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The article discusses whether property investors should consider diversifying away from Japan as its new leadership, likely to be led by Sanae Takaichi, may delay tightening monetary policy. Meanwhile, the property markets in Hong Kong and mainland China are stabilizing, presenting opportunities for countercyclical investment. CBRE's Ada Choi suggests that investors with a higher risk appetite should consider investing in China and Hong Kong, which have seen significant price corrections and potential for recovery.

The Hong Kong government is set to launch the 'Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles' scheme in November, allowing Guangdong motorists to drive into Hong Kong for up to three days. However, potential applicants are deterred by the requirements and costs associated with the scheme, including obtaining a Hong Kong driving license, applying for a special plate, undergoing vehicle inspections, and purchasing third-party insurance. Additionally, concerns about high parking fees and limited parking spaces are also discouraging motorists from participating.

China's Ministry of State Security has accused the US National Security Agency (NSA) of conducting cyberattacks against China's National Time Service Centre, which provides precise timing services for various sectors including communications, finance, and defence. The ministry claimed that the NSA stole sensitive data and attacked the centre's internal networks, potentially disrupting the functioning of society. The US embassy in China did not respond to a request for comment. The accusation is the latest development in the ongoing tensions between the US and China regarding cyberattacks and espionage.

China's major airlines, including China Eastern Airlines, Air China, and China Southern Airlines, are offering free Wi-fi on domestic flights to compete with the country's high-speed rail network for business travellers. China Eastern Airlines has launched free 'basic' Wi-fi on all its widebody aircraft operating on 37 domestic routes. The move is an attempt to win back passengers who prefer the comfort and convenience of high-speed trains for intercity travel. The airline reported positive customer feedback from a test of the free Wi-fi in August.

A new Chinese company, AMIES Technology, has emerged as a potential solution to China's reliance on ASML's chipmaking machines. Founded in February as a spin-off from Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE), AMIES showcased its range of lithography equipment and other semiconductor products at the WeSemiBay Semiconductor Ecosystem Expo 2025. Advanced lithography remains a significant bottleneck for China's chipmaking ambitions due to US export controls restricting access to top-tier technology from companies like ASML. AMIES aims to commercialize equipment more swiftly than its parent company, SMEE, which excels in back-end semiconductor processes but lags in front-end wafer fabrication.

The article discusses how China's investment in a railway connecting Kunming to Vientiane has enabled it to access Laotian potassium reserves, reducing its reliance on North American imports and gaining a strategic advantage in trade negotiations. The railway has become a critical conduit for China to secure potassium, a vital resource for agricultural production, and has injected momentum into emerging industries like green energy and life sciences. China's potassium scarcity has been a long-standing threat to its food security, but the new railway has resolved this issue, giving China unprecedented confidence in trade negotiations with the West.

The article discusses how US President Donald Trump's involvement in the Thailand-Cambodia peace process has put the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in a difficult position. Trump is seeking to claim credit for ending a bloody border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and is pushing for a symbolic peace signing ceremony in Malaysia. However, locals and diplomats are skeptical of Trump's motives, believing he is more interested in gaining a Nobel Prize than in genuinely promoting peace. The article highlights the complexities of the situation and the challenges faced by Asean in navigating its relationships with the US and China.

Hong Kong's Financial Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po, has reported that US business leaders are viewing Hong Kong as a strategic 'springboard' to access mainland China and Asia despite geopolitical tensions. Following his recent trip to New York and Washington, Chan noted that American partners are reassessing China's technological innovation, particularly in biomedicine, due to its rapid advancements. Chan's engagements included discussions with fund managers, a round-table meeting with the Atlantic Council, and a lunch organised by the US-China Business Council, where he briefed participants on Hong Kong's developments in innovation and technology, the Northern Metropolis megaproject, and the Greater Bay Area integration. The US business leaders expressed interest in leveraging Hong Kong's familiar institutional framework and market environment to explore new opportunities in mainland China and Asia.

Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te has proposed building a 'T-Dome' missile shield, modeled after Israel's Iron Dome, to protect Taiwan from potential missile and drone attacks by Beijing. The proposal has sparked debate over its feasibility, given Taiwan's disparate missile systems. Critics question whether the idea is workable, and analysts suggest it may be a show of loyalty to the US strategic agenda. The Taiwanese defence ministry's latest National Defence Report made no mention of a T-Dome, and next year's government budget includes no allocation for the project.

