News Bulletin

Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods, worsening trade tensions

01

Dec

Economy

Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods, worsening trade tensions

US-China economic relations are facing new uncertainties after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. The announcement, made on its social media platform Truth Social, signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Trump's statement came shortly after he revealed his intention to enact a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada as one of his first executive actions on Jan. 20, the day he took office. This move is expected to effectively dismantle the existing regional free trade agreement between the three nations. Trump…

Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

30

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Economy

Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

Databricks, one of the world's most valuable private technology companies, is raising billions of dollars in new funding as it chooses to delay its long-awaited public offering, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The San Francisco-based company is reportedly securing at least $5 billion in its latest funding round, with the potential to raise as much as $8 billion as discussions progress. This new round would push Databricks' valuation to $55 billion, making it one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. The funding round, according to insiders, is partly designed to allow employees to sell shares, easing…

Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

26

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Economy

Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plan to nominate Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, as Treasury secretary. The move places a seasoned hedge fund executive and Trump ally in a key role within the new administration's economic strategy. Bessent's appointment highlights Trump's focus on appointing market-savvy figures to guide the country's economic policy. Bessent, 62, has emerged as a strong contender for the position alongside names such as former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan. Known as a Wall Street heavyweight, Bessent brings decades of financial experience to the table…

K-pop stocks and global music markets post gains amid big announcements and strong performances

26

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Culture and Entertainment

K-pop stocks and global music markets post gains amid big announcements and strong performances

JYP Entertainment, the powerhouse behind K-pop sensations like TWICE and Stray Kids, has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. On Friday, November 22, its shares closed at 66,100 won ($47.06), reflecting an 11.3% increase for the week and reaching the highest closing level since May 10. The surge appears to have been fueled by the announcement on Monday 18 November. of Stray Kids' upcoming 2025 stadium tour. This highly anticipated tour, which will hit North America, Latin America and Europe, has created considerable interest in the industry. However, JYP's stock rally has been gaining momentum for weeks, with the company's…

Trump and Powell may face new tensions over economic policy in 2025

23

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Economy

Trump and Powell may face new tensions over economic policy in 2025

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, a potential clash with Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell looms on the horizon, largely dependent on evolving economic conditions. If inflation rises and the economy overheats, the Fed may feel forced to slow the pace of interest rate cuts or even keep them stable. Such a move could put Powell on a collision course with Trump, who has historically criticized the Fed for not easing monetary policy quickly enough. This potential tension is not new. Powell, appointed Fed chair by Trump in 2018, often found himself at…

The Federal Reserve faces new challenges with Trump's presidency

21

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Economy

The Federal Reserve faces new challenges with Trump's presidency

In a recent press conference following a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell answered a series of questions from reporters asking for his views on newly elected President Donald Trump. While Powell has refrained from engaging in political discussions, it is clear that the economic implications of Trump's presidency are set to have a significant impact on Federal Reserve policies. Powell, appointed by Trump in 2017, has already faced criticism from the former president, who labeled Fed officials “boneheads” and made disparaging comparisons of their performance. During the news conference, Powell sidestepped questions regarding…

Penske Entertainment takes over the Long Beach Grand Prix Association

17

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Culture and Entertainment

Penske Entertainment takes over the Long Beach Grand Prix Association

Penske Entertainment has officially acquired the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, marking a significant milestone for the IndyCar series. This organization, responsible for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, has been a cornerstone of American motor sport, hosting the longest-running street circuit race in North America. As the event approaches its 50th anniversary, Penske's involvement signals a commitment to substantial investments aimed at improving the future of the race. This acquisition is seen as a strategic move to further embed the NTT INDYCAR SERIES into Southern California's vibrant motorsports culture. Known for its enthusiastic fan base and deep-rooted…

Apple introduces AI features with the iOS 18 update for the iPhone 16 lineup

17

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Science and Technology

Apple introduces AI features with the iOS 18 update for the iPhone 16 lineup

Apple has launched a significant free software update, iOS 18, which introduces artificial intelligence features to its iPhone 16 series. This update comes shortly after the release of the new iPhone models, which are priced between $800 and $1,200 and are equipped with the necessary hardware to support these advanced AI functions. In addition to the iPhone 16 models, last year's premium offerings, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, also feature processors that will enable AI technology once the iOS 18 update is installed. Additionally, recent iPad and Mac models can benefit from the same software improvements.…

The Eagles extend their “Hotel California” residency to the Sphere in Las Vegas

10

Nov

By Amelia Reed

Culture and Entertainment

The Eagles extend their “Hotel California” residency to the Sphere in Las Vegas

The Eagles, the iconic American rock band, have announced an extension of their highly successful “Hotel California” residency at the state-of-the-art Sphere venue in Las Vegas. Due to huge demand and the quick sell-out of initial shows, the band has added more dates to their residency, giving fans more opportunities to experience this unique musical journey. This extension solidifies the Sphere as a leading entertainment destination and highlights the enduring popularity of the Eagles' timeless music. The “Hotel California” residency is not just a concert; is an immersive experience that celebrates the band's legendary self-titled album. The Sphere's cutting-edge technology,…

President Biden's push for rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in national security

26

Oct

By Amelia Reed

Science and Technology

President Biden's push for rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in national security

In a decisive move to strengthen national security, President Joe Biden has ordered the Pentagon and US intelligence agencies to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence. This initiative, outlined in a national security memorandum, aims to position the United States as a leader in artificial intelligence technology while safeguarding against potential threats from adversaries such as China. The memorandum highlights artificial intelligence as a transformative technology, establishing guidelines intended to prevent its misuse against civil liberties or human rights. A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, stressed the importance of aligning the implementation of artificial intelligence with American values. The official…