news

Tuesday, September 1

World

Inflation and interest rates tracker: see how your country comparesFT · 8m
When is an engineer not an engineer?FT · 9m
These Americans Went to Nepal on a Spiritual Journey. Now They Are Missing.WSJ · 17m
FirstFT: Global bond sell-off deepensFT · 18m
Two U.S. Foes Join Forces—and Threaten to Further Destabilize the Middle EastWSJ · 18m
Eurozone Inflation Climbs to Near Three-Year High Ahead of ECB MeetingWSJ · 23m
Eurozone inflation rises to 3.3% in AugustFT · 29m
Global bond sell-off deepens amid inflation fearsFT · 38m
Londoners Are Stewing Over Supercar Tourists Who Park Wherever They WantWSJ · 39m
Private equity firms snap up more London-listed companiesFT · 44m
‘Conflict of attrition’ in Iran could keep inflation high, ECB policymaker warnsFT · 58m
Shein shares slide as much as 10% in Hong Kong debutFT · 1h

Shein, the fast‑fashion retailer, completed its long‑delayed initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, but the stock fell about 10 percent on its first day of trading. Analysts noted that the listing came at a valuation many observers described as “bargain‑basement,” reflecting concerns over trade and regulatory risks. The share‑price slide marked a muted start for the company’s long‑awaited market debut.

Oil Prices Rise as Renewed U.S.-Iran Fighting Deepens Hormuz Supply RisksWSJ · 1h
Tories reopen Liz Truss wound with new shadow chancellorFT · 1h
Ikea cuts prices in Europe by €1.2bn to counter cost of living crisisFT · 3h
Chicago with the FTFT · 3h
South Korea unveils record budget increase to cash in on AI boomFT · 4h
More WarshologyFT · 4h
EU diplomatic chief faces up to calls for powers to shift to CommissionFT · 5h
This time it really was differentFT · 5h
Apple’s new boss starts out asset-light and option-richFT · 6h

Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus, begins his tenure with an asset‑light strategy and a portfolio rich in options. According to the publisher’s summary, the greatest asset he inherits is “optionality.”

A bankruptcy brawl on the golf courseFT · 6h

LIV Golf is reportedly considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as early as next week. The potential filing would mark a significant development for the professional golf circuit, which has faced ongoing financial and legal challenges. No further details about the timing or terms of a filing have been released.

Burnham signals fresh moves on living costs as political battle lines hardenFT · 6h
Can Trump’s 65bn-barrel deal revive Venezuela’s oil industry?FT · 6h
UK growth figures are set for another end-of-year slump. Why?FT · 6h
Disasters to cost world $450bn a year from climate change and developmentFT · 6h
Glasgow, the UK’s asylum hub, finds itself a target for the far rightFT · 6h
Wall Street banks push Big Law to cut fees because of AIFT · 6h
British banks crack down on Covid loan defaulters after government pressureFT · 6h
Illegal streaming costs UK £1.4bn a year, broadcasters and sports bodies warnFT · 6h
The Ukraine Drones That Are Carrying a Bigger Punch, Deeper Into RussiaWSJ · 7h
Washington’s Deadly New Headache: an al Qaeda-Houthi Terrorist AllianceWSJ · 9h
Mine Warfare With Iran Hampers U.S. Efforts to Win Control of HormuzWSJ · 9h
How a Brazilian Billionaire Helped Shape Trump’s Beef Import PlanWSJ · 10h

Brazilian billionaire Joesley Batista met President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. A day after the meeting, Trump announced a plan to waive tariffs on beef imports. The proposal provoked anger among U.S. farmers and ranchers.

Opinion | Chuck Schumer and Hasan PikerWSJ · 12h

An opinion column titled “Chuck Schumer and Hasan Piker” notes a connection between the Senate majority leader and the online commentator. The piece points to a friend of former Michigan health official Abdul El‑Sayed as a potential factor that could jeopardize a Democratic Senate seat. The article asks the senator for comment.