The Indonesian government is transforming Lombok island into a tourist hub similar to Bali, with significant investments and infrastructure development. While this 'Bali-fication' brings economic opportunities, it also raises concerns among locals about the impact on their livelihoods, culture, and the island's natural beauty. The development has led to evictions, demolitions, and human rights issues, with many questioning whether the benefits outweigh the costs.

Chen Ning Yang, a Nobel laureate and influential physicist, has died at the age of 103. Yang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for his work on parity laws, alongside Lee Tsung-Dao. Born in 1922 in China's Anhui province, Yang had a prolific career, working across various areas of physics and receiving numerous awards and honors. He was a professor at Tsinghua University and held an honorary position at the Institute for Advanced Study. Yang's work had a significant impact on the field of physics, leading to important discoveries about elementary particles.

The discovery of a 15-year-old runaway's body in pop star D4vd's Tesla has sparked a mystery that remains unsolved weeks later. The teen, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found severely decomposed in the front trunk of D4vd's car, which was impounded in Hollywood. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has not publicly commented on the case, but his spokesperson says he is cooperating with authorities. The investigation is ongoing, with the Los Angeles Police Department refusing to release details. The case has fueled speculation among fans and true-crime enthusiasts, who are trying to connect the dots between Rivas Hernandez and D4vd. The singer's career has been put on hold, with his world tour cancelled and promotional activities suspended.

A new blood test, Galleri, has shown promising results in detecting over 50 types of cancer, with three-quarters of the detected cancers being types that have no existing screening program. The test, developed by Grail, identifies fragments of cancerous DNA in the blood and was able to detect more than half of the cancers at an early stage. While the results are encouraging, scientists caution that more evidence is needed to determine whether the test reduces cancer deaths.

The article tells the story of Ayish Younis, an 89-year-old Palestinian man who has experienced displacement and loss throughout his life. In 1948, he fled his village, Barbara, during the Arab-Israeli war and became a refugee in the Gaza Strip. He eventually built a life there, got married, and had 18 children. However, due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Ayish was forced to leave his home in Rafah and is now living in a tent in Al-Mawasi. Despite a recent ceasefire agreement, Ayish is pessimistic about the future of Gaza and believes that it may not be rebuilt. He longs to return to his ancestral village, Barbara, which no longer exists.

Tens of thousands of Kenyans mourned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his hometown of Kisumu, with many expressing deep grief and calling themselves 'orphans' after his death. Odinga, a key figure in Kenyan politics, died at 80 after a long career as an opposition leader and prime minister. Mourners praised his contributions to democracy and his resilience in the face of electoral challenges. The public viewing was attended by huge crowds, with many wearing orange, the color of his Orange Democratic Movement party. Odinga's body was later flown to his farm for burial, with a funeral service and private burial planned for the following days.

The town of Terrassa in Catalonia, Spain has temporarily banned the adoption of black cats from animal shelters during Halloween to prevent potential cruelty and misuse in 'rituals'. The ban, which lasts from October 6 to November 10, is a precautionary measure to protect the animals. Deputy Mayor Noel Duque stated that adoption requests for black cats usually increase around Halloween due to their association with witchcraft and bad luck in Western culture. The decision was made after warnings from animal welfare groups, despite there being no recorded incidents of cruelty towards black cats in Terrassa. The town's adoption centre houses around 100 felines, 12 of which are black. The ban is considered 'temporary and exceptional', but the city council did not rule out repeating it in the future.

Subramanyam 'Subu' Vedam, a Pennsylvania man, was wrongly imprisoned for 43 years for a murder he did not commit. After new evidence exonerated him, he was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is now facing deportation to India, a country he has not lived in since he was a baby. Vedam's family and legal team are fighting the deportation order, arguing that his decades of good behavior, completion of three degrees, and community service while in prison should be considered. Vedam's ties to India are weak, and his community is in the US and Canada. His lawyer argues that deporting him to India would be another terrible wrong done to a man who has already endured a record-setting injustice.

