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Chris Mason: Starmer can ill afford any more days like these
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BBC Politics

Starmer Under Fire as Past Judgment Calls Haunt Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer faces a political storm as past judgment calls, including a controversial appointment consideration, threaten his party's image.

  • LONDON – A political storm is gathering around Labour leader Keir Starmer, as questions of past judgment threaten to undermine the party's carefully crafted image of competence just as the country barrels toward a general election. The controversy, stemming from the reported consideration of a high-profile figure with known controversial associations for a top diplomatic post, serves as a stark reminder that in modern politics, unforced errors can be more damaging than an opponent's sharpest attacks.
  • The Competence Narrative: Keir Starmer has staked his leadership on a return to seriousness and competence, positioning Labour as a government-in-waiting that can be trusted with the economy and national security. This incident, however minor in the grand scheme, directly challenges that narrative by suggesting a lapse in judgment at the highest level.
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Chris Mason: Starmer can ill afford any more days like these
© BBC Politics
BBC Politics

Starmer Faces Crisis Over Ambassador Vetting Scandal

A vetting scandal engulfs Keir Starmer's Labour Party, damaging its 'government-in-waiting' image after its ambassador nominee was linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

  • LONDON – A crisis of judgement is engulfing Keir Starmer's Labour Party, threatening to derail its carefully constructed image of competence and stability just as it seeks to convince the nation it is ready to govern. The abrupt withdrawal of Sir Julian Vance's nomination as the UK's next ambassador to Washington has sent shockwaves through Westminster, raising profound questions about the opposition leader's inner circle and the party's vetting procedures.
  • The Nomination: Sir Julian Vance was announced as Labour's choice for the prestigious Washington post, a move briefed as a sign of Starmer's intent to leverage business and philanthropic ties to strengthen the UK-US "special relationship."
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European stocks head for mixed open ahead of earnings from Shell, Maersk and more
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CNBC Top News

European Stocks Mixed Ahead of Shell, Maersk Earnings

European stocks brace for a mixed open as investors await key earnings from Shell and Maersk, and monetary policy decisions from the ECB and Bank of England.

  • LONDON – European markets are bracing for a pivotal session, with stock futures pointing to a cautious and mixed open as investors navigate a deluge of blue-chip corporate earnings and await crucial monetary policy decisions from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England. The cautious sentiment reflects a broader risk-off mood that has rippled from Wall Street, setting the stage for a day of heightened volatility.
  • Energy Giant in Focus: Shell's quarterly results will be scrutinized for insights into the energy sector's performance. Investors will be watching for the impact of fluctuating oil and gas prices on profitability, updates on the company's share buyback program, and commentary on its strategic shift toward integrated power and renewables.
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Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures mixed after Wall Street's tech sell-off deepens
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Yahoo Finance

Stock Market Today: Futures Mixed After Tech Sell-Off

U.S. stock futures are mixed as Wall Street reacts to a tech sell-off. The Dow points lower while Nasdaq rebounds amid concerns over AI spending costs.

  • NEW YORK – U.S. stock index futures presented a fractured picture in early Thursday trading as Wall Street grappled with the dual-edged sword of artificial intelligence, which is simultaneously fueling a spending boom and stoking fears of widespread industry disruption. The cautious sentiment follows a significant tech-led sell-off on Wednesday, leaving investors to parse a mixed bag of corporate earnings and reassess the market's trajectory.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: Futures (YM=F) for the 30-stock index were down approximately 0.1%, suggesting a weaker open for industrial and financial bellwethers.
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Gary Neville returns to the Den
© BBC Business (Finance)
BBC Business (Finance)

Gary Neville leads US-backed consortium in Millwall takeover

Gary Neville is set to become the new chairman of Millwall F.C. after his US-backed consortium agreed a £55m deal to acquire a 75% controlling stake.

  • LONDON – Former Manchester United captain and prominent football pundit Gary Neville is set to take the helm at Millwall F.C., fronting a US-backed consortium that has agreed a deal to acquire a majority stake in the London-based club. The move marks a significant return to club ownership for Neville and signals a new era of strategic investment for the Championship side.
  • Valuation: The agreement values Millwall Holdings plc at approximately £55 million, a figure reflecting its stable Championship status, London location, and future development potential.
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Rising food bank use in Guernsey 'a sad picture of our community'
© BBC Business (Finance)
BBC Business (Finance)

Guernsey Food Bank Use Soars Amid Cost of Living Crisis

Record demand at Guernsey food banks reveals a hidden crisis. With a 40% surge, even working families struggle with high costs, prompting calls for action.

  • ST PETER PORT, Guernsey – Guernsey, an island synonymous with financial prosperity and a robust offshore finance industry, is confronting a burgeoning cost-of-living crisis, as record demand at local food banks paints what one charity head has called "a sad picture of our community." The escalating need for basic provisions is forcing a difficult conversation about the island's social safety net and prompting calls for significant government intervention.
  • Persistent Inflation: While global inflation has shown signs of easing, the cost of essential goods in Guernsey remains stubbornly high. Food and energy prices, in particular, have inflicted significant financial pain. The latest data indicates food price inflation on the island has consistently outpaced headline rates, eroding household purchasing power week by week.
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Why Asia's richest man and BlackRock CEO want Indians to pick equities over gold
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CNBC Top News

Ambani & BlackRock: Why Indians Should Pick Stocks Over Gold

Mukesh Ambani and BlackRock's Larry Fink urge Indian savers to shift from "unproductive" gold to equities to fuel economic growth and compound personal wealth.