Opinion | Taiwan’s Drone RealismWSJ · 12h
Opinion | A Realistic Look at the Iran WarWSJ · 12h
Bessent Criticizes Canada as Global Summit Shows DivisionsWSJ · 13h
Opinion | They Forget Who Started the WarWSJ · 15h
Iceland’s Rejection of EU Keeps It a NATO Island Straddling U.S. and EuropeWSJ · 17h
Opinion | Let Ukraine Aim for the ArcherWSJ · 18h
Russia Turns to New-Generation Drones and All-Day Attacks to Wear Down UkrainiansWSJ · 19h
Fighting Flares in Middle East After U.S. Strike on Iranian Rocket LaunchersWSJ · 20h
German Inflation Rises But Few Signs of Energy-Shock SpilloverWSJ · 21h
The Morning Risk Report: U.S. Hits Bank With ‘Outcast’ ActionWSJ · 22h

Business

Fervo Secures Its Largest-Ever Geothermal Power Deal, With GoogleWSJ · 9m
Europe Protests as U.S. Invites Russian Minister to G20 Finance MeetingNYT · 14m
‘Off the Sidelines’—Lowe’s CEO Marshals Skilled Workers CoalitionWSJ · 14m
FirstFT: Global bond sell-off deepensFT · 18m
Two U.S. Foes Join Forces—and Threaten to Further Destabilize the Middle EastWSJ · 18m
Shein Makes Ho-Hum Market Debut After Years of Geopolitical DramaWSJ · 20m
Jersey Mike’s Is Winning the Sandwich War. It Still Needs to Win Over Gen Z.WSJ · 39m
Retailers Ditch Variety to Beat Supply-Chain Costs and TariffsWSJ · 39m
Private equity firms snap up more London-listed companiesFT · 44m
Shein shares slide as much as 10% in Hong Kong debutFT · 1h

Shein, the fast‑fashion retailer, completed its long‑delayed initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, but the stock fell about 10 percent on its first day of trading. Analysts noted that the listing came at a valuation many observers described as “bargain‑basement,” reflecting concerns over trade and regulatory risks. The share‑price slide marked a muted start for the company’s long‑awaited market debut.

Oil Prices Rise as Renewed U.S.-Iran Fighting Deepens Hormuz Supply RisksWSJ · 1h
Partners Group replaces chief executive as pressure grows on flagship fundFT · 1h
Shein’s Lackluster Debut Shows a Fast-Fashion Model Left BehindNYT · 1h
Swiss Life to Cut Around 600 Positions by the End of 2028WSJ · 1h
Jollibee Eyes Hong Kong as Listing Venue for Overseas ArmWSJ · 2h
How Aston Martin’s latest financing sparked a bondholder revoltFT · 2h
Ikea cuts prices in Europe by €1.2bn to counter cost of living crisisFT · 3h
Frasers Aims to Increase Hugo Boss Stake Above 50%WSJ · 3h
LSE prepares to launch tokenised stocks in digital markets pushFT · 3h
Best Small-Business Loans in September 2026WSJ · 6h
Apple’s new boss starts out asset-light and option-richFT · 6h

Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus, begins his tenure with an asset‑light strategy and a portfolio rich in options. According to the publisher’s summary, the greatest asset he inherits is “optionality.”

A bankruptcy brawl on the golf courseFT · 6h

LIV Golf is reportedly considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as early as next week. The potential filing would mark a significant development for the professional golf circuit, which has faced ongoing financial and legal challenges. No further details about the timing or terms of a filing have been released.

Can Trump’s 65bn-barrel deal revive Venezuela’s oil industry?FT · 6h
The Meta settlement is regulation by enforcementFT · 6h
Disasters to cost world $450bn a year from climate change and developmentFT · 6h
Wall Street banks push Big Law to cut fees because of AIFT · 6h
British banks crack down on Covid loan defaulters after government pressureFT · 6h
Illegal streaming costs UK £1.4bn a year, broadcasters and sports bodies warnFT · 6h
It was billed as effortless London luxury. Then tenants found out the rulesFT · 6h

Shard Place was promoted as offering effortless luxury living in London. However, many tenants have expressed frustration with the building’s rules, including restrictions on guests and delivery riders. The policies have sparked criticism from renters.

WPP cutting up to 1,000 more jobs as AI reshapes advertising industryFT · 6h
Revolut’s mission to dominate bankingFT · 6h

Revolut, after years of effort to secure a banking licence, has finally obtained the authorization needed to operate as a full‑service bank. The fintech firm says its next step is to launch an “everything app” that would combine payments, savings, investments and other financial services in a single platform. By consolidating these functions, Revolut aims to challenge traditional banks and expand its presence in the broader financial‑services market.

