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In September 2025, multiple lawsuits allege AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Character.AI encouraged suicidal ideation among teens, leading to tragic deaths. OpenAI announced new safety measures including age estimation, parental controls, and content restrictions for users under 18. Canadian privacy commissioners demand TikTok improve protections for underage users. Senate hearings spotlight urgent AI regulation to protect vulnerable youth.
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China's state-backed investors hold nearly 4 trillion yuan in stocks, surpassing foreign holdings and signaling ongoing government support. Meanwhile, Chinese equities rally, with institutional investors leading the surge, and bond issuance hits new highs amid waning foreign interest in Chinese debt.
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US stocks rallied Monday after President Trump issued conciliatory comments about China, reversing recent trade war threats. The market responded positively to signals of de-escalation, amid ongoing US-China trade tensions and economic uncertainties. The story highlights the volatile nature of markets driven by political rhetoric and economic policy shifts today, Wed, 15 Oct 2025.
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Global markets showed mixed reactions after US President Trump’s conciliatory comments on China, following a weekend of heightened trade tensions. US stocks recovered from Friday’s sharp losses, gold hit new highs, and European markets edged higher amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and economic data delays.
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Recent data shows UK inflation steady at 3.8% for September, below expectations, with food prices falling. Japan's inflation stayed at 2.8%, while euro area growth slowed to 0.9%. Central banks face pressure to adjust policies amid persistent price pressures.
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Major international banks, including Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan, are expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia, opening offices and securing licenses to offer investment banking and private banking services. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and regional economic diversification efforts, with a focus on private credit and capital markets.
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Stock market returns for newly listed companies have fallen sharply this year, with median gains dropping from over 20% to under 3%. Meanwhile, New Jersey Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill faces scrutiny over her stock trading during her time in office, raising questions about insider trading and political ethics.
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New documents reveal JP Morgan flagged over $1bn in transactions linked to Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, including wire transfers to Russian banks. The reports also mention connections to prominent figures, raising questions about regulatory oversight and bank accountability following Epstein's death and subsequent legal actions.
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Hong Kong is set to host a new AIIB office, boosting its role as a regional financial hub. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank plans to open its second outside mainland China, leveraging Hong Kong's capital markets for infrastructure funding. Meanwhile, European firms and Middle Eastern investors are increasing their presence in the city.
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The UK government faces a complex budget ahead, balancing rearmament costs, economic recovery, and environmental protections. Labour criticizes Brexit's economic impact, while tensions with the EU over environmental standards threaten trade relations. The government aims to boost growth amid inflation and security concerns.
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The FCA's proposed scheme to compensate victims of car finance mis-selling faces criticism from MPs, industry leaders, and consumer groups. Concerns focus on the scheme's low payouts, potential economic impact, and influence from lender profits. The scheme aims to address mis-sold agreements from 2007-2024, with payouts averaging £700, but critics argue this undervalues claims.
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Yum! Brands is reviewing strategic options for Pizza Hut amid declining US sales and increased competition. The company has retained advisors to explore a potential sale, as Pizza Hut struggles with outdated dine-in formats and shifting consumer preferences toward delivery and value options. The review follows several years of sales decline and store closures.
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Industry leaders and pension funds are lobbying the UK government to increase domestic investment, with proposals to require pension schemes to allocate at least 25% of assets to UK equities. Meanwhile, a major burger chain is up for sale, and industry voices warn of fiscal risks ahead of the upcoming budget.
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The Bank of England's latest Financial Stability Report highlights increased risks to the UK financial system from cyberattacks, geopolitical tensions, and inflated tech valuations, especially in AI. Major firms like JLR and retailers have faced cyber incidents this year, raising concerns about systemic vulnerabilities.
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The Bank of England is conducting a stress-test on private credit and equity markets, which have grown significantly and now support around two million UK jobs. The exercise aims to assess risks from less regulated private markets amid recent firm collapses and economic uncertainties. Results expected in early 2027.