release windows – the exclusive period films play in cinemas before becoming available for home purchase or rental – and market consolidation.

“Our industry is strongest when it works together to promote the singular experience of seeing a movie on the big screen,” Cinema United president and CEO Michael O’Leary said in a statement. “The importance of having Jerry and Emma at the helm of this initiative, at such a critical time for our industry, cannot be overstated.”

Much discussion will center on Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Both companies plan separate presentations to theater owners – Warner Bros. on Tuesday and Paramount on Thursday. Industry observers wonder whether executives will directly address the merger concerns from the stage, similar to former 20th Century Fox Chair and CEO Stacey Snider’s approach during the 2018 Disney acquisition discussions.

Although Paramount Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison has expressed intentions to expand the combined studio’s annual film output to over 30 movies, organizations like Cinema United remain apprehensive.

Historically, studio consolidation has resulted in fewer theatrical releases. The pandemic, industry strikes, streaming service expansion, and financial uncertainty have already impacted release schedules. In 2019, theaters showed 112 wide releases – films opening in more than 2,000 venues. This year marks the first time since the pandemic that number has increased, reaching 115 according to Comscore data.

Despite challenges, CinemaCon typically maintains an upbeat atmosphere. Studios invest significantly in bringing stars and exclusive footage, indicating genuine optimism about upcoming projects.

Universal’s domestic distribution president Jim Orr described the conference mood as “very optimistic.”

“The first part of the year we’ve seen some extraordinary titles and great business, including our own ‘Super Mario Galaxy Movie,’” Orr said. “I think it should be quite the celebration in Vegas this year.”

This summer’s lineup includes Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” a Steven Spielberg science fiction film, a Star Wars installment, live-action “Moana,” a fifth Toy Story movie, and a new “Spider-Man” film. Later this year brings another Marvel release, “Avengers: Doomsday” and the third “Dune” film, both scheduled for December 18. Some wonder if this “Dunesday” could replicate the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon.

Recent positive developments include growing audience interest in premium large-format experiences like IMAX and 70mm screenings, plus a surge in PG-rated film success indicating families and younger viewers haven’t completely abandoned theaters for home viewing.

Recent hits like “Project Hail Mary,” “Hoppers” and “Wuthering Heights” demonstrate that non-franchise films can still draw audiences, though tentpole releases like “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” remain crucial.

“At least from the box-office perspective, we are going in on a very positive note,” said Paul Dergarabedian, who heads marketplace trends for Comscore.

Industry veterans frequently note that the business has weathered previous existential threats, including streaming, piracy, VHS, and television.

Thomas, who is producing “The Odyssey,” highlighted the “profound cultural value in gathering together with a group of strangers and connecting while experiencing something special on the big screen” in her statement about partnering with the theater trade organization.

“That is what this is about: making sure that cinemas of all sizes, around the world, can continue to present our stories in the best possible setting, so movie fans of all ages can enjoy them as they were intended to be seen,” Thomas said.

The U.S. housing market experienced a disappointing March as sales of previously owned homes dropped to their weakest level in nine months, despite mortgage rate improvements that failed to entice buyers during the traditionally active spring season.

According to Monday’s report from the National Association of Realtors, previously owned home transactions declined 3.6% from February, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units.

The March figures also showed a 1% decrease compared to the same month last year, with the Northeast and Midwest regions experiencing the steepest declines. Economists had anticipated sales would reach approximately 4.06 million units, according to FactSet data.

“Lower consumer confidence and softer job growth continue to hold back buyers,” Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said in a statement.

Consumer sentiment data supports Yun’s assessment, with Americans’ short-term outlook for income, business conditions, and employment dropping 1.7 points to 70.9. This measurement has remained below the 80-point threshold that economists consider a potential recession indicator for 14 straight months.

Current sales activity has remained near the 4-million annual rate since 2023, significantly below the historical average of 5.2 million units annually.

While transaction volume decreased, property values continued their upward trajectory in March. The nationwide median selling price climbed 1.4% year-over-year to $408,800, establishing a new record for March based on data extending back to 1999. Home values have now increased annually for 33 consecutive months.

The housing sector has struggled since 2022, when borrowing costs started climbing from their pandemic-era lows. Last year saw previously owned home sales remain at three-decade lows, with sluggish performance continuing through the early months of this year as January and February sales lagged behind 2023 levels.

Many metropolitan markets have experienced slower price appreciation or declines, while housing inventory has expanded compared to last year.

Mortgage rates had been declining recently, reducing financing costs for potential buyers. Properties sold in March typically entered contracts during January and February, when 30-year mortgage rates ranged from 5.98% — the lowest in three and a half years — to 6.16%, based on Freddie Mac data.

However, borrowing costs have primarily increased since conflicts with Iran began, driving energy prices higher and raising inflation concerns. This has elevated yields on 10-year Treasury bonds, which mortgage lenders use to determine home loan pricing. Last week, the average 30-year mortgage rate reached 6.37%, according to Freddie Mac.

Rising mortgage rates prompted Yun to revise his 2026 existing home sales projection downward. He now anticipates a 4% increase this year, substantially lower than his previous 14% growth forecast.

WASHINGTON – The American housing market took another hit in March as home sales plummeted to their lowest level in nine months, according to new data released Monday by the National Association of Realtors.

Sales of previously-owned homes declined 3.6% last month, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual pace of 3.980 million units – the weakest performance since June 2025. The figure fell short of economists’ predictions, who had anticipated sales would slow to 4.06 million units.

The March decline represents sales that closed last month but likely originated from contracts signed during January and February when borrowing costs were decreasing. Every region of the country experienced decreased activity, with overall sales down 1.0% compared to the same period last year.

Lawrence Yun, the NAR’s Chief Economist, pointed to supply shortages as a primary factor limiting market activity. “Inventory remains a major constraint on the market,” Yun stated. “An additional 300,000 to 500,000 homes for sale would help bring the market closer to normal conditions and allow consumers to make purchase decisions without feeling rushed.”

The housing sector continues to face headwinds from an unstable job market, with employment declining in six of the past 15 months. Additionally, borrowing costs have climbed as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has driven up oil prices and Treasury yields amid inflation concerns.

Federal data released last week showed consumer prices jumped by the largest margin in nearly four years during March. Since mortgage rates follow Treasury yields, the popular 30-year fixed-rate loan averaged 6.37% last week, climbing from 5.98% before the conflict began, according to Freddie Mac data.

Rates had previously fallen after President Donald Trump directed Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to increase their mortgage-backed securities purchases. The affordability crisis has emerged as a significant political topic before November’s midterm elections, as homeownership becomes increasingly difficult for many Americans to achieve.

The National Association of Realtors has revised its 2026 home sales growth projection downward to 4% from an earlier estimate of 14%. The organization’s affordability index dropped to 113.7 in March from February’s 117.5, though it remained above last year’s 104.2 reading.

“Mortgage rates have been rising, and that has led us to trim our home sales outlook for the year,” Yun explained. “Even with a more modest pace of sales growth, home prices continue to steadily increase due to minimal inventory growth.”

The typical existing home price climbed 1.4% year-over-year to $408,800 last month, marking the highest March figure on record. Available inventory grew 3.0% to 1.36 million units, though this remains significantly below pre-pandemic levels. Supply increased 2.3% from the previous year.

Based on March’s sales rate, clearing the current inventory would require 4.1 months, up from 4.0 months a year earlier. Properties remained on the market for a median of 41 days, compared to 36 days in March of last year.

First-time purchasers represented 32% of all sales, matching last year’s percentage. Industry experts believe a 40% share in this category is necessary for a healthy housing market. Cash purchases accounted for 27% of transactions, rising from 26% the previous year.

Distressed properties, including foreclosures, comprised 2% of all sales, down from 3% in the prior year.

Two biotechnology companies began investor presentations Monday for their upcoming stock market debuts, seeking valuations that could exceed $1 billion as the biotech sector experiences renewed public offering activity.

Kailera Therapeutics, which develops obesity treatments, seeks a market value reaching $1.9 billion, while Alamar Biosciences targets up to $1.1 billion in its public offering.

The biotech industry is returning to public markets following a quiet stretch during much of 2025, helped by recent Federal Reserve interest rate reductions that have encouraged investment in stocks. However, inflation driven by ongoing conflicts could prompt rate increases later this year. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF has jumped approximately 81% over the past year.

Two additional companies, Seaport Therapeutics and Hemab Therapeutics, also submitted paperwork Friday for U.S. public offerings.

Kailera’s primary drug candidate, ribupatide, competes in the lucrative weight-loss medication market, which analysts project could reach $150 billion in yearly revenue within the next decade. The experimental treatment is undergoing final-phase clinical testing as a weekly injection targeting GLP-1 receptors.

The company plans to sell 33.3 million shares at $14 to $16 each, according to regulatory documents.

Current investors, including Bain Capital Private Equity, Bain Capital Life Sciences and Qatar Investment Authority, have expressed interest in purchasing up to $225 million worth of shares in the offering.

Alamar Biosciences, headquartered in Fremont, California, intends to offer approximately 9.4 million shares priced from $15 to $17 per share.

The protein analysis company creates equipment for identifying trace amounts of protein markers in blood samples, supporting disease research and medical testing.

J.P. Morgan, BofA Securities, and TD Cowen serve as primary investment banks for Alamar’s stock debut.

Kailera has selected Jefferies, J.P. Morgan, Leerink Partners, TD Cowen and Evercore ISI as lead underwriters for its offering.

Kailera plans to trade on the Nasdaq exchange using ticker symbol “KLRA,” while Alamar will use “ALMR.”

Britain’s leading grocery chain Tesco announced Monday it will collaborate with American technology company Adobe to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities for analyzing shopper information, with goals of increasing revenue through customized marketing approaches.

The retail industry continues embracing AI technology as companies seek revenue increases and operational efficiencies, implementing these tools to create more tailored customer experiences.

Digital transformation represents a core element of Tesco’s business approach, focusing on enhanced customer relationships and expanding services including Whoosh rapid delivery, its online Marketplace platform, and advertising media operations.

The collaboration will merge AI technology with information collected through Tesco’s Clubcard membership program, which offers discounted pricing to participants and has contributed significantly to the company’s market position growth, industry experts note.

With coverage extending to over 24 million households across the UK, the Clubcard program ranks among Britain’s most extensive customer loyalty initiatives and currently delivers customized promotions and product suggestions.

Controlling 28% of Britain’s food retail market, Tesco explained the Adobe partnership will speed up individualized customer interactions, enabling better prediction of shopper preferences and improving relevance of content, promotions and services across all company platforms.

Technical specialists from Adobe will collaborate directly with Tesco’s personalization and artificial intelligence departments.

“Working with Adobe, we can be even more responsive to the needs of shoppers,” stated Becky Brock, who serves as Tesco’s group customer digital transformation director.

The company plans to release its yearly financial report this Thursday.

Packaged food giant Conagra Brands announced Monday it has chosen a seasoned J.M. Smucker executive to lead the company, marking the end of an era for current CEO Sean Connolly.

John Brase, age 58, will take the reins as chief executive officer on June 1, 2026, while also joining Conagra’s board of directors. The food industry veteran currently holds the position of president and chief operating officer at J.M. Smucker Co, where he manages the company’s domestic retail operations, international divisions, and Away From Home business segments.

Connolly will conclude his tenure on May 31, stepping away from both his executive position and board membership after leading the food manufacturer for more than eleven years.

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman began marketing efforts Monday for a dual public stock offering involving his investment management firm and a newly created fund.

The marketing campaign launches during volatile market conditions following unsuccessful weekend negotiations between the United States and Iran that failed to produce an agreement to halt the ongoing seven-week conflict.

The newly established fund, called Pershing Square USA, aims to collect between $5 billion and $10 billion through its stock market launch and private investor sales. Each share will be priced at $50.

Private investors have already committed $2.8 billion to the fund, including family investment offices, retirement funds, and insurance firms. These early backers will get 30 shares of Pershing Square for every 100 shares they buy in the new fund.

This marks Ackman’s second attempt at launching the new fund publicly, after abandoning a 2024 debut just days before the planned launch due to multiple obstacles.

Ackman established his hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, in 2004. The firm typically holds positions in about twelve companies including Amazon and Uber, and has gained recognition for its shareholder activism efforts.

The new Pershing Square USA fund will follow a similar strategy to Ackman’s current hedge fund, targeting 12 to 15 undervalued companies listed on North American exchanges. The fund promises faster capital access and eliminates performance fees to attract a broader range of investors.

Both entities will trade on the New York Stock Exchange, with Pershing Square USA using the ticker symbol “PSUS” and Pershing Square trading under “PS.”

“A large and successful PSUS IPO will also likely contribute to our success in launching other closed-end investment companies,” Ackman stated in a letter to Pershing investors last month when announcing the combined public offering.

Major financial institutions Citigroup, UBS Investment Bank, BofA Securities, Jefferies, and Wells Fargo Securities are serving as the primary coordinators and bookrunners for the dual public offering.

Goldman Sachs announced increased first-quarter earnings on Monday, with the major investment bank seeing substantial gains from merger activity and stock trading operations.

Market turbulence stemming from Middle East conflicts has created uncertainty as oil price increases fuel concerns about inflation and potential economic downturn.

The increased market instability has driven clients to reevaluate their investment portfolios and seek protection against potential losses, which typically benefits trading operations at major financial institutions.

“The geopolitical landscape remains very complex – so disciplined risk management must remain core to how we operate,” Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said in a statement.

The bank’s stock trading and financing division generated record revenues of $5.33 billion, marking a 27% increase, while income from bonds, currencies and commodities decreased 10% to $4.01 billion.

Earnings available to shareholders increased to $5.4 billion, equivalent to $17.55 per share, compared to $4.58 billion or $14.12 per share during the same period last year.

Industry leaders anticipate robust merger and acquisition activity this year despite ongoing Middle East uncertainty, as anticipated regulatory changes under President Donald Trump’s administration and artificial intelligence growth are expected to drive deal-making.

Worldwide merger volumes reached $1.38 trillion during the first quarter, based on Dealogic statistics. Jefferies analysts reported that global merger advisory fees increased 19% annually to $11.3 billion, with Goldman maintaining the largest market position.

The firm participated in major transactions during the quarter, including providing counsel to Unilever regarding the planned combination of its food division with McCormick to establish a $65 billion entity, and Equitable’s proposed merger with Corebridge to create a $22 billion insurance company.

Investment banking fee income climbed to $2.84 billion in the first quarter, representing a 48% increase from the previous year.

The financial giant’s stock price has gained more than 3% year-to-date, following a surge of over 53% in 2025.

Initial public offering activity has faced renewed challenges due to geopolitical tensions affecting investor appetite for equities, though certain companies, particularly in industrial and defense sectors, have continued with listing preparations.

Goldman has obtained a position as a lead underwriter for SpaceX’s anticipated IPO scheduled for June, according to Reuters sources. The Elon Musk-controlled company could potentially raise $75 billion at a $1.75 trillion valuation.

This offering is projected to trigger additional major public listings throughout the year, potentially including IPOs from OpenAI and Anthropic.

Goldman served as a joint book-running manager for PayPay’s $880 million U.S. public offering, which assigned the SoftBank-supported company a $10.7 billion valuation.

The bank’s asset and wealth management division saw revenues grow 10% to $4.08 billion. Goldman has emphasized this business segment to create more consistent income streams, decreasing dependence on the more unpredictable trading and investment banking revenues.

The company’s private credit fund within this division avoided industry-wide withdrawal pressures last week, with investors requesting to redeem slightly less than 5% of shares in the first quarter – redemptions that remained within established limits.

Concerns that artificial intelligence might impact software company profits and compromise debt servicing capabilities have disrupted the multi-trillion-dollar private credit sector, leading investors to seek liquidity through increased withdrawals.

Goldman finalized its purchase of exchange-traded fund provider Innovator Capital Management earlier this month, bringing its total ETF assets under management to $90 billion.

Investment banking giant Morgan Stanley announced Monday it will stick with its earlier oil price predictions, anticipating Brent crude to hit $110 per barrel during the second quarter of 2026 and $100 per barrel in the third quarter, before declining to $80 per barrel in 2027.

The financial institution warned that oil distribution networks will need several months to return to normal operations, even if access through the Strait of Hormuz can be restored.

According to Morgan Stanley’s primary projection, shipments through the strategic waterway will remain limited throughout April, regain approximately 70% of previous volume levels from May through July, and achieve normal operations by October.

Crude oil values surged back beyond $100 per barrel Monday as the U.S. Navy prepared to intercept vessels traveling to and from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, which could limit Iranian petroleum exports following unsuccessful negotiations between Washington and Tehran to resolve ongoing conflicts.

By 0810 GMT, Brent crude futures reached $102.23 per barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate was trading at $103.88.

At the same time, oil-producing nations in the Middle East, including Kuwait and Iraq, have significantly increased their official pricing for Asian markets in May.

Saudi Arabia established its Arab Light crude pricing for Asia at an unprecedented premium of $19.50 per barrel above the Oman/Dubai benchmark.

Market experts anticipate that disruptions to worldwide oil production will create a supply shortage this year, contrasting with earlier projections that predicted abundant oversupply before the current crisis began.

Financial markets worldwide experienced turbulence Monday as crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel following President Donald Trump’s decision to implement a naval blockade around Iranian ports in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The dramatic market response came after weekend peace negotiations in Islamabad ended without agreement, prompting Trump to escalate military pressure by deploying U.S. Navy forces to the Persian Gulf region. The blockade officially began at 10 a.m. Eastern time Monday.

Both Brent and WTI crude benchmarks crossed the $100 threshold, though they remain below peak levels reached before last week’s temporary ceasefire announcement. The energy surge contributed to a broader market selloff, with Wall Street futures declining nearly 1% before trading opened and European stock markets posting losses.

The uncertainty surrounding the collapsed negotiations has raised questions about whether the two-week ceasefire declared last week will hold, with Trump’s naval intervention already reversing much of the previous week’s market recovery.

Oil prices have climbed approximately 40% since the Middle East conflict began, creating significant concerns for American consumers at the gas pump. In a Sunday statement, President Trump acknowledged that fuel costs may remain elevated through November’s midterm elections and could potentially rise further.

“That acknowledgement suggests the pressure of domestic politics alone is unlikely to secure an early end to the Middle East conflict,” according to market analysts.

The conflict’s impact on inflation became evident in last Friday’s consumer price data, which showed U.S. prices increased by the largest margin in nearly four years during March. Annual inflation reached 3.3%, with gasoline costs driving most of the monthly increase.

Meanwhile, significant political changes occurred in Europe as Hungary’s long-serving leader Viktor Orban suffered a decisive electoral defeat after 16 years in power. Opposition candidate Peter Magyar’s party secured a landslide victory, gaining a two-thirds parliamentary majority that will enable constitutional reforms and improved relations with the European Union.

The Hungarian forint currency and government bonds rallied sharply on the election results, with approximately 18 billion euros in previously frozen EU funding now potentially available to the country.

Corporate earnings season begins in earnest today with Goldman Sachs reporting first-quarter results. Industry analysts expect S&P 500 companies to post earnings growth of roughly 14% compared to the same period last year, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

By Friday, an estimated 10% of S&P 500 companies will have released quarterly results, with major corporations including Netflix, Johnson & Johnson, and PepsiCo scheduled to report this week.

Other significant events Monday include the release of March existing home sales data and the start of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington. OPEC will also publish its monthly oil market assessment.

The dollar strengthened against major currencies in early trading but gave back some gains later in the session, while Asian stock markets closed lower across the board.

A startling new analysis reveals that approximately 442 private colleges nationwide may be facing serious financial difficulties that could lead to permanent closure.

The sobering projection emerges as Sterling College in Craftsbury Common, Vermont, prepares to conclude operations at the end of the current academic term. First-year students Izzy Johnson and Jack Beatson are among those directly affected by their institution’s decision to permanently close its doors.

The research suggests that more than one-fourth of private higher education institutions across the country are experiencing financial strain severe enough to threaten their continued existence. This represents a significant portion of the private college landscape facing an uncertain future.

The findings highlight growing challenges within private higher education, as institutions struggle with various pressures that have intensified in recent years. The closure of Sterling College serves as a concrete example of what hundreds of other schools may potentially face.

Aviation authorities are taking the uncommon step of requiring airlines to reduce their flight schedules at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport this summer in response to operational conflicts between major carriers.

The Federal Aviation Administration’s directive comes as tensions escalate between two primary airlines that maintain major hubs at O’Hare, creating potential scheduling conflicts that could lead to significant delays and cancellations during the busy summer travel period.

This type of federal intervention in airline scheduling is considered highly unusual, as carriers typically manage their own flight operations and capacity planning. The move highlights the severity of the operational challenges facing one of the nation’s busiest airports.

O’Hare serves as a critical hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, both of which operate extensive networks from the Chicago facility. The airport handles millions of passengers annually and serves as a major connection point for domestic and international travel.

The scheduling conflicts and resulting federal intervention could impact travelers planning summer trips through Chicago, potentially leading to fewer flight options and higher ticket prices as airlines adjust their operations to comply with the new requirements.

Chile’s government-owned copper mining corporation Codelco has been penalized by workplace safety officials following a fatal underground incident at its El Teniente facility last year, with three subcontracting companies receiving even steeper financial sanctions, according to regulatory documents obtained through public information requests.

The penalties, which had not been previously made public, were issued in the months after a July 31 underground seismic event caused a catastrophic rock collapse at El Teniente, the planet’s biggest underground copper mining operation. The disaster claimed the lives of six contract employees and left others wounded.

The documentation was secured from Chile’s labor department via freedom of information filings. Under Chilean law, these financial penalties are communicated directly to companies and may be contested or reduced through administrative processes, though they typically aren’t announced publicly.

Following the incident, then-Labor Minister Giorgio Boccardo announced that his department and the mining oversight agency, Sernageomin, would probe what triggered the accident and determine if workplace safety regulations were violated.

The underground tremor, registering approximately 4.3 on the seismic scale, forced a complete suspension of all subterranean activities at the massive mining facility while rescue operations and safety evaluations took place.

The incident resulted in substantial financial losses for Codelco. Company officials stated that halting underground work at El Teniente and the gradual resumption of operations reduced copper production by tens of thousands of metric tons, affecting deliveries during a period when global supplies were already constrained.

The tragedy also highlighted the geological dangers confronting Chile’s older underground mining facilities.

The documentation reveals that the three subcontracting firms received combined penalties totaling approximately $87,000, while Codelco faced roughly $20,000 in fines. This disparity reflects Chile’s shared-responsibility system for outsourced operations.

Although the primary company – Codelco – may face sanctions for broad safety shortcomings, subcontractors maintain direct accountability as employers for incident reporting, hazard evaluation, employee assignments and other regulatory obligations under Chilean employment law.

In one violation, workplace inspectors determined that Codelco lacked comprehensive written protocols detailing how seismic alerts were utilized to determine whether operations should cease or be limited.

Following the accident, regulators also discovered that Codelco breached employment regulations when workers were discovered accessing, or preparing to access, underground sections while the facility-wide shutdown was still active, according to separate penalty documentation.

Under Chilean employment regulations, certain severe or fatal workplace violations can result in fines up to 150 UTM, a Chilean inflation-adjusted tax measurement, equivalent to roughly $11,000 at present rates, per violation. The regulatory body imposed a 340 UTM fine, approximately $26,000 in current values, on a company following a deadly construction site collapse in 2007.

Worker advocacy groups and occupational safety experts have raised concerns about whether such modest penalties provide sufficient deterrent effect for large corporations.

“It is essential to raise the size of fines in order to effectively deter companies from violating mining safety regulations,” stated a Chilean House of Representatives investigative commission report in 2011 following a mining catastrophe.

Legislative proposals since that time to increase penalties for serious or fatal workplace incidents have failed to advance.

Following the collapse, Codelco announced it had strengthened safety protocols for resuming operations at El Teniente, incorporating safety meetings at shift beginnings, enhancing underground communications, increasing monitoring of employee locations and reassessing protective gear.

The company later revealed that an independent review panel headed by a former Anglo American CEO was analyzing what led to the incident and whether wider management or workplace issues contributed.

In a response to media inquiries, Codelco stated that its seismic warning response system was operational on the day of the incident, and that it had contested the labor ministry’s fine.

The company added that there was an “ongoing legal proceeding related to the oversight of worker entry during the work stoppage” and that it was awaiting authorities’ determination.

Codelco announced in August that El Teniente facility manager Andres Music would step down from his position, and in February revealed the exit of three senior executives following an internal review that discovered inconsistencies and cover-up activities related to a separate rock collapse at the facility several years prior.

Among the three penalized contracting companies, Zublin, a subsidiary of Strabag, was sanctioned for failing to notify authorities of a worker’s death within the required 24-hour period. Inspectors determined that while the company learned of the fatality within two hours, it didn’t contact labor officials until the next evening.

Prompt reporting is vital to establish emergency safety protocols to safeguard remaining employees, the documentation stated.

The Austrian corporation did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

A division of Chilean construction company SalfaCorp also received sanctions after one of its employees perished in the mine’s Andesita section. Inspectors found the company failed to promptly notify authorities of the fatal incident, among other violations.

The records additionally noted that Salfa’s hazard evaluation didn’t properly consider seismic risks and that the company didn’t do enough to safeguard workers’ safety.

SalfaCorp did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

Chile’s labor oversight agency also penalized Constructora Gardilcic, the privately-held contractor whose employees were killed and injured in the mine’s Recursos Norte section.