Call for entries: FT1000 Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2027FT · 6h
The man who built Europe’s chicken factoryFT · 6h
Third of FTSE 350 companies pay less for auditsFT · 6h
Philanthropists love AI. Philanthropists hate AIFT · 6h
London’s Tube finally escapes its mobile blackoutFT · 6h
Shortage of radioactive ‘rare as diamonds’ material frustrates nuclear start-upsFT · 6h

The nuclear industry is confronting a shortage of facilities that recycle spent fuel, a scarcity that is curbing the supply of plutonium and other critical materials described as “rare as diamonds.” This limited availability of recycled fuel is hindering the production of the isotopes needed for new power plants, slowing the anticipated expansion of nuclear generation. Industry observers note that the bottleneck at recycling sites is becoming a key obstacle to the sector’s growth plans.

Best Business Debt Consolidation Loans in September 2026WSJ · 6h
How the Pentagon Is Getting Into the Venezuelan Oil Business Under TrumpNYT · 7h
How Amazon’s ‘Secret’ Ad Pricing System Worked, According to the FTCWSJ · 7h
Trump Administration Steps Up Immigration Crackdown on Truck DriversWSJ · 8h
India media baron Subhash Chandra’s insolvency settlement sparks feud with Mukesh AmbaniFT · 8h
Who Pays for Wildfire Damage? California Can’t AgreeWSJ · 9h
How Aperol Built a $900 Million Global Brand Around the SpritzWSJ · 9h
Expedia Fights Off Claim for Damages by Cuban Exile FamiliesNYT · 10h
Donald Trump Jr.’s Firm Leads $1 Billion Funding Round for PolymarketNYT · 10h
Anthropic Signs $35 Billion Cloud Deal Backed by NvidiaWSJ · 10h
UPS Rejiggers Operating Model, Names Chief Global Operations OfficerWSJ · 11h
IRS Audit Revenue Has Plummeted Under Trump, Watchdog FindsNYT · 11h
Shein Had 4.4 Billion Reasons to Speed Its IPO AlongWSJ · 12h

Shein completed an initial public offering in Hong Kong this week. The listing allowed the fast‑fashion retailer to avoid paying out billions of dollars to early investors. The company said it had 4.4 billion reasons to accelerate the IPO.

FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging It Deceived Advertisers and Drove Up PricesWSJ · 12h
Opinion | The Data Center Panic and U.S. DeclineWSJ · 12h
Opinion | You Need to Invest in AI, but Don’t Expect a ReturnWSJ · 12h
Auto & Transport Roundup: Market TalkWSJ · 13h
Trump’s Venezuelan Oil Company Plans Massive Drilling PushWSJ · 13h
Ex-Congressman George Santos Receives Kalshi’s First-Ever Lifetime BanWSJ · 14h
Global Oil Price Rises to $90 a Barrel After U.S. and Iran Trade AttacksNYT · 14h
Kalshi Permanently Bars George Santos From the PlatformNYT · 15h
Private Equity Wants to Invest in College Sports. Some Schools Are Wary.NYT · 15h
Westinghouse Electric Wants to Ride a Nuclear Power Revival to an IPOWSJ · 15h
The Rapid Expansion That Built Bally’s Is Now Under PressureWSJ · 16h
A $480,000-a-Year Pill Reflects a New Normal for Cancer DrugsNYT · 17h
Ernst & Young Is Giving $100 Million in Bonuses to Staff for ‘Human’ SkillsWSJ · 18h
Ernst & Young Is Giving $100 Million in Bonuses to Staff for ‘Human’ SkillsWSJ · 18h
Trump’s Venezuelan Oil Deal Relies on a Powerful and Divisive PartnerNYT · 19h

The administration plans to work with a private Venezuelan oil company that maintains close ties to the government, a partnership described as both powerful and divisive. The arrangement, highlighted in recent reporting, underscores the reliance of the Trump administration on a partner whose influence in Venezuela is significant yet controversial. Officials have indicated that the deal will involve cooperation with this firm, emphasizing its strategic importance while acknowledging the contentious nature of its connections to the country's leadership.