An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul made an emergency landing in Shanghai after a lithium battery in a passenger's carry-on luggage caught fire mid-air. The incident occurred on Flight CA139, which had 160 passengers and crew on board. The crew responded quickly, and no one was injured. The plane diverted to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where it landed safely. A replacement jet later took the passengers to their destination. The incident is the latest in a series of lithium-battery related incidents on Asian carriers this year. The cause of the fire is believed to be a power bank battery, but officials have not confirmed the brand or manufacturer. The Federal Aviation Administration warns that lithium-ion batteries can undergo 'thermal runaway,' a self-heating reaction that can trigger explosions if damaged or overheated.

US President Joe Biden was seen in public for the first time since beginning radiation therapy for prostate cancer, attending evening Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine church in Wilmington, Delaware. The 82-year-old former president appeared frail, walking slowly and holding onto a woman for support. Biden has been undergoing a five-week course of radiation and hormone therapy for Stage 4 prostate cancer that has spread to his bones. His health and age became a central topic during his final year in office, leading to his decision to drop out of the 2024 Presidential race. Despite his ongoing therapy, aides said he plans to attend two events in the coming weeks.

A Florida man, Giovanny Garcia, was accused of tying his dog to a fence and abandoning it during Hurricane Milton. Despite being charged with third-degree felony aggravated animal cruelty, prosecutors dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence. The decision sparked outrage from the community, including the dog's new owners and animal rescue organizations, who felt that justice was not served. The incident led to the passage of 'Trooper's Law', which makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog during a natural disaster evacuation.

Jaromir Jagr, a 53-year-old hockey legend, has started his 38th professional hockey season playing for his hometown Kladno Knights in the Czech league. Jagr had a successful debut, playing 10:08 minutes and joining the power-play unit, as the Knights won 3-1 against Vitkovice. The Hall of Famer previously played in the NHL for 24 seasons, including stints with the Rangers and Devils, and is fourth all-time in NHL goals with 766. Jagr had initially announced his retirement before last season but returned to the Knights, where he began his career in 1988.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris criticized her former boss, Joe Biden, for excluding Elon Musk from a 2021 White House electric vehicle event, calling it a 'big mistake'. Harris made the comments at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Summit, where she promoted her new memoir, '107 Days'. The snub was seen as a favor to organized labor, as Tesla's workforce is not unionized. Harris stated that the decision alienated Musk, who later became a major financial backer of Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Harris also criticized the Biden administration's early legislative priorities, saying they were misplaced and that the White House should have moved faster on issues like child care and paid family leave.

Limp Bizkit's founding bassist Sam Rivers has died at the age of 48. The band announced his death on Instagram, describing him as 'our brother, our bandmate, our heartbeat.' Rivers was a key member of the band, which rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like 'Break Stuff' and 'Rollin'.' He left the band in 2015 due to health issues related to liver disease caused by alcohol abuse but returned in 2018 after receiving a liver transplant. The band paid tribute to Rivers, praising his talent, presence, and heart.

The article reports that Zohran Mamdani, a socialist NYC mayoral candidate and heavy favorite to win the election, was seen campaigning with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a terror-linked Brooklyn imam who has been associated with radical and anti-Semitic views. Wahhaj has been linked to terrorist activities in the US, including being an unindicted co-conspirator in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. In the early 2000s, Wahhaj delivered a sermon urging 'jihad' on New York City, calling for an army of 10,000 men and encouraging Muslims to march through the city. He also advocated for supporting Muslim brothers and sisters in Bosnia, Somalia, Palestine, and Algeria. Mamdani's association with Wahhaj has raised concerns given Wahhaj's extremist views and history.

OnlyFans star McKinley Richardson has opened up about her recent split from YouTube prankster husband Jack Doherty, labelling his viral wedding vows 'humiliating'. The couple had a spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding in November 2024, which was livestreamed to Doherty's 15.3 million followers. Richardson claimed she was unaware of Doherty's vows, which included a prenup and demands that she pay him $10 million if she cheated. The pair began dating in early 2023 and quickly became regular appearances on each other's social media accounts. However, their relationship deteriorated, and they separated just a few months after their wedding.

The article discusses the renewed trade conflict between America and China, with Donald Trump threatening to impose an additional 100% levy on certain goods, particularly rare-earth minerals. China had previously matched Trump's threats tit-for-tat until a last-minute truce was reached in the spring. The article highlights the ongoing tensions between the two nations and the potential consequences of escalating trade hostilities.

