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European markets fell on Friday, with trading characterized by volatility as investors processed new economic indicators and the implications of potential interest rate cuts following remarks by US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. By mid-morning, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 0.43%, reflecting mixed performance across major stock exchanges and diversified sector results. Technology stocks suffered a notable decline of 1.82%, while sectors such as mining, oil and gas posted gains of more than 1%. Among decliners, Nordic Bavarian fell sharply, plunging 16% after announcing a drop in third-quarter revenue attributed to fluctuating demand for its vaccine. This decline contributed to a broader decline in healthcare stocks, which fell 2.3% as investors reacted to Donald Trump'...

In Kansas City, a transformative program is helping veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Air Force veteran Heather O'Brien, who served in a challenging internment camp in Iraq, returned home struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. A toy labradoodle named Albus and the Dogs 4 Valor initiative, part of the Olathe, Kansas-based organization The Battle Within, were instrumental in his recovery journey. Dogs 4 Valor is designed to assist veterans and first responders in collaboration with their caregivers, addressing issues such as depression and anxiety. Program director Sandra Sindeldecker notes that many veterans with PTSD often remain isolated at home, struggling with severe anxiety and avoidance of social interactions. "They are very nervous and some don't even lea...

Former Federal Reserve policymaker Loretta Mester has indicated that the US Federal Reserve may implement fewer interest rate cuts than previously expected next year, particularly if President-elect Donald Trump's proposed global tariffs are implemented. Speaking at UBS's annual European conference in London, Mester stressed that the Fed's monetary policy will be significantly influenced by the fiscal strategies of a future Republican administration. Mester noted that the market's revised expectations for interest rate cuts may actually be correct, suggesting that the number of cuts may be fewer than the four previously expected. “Next year, the pace of cuts will be influenced by the direction of fiscal policy,” he explained, underlining the potential impact of Trump's tariff proposals on ...

As Formula 1 looks to 2026, competition for hosting rights is heating up, with four circuits vying for contract extensions. Countries such as Thailand and South Korea have submitted bids, while nations such as India and Rwanda are working diligently to improve their infrastructure to secure a place on the prestigious F1 calendar. The stakes are high, not only for sport but for the economies of the countries involved. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali underlined the intensity of the application process, stressing that the interest in hosting a Grand Prix transcends sport. “We are getting calls from prime ministers and governments who want to host the Grand Prix,” he said in an interview with CNBC. This request highlights the significant economic benefits associated with hosting an F1 event. For cou...

Neel Kashkari, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, recently shared his views on the potential implications of President-elect Donald Trump's tariff proposals during a session at the 2024 Milken Conference. Speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation," Kashkari expressed concern that these tariffs could exacerbate long-term inflation if they provoke retaliatory measures from global trading partners. Kashkari pointed out that while one-off tariffs may not have a significant impact on inflation in the long run, the situation becomes more complex if countries engage in tariff imposition on each other. He noted: “The challenge becomes, if there is pan for the facts… that's where it becomes more concerning and, frankly, much more uncertain.” This reflects the delicate balance of ...

The future of Donald Trump's second term remains uncertain, but his first administration was characterized by a strong focus on business-related issues, according to Joe Kaeser, a prominent German business leader. In a recent interview with CNBC, Kaeser, who chairs the supervisory board of Siemens Energy, reflected on his experiences during Trump's first presidency. Kaeser noted that the Trump administration has been very responsive to businesses' concerns. “During that time, if I had a problem to solve for my company, the administration was extremely responsive,” he shared with CNBC's Annette Weisbach. Having served as CEO of Siemens when Trump was president, Kaeser has observed several initiatives that he believes have had a positive impact on the economy. He highlighted the importance o...

On 23 September 2024, Rachel Reeves, UK Finance Minister, gave a significant speech at the Labor Party Conference held at the ACC Liverpool Convention Centre. His speech outlined the Government's latest tax proposals, which have raised eyebrows among tech leaders and venture capitalists over the UK's ambitions to establish itself as a major global hub for artificial intelligence. Reeves revealed plans to increase capital gains tax (CGT), which is the tax levied on profits made from the sale of investments. The changes include increasing the lowest CGT rate from 10% to 18% and increasing the highest rate from 20% to 24%. These adjustments are expected to generate an additional £2.5 billion (around $3.2 billion) in public revenue. Additionally, the lifetime Business Asset Disposal Relief (BA...

On March 7, 2024, before President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed remarks made by House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding the potential repeal of the CHIPS and Science Act. Speaking with reporters in Milwaukee , Harris expressed her concerns about Johnson's comments, which she saw as a reflection of former President Donald Trump's broader agenda, known as Project 2025. Harris pointed out that this is not the first time GOP leadership has suggested dismantling key legislation, referencing their previous efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. She pointed out that the CHIPS Act, passed with bipartisan support in 2022 , plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. semiconductor industry, a sector crucial to advances in areas such as artificial i...