U.S. Start-Up and Saudi Arabia Form Data Center PartnershipNYT · 19h
High Debt and Rising Prices Catch Up to Trump, as Midterms NearNYT · 21h
Courting Consumers at the U.S. OpenWSJ · 21h
GameStop Sees Higher Profit as eBay Investment Offsets Lower SalesWSJ · 21h
SLB to Buy Data Center Cooling Firm Kelvion for $4.1 BillionWSJ · 22h
The Morning Risk Report: U.S. Hits Bank With ‘Outcast’ ActionWSJ · 22h
ONEOK to Buy Brazos Midstream’s Permian Assets for $4.43 BillionWSJ · 23h

ONEOK announced plans to acquire Brazos Midstream’s natural‑gas gathering and processing assets in the Permian Midland Basin for $4.43 billion. The transaction will add the Texas‑based infrastructure to ONEOK’s existing portfolio, extending its presence in the Permian, one of the United States’ most active oil‑producing regions. The deal, valued at $4.43 billion, is aimed at strengthening ONEOK’s footprint in the prolific American oil hub.

Companies Are Paying for Price Cuts With Their Tariff RefundsWSJ · 23h
El Niño Threatens to Disrupt Industries WorldwideWSJ · 23h
Aon Strikes Roughly $17 Billion Deal for Insurance Brokerage USIWSJ · 23h
Huawei Profit Slumps by a Third on R&D Expenses, Raw-Material CostsWSJ · 23h

Markets & Economy

Gold Holds Below $4,500 on Increased Rate Hike ExpectationsWSJ · 8m
European Natural Gas Extends Climb on Supply Tightness, Elevated DemandWSJ · 16m
Elliott Is Said to Take Stake in Air LiquideBBG · 28m
U.S. Stock Futures Slip Amid Bond SelloffWSJ · 28m
China Tells Carmakers to Keep Price War Away From Export MarketsBBG · 31m
NIB CEO Says Defense Project Pipeline Has Increased RapidlyBBG · 33m
Hyundai Monthly Sales Tumble to Four-Year Low on Labor StrikesBBG · 35m
Russian Steel Demand Revives as War Damage Drives ConstructionBBG · 35m
Global bond sell-off deepens amid inflation fearsFT · 38m
Jersey Mike’s Is Winning the Sandwich War. It Still Needs to Win Over Gen Z.WSJ · 39m
Private equity firms snap up more London-listed companiesFT · 44m
Gilts Lead Global Bond Selloff as Traders Play Catch UpBBG · 49m
Bond Slide Grips Emerging Markets as Fed Risk Drags SentimentBBG · 50m
Taiwan Fines Cathay SITE, Restricts Offshore Trust OfferingsBBG · 1h
South African Factory Mood Sours as Production Momentum SlowsBBG · 1h
Shein shares slide as much as 10% in Hong Kong debutFT · 1h

Shein, the fast‑fashion retailer, completed its long‑delayed initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, but the stock fell about 10 percent on its first day of trading. Analysts noted that the listing came at a valuation many observers described as “bargain‑basement,” reflecting concerns over trade and regulatory risks. The share‑price slide marked a muted start for the company’s long‑awaited market debut.

Euro-Zone Inflation Jumps to Highest in Almost Three YearsBBG · 1h
Shein’s Debut Shows the Cost of IPO Missing Its Growth PeakBBG · 1h
Fewest UK Mortgages Approved Since the Start of 2024BBG · 1h
Oil Prices Rise as Renewed U.S.-Iran Fighting Deepens Hormuz Supply RisksWSJ · 1h
Rise in Real Yields Has Further to Run, Nuveen SaysBBG · 1h
Partners Group replaces chief executive as pressure grows on flagship fundFT · 1h
Indian LNG Imports Surge to Six-Year High Even as Prices SpikeBBG · 1h
Stock Market Today: Bond Yields Heat Up, Stock Futures DropWSJ · 1h
Global Bond Yields Surge as Oil Prices Fuel Inflation WorriesWSJ · 1h
India’s Economy Grows Faster Than Expected at 7.8%BBG · 1h
Hormuz Hostilities Pick Up as Two Tankers Reportedly StruckBBG · 2h
Oil Rises on Renewed U.S.-Iran HostilitiesWSJ · 2h
Israel Faces Rate Dilemma as War Settles and Elections LoomBBG · 2h
European Equities Largely Lower Though AI Stocks GainWSJ · 2h

The Nikkei index slipped about 1.0%, with semiconductor‑related shares bearing the brunt of the fall. Traders cited renewed worries over the conflict in Iran and the prospect of higher energy prices as key factors weighing on sentiment. The broader market followed the chip sector’s decline, pulling Japanese equities lower despite otherwise mixed activity.