The article discusses China's response to Donald Trump's trade actions, suggesting that while Trump appears to act impulsively, China's officials deliberate carefully before taking their next steps. It highlights China's investigation into Qualcomm as a potential example of this measured response, aimed at American firms in retaliation for Trump's trade policies. The article contrasts the decision-making processes between the Trump administration and Chinese officials, noting the latter's more considered approach to trade conflicts.

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The TED conference, known for its elite events and abbreviation for Technology, Entertainment, Design, has appointed new bosses and is shifting its direction towards education technology (ed tech). Founded in 1984 in Monterey, California, TED has been a significant name in the tech and events industry. The change in leadership and direction is expected to impact its future events and focus.

The Dutch government has seized control of Nexperia, a semiconductor firm, from its Chinese owner Zhang Xuezheng, citing security concerns. This move is part of Europe's efforts to protect its strategic industries from China. The Netherlands used a 73-year-old law to take control of Nexperia, which was acquired by Zhang in 2019. The CEO was suspended and replaced with a Dutch interim chief. This action is seen as one of the most aggressive steps taken by European governments to safeguard their industries.

The article discusses the remarkable rise of AppLovin, a digital-ad firm that has seen its share price climb more than 30-fold since October 2022, making it the biggest riser in the S&P 500 index over the past three years. The company's boosters praise its super-smart algorithm, likening it to TikTok in the mobile-advertising world, while short-sellers criticize it as a house of cards. AppLovin is now worth over $200bn, more than Uber.

The article argues that Donald Trump's focus on Greenland in the Arctic is misplaced, and that the real concern should be Alaska. Since 2020, foreign military aircraft have buzzed North American airspace 95 times, with 91 of those incursions occurring near Alaska. Russia and China are increasingly probing Arctic regions near Alaska with various military and research activities, including joint patrols and nuclear-capable bombers. The article warns that this increased activity poses a significant threat to North American airspace and suggests that Trump's approach is misguided.

King Charles III and Pope Leo XIV will hold a historic ecumenical prayer service in the Sistine Chapel on October 23, marking the first time the heads of the Catholic Church and Church of England have prayed together since the Reformation in the 16th century. The service will focus on care for God's creation and is seen as a significant step towards unity between the two churches, which have been divided for centuries over issues including the ordination of female priests. The visit, originally scheduled for April, was postponed due to Pope Francis' illness and subsequent death. During the visit, Charles will be given a new title, 'Royal Confrater,' and will follow in the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who visited the Vatican during the 2000 Jubilee.

A 33-year-old man, Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi, has been accused by US federal prosecutors of participating in Hamas' October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Al-Muhtadi allegedly coordinated a group of armed fighters to cross into Israel and sent messages asking for ammunition and a bulletproof vest. He was charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and fraud related to his US visa application. Al-Muhtadi entered the US in September 2024 and lived in Oklahoma and Louisiana before being arrested in early 2025.

Prince Andrew has given up his royal titles, including the Duke of York, amid the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The decision comes after excerpts from Virginia Roberts Giuffre's posthumous memoir were released, detailing her alleged encounters with Andrew. Andrew has denied the allegations, but his attempt to refute them in a 2019 BBC interview backfired. Giuffre's family welcomed Andrew's decision, calling it a 'victory' for their sister and other survivors of Epstein's crimes. Andrew will remain a prince but will no longer use his royal titles or honors.

Seven fully preserved skeletons found in an ancient city in Croatia have been identified as Roman soldiers who lived 1,700 years ago. The skeletal remains were discovered in 2011 in a water well at the Roman city of Mursa, which was an important trade and craft center bordering an active military zone. Analysis revealed that the men were likely soldiers who participated in a battle for the city or died in a skirmish afterward. The remains showed signs of early-life stress, injuries, and a diet consisting mainly of grains and vegetables. DNA analysis found that none of the four skeletons tested were local to the area, with origins tracing back to northern or Eastern Europe and the Byzantine Empire.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized a local authority's decision to ban Israeli soccer team Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending a match against Aston Villa in Birmingham, England. The ban was imposed due to safety concerns and previous incidents of violence involving Maccabi Tel Aviv fans. Starmer called the decision 'the wrong decision' and emphasized that the police should ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation. The decision to ban the fans was supported by U.K. police authorities, who classified the game as a 'high risk' public event. Following Starmer's comments, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster asked the Safety Advisory Group to review its decision.

Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, two key negotiators in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, felt 'a little bit betrayed' by Israel's airstrikes on Qatar during peace talks last month. The strike, which targeted senior Hamas leadership in Doha, impeded negotiations as Qatar was a crucial link to Hamas. The negotiators discussed the incident and the next phase of the 20-point peace plan in an exclusive '60 Minutes' interview.

A bipartisan group of US Senators, including Tim Kaine (D-Va) and Rand Paul (R-Ky), have introduced a resolution to block President Donald Trump from engaging in military hostilities in Venezuela without Congressional authorization. The move comes after Trump authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and considered land operations, prompting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to launch military exercises and deploy troops near the Colombian border. The resolution is seen as a challenge to Trump's authority as Commander-in-Chief, with the White House arguing that he has acted within the laws of armed conflict to protect the US from narco-terrorists. The bill faces an uphill battle in the GOP-controlled Senate.

Experts are questioning the veracity of famine claims in Gaza, citing concerns over the data used to support these claims. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that famine conditions existed in one Gaza governorate and were projected to reach two others by September. However, David Adesnik, vice president of research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argues that the mortality rate due to hunger or hunger-related diseases has not reached the levels predicted by the IPC. The IPC's methodology and organizational ties have also been questioned, with some sources suggesting potential bias. The article highlights the complexity of assessing famine conditions in conflict zones and the challenges of ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable populations.

The article discusses the historical alliance between former US President Ronald Reagan and UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and how it has set a precedent for modern US-UK relations, particularly between current leaders Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. Experts gathered in London to celebrate what would have been Thatcher's 100th birthday and reflected on the enduring partnership between the two nations. Despite differences in their political styles, Trump and Starmer have made efforts to maintain a positive relationship, with Trump referencing his mother's Scottish roots as a reason for his fondness for the UK. The article also touches on the current threat posed by Russia and the potential for Trump to follow in Reagan's footsteps in dealing with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The United Nations has condemned Iran's execution spree, with over 1,000 executions carried out since the start of the year. In response, around 1,500 Iranian prisoners on death row in Ghezel Hesar Prison staged a hunger strike on October 13. The prisoners, including 17 members of the Iranian dissident organization Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), are protesting the regime's use of the death penalty. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) claims that prison officials have attempted to break the strike and that executions have increased in recent days. The international community, including the US State Department and the UN Secretary-General, has been called upon to intervene and condemn the Iranian regime's actions.

Arizona State upset No. 7 Texas Tech 26-22, dealing the Red Raiders their first loss and putting their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes in jeopardy. Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the Sun Devils to the winning touchdown on a 10-play, 75-yard drive, capped by running back Raleek Brown's 1-yard run with 34 seconds left. Texas Tech's rally fell short after they took the lead with 2 minutes remaining. The loss reduces Texas Tech's CFP chances from 82% to 68%, but they remain in contention if they win out and finish with one loss.

The article discusses how George Santos, the discredited former Republican congressman from New York, had his prison sentence commuted by President Trump after serving less than three months. Santos had pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft and was initially sentenced to 87 months in prison. Despite his initial acceptance of his fate, Santos later claimed that his sentence was 'politically influenced' and appealed to Trump for clemency through social media and letters from prison. Several Republican allies, including Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, also advocated for his release. Trump's commutation of Santos's sentence was part of a broader wave of clemency granted to political allies since taking office.

The article explores the complex relationships between residents living near college football stadiums and the stadiums themselves. Using the examples of Cal's Memorial Stadium and Michigan Stadium, the article highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with living near these iconic landmarks. While some residents enjoy the atmosphere and entrepreneurial opportunities that game days bring, others face noise, traffic, and disruptions to their daily lives. The article also notes that universities are looking for ways to fill revenue gaps, potentially leading to more events that could further disrupt neighborhood life.

UAB defeated No. 22 Memphis 31-24 in a thrilling finish, handing the Tigers their first loss just days after firing their head coach Trent Dilfer. Interim head coach Alex Mortensen led the Blazers to victory, with quarterback Ryder Burton completing 20 of 27 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. The win significantly damages Memphis' American Conference and College Football Playoff hopes. Memphis had a 13 percent chance to reach the CFP before the loss and now host No. 19 South Florida next week. The Blazers' offense ranked 60th nationally in points per game, while their defense was 136th. Dilfer was fired after posting a 9-21 record in three seasons, and Mortensen's win was UAB's first conference victory of the year.