  • NEW YORK – In a powerful call to action aimed at reshaping India's investment landscape, two of the most influential figures in global finance are urging the nation's savers to pivot from a centuries-old affinity for gold to the dynamic potential of the stock market. Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries and Asia's wealthiest individual, and Larry Fink, CEO of the world's largest asset manager, BlackRock, have jointly advocated for a fundamental shift in how Indians deploy their capital.
  • Why it matters: When the head of India's largest conglomerate and the CEO of a $10 trillion asset manager speak in unison, the market listens. Their public push is less a casual observation and more a declared strategy to accelerate the financialization of India's massive domestic savings pool, estimated to be one of the largest in the world.
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China's EV slowdown persists as BYD posts near two-year low in sales
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CNBC Top News

China's EV Slowdown: BYD Sales Hit Near Two-Year Low

BYD's sales hit a two-year low, signaling a major slowdown in China's EV market driven by subsidy cuts, price wars, and weakening consumer demand.

  • BEIJING — China's electric vehicle juggernaut, a critical engine of its modern economy, is showing significant signs of strain as industry titan BYD reported a near two-year low in domestic sales for January. The sharp deceleration, mirrored by steep declines across at least half a dozen major EV brands, fuels mounting concerns over weakening consumer demand and a hyper-competitive market grappling with overproduction.
  • Key Data Point: Chinese electric car giant BYD, which recently surpassed Tesla in global EV sales, reported its lowest local sales figures in nearly 24 months, signaling a stark reversal from its recent record-breaking performance.
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Cambodia’s tourism sector takes a hit from geopolitical tensions and scam hub stigma
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CNBC Top News

Cambodia Tourism Hurt by Geopolitical & Scam Hub Crises

Cambodia's once-thriving tourism sector is in a severe downturn, hit by its reputation as a cybercrime hub and armed conflict, causing a drop in visitors.

  • CNBC Top News
  • PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Cambodia's vital tourism sector, once a primary engine of economic growth, is facing a severe and protracted downturn as the country grapples with the dual crises of a tarnished international reputation and flaring geopolitical conflict. The industry's contribution to the nation's gross domestic product has fallen to just 9.4% in 2024, a stark decline from 12.1% in 2019, according to ministry data released Monday, signaling a recovery that has not only stalled but reversed.
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China's Xi reasserts Taiwan stance in call with Trump, while U.S. president pushes trade
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CNBC Top News

Xi, Trump Clash on Taiwan, Trade in High-Stakes Call

U.S. President Trump and China's Xi Jinping reveal dueling priorities on trade and Taiwan in a tense phone call ahead of Trump's planned state visit.

  • WASHINGTON – A high-stakes phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday laid bare the dueling priorities of the world's two largest economies, with Trump championing a transactional, trade-focused agenda ahead of a planned state visit, while Xi drew a firm line on the sovereignty flashpoint of Taiwan.
  • The Core Issue: Beijing considers the democratically governed island of Taiwan a breakaway province to be reunified, by force if necessary. This claim is rejected by Taiwan's government.
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Oil slides in volatile trading as upcoming U.S.-Iran talks revive de-escalation hopes
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CNBC Top News

Oil slides as U.S.-Iran talks revive de-escalation hopes

Oil prices fell sharply from multi-week highs as the U.S. and Iran agree to hold diplomatic talks, fueling cautious optimism for de-escalation in the Middle Eas

  • LONDON — Oil prices fell sharply in volatile trading on Thursday, pulling back from multi-week highs as the United States and Iran agreed to hold talks, fueling cautious optimism for a diplomatic de-escalation in the Middle East.
  • Diverging Agendas: The United States is pushing for a comprehensive agenda that extends beyond Iran's nuclear program. Washington wants to address Tehran's ballistic missile development, its support for armed proxy groups across the Middle East, and its domestic human rights record.
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U.S. proposes critical minerals trade bloc aimed at countering China’s grip
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CNBC Top News

U.S. Proposes Critical Minerals Trade Bloc to Counter China

The United States proposes a new trade alliance to de-risk global supply chains for critical minerals, directly challenging China's long-held market dominance.

  • Byline: A Senior Financial Correspondent
  • Dateline: WASHINGTON –
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US must be prudent when supplying arms to Taiwan, Xi tells Trump
© BBC News
BBC News

Xi to Trump: US Must Be Prudent on Taiwan Arms Sales

Chinese President Xi Jinping warns former US President Donald Trump to be prudent on arms sales to Taiwan, a key geopolitical and economic flashpoint.