How Aston Martin’s latest financing sparked a bondholder revoltFT · 2h
Modi Urges Indians to Curb Gold Buying in Self-Reliance PushBBG · 3h
Dollar Firms on Rate-Rise Bets, Middle East WorriesWSJ · 3h

LGT Private Banking Asia said the medium‑term outlook for the Korean won appears constructive. The statement reflects the bank’s assessment of the currency’s prospects over the coming period. No further details were provided.

LSE prepares to launch tokenised stocks in digital markets pushFT · 3h
UK House Prices Edged Back Up in August, Nationwide SaysBBG · 4h
Japan’s Ten-Year Bond Yield Hits 3.00% for First Time in Three DecadesWSJ · 4h
RBI’s Short Dollar Book Surges to Record on Diaspora DepositsBBG · 4h
Mozambican President Appoints De Sousa as Central Bank GovernorBBG · 4h
More WarshologyFT · 4h
This time it really was differentFT · 5h
India’s Growth Beat Suggests Economy on Cusp of Investment BoomBBG · 5h
A bankruptcy brawl on the golf courseFT · 6h

LIV Golf is reportedly considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as early as next week. The potential filing would mark a significant development for the professional golf circuit, which has faced ongoing financial and legal challenges. No further details about the timing or terms of a filing have been released.

Can Trump’s 65bn-barrel deal revive Venezuela’s oil industry?FT · 6h
Revolut’s mission to dominate bankingFT · 6h

Revolut, after years of effort to secure a banking licence, has finally obtained the authorization needed to operate as a full‑service bank. The fintech firm says its next step is to launch an “everything app” that would combine payments, savings, investments and other financial services in a single platform. By consolidating these functions, Revolut aims to challenge traditional banks and expand its presence in the broader financial‑services market.

How viable is Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela?FT · 6h
Chip Tax Windfall Spurs South Korea’s Record Budget ExpansionBBG · 7h
Japan’s Finance Chief Plays Down Bessent’s BOJ Rate Hike PushBBG · 7h
Zinc Climbs to Highest in More Than Four Years on Supply SqueezeBBG · 7h
Global Bond Selloff Sends Yields to the Highest Level Since 2008BBG · 8h
Chinese Manufacturing Gauge Clocks Longest Upswing in Five YearsBBG · 8h
Japan Ministries Seek Record Budget as Yields Hit 30-Year HighBBG · 8h
US 30-Year Bond Enters September on Worst Stretch Since 2006BBG · 9h
South Korea’s Exports Gather Pace as Chip Boom Powers AheadBBG · 10h
SEC Presses Investment Firms to Prove They Have Access to Shares in Hot StartupsWSJ · 10h
How a Brazilian Billionaire Helped Shape Trump’s Beef Import PlanWSJ · 10h
Gold Extends Drop as Fresh Mideast Tensions Raise Fed Hike BetsBBG · 10h
UK Shop Price Inflation Hits Two-Year High After Energy SpikeBBG · 11h
Bessent Ramps Up Pressure on BOJ to Raise Interest Rates FurtherBBG · 11h
US Stocks Fall as Yields Climb on Rate Hike Bets: Markets WrapBBG · 12h
Latest Oil Market News and Analysis for Sept. 1BBG · 12h
Shein Had 4.4 Billion Reasons to Speed Its IPO AlongWSJ · 12h
Trump’s Ballroom Construction Can Continue, Supreme Court SaysWSJ · 12h

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a split decision permitting the continuation of construction on a new ballroom at the White House, a project associated with former President Donald Trump and estimated at $400 million. The Court’s ruling clears the way for the work to proceed despite ongoing legal challenges. The decision was reported by multiple outlets, including SCOTUSblog, PBS, NBC News, The Guardian, The Washington Post and The Hill.

The WSJ Dollar Index Falls 0.39% This Month to 95.72WSJ · 12h
U.S. Stocks Fall as Iran War Inflation Heats UpWSJ · 12h
Brazil Unveils 2027 Budget With Surplus Target That Markets DoubtBBG · 12h
Stocks Decline to End August as War Fears PersistWSJ · 13h
Financial Services Roundup: Market TalkWSJ · 13h
Donald Trump Jr.’s Fund Boosts Polymarket Investment by Around $300 MillionWSJ · 13h
Flaring Middle East Tensions Push Oil Prices UpWSJ · 13h
Trump says US will hit Iran ‘hard’ as conflict reignitesFT · 13h
Canada’s Carney Tariff Retaliation Will Hurt Most Industries, Study WarnsBBG · 13h
US regulator claims Amazon manipulated advertising pricesFT · 14h

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the e‑commerce company manipulated the prices of its advertising services. According to the regulator, Amazon overcharged roughly 1.2 million businesses that used the platform to promote their products. The FTC’s complaint says the pricing practices gave Amazon an unfair advantage in the online advertising market. Amazon has not yet commented publicly on the allegations. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of major tech firms’ commercial practices.

