-
As of January 2025, the electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing mixed results. While charging infrastructure is improving in the U.S., sales of EVs, including Tesla's Cybertruck, have not met expectations. In the UK, automakers face fines for missing zero-emission vehicle targets, while China's EV sales are buoyed by government subsidies amid a price war among manufacturers.
-
Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has accused Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of defamation, claiming his remarks about her economic record are damaging her reputation. This comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over rising borrowing costs and her recent trip to China amid economic turmoil.
-
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under scrutiny as UK borrowing costs rise and economic growth stagnates. Despite criticism, she asserts her commitment to improving the economy and plans to meet with regulators to discuss strategies for growth. The government faces pressure from opposition parties regarding its fiscal policies.
-
The IMF's latest World Economic Outlook predicts U.S. GDP growth of 2.7% for 2025, up from 2.2%. Meanwhile, the UK is expected to grow by 1.6%, while China's growth stabilizes at 4.5%. These forecasts highlight diverging economic trajectories amid rising global uncertainties.
-
UK retail sales fell by 0.3% in December 2024, missing expectations of a 0.4% rise. Food sales dropped significantly, marking the worst performance for supermarkets since 2013, while clothing stores saw a rebound. The figures raise concerns about the UK economy's health as it enters 2025.
-
As Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, UK officials express concerns over potential tariffs that could impact the economy. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds warns of significant risks but also sees opportunities for closer collaboration in technology and digital trade.
-
As Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration, he threatens tariffs of up to 60% on China and 20% on other imports. UK officials warn of potential economic fallout, while experts caution that these tariffs could exacerbate inflation and impact consumer prices in the US.
-
The IMF has upgraded its global growth forecast to 3.3% for 2025, but warns that incoming US policies under President-elect Trump could destabilize the economy. The UK is projected to grow by 1.6%, while the eurozone faces downgrades. Global inflation is expected to decline, but trade tensions loom.
-
The US Department of Defense has added Tencent and CATL to its list of Chinese military companies, causing significant stock declines for both firms. Both companies deny military ties and plan to contest the designation, which could impact their business relationships in the US. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the US and China.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on TikTok's fate as a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest by January 19 looms. The case raises significant First Amendment concerns, with TikTok arguing the law infringes on users' rights and threatens free speech. President-elect Trump has requested a delay to negotiate a resolution.
-
Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit alleging its Siri assistant violated user privacy by recording conversations without consent. The settlement, pending court approval, could provide up to $20 per device for eligible users who owned Siri-enabled devices from September 2014 to December 2024.
-
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases are rising in northern China, particularly among children under 14. While hospitals are experiencing increased patient volumes, health officials assert that the situation is not comparable to the COVID-19 pandemic. HMPV is a known respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on TikTok's challenge against a law requiring its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a ban by January 19. The case raises significant First Amendment concerns for TikTok's 170 million American users amid national security fears regarding data privacy and foreign influence.
-
Tulip Siddiq, the UK Treasury minister, resigned after facing scrutiny over her family ties to the ousted Bangladeshi regime of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina. Although cleared of breaching the ministerial code, Siddiq acknowledged that the allegations had become a distraction for the government. Her resignation follows an investigation into corruption linked to her family.
-
Recent developments in AI technology highlight a competitive landscape, with new models from companies like OpenAI and DeepSeek. Concerns about job displacement persist as reliance on AI grows, emphasizing the need for educational initiatives to prepare the workforce for these changes, particularly in digital literacy and skills development.
-
Recent inflation reports from the US and UK indicate rising consumer prices, with the US seeing a 2.8% increase in December and the UK reporting a slight decline to 2.5%. These trends raise concerns about the Federal Reserve's interest rate policies and potential economic impacts under President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs.
-
Tensions escalate as President-elect Donald Trump suggests military and economic coercion to secure Greenland and the Panama Canal. Russian officials claim a war in the Arctic has begun, while Denmark and Greenland reaffirm their sovereignty, stating the territory is not for sale. Trump's son visited Greenland amid these developments.