Inspectors found the company filed late accident reports, delayed submitting injury documentation and demonstrated inadequate safety planning.

Officials also determined Gardilcic failed to properly assess the danger of explosive rock bursts beyond designated hazard areas and assigned some workers to positions they weren’t qualified to perform.

Gardilcic did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.

Codelco has stated that the sections most severely affected by the incident will continue under strict limitations while criminal, regulatory and technical investigations proceed.

The corporation has committed to a phased, regulator-approved reopening, creating uncertainty about when the complete facility can return to standard operations.

High-end fashion retailers in Dubai are experiencing devastating financial losses as the ongoing Iran conflict continues to impact one of the luxury industry’s most profitable markets, according to exclusive industry data.

Major luxury retailers at Mall of the Emirates, among Dubai’s premier shopping destinations, saw revenue plummet between 30-50% during March compared to the previous year, industry sources revealed. These previously unreported numbers highlight the severe economic impact on the $400 billion global luxury sector.

The timing proves particularly challenging as industry giants LVMH, Kering and Hermes prepare to release quarterly earnings reports this week, with investors closely watching for conflict-related impacts.

Customer traffic at Mall of the Emirates, which houses prestigious brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Chanel and Rolex alongside unique attractions like an indoor skiing facility and wellness center, decreased by 15% in March, sources confirmed.

The situation appears even more severe at Dubai Mall, the region’s largest shopping complex and major tourist destination, where visitor numbers dropped approximately 50%, suggesting potentially larger revenue losses across luxury retailers.

In Abu Dhabi, which relies less heavily on tourism spending, the Galleria shopping center showed greater resilience but still recorded roughly 10% sales decreases across all luxury brands, according to industry insiders.

Representatives from all three shopping centers declined to provide comments when contacted. Similarly, LVMH, Kering and Hermes did not respond to requests for information regarding their Middle Eastern operations and conflict-related impacts.

The Middle East had emerged as a critical growth region for luxury brands, particularly as the industry struggles through a challenging period that began when the luxury boom ended in 2022. China’s slow recovery from COVID-19 restrictions and overall economic deceleration have contributed to significant market challenges.

LVMH and Kering have collectively lost over 100 billion euros in market value since 2022, representing more than 25% of their combined worth. Industry-wide annual sales contracted by 2% last year, according to consulting firm Bain & Company analysis.

Carole Madjo, Barclays’ head of luxury research, explained that the Middle East represented approximately 5% of global luxury spending and had been delivering double-digit annual growth in recent years. “It was definitely a strategic region. Everything was okay,” Madjo stated.

However, Dubai’s carefully maintained reputation for glamour and security has been significantly damaged by the conflict that escalated with U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran beginning February 28.

Iranian drone strikes have targeted several Dubai landmarks and critical infrastructure, including the iconic Burj Al Arab luxury hotel and sections of the city’s major airport facility.

Industry experts predict recovery will require considerable time, even if diplomatic initiatives successfully resolve the conflict in the near term.

Bernstein analysts warned in a recent report that the conflict’s broader economic consequences, including increased oil and travel expenses, inflation pressures, and potential stock market volatility, could “easily disrupt” consumer spending beyond the Gulf region, particularly affecting the United States market.

Christopher Rossbach, portfolio manager at London-based J Stern & Co, expressed concerns about delayed recovery timelines. “If it now turns out that whatever luxury recovery we were hoping for in 2026 is not going to happen, and it’s going to be postponed at best into the second half or into next year, I don’t think anybody can be surprised by it,” Rossbach commented.

LVMH, the world’s largest luxury conglomerate, will announce first-quarter results Monday, with Gucci-owner Kering and Hermes following later this week. Kering has scheduled its capital markets presentation for Thursday.

While the Middle East’s relatively modest market size will limit immediate quarterly impact, Rossbach noted that profit effects could prove far more substantial when companies report semi-annual results.

Dubai’s appeal to luxury retailers stems from its exceptional profitability advantages, including minimal rental and labor expenses, premium pricing capabilities exceeding other regions, and virtually tax-free operations.

For major brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Chanel, annual revenue per square meter in Dubai can exceed several hundred thousand euros, representing multiple times the global average, according to sources familiar with Mall of the Emirates performance data.

A prominent Chinese artificial intelligence company is restructuring its international business operations to meet new government requirements as it prepares for a public stock offering in Hong Kong, according to three industry sources.

StepFun, based in Shanghai, is dismantling what’s known as an offshore incorporation structure following recent guidance from China’s securities regulator targeting so-called “red-chip” companies. These are businesses registered in foreign countries, typically tax havens, while maintaining their primary assets and operations in China through equity arrangements.

Last month, China’s financial oversight body directed several red-chip companies to eliminate these structures, a move that industry analysts warn could postpone some stock market debuts as firms rush to relocate their legal headquarters back to China. Some companies may abandon their public offering plans entirely due to the potentially prohibitive costs of restructuring.

Sources familiar with StepFun’s decision said the company, which creates general-purpose foundation models for artificial intelligence applications, determined that a domestic corporate structure would be more suitable given its substantial backing from state investment funds. Company records show StepFun’s previous structure included entities in the Cayman Islands.

The sources requested anonymity because details about StepFun’s corporate restructuring have not been made public. StepFun representatives did not respond to requests for comment from Reuters.

StepFun’s financial backers include investment funds from Shanghai’s municipal and district governments, along with Qiming Venture Partners and Chinese technology conglomerate Tencent Holdings, according to public filings and media coverage.

Former Microsoft Vice President Jiang Daxin established StepFun in April 2023, and the company has emerged as one of China’s premier AI startups successfully developing large-language foundation models.

StepFun’s restructuring demonstrates how Chinese companies are scrambling to align with new regulatory requirements while maintaining their prospects for overseas stock listings and capitalizing on strong investor interest in shares from Chinese AI and semiconductor companies.

Following a record-breaking year for Hong Kong’s stock market in 2025, when fundraising jumped 231% to $37 billion, more than 530 companies had submitted listing applications as of last month, with most being Chinese firms, according to stock exchange records.

The exact number of red-chip companies among these applicants remains unclear. However, data from Chinese law firm Hankun shows that last year, one-fifth of the 131 Hong Kong listings China approved involved offshore holdings, with most using the red-chip structure.

Chinese business publication Caijing reported in February that StepFun intended to raise between 2 billion yuan ($293 million) and 3 billion yuan in pre-IPO funding at a valuation reaching $6 billion. The report indicated the company planned to submit its Hong Kong IPO application by the end of June, targeting a $10 billion valuation for anchor investors.

Since launching in February, StepFun’s Step 3.5 Flash has maintained a position among the three most popular models on OpenClaw, the widely-used AI agent platform, competing alongside MiniMax M2.5 and Kimi K2.5.

The company has integrated its models into mobile phone and automotive operating systems through partnerships with OPPO and Geely, based on public announcements.

In February, StepFun brought on Yin Qi, who founded facial recognition firm Megvii Technology, as president to strengthen its executive leadership.

The increased scrutiny of red-chip structures has prompted numerous Chinese companies, particularly in the technology sector, to consider whether they should follow regulatory guidance and relocate their legal domicile to China, according to investors and legal professionals.

AI startup Moonshot, for instance, is evaluating whether to dismantle its offshore incorporation structure but has not reached a final decision, according to three people with knowledge of the deliberations. Corporate records show Moonshot’s structure also involved the Cayman Islands.

Moonshot, which created the popular large language model Kimi, is currently pursuing $1 billion in new funding at an $18 billion valuation and may begin a Hong Kong IPO process later this year, sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the information.

The company’s most recent fundraising round, completed in February, valued Moonshot at $10 billion, more than doubling its December valuation of $4.3 billion, according to Chinese corporate database Qichacha.

Moonshot declined to provide comment.

London-based financial technology company Wise announced Monday that international money transfer activity surged during the final quarter of its fiscal year, climbing 26% to reach 49.4 billion pounds (equivalent to $66.2 billion in U.S. currency).

The strong performance in cross-border payment volumes has bolstered the company’s confidence that its annual profit margins will land at the higher end of previously issued projections.

Wise revealed plans to finalize its dual stock exchange listing during the current quarter, with trading scheduled to commence on the Nasdaq exchange beginning May 11th. In conjunction with this expansion into American markets, the company announced it will transition to reporting its fiscal 2026 financial results in U.S. dollars using American accounting standards.

The financial technology firm specializes in international money transfers and currency exchange services for both individual consumers and businesses worldwide.

A growing number of American employees are incorporating artificial intelligence into their daily work routines, yet resistance to the technology remains strong across many industries.

A recent Gallup survey reveals that while AI adoption is increasing in workplaces nationwide, concerns about job security have also risen. Many employees who avoid AI cite personal preference for traditional methods, ethical concerns, or data security worries as their primary reasons.

The February survey highlights a clear division in how artificial intelligence is transforming American work environments. Some employees view it as a revolutionary tool for boosting productivity, while others fear its potential negative consequences.

Northern Virginia social worker Scott Segal incorporates AI regularly to locate healthcare resources for his elderly and at-risk clients. Despite recognizing the irreplaceable value of human compassion in his role, he anticipates AI may eventually make his position obsolete.

“I’m planning ahead,” Segal, 53, explained. “I think everyone who works in a replaceable field or trade should be planning ahead.”

The survey found that approximately 30% of workers utilize AI tools frequently, meaning daily or several times weekly. An additional 20% are occasional users, accessing AI resources monthly or yearly.

Gallup’s research indicates that roughly 40% of employees report their companies have implemented AI technologies to enhance organizational operations. Among these workers, about two-thirds describe AI’s impact on their personal productivity and workplace efficiency as “extremely” or “somewhat” positive.

Management-level employees using AI report more positive productivity outcomes compared to individual contributors. Approximately 70% of leaders who use AI at least several times annually say the technology has improved their work efficiency, while just over half of individual contributors report similar benefits.

Louisiana employment attorney Elizabeth Bloch from Baton Rouge utilizes ChatGPT to help “draft letters or emails in a diplomatic way because it’s a very adversarial profession and sometimes you get heated.”

AI technologies demonstrate greater benefits for employees in management, healthcare, and technology sectors compared to service industries. About 60% of workers in these fields using AI report at least “somewhat” improved productivity, compared to 45% in service positions.

Company availability of AI tools doesn’t guarantee employee adoption. Approximately half of American workers use AI once yearly or never, according to Gallup’s findings.

Bloch has experimented with AI for legal research but discovered it tends to hallucinate, or generate false information, even when using specialized legal AI platforms. She worries that attorneys already struggling with proper case law research and citation “are going to be bad at using AI, because you’re not using the right prompts,” potentially leading to judicial sanctions for incorrect citations.

Among workers with access to company AI tools who choose not to use them, 46% prefer maintaining their current work methods. About 40% of non-users cite ethical opposition to AI, data privacy concerns, or doubt about AI’s usefulness for their specific work.

Roughly 25% of these non-users have tried AI at work but found it unhelpful, while about 20% feel unprepared to use AI effectively.

Maryland contract administrator Thuy Pisone, who works for a federal government contractor, uses AI weekly for routine tasks but avoids it for work she can already perform well.

“I have heard from my colleagues that we could use AI to put together our PowerPoint slides,” Pisone noted. “I’m a little biased in that, well, I could put my own PowerPoints together. I don’t need help because it took me time to hone up my skill.”

While less significant as a reason for avoiding workplace AI, the poll also discovered increasing American worker anxiety about technology-driven job displacement.

About 18% of American workers consider it “very” or “somewhat” likely their current position will be eliminated within five years due to new technology, automation, robotics, or AI. This represents an increase from 15% in 2025. Employees at companies that have adopted AI express even greater concern, with 23% viewing job elimination as at least “somewhat” likely in coming years.

A March Fox News poll found that approximately 60% of registered voters believe AI will eliminate more positions than it creates over the next five years. Only about 10% expect it will generate more jobs, while roughly one-third say it’s premature to determine. About 70% of employed voters report being “not very” or “not at all” worried about AI eliminating their current job.

Segal, the Virginia social worker, has developed a backup plan if AI replaces his role: launching a “health care chaperone service” that physically accompanies patients between appointments, particularly when they’ve been sedated and lack family support for transportation.

“I don’t think that’s something that will be replaced for another maybe 10 or 15 years, until robots are embodied with AI,” Segal said. “I do believe that AI is going to displace most people’s employment functions and I question what people will do for livelihood at that point.”

Meanwhile, he’s been consulting AI chatbots for retirement savings strategies.

Gallup’s quarterly workforce surveys used a random sample of adults 18 and older working full-time and part-time for U.S. organizations, drawn from Gallup’s probability-based panel. The most recent survey of 23,717 employed American adults was conducted February 4-19, 2026, with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 0.9 percentage points.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the globe’s top producer of cutting-edge artificial intelligence processors, appears set to achieve its fourth consecutive record-breaking quarter with net earnings jumping 50% during the January through March period, fueled by explosive AI infrastructure demand.

Industry experts indicate that customer appetite for TSMC’s ultra-advanced 3-nanometer chip technology and sophisticated packaging capabilities far exceeds what the company can currently manufacture.

This unprecedented demand has propelled Asia’s most valuable corporation, which serves as a critical supplier to tech giants Nvidia and Apple, to remarkable new peaks. The company’s total market worth now stands at approximately $1.6 trillion, nearly twice that of South Korean competitor Samsung Electronics.

Financial analysts project TSMC will announce quarterly net earnings of T$542.6 billion ($17.1 billion) when results are released Thursday, based on LSEG SmartEstimate calculations from 19 industry analysts. The company will also conduct an earnings conference call at 0600 GMT to share second-quarter projections and revised annual forecasts.

Should profits exceed T$505.7 billion, this would establish a new company record for quarterly earnings and extend the firm’s profit growth streak to nine straight quarters.

The semiconductor manufacturer already reported first-quarter revenue climbing 35% compared to the same period last year, surpassing market expectations.

“We expect higher quarter-on-quarter revenue growth guidance for the second quarter of 2026, driven by sustained AI demand and advanced-node leadership,” stated Arthur Lai, Macquarie Capital’s head of technology research for Asia, in a client advisory.

While ongoing Middle East conflicts pose potential risks to semiconductor production materials like helium and neon supplies, industry observers believe TSMC is well-positioned to navigate these challenges.

“TSMC’s diversified sourcing and safety stock should be sufficient to manage short-term disruptions,” explained Galen Zeng, senior research manager at IDC.

Investors will closely monitor whether TSMC maintains or increases its 2026 capital expenditure plans, as this will signal management’s long-term confidence in artificial intelligence demand sustainability, according to Zeng.

The company is currently investing $165 billion to construct manufacturing facilities in Arizona. Additionally, TSMC has modified its Japanese operations strategy and will now produce 3-nanometer processors there rather than focusing solely on older chip technologies.

TSMC’s Taipei stock exchange shares have climbed 28% year-to-date, outperforming the broader market’s 22% increase.

Nearly 3,800 employees at a major JBS beef processing facility in Greeley, Colorado have approved a new two-year contract with the global meat processing giant, ending a month-long work stoppage, both the company and union announced Sunday.

The deal between JBS and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 was finalized after negotiations resumed April 9-10. Workers had been on strike for a month demanding wage adjustments to keep pace with rising costs and an end to charges for replacement safety gear.

According to Local 7, the new contract delivers nearly a 33% pay raise spread over two years, eliminates worker payments for personal protective equipment, and shields employees from healthcare cost increases. JBS stated the final agreement matched their previous proposal.

Though JBS welcomed the resolution, the company said it was disappointed that “UFCW Local 7 leadership chose to eliminate the historic pension benefit that was part of the national agreement negotiated last year in partnership with UFCW International.”

Under the settlement terms, the union will also drop seven unfair labor practice complaints filed against JBS, the company confirmed.

The work stoppage came as beef prices reached historic highs this year due to the nation’s cattle inventory falling to its lowest point in 75 years. This shortage has forced meat processors like JBS to compete intensively for available cattle while also benefiting from elevated market prices.

The Colorado plant shutdown further strained U.S. meat processing capabilities, coming after Tyson Foods shuttered a Nebraska beef facility and scaled back operations at a Texas location this year.

The ongoing conflict involving Iran has dramatically transformed global oil market projections, with energy experts now predicting a supply shortage where they previously anticipated an abundance of crude.

Since hostilities began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, oil shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz have been severely hampered. This waterway typically handles approximately 20 percent of worldwide oil consumption, making its disruption particularly significant for global energy markets.

A recent survey of eight energy analysts conducted by Reuters reveals expectations that oil demand will exceed supply by an average of 750,000 barrels daily throughout this year. This represents a dramatic shift from September projections that had anticipated a surplus of 1.63 million barrels per day in 2026, largely attributed to OPEC+ plans to reduce production limits and robust output from nations including the United States, Brazil, and Guyana.

According to the International Energy Agency, the conflict has reduced global oil supply by approximately 11 million barrels per day through the end of March. ANZ bank’s April 9 analysis estimated that roughly 9 million barrels per day of crude production has been effectively eliminated from markets. For context, global oil supply reached around 106.6 million barrels daily in January, based on IEA data.

Energy analysts participating in the survey project these immediate supply disruptions will result in an average annual production decrease of 2.13 million barrels per day. Market experts anticipate the most severe shortage during the second quarter, averaging approximately 3 million barrels daily, before conditions improve to show a surplus of 1.4 million barrels per day in the final quarter.

However, analysts caution that supply shortages could worsen depending on the duration of shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Maritime traffic through this crucial passage remains limited, with industry traders indicating no clear evidence of sustained shipping resumption despite Tuesday’s ceasefire announcement.

Vikas Dwivedi, who serves as global energy strategist at Macquarie Group, reports that an estimated 136 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products remain stranded in the Gulf region due to the ongoing conflict.

Resolving this supply backlog will require considerable time. Many shipping companies continue facing operational difficulties even after the ceasefire, particularly with reports suggesting Iran may implement transit fees for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

“Issues include insurance and the risk of violating sanctions (by) transacting with Iran if tolls are paid,” Dwivedi said.

The conflict-related supply disruptions triggered the largest annual price forecast increase in Reuters polling history last month, with analysts raising their 2026 Brent crude projections by approximately 30 percent to $82.85 per barrel. The war has driven oil prices up by roughly 50 percent.

Returning oil production to pre-conflict levels will likely require several months, depending on damage assessment at affected oilfields and the restoration of normal shipping operations through Hormuz.

Even under optimistic security conditions, ANZ analysts indicate that output can only be partially restored in the short term, with approximately 2 million to 3 million barrels per day potentially returning during the first month as export operations resume, and an additional 2 million to 3.5 million barrels per day possibly returning to markets throughout the remainder of the second quarter.

“However, operational friction, damaged infrastructure and export bottlenecks mean recovery is unlikely to be smooth,” they said.

ANZ also warns that between 1 million and 2 million barrels per day of production capacity may be permanently compromised or restricted even after hostilities end, creating conditions for tighter markets and increased price volatility.

Employees at a massive Colorado meat processing facility have successfully concluded their labor dispute with JBS USA, with both sides announcing a resolution on Sunday following a prolonged work stoppage.

Operations at the Swift Beef Co. facility in Greeley, Colorado, are set to resume immediately after experiencing weeks of disruption, according to a company announcement.

The resolution follows a three-week work stoppage led by thousands of employees represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 Union, who demanded improved compensation and enhanced healthcare benefits. The labor action concluded on April 4 when JBS USA committed to returning to the bargaining table.

The final deal includes pay raises spanning two years plus a one-time $750 payment for workers. Union representatives described the tentative contract as containing “all gains, countless improvements, and not a single concession.”

Under the new terms, the company will cover costs for personal protective equipment and shield employees from rising healthcare expenses, the union stated.

Union president Kim Cordova noted that employees maintained their picket lines despite harsh weather conditions “because they knew their worth and refused to be disrespected. Today, that sacrifice has been rewarded.”

“This is what union power looks like,” Cordova stated.

Union officials did not immediately provide additional details to The Associated Press.

While JBS USA expressed satisfaction with reaching an accord, the company voiced concerns that union leadership decided to eliminate retirement benefits that had been negotiated previously. The company maintained that the pension plan was intended to bolster long-term retirement security and criticized the union’s decision to redirect those funds toward immediate wage increases instead of workers’ future financial stability.

As part of the settlement, the union will drop seven unfair labor practice complaints, JBS USA confirmed.

“With the agreement now finalized, JBS USA looks forward to restoring stability, supporting its workforce, and continuing to invest in the Greeley facility for the future,” the company stated.

This labor action represented the first slaughterhouse strike in America since employees walked off the job at a Hormel facility in Minnesota in 1985. That earlier strike extended for more than a year and featured violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators.

JBS operates as the globe’s largest meat processing corporation with a market value of $17 billion. The company serves as the primary employer in Greeley, a community located 50 miles northeast of Denver with approximately 114,000 residents.

A Chinese technology manufacturer has kicked off a massive stock sale in Hong Kong, aiming to collect up to HK$17.49 billion ($2.23 billion) even as worldwide markets face uncertainty due to Middle East conflicts.

Victory Giant initiated its Hong Kong share offering on Monday, making available 83.35 million shares with a top price of HK$209.88 per share. Trading on the Hong Kong exchange is scheduled to begin April 21 using the ticker symbol 2476.

According to the company’s plans, roughly 74% of the money collected will go toward expanding manufacturing operations in mainland China, while nearly 15% will fund the construction of additional production sites.

Major investors including CPE Rosewood, Janchor Fund, and Jack Ma’s Yunfeng Capital will purchase approximately $997 million in shares as cornerstone backers, according to official listing paperwork.

This offering represents a significant challenge for Hong Kong’s ability to handle large technology stock launches as regulatory pressures mount and geopolitical tensions affect investor confidence.

Hong Kong recently recorded its best first-quarter performance for new listings in half a decade, though Beijing has increased oversight of Chinese companies incorporated overseas while Hong Kong authorities have also intensified scrutiny of investment banks regarding staffing levels and initial public offering documentation quality.

If successful, Victory’s public debut could surpass recent Hong Kong offerings like Muyuan Foods’ approximately $1.5 billion sale and would rank among the city’s most significant launches since Midea Group’s $4.6 billion flotation in 2024.

Established in 2006, Victory Giant produces sophisticated printed circuit boards designed for high-performance computing applications, including servers that power artificial intelligence systems.

The company’s Hong Kong filing states it held the top position worldwide for printed circuit board sales revenue in the AI and high-performance computing sectors during the first quarter of 2025, based on data from Frost & Sullivan.

Victory Giant’s existing Shenzhen-traded stock has gained approximately 0.8% year-to-date, following a dramatic surge of roughly 583.3% in 2025 as investors flocked to AI-related technology hardware companies.

Federal regulators are working toward settlement agreements with multiple large advertising firms as part of an investigation into alleged coordinated boycotts against social media platforms, according to a weekend report from the Wall Street Journal.

The Federal Trade Commission’s probe examines whether major advertising companies broke federal antitrust regulations by working together to organize boycotts targeting various platforms, including Elon Musk’s X social media site, sources with knowledge of the discussions told the Journal.

The settlement discussions represent the latest development in the agency’s examination of advertising industry practices and potential anti-competitive behavior among major firms in the sector.

Reuters has not independently confirmed the details of the reported settlement negotiations.

Universal’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” continued its impressive box office run during its second weekend in theaters, demonstrating remarkable staying power.

The Illumination-produced sequel brought in $69 million across 4,284 North American theaters over the weekend, according to Sunday studio estimates. This performance pushes the film’s domestic earnings to $308.1 million and establishes a worldwide gross of $629 million.

While the weekend numbers represent a 48% decrease from the movie’s opening frame, industry experts consider this a relatively small decline for a major blockbuster release. However, the gap between this sequel and its predecessor continues to widen. During the same timeframe in 2023, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” — which received significantly better critical reception — had already accumulated more than $353 million in domestic revenue. Nevertheless, with a production cost of just $110 million, the sequel stands as an undeniable commercial success.

Comscore’s senior media analyst Paul Dergarabedian characterized the weekend performance as “a very respectable” showing.

“For the film to already be over $300 million is just astonishing,” Dergarabedian commented, highlighting that many tickets were presumably purchased at discounted children’s prices. “To get to these box office milestones is all the more impressive.”

The animated feature is also contributing to building box office excitement ahead of the summer blockbuster season launching in May.

Universal also claimed the weekend’s top new release with the romantic travel comedy “You, Me & Tuscany,” featuring Halle Bailey and “Bridgerton” star Regé-Jean Page. The film landed in fourth position, generating approximately $8 million from 3,151 theaters against an $18 million production budget. Female moviegoers comprised 80% of the audience.

Under Kat Coiro’s direction, the film received generally favorable reviews from critics. The Associated Press described it as “a movie as frothy and insubstantial as the foam on a nice cappuccino.” Rotten Tomatoes currently shows a 68% critics’ rating.

Moviegoers responded more enthusiastically than critics. PostTrak survey data revealed that 77% of viewers would “definitely recommend” the film to others. The movie also received an A- grade from CinemaScore audiences.

Jim Orr, Universal’s domestic distribution chief, indicated the positive audience feedback “point to a very nice run at the box office.”

Amazon MGM Studios’ “Project Hail Mary” secured second place, maintaining strong performance in its fourth weekend with continued double-digit sales. The film added approximately $24.6 million over the three-day period, elevating its domestic total to $256.7 million. International markets have pushed the worldwide figure to $510.6 million.

