Author: Andrew Rogers

The European Central Bank held its key deposit rate at 2% during Thursday’s policy meeting.Other rates remained unchanged: main refinancing at 2.15% and marginal lending at 2.40%.The deposit rate has stayed at its lowest level in over two years since June 2024.ECB has cut its key rate eight times since June 2024, down from a 4% peak.President Christine Lagarde said inflation is stabilizing at 2% in the medium term, meeting the ECB’s target.Flash estimates showed eurozone prices rose 2.1% in August, following 2% in June and July.The bloc faces challenges, including political turmoil in France and weak global demand affecting…

Mexico announced on Wednesday that it will raise tariffs on cars from China and other Asian countries to 50%. The move is part of a broad update to import duties designed to protect jobs and domestic industries. Analysts say it may also help Mexico align with U.S. trade interests. The Economy Ministry stated that the changes will affect multiple sectors, including automobiles, textiles, and steel. The new tariffs are expected to impact $52 billion in imports. Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the current tariff on Chinese cars is 20%. He confirmed the new rate would rise to the highest level…

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison surpassed Elon Musk after Oracle shares jumped more than 40% in early trading.Ellison’s 41% stake in Oracle is now valued at $393bn, ahead of Musk’s $384bn, per Bloomberg.The rise marked Oracle’s largest single-day gain and the biggest one-day wealth increase on Bloomberg’s index.Ellison, 81, also holds Tesla shares, a sailing team, the Indian Wells Open, and a Hawaiian island.He served on Tesla’s board from 2018 to 2022 and invested $1bn in Musk’s Twitter purchase.Musk frequently visits Ellison’s Hawaiian island, and the pair maintain a mentor-like relationship.Both men have ties to Donald Trump, though Musk’s relationship with…

Apple will reveal its thinnest iPhone at Tuesday’s “awe-dropping” event in Cupertino.The iPhone 17 series will include standard, Pro, Pro Max, and the new iPhone Air.iPhone Air may become Apple’s lightest flagship, following the slim MacBook design trend.Apple will also launch Apple Watch series 11 and updated AirPods earbuds.AirPods might gain live translation, a feature Google added to Pixel Buds years ago.Apple will provide release dates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe.Trump’s tariffs could disrupt Apple’s supply chain and increase iPhone prices for consumers.Tim Cook moved production to India and shipped iPhones to the US to limit tariff effects.Apple Intelligence,…

Norway’s Labour party has won re-election, securing four more years in government despite a strong surge for the populist right. The centre-left party, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, was projected to win 89 seats, while the centre-right bloc took 80 seats. A majority in parliament requires at least 85 seats. With nearly all votes counted, the results confirmed Labour as the largest party. The election saw unusual polarisation, with debates focused on the cost of living, wealth taxes, oil fund investments in Israel, and Norway’s relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The right-wing Progress party made significant…

NHS hospital league rankings have returned for the first time in over two decades, revealing the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, as the lowest performer, while Moorfields Eye Hospital in London leads the list. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the tables aim to reduce the “postcode lottery” in care quality across England. Experts, however, warned that ranking hospitals as simply “good” or “bad” may mislead patients and influence where they seek treatment. “We must be honest about the state of the NHS to fix it,” Streeting said. “Patients and taxpayers need to know how local services compare to…

The Central Coast is preparing to light up after dark as two local districts receive a combined $355,000 to boost the region’s night-time economy. The Gosford Entertainment Precinct and The Esplanade in Terrigal have secured $175,000 and $180,000 respectively through the NSW Government’s Uptown Grant Program. The funding aims to transform these areas into lively, after-dark destinations that attract both residents and visitors. The investment is part of the NSW Government’s 24-Hour Economy Strategy, which promotes vibrant night-life districts across the state. Mayor Lawrie McKinna welcomed the announcement, highlighting the benefits for tourism and local businesses. “This funding is a…

Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume said the company is close to a US tariff deal as it aims to expand in the electric vehicle market. The German group, which owns Audi, Seat, and Porsche, has lost “several billions” due to Trump-era tariffs. Even with a reduction from 27.5% to 15%, Blume called the tariffs a “burden.” Volkswagen Plans Major US Investments The company plans significant US investments to secure a lower tariff rate and may localise Audi production. Blume said talks with the US government are ongoing and a solution is expected soon. Porsche Hit Hard Porsche is particularly affected as…

This Sunday, 7 September, a total lunar eclipse—commonly called a blood moon—will be visible across many parts of Europe. During the 82-minute event, the Earth will pass directly between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that leaves only red light refracted through the atmosphere, giving the moon its characteristic crimson hue. Throughout history, blood moons have carried vastly different meanings. In ancient Babylon, China, and Central America, they were often interpreted as ominous signs—foretelling death, war, or disaster. Conversely, the Batammaliba people of West Africa view them as opportunities for renewal, resolving conflicts, and harmonizing community life. Today,…

Max Verstappen set the fastest lap in Formula 1 history to claim pole for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, timing 1:18.792 at an average speed of over 164mph. He edged out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a tightly contested qualifying session. After a challenging season last year, when Verstappen described his car as an “undriveable monster,” Red Bull’s performance at Monza marks a welcome turnaround under new team principal Laurent Mekies. Ferrari also impressed at their home race, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth in qualifying behind Charles Leclerc, though a grid penalty drops him to 10th. Norris…