Government Procurement

World

Daylight Prayer at Joseph's Tomb Marks Shift in West Bank Access, Settler Leader Hails 'Significant Step'

In a departure from long-standing restrictions, approximately 1,500 Israeli Jews held morning prayers at the contested Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. A senior settler official called the event a move toward cementing Israeli sovereignty over the site, which lies in an area under Palestinian administrative control.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Taiwan's Economy Soars to 15-Year High, Fueled by AI Exports and U.S. Trade Pact

Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Slide Tied to $300 Billion Liquidity Squeeze, Says Arthur Hayes

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes argues that Bitcoin's recent downturn is a symptom of a broader $300 billion contraction in U.S. dollar liquidity, driven by Treasury cash management and tighter financial conditions, rather than crypto-specific weakness.

Jan 30, 2026

World

ICAS Expands Rising Stars Awards, Adding Social Impact Category to Spotlight Next-Gen Accountants

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland launches its 2026 CA Rising Stars search, introducing a new 'Community and Social Value' award to recognize young professionals driving ethical and technological change in the field.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Thailand Moves to Rein In Online Gold Trading as Prices Hit Record Highs

The Bank of Thailand announces new daily transaction limits for online gold trades in baht, aiming to shield the local currency from volatility and enhance platform transparency, as gold's surge draws more retail investors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

HSBC UK and Sage Partner to Launch Integrated Tax Tool as Digital Reporting Deadline Looms

HSBC UK and Sage have unveiled 'My Business Finances', a new digital tool embedded within the bank's platform to help sole traders and landlords comply with upcoming Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax rules, streamlining invoicing, bookkeeping, and tax filing in one place.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Intuitive Machines Bolsters Space Ambitions with $800M Lanteris Acquisition and NASA Artemis II Role

Intuitive Machines (LUNR) is set to acquire Lanteris Space Systems in an $800 million deal, expanding its capabilities into vertically integrated space infrastructure. Concurrently, NASA has selected the company to provide critical tracking support for the upcoming Artemis II crewed lunar mission, signaling growing trust in its technical prowess.

Jan 30, 2026

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.

Jan 30, 2026

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?

Jan 30, 2026

Business

El Salvador Doubles Down on Gold, Acquires $50 Million in Bullion Amid Global Rush

The Central American nation makes its second major gold purchase in months, fortifying reserves as it balances pioneering Bitcoin bets with traditional safe-haven assets during a period of market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Exco Technologies Navigates Market Shifts with Strong Automotive Performance, Offsetting Tooling Weakness

Exco Technologies Ltd. (TSE:XTC) kicked off its fiscal 2026 with a solid first quarter, posting higher profits despite a mixed demand environment. Robust growth in its Automotive Solutions segment successfully countered softer demand in its die-cast tooling business, showcasing the resilience of its diversified model amid ongoing trade policy and economic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Public Sector Pension Bill Soars to £39bn, Placing Growing Burden on Taxpayers

Official figures reveal a sharp 26% increase in the annual cost of public sector pensions, now reaching £39bn, with taxpayers covering the bulk of the expense as employer contribution rates rise.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Volatility Surges to 8-Month High as Traders Brace for Turbulence

Bitcoin's volatility gauge spiked sharply during Thursday's sell-off, signaling heightened trader anxiety and a rush for downside protection, though metrics suggest the market is not yet in extreme fear territory.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond Nvidia: Two AI Infrastructure Giants Poised for Growth as Tech Titans Ramp Up Spending

With hyperscalers projected to pour $500 billion into AI infrastructure by 2026, investors are looking beyond headline chipmakers to the essential, yet often overlooked, backbone providers of the AI revolution.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Thermo Fisher Scientific Caps 'Strong Year' with Robust Q4, Eyes Strategic Growth Amid Market Headwinds

Thermo Fisher Scientific reported a strong finish to 2025, with Q4 results exceeding expectations. While navigating currency volatility and tariffs, the life sciences giant highlighted growth in core biopharma sectors, strategic acquisitions like Clario, and a solid 2026 outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Regulatory Headwinds Cloud Outlook for PDD Holdings Amid Broader China Internet Crackdown

While Morgan Stanley maintains an Overweight rating on PDD Holdings, the firm has removed the e-commerce giant from its Top Picks list, citing heightened regulatory scrutiny and a slower-than-expected consumer recovery in China.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Private Equity and Sovereign Wealth Funds Profit from UK's Special Educational Needs Crisis

As demand for specialist education soars, private investors—from Abu Dhabi to private equity firms—are capitalizing on a strained system, drawing criticism for extracting profits from vulnerable children and cash-strapped councils.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Landlords' Tax Return Deadline Looms: A Guide to Navigating Reliefs and Avoiding Penalties

With key self-assessment deadlines approaching, property investors must navigate a changed landscape of tax reliefs and allowable expenses to minimise their liabilities. Experts urge early preparation to avoid costly surprises.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Retirement Tax Trap: How Frozen Allowances and Rising Pensions Are Forcing More Retirees into Self-Assessment

A growing number of pensioners are being drawn into the self-assessment tax system as frozen thresholds clash with rising state pension payments. This guide explains who needs to file, key deadlines, and strategies to protect your retirement income.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Maze: A Self-Employed Guide to Tax and National Insurance as Digital Overhaul Looms

With the annual self-assessment deadline a perennial source of stress for freelancers and sole traders, this guide breaks down the essentials of income tax and National Insurance. The landscape is set for a significant shift with the incoming Making Tax Digital regime, making this a crucial year to get to grips with the current rules.

Jan 30, 2026