Germany downgrades 2025 growth forecast to zero

The message emphasizes a pragmatic approach to strengthening partnerships with EU allies, aiming to enhance safety, security, and prosperity for British citizens through reduced trade barriers and economic growth. The UK government, under the leadership of Nick Thomas-Symonds, is confident in its political stability and capacity to attract global investment, as evidenced by Universal's recent multi-billion-pound investment that will create 28,000 jobs. The focus is on moving beyond past debates to ensure long-term stability and...

SummaryAn English-speaking country once failed economically due to protectionist policies, leading Ireland to embrace foreign investment with low corporate taxes from the 1960s, resulting in a trade surplus with the US. Donald Trump's tariffs threaten Ireland's economy, which relies heavily on US pharmaceutical companies, accounting for a significant portion of its exports and tax revenues. While Ireland's low corporate tax rate remains, its recent fiscal success is unsustainable, and Trump's potential tariff actions could jeopardize...

The European Commission's recent €700 million fine against tech giants Apple and Meta has been criticized as insufficient, described as merely a "slap on the wrist." Under the Digital Markets Act, designated "gatekeepers" like Apple and Meta face obligations to ensure fair competition; Apple was penalized for restricting developers' ability to bypass its App Store fees, while Meta was fined for coercing users into consenting to data usage or paying to avoid ads. This situation...

Donald Trump’s demand for Ukraine to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea as part of a peace deal has put European nations in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between supporting Kyiv or aligning with Washington. The Trump administration's proposed deal heavily favors Moscow, leading to fears among European officials that it could undermine transatlantic security and disrupt an upcoming NATO summit. While Kyiv remains unwilling to concede territory, European leaders have affirmed their commitment...

The spokesperson for the Tory leader emphasizes the need to unite centre-right voters, while independent MP Rosie Duffield criticizes Keir Starmer for his lack of leadership, suggesting he is more of a manager than a leader. Duffield's comments stem from her perception that Starmer's shift on trans issues reflects a failure to take a firm stance. Additionally, Nigel Farage's assertion that the UK can achieve gas self-sufficiency is dismissed as unrealistic, citing geological limits on...

Factories in China are experiencing production slowdowns and worker furloughs due to the U.S.-China trade war, which has led to tariffs of at least 145% on most Chinese goods. With approximately 15% of Chinese exports going to the U.S., many factory owners report canceled or suspended orders, prompting them to halt production for weeks. The Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association indicates that anxiety among merchants is rising, with factories cutting overtime and considering layoffs as they...