Month: July 2025

Ireland 'not exactly celebrating' Trump's deal with EU
24 Jul

Ireland holds back praise for Trump’s EU deal

Roger W. WatsonEconomy
When former U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a trade understanding with the European Union, reactions across Europe were mixed. In Ireland, the reception was particularly reserved. Far from celebrating the deal, Irish leaders and stakeholders expressed a blend of cautious skepticism and concern over its potential consequences, particularly for key sectors like agriculture and technology that are deeply tied to transatlantic trade.While the announcement of the trade agreement was framed by the Trump administration as a breakthrough in reducing economic tensions between the U.S. and the EU, many Irish policymakers viewed it through a more critical lens. From their perspective,…
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US-China talks restart as hopes grow for trade war truce extension
24 Jul

US-China trade discussions restart as chances improve for truce extension

Roger W. WatsonEconomy
Diplomatic negotiations between the United States and China have resumed, reigniting hopes that the two global powers may extend their fragile truce in the ongoing trade dispute. After years of escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures that disrupted global supply chains and unsettled markets, the return to formal dialogue signals a potential shift toward stabilization and mutual accommodation.The talks, which are taking place amid a complex geopolitical backdrop, reflect the high stakes for both nations. The global economy continues to face uncertainty fueled by inflationary pressures, supply chain vulnerabilities, and shifting political alliances. In this context, efforts to avoid further trade…
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Auction sales fall 6% in the first half, raising fears of an art market shift
24 Jul

Auction sales see 6% drop in H1, heightening art market shift fears

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business
Auction revenues declined by around 6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, prompting fresh concerns about the global art market's strength. This occurs amid broader weakening in fine‑art sales, signaling a shift in collector behavior and challenging prevailing business models.Although major houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips continued to lead, their combined total slipped to just under $4 billion in H1 2025. Fine‑art auctions—the core of their business—dropped by approximately 10%. This signals a market that is either consolidating at a lower baseline or possibly entering a longer-term structural change.Despite the decline, some…
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Crypto kidnapping: How armed gangs are hunting the internet's high rollers
24 Jul

Crypto kidnapping: Armed gangs pursue high-value targets online

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business
In today’s digital economy, cryptocurrencies have created a new class of millionaires. But this digital wealth has also attracted a dangerous kind of attention — not from hackers, but from armed criminals. These groups are now targeting individuals known to hold significant crypto assets, leading to a troubling rise in what has become known as “crypto kidnappings.”A new kind of targetUnlike conventional bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets may often be accessed from various devices, and frequently don't have the same protective measures as financial institutions. For criminals, this creates a unique chance. They simply require physical access to the individual and…
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No formula, no food: Mothers and babies starve together in Gaza
22 Jul

No formula, no food: Mothers and babies go hungry in Gaza

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility
In the midst of a deepening humanitarian crisis, families in Gaza are facing extreme challenges accessing basic necessities, particularly infant formula and food. The widespread shortages have left many mothers struggling to feed their babies, as the local population copes with deteriorating conditions and limited aid.For numerous women in Gaza, breastfeeding stands as the sole option for nourishing their babies. Nonetheless, due to the ongoing conflict, poor nutritional intake, and insufficient healthcare, mothers are finding it harder to produce the necessary amount of milk. Consequently, some infants are not receiving the nourishment required, jeopardizing their health and growth.The absence of…
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There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off
22 Jul

Why the right tariff level matters: Trump and market reactions

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business
As talks regarding possible economic policy under a second Trump administration intensify, an issue once again emerges as highly relevant: tariffs. Although a degree of trade protectionism might attract certain groups of voters and complement wider political objectives, financial markets generally react sensitively to these actions. There seems to be a balance — an ideal level — for tariffs, past which investor confidence might decline and economic stability could be at risk.Donald Trump has consistently championed tariffs as a tool to rebalance international trade and bolster American manufacturing. During his first term, his administration imposed levies on hundreds of billions…
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Can Volodymyr Zelenskyy recover from his self-made crisis?
22 Jul

Will Volodymyr Zelenskyy overcome his self-inflicted crisis?

Roger W. WatsonSocial Responsibility
Volodymyr Zelenskyy—once a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and global wartime leadership—now confronts a serious domestic crisis largely of his own making. With anti-corruption institutions under threat, public demonstrations underway, and mounting international concern, his ability to rebound hinges on restoring institutional trust, honoring democratic norms, and maintaining support amid Russia’s intensifying war.Since 2019, Zelenskyy’s journey has been defined by two distinct political arcs. Initially elected on promises of ending corruption and reforming entrenched political elites, he faced early disappointment when progress lagged. His popularity dipped dramatically through 2021 alongside stalled reforms and unclear leadership direction. Critics argued he had overpromised and…
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Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback
22 Jul

Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback

Roger W. WatsonInvestments and Business
Intel Corporation has initiated a major restructuring effort that includes reducing its global workforce by approximately 15%. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to regain momentum in a highly competitive semiconductor industry, where the company has faced increasing pressure from rivals and shifting technological demands.The job cuts, affecting thousands of positions across multiple departments, reflect Intel’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and refocus resources on key areas that align with its long-term growth objectives. According to company sources, the reductions are not limited to a specific region or function but are instead distributed across several…
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What if your house changed color with the seasons? This ‘climate-responsive’ paint could make it happen
22 Jul

Imagine your house changing color with the seasons—climate-responsive paint explained

Roger W. WatsonFashion and Trends
Imagine a home that subtly transforms its exterior hues as the seasons shift—warming up with richer tones in the winter and cooling down to paler shades in the summer. This futuristic vision might soon become a reality thanks to advancements in climate-responsive materials, particularly a new kind of paint engineered to react to changes in temperature.Este concepto innovador de pintura trasciende los pigmentos que cambian de color de manera tradicional. A diferencia de las pinturas novedosas que reaccionan momentáneamente al calor o la luz solar con fines decorativos, los recubrimientos adaptativos al clima se están desarrollando pensando en la funcionalidad.…
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Protests expected as Trump heads to Scotland for five-day visit
22 Jul

Trump heads to Scotland for five days amid protest plans

Roger W. WatsonInternational
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Scotland for a five-day trip that is drawing both international attention and a wave of anticipated protests. The visit, which includes stops at several of his properties in the country, comes at a time of heightened political tension and public debate over his ongoing influence in American and global politics.Trump's travel plans reportedly involve time spent at his golf resorts in Turnberry and Aberdeen, locations that have been central to his business interests in the United Kingdom for more than a decade. While the visit is being framed by his…
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