Official currency of the United States and a key global reserve asset.
A wave of new surveys shows Americans face higher retirement costs and uncertainty about Social Security solvency. People are saving less than they think they’ll need, inflation and healthcare costs are rising, and many expect to work longer or rely on savings strategies to bridge the gap.
The central bank has kept the policy rate steady, citing price stability and a steady growth outlook amid global risks. Domestic growth remains solid, while inflation remains within the target band despite recent upticks.
Kenya’s Deputy President has reiterated that intergovernmental coordination remains under his chair, amid ongoing speculation that his role may shift. Analysts say constitutional safeguards keep IBEC under the Deputy President, while some officials describe online claims as fake news.
The International Organization for Migration says scam centres employing up to 300,000 workers across Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos lure victims through fake job ads, seize documents, and force participation in online scams. Victims come from over 80 countries and include graduates with strong English. IOM has assisted thousands and is calling for cross‑border action and awareness.
Amazon's AWS has posted a 37% revenue gain for the June quarter, outpacing expectations and contributing to a broader revenue beat for the company. Net income rose sharply, while overall sales reached about $200.6 billion as AWS drives profitability and future AI initiatives.
The latest U.S. inflation readings show persistence above the Fed’s 2% target while growth softens in Q2. Consumer spending remains resilient, but higher borrowing costs and energy prices complicate the outlook as policymakers weigh future moves.
Apple has confirmed a high-end focus for its September event, with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as the main attractions and a foldable iPhone Ultra expected to be unveiled. The base iPhone 18 is delayed to spring 2027, while AirPods and other components face supply and price pressures.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
OPEC+ has decided to increase output by 188,000 barrels per day from September 2026, a move designed to stabilise markets and compensate for past overproduction. Nigeria remains under its DoC allocation and will not see changes to its targets as it seeks to raise crude output. The group will meet again on Sept. 6 to review conditions and consider further adjustments.
Top authorities have coordinated a yen intervention to stall a slide in the currency, a move that strengthens yen but leaves questions about long-term fiscal and monetary policy. The effort reflects growing geopolitical ties and a shared aim to curb disorderly moves that could threaten global markets.
Jetstar has introduced a size-based carry-on policy, charging for overhead locker space from February 2027. Each booking includes one small item; larger bags incur fees between AUD 25 and AUD 52 depending on route. The change aims to streamline boarding and reduce delays, with mixed reactions from travellers and analysts.
The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation have sued in federal court to block Truth Social’s Truth API, arguing the paid feed gives traders preferential access to the president’s market-moving posts and that selling prioritized access to official announcements violates the First and Fifth Amendments. Trump Media says the product is standard industry practice; the company has already signed institutional customers and reported large quarterly losses.
Global gold-backed ETFs have drawn $3 billion in July, ending two months of outflows as Western investment demand shows tentative signs of recovery. Europe led inflows, North America posted modest gains, and Asian funds boosted holdings, while prices rebound from earlier lows but remain below January highs.
Global markets have steadied as US retail sales disappointed expectations but inflation trends remain subdued. European shares edge higher on energy-price easing, while oil prices pull back slightly amid a holiday lull. The day closes with investors weighing the timing of the next Federal Reserve move.
Liberia’s former vice president has denied involvement in a transnational cocaine-trafficking network. Police accuse her of meetings and payments linked to the operation; she has been detained, hospitalized for a medical emergency, and court appearances have been disrupted as the investigation broadens to include foreign suspects and multiple charges.
The Dutch Data Protection Authority has imposed an €825 million fine on Uber for GDPR violations involving automated decision-making that suspended drivers from 2018 to 2022, with human review and appeal processes underscored by regulators.
Ismail has pleaded not guilty in Kuala Lumpur to a charge under Malaysia’s anti-graft law, accusing him of failing to provide a complete declaration of assets. The case could carry up to five years in prison. He previously served as Malaysia’s prime minister for 15 months and is among several former leaders facing graft proceedings.
The BBC, Independent, and other outlets report on Scotland’s price-cap measures for essentials and public transport, amid fears from farmers that costs could ripple through to producers. Pilot schemes show rising bus ridership, but warn of unintended consequences as caps expand.
The U.S. Mint has launched a commemorative $1 coin bearing President Trumps portrait to mark the countrys 250th anniversary. The coins went on sale and into circulation this week, sold in rolls and bags at a steep premium to face value, and have drawn legal and political challenges because federal rules generally bar living people from appearing on currency.
Iran has introduced a higher price for its heaviest gasoline users, marking the second such hike since December. The move targets those exceeding the 110-liter monthly quota and is expected to influence consumer inflation amid a weak currency and rising living costs.
Oil prices have risen above $108 a barrel as Middle East tensions escalate, with markets watching U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve meeting. Global stock indices are mixed, and Treasuries remain volatile as energy costs weigh on households and corporate margins.
Recent attacks in the Hormuz Strait have escalated, with Iran claiming to have hit ships, Saudi Arabia reporting air alerts, and Brent crude rising above $100. The conflict touches global energy markets as the US, Iran, and regional players remain locked in a dangerous exchange.
BRICS leaders are gathering in New Delhi as tensions over Ukraine, the Middle East, and U.S.-China dynamics test the bloc’s ability to find common ground. Leaders push for reforms to global institutions, digital collaboration, and currency diversification, while facing fractures over sanctions and regional conflicts.
Global markets waver as AI-linked stocks retreat after OpenAI signals a potential year-end stock sale delay. SoftBank jumps on OpenAI ties; oil prices rise amid Middle East tensions. Wall Street edges lower as investors weigh safety over growth.
Josh Kerr has delivered a landmark season, winning the Ultimate Championship 1500m and collecting multiple titles, as Amy Hunt also posts a record-breaking year. The duo’s success fuels discussion over BBC SPOTY selection amid a strong athletics year.
Census data shows real median household income has risen to a record $87,460 in 2025, offset by continued disparities: top earners pull away while lower- and uninsured households see limited gains. Women’s pay climbs, but the gender gap remains wide. Health coverage holds steady despite ongoing affordability concerns.