A24’s “The Drama” claimed third place during its sophomore weekend, earning $8.7 million. The critically acclaimed film starring Robert Pattinson and Zendaya experienced only a 38% decline, bringing domestic earnings to $30.8 million and global receipts to $65 million.

Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers” completed the top five in its sixth weekend, collecting $4.1 million. The animated feature has accumulated $354.4 million in worldwide revenue.

Based on estimated Friday through Sunday ticket sales at North American theaters, the complete weekend rankings include:

1. “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” $69 million.
2. “Project Hail Mary,” $24.6 million.
3. “The Drama,” $8.7 million.
4. “You, Me & Tuscany,” $8 million.
5. “Hoppers,” $4.1 million.
6. “Faces of Death,” $1.7 million.
7. “Exit 8,” $1.4 million.
8. “A Great Awakening,” $1.3 million.
9. “Reminders of Him,” $1 million.
10. “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” $867,000.

A prolonged drought spanning most of the last seven years has pushed Corpus Christi, Texas to the brink of a water emergency that could impact both its 317,000 residents and the critical oil and gas facilities that help fuel the nation.

The coastal city’s water reservoirs have dropped to unprecedented low levels, forcing officials to explore emergency measures while hoping for significant rainfall that hasn’t materialized. The situation has developed as the city expanded water sales to major industrial clients without adequate backup supply systems in place.

“We just have not kept up with water supply and water infrastructure like we should have. And it’s decades in the making,” explained Peter Zanoni, who has served as city manager since 2019.

The water shortage poses particular concern because Corpus Christi serves as a vital energy hub, housing refineries and petrochemical facilities that manufacture essential products like gasoline and steel for global markets. The region contributes 5% of America’s total gasoline production at a time when Middle East conflicts are already pushing fuel prices higher.

While Zanoni believes the city won’t completely exhaust its water supply, he warns that without substantial precipitation or alternative sources, both residents and industrial operations may face mandatory reductions in water usage.

Current drought conditions have persisted far longer than typical weather patterns. Essential water reservoirs never fully recovered from the previous drought in the early 2010s, leaving the system vulnerable to the current crisis.

“We are actively praying for a hurricane,” said David Loeb, a former city council member, speaking somewhat jokingly. While Loeb doesn’t wish harm on anyone, his experience dealing with past droughts during his council tenure has made him acutely aware of the region’s dependence on storm systems for water replenishment.

Weather forecasts offer little hope for relief before summer arrives, prompting city leaders to urgently pursue additional groundwater sources to prevent an official emergency declaration.

Following the drought of the early 2010s, municipal leaders approved expanding a pipeline system to increase water flow from the Colorado River while encouraging conservation efforts. When water consumption actually decreased in subsequent years, the city welcomed new industrial clients, including a petrochemical facility and steel production plant.

City planners had factored drought scenarios into their calculations, but Zanoni admits they didn’t anticipate the severity and duration of the current dry spell, which struck before reservoirs could fully recharge.

The timing has proven particularly challenging. The pipeline expansion only reached full operational capacity last year after years of delays. Meanwhile, discussions about constructing a seawater desalination facility—a drought-resistant solution proposed in 2016—stalled due to concerns over the $1.3 billion price tag and potential environmental consequences.

“If the then-city council had followed through on that, we would have had that plant up and running by now,” Zanoni noted.

The city has implemented its established water conservation protocol, currently operating under Stage 3 restrictions that prohibit most outdoor water usage. The system begins with Stage 1 voluntary measures like shorter showers and limited lawn watering.

Resident frustration is mounting over lawn watering bans, anticipated sharp increases in water bills, and potential fines, according to Isabela Azaiza, who co-founded a community advocacy group focused on water policy. Many citizens question whether industrial users will face comparable sacrifices.

The city’s drought management plan includes surcharges for high-volume water users among both residential and commercial customers. However, major industrial operations—which Zanoni says consume up to 60% of the city’s water—can choose to pay a permanent additional fee to avoid potentially much higher emergency surcharges during drought periods.

Azaiza criticizes this arrangement as fundamentally flawed. She argues that once industrial users pay the surcharge, they lose any financial motivation to reduce water consumption.

City officials have defended their approach, stating in a written response that industrial customers don’t “get a pass on water conservation” or mandatory reductions. They noted that business surcharges generate approximately $6 million annually.

Bob Paulison, who leads the Coastal Bend Industry Association, disputes suggestions that companies aren’t contributing to conservation efforts. He says member businesses have eliminated landscaping, implemented water recycling for essential cooling operations, and are actively seeking alternative water sources.

No additional fees have been imposed on any users yet.

However, Zanoni warned that water rates could eventually double as the city invests roughly $1 billion in infrastructure improvements—costs that critics argue will primarily benefit industrial users while making basic services more expensive for residents.

The city enters water emergency status when officials calculate just 180 days remain before demand exceeds available supply. After analyzing various scenarios for new water sources and potential drought relief, authorities estimate an emergency declaration could occur anywhere from May to October, or possibly not at all.

Officials have already accessed millions of gallons from new groundwater sources and hope to secure additional supplies.

The most significant potential solution is the Evangeline Groundwater Project, featuring a pipeline network and approximately two dozen wells that could provide enough water to prevent an emergency. While still awaiting state regulatory approval, city leaders hope water could begin flowing by November. These alternative sources present their own challenges, including water quality concerns and fears that excessive pumping might deplete underground aquifers.

If forced to declare a water emergency, the city would gain authority to impose mandatory usage reductions affecting all residents and industrial users equally. Loeb described this as a sensitive decision likely to result in a “knock-down drag-out bloodbath.”

Since residents have already significantly reduced their water consumption, future mandatory cuts would likely impact industrial users more heavily.

“It’ll be an unbelievable disaster,” warned Don Roach, former assistant general manager of the San Patricio Municipal Water District, which serves numerous industrial customers in the region. “When you cut the cooling water off to most of these industries, they just have to shut down. There’s no other way around it.”

Paulison acknowledged that companies producing fuel, polymers, iron and steel “have the least amount of flexibility in just cutting water usage.” However, he expressed optimism that businesses can find ways to reduce consumption, adapt their operations, and continue functioning.

Zanoni believes the city’s current strategies should provide enough time to avoid the worst-case scenarios.

“We are hoping we don’t get there, but we don’t work on hope,” he said.

British financial authorities are conducting emergency discussions with cybersecurity officials and banking leaders to evaluate potential threats from a new artificial intelligence system developed by Anthropic, according to a Financial Times report published Sunday.

The Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority, and HM Treasury have initiated conversations with the National Cyber Security Centre to study possible weaknesses in essential computer systems that Anthropic’s newest AI technology has exposed, the publication stated.

Banking executives, insurance company leaders, and stock exchange officials from major British institutions are scheduled to receive briefings about cybersecurity dangers associated with the AI system, known as Claude Mythos Preview, during regulatory meetings planned for the coming two weeks, sources familiar with the discussions told the newspaper.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Financial Times report. Anthropic has not responded to requests for comment, while the Bank of England refused to provide statements and other agencies were unavailable for immediate response.

These developments come after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened similar discussions with prominent Wall Street financial institutions regarding the AI model’s cybersecurity implications, Reuters reported Friday based on source information.

The artificial intelligence company has explained that the system is being implemented through “Project Glasswing,” a restricted program allowing selected organizations to utilize the unreleased Claude Mythos Preview model specifically for protective cybersecurity applications.

According to a company blog post published earlier this month, the AI system has successfully detected “thousands” of significant security vulnerabilities in operating systems, internet browsers, and other commonly utilized software programs.

SYDNEY, April 12 – The governments of Australia and the United States announced Sunday they have pledged more than $3.5 billion to support critical mineral development projects, marking a significant increase from their original commitment made half a year ago.

The expanded investment nearly doubles the funding initially promised when the two nations established their cooperation framework in October, according to Australian officials.

This financial backing targets Australian operations focused on developing and processing metals essential for defense applications, high-tech manufacturing, and clean energy initiatives – sectors where China currently holds market leadership.

The initiative aligns with broader goals to strengthen America’s advanced manufacturing capabilities while working to “counter China’s export dominance and ensure Western supply-chain resilience,” as outlined in the original partnership agreement reached last fall.

Under their initial accord, both countries agreed to contribute at least $1 billion each toward an $8.5 billion portfolio of priority mineral projects spanning both nations over a six-month period.

While Australia possesses abundant reserves of critical minerals including rare earth elements, China has developed expertise in the complex and environmentally challenging refinement processes.

“Australia and the U.S. are delivering on the commitments made in the White House, with priority projects in Australia that support production of rare earths and critical minerals,” stated Resources Minister Madeleine King.

“Australia is taking a global lead to diversify crucial supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, which are vital to support economic and national security for Australia and our trading partners,” King added.

The $3.5 billion in project financing will be administered through Export Finance Australia and the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

One of the most substantial investments involves a rare earth processing facility operated by Tronox Holdings, which has received combined letters of support and interest totaling $849 million from both agencies. The company, with operations in Western Australia and the United States, plans to utilize its current mining and processing infrastructure to produce mixed rare earth carbonate containing both light and heavy rare earth elements, according to King.

The financing agencies have also pledged up to $1 billion in joint support for Ardea Resources’ Kalgoorlie Nickel Project located in Western Australia.

Additional ventures receiving backing through the partnership framework include Alcoa’s Gallium Recovery Project and Arafura’s Nolans Rare Earths Project, alongside initiatives involving graphite, magnesium, and tungsten development.

King noted that projects focusing on vanadium and scandium minerals have also received preliminary support indications.

What started as a simple display of oversized vehicles has transformed into a massive entertainment industry generating millions in revenue. The sight of enormous trucks with massive tires launching into the air while thousands of excited spectators cheer has become a major business venture across the nation.

Chinese automotive manufacturer Chery is actively pursuing partnerships with European car companies to boost its manufacturing presence across the continent, according to senior company officials speaking at a Paris event.

During a Friday launch event for Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo vehicle lines in France, Lionel French Keogh, the company’s chief commercial officer for France, revealed to Reuters that “The company is looking for other production capacities in Europe.”

Company Chairman Yin Tongyue explained to reporters that Chery would rather utilize existing manufacturing facilities than make substantial investments in constructing new assembly operations.

“These processes require time and dedication but mainly setting up the right local partnerships,” Yin stated. “I really hope we will have news to share with you in the coming months.”

While Yin refused to identify potential automotive partners or specify which nations are under consideration, he confirmed that France remains among the possible locations for expansion.

Similar to Chinese competitor BYD, Chery has experienced dramatic expansion following its European market entry in 2023. European vehicle sales surged nearly six times last year, climbing to 120,147 units from 17,035 in 2024, based on Dataforce consulting firm statistics.

Multiple Chinese automotive brands have already established European operations, with additional companies preparing continental launches.

The Chinese automaker, which leads the nation in vehicle exports, has previously invested in a Barcelona facility through a partnership with Ebro at a former Nissan manufacturing site. Company officials aim to achieve annual production of 200,000 vehicles at that location by 2029.

However, executives indicated this capacity will prove insufficient to satisfy car demand, address European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, or fulfill European local content regulations.

France represents among the final major European automotive markets where Chery is introducing its Jaecoo and Omoda vehicle models. Company leaders announced plans to debut a Chery-branded model during the fourth quarter, with a potential small electric SUV launch in France before year-end.

The manufacturer recently revealed plans to introduce its Lepas brand throughout Europe.

Chery’s worldwide vehicle sales increased nearly 7% last year, reaching 2.8 million units. International markets beyond China represented more than 47% of total sales.

WASHINGTON — Global markets are facing an unsettling reminder of the economic turmoil that defined the 1970s.

Petroleum costs are climbing sharply amid Middle Eastern warfare, pushing up prices at gas pumps, for diesel, and aviation fuel while raising concerns about a return to stagflation — that damaging combination of rising prices and economic stagnation that plagued consumers fifty years ago.

However, both American and international economies have built stronger defenses against such disruptions compared to the era when Saudi Arabia and fellow Middle Eastern oil nations blocked supply lines to retaliate against nations backing Israel during the 1973 Yom Kippur conflict.

Following that crisis — and a second one sparked six years afterward by Iran’s revolution — nations pursued new strategies to boost energy efficiency, decrease reliance on Middle Eastern petroleum, build emergency fuel reserves, and develop alternative energy sources.

“We have decades of experience now dealing with these kinds of oil shocks,” said Amy Myers Jaffe, research professor at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs.

Naturally, the idea that today’s Iranian energy crisis might have been more severe offers little consolation to aggravated American drivers spending $4 or higher per gallon, European agricultural workers facing soaring fertilizer costs, and food vendors in India struggling to obtain sufficient cooking gas for their curries and samosas.

The current disruption’s magnitude is also without precedent. Following attacks by America and Israel that started February 28, Iran essentially blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried 20 million oil barrels daily — representing one-fifth of worldwide production.

Lutz Kilian, director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Center for Energy and the Economy, estimates that 5 million daily barrels can be redirected from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea or continue moving through the Strait of Hormuz. However, this still leaves approximately 15 million barrels — 15% of global daily oil output — unavailable, compared to only 6% during the 1973 embargo and following Iraq’s Kuwait invasion in 1990.

Modifications implemented by America and other nations over five decades have reduced the economic damage from this conflict. In 1973, petroleum represented nearly half — 46% — of worldwide energy supplies. By 2023, oil’s portion had decreased to 30%, the International Energy Agency reports.

Global oil consumption remains at record levels: usage exceeded 100 million barrels daily last year, rising from under 60 million daily barrels in 1973. Yet a significantly larger portion of worldwide energy now comes from alternative sources — including natural gas, nuclear power, and solar — compared to five decades earlier.

America has particularly reduced its foreign oil dependency.

During the ’73 energy crisis, domestic production was declining while import reliance grew dangerously. However, fracking technology — injecting high-pressure water underground to extract previously inaccessible oil and gas from rock formations — revitalized U.S. energy output in the 21st century. By 2019, America had achieved net petroleum exporter status.

“The U.S. economy is much better positioned than it was in the 1970s,” when it was “particularly vulnerable to an oil price shock,” said Sam Ori, executive director of the University of Chicago’s Energy Policy Institute.

During the early ’70s, America generated approximately 20% of its electricity from oil, Ori noted. But legislation passed in 1978 banned petroleum use in power plants. Currently, the United States produces no electricity from oil — except for some generators in remote Alaskan locations.

The 1973 oil embargo served as an alarm, creating shortages that resulted in lengthy lines at American gas stations.

On November 25, 1973, President Richard Nixon addressed the nation on television, requesting American sacrifices. To preserve fuel, he encouraged gas stations to close pumps from Saturday evening through Sunday, hoping to discourage extended weekend travel.

He requested Congress lower maximum speed limits to 50 mph (legislators compromised at 55 mph) and eliminate decorative and most commercial lighting (they rejected that proposal). Nixon personally pledged to reduce White House Christmas lighting.

While those experiences may have permanently affected some people, Jaffe from New York University’s Center for Global Affairs believes that today, “a repeat of long gasoline lines, fuel rationing, and outright fuel shortages in the U.S seems highly unlikely.”

Other nations also implemented dramatic measures following the 1973 oil embargo.

Britain, facing both a coal strike and energy crisis, reduced the work week to three days to cut electricity usage. France mandated that offices extinguish lights at night.

Japan, almost completely reliant on imported oil, enacted multiple “sho-ene” laws — combining Japanese terms for “save” or “reduce” with “energy” — requiring efficiency improvements in shipping, construction, machinery, automobiles, and residences.

Japan also promoted liquefied natural gas usage and rapid nuclear power expansion, efforts hindered after a 2011 earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima facility. Overall, Japan ranks 21st globally in per-capita energy consumption, according to International Energy Agency statistics, due to its efficiency campaigns and widespread public transportation use. The United States ranks 9th.

The American government began implementing fuel economy requirements in 1975. Vehicle fuel efficiency has improved from 13.1 miles per gallon for 1975 model year cars to 27.1 mpg for 2023 models, Environmental Protection Agency data shows. The World Bank credits most of the global economy’s reduced oil dependence to stricter vehicle fuel efficiency standards worldwide.

The ’70s crises also triggered searches for oil beyond the Middle East — Alaska’s Prudhoe Bay, North Sea deposits off Britain and Norway’s coasts, and Canada’s oil sands.

As fracking expanded, American oil production jumped from 5 million daily barrels in 2008 to 13.6 million daily barrels last year. During this same timeframe, U.S. natural gas production more than doubled.

Nations also began building oil reserves and established the Paris-based International Energy Agency in 1975 to coordinate energy shock responses. Last month, the agency’s 32 member nations agreed to release 400 million oil barrels to stabilize markets; this included 172 million barrels from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, created in 1975.

Central banks like the Federal Reserve also gained valuable insights. During the ’70s, they lowered interest rates to shield the economy from oil shocks. By doing so, they ignored the danger from higher energy costs — and inflation, already elevated, worsened.

In a February 17 analysis — 11 days before America and Israel attacked Iran — Dallas Fed’s Kilian wrote that the Fed made mistakes by cutting rates to stimulate the economy during 1970s oil shocks: “What we can learn from the 1970s is that a well-intentioned policy of stimulating the economy by lowering interest rates has the potential of inadvertently reigniting inflation.”

Despite significant changes, the University of Chicago’s Ori warns: “Oil is still king, the No. 1 fuel in the U.S. economy.” Automobiles, aircraft, trucks, and ships obtain approximately 90% of their energy from petroleum. “The lifeblood of the economy – the transportation sector —is still overwhelmingly reliant on petroleum fuel, the price of which is set in a global market,” Ori said, “and a disruption anywhere affects the price everywhere.”

He also observes that President Donald Trump is reversing many policies designed to reduce America’s petroleum dependence and promote electric vehicle adoption.

Trump’s comprehensive tax legislation last year eliminated consumer credits up to $7,500 for EV purchases. He has announced plans to weaken American fuel economy standards and removed penalties on automakers failing to meet those requirements.

“You take all that together, and the fact is, the U.S. is going in the opposite direction of making big changes to further insulate the economy from oil shocks and oil price volatility,” Ori said.

MIAMI (AP) — Demolition crews are preparing to bring down a luxury hotel tower in one of Miami’s most prestigious areas this Sunday to clear space for an even larger development.

The former Mandarin Oriental in Miami will be destroyed through a controlled explosion on Brickell Key, an artificial island located where the Miami River meets Biscayne Bay, directly across from the city center. City officials report this will be Miami’s biggest controlled demolition in over ten years.

The tower, which rises 23 floors and first welcomed guests a quarter-century ago, is projected to crumble within moments after explosives detonate at 8:30 a.m. Swire Properties announced the destruction will clear the site for construction to begin on The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, an ultra-high-end dual-tower complex featuring both hotel accommodations and private residences, with an anticipated opening date of 2030.

Developers report the demolition process required almost two years of preparation and collaboration with expert contractors and municipal authorities. They chose the implosion method as the most secure and effective approach to stay on schedule while reducing disturbances and protecting residents of the Brickell Key area.

A major shift is underway in how Chinese companies are investing in Brazil, with businesses now targeting everyday consumers rather than focusing solely on massive infrastructure developments.

The ice cream and beverage company Mixue, which operates more locations globally than McDonald’s or Starbucks, launched its inaugural Brazilian store on Saturday in São Paulo. The opening represents the brand’s entry into South America and reflects a broader transformation in Chinese investment patterns across the region.

This consumer-focused approach represents a departure from previous Chinese investment strategies in Brazil, which primarily concentrated on large-scale hydroelectric projects and oil industry ventures directed by Beijing. Today’s wave involves diverse Chinese companies actively pursuing Brazil’s consumer base of over 200 million people.

This strategic pivot comes as Beijing faces increasing trade restrictions from the United States, historically China’s primary export destination, prompting Chinese firms to seek alternative international markets.

According to Brazil-China Business Council data, Chinese direct investment in Brazil reached $4.2 billion in 2024, spanning 39 different projects and making Brazil the world’s third-largest destination for Chinese investment.

Mixue plans to invest approximately 3 billion reais ($590 million) to establish its presence in South America’s largest economy, selling lemonade, jasmine tea and frozen treats under its distinctive cartoon snowman branding.

Company executives project opening between 500 and 1,000 Brazilian locations by 2030, including franchise operations, according to Mixue Brazil CEO Tian Zezhong.

The food chain joins numerous other Chinese enterprises, including delivery platforms, electric vehicle manufacturers, and electronics companies, all betting on Brazilian consumers who have embraced Chinese brands for their competitive pricing and quality.

“Once you start buying Chinese products, it’s very hard to switch back to others because of the value for money, the quality, and how they stand out in terms of design and delivery,” said 30-year-old Bianca Gunes, walking past Mixue’s new location at Shopping Cidade São Paulo.

Chinese technology giant Huawei occupies a prominent storefront at the mall’s entrance. Despite operating in Brazil for nearly three decades, Huawei only opened its first São Paulo retail location last year, responding to Brazilian shoppers’ preference for hands-on product experiences, explained Diego Marcel, the company’s consumer business PR manager in Brazil.

“The Brazilian consumers really like technology. They like it, but they are also very demanding,” said Ricardo Bastos, head of institutional affairs at Chinese automaker GWM, which launched its first South American manufacturing facility in São Paulo state last year.

Both GWM and fellow Chinese automaker BYD have acquired Brazilian manufacturing plants from Western competitors in recent years, converting them for electric and hybrid vehicle production.

GWM’s facility, located at a former Mercedes-Benz site, is scheduled to receive 10 billion reais in investment over the next decade.

Business leaders describe the strengthening Brazil-China relationship as driven by both external pressures and mutual attraction. Geopolitical tensions have redirected Chinese investment away from the United States, while Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva celebrates China relations as reaching unprecedented levels.

“President (Lula) convinced our CEO that Brazil would be open to our investment,” BYD’s senior vice president Alexandre Baldy told Reuters in a February interview. “From there, of course, the company, being a private, publicly-traded firm, took off through its own execution capabilities.”

Brazil’s government is also exploring Chinese advances in healthcare, particularly artificial intelligence applications. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha traveled to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu last month seeking potential partnerships, investments and technology transfers.

While Brazilians have adapted to low prices and extended delivery periods from Chinese e-commerce platforms like AliExpress and fashion retailer Shein, newcomer Meituan believes it can disrupt Brazil’s competitive meal delivery sector.

The company plans to invest $1 billion by 2030 to compete against established players including Amazon partner Rappi and iFood, owned by Dutch company Prosus.

Across America, drivers are making tough choices at the pump as ongoing conflict in Iran sends fuel prices soaring to levels not seen since early 2022.

From coast to coast, motorists are adapting their routines to cope with escalating costs. Boston’s Pat Ouedraogo has eliminated long-distance travel, while law student Skyler Burke drives farther to find cheaper stations. In Houston, car dealer David Wright abandoned his gas-guzzling sports car for an electric alternative.

The six-week conflict has created what energy analysts call the most severe oil supply crisis on record, with major refineries damaged and crucial shipping routes effectively shut down.

“It’s a situation where you feel powerless about these prices,” Ouedraogo commented while filling his Nissan SUV at a Shell station charging $4.99 per gallon.

According to GasBuddy data released Friday, nationwide gasoline averages reached $4.16 per gallon, while diesel hit $5.67 – the highest prices drivers have faced heading into summer driving season since Russia’s Ukraine invasion disrupted global energy markets in February 2022.

The price surge represents an additional $10.4 billion in combined gasoline and diesel expenses for American consumers this year compared to the same March-April timeframe in 2023, according to GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan.

Houston trucker Eddie Esquivel has watched his weekly fuel expenses nearly double from $800-$900 to $1,600-$1,700 since the conflict began.

“These prices are hitting real hard. Diesel was $2-something a gallon. Now, it could hit $6,” Esquivel explained at a QuikTrip station in South Houston.

“You got truck payments, you got to buy tires, you got to do oil changes, and you got a family,” Esquivel added. “This is killing us.”

The global impact extends beyond American borders, as Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has cut off Middle Eastern oil supplies to Asian and European markets.

Fuel prices carry particular political weight in the United States, the world’s largest energy consumer. High gasoline costs from Russia’s ongoing Ukraine war significantly influenced voters’ decision to elect Donald Trump in November 2024.

Now, with midterm elections approaching in November, Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows as Americans compare his campaign promises of reduced energy costs with March’s steepest consumer price increases in nearly four years, driven largely by record fuel price spikes.

“I definitely won’t be voting for (the Republican) party or anyone affiliated with this president right now who is in office at all,” said Kari DyLong while refueling her pickup truck at a Denver-area gas station.

The situation may persist even after potential U.S. military withdrawal from Iran, according to government projections.

American and Iranian representatives plan to meet in Pakistan this Saturday, seeking a permanent ceasefire agreement following this week’s announcement of a fragile two-week truce.

However, industry experts warn that even a successful peace deal won’t quickly restore oil and fuel prices to pre-conflict levels. Consumers should expect to continue paying elevated prices for vehicle fuel and airline tickets throughout the summer season.

“We still expect a lingering geopolitical risk premium to remain in the market,” explained Wei Ren Gan, an analyst with Rystad consultancy.

“Rather than a rapid recovery to pre-war levels, prices are likely to soften gradually and could remain relatively higher than pre-war benchmarks.”

Macquarie analysts report that approximately 2 million barrels daily of Middle Eastern refining capacity remains offline due to war-related damage.

