Major banks cut mortgage rates in ‘positive signs’ for market

Three key outcomes emerged from Germany's general election: the CDU/CSU secured a victory with 29% of the vote, Friedrich Merz is set to become chancellor, and the AfD achieved its best-ever result with 20% of the vote. The high voter turnout of 83% reflects a desire for stricter immigration policies. Despite calls for a rightwing government, a coalition between the CDU/CSU and the SPD is likely, with challenges including economic constraints and maintaining ties with...

Wood Group, a struggling oil services and engineering company, is in talks with advisers to refinance its heavy debt load while facing a takeover bid from Dubai-based Sidara. The company's share price has plummeted, and despite previous failed buyout attempts, Wood is working on both debt refinancing and takeover negotiations simultaneously. Analysts have expressed concerns about Wood's financial situation, with the company disclosing governance weaknesses and aiming to achieve positive free cash flow by 2026....

Entrepreneur contributors emphasize the importance of aligning brand values with influencer partnerships to build strong connections and trust with audiences. By prioritizing authenticity, positivity, and professionalism, brands can avoid damaging their reputation with misaligned collaborations. To find the right fit, brands should define their values, prioritize quality over quantity, do thorough research, seek long-term relationships, and focus on fostering genuine connections rather than relying solely on influencer statistics. Ultimately, successful influencer marketing is about creating...

Last week, President Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods, prompting small business owner Logan Vanghele to urgently request his $120,000 shipment of aquarium products be removed from a ship en route to Boston. The tariffs, part of Trump's efforts to pressure countries to curb drugs and migrants, have created uncertainty for businesses like Vanghele's, who faces potential fees on goods already in transit. While negotiations continue with Canada, Mexico, and China, industries...

Benjamin Black, son of private equity billionaire Leon Black, has been nominated by President Trump to lead the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, aiming to shift towards a more "pro-market" approach in allocating U.S.A.I.D.'s budget of $40 billion. Black advocates for investments that benefit American interests, criticizing U.S.A.I.D.'s past focus on humanitarian concerns. His background in finance and connections to Wall Street could help attract private equity firms and international investors to participate in the...

A cross-party committee of MPs in the UK is calling for tougher reforms to protect workers' rights from exploitation by "rogue employers" by providing more explicit details on banning exploitative zero-hour contracts and ensuring all employees qualify for new rights. Business groups are lobbying for changes to soften the impact of the legislation, while unions are confident the reforms will remain intact. The government is expected to publish amendments to the employment rights bill, with...