As tensions between Iran and Israel intensify following a recent outbreak of hostilities, Tehran has begun adapting its crude oil export tactics to preserve revenue flows despite increased scrutiny. With U.S. sanctions still in force and Israeli military pressure mounting, Iran is leaning on a covert fleet of tankers and strategic repositioning near China to sustain deliveries to its top buyer.
In a landmark move for the digital asset economy, the U.S. Senate has passed the long-awaited GENIUS Act—the first bipartisan cryptocurrency bill to target the regulatory framework for stablecoins pegged to the U.S. dollar (USD). The bill, approved by a 68-30 vote, reflects growing political consensus that regulatory clarity is essential for protecting market integrity and fostering innovation in the blockchain sector.
A recent report by the nonprofit Swissaid has revealed a massive discrepancy in Ghana’s gold trade data, exposing the country to an estimated $11.4 billion in lost revenue over a five-year period due to unregulated gold smuggling, primarily to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Micron Technology Inc. $MU, one of the world’s largest memory chipmakers, announced a substantial increase in its domestic capital expenditure plans. The firm now intends to invest a total of $200 billion USD in U.S.-based operations, including an additional $30 billion to bolster semiconductor manufacturing. This escalation aligns with renewed White House initiatives to repatriate critical tech supply chains and reassert U.S. leadership in semiconductor production, a cornerstone of both economic security and technological sovereignty.
The Indonesian government announced on Tuesday the immediate suspension of four nickel mining operations in Raja Ampat, a biodiverse archipelago in the province of Southwest Papua. The decision follows mounting environmental concerns and growing scrutiny over the ecological impact of extractive industries in UNESCO-designated marine conservation zones.
A Los Angeles judge recently rejected Walt Disney Company’s $DIS petition for a preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order aimed at preventing former senior executive Justin Connolly from joining Alphabet Inc. $GOOGL and its YouTube subsidiary. This legal development follows Disney’s lawsuit filed last month in California state court, accusing Alphabet of contract breach, unfair competition, and tortious interference related to Connolly’s appointment.
Luxury goods manufacturer Cartier, owned by Richemont $CFR.SW, disclosed a cybersecurity breach involving unauthorized access to its website, resulting in the theft of some customer data. This incident, confirmed through a customer notification email obtained by Reuters on Tuesday, underscores an increasing trend of cyberattacks targeting high-profile luxury retailers. Recent similar breaches reported by major brands including Marks & Spencer $MKS.L and Victoria’s Secret $VSCO highlight growing vulnerabilities within the retail industry’s digital infrastructure.
At the annual Sohn Investment Conference in Hong Kong, global hedge funds unveiled a series of high-conviction investment ideas spanning China, India, and South Korea. From autonomous driving platforms to pharmaceuticals and nuclear infrastructure, the presentations reflected a growing investor shift toward geographically diversified and thematically resilient assets in response to rising macroeconomic headwinds.
In April, new orders for core capital goods in the United States experienced their steepest decline in six months, signaling a contraction in business investment at the outset of Q2 2024. The downturn reflects escalating economic uncertainty driven by shifting tariff policies, which have complicated supply chain management and capital planning for US companies. This development poses implications for the broader economic outlook, particularly in relation to manufacturing activity and corporate spending on equipment.
Sony Group Corp. $6758.T, once synonymous with consumer electronics, has continued to evolve its corporate identity by prioritizing high-margin entertainment and platform businesses. On Thursday, the Japanese conglomerate is set to unveil its strategic roadmap for the separation of its financial services unit—marking a pivotal move toward sharpening its focus on growth segments and capital efficiency.
Gold prices experienced a notable decline of almost 1% on Monday following a significant development in U.S. trade policy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew his earlier threat to impose a 50% tariff on European Union (EU) imports effective June 1. This policy reversal alleviated concerns about an escalating trade conflict between the U.S. and the EU, reducing demand for gold as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Markets faced renewed volatility on Friday as former U.S. President Donald Trump reentered the economic spotlight with sharp rhetoric targeting international trade. Proposing 50% tariffs on European Union imports effective June 1 and threatening 25% levies on Apple iPhones manufactured outside the United States, Trump reignited concerns over protectionist policies that had once defined his administration.