Evidence of reduced consumer demand is appearing in federal statistics. Gasoline consumption during the week before Easter dropped to 8.6 million barrels daily, representing a 9% decline from the previous year’s Easter period.

Additional economic indicators reveal the financial strain on consumers: pawn shop transactions have increased 9% since gas prices exceeded $4 per gallon, according to Tim Jugmans, chief financial officer at pawn loan company EZCORP.

Denver resident DyLong has responded to rising costs by curtailing weekend activities. She faces a 40-minute daily commute to her position as sales manager for craft brewery Oskar Blues.

“I’m doing things way more at home and not venturing out because I’m having to spend a bigger portion of my paycheck now towards gas to get me to work,” she explained.

Japan’s industry ministry announced Saturday that it has greenlit an additional 631.5 billion yen (approximately $3.96 billion) in funding to speed up research and development efforts at semiconductor manufacturer Rapidus.

This financial backing represents part of Japan’s broader strategy to enhance domestic manufacturing of cutting-edge semiconductors and reinforce chip supply chain security.

The new allocation brings Rapidus’ total research and development funding to 2.354 trillion yen.

The ministry additionally announced that NEDO, the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization under its oversight, has chosen to provide support for semiconductor design initiatives led by Fujitsu and IBM Japan.

Rapidus is currently developing cutting-edge logic semiconductors using 2-nanometer technology and aims to begin large-scale production during fiscal year 2027.

Earlier this year in February, the company obtained approximately 160 billion yen in combined private sector investments, while anticipating 250 billion yen in government funding.

When Junelle Lewis needed relief from soaring gasoline costs in the Seattle area caused by the Iran conflict, a smartphone app pointed her toward salvation: the Tulalip Reservation located about 30 minutes north of her residence.

Lewis didn’t think twice about making the drive.

“I purposely drove here just for the gas,” Lewis explained while fueling her Chevrolet Suburban at the Tulalip Market this week, paying $4.84 per gallon — roughly 75 cents below what she’d pay closer to home. “Gas is ridiculous. But I have found, honestly, over the years, this gas station specifically is cheaper than a lot around here. Probably the cheapest.”

Lewis joins countless other motorists who have learned that Native American reservations often feature some of the nation’s most affordable fuel options.

This trend is particularly noticeable in states like California, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma and Washington — regions hosting numerous tribal-operated fuel stations, including locations along major travel routes. These tribes benefit from state fuel tax exemptions, enabling them to undercut nearby competitors significantly.

Mobile applications like Gas Buddy have made locating these bargain prices simpler than ever before.

Across America, gasoline costs have jumped more than $1 since the Iran conflict started February 28, climbing to a national average of $4.15 per gallon, AAA reports.

While prices reached higher levels during summer 2022, exceeding $5, economic experts predict continued increases that will fuel inflation in coming weeks as international tensions remain elevated.

However, bargains exist at many of the nearly 500 tribal-owned convenience stores operating gas stations throughout the United States.

California hosts 55 such locations. The Chukchansi Crossing Fuel Station & Travel Center, positioned between Fresno and Yosemite National Park, offered $5.09 gasoline — 60 cents below surrounding stations.

New Mexico’s Jamie Cross regularly discovers deals on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, where fuel dropped to $3.79 this week.

“I hope we don’t go any higher,” Cross commented Thursday.

In eastern New York, within Cattauragus Indian Territory between Buffalo and Erie, Pennsylvania, multiple stations sold the region’s cheapest gasoline at approximately $3.65 — 50 cents below neighboring communities.

The secret behind tribal pricing advantages? Tax exemptions.

Tribes typically must pay federal fuel taxes of 18.4 cents per gallon for gasoline and 24.3 cents for diesel, costs they transfer to customers. State fuel taxes represent a different situation.

For more than 100 years, American courts have determined that states lack authority to collect taxes from Native Americans on tribal lands, explained Dan Lewerenz, a University of North Dakota assistant law professor specializing in Native American legal issues.

“The Supreme Court consistently held to this view and it’s one of the most enduring principles in federal Indian law,” Lewerenz noted.

Federally recognized Native American tribes operate in 35 states where gasoline taxes vary from 9 cents per gallon in Alaska to 71 cents in California.

Beyond that point, situations become complex depending on where fuel taxation occurs — at terminals or during distributor transactions — and various state-tribal agreements.

Court decisions add another layer. In 2005, the Supreme Court determined that off-reservation Kansas distributors could charge state taxes on tribal fuel sales. However, in 2019, the high court ruled that an 1855 treaty between the United States and Yakama Nation guaranteeing tribal members free travel with goods prohibited state fuel taxes on tribal lands in Washington.

“This is a little bit different than the principle that Indians aren’t taxed within Indian Country because this particular treaty reserved certain off-reservation rights for the Indians as well,” Lewerenz explained.

Convenience store fuel sales generate less profit than drawing customers inside from the pumps.

Snack sales boost earnings. However, tribal enterprises increasingly provide groceries in areas that would otherwise become “food deserts” distant from supermarkets.

“Sometimes these gas stations and convenience stores are the nearest, best place to purchase affordable food or household supplies,” said Matthew Klas from Minneapolis-based consulting firm Klas Robinson Q.E.D.

Klas conducts market research and advises tribal businesses while tracking the 245 tribes that operated 496 convenience stores with gas stations as of 2025.

Oklahoma, California, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York lead in numbers. Several tribes, including Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation and New York’s Oneida Indian Nation, operate their own retail chains.

Drive-through tobacco shops, car washes and truck stop facilities also generate income. Additionally, 205 tribal-owned gas stations operate at or near casinos.

Some tribal casinos function as resorts featuring gas stations. Other tribal fuel stops operate as “gasinos,” establishments with limited gambling machines.

Tribal-owned enterprises serve as major income sources for Native American reservations. On the Seattle area’s Tulalip Reservation, increasing fuel sales revenue gets reinvested locally, supporting roads, police services, healthcare, education, housing and other community needs, according to Tulalip Tribes Federal Corporation CEO Tanya Burns.

“Like any government, we provide critical services to our people,” Burns stated.

“It’s terrible,” said Todd Hall from Paden, Oklahoma, regarding diesel costs while spending approximately $90 to fuel his tow truck at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation station roughly 30 miles west of Oklahoma City.

However, he added: “They’re cheaper here than anywhere else.”

Hall paid $4.57 per gallon for diesel, noting that many area locations charge over $5.

Mark Foster estimates weekly savings of about $5 purchasing fuel at the tribal station. Yet he remains loyal because the tribe serves as an excellent community partner.

“I like the way the tribe operates,” he said. “And the price is good too.”

At the Tulalip Market north of Seattle, Jared Blankenship complained not about pricing but about needing gasoline at all.

“Yeah, well, my electric car just got totaled,” Blankenship said. “So this sucks. This is new. It’s either Costco or looking wherever’s cheap, like the rez. So here we are.”

DETROIT — Dana Eble and Tyler Marcus have been sharing their 2019 Chevrolet Trax for several years, but the young married couple is now searching for a second vehicle. However, entering today’s automotive market has left them uncertain about what fits within their budget.

“I just keep seeing a lot of different aspects of life getting more expensive, and it’s harder,” said Eble, who works as an account manager for a public relations agency.

Vehicle ownership has traditionally been a cornerstone of American life. Yet as manufacturers reduce production of budget-friendly models to focus on customers willing to purchase large pickup trucks and SUVs, shoppers are experiencing price shock while already dealing with persistent inflation effects.

According to Friday’s Labor Department data, consumer costs climbed 3.3% in March, marking the largest annual jump since May 2024, while new vehicle prices increased 12.6% compared to the previous year.

Today’s new vehicles command an average price tag of almost $50,000, representing a 30% increase over six years, with typical monthly payments — calculated on 10% down payment and six-year financing — reaching $775. Bargain hunters face slim pickings: vehicles priced below $30,000 now represent approximately 13% of inventory, plummeting from 40% five years earlier, according to CarGurus data.

In response, purchasers are extending payment terms. Buyers selecting seven-year financing now account for over 12% of transactions, rising from nearly 8% last year, J.D. Power reports. These extended contracts ultimately cost more due to accumulated interest charges.

“The ability to buy transportation is still out there. The question is just, what do you get for your money?” Charlie Chesbrough, a senior economist at Cox Automotive, said.

Escalating vehicle costs are adding to broader affordability concerns across American society. Consumers, particularly younger demographics, report feeling that essential expenses including housing, groceries, utilities and childcare are becoming more costly while salaries remain stagnant.

This creates a challenging situation for Republicans approaching this year’s midterm elections, particularly as the Iran conflict has driven up gasoline prices, making driving even more expensive.

Price tags have climbed steadily since manufacturers realized Americans would pay premium prices for larger, costlier SUVs and pickup trucks that generate higher profits per transaction. Companies have mostly eliminated smaller, economical sedans from their lineups.

This trend particularly affects American automakers; average transaction prices for vehicles from Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis (Jeep’s parent company) have generally increased more than those from Asian manufacturers Honda, Hyundai, Mazda and Subaru.

Automakers also strategically bundle desirable features into higher-priced trim packages that entice customers toward vehicles exceeding their planned budgets, explained David Undercoffler, CarGurus’ head of consumer insights.

Modern safety technologies — including lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and collision alerts — contribute to vehicle costs. Federal regulations mandate certain features like backup cameras.

The COVID-19 pandemic drove automotive prices higher when production declined, impacting both new and pre-owned markets. While manufacturing rebounded, additional supply chain problems and tariffs continued affecting costs. Government statistics reveal car insurance premiums have jumped 55% compared to six years ago, before the pandemic, forcing more Americans to go uninsured. Vehicle maintenance costs average 48% higher.

New car purchasers earning under $100,000 comprised 37% of buyers last year, dropping from 50% in 2020, Cox Automotive data shows.

Several manufacturers have recognized affordability issues. Ford announced in February it would offer multiple vehicles under $40,000 by decade’s end. GM has highlighted Buick and Chevrolet models, including the Trax, as budget-friendly alternatives.

Chesbrough believes consumers sometimes maintain unrealistic expectations.

“There are vehicles out there for less than $30,000. What everybody wants is the mid-sized SUV with leather seats and the sunroof for $25,000, and that’s not available,” Chesbrough said.

These shoppers, he noted, are moving toward the pre-owned marketplace.

However, buyers transitioning to used vehicles discover limited affordable inventory there as well. Used vehicles under $30,000 decreased from 78% in 2021 to 69% in February, CarGurus reports. February’s average used vehicle sold for approximately $25,000, with typical used car payments hitting $560.

Used car availability faces pressure from multiple factors. Cost-conscious consumers are keeping vehicles longer — nearly 13 years on average currently, extending 18 months beyond a decade ago, Bureau of Transportation Statistics data indicates. Additionally, declining lease popularity means fewer two- and three-year-old vehicles entering the market when leases conclude.

J.D. Power calculates that consumers could spend up to $140 less monthly on lease payments compared to average financing commitments, providing a beneficial option especially for drivers with predictable annual mileage. However, experts acknowledge affordability remains challenging.

Sam Dykhuis, 27, from Chicago, recently needed her first car when beginning employment as a United Airlines scheduler. She sought something used under $20,000, ultimately paying slightly more for a 2021 Mazda CX-5. To minimize costs, she used savings for an outright purchase and pays insurance semi-annually for additional savings.

Still, “My paycheck went down and my expenses went up,” Dykhuis said. “Certainly, I have to be more just on top of it than I was previously.”

Eble, 30, and Marcus, 31, say they admire nice vehicles but don’t consider themselves “car people” and hope this simplifies their search. Nevertheless, finding something within their $20,000 to $30,000 range may prove more difficult than previously.

They’re evaluating options including a newer Trax, Mazda models, or possibly an electric vehicle. New EVs typically cost more initially, but consumers can achieve long-term savings. The used EV market will soon see an influx of two- or three-year-old electric vehicles previously leased when federal incentives were more generous.

Like Dykhuis, they’re considering purchasing their next vehicle outright to avoid additional monthly obligations.

“It feels like if anything happens out of our control … it just seems so much more difficult to figure out how to orient our finances,” Eble said.

Prominent hedge fund Third Point, led by billionaire Daniel Loeb, has completely withdrawn from its investment in CoStar Group, abandoning any plans to wage a proxy battle against the real estate information company, according to sources and an investor letter obtained Friday.

The New York-based investment firm reversed its strategy regarding CoStar after determining that pressuring the company to concentrate more heavily on its primary operations would likely not rescue the business that operates Apartments.com and Homes.com.

In a communication to investors reviewed by Reuters, Loeb stated: “We no longer believe that our original thesis holds true today and have disposed of our position in its entirety.”

Third Point had never publicly revealed how large its ownership stake was in the company.

CoStar Group representatives were not immediately available to provide comment on the hedge fund’s decision to exit.

A federal judge in Arizona has issued a temporary restraining order stopping the state from pursuing criminal charges against prediction market company Kalshi, following intervention by federal regulators.

U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi granted the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s emergency request during a Friday hearing, effectively halting Arizona’s prosecution of the federally regulated company.

The CFTC had filed suit to prevent individual states from regulating prediction market companies that already fall under federal oversight. The agency announced Judge Liburdi’s decision in a Friday press release.

According to the ruling, Arizona is now barred from moving forward with criminal charges against contract markets that operate under CFTC regulation.

CFTC Chairman Michael S. Selig criticized Arizona’s approach in an official statement, saying: “Arizona’s decision to weaponize state criminal law against companies that comply with federal law sets a dangerous precedent, and the court’s order today sends a clear message that intimidation is not an acceptable tactic to circumvent federal law.”

The case highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over who has jurisdiction to regulate emerging financial markets.

The Federal Reserve has begun requesting detailed information from major U.S. banks regarding their connections to private credit companies, according to a Bloomberg News report published Friday. The inquiry follows a wave of investor withdrawals from these funds and an increase in problematic loans within the sector.

Federal regulators are working to evaluate the level of financial stress affecting the private credit industry and determine whether problems could spread throughout the broader banking system, according to the report.

When contacted for comment, the Federal Reserve declined to provide details about the inquiry. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report.

The private credit sector has faced mounting pressure during recent market volatility. Many investors have pulled back from these investments amid growing concerns about asset valuations and lending practices, particularly after several prominent company bankruptcies.

Major banks across the country have implemented stricter lending requirements, while private investment funds have imposed limits on withdrawals as requests from investors have increased dramatically in recent months.

This development follows the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement that it plans to convene meetings with both domestic and international insurance regulators this month to examine private credit markets. Officials are increasingly worried about how the $2 trillion non-bank lending industry might impact broader credit markets.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell addressed the issue last month, stating that the central bank is monitoring developments in the private credit sector for potential warning signs. However, Powell indicated he does not currently see problems in that area spreading to the overall financial system.

St. Louis Federal Reserve President Alberto Musalem echoed similar sentiments last month, describing financial conditions as still “broadly accommodative” and noting that stress in private credit markets appears contained within that specific sector.

A Massachusetts offshore wind energy company has taken legal action to prevent its turbine supplier from abandoning the project amid a financial dispute worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

On Wednesday, Vineyard Wind initiated legal proceedings in Massachusetts courts against GE Renewables, responding to the parent company GE Vernova’s announcement that it plans to end all turbine service and maintenance agreements by the end of April.

The financial disagreement involves competing claims: GE Vernova maintains that Vineyard Wind has failed to pay $300 million for completed work, while Vineyard Wind argues the manufacturer is responsible for approximately $545 million in damages stemming from a disastrous turbine blade failure in July 2024 and resulting project delays.

During the height of summer tourism season in July 2024, fiberglass pieces from a damaged blade scattered across Nantucket’s shoreline. GE Vernova ultimately agreed to a $10.5 million settlement to reimburse local businesses for their losses.

The legal filing claims the project has already suffered substantial harm due to GE Renewable’s “inexcusably poor performance,” and permitting the contractor to withdraw would create additional irreversible damage. Vineyard Wind spokesperson Craig Gilvarg stated Friday that the litigation aims to guarantee GE Renewables meets its commitments to the project “and to the people of Massachusetts and New England who are relying on the significant and economic benefits this project is already providing.”

GE Vernova maintains it is legally entitled to cancel the contracts due to unpaid invoices for services rendered.

“The company remains committed to the safety of the wind farm and stands by our performance and our contractual obligations,” the company said in a statement. “We will vigorously defend our position through the appropriate legal process.”

The Vineyard Wind facility completed construction in March, becoming the first such project to finish during President Donald Trump’s current term. The wind farm had been delivering electricity to the power grid for more than a year while additional turbines came online. Full operational capacity is anticipated within the next few months.

The lawsuit contends that GE Renewables is uniquely qualified to complete the remaining work, making it nearly impossible to locate an alternative turbine provider. A court hearing is set for Thursday.

GE Vernova has attributed the blade failure to inadequate bonding processes at one of its Canadian manufacturing facilities, stating there was no evidence of fundamental design problems. Of the 72 blades installed at Vineyard Wind when the incident occurred, 68 were removed and replaced. Vineyard Wind reports this setback delayed the project by almost two years.

The Trump administration has been especially critical of the project following the blade malfunction.

Vineyard Wind was among five major Atlantic Coast offshore wind developments that the Trump administration suspended just before Christmas, citing national security issues. After developers and states challenged the decision in court, federal judges permitted all five projects to continue, essentially determining that the government failed to demonstrate an immediate national security threat requiring construction stoppage.

Vineyard Wind operates as a partnership between Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, positioned 15 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts. The facility features 62 turbines capable of producing 800 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to supply clean energy to approximately 400,000 households.

Trump Media & Technology Group announced Friday that Eric Swider has stepped down from his position on the company’s board of directors.

Swider played a pivotal role in the company’s journey to becoming publicly traded, serving as chief executive of Digital World Acquisition Corp, the special purpose acquisition company that completed its merger with Trump Media in 2024. The merger process experienced significant delays as regulators examined the deal.

Digital World Acquisition Corp reached a settlement with federal securities regulators in 2023 regarding fraud allegations. The charges centered on claims that the company failed to properly inform investors about its pre-existing plans to merge with Trump Media, discussions that occurred prior to the company’s own stock market debut.

According to Trump Media’s statement, Swider’s departure was not the result of any disagreements with company leadership or fellow board members.

The parent company of Truth Social has encountered difficulties expanding its media operations while competing against established social media giants and dealing with inconsistent user engagement numbers.

Former President Donald Trump regularly utilizes the Truth Social platform for significant political statements and personal updates, including his 2024 campaign announcements and commentary on international events such as coordinated military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

The federal government spent $4 billion more than it collected in March compared to the same month last year, bringing the monthly budget shortfall to $164 billion, according to Treasury Department figures released Friday.

The 2% increase in the deficit stemmed largely from significantly higher tax refunds paid to both individual taxpayers and corporations, driven by new tax relief measures. Additionally, government payments to farmers contributed to the spending increase.

Military expenditures related to the Iran conflict remained relatively modest during the war’s opening month, with defense and military program spending climbing just $2 billion to reach $65 billion in March – a 3% increase over the previous year.

However, Trump administration officials have calculated that the military engagement cost $11.3 billion during just its first six days. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer stated Wednesday that the war’s “price tag” had reached $44 billion, though he did not reveal the source of that figure.

A Treasury Department spokesperson explained to reporters that many expenses connected to the conflict, including costs for replacing military equipment and weapons, would appear in subsequent months’ budget reports.

Individual taxpayers received $15 billion more in refunds during March compared to 2025, representing a 22% jump to $85 billion total as the April 15 tax deadline approached. Business tax refunds surged even more dramatically, climbing $5 billion or 215% to reach $8 billion, reflecting benefits from Republican tax legislation passed last year.

The new tax benefits encompass individual deductions for overtime pay, tip income, car loan interest for domestic vehicles, and expanded state and local tax deductions. Businesses can now immediately write off capital investments and research expenses.

Economic analysts warn that higher fuel prices resulting from the Iran war may offset the larger refunds many taxpayers are receiving.

Looking at the broader fiscal picture, the government’s deficit for the first six months of fiscal year 2026, which began October 1, actually decreased by $139 billion or 11% compared to the same period in fiscal 2025, totaling $1.169 trillion. This improvement occurred because government revenue increased faster than spending.

Tariff collections under President Trump’s trade policies provided a significant revenue boost, generating $166.5 billion in customs receipts during the six-month period – nearly four times the $43.6 billion collected during the first half of fiscal 2025.

March customs collections declined following the Supreme Court’s February 20 decision to invalidate Trump’s broadest global tariffs that had been imposed under emergency authority.

Customs revenue totaled $22.2 billion in March, down from February’s $26.6 billion and the low $30 billion monthly figures recorded late last year, but still well above March 2025’s $8.2 billion.

Further decreases in customs collections may be coming, since these duties are typically paid with a one-month delay. Most March collections reflected February imports that occurred before the February 24 suspension of duties ranging from 10% to 50% under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the Treasury official noted.

The Trump administration implemented a temporary 10% duty on all imports the same day and maintains various other tariffs under different legal authorities.

Government receipts for March reached $385 billion, climbing $17 billion or 5% from March 2025, while expenditures totaled $549 billion, an increase of $21 billion or 4% year-over-year. Both revenue and spending figures set March records, according to Treasury officials.

When adjusting for calendar-related timing differences in benefit payments, the March deficit would have been $250 billion, representing a $9 billion or 4% increase from March 2025.

For the fiscal year’s first half, government receipts totaled $2.483 trillion, up $222 billion or 10%, while spending grew by $84 billion or 2% to reach $3.651 trillion, Treasury data showed.

San Francisco law enforcement officials have apprehended an individual in connection with launching a firebomb at the residence of Sam Altman, the chief executive of artificial intelligence company OpenAI, according to a company statement released Friday.

The incident, which occurred on April 10th, also involved the suspect making threatening statements at OpenAI’s corporate headquarters, the company reported.

A company representative expressed relief that no injuries resulted from the attack, stating: “Thankfully, no one was hurt. We deeply appreciate how quickly SFPD responded and the support from the city in helping keep our employees safe.”

OpenAI officials confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement authorities as the investigation continues.

The chief executive of USA Rare Earth is pushing back against congressional criticism of a controversial $1.6 billion federal investment deal, telling investors they have nothing to worry about despite unusual contract terms that have raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill.

Barbara Humpton, who leads the mining company, dismissed shareholder concerns about the Commerce Department funding arrangement announced in January. The agreement allows the federal government to maintain an ownership stake in the company even if the promised funding never materializes or gets withdrawn later.

“Not at all,” Humpton responded when asked whether investors should be worried about the deal’s structure during a recent interview.

“With all of the work we’ve done to show our shareholders their path to the future and value creation, they’ll be delighted that we’ve had this engagement,” Humpton stated in her first public response to Democratic lawmakers’ concerns about the agreement, which is set to finalize by month’s end.

The massive funding package represents one of several strategic mineral investments made during the Trump administration’s final weeks, designed to strengthen American production of essential materials used in electronics, military equipment, and countless other products.

However, the deal’s negotiation process and terms have drawn sharp criticism from congressional Democrats. They’ve highlighted concerning connections between USA Rare Earth and Cantor Fitzgerald, the investment firm formerly run by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and now operated by his sons.

A leading House Democrat described the arrangement as “highly concerning” in correspondence to Lutnick last month, calling it “deeply strange” that Washington would keep its ownership interest regardless of whether funding actually flows to the company.

The controversy signals the type of investigations Democrats might launch if they regain congressional control following upcoming elections, as legislators examine how federal financing and equity positions are being used to restructure mineral supply chains.

Federal dollars from the deal will support development of a mining operation in Sierra Blanca, Texas, projected to begin operations by 2028, along with a magnet production facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma, scheduled to open this year.

Humpton, a former Siemens executive, defended her company’s partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald during Commerce Department negotiations, noting the investment firm assisted with the company’s public stock offering in March 2025.

“Our best move was to go with the team who knew us,” Humpton explained.

Critics have questioned the economic viability of the Texas mining site, which the company admits contains relatively low concentrations of rare earth elements compared to competing operations worldwide.

This geological limitation poses potential economic challenges, though the deposit does contain valuable heavy rare earth elements needed for extreme high-temperature applications, making it attractive to certain industrial customers.

A comprehensive feasibility analysis for the mine – typically required by most investors – won’t be completed until year’s end, adding to questions about the project’s financial prospects.

When confronted about negative reactions to the Texas mining plans, Humpton referenced pop star Taylor Swift: “Haters gonna hate.”

“Sheer grade is not the determining factor,” Humpton argued. “The true factor is the recoverable heavy-rare-earth components.”

The mining operation is expected to extract yttrium, a specialized metal used in high-performance alloys and among the heavy rare earth materials that China has restricted from export.

“We weren’t even tuned in to the critical need for yttrium until we did our work with the Department of Commerce,” Humpton revealed. “Commerce made it clear that this is the number-one demand from the semiconductor field.”

A New Jersey-based software company that helps businesses protect their data is considering selling itself after attracting interest from multiple potential buyers, according to industry sources.

Commvault Systems, headquartered in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, has brought on investment bank Goldman Sachs to evaluate its strategic options, four people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. The company, valued at approximately $3.5 billion, has received inquiries from both private equity investors and strategic acquirers.

Among those showing interest is private equity firm Thoma Bravo, which sources say has expressed interest in acquiring Commvault in recent weeks. According to one source, the buyout firm had previously submitted an offer for the company, though details about timing and price were not disclosed.

