Year: 2025

There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

The Market Consequences if Trump Overshoots the Tariff Sweet Spot

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 persistently advocated for tariffs to adjust global trade and strengthen manufacturing in the United States. Throughout his initial term, his government enacted duties on imports valued…
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Meta is shelling out big bucks to get ahead in AI. Here’s who it’s hiring

Meta pours money into AI—discover its latest hires

Meta is actively striving to establish its position in the fiercely competitive artificial intelligence sector, with a significant aspect of this approach focusing on significantly growing their workforce. As the need for advanced AI solutions grows across various fields, Meta is dedicating substantial resources to recruit leading researchers, developers, and engineers to bolster its standing.The company, known for its vast ecosystem of social platforms, is aiming to become a central force in AI innovation. This ambition has led to a hiring spree targeting individuals with deep expertise in large language models, machine learning infrastructure, and neural network optimization. Rather than…
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Earth is spinning faster, leading timekeepers to consider an unprecedented move

Faster spinning Earth has timekeepers debating an unprecedented action

El ritmo natural de nuestro planeta está transformándose, y los cronometristas globales lo están observando con atención. La Tierra gira con más velocidad que antes, lo que lleva a los científicos y a las autoridades internacionales de cronometraje a contemplar una modificación sin precedentes: restar un segundo al Tiempo Universal Coordinado (UTC).This possible measure, referred to as a "negative leap second," would be unprecedented in human history. Although leap seconds have been inserted to align clocks with Earth's somewhat inconsistent rotation, removing one poses intricate issues for technology, communications, and worldwide systems that depend on exact timing.For decades, timekeeping has…
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Taiwan is paralyzed by political gridlock. A mass recall of ‘pro-China’ lawmakers could break that

The Role of ‘Pro-China’ Lawmaker Recall in Solving Taiwan’s Political Deadlock

Taiwan is currently facing a significant standstill in its political arena, with essential legislative measures being blocked because of profound disagreements among legislators. Central to this deadlock is the increasing discontent towards specific individuals in the Legislative Yuan, who, according to detractors, are perceived to be too aligned with Beijing. In reaction to this, a burgeoning grassroots movement is organizing efforts to remove a number of lawmakers considered to have pro-China leanings, aiming to revitalize the political environment and re-establish progress in a system seen by many as immobilized.Following Taiwan’s January elections, the country found itself with a divided government.…
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Trade deal on US tariffs within reach, says EU, as 1 August deadline nears

EU hopeful for US trade tariff deal as August 1st approaches

As the calendar moves closer to August 1, high-level trade talks between the European Union and the United States appear to be making tangible progress. Officials on both sides have indicated that a potential agreement to resolve long-standing disputes over tariffs is within sight. The negotiations, which have spanned months, could finally yield a solution that would ease economic tensions and reset the tone of transatlantic trade relations.At the heart of the discussions is the pressing issue of tariffs imposed by the United States on a range of EU exports. These duties were initially introduced under previous trade policies that…
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U.S.-funded contraceptives for poor nations to be burned in France, sources say

France to burn U.S.-funded contraceptives meant for impoverished countries, say sources

A large shipment of U.S.-funded contraceptives, valued at nearly $10 million and initially intended to support family planning efforts in low-income countries, is now slated for destruction in a medical waste facility in France. The decision comes after months of political and logistical gridlock that left the supplies—ranging from birth control pills to long-acting reversible contraceptives like implants and intrauterine devices—stranded in a European warehouse.The contraceptives, purchased through a U.S. foreign aid program designed to improve global reproductive health access, were caught in the crossfire of policy changes following a shift in U.S. leadership. The new administration has adopted a…
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The U.S. fertility rate reached a new low in 2024, CDC data shows

CDC data: U.S. fertility rate drops to historic low in 2024

The fertility rate in the United States keeps decreasing, hitting its lowest level in many years by 2024. This persistent pattern, indicative of wider societal changes, underscores how economic challenges, cultural shifts, and evolving personal preferences are transforming the dynamics of family planning throughout the nation. Insight from recent demographic research indicates a significant decline in the typical number of children a woman gives birth to, falling below the threshold needed to maintain population stability. This statistic, commonly known as the total fertility rate, serves as an essential measure for analyzing population growth patterns and the overarching trajectories within societies…
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls for a review of 'the entire' Federal Reserve

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urges comprehensive review of the Federal Reserve

In a development sparking considerable debate among financial and political groups, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged a comprehensive evaluation of the Federal Reserve’s organization, decision-making procedures, and policy structure. The announcement reflects increasing worry about the central bank’s involvement in sustaining the nation's economic stability amidst intricate global and domestic issues.Bessent, addressing an important financial conference in Washington, highlighted the necessity to review the Federal Reserve’s extensive mandate and the implements it uses to carry out monetary policy. He stressed that the aim of this examination is not to weaken the independence of the institution, but to make…
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Goldman Sachs is getting worried about the economy

Goldman Sachs signals worry about the economy

In a notable shift from its previously steady tone, Goldman Sachs has begun to express growing caution about the direction of the global economy. The influential investment bank, known for its insights into financial markets and macroeconomic trends, is now flagging several emerging risks that could hinder growth and reshape investor expectations in the months ahead.Although the global economy has demonstrated strength in the past few years, especially in bouncing back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in supply chains, experts at Goldman Sachs are putting more emphasis on signals indicating a potential slowdown. These worries emerge…
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Someone has eaten artist Maurizio Cattelan’s  million banana – again

Cattelan’s $6 million banana art piece eaten once again

Conceptual art often walks a fine line between provocation and absurdity. Few pieces have illustrated this tension more vividly than Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian” — a simple banana duct-taped to a wall, first exhibited at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. The artwork quickly became a cultural flashpoint, sparking endless discussions about the definition of art, the value we assign to objects, and the role of performance in contemporary galleries. But more recently, “Comedian” has returned to the spotlight for a reason as audacious as the piece itself: someone has eaten it. Again.The banana, originally sold for $120,000, is known not…
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