British daily focusing on financial news and analysis, owned by Nikkei
Lib Dem leadership tensions have escalated as Maynard has resigned from his Treasury spokesperson role amid internal criticisms of Ed Davey’s leadership. Daisy Cooper backs Davey; several MPs voice support, while others express disquiet over the party’s direction and policy stance on pensions and social care.
Starbucks has been working with advisers on a takeover proposal for Chipotle, according to the Financial Times. The report has sparked trading swings: Chipotle gains while Starbucks falls. Analysts say any deal would be expensive and complex, with implications for international expansion and margins, under the leadership of Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol.
The Guardian and Reuters report that Sainsbury’s has walked away from talks with Morrisons over a multibillion-pound merger. The CMA’s latest stance on Aldi and Lidl shelves shifts could influence future deals, with analysts noting Sainsbury’s could snap up a rival without triggering immediate competition concerns. Talks remain open to restart in the future.
Kyiv remains under pressure as drones strike northern and southern bridges over the Dnipro. Emergency services are responding to damage to road surfaces and trolleybus wires, with traffic blocked and power and heating risks rising as winter approaches.
France faces mounting debt and higher long-term borrowing costs amid student protests and a political stalemate. Markets have pushed French yields higher, with euro-dominated bonds under pressure as the deficit and growth concerns linger ahead of elections.
The Independent reports that Trump’s fixation on Iran, tariffs, and monuments persists as midterm polls show public discontent. Polls indicate Democrats gaining ground on the economy and national security, while Trump faces record-low approval and internal pressure from donors and insiders. The piece outlines the political stakes for Republicans as voter sentiment turns against several Trump-led policies.
Wall Street has committed vast capital to AI projects while US equity indexes have hit fresh records and volatility sits near year-to-date lows. Big investors have lined up roughly $500 billion to finance AI build-outs linked to Nvidia, and the heavily leveraged hedge fund Situational Awareness has lost around 67% in a month and sold much of its public book to Citadel.
Milburn is leading a review that proposes primary schools identify students at risk of becoming NEET by end of primary, paired with welfare reforms. The Guardian, The Mirror and other outlets show a debate on how much schools should intervene in future employment outcomes, welfare costs, and mental health supports.
Nvidia has enlisted six Wall Street firms to finance a $500 billion buildout of AI infrastructure, treating compute as a new asset class. The plan centers on financing data centers and GPU clusters for customers unable to pay upfront, with OpenAI-related projects and neoclouds in focus. Executives cite long-term value and revenue generation, while cautions focus on depreciation risk and China’s potential price competition.
Walmart has announced it is directing tariff refunds toward price cuts and improved customer experiences. US comparable sales have slowed, though the company reports a continued lift from rollbacks and investments in groceries and essentials. Analysts warn profits may face headwinds from fuel costs and automation spending amid uneven consumer demand.
The United States has escalated economic pressure on Iran with new sanctions, while markets digest the implications for oil supply and global finance. Iran vows resilience as China defends its interests amid the push. Prices wobble but stabilize after early volatility.
A federal judge has vacated a policy that would have blocked immigrant visas to 75 countries, ruling Secretary of State Rubio exceeded his authority and violated the Immigration and Nationality Act. The decision reinforces consular officers’ control over visa eligibility and sparks renewed debate over the administration’s immigration agenda.
The United States has announced a new wave of sanctions aimed at Iran’s economy, describing them as the most severe financial measures yet. Tehran warns of retaliatory moves, and markets react as the rial hits record lows amid heightened tensions. Officials from both sides signal a broad confrontation that could redraw energy routes and international trade.
The United States has warned of an unprecedented financial offensive against Iran, with Treasury officials and the president signaling tighter enforcement of sanctions. Tehran has warned of an "earthquake-like" retaliation and warned Gulf states against joining. Oil markets are watching, as prices fluctuate amid the standoff.
The rial has fallen to 2.02 million to the dollar on informal markets as the U.S. readies sharper sanctions. Officials say the official rate sits at 1.5 million, but the street rate prevails for most Iranians, amplifying inflation and pressure on living costs. UAE suspends trade, and Iran vows retaliation.
The Scottish National Investment Bank has reported continued losses for 2025-26, driven by early portfolio failures, while committing a record level of capital to Scottish ventures. Despite the losses, operating costs remain contained and leadership stresses long-term patient investment; the bank is pursuing diversification of capital sources and a strategy refresh.
