Chase

• JPMorgan Chase (JPM) stock is trading steadily following the report of strong revenue and net income for 2025. • The bank's stability is supported by a large market capitalization and robust performance across its corporate and investment banking segments. • These segments drive growth through wholesale payments, securities services, and advisory work for global institutional and government clients.

• JPMorgan Chase stock is trading near record highs following strong earnings momentum driven by higher interest income and robust credit quality. • The bank reported a substantial increase in annual net income, bolstered by non-interest revenue from trading, investment banking, and high consumer spending volumes. • This growth is significant as it solidifies JPMorgan's position as one of the most profitable banks globally while allowing for expanded capital returns and buybacks.

• Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek is in talks with investors for a new financing round targeting a pre-investment valuation of approximately US$70 billion. • This follows a landmark Series A round closed in June, which raised about US$7 billion and valued the Hangzhou-based firm at nearly US$60 billion. • The rapid surge in valuation reflects intense investor demand to back a national AI champion amidst a global race for frontier artificial intelligence.

• Institutional investors are increasingly diversifying their portfolios by targeting energy assets across growth economies in Asia. • This shift is driven by the massive power demand required to support cloud migration and the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure. • By moving into these emerging markets, asset owners aim to mitigate concentration risks associated with mature, saturated markets.

• Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has accused the BJP of misappropriating funds donated to the Ayodhya Ram Temple. • Thackeray alleges that these stolen funds are being used to "purchase" MPs and MLAs to weaken political opponents. • He described this strategy as "Operation Ram Temple," claiming it is a calculated move to dismantle the BJP's enemies.

US president raked in more than $1bn from crypto – an industry he has sought to deregulate – and a total $2.2bn last year, documents revealAlarm bells over conflict of interest as filing shows Trump raked in $2bn in 2025Donald Trump’s money-making ventures enriched him by more than $2bn last year, according to newly released financial disclosures.The revenue was supercharged by the Trump family’s crypto projects, with the documents showing the US president made more than $1bn (£0.76bn) from crypto – an industry he has sought to deregulate. Continue reading...

• President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 30, 2026, that Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets. • This acquisition aims to bolster Ukraine's aerial capabilities and defense infrastructure against ongoing aggression. • In a related development, Denmark has announced a separate defense aid package for Ukraine valued at $670 million.

• Researchers have developed a new scientific methodology for measuring environmental shifts with unprecedented precision. • By isolating specific markers, the team successfully mapped trajectories of change in temperature across various climate zones that were previously obscured by data noise. • This breakthrough is significant because it establishes a new standard for peer-reviewed excellence and demonstrates how minor variable adjustments can lead to major real-world outcomes.

• Sony is removing digital content purchased from Studio Canal from the PlayStation Store for users in Europe. • This move follows a growing trend of digital storefronts revoking access to content that users previously purchased. • The action is significant as it raises concerns regarding digital ownership rights and the permanence of digital libraries.

• Boston Celtics head coach and president Brad Stevens addressed the media following the selection of Chris Cenac Jr. with the 27th overall pick in the NBA draft. • The press conference focused on the "murky situation" surrounding star player Jaylen Brown and the team's pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo. • Stevens provided limited clarity regarding the roster dynamics, leaving questions about the team's long-term strategy and player stability unanswered.

• Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in a high-scoring match held in New York during the 2026 World Cup. • Erling Haaland played a pivotal role in the victory by scoring two goals during the five-goal thriller. • The match highlights a competitive race for the Golden Boot, with Haaland and Kylian Mbappe chasing Lionel Messi, who has set new records.

• Argentina and Austria will face off in a World Cup group stage match held in Arlington, Texas. • Both nations enter the contest with winning records following their opening matches of the tournament. • Lionel Messi is pursuing the all-time World Cup goal-scoring record after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's first game.

Scores of Alan Latham’s firms were removed by Companies House, including one set up for movie starring Liz HurleyA prolific film producer, whose projects have starred the likes of Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer and Four Weddings and a Funeral’s Anna Chancellor, has had scores of his production businesses forcibly removed from the UK’s companies register, leaving workers unable to chase unpaid fees.Alan Latham, whose low-budget films have previously raised questions over his use of tax credits, has seen 50 of his film businesses compulsorily struck off by Companies House, according to data compiled by the film workers’ union, Bectu. Continue reading...

• Five international documentary films are competing for the prestigious Golden Goblet Award at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival. • The nominated films explore diverse and poignant themes, including memory, freedom, and music. • Creative teams from all five nominees recently gathered for a press meeting to share insights into their filmmaking processes and stories.

• Actress Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in *The Ring* and as the voice of Lilo in *Lilo & Stitch*, has died at the age of 35. • According to her manager, Chase passed away in a Los Angeles hospital due to sepsis following a battle with meningitis. • Chase gained significant acclaim for her role in *Lilo & Stitch*, which earned her an Annie Award for best voice acting in an animated feature.

• Former child actress Daveigh Chase, known for her roles in *Lilo & Stitch* and *The Ring*, has died at the age of 35. • Chase was highly acclaimed for her performance in *The Ring*, which earned her an MTV Award for Best Villain in 2003. • After a successful early career, she effectively stepped away from the acting industry in 2016 following a series of personal and legal challenges.