  • WASHINGTON – In a direct and pointed communication, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reportedly cautioned former US President Donald Trump to be "prudent" in supplying arms to Taiwan, a move that underscores Beijing's deep-seated sensitivity over the island's status and its strategic implications for global markets and security.
  • The Red Line: For Beijing, Taiwan is the most critical and non-negotiable issue. It views the self-governing island as a renegade province to be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. U.S. arms sales are seen as an unacceptable encouragement of Taiwanese "separatist forces."
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Newspaper headlines: 'U-turn on Mandelson files' and 'Starmer in grave peril'
© BBC News
BBC News

Starmer's Authority Crumbles After Mandelson-Epstein U-Turn

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a leadership crisis after a humiliating U-turn on releasing files linking Lord Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein.

  • LONDON – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is grappling with a severe crisis of authority after being forced into a humiliating U-turn over the release of sensitive government files concerning Lord Peter Mandelson’s connections to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The reversal, triggered by a rebellion within his own party, has cast a long shadow over his leadership and raised urgent questions about the government’s stability and transparency.
  • The Initial Stance: The Prime Minister's office had initially planned to withhold or heavily redact sections of the vetting documents compiled for Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington, citing national security and privacy concerns.
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Sony reports 22% jump in December-quarter profit, beats expectations and lifts full-year outlook
© CNBC Top News
CNBC Top News

Sony Q3 Profit Jumps 22%, Beats Forecasts & Lifts Outlook

Sony reports a 22% surge in December-quarter operating profit, beating analyst estimates and raising its full-year forecast despite flat revenue growth.

  • **TOKYO — Sony Group Corporation delivered a powerful performance in its crucial December quarter, reporting a 22% surge in operating profit that significantly outpaced analyst expectations. The Japanese technology and entertainment conglomerate raised its full-year earnings forecast, signaling strong confidence despite a mixed global economic environment and rising component costs.
  • Operating Profit: 515 billion yen ($3.29 billion), a 22% increase year-on-year and well ahead of the 468.9 billion yen consensus estimate.
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Alphabet's strong quarter eases fears about the search giant's sky-high spending
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CNBC Top News

Alphabet Q4 Earnings Justify High AI Spending, Ease Fears

Alphabet's strong Q4 results beat revenue and profit forecasts, easing Wall Street fears. The performance shows its massive AI investments are fueling growth.

  • NEW YORK – Alphabet quieted Wall Street's growing anxieties over its colossal spending on artificial intelligence this week, delivering blockbuster fourth-quarter results that demonstrated its investments are directly fueling accelerated growth across its core businesses. The technology giant not only surpassed revenue and profit expectations but also signaled a near-doubling of its capital expenditures for the coming year. In a significant shift in sentiment, investors are increasingly viewing this aggressive spending as a necessary catalyst for future dominance rather than a drag on profitability.
  • Revenue Growth: The company posted revenue of $113.83 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase. This figure came in well ahead of the $111.43 billion anticipated by analysts, according to LSEG data.
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Asian shares drop after Wall Street retreats thanks to sinking tech stocks
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

Asian Shares Fall as Wall Street Tech Sell-Off Spreads

Asian markets broadly decline, following a sharp sell-off in U.S. technology stocks that soured investor sentiment and hit tech-heavy indices across the region.

  • HONG KONG – Asian markets broadly declined on Thursday, taking their cue from a volatile session on Wall Street where a sharp sell-off in high-profile technology stocks soured investor sentiment and overshadowed strength in other sectors. The divergence highlights a growing nervousness around tech valuations and a potential rotation into other areas of the market.
  • Regional Declines: Tokyo's Nikkei 225 shed 0.7%, while South Korea's Kospi skidded a substantial 3.2%.
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Dow Jones Futures Fall; Google Beats Views, Huge AI Spending Stuns
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

Dow Futures Fall as Google Surges on AI, Earnings Beat

Dow Jones futures slip on inflation fears while Google stock soars after beating earnings views and revealing huge AI spending plans in a mixed market.

  • NEW YORK – The U.S. stock market is flashing conflicting signals as investors grapple with a challenging macroeconomic environment and a starkly divergent corporate earnings season. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures pointed to a lower open, reflecting persistent anxiety over inflation and interest rates, while standout results from giants like Alphabet and Eli Lilly showcased the profound impact of individual company performance in a cautious market.
  • Economic Headwinds: The primary driver for the broad market caution is the macroeconomic picture. Recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data have tempered expectations for imminent Fed rate cuts, forcing markets to re-price for a "higher for longer" interest rate scenario.
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ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (CHPT) Gains As Market Dips: What You Should Know
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

ChargePoint (CHPT) Stock Gains Amid Market Dip: Analysis

ChargePoint (CHPT) stock bucked market trends with a daily gain. But with shares down over the past month, what should investors know before its earnings report

  • NEW YORK – In a trading session marked by broad market declines, particularly in the technology sector, electric vehicle (EV) charging network operator ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. (CHPT) stood out as a notable exception. While the stock's single-day performance offered a rare glimmer of positive momentum, it masks a period of significant underperformance and precedes a critical earnings report that will test investor confidence in the company's long-term trajectory.
  • CHPT Performance: The stock closed at $5.96, representing a +2.23% increase from the previous day's close.
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