The US Treasury has announced "Operation Economic Outcast," expanding secondary sanctions and targeting Iran's digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping to sever Tehran's revenue streams. Washington has designated about 60 individuals, companies and vessels worldwide; Iran says it is prepared with contingency plans and vows to pursue both defence and diplomacy.
The United States has expanded its sanctions campaign against Iran, aiming to sever economic lifelines and isolate Tehran further. Beijing rejects unilateral penalties and pledges to protect its interests, while analysts weigh the risks of Chinese retaliation amid upcoming US-Chinese talks.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has visited Moscow after a U.S. C-17 transport landed at Vnukovo, flight-tracking data shows. Russian and U.S. officials have not detailed the meetings. U.S. sources told Axios that Washington asked Kyiv to pause strikes while the delegation travelled; Moscow later confirmed Ratcliffe met Russian security officials.
Druckenmiller has publicly said he used AI to help write his Wall Street Journal op-ed criticizing Treasury policy, sparking a heated debate about authenticity, disclosure, and the role of AI in high‑level commentary; coverage across outlets notes the substance of his critique while weighing the ethics of AI-assisted authorship.
A wave of paid social clubs is reshaping how young adults form connections as loneliness rises. Platforms like PLY and Agora offer curated events and memberships, while researchers note a broader cultural shift toward intentional, real‑world gatherings.
The State Department has paused all immigrant visa applications to reassess public-charge rules, while preparing to revoke up to 200,000 asylum-related business and tourist visas. Officials say the pause is temporary and tied to a global training program for consular staff, with interviews being rescheduled into the fall. Legal challenges are anticipated as the administration tightens enforcement of immigration policy.
Brent crude has climbed toward $97 a barrel after renewed exchanges of strikes between the United States and Iran over the past week. US strikes have hit sites along Iran's southern coast while Iran has attacked US-linked vessels and bases in the region; shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constrained and US pump and diesel prices have risen.
Victoria Beckham Holdings Ltd has posted its first operating profit in 18 years, reporting £7.3m profit in 2025 on revenues of £129.8m, a 15% rise. The brand’s fashion and expanding beauty arm drove growth after years of losses, aided by cost discipline and a Netflix documentary that boosted momentum.
Ukraine has launched a defense-tech initiative backed by Palantir’s Alex Karp, aiming to translate battlefield lessons into civilian and allied defense applications. Fedorov, the former defense minister, says the venture will prioritize Ukraine and expand into AI-enabled missiles, drones and robotics; details are forthcoming as partnerships develop.
Republicans have held an unprecedented two‑day midterm convention in Dallas that has placed President Donald Trump at the centre of the party’s campaign. Trump and Vice‑President JD Vance have delivered hardline attacks on Democrats and offered a controversial $5,000 "Trump dividend" pledge if Republicans win both houses. Attendance by vulnerable GOP lawmakers has been uneven and many candidates have chosen to stay in their districts.
The Financial Times has reported that Russian missile experts are aiding Iran in developing a ramjet‑propelled cruise missile system codenamed C430L, capable of threatening US carriers in the Middle East. The program began in 2023 and has continued into 2026, with ties between Moscow and Tehran deepening as they face Western pressure.
Army secretary Daniel Driscoll has resigned amid clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move follows a wave of firings and blocked promotions that have redrawn senior leadership, with lawmakers calling for accountability and a clearer path to modernize the force.
The government has framed its approach to the October budget around boosting growth while preserving fiscal discipline. Chancellors have signalled a commitment to devolution, welfare reform, and a tighter budget in response to high borrowing costs and global instability.
A new Oasis documentary charts their 2025 reunion tour, showing Liam and Noel Gallagher reconciling and delivering a stadium-scale return. Directors Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern capture rehearsals, the Cardiff comeback, and fan ecstasy, while exploring why the music endures across generations.
A developing plan to deliver growth across Britain is being refined, focusing on new factories, local investment, and empowered mayors to drive jobs and regional regeneration. The approach emphasizes tangible benefits in communities, with a timetable guiding the roll‑out and stronger high streets.
Major brands and some supermarkets have shifted canned mackerel from Atlantic (true) mackerel to cheaper, MSC‑certified Chilean jack mackerel. Producers say sustainability and supply constraints drove the change; consumer groups and reviewers say the replacement has lower omega‑3, different taste and texture and risks "skimpflation." Retailers say the species is labelled and sourcing follows standards.
