Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting reveal significant division among officials regarding the future path of interest rates, with some advocating for maintaining restrictive policy to ensure inflation returns to target while others warn that overtightening could harm economic growth and employment.
The International Monetary Fund has lowered its 2026 global growth projection to 3%, citing escalating trade frictions, geopolitical tensions, and rising policy uncertainty across major economies.
The Reserve Bank of India has called for prohibiting financial institutions from holding crypto asset exposure, reiterating its stance on stricter restrictions for digital assets. Despite growing global acceptance of digital asset technology, Indian regulators maintain a conservative position, reflecting deep concerns about financial stability and tax compliance.
Apple announced an investment exceeding $30 billion with Broadcom to advance domestic chip manufacturing in the United States. This represents one of Apple’s largest semiconductor supply chain investments in recent years, aimed at addressing global chip shortages and geopolitical risks while promoting localized production of critical technologies.
President Trump declares the ceasefire with Iran ‘over’ following mutual airstrikes between the US and Iran. The statement marks the collapse of a brief diplomatic window and plunges the Middle East back into crisis, triggering sharp market volatility worldwide.
Australian dock workers’ union calls for a 28-hour work week in AI negotiations. The union says workers are ‘in the crosshairs’ of automation as AI is tested across ports. This demand reflects the profound changes and challenges facing the workforce in the AI era.
NATO allies announce a £37 billion joint missile defense project at the Ankara summit. UK Prime Minister Starmer chairs the meeting, marking a new phase in European defense integration. The initiative aims to address growing security threats and enhance transatlantic defense capabilities.
The United States launched new military strikes against Iran following attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming the action aims to impose ‘heavy costs’ on Tehran. Iran warned it will take ‘decisive measures’ in response, as global energy markets and geopolitical stability face severe tests.
Google officially announces an August 12 product event where Pixel 11 smartphones and Pixel Watch 5 are expected to debut.
A French court has found far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen guilty of EU fund misuse, but ruled she may run for president while wearing an electronic monitoring tag.