Representatives for Commvault, Goldman Sachs, and Thoma Bravo all refused to provide comment on the matter.

The software company specializes in helping organizations safeguard and restore their digital information when faced with cyber incidents, ransomware attacks, technical malfunctions, or accidental data loss across enterprise systems and cloud platforms. Notable clients using Commvault’s services include manufacturing giant 3M, entertainment company Sony, and hotel chain Hilton.

Software company stock prices have faced significant headwinds recently as investors worry about artificial intelligence’s potential impact on traditional business models. Commvault’s shares have plummeted roughly 60% since reaching their peak on September 18.

However, the company’s financial performance remains robust. In its latest quarterly report, Commvault posted impressive results with revenues climbing 19% to reach a company record of $314 million. The firm’s yearly recurring revenue hit $1.085 billion, representing a 22% increase from the previous year.

Although declining stock prices typically attract private equity interest, most firms have been cautious about new software investments while AI-related uncertainty persists in the market.

Thoma Bravo’s Managing Partner Orlando Bravo has taken a different approach, describing the software sector’s decline as presenting a “huge buying opportunity.”

The data recovery business has proven more resistant to disruption within the broader cybersecurity industry, as artificial intelligence actually increases rather than reduces the demand for backup and recovery solutions.

Federal energy regulators have given the go-ahead for a major expansion of construction operations at a Texas liquefied natural gas facility, according to regulatory documents filed Friday.

NextDecade Corporation received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to dramatically boost its construction crew at the Rio Grande LNG project, citing urgent global demand for American energy exports.

The company explained to federal officials that international conflicts have created unprecedented demand for U.S. liquefied natural gas, pushing developers to accelerate their timeline for bringing new facilities online.

Global LNG markets have faced significant disruptions due to ongoing conflicts in Iran, which have impacted QatarEnergy, the world’s second-largest natural gas producer. The company has been unable to export its supercooled gas products and has experienced facility damage that could remove 12.5 million metric tons from worldwide supplies for as long as five years.

NextDecade’s formal request, submitted to FERC last Friday, sought permission to increase its maximum construction workforce by 2,275 additional workers, bringing the total from the current authorized level of 5,225 to 7,500 personnel.

Federal oversight requires energy companies to obtain approval for workforce increases at LNG construction locations to ensure operations remain within previously established environmental guidelines and minimize impacts on surrounding communities.

The company indicated that plans to construct two additional liquefaction units at the facility necessitated the larger workforce and required authorization for construction activities during nighttime hours and weekends.

FERC’s approval encompassed both the workforce expansion and the request for around-the-clock construction operations, regulatory filings confirmed.

The Rio Grande LNG facility will feature five liquefaction units with total annual production capacity of approximately 30 million metric tons once completed.

American hedge fund manager Bill Ackman made his first phone call to French billionaire Vincent Bollore before announcing his massive $64 billion takeover attempt for Universal Music Group this week.

The Pershing Square Capital Management founder later informed investors that Bollore’s reaction to his proposal was “music to my ears,” noting that the French mogul’s team appeared “intrigued” by the offer.

“Without Bollore, we don’t have a transaction,” Ackman stated about the 74-year-old businessman, who maintains control of just under 32% of the entertainment giant that houses major artists including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar.

Despite being officially retired, Bollore remains actively involved in business dealings and possesses effective veto power over any potential deal through his direct ownership and indirect holdings via his family enterprise and stake in French media company Vivendi.

Representatives for Bollore’s Paris-traded holding company have not responded to requests for comment regarding Ackman’s proposal, which industry observers view as a test of the French tycoon’s business philosophy.

Ackman declined to provide additional comment. Universal has stated that its board of directors is examining Pershing’s “unsolicited and non-binding proposal” but refused further commentary.

Following his successful transformation of his family’s centuries-old business, Bollore expanded his empire through strategic stake-building campaigns during the 1990s, particularly targeting construction-to-media conglomerate Bouygues.

He later perfected this strategy during his acquisition of advertising company Havas in the early 2000s, creating a “creeping control” method he subsequently applied to media ventures while earning recognition for his direct management style.

Universal, where CEO Lucian Grainge has maintained considerable independence, has represented a notable departure from this pattern.

Bollore’s investment in the world’s largest music company, obtained through Vivendi’s 2021 spinoff and Amsterdam stock exchange listing, is considered among his most profitable decisions.

Over time, Bollore steadily expanded his influence within Vivendi, placing supporters on the board and strengthening his control.

“He has always known how to unlock value, and he did so in a truly striking way with Vivendi’s assets, bringing out the real wealth inside that conglomerate,” said Vincent Beaufils, author of a Bollore biography.

While Bollore has transformed France’s media environment, including Vivendi’s acquisition of Lagardere and the sale of its logistics division to CMA CGM, not every investment has succeeded.

Vivendi’s Telecom Italia investment eliminated billions of euros in value, while an attempt to enter Mediaset created conflict and legal battles with Silvio Berlusconi’s family, and a push into Ubisoft fell short of complete acquisition due to opposition.

Forbes calculates that Bollore and his family’s wealth has grown from $5.2 billion in 2017 to $9.8 billion in 2026.

Ackman, who holds a 4.7% stake in Universal and served on its board until May of last year, is presenting Bollore and other shareholders with choices to exchange their shares for cash or ownership in a new U.S.-listed company.

“He will look at it in a very cold and analytical way,” said one individual who has collaborated with Bollore. However, two industry leaders who have previously dealt with him indicated that Bollore’s choices can be challenging to predict.

JPMorgan analysts remain among those skeptical that Ackman will receive his desired response, arguing that Universal will find it difficult to endorse a proposal that “materially undervalues” the company.

The primary consideration influencing Bollore’s decision-making is his group’s extremely complicated ownership framework, analysts noted in a Friday report, adding that they anticipate rejection of the Pershing offer.

“It does not need cash; it has been a buyer, not a seller, of UMG shares; it is unlikely to sell at a discount to fair value; it would not want to reduce its influence; and it has historically favoured a European listing and domicile for UMG.”

Bollore’s group reported maintaining a net cash position of approximately 5.6 billion euros ($6.55 billion) at the end of last year.

A federal court has granted a one-week extension of an emergency order blocking a massive $6.2 billion acquisition between television broadcasting companies Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, while the judge considers whether additional delays are warranted.

The legal challenge comes from eight state attorneys general along with DirecTV, who filed suit claiming the combination of these television broadcasting powerhouses would drive up costs for consumers while damaging local news coverage. The plaintiffs petitioned U.S. District Court Chief Judge Troy L. Nunley in Sacramento, California, to prevent the acquisition from moving forward until their antitrust case reaches resolution.

Legal representatives for Nexstar counter that the acquisition will enhance rather than diminish local news programming and coverage.

Judge Nunley pushed back the temporary restraining order deadline to April 17, explaining the additional time would allow him to properly consider whether to issue a more extended preliminary injunction. The judge also adjusted the current order to permit both broadcasting companies to conduct “reasonable steps” for routine operations, including compliance with federal debt reporting requirements.

The acquisition, which was first announced the previous year and received Federal Communications Commission approval, would establish a media company controlling 265 television stations across 44 states plus the District of Columbia. The majority of these stations serve as local affiliates for the major broadcast networks: ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.

The broadcasting deal required sign-off from the Republican Trump administration’s FCC since regulators had to waive existing restrictions on how many local stations a single company may control.

During his initial ruling imposing the temporary restraining order, the judge expressed concern that the merger could enable Nexstar to charge higher rates to multichannel video programming distributors such as DirecTV. He noted that if these distributors declined to accept rate increases, they might risk their customers losing access to popular programming like Sunday NFL games.

A federal jury in Manhattan started weighing evidence Friday in a major antitrust lawsuit where 34 states are challenging Live Nation Entertainment over alleged monopolistic practices.

In the civil lawsuit, state attorneys general claim the entertainment conglomerate and its Ticketmaster division have cornered the market on live music events, resulting in inflated ticket costs for consumers.

Live Nation maintains that the concert industry has never been more competitive and denies any unfair business practices in what they describe as a thriving entertainment market.

Shortly after beginning their discussions, jurors in the Manhattan federal courthouse requested to hear portions of testimony again from the five-week proceedings.

The state coalition continued pursuing their case even after federal authorities reached a settlement agreement with Live Nation last month.

According to the Justice Department, their settlement secured significant changes from Live Nation, especially regarding ticket sales at numerous company-owned amphitheaters.

During Thursday’s closing statements, an attorney representing the states claimed Live Nation dominates 86% of the concert venue market and holds 73% control when sporting events are factored in.

Live Nation’s legal team acknowledged the company’s position as the nation’s largest entertainment and ticketing corporation. However, their attorney argued that “success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States.”

Whirlpool Corporation announced Friday its plans to pour more than $60 million into a new Ohio manufacturing facility dedicated to producing components for washing machines and dryers.

The major appliance manufacturer revealed that this new facility will mark its 11th production site across the United States and its sixth location within Ohio. The investment is projected to generate between 100 and 150 new employment opportunities.

“Whirlpool Corporation is leaning into our commitment to U.S. manufacturing,” stated Marc Bitzer, CEO of the Benton Harbor, Michigan-based company, in a release. Bitzer has been a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. The company made this announcement during an event held at its major washing machine manufacturing facility in Clyde, Ohio, where U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer was in attendance.

Greer made the trip to the Midwest this week as part of efforts to promote the current administration’s initiatives designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities.

This latest announcement follows Whirlpool’s October revelation of a separate $300 million investment plan focused on expanding capacity within its current laundry-related manufacturing operations.

Utility companies across the nation delivered their most impressive quarterly performance in five years, posting a 7.5% gain during the first three months of 2024 according to market data from LSEG.

The utilities sector’s strong showing marked the best opening quarter since 2019, as investors moved money away from riskier investments during a period of market uncertainty sparked by Middle East tensions and concerns about rising inflation.

While the broader S&P 500 dropped 4.6% during the same timeframe – marking its worst quarterly decline since 2022 – utility stocks attracted investors looking for steady dividend payments and less volatile returns during turbulent market conditions.

Matt Stucky, who manages equity portfolios at Northwestern Mutual, explained the appeal of defensive investments during uncertain times. “When volatility really ramps up and there are questions about where the market is going in the short term, it’s natural for investors to rotate into defensive type equities and utilities tend to be a prime recipient of along with healthcare,” Stucky said.

Beyond their traditional safe-haven status, utility companies are experiencing unprecedented demand from technology giants constructing massive data centers to support artificial intelligence operations. Research from the Electric Power Research Institute projects that electricity consumption by data centers could increase more than fourfold by 2030, potentially accounting for 17% of the nation’s total power usage.

Gerry Sparrow, who leads Sparrow Capital Management, noted the significant impact of this technological shift on utility companies. “I read a few recent quarterly calls from some of the utility companies and the big drivers are the data centers and the increased electricity demand, which is crowding out other interests,” Sparrow explained.

Major technology corporations including Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Oracle are driving this electricity surge through their substantial capital investments in AI-focused data center construction, according to Sparrow.

“The data center demand is coming from technology companies — in particular Alphabet, Meta Platforms and Oracle, with their capital budgets that include data center buildout for AI. So that’s some of the stuff that’s moving the market around, especially around individual utility companies,” he said.

Market analysts expect that as geopolitical tensions ease following recent ceasefire agreements, investors may shift back toward growth-oriented investments, potentially reducing some of the utilities sector’s recent gains.

However, utility companies positioned to serve the expanding AI infrastructure – particularly those providing power to commercial customers in key data center regions including Virginia, Texas, Florida, and Midwest markets – are expected to maintain strong investor appeal.

Companies such as American Electric, Dominion Energy, Nextera Energy, Xcel Energy, and Duke Energy are among those well-positioned to benefit from this trend, according to Sparrow.

“A lot of the performance is likely going to be tied to how much they’re serving industrial customers versus residential customers closer to the larger cities,” Sparrow noted.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A federal court has granted another week-long extension to temporarily block the proposed merger between television broadcasting companies Nexstar and Tegna, as legal proceedings continue over antitrust concerns.

U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley announced Friday that he would prolong the temporary restraining order that requires Nexstar to maintain separation of Tegna’s business operations while the court weighs whether to impose a preliminary injunction. The judge initially imposed the asset separation requirement on March 27 following an antitrust challenge brought by satellite television provider DirecTV.

During Friday’s proceedings, Judge Nunley indicated he plans to modify certain aspects of the current order to address specific objections raised by Nexstar’s legal team. The extended timeline will allow the court additional time to evaluate whether the merger should face longer-term restrictions pending resolution of the underlying lawsuit.

An activist hedge fund is mounting a challenge against WEX’s leadership, seeking to remove CEO Melissa Smith from the company’s board of directors during the upcoming shareholder meeting scheduled for May 5th.

Impactive Capital, which holds approximately 5% of WEX shares, is calling on other investors to vote out Smith from her board position while allowing her to continue as chief executive. The hedge fund wants to separate the dual roles of CEO and board chair that Smith currently holds, according to sources familiar with the matter and internal documents.

The investment firm is targeting three board members total, including Smith, Stephen Smith, and Nancy Altobello. Impactive argues that Stephen Smith bears responsibility for increasing executive pay packages, while it faults Altobello for permitting the CEO to maintain her board chairmanship despite what the fund considers underwhelming performance.

Impactive’s criticism centers on WEX’s stock performance since Smith assumed the board chair role in September 2019. The hedge fund contends that shares have underperformed against key rivals Corpay and HealthEquity, as well as the broader S&P Mid-Cap Index during this timeframe.

The company’s market capitalization, currently valued at $5.5 billion, has dropped by half since 2019, resulting in $3.4 billion in lost shareholder value, according to Impactive’s analysis. However, WEX stock has gained 28% over the past year.

WEX operates primarily in fleet management services, corporate payment solutions, and employee benefit programs. The company previously indicated it has reviewed Impactive’s suggestions regarding strategic direction, capital distribution, and board makeup.

A WEX spokesperson did not provide immediate comment when contacted.

The activist investor is proposing three replacement candidates: technology and payments specialist Kurt Adams, financial services veteran Ellen Alemany, and Lauren Taylor Wolfe, who co-founded Impactive Capital.

This proxy battle has been developing for months and is anticipated to be among this year’s most contentious shareholder disputes. Impactive points to declining confidence in Smith’s leadership, noting that she received support from only 64.3% of shareholders in the most recent vote, a significant drop from the 97.7% backing she received in 2024.

WEX operates WEX Bank, a Utah-chartered industrial bank, which subjects the company to oversight by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Utah’s Department of Financial Institutions. Last month, WEX suggested in regulatory documents that Impactive might face regulatory hurdles related to FDIC and state requirements for proxy contests.

However, Impactive states it has addressed regulators’ questions and has not received additional inquiries from either oversight body.

WASHINGTON – Federal data released Friday shows that manufacturing orders across the United States held steady in February, marking the second month in a row without change.

The Commerce Department’s Census Bureau reported the flat performance exceeded analyst predictions, which had forecast a 0.2% drop. When compared to the same period last year, orders climbed 3.7%.

Data releases continue to lag behind schedule due to disruptions from the previous year’s federal government shutdown, according to the Census Bureau.

The manufacturing sector, representing just over 10% of the nation’s economic output, had been showing recovery signals after taking hits from extensive trade tariffs implemented under former President Trump’s administration. However, escalating oil costs – up more than 30% due to Middle East conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran – threaten to slow this rebound.

Aircraft orders for commercial use dropped sharply by 28.6%. Meanwhile, several industries posted gains, including computer and electronic equipment, industrial machinery, basic metals, and metal fabrication.

The Census Bureau also revised upward its figures for non-defense capital equipment orders excluding aircraft – considered an indicator of corporate investment intentions. These orders actually grew 0.7% in February, higher than the 0.6% initially reported earlier this week.

Deliveries of these core capital goods also received an upward revision, rising 1.0% rather than the previously stated 0.9%.

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced Friday it has been awarded a massive $4.7 billion preliminary contract by the federal government to accelerate manufacturing of Patriot interceptor missiles.

The agreement covers production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) and builds on a seven-year deal with the Defense Department aimed at more than tripling yearly output as nations face rising global security threats.

President Trump has directed the Defense Department to rebrand as the Department of War, though such a change would need Congressional approval.

The PAC-3 MSE serves as the Army’s main high-to-medium altitude interceptor technology and represents a cornerstone of American and allied air defense capabilities.

Current stockpiles of the PAC-3 MSE face significant strain following extensive deployment in the Gulf region to counter Iranian attacks, while Ukraine depends on these systems to protect critical energy facilities and military sites from ballistic missile threats. The manufacturing increase is not expected to alleviate supply shortages within the current year.

The State Department gave approval earlier this year for a potential $9 billion sale of PAC-3 MSE systems and associated equipment to Saudi Arabia.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court delivered a significant ruling Friday, determining that Meta Platforms cannot escape a lawsuit brought by the state’s attorney general over claims the company intentionally created addictive features targeting young users on Facebook and Instagram.

This landmark decision represents the first instance where a state’s highest court has examined whether federal legislation protecting internet companies from user-generated content lawsuits would also shield them from accusations of deliberately creating addiction among minors.

Meta has rejected these accusations and maintains the company implements comprehensive measures to protect teenagers and young people using its social media platforms.

The court’s ruling follows significant legal developments, including a Los Angeles jury’s March 25 verdict finding both Meta and Google’s parent company Alphabet liable for creating social media platforms that harm young users. That case resulted in a $6 million award to a 20-year-old woman who claimed childhood social media addiction.

One day before that verdict, another jury determined Meta owed $375 million in civil penalties in a New Mexico attorney general’s lawsuit alleging the company misled users about platform safety and allowed child sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram.

Thirty-four additional states are pursuing comparable federal court cases against Meta. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, a Democrat, filed her state court case as part of at least nine similar lawsuits state attorneys general have initiated since 2023, including one filed Wednesday by Iowa’s Republican Attorney General Brenna Bird.

Campbell’s legal action initially attracted attention due to allegations about CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s dismissive attitude toward concerns about Instagram’s potentially harmful effects on users.

The lawsuit claimed Instagram features including push notifications, post “likes,” and endless scrolling were specifically engineered to exploit teenagers’ psychological weaknesses and capitalize on their “fear of missing out.”

State officials alleged that internal company data demonstrated the platform was causing addiction and harm to children, while senior executives refused to implement changes that research indicated would benefit teen users’ mental health.

The California-based Meta attempted to dismiss the Massachusetts lawsuit by invoking Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act, federal legislation that broadly protects internet companies from lawsuits related to user-posted content.

Massachusetts argued Section 230 doesn’t cover what the state characterized as Meta’s false statements regarding Instagram’s safety, the company’s youth protection efforts, or its age-verification systems designed to keep children under 13 off the platform.

A lower court judge supported this position, ruling the law also didn’t apply to allegations about Instagram’s harmful design features because the state was “principally seeking to hold Meta liable for its own business conduct,” rather than third-party content.

Swiss private banking institution Julius Baer has launched a hunt for a new chief financial officer, completing a sweeping transformation of its executive leadership following substantial losses from high-risk lending practices.

The financial institution verified the executive search through an official statement after the news broke. Chief Financial Officer Evie Kostakis will depart her position to take on another international executive role following a structured handover process anticipated for the latter half of the year, according to the bank. Kostakis declined to respond to requests for comment.

Kostakis assumed the CFO position in 2022, becoming the most senior remaining member of a leadership team that has experienced dramatic turnover during the past two years as the Swiss institution began disclosing a series of devastating losses and asset writedowns.

According to insider information, the search for a replacement CFO has been underway for multiple weeks.

Julius Baer’s annual financial reports for 2022 and 2023 indicated that the CFO held responsibility for supervising credit risk management during what ultimately became a turbulent period for the institution.

Difficulties started surfacing in late 2023 when Julius Baer became entangled in the aftermath of Austrian real estate mogul Rene Benko’s Signa empire collapse, resulting in the bank recording loan losses totaling 586 million Swiss francs ($742 million) in early 2024.

The bank remains subject to an enforcement review by Swiss financial market supervisor FINMA regarding the Signa losses, which prevents it from declaring new share repurchase programs.

When announcing those writedowns, the institution dismissed CEO Philipp Rickenbacher, bringing in external candidate Stefan Bollinger, a former Goldman Sachs executive who assumed control in January 2025.

Long-serving chairman Romeo Lacher became the next executive to exit, with his departure announced shortly after Bollinger’s arrival. Former HSBC chief Noel Quinn was named as the new chairman.

Subsequently, in May 2025, the bank announced that chief risk officer Oliver Bartholet would retire as it disclosed a 130 million franc credit charge following a comprehensive review of its lending portfolio.

In November, the institution reported additional losses of 149 million francs, marking down loan positions within its property portfolio that it stated were no longer aligned with corporate strategy.

NEW YORK, April 10 – American consumers faced higher prices in March as inflation accelerated to 3.3% compared to the same period last year, according to federal data released Friday. This marks the initial economic measurement capturing price effects from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran.

The Consumer Price Index increase aligned with forecasts from financial analysts surveyed by Reuters, though it represented a notable jump from February’s 2.4% annual rate. Monthly price growth reached 0.9% between February and March, matching predictions after the previous month’s 0.3% increase.

Core inflation, which strips out unpredictable food and energy costs, performed better than anticipated. It climbed just 0.2% monthly, below the projected 0.3%, and reached 2.6% annually, also under estimates.

Financial markets watched Friday’s inflation data closely since it represents the first official glimpse of how the military conflict has affected American prices. The war has pushed crude oil costs significantly higher and raised investor concerns about future inflation trends.

Stock markets showed mixed responses following the report’s release. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.2% while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.4%. Treasury bond yields edged higher, with the benchmark 10-year note yield increasing one basis point to 4.30%. The dollar weakened, with the dollar index falling 0.2% to 98.6.

Peter Cardillo, Chief Market Economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York, focused on the core inflation figure. “The key here is the core rate, which actually came in a little bit lower than we were looking for. The top line was hotter than we were looking for and on a yearly basis,” Cardillo explained.

He cautioned that current numbers don’t capture the complete energy crisis impact. “So, while these numbers are not overly worrisome at this time, they do not include the full effects of the energy crisis,” Cardillo said. “Moving forward, obviously we should expect more increases in inflation, but the key is the core rate which was cooler than expected suggests that energy prices eventually will work their way into the system, and they’ll show up later on. But for now, inflation remains elevated and sticky.”

Alexandra Wilson-Elizondo, Global Co-CIO of Multi-Asset Solutions at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, viewed the data as temporary relief. “The market was braced for a hot print, so today’s inline number is a slight relief. However, it may be the best headline inflation number we see for a while as it may only partially capture the full force of the Iran conflict, which sent U.S. crude and U.S. gas up 70% at peak,” she stated.

Wilson-Elizondo noted broader economic pressures ahead. “With input costs globally surging to their highest levels since Covid, the next print may tell a different story, at least at the headline level. That said, the U.S. economy is far less oil-intensive than it was in the 1970s, and a 10% sustained rise in oil adds only about 5 basis points to core.”

She expressed confidence in Federal Reserve policy flexibility. “Wage growth has decelerated to levels consistent with the inflation target, and long-term inflation expectations remain anchored. We believe the Fed will look through the energy-driven noise so long as these factors hold. The Fed has room to be patient, and every reason to do so. Today’s number buys the Fed time, but the real test lies ahead.”

Marc Chandler, Chief Market Strategist at Bannockburn Global Forex, didn’t expect immediate Federal Reserve policy changes. “I think that the bar to a Fed change later this month is very high, and the CPI was largely in line with expectations,” he commented.

Brian Jacobsen, Chief Economist at Annex Wealth Management in Wisconsin, expressed surprise at gasoline price effects. “Although I was braced for a jump in the headline CPI number due to higher gasoline prices, it was still startling to see it in print. There are no signs, yet, that high energy prices are seeping into core inflation. That could be a process that plays out over time as companies absorb the brunt of the blow, at least initially. Perversely, consumers cutting back on other discretionary items could push core inflation lower instead of higher,” Jacobsen observed.

WASHINGTON — A dramatic surge in gasoline costs triggered the most significant inflation increase in almost four years during March, presenting new obstacles for Federal Reserve policymakers and creating political headaches for the current administration as Americans face higher living expenses.

The Labor Department reported Friday that consumer prices climbed 3.3% in March compared to the same month last year, a notable jump from February’s 2.4% rate and the highest annual increase recorded since May 2024. Month-to-month, prices advanced 0.9% from February to March, representing the steepest such rise in nearly four years.

This marks the initial inflation data reflecting the economic impact of the Iran conflict.

When removing fluctuating food and energy costs, core inflation increased 2.6% annually in March, rising from February’s 2.5%. However, core prices grew just 0.2% for the month, indicating that escalating fuel costs haven’t yet affected numerous other sectors.

The petroleum price surge resulting from the Iran conflict has altered inflation’s path, transforming a steady, gradual decrease into a sharp upturn that moves further from the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. Consequently, the central bank will likely delay any interest rate reductions for several months, with many Fed officials indicating rate increases might be necessary if inflation fails to moderate. Gasoline costs remain highly visible expenses that significantly influence consumer confidence and political opinions.

Rising fuel expenses reduce consumers’ purchasing power for other products and services, potentially slowing economic expansion. In the immediate term, most Americans have limited options to modify their driving patterns, which depend largely on residential, shopping, and employment locations. Therefore, most individuals will absorb higher gasoline costs and possibly reduce spending elsewhere.

