Diplomatic Framing

Business

Trump Threatens 50% Tariff, Decertification of Canadian Aircraft in Escalating Trade Dispute

In a late-night social media post, former President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold in the U.S. and decertify new planes, citing Canada's alleged refusal to certify Gulfstream jets. The move, targeting Bombardier, risks disrupting U.S. regional aviation and corporate travel.

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Business

Champion Iron Navigates Flat Market, Eyes Growth with DRPF Launch and Strategic Rana Gruber Acquisition

Champion Iron reports steady Q3 operational performance with improved costs and significant progress on its high-grade DRPF project. The company also details the fully-financed plan to acquire Norway's Rana Gruber, aiming to strengthen its foothold in the European steelmaking market.

World

UK PM Starmer Lands in Shanghai Amid US Trade Tensions, Leading Largest Business Delegation in Years

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Shanghai Friday with over 50 business leaders, aiming to deepen UK-China commercial ties. The visit, the first by a UK premier in eight years, comes against a backdrop of renewed US skepticism over Western engagement with Beijing.

Business

Gold's Meteoric Rise: Safe Haven or Speculative Frenzy?

Gold prices have surged past $5,500, driven by geopolitical tensions and fiscal fears. Yet, analysts caution that its reputation as a stable store of value may be overstated, pointing to inherent volatility and shifting market dynamics.

Business

Murphy Oil Navigates Price Volatility, Bets Big on Vietnam and Offshore Growth in 2026

Despite a challenging price environment, Murphy Oil (MUR) reported strong operational execution for 2025 and laid out a capital plan focused on funding key international and offshore projects. While near-term production is set to dip, CEO Eric Hambly highlighted a transformative discovery in Vietnam and strategic portfolio expansion as pillars for future growth.

Business

Microsoft's AI Spending Spree Sends Shockwaves Through Markets, Dragging Tech Sector Into Bear Territory

A sharp sell-off in Microsoft shares following its earnings report has ignited fresh fears over the profitability of massive AI investments, pulling major indexes lower and pushing the software sector into a bear market.

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Business

Tesla Retires Model S and X, Shifts Focus to Autonomous Future and Robotics

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the end of production for the flagship Model S and Model X during the Q4 earnings call, marking a pivotal shift towards autonomous vehicle fleets and humanoid robot manufacturing.

World

Panama's Top Court Strikes Down CK Hutchison Port Deals, Casting Uncertainty Over Canal Terminals

Panama's Supreme Court has nullified long-held port contracts operated by a CK Hutchison subsidiary, declaring them unconstitutional. The landmark ruling throws the future of key container terminals at both ends of the Panama Canal into doubt and reverberates amid broader geopolitical tensions over global trade chokepoints.

Business

Restaurant Chains Shutter Dozens of Locations Amid Bankruptcy Wave

A growing list of casual dining chains are turning to bankruptcy court and closing underperforming stores as heavy debt loads and shifting consumer habits take their toll. The latest casualty, FAT Brands, has moved to permanently close 32 locations and reject their leases.

Business

AI Demand Fuels SanDisk's Record Quarter, Signals Structural Shift for NAND Industry

SanDisk's Q2 2026 earnings reveal a 31% sequential revenue surge to $3 billion, driven by AI infrastructure build-out. The company highlights a fundamental industry shift towards long-term agreements as data center demand, now the largest NAND market, reshapes commercial dynamics.