New Mexico’s name remains unchanged as lawmakers urge Apple and Google to keep the state labeled New Mexico on maps. President Trump has sparked a broader renaming conversation by suggesting changes to Gulf of Mexico, Lake Ontario, and now New Mexico, drawing swift pushback from state officials and lawmakers.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has met French President Emmanuel Macron on Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and has announced plans to deepen economic and security ties with France and the European Union, including backing for a proposal that Canada become the EU's first "associate member." The leaders have discussed energy, critical minerals, defence and technology as Ottawa shifts away from U.S. dependence.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has faced renewed scrutiny as FairSquare’s complaints persist, with European bodies pressing for transparency and a fresh external review of the FFE plan. UEFA and others are seeking documents, while Infantino remains intent on a fourth term, with candidacies due next month.
AXA has unveiled a growth strategy that embeds data and AI across its value chain, aiming for 7-9% annual growth in underlying earnings per share and 500-700 euro in annual AI-derived benefits by 2029. The plan includes AI-assisted underwriting, automated claims, and personalised offers, set against broader industry caution over rapid AI expansion.
Nats has said a millisecond software defect in its flight‑data system has caused the outage that cancelled more than 2,000 flights and disrupted hundreds of thousands of travellers. CEO Martin Rolfe has apologised; Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has ordered an independent Civil Aviation Authority review and has asked Nats to report within a week.
The Defence Secretary is facing internal resistance as resignations and blocked promotions ripple through the Pentagon amid a broader clash over modernization and culture war priorities.
Starbucks has completed over 1,000 renovations in nine months as part of a Back to Starbucks program, aiming to make hundreds more stores warmer and more welcoming. CEO Brian Niccol says the changes are restoring the “third place” appeal, lifting same-store sales in the latest quarter, while costs and margins are under pressure amid the remodel push.
Sweden’s centre‑left bloc has secured a narrow majority in the Riksdag after the Sept. 18–20 vote, giving Magdalena Andersson the lead to form a government. The Social Democrats and allied Centre, Left and Green parties hold 176 seats to the right‑wing bloc’s 173. Andersson has invited partners to coalition talks; Ulf Kristersson has resigned.
Ukraine faces intensified Russian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, with multiple cities reporting casualties and widespread damage. Western diplomacy and fear of winter shortages shape the response as Moscow presses its campaign and Kyiv seeks international support.
The Houthis have seized the Red Sea coast and three strategic islands, while Saudi Arabia shuts the East-West pipeline and Iraq closes border crossings amid attacks blamed on drones from Iraq. The moves threaten oil shipments and push prices above $100 a barrel as regional tensions escalate.
Leaders of the largest AI labs have endorsed slowing model development, while policymakers press for safeguards. Governments weigh emergency measures, with UK officials resisting a national kill switch and urging targeted interventions.
The Houthis have seized the Yemeni coast on the Red Sea, expanding control over a vital waterway, while Iraqi groups are blamed for disrupting Saudi oil exports. The US has restricted tanker movements through the Hormuz Strait to protect ships, and neighbouring Gulf states discuss safer routes in Oman amid ongoing tensions.
Independent and other outlets report a shift away from AI-driven ordering toward more human interaction in fast-food. Chains are re-emphasizing staff contact, greetings and order accuracy after years of automated expansion.
Chelsea Football Club's ownership moves to full control by Clearlake Capital as Todd Boehly and Mark Walter exit their stakes. Wyss remains a stakeholder; Chelsea reiterates no change to day-to-day operations while pursuing long-term sporting and infrastructure ambitions.
EU countries reach a compromise to extend sanctions on nearly 3,000 individuals and entities for three years while delisting Russian-Uzbek tycoon Alisher Usmanov and Russian-Israeli Mikhail Fridman from the bloc’s sanctions list. Latvia abstains, prompting tensions with Kyiv; France and Luxembourg argued for delisting on national-security grounds linked to a prisoner-release context.
Meta is expanding its Muse AI ecosystem with Charm and updated VR glasses, aiming to keep users connected via a palm-sized device and a high-end headset. The Charm will ship by December holidays, while the VR Glasses carry a premium price. CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the devices will accelerate hands-free AI interactions.
Greece has pressed for the permanent return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has argued that any arrangement must recognise Greece’s ownership and reject a “borrowed” solution, framing reunification as essential to cultural integrity. The conversation follows recent remarks about a Bayeux Tapestry loan model as a potential template for a deal.
The United States has intensified its push against the International Criminal Court, with sanctions being considered and public threats amplified. The ICC faces mounting stress as Washington argues it lacks jurisdiction over non-member states, even as European allies discuss protective measures to shield European businesses.