Gasoline averaged $4.15 per gallon nationally on Friday, climbing from $2.98 the day before hostilities commenced, according to AAA data.

The crucial question for consumers and the economy involves whether the oil and gas price surge will generate sustained, widespread inflation pressure, resembling events following the pandemic in 2021-2022. Inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, as COVID-19 disrupted supply networks and multiple stimulus payments boosted consumer demand. Costs skyrocketed for food, furniture, dining, and numerous other products and services.

Currently, economists note that employment markets and consumer spending show less strength, with no substantial government stimulus payments being distributed to stimulate demand. While unemployment remains low at 4.3%, companies aren’t urgently hiring as they did when the economy recovered from the pandemic, which prompted many businesses to offer significant wage increases to attract and retain employees.

Quick salary improvements and steady income growth helped consumers manage higher costs resulting from pandemic supply chain problems, and fueled demand spikes that encouraged many companies to increase prices further.

“That’s where this really differs, is that we aren’t seeing anywhere near the strength of demand,” said Alan Detmeister, a UBS economist. During 2021 and 2022, income growth “was increasing really strongly. We aren’t seeing that now,” he explained.

Detmeister believes a more accurate comparison might be 1990-91, when elevated oil and gas prices from Iraq’s Kuwait invasion contributed to recession but didn’t trigger inflation increases, partly due to reduced consumer spending.

The fuel price spike’s inflation impact resembles President Donald Trump’s tariffs in some respects, as effects will depend mainly on the magnitude and length of increases.

For the present, economists anticipate March and April impacts will primarily affect energy-dependent sectors like airlines, shipping companies, and mass transit. Overall, the American economy relies much less on oil and gas than in previous decades.

Nevertheless, the substantial inflation jump — almost certain to persist for several months — has already changed Federal Reserve discussions. The central bank started the year expecting to reduce its benchmark interest rate at least twice. However, increasing numbers of Fed officials now consider raising rates if core inflation doesn’t decline meaningfully.

Most officials will likely support maintaining the Fed’s key rate unchanged in coming months at approximately 3.6% while evaluating economic developments. Investors currently don’t anticipate Fed rate cuts until late 2027.

Elevated gasoline prices present Fed challenges because they can also slow growth by reducing consumer spending, potentially causing job losses. The Fed typically lowers rates to encourage spending when unemployment increases, while raising rates to fight inflation.

Costlier oil and gas will probably increase grocery prices, creating additional hardship for consumers who have already experienced roughly 25% higher food costs since the pandemic. Nearly all groceries arrive via diesel-powered trucks, and diesel prices have risen more than regular gasoline. Still, analysts don’t expect food price acceleration for another month or two.

Cloud computing provider CoreWeave announced Friday a new multi-year partnership with artificial intelligence company Anthropic, boosting the firm’s stock price by more than 5% during early trading sessions.

The agreement will provide Anthropic with essential computing infrastructure to support its Claude AI model operations, with services expected to launch later this year. Financial details of the contract remain undisclosed.

Company officials said the collaboration will begin with a gradual infrastructure deployment, leaving room for potential expansion down the road.

This latest partnership adds to CoreWeave’s growing portfolio of high-profile clients, reflecting increased demand for computing resources needed to develop and operate artificial intelligence systems. The company secured an $11.9 billion agreement with OpenAI in 2023, followed by a $6.3 billion initial contract with Nvidia last September, and expanded its Meta partnership to $21 billion just this week.

The Anthropic agreement helps CoreWeave reduce its dependence on Microsoft, which represented approximately 67% of the company’s revenue in the previous year. Meta has also emerged as one of its major clients.

CoreWeave operates as a specialized cloud provider, offering hardware and computing services to technology companies. Its strong relationship with Nvidia has positioned the firm as a crucial supplier of advanced AI processing chips that major tech corporations need for their operations.

Despite concerns about the company’s rising capital expenditures and project backlogs affecting investor confidence, CoreWeave’s stock has gained nearly 29% year-to-date.

A defense technology firm that tracks radio signals from space announced Friday its intention to go public through an initial stock offering.

HawkEye 360, which focuses on collecting intelligence through satellite technology, submitted its IPO paperwork despite ongoing challenges in the stock market that have slowed down new public offerings.

Current market uncertainty has put a damper on the IPO recovery process, causing companies to postpone their public debuts as investors remain cautious, although financial experts anticipate renewed activity once market conditions improve.

The defense contractor operates from the United States and focuses on radio frequency intelligence gathered through space-based technology. Their business centers on running a network of satellites designed to identify and pinpoint RF signal locations, providing critical intelligence data for defense and national security purposes.

When the company begins trading, shares will be available on the New York Stock Exchange using the ticker symbol “HAWK.”

Several major financial institutions will handle the stock offering, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, RBC Capital Markets, and Jefferies serving as underwriters.

Financial markets maintained their position Friday that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged through the end of 2026, following the release of March consumer price data that showed inflation climbing as economists had anticipated.

Market participants continue to assign roughly a one-third probability to the possibility of an interest rate reduction by the Fed’s December meeting, according to analysis of interest-rate futures contracts trading on the CME Group.

London-based mining giant Glencore announced Friday its purchase of a 45% ownership interest in an aluminum recycling and remelting facility located near Charleston, South Carolina, bolstering the company’s presence in America’s aluminum supply network.

The acquisition comes as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted supply chains and driven up prices for aluminum, a crucial metal used in transportation, construction, and packaging industries.

“This partnership reinforces Glencore’s active participation in supporting a resilient and sustainable domestic aluminium supply chain in the United States,” the company stated. Glencore previously held a 30% ownership stake in Century Aluminum, a U.S.-based aluminum producer.

Prior to this purchase, Glencore had provided financial backing to the Charleston-area facility in return for marketing rights to its products.

Alumicore, an aluminum melting and recycling company, will maintain the remaining 55% ownership stake and continue operating the South Carolina facility.

The company currently operates a facility in Pennsylvania and is developing another plant in Pittsburgh.

When all three locations become fully operational, they are projected to process more than 120,000 tonnes of aluminum annually through recycling operations.

A groundbreaking partnership announced this week could transform how news audiences interact with the reporters covering their favorite stories.

Noosphere, a New York-based media technology company, has secured a multi-year licensing deal with British broadcaster Sky News to provide an innovative app that enables direct communication between journalists and their audiences. Sky News plans to launch pilot programs with their defense and security correspondents, creating what they describe as “a dedicated experience expressly designed for highly engaged audiences.”

The concept centers on providing audiences with unprecedented access – not just to news content, but to the reporters themselves. Environmental advocate Christine Holland from Menlo Park, California, exemplifies this new relationship. She regularly follows Amazon region coverage by journalist Tiffany Higgins, sending comments and questions through the platform. Recently, Higgins responded to Holland’s inquiry about Brazilian arts coverage with an extensive personal video message.

“With this, I am much more inclined to remain loyal” to the journalist and news outlet, Holland explained. She appreciates that the approach makes stories feel more personal, as if the reporter is speaking directly to her rather than broadcasting from an impersonal distance.

Jane Ferguson, Noosphere’s founder and former war correspondent, sees this as addressing a long-standing industry challenge. “Getting the endorsement of the industry is really special for us,” Ferguson stated. “It has been a long time coming for them to be ready for this level of a change.”

Ferguson’s two-year-old platform currently supports approximately 24 journalists operating as independent contractors, including former NBC “Meet the Press” host Chuck Todd and former CNN reporter Chris Cillizza. These correspondents specialize in personalized reporting from around the globe while maintaining direct availability to their followers.

Mike Varga, a retired business professional living near Tampa, Florida, contrasts this experience with traditional media interactions. He’s grown accustomed to receiving no responses or generic replies when contacting news organizations or political figures. However, Todd sent him a personalized video thanking him for positive feedback on a tariff story. When Varga contacted Ferguson about her coverage of late British war photographer Paul Conroy, she invited him to participate in a Noosphere focus group.

“It’s kind of surprising more media organizations don’t do that,” Varga observed, noting how the personal touch makes him feel more connected to his news sources.

The timing appears strategic for news organizations struggling with declining audience numbers. The growing trend of journalists establishing independent platforms on Substack or YouTube – some offering subscriber access for fees – demonstrates consumer appetite for authentic, direct reporting relationships, according to Ferguson.

“It’s so hard to know what is even written by a human being anymore,” Holland remarked. “I really appreciate that there is a real human being behind the story.”

Noosphere’s business model includes revenue-sharing arrangements where journalists receive portions of subscription fees from followers. While this specific financial structure isn’t part of the Sky News agreement, Ferguson suggests that providing reporters with greater independence could help traditional outlets retain talent while reducing costs and preventing defections to platforms like YouTube.

The arrangement also appeals to legacy media journalists seeking more autonomy without completely abandoning the resources and reach that established companies provide. Ferguson describes it as potential middle ground for reporters wanting independence while maintaining institutional support.

“We see a lot of appetite for deals like this,” Ferguson noted. “We’re very interested and looking forward to expanding into the U.S. marketplace.”

Neither Ferguson nor Sky News disclosed financial terms of their partnership, and Noosphere has not publicly revealed its current subscriber numbers.

Content creator Sam Mintesnot had prepared extensively for the Coachella music festival, organizing perfect outfits, scheduling beauty appointments, purchasing a one-way flight to Los Angeles, and developing a detailed spreadsheet of video concepts. However, just days before the festival’s Friday opening, she still lacked one crucial element: an actual ticket.

As a social media influencer, Mintesnot was pursuing brand sponsorship opportunities to gain access to the annual Indio, California event, often dubbed the “influencer Olympics.” She documented her ticketless situation across social platforms, hoping to secure entry by promising promotional content for interested companies.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” she explained. “There’s so many opportunities out there.”

The festival, filled with picture-perfect moments, creates mutually beneficial relationships between content creators and businesses. While social media posts from the expansive music event appear spontaneous, extensive preparation typically occurs weeks or months beforehand. Securing sponsorship deals, arranging promotional content agreements, and developing posting schedules demand patience, strategic planning, and business expertise.

Content creators frequently face online criticism for boldly requesting event access or complimentary products. However, these tactics prove successful for some creators like Mintesnot, who received a YouTube invitation on Wednesday, just two days before the two-weekend festival commenced.

Now in its 25th year, Coachella has become a cornerstone of digital culture. Both festival weekends are completely sold out, but global viewers can watch YouTube livestreams featuring headliners Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, alongside numerous other performers. The platform simultaneously broadcasts seven stages while offering creator videos and additional festival content.

Influencers document not only musical performances but every aspect of their festival experience, including exclusive brand events, complimentary items, and mundane details like restroom queues and dining choices.

According to Matt McLernon, YouTube’s head of artist partnerships who oversees the Coachella relationship, the festival represents the platform’s largest marquee livestream music event.

“Seeing how much the creator side has breathed this whole additional life into it — what’s on the stage, the creators, the fans, the kind of intersection of all of them, of what happens from there — it’s really truly magical,” he stated. “There’s as many cameras pointed at the actual artists on stage as there are amongst the crowd.”

Revenue opportunities for creators differ significantly. Fashion and beauty influencers utilize shopping features integrated into TikTok and YouTube to earn commission payments. This approach proves particularly profitable during Coachella, when audiences seek style and makeup inspiration or explore current trends.

Beauty YouTuber Magdaline Janet credits YouTube Shopping with enabling her full-time creator career.

“It’s huge because Coachella essentially is a beauty and fashion show along with music,” she noted.

Some creators find value in purchasing independent tickets and traveling without brand sponsorship. The audience engagement generated by Coachella content — before, during, and after the event — frequently results in overall profits.

Sydney Morgan, a content creator specializing in special effects makeup, bought her own admission. She’s sharing a rental house with fellow creator friends, selecting the Airbnb specifically for video aesthetics and organizing schedules around everyone’s filming requirements.

“Me and my friends like to joke that Coachella’s our favorite holiday,” Morgan shared. The group traveled to Indio on Wednesday for a complete day of content creation before musical performances began. “We talk about it all year and we romanticize the crap out of it, and I know that our audience does the same thing, especially those that can’t be there in person.”

Morgan developed comprehensive plans for an extended video highlighting her festival fashion plus several shorter clips.

Similar to Morgan, many creators arrive with predetermined content filming goals, but entertainment news host and content creator Louis Levanti emphasized that mastering the festival requires “willingness to adapt.” Levanti works as a full-time creator but previously handled digital video production and media, bringing those abilities to his current content strategy.

“It’s important to tell the story from your lens as quickly but as accurately and efficiently as possible,” he explained. “I do really think of it as a newsroom. I do look at every story as like, ‘How do I build this into more than just a headline?’”

Levanti is also attending this year’s festival with YouTube, but he sees value in using the event to establish relationships with other brands for future festivals and opportunities. Some sponsorship agreements, like Levanti’s previous Coachella partnerships with Coca-Cola and Absolut Vodka, include limitations on creator posts and restrict collaboration with competing brands.

“It’s a great opportunity where there’s no constraints or stress on me to make content, which makes it easier for me to do that while also appealing to more brands,” he said.

While festival brands, fashion trends, and artist lineups evolve annually, Coachella consistently generates enormous online demand for festival-related content. These creators eagerly anticipate their preparation paying off to satisfy that appetite.

“We want to feed the audience, keep ’em fed, give them good content and have fun while doing it,” Morgan concluded.

MILAN (AP) — One half of the famous fashion duo behind Dolce & Gabbana has resigned from his leadership position at the luxury brand, according to a company announcement made Friday.

Stefano Gabbana left his chairman duties effective January 1st, marking what the fashion house described as “a natural evolution of its organizational structure and governance.”

The 63-year-old designer will remain with the company in his artistic capacity, the statement confirmed.

Gabbana appeared at the brand’s most recent fashion show in February, where pop icon Madonna sat in the front row as their longtime muse. Following the presentation, both Gabbana and his business partner Domenico Dolce personally welcomed Madonna at her seat before escorting her behind the scenes.

The luxury label first appeared on Milan’s fashion scene in 1985, establishing itself with a dedication to Sicilian artistry that has remained central to the designers’ vision over the decades.

The fashion house gained widespread recognition during the 1990s through signature pieces including cone bras, corset-inspired designs and impeccably fitted black dresses. The creative team has consistently incorporated elements from Dolce’s Sicilian heritage, featuring provocative transparent fabrics and mesh in their men’s collections, alongside vibrant botanical and fruit patterns and jewelry featuring large cross motifs.

Throughout their partnership, the brand has diversified beyond clothing into perfumes, home accessories and timepieces, among other luxury lifestyle products.

Companies worldwide are scrambling to find alternative shipping methods as ongoing Middle East tensions drive air cargo costs through the roof and create major bottlenecks in crucial shipping lanes.

Businesses that traditionally transported electronics and other high-demand consumer goods from Asia to Europe through Middle Eastern hubs are now taking their shipments on detours through Los Angeles to cut costs, according to industry experts.

“It’s a lot faster than going by ocean around (the southern tip of Africa), but much, much cheaper than doing air direct,” said Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport.

The price surge in air freight stems from increased demand combined with expensive jet fuel costs, all while Iran continues blocking the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping passage.

Data from WorldACD Market Data shows air cargo capacity heading to the Middle East has dropped by more than half compared to the same period last year over the past two weeks.

Long-term air freight contracts from Vietnam to Europe have seen costs nearly double to $6.27 per kilogram since before the conflict began, Flexport reports.

However, shipping rates from Los Angeles to Paris have only increased by 8% as airlines expand passenger service due to high travel demand, creating additional cargo space in aircraft holds.

“We could see a bump if trade disruptions persist in the Middle East,” commented Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, which forms part of the nation’s largest seaport complex in Los Angeles.

The global air cargo industry, which analysts predicted would expand by 5.5% this year, has instead contracted by 1% due to the Iranian conflict that began in late February, according to Marco Bloemen, managing director at consulting firm Aevean.

Future recovery depends largely on major Gulf airlines restoring their wide-body passenger fleets, which provide approximately half the region’s air cargo capacity, Bloemen explained.

Niall van de Wouw, chief air freight officer at transportation pricing platform Xeneta, warned that slow tourism recovery in the Gulf region after hostilities end could force airlines to reduce passenger service, further affecting cargo operations.

“Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways operate some of the world’s most important air freight networks,” van de Wouw noted.

British Airways announced Thursday it would reduce Middle East flights when operations restart, signaling that regional tensions continue affecting travel demand.

Major shipping companies like UPS maintain regional operations through “contingency plans” while avoiding key hubs like Dubai with their pilot crews.

Charter aircraft companies have stepped in to handle some routes, but aviation fuel supplies are expected to stay limited and expensive for several months ahead.

“The major issue for everyone is the massive hike in fuel prices,” explained Dan Morgan-Evans, group cargo director at Air Charter Service.

One client of AIT Worldwide Logistics paid five to six times normal rates to transport oil drilling equipment to Saudi Arabia by air and truck after canceling planned ocean shipping from Houston due to the conflict, said Ryan Carter, the company’s Americas executive vice president.

Despite the steep costs, many businesses feel they have little choice but to pay premium air shipping rates.

“Sometimes the cargo just has to move,” Morgan-Evans said.

A major cryptocurrency exchange has achieved a financial industry first by securing direct access to the Federal Reserve’s payment system, but the historic move is raising red flags among banking officials and lawmakers.

Kraken, a Wyoming-based digital currency platform established in 2011, made history last month when it became the initial cryptocurrency company to obtain a Fed master account. The Kansas City Federal Reserve approved a “limited-purpose” account for a one-year period, though specific restrictions remain undisclosed by both organizations.

These specialized accounts function similarly to banking services for financial institutions, enabling account holders to transfer funds directly through the Federal Reserve’s payment infrastructure.

The approval has generated pushback from banking institutions and Representative Maxine Waters, the leading Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, who cite potential threats to financial system stability. Critics argue the approval process lacked transparency and violated Federal Reserve procedures. Waters has demanded the Kansas City Fed provide additional information by Friday.

While banks face potential competition as crypto companies enter their domain, some regulatory specialists believe the banking sector’s risk concerns have merit.

A Kraken representative explained to Reuters that the Fed master account enables the company’s Wyoming banking division to utilize the central bank’s wholesale payment network, Fedwire, and maintain limited overnight balances. This capability allows the company to bypass traditional bank intermediaries and process transactions more quickly and cost-effectively.

However, Kraken’s account differs from typical arrangements. The company cannot generate interest on reserve funds held at the Fed or utilize emergency Fed lending or the central bank’s FedNow and ACH payment networks, according to the spokesperson. The representative declined to specify whether Kraken would have Fed credit access.

These account specifications have not been previously disclosed. Kraken plans to initially serve wholesale customers and hopes to expand services later, according to Jonathan Jachym, the company’s global policy director.

“We look at this as a great testament to regulatory rigor and cooperation. It promotes principles of both safety and soundness, and innovation,” said Jachym.

A Kansas City Fed representative confirmed they were examining Waters’ correspondence but declined additional comment.

The account approval, granted more than five years after Kraken’s initial application, represents another win for the digital asset sector under President Trump’s cryptocurrency-supportive administration, which is expanding the industry’s mainstream financial access while alarming traditional banks.

Additional crypto firms including Ripple, Anchorage Digital, and fintech payment company Wise are pursuing similar master accounts, based on public records.

Regional Federal Reserve banks oversee these accounts under Fed board guidance. The central bank has indicated plans to expand payment system access to additional crypto and fintech companies. In December, officials requested public input on a proposed new payment account type with restrictions similar to Kraken’s arrangement. This proposed account would also exclude Fed credit access.

Federal Reserve officials stated these limitations would reduce liquidity disruptions, minimize credit risk to the central bank, and preserve reserve management capabilities.

Despite protective measures, providing crypto firms direct Fedwire access—which supports the global dollar clearing network—introduces money-laundering and operational hazards while potentially draining banking system liquidity, lenders have cautioned.

Federal Reserve regulations limit master accounts to depository institutions. Kraken and Anchorage possess depository licenses but lack federal insurance. Wise and Ripple are pursuing comparable licenses alongside several other cryptocurrency companies.

Although the Fed thoroughly reviews uninsured depository institution applications, these entities face less stringent ongoing supervision than federally insured banks.

“The concern is by introducing institutions that may have less of a track record, less rigorous compliance and operations, even if they have limited models, that it could create a degree of systemic risk,” said Richard Levin, chair of the fintech practice at Taft Stettinius & Hollister.

Regulators have consistently highlighted that fintech and cryptocurrency sectors sometimes maintain inadequate internal controls and cybersecurity measures. A primary concern involves these firms potentially becoming operational weak points. Cyberattacks, system failures, or liquidity problems could trigger settlement breakdowns, creating system-wide effects and forcing Fed intervention.

“They don’t have the experience,” said Yesha Yadav, an associate dean at Vanderbilt University Law School.

The cryptocurrency industry also faces elevated money-laundering exposure, an issue Fed Governor Michael Barr emphasized in December when opposing the Fed’s information request regarding potential new payment accounts.

The Kraken spokesperson stated the company’s bank reserves maintain full backing and comply with all banking-level anti-money laundering and customer verification requirements, noting the company has never experienced security breaches.

Rachel Anderika, Anchorage’s chief operating officer, emphasized uniform anti-money laundering rule application. “The AML risks with crypto are unique, but they are entirely manageable.”

London-based transfer service Wise declined commentary. A Ripple spokesperson referenced CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s December social media statement that the industry was “prioritizing compliance.”

More broadly, eliminating bank intermediaries and potentially enabling additional crypto and fintech firms to deposit funds directly with the Fed could eventually drain deposits from the banking system, experts warn.

“Banks play a critical role as a keystone in the resilience of the broader financial system,” said Kathryn Judge, a professor at Columbia Law School. “We need to be thoughtful, particularly when we are allowing access to a valuable federal resource.”

Fed regulatory chief Michelle Bowman stated last month that Kraken’s account would not automatically trigger widespread approvals, while acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the situation.

“It’s a bit of an experiment,” she said.

French catering and food services company Sodexo dramatically lowered its financial projections for 2026 on Friday, acknowledging significant operational challenges that have plagued the business for years. The announcement triggered a sharp 13% drop in the company’s stock price.

The food service giant now anticipates organic revenue growth of just 0.5% to 1% this year, a steep reduction from its previous forecast of 1.5% to 2.5%. The company also expects its underlying operating margin to fall significantly to between 3.2% and 3.4%, much lower than earlier projections of a slight decline from last year’s 4.7%.

Jefferies analysts warned in their initial assessment of the half-year report that “shares should react negatively given a bigger-than-expected earnings reset and deteriorating commercial performance in H1.”

The company’s stock has plummeted approximately 40% over the past two years, significantly trailing behind major competitors Compass and Aramark. New Chief Executive Officer Thierry Delaporte directly addressed this poor performance during media briefings.

“We have consistently underperformed compared to the market and our competitors,” Delaporte stated to reporters. “The causes are deep-rooted and long-standing.”

Delaporte, who took over from Sophie Bellon in November, identified several critical problems within the organization. He said Sodexo had failed to invest adequately in essential skills and struggled with inconsistent performance and forecasting.

The new CEO also highlighted problems with commercial intensity, priority management, and an overly complex decision-making framework, all areas he plans to reform.

Financial analyst Yi Zhong from AlphaValue predicted that Sodexo will need to boost capital expenditures to compete with industry peers, potentially requiring reduced dividend payments.

The company’s struggles are particularly pronounced in North America, where revenue declined 3.7% to 12.02 billion euros ($14.05 billion) during the first half of its fiscal year. Currency conversion effects and continued weakness in the North American market contributed to results falling approximately 60 million euros short of analyst expectations.

Morningstar analyst Ben Slupecki suggested that increased competition from Aramark may be contributing to Sodexo’s difficulties in U.S. markets.

“Sodexo has failed to adjust, has been caught flat-footed, and has seen net new deceleration into losses in the first half of the year,” Slupecki explained to Reuters.

Wall Street investors remained cautious Friday morning, with stock market futures showing minimal activity as traders awaited key inflation data while keeping a close eye on developments in the Middle East.

A two-week ceasefire deal announced earlier this week between the United States and Iran has helped propel major market indices toward strong weekly performance. The S&P 500 appears headed for its largest weekly increase since November, while the Dow Jones is on pace for its most significant gain since June.

Market attention will center on the March Consumer Price Index report, set for release at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. The data is anticipated to reveal how rising energy costs from the Iran conflict have affected the American economy.

Economic forecasters surveyed by Reuters predict consumer prices experienced their steepest climb in almost four years during March, with annual CPI expected to reach 3.3%. Such figures could diminish expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year.

Money market traders are currently not anticipating any policy loosening through 2026. Before the conflict erupted, they had projected two rate reductions, according to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. During the height of tensions, some even increased bets on a possible rate hike in December.

UBS Global Wealth Management analysts stated, “While Fed officials expected higher oil prices to delay the anticipated decline in US inflation toward their 2% target, we continue to believe that the central bank remains on track to cut rates later this year.”

The analysts anticipate that “sequential core inflation to cool” in upcoming months as tariff impacts diminish and weakening labor demand could potentially drive unemployment higher, which might support the argument for rate reductions.

As of 4:45 a.m. Eastern Time, Dow E-mini contracts dropped 72 points or 0.15%, S&P 500 E-minis fell 5.75 points or 0.08%, and Nasdaq 100 E-minis declined 21.25 points or 0.08%.