• JPMorgan Chase is planning to expand its digital banking operations into Europe's largest markets, specifically targeting France, Spain, and Italy. • The expansion aims to grow the bank's digital footprint by offering streamlined financial services to a broader European consumer base. • This strategic move highlights the lender's ambition to compete with established European banks and fintech startups through a scalable, tech-driven model.

• European financial ETFs are currently outperforming their U.S. counterparts, driven by contrasting risk and return profiles over a five-year period. • The rally is characterized by a divergence in expense ratios and dividend yields, suggesting different value propositions for investors in each region. • This trend matters as it challenges the historical dominance of U.S. financial markets and presents a potential diversification opportunity for portfolio managers.

The $26m deal involving media executive Bruce McWilliam signifies return to media business for mining billionaire after previous holdings in Fairfax and TenFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGina Rinehart, Australia’s richest person, has bankrolled former Seven media executive Bruce McWilliam’s acquisition of an almost 10% stake in Southern Cross Media, which owns the Seven Network, the Triple M and Hit radio brands and West Australian Newspapers.While the unusual arrangement – worth about $26m – does not give Rinehart a direct stake in Southern Cross, she could take control of the shares if McWilliam breaches the terms of their deed, which was published on the ASX on Wednesday. Continue reading...

• India has pledged to purchase $500 billion worth of U.S. goods over the next five years, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. • The agreement focuses on critical sectors including energy, technology, and agriculture to strengthen bilateral trade. • This strategic move aims to reduce the U.S. trade deficit while providing India with the essential infrastructure and tech needed to fuel economic growth.

• Senator Marco Rubio recently highlighted India's commitment to purchase $500 billion in goods from the United States. • Experts suggest this purchase intent may no longer be relevant due to the collapse of the reciprocal tariff framework following an unfavorable US Supreme Court verdict. • The shift in legal and trade frameworks has reportedly undermined the economic logic of the India–US bilateral trade agreement (BTA).

Drivers conserve fuel amid Iran war uncertainty, pushing overall sales down 1.3% in AprilBusiness live – latest updatesMotorists cutting back on petrol and fuel purchases at the steepest rate since the Covid pandemic in 2020 drove retail sales in Great Britain to their biggest monthly decline in a year.The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the overall volume of retail sales plunged by 1.3% in April compared with the previous month, the biggest contraction since May last year and worse than the -0.6% forecast. Continue reading...

Foil boarders were pursued by shark – likely a great white – off Santa Barbara before it lost interest and swam awaySign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxRon Takeda and Tavis Boise were a few miles off the coast of Santa Barbara when they noticed the large mass trailing behind them.“Tavis, is it a dolphin?” asked Takeda as he stood on his foil board, a specialized form of surfing, propelling himself through the waves. Boise, who was filming their run, recognized the question as an ominous sign – the veteran surfers are familiar enough with dolphins that Takeda should have recognized one immediately. Continue reading...

As domestic sales slow manufacturers are investing in AI and seeking growth in technology and in overseas marketsAt the world’s biggest car fair, which opened in Beijing on Friday, there were hundreds of manufacturers, more than 1,000 vehicles, hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts – and hardly anyone behind a wheel.China’s car companies have cornered the domestic electric vehicle market, and are increasingly visible on the global stage. Now they’re turning their attention to what they are betting is the future of mobility: autonomous driving. Continue reading...

Annalouise Spence allegedly used credit card to make ‘unauthorised purchases of luxury and personal items, including clothing, artwork and jewellery’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe former private secretary of billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson has been charged with dozens of counts of fraud after she allegedly used a business credit card to make more than $1m of purchases, including luxury clothing, artwork and jewellery.Annalouise Spence, 50, was due to appear at a bail court hearing on Thursday after being charged with 68 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. Continue reading...

The satirical website’s parent company will have to pay $81,000 a month to the misinformation platformSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxSatirical website the Onion plans to turn rightwing commentator Alex Jones’s misinformation site Infowars into a parody of itself under a leasing agreement provisionally approved by a Texas court.Under a proposed deal with court administrators, Infowars would be leased by Global Tetrahedron, a Chicago-based company that owns the Onion, for $81,000 a month for six months, with an option to renew for another six months. Continue reading...

• China's government investigation into Meta Platforms' acquisition of Manus has created uncertainty among Chinese AI startup founders seeking exit opportunities. • The probe has disrupted what was previously considered a popular exit pathway for Chinese AI startups, casting a shadow over international investment and acquisition strategies. • The regulatory scrutiny reflects China's heightened focus on controlling technology transfers and foreign acquisitions of strategic Chinese tech assets.

• JPMorgan Chase announced Thursday the acquisition of a fintech startup specializing in regional bank digitalization for $5.2 billion in cash, marking one of 2026's largest financial services M&A deals. • The acquisition will expand JPMorgan's capabilities in serving mid-sized regional banks, addressing a strategic gap as community lenders face increased competition from digital-native competitors. • JPMorgan executives stated the deal is expected to generate $200 million in annual cost synergies by 2028 and will close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approval.