Lift

• Global stock markets remained steady as positive outlooks for Nvidia provided a boost to technology shares. • In Asia-Pacific, the MSCI broadest index (excluding Japan) rose 0.3%, marking its third consecutive day of gains. • South Korea's KOSPI climbed 1.5% despite the Bank of Korea raising interest rates by 25 basis points to 3%, a move that aligned with market expectations.

Alarm as Republicans warn that ‘flooding’ stores with 300,000 metric tons of beef imports will hit US farmersDonald Trump is facing growing criticism from within his own party over his decision to temporarily pause US tariffs on foreign beef in a bid to bring down grocery prices.The president’s announcement that the US will import up to 300,000 metric tons of foreign beef without charging higher tariffs has alarmed some senior Republicans, who warn that “flooding” stores with imports will hit US farmers. Continue reading...

• Singapore will officially lift the cap on dialect film screenings starting in September 2026. • The policy change removes previous restrictions on the number of films featuring dialects that can be screened in cinemas. • This move is significant as it allows for greater cultural expression and provides moviegoers with more diverse linguistic options in local cinema.

Latest reading on Wednesday likely to frame scale of challenge for new PM to ease pressures on households amid Iran war fallout British households are facing a renewed cost of living squeeze, with official figures expected to show this week that soaring energy bills drove up inflation in July to close to 3%.As the Iran war continues to send shock waves through global energy markets, economists predict the surge in UK gas and electricity bills last month will push Britain’s headline inflation rate to 2.9%. Continue reading...

• Indonesian officials have lifted a tsunami warning following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia. • The warning was initially issued because the earthquake was shallow, increasing the risk of displaced water causing coastal surges. • This event highlights the region's extreme vulnerability to seismic activity, as Indonesia sits on the "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates frequently collide.

Reforms comply with wishlist of intelligence services which say Germany lags behind allies and enemiesThe German government has approved a draft law aimed at lifting many of the restraints on its spy agencies imposed during the postwar period as the country reels from two attacks in a month that have exposed serious security gaps.The controversial changes, which must still pass parliament, largely comply with a wishlist pulled together by the foreign and domestic intelligence services, which have long complained Germany lags behind its allies and enemies. Continue reading...

• The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has reported a significant increase in trading volumes driven by strong corporate quarterly earnings. • Positive investor sentiment and favorable economic indicators are fueling cautious optimism across multiple market sectors. • A growing pipeline of upcoming IPOs from various industries suggests sustained momentum and broader market activity.