5 of the Top Financial Advisor Companies for Retirees: Well-Known Fiduciary Firms to ConsiderWSJ · 15h
New Zealand Set to Raise Rates Again to Counter Inflation ThreatBBG · 15h
Major U.S. Stock Indexes Slip Amid Mideast Flare-UpWSJ · 15h
FDIC Beats Investor Claim to $1.71 Billion Silicon Valley Bank DepositWSJ · 15h
Westinghouse Electric Wants to Ride a Nuclear Power Revival to an IPOWSJ · 15h
KKR is the rare private equity firm that bets on itselfFT · 16h
George Santos banned from prediction platform Kalshi for manipulationFT · 17h
Opinion | The Quiet Bond Risk of Bloated State SpendingWSJ · 19h
A Hedge-Fund Titan’s Divorce Is Putting Wall Street’s Staggering Wealth on Public ViewWSJ · 19h
India’s Uneven Monsoon Rains Deepen Crop and Inflation RisksBBG · 21h
Happy birthday to the First Index Investment TrustFT · 21h

The First Index Investment Trust marked its anniversary, with the publisher encouraging observers to “witness the FIITnes.” No further details about the celebration or the trust’s activities were provided.

GameStop Sees Higher Profit as eBay Investment Offsets Lower SalesWSJ · 21h
Software companies pay steep price to buy time against AI threatFT · 23h
Aon Strikes Roughly $17 Billion Deal for Insurance Brokerage USIWSJ · 23h
Aon Strikes Roughly $17 Billion Deal for Insurance Brokerage USIWSJ · 23h
KKR to net giant windfall from $17bn sale of USI to AonFT · 23h

KKR will receive a substantial windfall from the sale of USI to Aon, a transaction valued at $17 billion. The profit from the deal is described as one of the largest ever recorded by a publicly listed private‑equity firm on a single transaction.

The Index-Fund Strategy Quietly Beating Big Tech This YearWSJ · 23h

Tech

Fervo Secures Its Largest-Ever Geothermal Power Deal, With GoogleWSJ · 9m
‘Off the Sidelines’—Lowe’s CEO Marshals Skilled Workers CoalitionWSJ · 14m
See the New Building Techniques Turbocharging the Data-Center BoomWSJ · 39m
South Korea unveils record budget increase to cash in on AI boomFT · 4h
Novartis Pauses Autoimmune Cell Therapy Studies After DeathsWSJ · 5h
Apple’s new boss starts out asset-light and option-richFT · 6h

Apple’s new chief executive, John Ternus, begins his tenure with an asset‑light strategy and a portfolio rich in options. According to the publisher’s summary, the greatest asset he inherits is “optionality.”

A real-world trial for work in the age of AIFT · 6h
The Meta settlement is regulation by enforcementFT · 6h
Wall Street banks push Big Law to cut fees because of AIFT · 6h
Illegal streaming costs UK £1.4bn a year, broadcasters and sports bodies warnFT · 6h
Call for entries: FT1000 Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2027FT · 6h
Philanthropists love AI. Philanthropists hate AIFT · 6h
Business schools face demand for higher, ‘human’ skillsFT · 6h
How Amazon’s ‘Secret’ Ad Pricing System Worked, According to the FTCWSJ · 7h
Anthropic Signs $35 Billion Cloud Deal Backed by NvidiaWSJ · 10h
Anthropic Signs $35 Billion Cloud Deal Backed by NvidiaWSJ · 10h
FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging It Deceived Advertisers and Drove Up PricesWSJ · 12h
FTC Sues Amazon, Alleging It Deceived Advertisers and Drove Up PricesWSJ · 12h
Opinion | The Data Center Panic and U.S. DeclineWSJ · 12h
Trump’s Ballroom Construction Can Continue, Supreme Court SaysWSJ · 12h
Opinion | You Need to Invest in AI, but Don’t Expect a ReturnWSJ · 12h
US regulator claims Amazon manipulated advertising pricesFT · 14h

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the e‑commerce company manipulated the prices of its advertising services. According to the regulator, Amazon overcharged roughly 1.2 million businesses that used the platform to promote their products. The FTC’s complaint says the pricing practices gave Amazon an unfair advantage in the online advertising market. Amazon has not yet commented publicly on the allegations. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of major tech firms’ commercial practices.

