Small-cap benchmark Russell 2000 becomes first major U.S. stock measure to enter bear market

SummaryA deal to revive the fragile truce in the US-China trade war has been reached, as announced by US President Donald Trump following extensive negotiations in London. The agreement includes a framework for tariff rates, removing Chinese export restrictions on rare earth minerals, and allowing Chinese students access to US universities, but it is subject to final approval by both leaders. The established tariffs will see the US imposing a 55% rate on Chinese imports,...

Jurors in Harvey Weinstein's retrial unanimously found him guilty of sexually assaulting one woman but not guilty of assaulting another, while they deadlocked on a third allegation. Weinstein, who denied the charges and claimed the encounters were consensual, expressed frustration over the proceedings, highlighting that they were not typical deliberations. The verdicts followed a tumultuous five days of jury discussions, with the prosecution arguing Weinstein exploited vulnerable women in Hollywood, contrasting with his defense's portrayal...

Officials and Hershey’s are urging consumers to stop buying certain Jolly Rancher products due to safety concerns over the presence of mineral oil hydrocarbons, which are not permitted in UK food. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has listed the affected items, including various hard candies and gummies, and emphasized that while immediate health risks are low, regular consumption could pose dangers. The FSA is coordinating with local authorities to recall these sweets from shops, as...

BC Ferries has sparked controversy after awarding a shipbuilding contract to China's CMI Weihai, a decision criticized by Conservative MP Jeff Kibble, who accused the Liberal government of undermining Canadian interests while providing $30 million in subsidies. Despite concerns from B.C. Transportation Minister Mike Farnworth about the implications of sourcing from a country perceived as economically aggressive, he stated BC Ferries is independent and he cannot block the deal. BC Ferries' CEO defended the choice,...

SummaryIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that security forces recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages in Gaza, one identified as Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, 59, who was killed during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Yaakov's sons, Or and Yagil, and partner, Meirav Tal, were abducted but released in November 2023. With 53 hostages still held by Hamas, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed deep sorrow for Yaakov's death, emphasizing the urgent need...

Countries like Vietnam and China are changing their family policies in response to declining birth rates, with a new U.N. report highlighting that economic insecurity, rather than a lack of desire for children, is the primary barrier to larger families. The report shows that many individuals express a desire for more children but feel current financial conditions are not conducive to raising them, challenging the narrative that younger generations are simply choosing not to have...