The article discusses a proposal for a tunnel connecting Russia and the US, which has been met with mixed reactions. Russia's investment envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, announced that a feasibility study for the project had begun six months ago. US President Donald Trump called the idea 'interesting' during a press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who expressed his disapproval. The proposed tunnel, dubbed the 'Putin-Trump Tunnel', would connect the two countries under the Bering Strait.

Portugal is set to ban burkas and niqabs in most public spaces after MPs voted for a proposal introduced by the far-right Chega party. The measure, which carries fines of between 200-4000 euros for offenders, aims to protect women's rights and address security concerns. The bill, which still needs to be approved by the President or Constitutional Court, has been met with opposition from left-wing parties who argue against the ban.

Protesters gathered in northern Germany demanding the removal of Christian B, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, a three-year-old British girl who went missing in Portugal in 2007. Christian B, a convicted paedophile and rapist, was released from prison in September after serving a seven-year sentence for raping a woman in Praia da Luz in 2005. The protesters, including parents and locals, are concerned about the presence of Christian B in their community and are calling for authorities to take action to protect their children and families. They are demanding that authorities stop placing sex offenders in residential areas and be transparent about their decisions. Christian B has been unable to settle in the area due to local residents posting supposed sightings of him and demanding his removal.

Companies across the US and Europe have been laying off staff, citing the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). However, critics argue that AI is being used as an excuse for job cuts, masking other reasons such as overhiring during the pandemic. Experts suggest that some companies are 'scapegoating' AI to appear innovative while concealing the real reasons for layoffs. Research indicates that AI has not yet caused widespread job losses, and many companies are using AI to retrain employees rather than replace them.

The article discusses the upcoming European earnings season, particularly focusing on the banking sector. Major European banks such as Unicredit, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, and Natwest are set to report their earnings. The sector is under scrutiny due to credit concerns and heavy losses reported in the previous week. CEOs of major American financial institutions have expressed concerns about the private credit market, with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warning of potential unseen risks. European bankers are expected to shift their focus from macro to micro risks during their earnings calls. Concerns have been raised about corporate and small-to-medium sized company loan books, particularly in relation to the impact of trade tariffs. The article also highlights specific challenges faced by individual banks, such as Lloyds Bank's £1.95 billion hit to its balance sheet due to mis-sold car finance loans.

The article discusses how Qatar became a key ally to US President Donald Trump in his Middle East peace efforts, particularly in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Initially, Trump's stance on Qatar was critical, accusing it of funding terrorism. However, the relationship improved significantly due to personal connections between Trump and Qatari leaders, lobbying efforts, and Qatar's effectiveness as a mediator. Qatar played a crucial role in drafting a 21-point peace plan for Gaza and facilitating negotiations that led to a ceasefire and hostage release. Despite some controversy and criticism from Trump's allies, the US-Qatar relationship has strengthened, with Trump praising Qatar's efforts and signing an executive order for a bilateral defense pact.

Western sanctions on Iran have significantly hurt the country's middle class, a key driver of reform and moderation, leading to rising societal resentments and a widening wealth gap. A study found that sanctions have decimated the economy, punished the middle class, and resulted in a 28% reduction in its size by 2019. The Iranian middle class, which has been a century in the making, is shrinking fast, with many young, educated Iranians struggling to make ends meet and feeling frustrated and disillusioned.

The article discusses the outcome of the pension reform protests in France, where the government had proposed raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. Despite initial massive protests and strikes, the movement seemed to lose momentum over time. However, the article suggests that the fight was not entirely settled, highlighting the ongoing impact of the protests on the government's policies.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and new infrastructure developments. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service and the high-speed Electric Train Service (ETS). The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including reduced travel time, increased connectivity, and scenic routes that showcase Malaysia's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Jungle Railway, a stretch of the East Coast Line, is particularly popular among tourists and locals alike, offering a unique and nostalgic travel experience.

Bolivia is set to vote in a presidential runoff election between centre-right senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira and right-wing former president Jorge 'Tuto' Quiroga, marking a potential shift to the right after nearly 20 years of leftist rule under the Movimiento al Socialismo (Mas) party. The new president will face the country's worst economic crisis in four decades, with high inflation and fuel shortages. The election has implications for Bolivia's relationship with the US and its approach to coca cultivation, with both candidates promising to improve ties with the US and potentially revive the 'war on drugs'.