Trump says data centre critics ‘want to end up backwards and poor’FT · 16h
Trump Says Communities That Oppose Data Centers Risk Becoming ‘Backwards and Poor’WSJ · 17h
Ernst & Young Is Giving $100 Million in Bonuses to Staff for ‘Human’ SkillsWSJ · 18h
Don’t write off Russia’s defence industry yetFT · 18h
Opinion | Let Ukraine Aim for the ArcherWSJ · 18h
The politics of data centresFT · 21h
The AI Boom May Resemble Social Media More than TelecomWSJ · 21h
Activist pushes EPAM Systems for buybacks as AI hits its sharesFT · 22h
Eli Lilly to Buy Merida Biosciences for Up to $2.875 BillionWSJ · 22h
ChatGPT faces tougher rules under EU online safety regimeFT · 23h
Software companies pay steep price to buy time against AI threatFT · 23h
UK offers homegrown AI start-ups £100mn to improve public servicesFT · 23h

The United Kingdom has announced a £100 million funding programme for domestic artificial‑intelligence start‑ups aimed at enhancing public‑service delivery. The scheme is being introduced as criticism grows over the government’s use of contracts with the U.S. software company Palantir. Officials say the investment will support home‑grown firms in developing AI solutions for areas such as health, education and local government, with the goal of reducing reliance on foreign technology providers. The move follows increasing public and parliamentary scrutiny of existing Palantir agreements.

Deal Flow

M&A / Strategic

US will take 55% control of a new Venezuela oil JV that comprises 20% of the country's entire oil reserves, including a 35% passive stake in Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt's North American Blue Energy Partners23h
Aon is close to acquiring insurance brokerage USI Insurance Services from KKR for $17B, including debt23h
Italian insurance giant Generali is willing to consider a $10.2B takeover offer for wealth manager Banca Generali from lender BMPS23h
Pipeline operator Oneok and minority investor Apollo will acquire Brazos Midstream Holdings' natural gas operations in West Texas for $9B, including $5B of debt to be paid off23h
EQT and German insurance giant Allianz are exploring a $6.8B takeover of UK roadside recovery business The AA23h
Astorg Partners and Montagu Private Equity are exploring a $3.5B sale of GLP-1 pen maker Nemera23h
Authentic Brands Group acquired a 51% majority stake in the IP of Drake's lifestyle brand OVO at a ~$235M valuation23h
Airbus is considering a sale of its US small-satellite manufacturing business23h
Valterra Platinum made an informal approach to rival South African miner Northam Platinum23h

Valterra Platinum has made an informal approach to Northam Platinum, a South African miner that controls nearly one million ounces of platinum output and is valued at roughly $7.6 billion. The outreach, described as a “mystery” bid in industry reports, signals interest in a potential partnership or acquisition. Northam’s chief executive has previously said the country could “go platinum,” underscoring the strategic importance of the sector to South Africa’s economy. No further details on the terms of Valterra’s proposal have been disclosed.

Polish energy group Unimot ended talks to acquire Shell's stake in Germany's Russia-linked Schwedt refinery23h

VC

HubX, an AI-focused company building next-gen apps, raised $75M at a $1.2B pre-money valuation from Point72 Private Investments23h
Viral AI assistant startup Instinct raised a $250M Series B at a $2.5B valuation co-led by Index Ventures and Benchmark23h
Owner, an AI platform for local businesses, raised a $240M Series D at a $2.3B valuation led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives23h
Linear, a product development and issue-tracking platform, sold $99M of secondary shares at a $2.5B valuation with participation from Accel, 01A, Salesforce Ventures, and S3223h
Retro, a friend-focused photo-sharing app, raised a $21M Series A23h

Retro, a photo‑sharing app that emphasizes connections among friends, announced it has secured $21 million in a Series A financing round. The capital will be used to support the company’s growth and product development.