-
On January 15, 2025, two lunar landers, Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost and ispace's Resilience, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. The mission aims to conduct scientific experiments on the moon, with Blue Ghost expected to land in March and Resilience in late May or early June.
-
At CES 2025, automakers unveiled cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing vehicle safety, convenience, and entertainment. Key highlights include BMW's Panoramic iDrive, Honda's new electric models, and Hyundai's holographic displays, all designed to transform the in-car experience for consumers.
-
President-elect Donald Trump has reignited debate over the Panama Canal, suggesting the U.S. should reclaim control due to alleged Chinese influence. Panamanian officials firmly reject these claims, emphasizing the canal's sovereignty and neutrality. The situation raises concerns about U.S.-China relations and the impact on Hong Kong businesses operating in Panama.
-
As TikTok faces a potential U.S. ban by January 19, users are migrating to alternative apps like Xiaohongshu (RedNote) and Lemon8. These platforms are gaining traction among content creators, with Xiaohongshu recently becoming the most downloaded app in the U.S. amid this upheaval.
-
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, he is considering invoking the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to impose tariffs on imports. This move could lead to significant economic repercussions, including retaliatory measures from trade partners and increased consumer prices. Recent actions from China signal a growing trade conflict.
-
The US government has withheld its $3.6 million payment to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2024, citing dissatisfaction with WADA's handling of doping cases involving Chinese swimmers. This decision has sparked significant controversy and calls for reform within WADA, with other nations considering similar actions.
-
As Donald Trump prepares to take office, Canada braces for potential 25% tariffs on imports. Canadian officials are devising a multi-phase retaliatory strategy targeting U.S. goods, particularly those from Republican states. The situation has heightened tensions between provincial leaders and the federal government, complicating Canada's response to Trump's threats.
-
Recent trends show a significant decline in alcohol consumption globally, particularly among younger generations. This shift is influenced by health concerns, economic factors, and changing social behaviors, prompting calls for warning labels on alcoholic beverages due to cancer risks. The U.S. Surgeon General has highlighted alcohol as a leading preventable cause of cancer.
-
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a 57% increase in net income for Q4 2024, reaching NT$374.68 billion ($11.6 billion). The company anticipates continued growth in AI-related revenue, despite facing challenges from U.S. export restrictions on AI chips. TSMC's stock has surged over the past year.
-
In his farewell address, President Biden reflects on his administration's achievements and challenges, emphasizing strengthened alliances and a stable international order. As he prepares to hand over power to Donald Trump, Biden aims to shape his legacy amidst a backdrop of declining popularity and political turmoil.
-
Recent fluctuations in the bond markets have raised concerns about inflation and economic stability in both the U.S. and China. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield has surged above 4.80%, while China's central bank has suspended government bond purchases to stabilize yields amid low inflation. These developments reflect broader economic uncertainties.
-
Tensions rise as President-elect Donald Trump suggests using military force to acquire Greenland, prompting strong reactions from Danish and Greenlandic leaders. Greenland's Prime Minister Múte Egede emphasizes the territory's desire for independence and cooperation, while Denmark seeks to clarify Trump's intentions regarding security and military presence.
-
Recent discussions around U.S. foreign policy have highlighted President Trump's interest in Arctic territories, including Greenland. Meanwhile, tech leaders like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg face scrutiny for their public personas, raising questions about their influence in global affairs. This juxtaposition reveals deeper issues in leadership and geopolitical strategy.
-
Elon Musk's recent support for Germany's far-right AfD party has raised concerns among European politicians. His comments, alongside Donald Trump's aggressive stance towards Europe, highlight tensions in transatlantic relations and the potential impact on EU-China trade dynamics.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a law banning TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, divests by January 19. This decision places TikTok's 170 million American users in uncertainty, with former President Trump promising to intervene after his inauguration.
