Spring Statement live: Reeves presents Spring Statement

The Trump administration has sent letters to large EU companies warning them to comply with an executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, even if they are suppliers to the US government. The move, seen as an extraterritorial reach, has sparked concerns and pushback from French officials and affected companies. This escalation comes amid broader tensions between the US and Europe over trade and security policy, with potential legal challenges to the enforcement of...

The legal profession is divided between firms suing President Trump over executive orders that could impact their representation abilities, with Jenner & Block and WilmerHale fighting back while Paul Weiss and Skadden make deals with the president. Some firms, like Perkins Coie, are pushing against the orders, leading to temporary restraining orders against retaliation. Critics question the legality and ethics of firms making deals to appease Mr. Trump, while others praise those standing up against...

The City of Fort Worth, Texas, is ending its contract with Synagro, a provider of fertilizer made from sewage sludge, due to concerns over "forever chemicals" contaminating local farmland and groundwater. Fort Worth has also sued manufacturers of the chemicals, known as PFAS, alleging water supply contamination. Synagro denies responsibility and faces a criminal investigation, while Fort Worth is working on new biosolids contracts. Full Article

Entrepreneur contributors share their own opinions on the potential of AI for maximizing profits, emphasizing the importance of delving into data to uncover the "conversion catalyst code" for driving sales. The article highlights strategies such as exploiting cognitive dissonance, leveraging loss aversion, mastering the 'mere exposure effect,' and utilizing the 'Von Restorff effect' to stand out from competitors. Readers are encouraged to download a free "AI Success Kit" and receive a chapter from the author's...

Wall Street stocks fell on Friday amid concerns of stagflation as data revealed consumer strain due to Trump's tariffs, with the University of Michigan reporting a sharp decline in consumer sentiment and a rise in long-term inflation expectations. Consumer spending rose less than expected, prompting Goldman Sachs to lower its GDP forecast for the first quarter, while the Atlanta Fed revised its estimate to show a contraction. The Fed's PCE price index indicated inflation above...

Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces a £23 billion downgrade in capital gains tax revenues over the next five years, attributed to changes in taxation of carried interest and investor behavior shifts due to tax hikes. Despite the revision, CGT receipts are expected to nearly double by 2029/30, leading to concerns about potential future tax hikes to cover borrowing costs and spending requirements. Economists predict Reeves may need to consider measures such as tightening inheritance tax rules...