IPOs / Listings / Issuances / Block Trades

Samsung Biologics is seeking to raise $2.2B in a rights offering to fund its acquisition of Swiss contract drugmaker PolyPeptide Group23h
Blackstone is offering to sell a 25% stake worth $1.25B in Indian office REIT Knowledge Realty Trust at a 5% discount and 13% discount to NAV23h
Indian conglomerate Tata Group is in talks with biggest minority shareholder Shapoorji Pallonji Group to unlock liquidity via a potential swap of shares of listed entities, a buyout of Shapoorji Pallonji's stake by Tata Sons, or a sale to an external investor23h
Hyperinflammation-focused Electra Therapeutics filed for an IPO23h

SPAC / SPV

Satellite-to-device broadcast network firm Astrum Space will merge with Black Spade Acquisition at a $1B valuation23h

Debt

Broadcom could raise over $100B in debt for an AI chip financing deal for Anthropic and others in a record-shattering deal23h
Indian billionaire owner PV Krishna Reddy is seeking to raise $700M in private credit from Davidson Kempner, Elham, and Varde Partners to buy out his uncle's 43% stake in Megha Engineering & Infrastructures to take full ownership23h

Bankruptcy / Restructuring / Distressed

Major Aussie developer Bathla Group fell into insolvency with $2.4B owed to mostly private credit firms23h

Australian property developer Bathla Group has entered insolvency, with liabilities reported at about $2.4 billion. The bulk of the debt is owed to private credit firms rather than traditional banks. The insolvency filing signals that the company, a notable player in the Australian construction sector, is unable to meet its financial obligations and will now be subject to a formal restructuring process overseen by courts and insolvency practitioners. Creditors are expected to file claims as the administration proceeds.

UK asset manager Aberdeen will take a $272M hit to one of its infrastructure funds following the collapse of UK broadband provider Airband23h
AI-driven biopharma firm BioXcel Therapeutics filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy23h

Funds / Secondaries

Developer Crow Holdings raised $625M for a targeted $3.25B fund23h
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners raised $3B for its second Growth Markets Fund23h
a16z raised $1.1B for Machine Age, its first dedicated AI hardware infrastructure fund23h
European royal family office LGT Capital Partners raised $1B for its seventh European small buyout fund23h
Industrials MM PE firm GenNx360 Capital Partners raised $865M for its fourth fund23h
Investment firm Crestline Management raised $625M for its second European Capital Solutions fund23h
Distressed real estate investor Canyon Partners raised $570M for its latest opportunistic fund23h
Private markets investment firm Siguler Guff raised $500M for its second India MM growth fund23h
OpenAI launched a second $400M VC fund to invest its own capital23h
Opportunistic real estate investor Machine Investment Group raised $350M for its second fund23h
Reach Capital raises $265M for its fifth fund to expand on its "human potential" theme23h
Gaming specialist Makers Fund raised $250M for its fourth flagship fund23h
Opportunistic PE real estate firm Alpaca Real Estate raised $223M for its debut fund23h
Canada's Polar Asset Management raised $215M for its second SRT fund23h
MassMutual Ventures, the VC arm of insurer MassMutual, launched a $150M second climate fund which will incorporate AI and real assets23h
VC Floating Point raised $125M for its third fund to tackle "real world" businesses23h
Palinuro Capital, the macro hedge fund of ex-ING trader Alfonso Peccatiello, raised $75M in fresh capital to take AUM past $100M23h
Ukraine's ex-defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov is seeking to raise a defense tech fund from US investors to back startups that will help defeat Russia23h

Reforma

Abre UAM tercer proceso de admisión tras llamado de SEPNacional · 7h
Afectan apagones a Yucatán, QR y ChiapasNegocios · 7h
...Y designan a Higinio Martínez para presidir Cámara altaNacional · 8h
Eligen a Bolaños como nuevo presidente en San LázaroPortada · 9h
Alertan sobre riesgo estructural en la T2 del AICMPortada · 10h
Reaparece Inzunza en Senado tras 124 días de ausenciaPortada · 11h
Anuncia Messi retiro de Selección de Argentina: 'Me vacié'Portada · 18h
Van por empresarios del caso SegalmexPortada · 23h
Se aleja México de lograr top 10 de competitividadPortada · 23h

México se aleja de la meta trazada en el Plan México, que buscaba posicionar al país entre las diez economías más competitivas del mundo. Según los últimos indicadores, la nación ha perdido puestos en los rankings de competitividad, lo que evidencia una distancia creciente respecto al objetivo de entrar en el top 10. Este retroceso genera preocupación entre analistas y autoridades, que deberán evaluar las causas y diseñar medidas para revertir la tendencia y recuperar la competitividad perdida.

Llenará Trump reserva con crudo venezolanoPortada · 23h