-
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration, opting instead to celebrate Lunar New Year in East Asia. This decision comes amid new U.S. export restrictions on AI chips that could impact Nvidia's revenue, raising concerns about the company's future under the incoming administration.
-
The mayor of Glogowek, Piotr Bujak, has invited Elon Musk to purchase a historic castle in Poland. The castle, which requires renovation, is seen as a potential hub for Musk's European operations. No price has been disclosed, and Musk has yet to respond to the offer.
-
As the January 19 deadline for a TikTok ban approaches, US users are migrating to the Chinese app RedNote, leading to a surge in downloads. This shift has sparked unexpected cultural exchanges between American and Chinese users, despite ongoing national security concerns.
-
Chinese officials are reportedly considering a sale of TikTok to Elon Musk as a way to navigate U.S. regulatory pressures ahead of a January 19 deadline. TikTok has dismissed these discussions as 'pure fiction,' while analysts speculate on the implications of such a deal.
-
The FBI, in collaboration with French authorities, successfully deleted the PlugX malware from over 4,200 infected computers in the U.S. This operation targeted systems compromised by the China-backed hacking group Mustang Panda, which has been active since 2014. The malware was used for espionage and data theft.
-
Donald Trump plans to establish an 'External Revenue Service' to collect tariffs and duties from foreign sources, starting January 20, 2025. This announcement aligns with his campaign promise to overhaul the U.S. tax system, shifting reliance from income taxes to tariffs. The feasibility and structure of this new agency remain unclear.
-
The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced new regulations prohibiting the import of vehicles with Chinese or Russian connected-car software starting in 2027, citing national security concerns. This move aims to protect American consumers from potential data misuse and foreign interference in the auto industry.
-
During a Senate confirmation hearing, Pete Hegseth mistakenly identified U.S. allies in Asia, failing to recognize any ASEAN member nations. Senator Tammy Duckworth's response highlighted the importance of ASEAN, which includes ten Southeast Asian countries and plays a crucial role in U.S. foreign policy amid rising Chinese influence.
-
As the U.S. considers banning TikTok, the Chinese social media app RedNote has seen a massive influx of users. Over 700,000 new users joined in just two days, driven by American users seeking alternatives. The app's popularity has raised questions about content moderation and cultural exchanges between users.
-
As the U.S.-China interest rate gap widens, Hong Kong's fixed exchange rate system faces renewed scrutiny. Officials reaffirm the peg's stability amid geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, while some experts call for a reassessment of the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS).
-
In a final act before leaving office, the Biden administration issued a comprehensive cybersecurity executive order aimed at strengthening defenses against foreign cyber threats, particularly from China and Russia. The order mandates new standards for government contractors and enhances the powers of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
-
Emerging markets are experiencing significant volatility as fears mount over potential tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. UBS analysts warn that current market pricing does not fully account for the risks posed by these tariffs, particularly regarding their impact on currencies and stock valuations in vulnerable economies.
-
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed actors Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as special ambassadors to Hollywood. Their role aims to revitalize the struggling film industry, which has seen a significant decline in business over recent years. Trump emphasized their importance as his 'eyes and ears' in the industry.
-
China's economy grew by 5% in 2024, meeting its target despite challenges. The growth was driven by increased exports and government stimulus measures. However, concerns remain about future economic stability as the U.S. prepares to impose tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump.
-
China's Ministry of Commerce has expressed strong opposition to a US Trade Representative report labeling its dominance in shipbuilding as 'actionable' under US trade law. The report claims China's practices harm US industries, while China defends its position as a result of market advantages and innovation.
-
In a significant phone call, President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed trade, TikTok, fentanyl, and Taiwan. The conversation marks the first direct contact since 2021, as Xi sends Vice President Han Zheng to Trump's inauguration, indicating a willingness to engage despite ongoing tensions.