Labour unveils disability benefits reforms that aim to save over £5bn

Financial markets are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve's comments on future interest rates, as well as any potential adjustments to the ongoing balance sheet runoff known as quantitative tightening (QT). This dual focus highlights the significance of not only rate decisions but also the Fed's efforts to reduce its balance sheet. Investors are keenly aware of both factors and their potential impact on market dynamics. Full Article

Investors looking to top up their stocks and shares ISA before the tax year deadline should consider investment trusts amidst market volatility caused by trade wars. With long-term investing in mind, experts recommend trusts like City of London and Fidelity Special Values for UK exposure, Schroder AsiaPacific for Asian diversification, and defensive options such as Personal Assets. For a global perspective, JPMorgan Global Growth & Income is highlighted for its consistent outperformance and low costs....

Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, is now accessible at the White House campus, part of Elon Musk's efforts to improve Wi-Fi connectivity in government buildings. Installation of Starlink was overseen by a security engineer working with Musk's companies, sparking concerns about conflicts of interest but was deemed not a security breach. Starlink has been set up at various government properties, including the General Services Administration, as Musk continues to modernize technology in federal...

New federal data shows that the difference in increased pay between staying at a job versus changing roles for a higher salary has decreased to its lowest level in a decade, with a wage growth survey revealing only a slight difference in salary increases. The U.S. Labor Department reports that more Americans are opting to stay in their current jobs due to difficulty in finding comparable positions and the perception of employers having more bargaining...

Downing Street expects a coalition of over 30 countries to help secure peace in Ukraine, with UK, France, and Australia willing to send troops contingent on US support. G7 foreign ministers are preparing to escalate pressure on Russia, including further sanctions and seizing assets, while UK officials are discussing a potential multinational peacekeeping force involving up to 30,000 troops. European nations, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are considering various contributions, with discussions ongoing regarding rules...

Twenty investment trusts, including City of London Investment Trust, Bankers Investment Trust, and Alliance Witan, have increased dividends for over two decades, with three trusts extending this record to 58 consecutive years. The newest addition to the list is the Murray International Trust, with 20 years of dividend growth. Investment trusts' unique structure allows them to hold back income in a dividend reserve, making them attractive to income-focused investors, especially during periods of market volatility....