Market participants continued monitoring Iran conflict developments, as the two-week ceasefire between America and Iran displayed signs of stress before the initial round of negotiations scheduled for Saturday.

Nevertheless, markets found reassurance in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements indicating his pursuit of direct discussions with Beirut, which contributed to Thursday’s gains across Wall Street’s primary indices.

Following Friday’s market opening, traders will also monitor the preliminary April reading of the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey.

The maker of iPhones secured the top position in worldwide smartphone deliveries during the opening quarter of this year, according to new research from Counterpoint Research released Friday.

Apple managed to increase its shipments by 5% compared to the same three-month period in 2023, despite significant headwinds affecting the broader mobile device industry.

The technology giant’s success came as the entire smartphone market continued to face difficulties from limited availability of memory components and decreased consumer confidence, the research firm noted.

The quarterly performance demonstrates Apple’s ability to maintain momentum in a challenging environment where many competitors have struggled with supply chain issues and reduced demand from buyers.

Chinese automotive manufacturers experienced a dramatic increase in overseas vehicle sales during March, according to data released Friday by an industry trade group, as companies intensify their international expansion efforts.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reported that passenger vehicle exports climbed 82.4% compared to the same period last year, reaching approximately 748,000 units. This represents a significant increase from February’s export total of 586,000 vehicles.

Electric and hybrid passenger vehicles showed even more impressive growth, with exports skyrocketing over 140% year-over-year in March to 363,000 units. This figure also marked a 31% increase from February’s approximately 276,000 exported electric and hybrid vehicles.

Major Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Geely Auto have intensified their international sales strategies, including establishing manufacturing operations beyond China’s borders. Industry observers anticipate that global energy disruptions and elevated fuel costs stemming from the Iran conflict may encourage more consumers to consider switching to electric vehicles.

Chinese automotive brands have successfully penetrated markets across Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia in recent months.

“The impact of the Iran conflict hasn’t fully shown up in March data yet, but it can act as a trigger,” said Chris Liu, a Shanghai-based senior analyst at advisory group Omdia.

“In many markets that are structurally well suited for EVs, adoption has been slow simply because consumers lacked urgency,” he said. “A sharp rise in fuel prices changes that.”

This international expansion comes as Chinese automakers face challenges in their home market, where domestic vehicle sales have been hurt by reduced government incentives for electric vehicle purchases this year.

Intense competition among automotive brands within China, combined with a struggling real estate sector that has dampened consumer appetite for major purchases, has also affected domestic manufacturers.

Home market passenger vehicle sales dropped 19.2% in March compared to the previous year, totaling nearly 1.7 million units. This marked the fifth straight month of declining domestic sales, based on industry association figures.

UBS automotive analyst Paul Gong expects the domestic sales downturn to be temporary and believes strong international sales growth could compensate for weaker home market performance.

“For the overall industry, the overseas market’s sales volume growth is more than enough to offset domestic decline on a full-year basis,” said Gong, head of China autos research at UBS investment bank.

He forecasts that Chinese automakers’ international passenger vehicle sales could increase by 20% or more this year compared to 2023.

Major commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler Truck announced Friday that its global vehicle sales dropped 9% during the first quarter, primarily due to struggling demand in North American markets.

The German-based company, recognized as among the world’s leading truck manufacturers, delivered 68,849 commercial vehicles between January and March 2026, compared to 75,758 units during the same period last year.

The company’s North American truck division experienced particularly steep losses, with sales falling 25% to 29,432 vehicles.

Company Chief Financial Officer Eva Scherer had previously cautioned in March that financial impacts from United States trade tariffs would be substantially greater in 2026, after President Donald Trump implemented 25% import duties beginning in November of the previous year.

An NPR correspondent recently embarked on a cross-country journey to gauge public reaction to the ongoing surge in gasoline prices affecting drivers nationwide.

Michel Martin, a journalist with National Public Radio, traveled from Washington D.C. through Ohio, stopping to speak with residents about how the increasing cost of fuel is impacting their daily lives and budgets.

The reporting expedition was designed to capture firsthand accounts from Americans dealing with the financial strain of higher prices at the pump, providing insight into how these economic pressures are affecting communities across the country.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has started setting up machinery at its new semiconductor packaging plant in Bastrop, Texas, with company insiders revealing plans to launch manufacturing operations before 2024 comes to a close.

According to two individuals with knowledge of the project who spoke to Reuters, the space exploration company is moving forward with equipment installation at the advanced chip facility, though the timeline has experienced some setbacks.

The Texas plant will handle the packaging of radio frequency chips that power SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet network, according to the sources who requested anonymity since the details haven’t been made public.

Currently, outside contractors handle the packaging of these RF chips, but SpaceX intends to move at least a portion of this work to its own facility once operations begin, a third source confirmed.

SpaceX has not yet provided a response to requests for comment about the project.

Earlier this year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that SpaceX would invest over $280 million to expand the Bastrop location by one million square feet over the next three years. The expansion will focus on manufacturing Starlink equipment and components, including sophisticated packaged silicon products.

This development aligns with Musk’s broader strategy to enhance SpaceX’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. Last month, the billionaire entrepreneur revealed plans to construct cutting-edge chip production facilities at a large complex in Austin, Texas.

Two prominent artificial intelligence firms are reportedly exploring a major business combination that has garnered government backing, according to a German business publication.

Handelsblatt newspaper reported Thursday evening that Canadian AI company Cohere and German firm Aleph Alpha have entered into discussions about merging their operations, with Berlin officials expressing enthusiasm for the potential partnership.

According to the publication’s government and industry sources, German officials are prepared to serve as a significant client for the combined entity as part of efforts to expand digital government services.

German Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger expressed optimism about the potential partnership to the newspaper, stating: “If leading AI companies from Canada and Germany were to join forces that would send a very strong signal.” The minister also noted that the two nations already maintain strong cooperation in artificial intelligence development.

When contacted for comment, Aleph Alpha acknowledged that exploring strategic partnerships is routine within the AI sector and emphasized the company maintains its own independent business strategy, but declined to provide additional details about the reported discussions.

Cohere has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the merger talks.

The newspaper indicated that negotiations began in early 2024 and have progressed significantly, with preliminary plans calling for the merged company to maintain headquarters in both nations.

Federal safety officials announced Friday that Hyundai Motor America will pull 294,128 vehicles off U.S. roads following the discovery of a potentially dangerous seat belt malfunction.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that faulty seat belt anchors in the affected vehicles could come loose, creating serious safety risks for passengers during accidents.

Four Hyundai models are included in this major recall: the Ioniq 6, Genesis G90, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Hybrid, according to federal regulators.

Safety officials warn that when seat belt anchors become detached, they cannot properly secure vehicle occupants, significantly raising the chances of serious injuries during collisions.

To address this safety concern, authorized dealerships will examine the problematic seat belt anchors and either strengthen the existing hardware or install completely new anchors when needed, the federal agency confirmed.

The German luxury automaker Porsche AG experienced a significant downturn in vehicle sales during the opening quarter of 2026, with particularly steep drops in two of its most important markets – China and the United States.

The Stuttgart-based manufacturer announced Friday that worldwide vehicle deliveries dropped 15% to 60,991 units during the January through March period.

China, which previously served as a crucial growth driver for the luxury brand, saw deliveries plummet 21% as the company faced intense pressure from domestic manufacturers offering competitive pricing and advanced technology features.

Meanwhile, North American sales declined 10%, influenced in part by the elimination of federal tax credits for electric vehicle purchases, the company explained in its quarterly report.

Germany stood as the sole bright spot for Porsche, with the domestic market posting a 4% increase in deliveries. However, sales across other European markets crashed 18% during the same timeframe.

Last year, the automaker made a strategic shift back toward traditional gasoline-powered vehicles while postponing several electric model launches due to weakening consumer demand. This pivot resulted in a substantial 1.8 billion euro ($2.1 billion) hit to company profits.

Under the leadership of new Chief Executive Michael Leiters, Porsche has committed to implementing aggressive cost reduction measures and introducing fresh vehicle models as part of a comprehensive recovery strategy.

Sales board member Matthias Becker noted that the quarterly results were “overall in line with our expectations,” acknowledging that the figures reflected both the discontinuation of the gas-powered 718 model series and comparisons to a particularly strong performance period for the electric Macan in the previous year.

HONG KONG (AP) — Markets across Asia climbed Friday, following the upward momentum from Wall Street, as crude oil values increased in anticipation of upcoming ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran scheduled for Pakistan.

South Korea’s Kospi index surged 1.8% to close at 5,879.71, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 advanced 1.6% to reach 56,789.58. Fast Retailing, the company behind Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo, saw its shares spike over 10% after announcing improved annual profit forecasts.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index climbed 0.7% to 25,919.12, and China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.6% to 3,991.14. Chinese officials released data Friday showing the nation’s consumer price index increased 1% year-over-year in March, falling short of analyst predictions and declining from February’s 1.3% rise.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.4%, while Taiwan’s Taiex advanced 1.3% and India’s Sensex posted a 0.7% gain.

Diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran are set to commence Saturday in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad, focusing on establishing a lasting ceasefire arrangement in the ongoing Iran conflict. Vice President JD Vance will head the American negotiating team.

However, concerns about the stability of the current two-week truce emerged following Wednesday’s fatal Israeli attacks in Lebanon, casting doubt on whether the temporary ceasefire remains effective. Iran continues to maintain authority over the Strait of Hormuz, keeping the crucial shipping lane mostly shut despite American pressure to reopen this vital route for international energy transportation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his approval for discussions with Lebanon, with those negotiations reportedly planned for Washington in the coming week.

Energy markets saw modest increases Friday, with Brent crude, the global benchmark, rising 0.5% to $96.42 per barrel. U.S. benchmark crude gained 0.4% to reach $98.28 per barrel.

Regarding future oil pricing, Barclays analyst Ajay Rajadhyaksha noted in recent research that “$65-70 a barrel is not coming back,” referencing pre-conflict price levels. The financial institution forecasts Brent crude averaging approximately $85 per barrel throughout this year.

“A ceasefire is not a refund,” he stated. “Ceasefires end wars; they don’t undo them.”

Thursday’s trading session on Wall Street ended positively amid optimism surrounding the Iran conflict ceasefire. The S&P 500 increased 0.6% to 6,824.66, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.6% to 48,185.80, and the Nasdaq composite advanced 0.8% to 22,822.42.

Constellation Brands, distributor of Modelo and Corona beer brands in America, jumped 8.5% after reporting quarterly earnings that exceeded expectations. Cloud computing company CoreWeave gained 3.5% following news of an extended partnership with Meta Platforms running through 2032. Meta’s stock price increased 2.6%.

Precious metals experienced declines, with gold falling 0.5% to $4,791.90 per ounce and silver dropping 0.6% to $76.02 per ounce.

Currency markets showed the U.S. dollar strengthening to 159.18 Japanese yen from the previous 158.96 yen. The euro traded at $1.1694, down from $1.1699.

One of the co-founders behind the renowned Italian luxury fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana has left his chairman position, according to business documents filed with Milan’s chamber of commerce.

Stefano Gabbana, who helped establish the high-end fashion house, resigned from the chairman role this past January. Bloomberg first broke the story on April 10th, reporting that the designer is also exploring possibilities for his approximately 40 percent ownership share in the company as discussions with bank lenders approach.

Representatives for Dolce & Gabbana did not respond to requests for comment about Gabbana’s departure from the leadership position.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced Friday that its first-quarter earnings reached T$1.134 trillion (equivalent to $35.71 billion), marking a substantial 35% increase from the same period last year and exceeding Wall Street predictions.

The world’s leading contract semiconductor manufacturer saw its January through March earnings climb significantly from T$839.3 billion recorded during the first quarter of 2023. Company officials released only basic financial figures without additional operational details.

The quarterly performance surpassed the LSEG SmartEstimate projection of T$1.125 billion compiled from 20 financial analysts. The earnings aligned with TSMC’s previous forecast range of $34.6 billion to $35.8 billion announced during their January investor call. The company typically provides financial guidance using U.S. dollar figures.

Complete first-quarter financial results and forward-looking projections for the current quarter and full year will be disclosed on April 16 when TSMC releases its comprehensive earnings report.

The semiconductor giant, which counts Nvidia among its major customers, has experienced significant growth from artificial intelligence technology advancement. This AI-driven demand has successfully compensated for declining orders of chips used in consumer devices like tablets, which had surged during the pandemic but have since normalized.

TSMC’s stock performance on the Taipei exchange has climbed 29% year-to-date, outpacing the benchmark index’s 22% gain. Friday’s trading session concluded with shares rising 2.3%.

Taiwan-based Foxconn, recognized as the world’s largest contract electronics manufacturer and Nvidia’s primary server producer, similarly reported strong financial results with first-quarter revenue increasing 30% compared to the previous year.

WASHINGTON — Rising fuel costs are anticipated to drive consumer price increases to their highest level in almost four years when federal officials release March inflation data on Friday, potentially complicating monetary policy decisions and creating additional economic headaches for the current administration.

Economic analysts predict consumer prices climbed 3.4% in March when compared to the same period last year, representing a significant jump from February’s 2.4% annual increase. Month-over-month, economists surveyed by FactSet anticipate prices advanced 0.9% from February to March, which would mark the steepest monthly climb since 2022.

Prior to this development, inflation had shown modest signs of cooling since autumn. A 3.4% reading would represent the highest level in nearly 24 months and remains well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% objective.

“There is going to be a headline sticker shock here,” said Michael Metcalfe, head of macro strategy at State Street, which produces PriceStats, a measure of inflation culled from millions of online prices. Their data suggests inflation could leap by 1.5% just in March from February.

When removing volatile food and energy sectors, core consumer prices are projected to have increased 2.7% in March compared to one year prior, climbing from February’s 2.5%. Monthly core price growth is expected at 0.3% from February to March, exceeding the pace needed to meet the Fed’s inflation goals.

Fuel costs jumped approximately 20% during March, a development that reduces consumers’ purchasing power for other products and services while potentially dampening overall economic expansion. Many Americans have limited flexibility to alter their driving patterns in the near term, as these are largely dictated by residential, shopping, and employment locations. Consequently, most people will absorb higher fuel expenses and potentially reduce spending elsewhere.

Thursday’s national gas price average reached $4.17 per gallon, climbing 69 cents from the previous month.

The critical concern for consumers and the broader economy involves whether the oil and gas price surge will trigger sustained, widespread inflation similar to the post-pandemic period of 2021-2022. Consumer prices peaked at 9.1% in June 2022, as COVID-19 disrupted supply networks and multiple stimulus payments boosted consumer demand. Costs escalated for food, furniture, dining, and numerous other products and services.

Currently, economists note the employment market and consumer spending show less strength, with no substantial government stimulus payments driving demand. While unemployment remains low at 4.3%, companies aren’t aggressively hiring as they did during the post-pandemic recovery, when many businesses offered significant wage increases to attract and retain employees.

Strong wage growth and steady income increases previously helped consumers manage higher costs resulting from pandemic supply chain problems, while also fueling demand spikes that prompted many businesses to raise prices further.

“That’s where this really differs, is that we aren’t seeing anywhere near the strength of demand,” Alan Detmeister, an economist at UBS, said. In 2021 and 2022, income growth “was increasing really strongly. We aren’t seeing that now,” he added.

Detmeister believes a more appropriate comparison may be 1990-91, when elevated oil and gas prices following Iraq’s Kuwait invasion contributed to economic recession without triggering inflation increases, partly due to reduced consumer spending.

The fuel price surge’s inflation impact resembles former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies, with effects depending primarily on the magnitude and length of the increases.

Currently, economists anticipate March and April impacts will primarily affect energy-dependent sectors including airlines, shipping companies, and mass transit. The American economy relies far less on oil and gas than in previous decades.

Nevertheless, the substantial inflation increase — almost certainly continuing for multiple months — has already altered Federal Reserve discussions. The central bank started the year anticipating several interest rate reductions, but increasing numbers of Fed officials now consider rate increases if core inflation doesn’t decline meaningfully.

Most officials will likely support maintaining the Fed’s benchmark interest rate at approximately 3.6% in coming months while assessing economic developments. Investors currently don’t anticipate Fed rate cuts until late 2027.

Rising fuel costs present challenges for the Fed because they can simultaneously slow growth by reducing consumer spending and potentially causing job losses. The Fed typically reduces rates to encourage spending when unemployment rises, while raising rates to fight inflation.

Higher oil and gas costs will likely increase grocery prices, creating additional hardship for consumers who have already experienced roughly 25% higher food costs since the pandemic. Virtually all groceries are transported by diesel trucks, and diesel prices have increased even more than regular gasoline. However, analysts don’t expect food price acceleration for another month or two.

WASHINGTON – March consumer prices are projected to have climbed at their fastest pace in nearly four years as the ongoing conflict with Iran drove oil costs higher and tariff impacts continued to affect the economy, potentially eliminating prospects for Federal Reserve rate reductions in 2025.

The expected monthly Consumer Price Index jump would come alongside strong employment growth recorded last month, indicating the job market remains resilient. However, analysts worry that extended Middle Eastern hostilities could weaken employment if consumers reduce spending in response to elevated prices.

The conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran has pushed global oil costs up over 30%, causing average gas prices nationwide to exceed $4 per gallon for the first time in more than three years. While President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire Tuesday contingent on Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the agreement appears unstable.

Friday’s Labor Department inflation report will likely capture only the immediate impact of the oil price spike, which has also increased diesel costs. Core inflation measures excluding volatile food and energy sectors probably rose moderately, according to economic forecasts.

“The top level CPI is going to look pretty ugly,” said Brian Bethune, an economics professor at Boston College. “There is a second wave coming, which will be the fuel surcharges that will start to show up and cross to the other commodities, food in particular will be hit.”

Economists surveyed by Reuters predict the CPI climbed 0.9% last month, marking the steepest monthly increase since June 2022 when prices spiked during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Projections range from 0.4% to 1.7% growth. February’s consumer prices increased 0.3%.

Year-over-year through March, the CPI is estimated to have grown 3.3%, representing the largest annual gain since May 2024 and up from February’s 2.4% increase. While significantly below the 9.1% peak reached in June 2022, March’s anticipated jump would highlight ongoing affordability struggles for consumers.

Trump secured the 2024 presidential election with promises to reduce costs for Americans.

“Trump has betrayed working families,” said Alex Jacquez, chief of policy and advocacy at Groundwork Collaborative, a think tank and progressive advocacy group. “The president’s illegal war in Iran is just the latest in his misguided economic agenda that continues to pummel American families, small businesses and communities.”

Excluding food and energy, the CPI is projected to have increased 0.3% last month following February’s 0.2% gain. This would result in a 2.7% annual increase in core CPI. The moderate rise after February’s 2.5% advance will likely provide little reassurance to Federal Reserve officials, who anticipate acceleration in April as secondary oil price effects emerge.

The Fed monitors Personal Consumption Expenditures price indexes for its 2% inflation target. These measures showed significant monthly increases in February. Both core CPI and PCE inflation have been influenced by businesses transferring portions of Trump’s widespread tariffs to consumers, counteracting declining rent trends.

Tariffs have elevated costs across various sectors, including clothing, home furnishings, communications, personal care items, recreational products, and vehicles.

Looking ahead, economists anticipate the Middle Eastern conflict will push core prices higher through expensive jet fuel raising airline tickets and diesel increasing transportation costs for goods. Fertilizer and plastic prices are also expected to climb.

“Even though we have had a pretty sharp drawdown in prices in the last couple of days, that increase we saw is in the pipeline, and we are going to continue to see increases in inflation,” said Dan North, senior economist at Allianz Trade Americas. North noted that the conflict’s duration will determine how long inflation effects persist.

Rising inflation has convinced some economists the Fed will not lower interest rates this year, a view strengthened by Wednesday’s release of minutes from the central bank’s March 17-18 policy meeting, which revealed growing numbers of policymakers considering potential rate increases. The Fed maintained its benchmark overnight rate in the 3.50%-3.75% range.

Some economists still anticipate possible rate cuts if employment conditions worsen. Others suggest that consumers reducing spending as gas prices erode purchasing power could prevent businesses from passing along higher oil-related costs.

“When we look out, let’s say towards the final quarter of 2026 and the end of the year, there may be some element that pushes the Fed to ease monetary policy, but that would be for bad reasons,” said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY Parthenon. “But we have to contend with this very real possibility that the next Fed move is a rate hike.”

Manufacturing costs in China climbed for the first time in three and a half years during March, according to government statistics released Friday, marking an early indication that Middle Eastern conflicts are driving up expenses throughout the world’s second-largest economy.

Economic experts cautioned that inflation sparked by rising costs instead of increased demand could create challenging policy choices, potentially hampering economic growth and reducing opportunities for government stimulus measures.

The producer price index jumped 0.5% compared to the same period last year, according to National Bureau of Statistics data, breaking a 41-month period of decreasing prices. This figure exceeded the 0.4% increase that Reuters-surveyed economists had predicted.

Manufacturing costs skyrocketed in energy-dependent sectors, with non-ferrous metal mining operations experiencing a 36.4% increase last month while metal smelting and processing industries saw a 22.4% rise, as elevated oil prices drove up production expenses.

International inflation pressures leave companies with minimal protection when they cannot transfer increased input expenses to customers, creating pressure on profit margins, capital investment, and employment, according to economic analysts.

Consumer prices, however, increased at a more moderate rate. The consumer price index advanced 1% year-over-year, down from February’s 1.3% increase. Reuters-polled economists had anticipated a 1.2% price climb.

Month-to-month consumer prices dropped 0.7%, contrasting with predictions of a 0.2% decrease and February’s 1% gain.

These primarily international price pressures emerge during a sensitive period for an economy that continues to struggle domestically while facing increased exposure to declining international demand.

Vehicle sales within China decreased for the sixth consecutive month in March, as higher fuel costs reduced interest in gasoline-powered vehicles while electric car sales remained affected by diminished government incentives.

This pattern highlights an increasing challenge for government officials. Although the central bank has indicated potential for additional economic support measures, stronger overall inflation could restrict aggressive monetary stimulus if pressures extend beyond energy and upstream sectors.

A central bank advisor stated in late March that China must balance increasing inflation against growth concerns.

Core consumer prices, which exclude food and fuel costs, increased 1.1% year-over-year, compared to February’s 1.8% rise. Chinese officials have limited domestic fuel price increases to reduce the impact of surging oil costs.

Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama announced Friday that private credit investments currently don’t represent a significant threat to the country’s domestic financial system, though she acknowledged potential risks from the $2 trillion sector might be addressed during next week’s G7 finance ministers’ gathering.

“Japan’s exposure to the private credit market is not particularly large. It’s not that there is no investment at all, but we do not view this as a major issue domestically at this point,” Katayama stated during her routine press briefing.

The minister’s statements follow ongoing examinations by Japan’s Financial Services Agency into how much major financial institutions have invested in private credit, as concerns grow about emerging problems within the massive global private credit sector.

Katayama explained that she receives regular updates on these developments from the financial oversight agency, noting that discussions about whether risks are accumulating and being properly supervised could arise when G7 finance leaders convene in Washington next week.

“Even so, at present, I do not believe the situation has developed into problems on the scale of past crises,” she emphasized.

In the United States, private credit investment funds have experienced significant withdrawal demands as nervous individual investors exit quickly due to worries about transparency, asset valuations, and disruptions related to artificial intelligence technology.

While Japan’s domestic private credit sector remains relatively modest because companies can still access conventional bank loans fairly easily, Japanese financial institutions have increased their funding to international private credit funds recently as they seek better investment returns.

The US dollar is on track for its steepest weekly decline since January as global currencies strengthen amid growing optimism that a Gulf region ceasefire will persist and oil transportation will return to normal levels.

Market direction in the coming days will likely depend on weekend negotiations between the United States and Iran taking place in Pakistan’s capital.

Throughout March, the dollar had surged as investors sought safety during the US and Israeli conflict with Iran, which caused oil prices to soar, damaged stock markets, and created inflation concerns that hurt bond values.

However, since Tuesday’s fragile ceasefire agreement, these market positions are reversing, with the US dollar index dropping 1.3% during the current week.

The euro has climbed past its 200-day moving average this week, reaching $1.1690 and breaking through technical resistance that could lead to additional gains.

Risk-sensitive currencies from Australia and New Zealand are posting weekly gains of nearly 3% against the dollar, with the Australian dollar trading just over 70 cents and New Zealand’s currency at $0.5847. The British pound has surged 1.8% this week, rising above its 200-day moving average to $1.3424.

Even Japan’s yen, which faces pressure from the country’s low interest rates, government spending initiatives, and reliance on oil imports, remains just above recent lows at 159.2 against the dollar.

“People were buying the U.S. dollar when the war was at its most intense moment and now they’re selling as the tail risk of a really bad outcome has faded quite a bit,” explained Jason Wong, senior strategist at BNZ in Wellington.

“Even though it still looks a bit shaky, the ceasefire removing that tail risk is important from a sentiment point of view,” Wong noted, while warning that conditions could change rapidly if this weekend’s anticipated peace discussions fail to show progress.

During the ceasefire’s first day, only one oil tanker and five cargo ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a dramatic decrease from the pre-war traffic of approximately 140 vessels daily carrying about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Iranian representatives reached Pakistan’s capital on Thursday, while a US delegation headed by Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to arrive Friday for discussions that investors hope will establish permanent peace.

