Read a summary of this article on FAST.Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FASTThe European stock market was outperforming the American markets in the first quarter of 2025. Then came US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” and markets across Europe plunged. Should investors still look to Europe in the mid- and long-term?Yap Fook Hien, senior investment strategist, wealth solutions for Standard Chartered Bank breaks it down.Broker look at video screens at the stock market in Frankfurt, Germany, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)Here is an excerpt from the conversation: Andrea Heng, host:What other sectors can investors look at within the EU (European Union)?Yap Fook Hien, Standard Chartered Bank:So within Europe our view for the overweight sectors are financials and industrials … We do like technology as well. And the other one is communication services. For technology, a large part of European technology actually is semiconductors. More than half of it. And they do have leadership there in some areas. Now the tariffs do cause uncertainty.We do see the big companies there flagging that but the AI development and the tailwind around that,...

SummarySecretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, is transitioning to a new role at the Pentagon following recent staffing upheavals that included the firing of key aides amid a leak investigation. The dismissed officials expressed disappointment over the lack of clarity regarding the investigation's specifics. Meanwhile, Hegseth faced scrutiny for sharing sensitive information in a group chat, though he and a Pentagon spokesperson stated that no classified details were disclosed, with President Trump publicly supporting Hegseth's performance. Full Article

Yemeni Information Minister Moammar al-Eryani praised US President Donald Trump's foreign policy, particularly recent military strikes against the Iran-backed Houthi militia, calling them a strategic necessity for regional security. He characterized the Houthis as a significant threat, asserting that their advanced military capabilities jeopardize global trade and stability. Al-Eryani contrasted Trump's decisive actions with prior international inaction towards Iranian expansionism, emphasizing the importance of confronting the Houthis to restore stability in Yemen and the region. Full Article

Summary As millions of Canadians participated in advance voting, political leaders intensified their campaigns. Liberal Leader Mark Carney emphasized the need for a strong mandate to address crises and negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called for change, highlighting the need to elect a new government. Elections Canada reported over two million votes cast on a single day, indicating a potential record turnout, with polls showing the Liberals leading the Conservatives by six to eight points, particularly in Ontario. Full Article

A swimmer is missing and feared dead after being mauled by a shark near a beach in Hadera, Israel. Witnesses reported hearing him scream for help and saw him thrashing in the water before it turned red, with footage showing a dusky shark nearby. Local authorities launched rescue efforts but have not located the man, while experts noted that the presence of sharks in the area is linked to warm water discharged from a nearby power plant, suggesting that safety measures should be implemented to protect beachgoers. Full Article

Nadine Menendez, 58, guilty of bribery and fraud related to using her husband’s influence on behalf of Egypt.Nadine Menendez, wife of former Senator Bob Menendez, was convicted of 15 counts of bribery and fraud for accepting bribes to leverage her husband's political influence for Egyptian officials. Following her husband's 11-year prison sentence earlier in January for similar charges, Nadine's trial revealed their alleged collusion, including receiving luxury items in exchange for political favors. She is scheduled for sentencing on June 12, with the trial highlighting the couple's partnership in corruption. Full Article

SummaryDepartment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had her handbag, containing $3,000 in cash and personal items like her driver's license and passport, stolen while dining at Capital Burger in Washington, DC. Noem confirmed the theft during the White House Easter Egg Roll, stating the matter remains unresolved, and the Secret Service has launched an investigation. At the time of the incident, Noem was with her family, using the cash for a special occasion, and was accompanied by security personnel. Full Article

The Trump administration confirmed the appointment of Merav Ceren to the National Security Council, refuting claims that she worked for Israel's Ministry of Defense. Ceren, a former Senate staffer with extensive experience in national security, participated in an internship related to resource management in the West Bank but was not employed by the Israeli Defense Ministry, according to a spokesperson. Her appointment coincides with ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations, amidst heightened tensions regarding Iran's nuclear program and potential military actions from Israel. Full Article

OTTAWA — The Chinese government is suspected of undermining Toronto-area Conservative candidate Joe Tay's campaign by promoting a mock "wanted" poster and disparaging stories about him while suppressing searches of his name on social media. The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force indicated that this transnational repression operation, which intensified around Tay's candidacy announcement, reflects traditional PRC-backed foreign interference tactics. However, SITE members believe these activities have not jeopardized the integrity of Canada’s election process. Full Article

Pope Francis' Final Wishes A posthumously published document reveals that Pope Francis desired his remains to rest in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, one of Rome's major papal basilicas. In his spiritual testament, he requested a simple burial without lavish adornments and arranged for a benefactor to cover the costs. He specifically chose a burial niche between the Pauline and Sforza Chapels, emphasizing his lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary and expressing hopes for peace and fraternity in the world. Full Article