“If there’s positive talks, that would be dollar negative. And if we get to Monday and talks went badly and there’s still a lack of ships…things could turn around quickly,” Wong warned.

South Korea’s central bank maintained its benchmark interest rate unchanged Friday as anticipated, keeping the won at 1,478 per dollar after recovering from levels beyond 1,500.

This week’s dollar weakness has pushed China’s yuan to its highest levels since 2023, trading at 6.83 per dollar in offshore markets. The yuan has remained relatively stable since the conflict began in late February.

“The CNY has been a surprising winner of the Iran war, despite China’s role as the largest oil importer in the world,” observed ING economist Lynn Song.

“At least a few market participants have mentioned re-evaluating the ‘China risk premium’ amid rising global uncertainty elsewhere, which has led to China looking more and more like the adult in the room.”

Global financial markets experienced volatility Friday morning as escalating Middle East tensions cast doubt on the stability of this week’s ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Asian trading sessions opened with modest gains, but investor confidence wavered amid concerns about Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon, which Iran has identified as a major obstacle to maintaining the recently brokered peace agreement.

Market performance across the Asia-Pacific region showed mixed signals, with the MSCI index of regional shares excluding Japan climbing 0.5%. South Korea’s Kospi index led the way with a 1.9% increase, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 1.5%. U.S. futures markets for the S&P 500 managed to recover from earlier declines to finish unchanged.

“The U.S.-Iran ceasefire led to a sharp recovery in Asian markets but the risk-on sentiment got tested yesterday,” explained Rupal Agarwal, who serves as Asia quant strategist at Bernstein in Singapore.

“We believe this could be the beginning of the end and is presenting an opportunity for investors to focus on pre-war trends and fundamentals,” Agarwal continued. “We recommend adding back some beaten-down names.”

Thursday’s trading in the United States saw the S&P 500 advance 0.6%, with international equity benchmarks posting small gains following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that he would pursue direct negotiations with Beirut. This diplomatic overture came just one day after the conflict’s deadliest bombardment claimed over 300 lives in Lebanon, putting the U.S.-Iran ceasefire at risk.

Energy markets responded sharply to renewed hostilities, with Brent crude oil climbing 1% to reach $96.83 per barrel during Asian trading hours. The price increase followed Hezbollah’s missile launch toward Israel, which activated emergency sirens across multiple areas, including Tel Aviv.

Maritime traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz remained severely restricted, with shipping volumes running at less than 10% of typical levels Thursday. Iran continues to maintain control over this vital passage, which normally handles approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas transportation.

The six-week conflict with Iran and the resulting strait closure have created significant disruptions across global markets, driving up energy costs and creating supply shortages worldwide.

President Donald Trump issued a stern statement regarding Iran’s handling of the shipping lane. Writing on Truth Social, he criticized Iran for doing a “very poor job” of permitting oil transit through the strait. “That is not the agreement we have!” Trump posted, highlighting Washington’s growing impatience as market disruptions continue to worsen.

Currency markets saw the U.S. dollar index gain 0.1% to reach 98.92, supported by Thursday’s employment data showing weekly unemployment claims rose by 16,000 to 219,000. Continuing jobless claims decreased by 38,000 to 1.794 million, marking the lowest figure since May 2024.

Inflation data revealed the Core PCE price index increased 0.4% for the second consecutive month, representing a 3.0% annual growth rate.

Bond markets pushed the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes up by 0.6 basis points to 4.285%.

Federal Reserve interest rate expectations shifted based on recent economic indicators, with futures markets now pricing in the next 25-basis-point rate reduction for April 2027. The probability that the central bank will maintain current rates at that meeting has dropped to 49.6% from Thursday’s 64%, according to CME Group’s FedWatch tracking tool.

In corporate news, Carlyle Group reported that investors have requested withdrawals exceeding 15% of assets from its primary private credit interval fund, as disclosed in a Thursday shareholder communication.

Cryptocurrency markets declined, with Bitcoin falling 0.7% to $71,903.27 and Ethereum dropping 1.0% to $2,191.81.

Elon Musk’s space exploration company SpaceX recorded a massive financial loss of almost $5 billion during 2025, despite bringing in more than $18.5 billion in revenue, according to a Thursday report from The Information that cited unnamed sources.

The rocket company, which is preparing for a public stock offering, did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the financial figures. Reuters was unable to independently confirm the reported numbers.

According to the report, the substantial loss incorporates costs associated with xAI, Musk’s artificial intelligence venture that SpaceX purchased in February. The acquisition appears to have significantly impacted the company’s bottom line for the year.

SpaceX has established itself as the globe’s busiest rocket launch provider and continues pursuing ambitious goals of making travel between planets a reality. The company has also announced intentions to establish artificial intelligence data processing facilities in space.

The financial results represent a dramatic shift from the previous year’s performance. In 2024, SpaceX earned approximately $8 billion in profits on revenue ranging from $15 billion to $16 billion, according to earlier Reuters reporting from January.

The company submitted confidential paperwork for a U.S. stock market listing in March and is targeting a potential market value exceeding $1.75 trillion when it goes public.

Federal financial leaders called an emergency session with banking industry executives this week to address cybersecurity threats linked to advanced artificial intelligence technology, according to a Bloomberg News report.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hosted the urgent Tuesday gathering at the Treasury Department headquarters in Washington to brief bank leaders on security vulnerabilities associated with Anthropic’s newest AI system, known as Mythos.

According to sources cited in the Thursday Bloomberg report, the session was designed to make sure financial institutions understand the potential dangers these sophisticated AI models could present and are implementing proper protective measures for their computer networks.

The news outlet reported that officials wanted banks to be prepared against risks from Mythos and comparable artificial intelligence systems currently being developed.

Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the details of this reported meeting.

PHOENIX — A federal court has refused to block Arizona prosecutors from pursuing criminal charges against prediction market company Kalshi, which stands accused of running an unlawful gambling operation within state borders.

U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi issued his ruling Wednesday, turning down Kalshi’s attempt to halt the criminal proceedings. The judge also rejected the company’s request for an immediate determination that federal regulations override Arizona’s gambling statutes, stating the case is too premature for such a decision.

Arizona’s Attorney General’s Office has filed 20 misdemeanor wagering violations against Kalshi, claiming the platform facilitated wagers on political elections, college athletics, and individual athlete statistics.

Arizona became the first state to pursue criminal charges against Kalshi, citing laws that ban unlicensed gambling businesses and election wagering. These criminal allegations represent a significant escalation in the ongoing legal dispute over whether prediction markets must comply with traditional gambling regulations.

The Associated Press reached out to Kalshi for response to the court decision. Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office refused to provide comment Thursday.

Kalshi is set to appear for arraignment Monday in Maricopa County Superior Court. The criminal proceedings are taking place in state court since the charges involve violations of state statutes.

The company, which describes itself as a financial exchange rather than a gambling site, is pursuing its civil lawsuit in federal court. Kalshi argues it should only be subject to oversight by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, not individual state authorities.

Kalshi’s business model involves customers purchasing and selling contracts for “Yes” or “No” positions based on potential event outcomes. The company claims its service differs from traditional gambling because users trade contracts with each other rather than wagering against the platform itself.

In a federal lawsuit filed shortly before criminal charges were announced, Kalshi maintained that federal law supersedes Arizona’s attempt to apply state regulations. The company also warned that preventing it from offering event contracts would damage its business viability, harm platform credibility, and create additional operational challenges.

Kalshi has accused Arizona of filing criminal charges specifically to disrupt its civil lawsuit.

State attorneys argue that Kalshi has promoted itself as a sports and election betting service, and Arizona has the authority to enforce its gambling regulations against the company for violating state statutes.

Kalshi has filed lawsuits against Arizona, Utah, and Iowa to prevent expected state enforcement actions. Multiple other states have initiated various forms of legal proceedings against the platform.

Court decisions have produced varying results across different jurisdictions. Judges in Nevada and Massachusetts have issued early decisions favoring states seeking to prohibit Kalshi and rival platform Polymarket from providing sports wagering services. However, federal judges in New Jersey and Tennessee have ruled in Kalshi’s favor.

Earlier this month, federal authorities filed legal challenges against Connecticut, Arizona, and Illinois, contesting those states’ regulatory efforts targeting prediction market operators.

The Trump administration has expressed support for these platforms.

Donald Trump Jr. serves as an advisor to both Kalshi and Polymarket while also holding an investment stake in Polymarket. Additionally, Trump’s Truth Social platform is developing its own cryptocurrency-based prediction market called Truth Predict.

Online betting platforms that allow people to place wagers on everything from sports to political outcomes are facing renewed scrutiny after suspicious trading activity surrounding the conflict in Iran.

Before this week’s fragile ceasefire agreement was announced, several new accounts on the Polymarket platform placed extremely precise, well-timed bets predicting a fighting halt would be declared on April 7. The traders collectively earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in winnings, while others await payouts as the conflict’s resolution remains uncertain.

These transactions have again highlighted concerns about the shadowy and rapidly expanding world of round-the-clock speculative betting that now dominates much of the internet. Questions about questionable activity have intensified, including one anonymous Polymarket user who earned over $400,000 after the U.S. military captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January.

The precise timing and subject matter of these trades have sparked worries about possible insider trading, with growing demands from legislators for formal investigations. Major platforms like Polymarket have implemented additional safeguards recently to prevent insider trading, though critics argue these measures fall short.

Additionally, since prediction market bets are classified differently from conventional gambling, disputes over government regulation have emerged. The Trump administration has already expressed support for platform operators and filed lawsuits against three states attempting to impose stricter regulations.

The range of subjects covered by prediction markets varies enormously. While there has been increased wagering on elections and athletic competitions lately, users have also invested millions in topics such as a rumored but never-materialized “secret finale” for Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” whether the U.S. government will acknowledge extraterrestrial life, and how frequently billionaire Elon Musk might post on social media monthly.

In industry terminology, purchases or sales on prediction markets are known as “event contracts.” These are usually marketed as “yes” or “no” bets, with prices fluctuating between $0 and $1, representing traders’ collective willingness to pay based on perceived likelihood from 0% to 100%.

When traders believe an event is more probable, contract prices increase accordingly. As these probabilities shift over time, users can exit positions early for modest gains or to minimize losses on existing investments.

Supporters of prediction markets contend that financial stakes lead to more accurate forecasting and provide an alternative to traditional polling for measuring public sentiment. Some believe monitoring these markets offers valuable insights into potential news developments, especially regarding elections.

However, prediction markets can produce incorrect results, and the identities of traders remain largely unknown. While platform operators collect personal information for identity verification and payment processing, most users trade under anonymous usernames on public websites, making it difficult to determine who profits from various contracts.

Theoretically, investors may closely monitor specific events, but others might simply make random guesses. Critics emphasize that the accessibility and speed of joining these continuous betting platforms leads to daily financial losses, particularly affecting users who may already have gambling problems.

Polymarket ranks among the world’s largest prediction markets, accepting payments through cryptocurrency, debit cards, credit cards, and bank transfers. Restrictions differ by country, but in the United States, these markets have grown rapidly in recent years alongside changing Washington policies.

While prediction markets have gained support from the Trump-controlled Commodity Futures Trading Commission, former President Joe Biden took a more aggressive regulatory approach. After a 2022 CFTC settlement, Polymarket was prohibited from U.S. operations. This changed under Trump late last year when Polymarket announced its return following commission approval. American users can now join a “waitlist” for platform access.

Polymarket’s primary rival, Kalshi, has operated as a federally-regulated exchange since 2020. The platform provides similar contract trading opportunities and currently permits election and sports betting nationwide. Kalshi obtained court permission weeks before the 2024 election to allow Americans to bet on political races and began hosting sports trading last year.

The sector now includes numerous major players. Major League Baseball signed an agreement with Polymarket last month, following partnerships in professional hockey and soccer. Sports betting leaders DraftKings and FanDuel have launched their own prediction platforms. Trump’s Truth Social has also announced plans for an integrated prediction market through a Crypto.com partnership, while Donald Trump Jr. holds advisory positions at both Polymarket and Kalshi.

Last month, The Associated Press agreed to provide U.S. election data to Kalshi.

Since they market event contracts rather than traditional gambling, prediction markets fall under CFTC regulation, allowing them to bypass state-level restrictions or prohibitions on conventional gambling and sports betting.

“It’s a huge loophole,” said Karl Lockhart, a DePaul University assistant law professor who studies this area. “You just have to comply with one set of regulations, rather than (rules from) each state around the country.”

Sports betting has become a central focus. Several major states, including California and Texas, still prohibit sports betting, yet residents can now wager on games, player trades, and more through event contracts.

An increasing number of states and tribal governments are attempting to halt this practice. However, the Trump administration has resisted, asserting that the CFTC holds exclusive regulatory authority over prediction markets. Legal experts anticipate litigation will eventually reach the Supreme Court.

Despite overseeing trillions of dollars in the broader U.S. derivatives market, the CFTC is considerably smaller than the Securities and Exchange Commission, which regulates securities. As event contracts proliferate rapidly on prediction platforms, the agency has experienced significant staff reductions and leadership departures. CFTC chairman Michael Selig currently serves as the only member filling one of five commissioner positions.

Congressional members from both parties have recently introduced comprehensive legislation for additional oversight. Subsequently, Kalshi, which maintains it has always prohibited insider trading, quickly implemented restrictions preventing political candidates from trading on their own campaigns and preemptively blocking sports participants from contracts related to their activities. Polymarket revised its policies to explicitly prohibit users from trading on contracts where they might possess confidential information or could influence outcomes.

The CFTC can also prohibit event contracts involving war, terrorism, and assassinations, which experts suggest could place some prediction market trades, including those related to the Iran conflict, on uncertain legal ground within the United States. Lawmakers like Democratic Senator Adam Schiff are pursuing complete bans on such trading.

Nevertheless, users might access certain contracts while traveling internationally or through different VPN connections.

Used-car retailer CarMax announced Thursday it has reached an agreement with activist investor Starboard Value to appoint two new directors to its board of directors ahead of the company’s 2026 annual shareholder meeting.

The automotive company will add Bill Cobb and Jim Kessler as board members following pressure from Starboard Value, which revealed its investment position in CarMax last month. The activist investment firm had put forward nominations for Cobb and Starboard’s founder and chief executive Jeff Smith to join the board while calling on the retailer to enhance its online customer services, reduce operational expenses and restructure its pricing model.

As part of the settlement agreement and with the planned addition of Cobb and Kessler to the board, Starboard Value has agreed to pull back its director nominations for the upcoming annual meeting, according to CarMax’s announcement.

CarMax Chief Executive Keith Barr stated that the incoming board members will contribute valuable automotive industry knowledge and consumer market experience to the company.

“We are confident that the refreshed Board in conjunction with Keith as CarMax’s new CEO can drive substantial value creation,” Smith said.

The popular ticket resale website StubHub Holdings reached a $10 million settlement with federal regulators on Thursday over allegations the company hid additional fees from customers purchasing event tickets.

Federal Trade Commission officials filed the complaint and proposed agreement in New York federal court, stating that StubHub displayed ticket listings on its platform “without clearly and conspicuously disclosing up-front how much consumers actually would pay, including all mandatory fees.”

The settlement stems from the FTC’s “Fees Rule” that took effect in May of last year, mandating that businesses must transparently show complete pricing for live event tickets upfront.

Federal regulators had previously sent StubHub a warning notice after implementing the new pricing transparency requirements.

Under the terms of the agreement, the company must provide financial compensation to affected customers.

A company representative stated that while StubHub disputes the FTC’s interpretation of the matter, they are issuing partial fee refunds to impacted purchasers to resolve the agency’s concerns.

“This settlement covers a limited number of transactions, spanning just three days in May 2025, where some listings on our site may have displayed ticket prices exclusive of fees,” the spokesperson said.

The federal order additionally mandates that StubHub must display complete pricing more clearly across its website.

The enforcement action reflects heightened regulatory activity following a Trump administration directive from March of last year instructing the FTC to “take appropriate action … to ensure price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process, including the secondary ticketing market.”

NEW YORK — A federal jury is set to decide whether Live Nation Entertainment and its Ticketmaster division illegally dominate the concert industry after closing arguments wrapped up Thursday in a major antitrust case.

Attorneys representing 34 states argued that the entertainment giant uses monopolistic practices to control ticket sales and inflate concert prices across the country.

Live Nation’s defense team pushed back, telling the Manhattan federal court that increased competition exists throughout the industry and their client operates fairly in America’s flourishing concert market.

Defense attorney David Marriott argued the states failed to demonstrate monopolistic behavior by Live Nation.

“They can’t, and they didn’t,” he said.

The federal government initially spearheaded this civil lawsuit but reached a settlement agreement with Live Nation in 2024 just weeks ago, claiming victory after securing significant concessions regarding ticket sales at numerous company-owned amphitheaters. Settlement talks between the states and Live Nation proved largely unsuccessful, causing a week-long trial delay.

Judge Arun Subramanian provided legal instructions to jurors following the conclusion of closing statements. Deliberations were anticipated to begin either late Thursday or Friday.

State representative Jeffrey Kessler told jurors during his closing argument that evidence demonstrated the companies “violated antitrust laws and it is time to hold them accountable.”

Kessler explained to jurors that civil trial standards require only a preponderance of evidence — greater than 50% certainty — to prove Live Nation and Ticketmaster unlawfully exercised monopoly control.

The attorney characterized the corporation as a “monopolistic bully” and claimed it used tactics that “kept digging the moat around the monopoly castle in order to protect their market position.”

According to Kessler, Live Nation’s dominance of 86% of the concert market and 73% of the broader entertainment market including sporting events proves monopolistic control.

Defense lawyer Marriott argued that Live Nation and Ticketmaster earned their market position through decades of dedicated work that produced superior industry products.

“We are the biggest entertainment company and ticketer in the country. We’re not hiding from that fact,” he said. “We are big. That is not against the laws in the United States. Success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States.”

Marriott emphasized the company works to “outflank and outcompete” rivals and urged jurors not to penalize the business because states presented internal communications where employees described as “fierce competitors” discussed defeating the competition.

The defense attorney justified the company’s decision not to immediately terminate an employee who admitted during testimony to writing messages between late 2021 and early 2023 that ridiculed customers as “so stupid” and claimed the company was “robbing them blind, baby.”

“People say, sometimes, stupid stuff,” Marriott explained, noting the remarks concerned lawn chair and parking fees. “We don’t condone that. But we also don’t just ax somebody because they made a mistake years in the past.”

Marriott maintained that entertainment venues and performers are experiencing unprecedented success while fans benefit from a vibrant and growing entertainment sector.

“Our job is to help venues and artists make money. We don’t make excuses for that,” Marriott said.

The chief financial officer of Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture xAI has stepped down from his role, according to a Thursday report from the Information citing sources with knowledge of the situation.

Anthony Armstrong, who took on the CFO position in October, is leaving the company amid what sources describe as a broader pattern of senior executive departures from the organization.

Before joining xAI, Armstrong worked as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and provided advisory services to Musk during his purchase of the social media platform X. According to previous reporting by the Information in February, Armstrong had been working under Bret Johnsen, who became the finance leader of the merged entity after xAI and SpaceX completed their record-breaking combination.

When contacted for comment about Armstrong’s departure, xAI representatives did not provide an immediate response to Reuters.

According to an October report in the Financial Times, Armstrong had been overseeing financial operations for both xAI and X. His responsibilities included working to restore the social media platform’s financial health after many advertisers pulled their spending when Musk implemented less restrictive content policies.

Meanwhile, SpaceX is moving forward with plans for a major public stock offering aimed at raising $75 billion, which would give the aerospace company a valuation of up to $1.75 trillion, according to previous Reuters reporting.

Company officials presented IPO details to their banking team during a Monday meeting, indicating plans to reserve a significant number of shares for individual investors and announcing a June event for 1,500 retail investors.

A major American spirits company is reportedly considering making a bid for the owner of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, according to industry sources.

Sazerac, a privately-owned beverage company, is examining the possibility of pursuing Brown-Forman in what could become a competitive situation with French spirits giant Pernod Ricard, which is already engaged in merger discussions with the whiskey maker.

News of Sazerac’s potential interest sent Brown-Forman stock soaring Thursday, climbing as much as 14.9% during trading. The shares have now increased by approximately one-third since initial reports emerged about Pernod’s interest in the company.

The Wall Street Journal first broke the story about Sazerac’s consideration of a possible deal earlier Thursday.

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman publicly announced in late March that they had entered into preliminary discussions regarding a potential combination. Such a merger would bring together the globe’s second-largest spirits company with America’s top whiskey producer.

Industry analyst Robert Moskow from TD Cowen suggested that additional distilled spirits companies might also show interest in Brown-Forman, citing the company’s “scarce-asset profile” and the powerful Jack Daniel’s brand.

Both Sazerac and Brown-Forman refused to provide comments when contacted by Reuters.

These acquisition discussions highlight the broader industry trend of spirits manufacturers seeking growth opportunities after an extended period of declining performance characterized by weakening consumer demand, rising costs, and trade-related challenges.

Growing health consciousness and the popularity of weight-loss medications have also pushed consumers toward alcohol-free options and energy beverages.

Additionally, younger consumers, especially Generation Z, are reducing their consumption of beer and spirits in certain markets.

Brown-Forman has remained under the ownership and control of the Brown family since the company’s establishment in 1870. The company previously turned down an acquisition attempt from beer company Constellation Brands in 2017.

In recent weeks, Brown-Forman reaffirmed its financial projections for fiscal 2026 despite facing headwinds from an unpredictable economic climate. The company has also experienced declining sales in crucial markets including the United States.

Sazerac, which originated from 17th-century Cognac in western France, is currently under the control of the Goldring family. The company’s portfolio includes Corazon Tequila and Svedka Vodka. Notably, Sazerac previously acquired several brands from Brown-Forman in 2016, including Southern Comfort and Tuaca.

The United States Postal Service announced Thursday that it has notified federal budget authorities of its decision to temporarily halt employer contributions to Federal Employees Retirement System pensions in order to maintain payroll operations, vendor payments, and mail delivery services.

This decision by the Postal Board of Governors aims to safeguard cash flow and maintain operational liquidity amid what USPS Chief Financial Officer Luke Grossmann described as the agency’s “ongoing, severe financial crisis” in a message sent to postal workers. Agency leaders have projected that the USPS could exhaust its available funds by approximately February 2027.

Beginning Friday, the suspension of employer pension contributions will take effect, though Grossmann emphasized that current and future retirees will not face immediate consequences.

“The risk to the Postal Service and the American public from insufficient liquidity for postal operations dramatically outweighs any longer-term risk to the pension funds from not making the currently due payments,” he stated. The postal service previously deferred similar payments during a financial emergency in 2011.

While halting pension contributions, the Postal Service will maintain employee retirement deductions sent to the federal Office of Personnel Management, continue Thrift Savings Plan contributions including employer automatic and matching funds, and preserve employer Social Security contributions.

Brian Renfroe, who leads the National Association of Letter Carriers, acknowledged that while the temporary halt on pension payments is “not ideal,” it won’t directly affect his membership, who recognize the postal service’s financial difficulties.

“Given a menu of options, none of which are overall positive, they would certainly prefer the Postal Service making a move like this as opposed to something that immediately impacts them or immediately impacts in a negative way the service that we provide to the American people,” Renfroe explained.

Nearly all career postal employees—99 percent—participate in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

In recent testimony before Congress and in discussions with The Associated Press, Postmaster General David Steiner emphasized that the 250-year-old institution requires lawmakers to remove long-standing borrowing restrictions, enabling the independent agency to access additional funding.

“That will buy us the time to make the fixes we need to make, and we can sail on down the road,” Steiner explained to the AP. The postmaster general has also advocated for additional reforms, including granting the Postal Service the power to increase stamp prices sufficiently to offset operational losses.

The advocacy organization Keep Us Posted, which represents consumers, catalog companies, greeting card manufacturers and other stakeholders, has called on Congress to limit any price increases to annual adjustments. The group also seeks to preserve six-day weekly mail delivery and ensure postal regulators maintain stronger oversight of service modifications.

Mail volume has dramatically declined for the Postal Service, dropping from approximately 220 billion pieces in 2006 to roughly 110 billion pieces currently, as digital communication and online bill payment have become more prevalent.

For fiscal year 2025, USPS recorded net losses of $9 billion, despite total operating revenue growing by $916 million or 1.2%, primarily driven by its Ground Advantage shipping program. The previous fiscal year saw net losses of $9.5 billion.

Volkswagen announced Thursday that it will cease manufacturing its ID.4 electric SUV at its Tennessee facility this month, pointing to difficulties facing the American electric vehicle marketplace.

The German automaker joins other manufacturers who have reduced or halted electric vehicle production following the federal government’s decision last fall to discontinue a $7,500 tax incentive for EV purchases.

The company plans to redirect its Chattanooga, Tennessee facility toward manufacturing its gasoline-powered Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs, which have higher production volumes. This summer, Volkswagen will begin producing a redesigned Atlas midsize SUV model set to reach dealerships in 2027.

While the automaker indicated it plans to develop a new version of the ID.4 specifically for North American consumers, no timeline was provided for when this model might become available. Current ID.4 inventory is projected to remain available through 2027.

Sales data shows the ID.4’s struggles, with fourth-quarter 2025 sales dropping 62% compared to the same period the previous year.

Despite ending ID.4 production, Volkswagen will continue selling its ID. Buzz electric van to American customers.