Season

• European stock markets trended moderately higher midday Friday, driven by a global rally in technology stocks and positive corporate earnings reports. • Gains were primarily led by the tech and oil sectors, reflecting strong investor confidence across continental trading. • This upward movement highlights a broader market trend where strong quarterly financial results are offsetting macroeconomic uncertainties.

• Parliament was adjourned on Monday following an uproar by opposition MPs, led by Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who protested alleged police misconduct. • Congress leader Pawan Karedzo submitted a Suspension of Business Notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to demand a discussion on the use of tear gas, pellet guns, and lathi-charges against protesters and journalists. • The disruption led to the postponement of a critical debate regarding the anti-paper leak Bill, while Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Congress party for the delays.

Around town, on the pitch and even in the pool, the New York mayor keeps his suit on – what do his sartorial choices tell us?Playing football. Playing in the sand. Dancing on a stage with Alicia Keys and the entire New York Knicks roster. Swimming in a swimming pool. Swimming in the ocean.Traditionally, a suit and tie would be considered inappropriate attire for each of these activities. Yet over the past year Zohran Mamdani has seemingly been on a one-man crusade to prove otherwise: to convince people that a formal suit is, actually, suitable for all activities. Continue reading...

• Approximately 85% of S&P 500 companies have beaten profit estimates during the current US earnings season, marking the highest beat rate in five years. • Despite these strong corporate results, investment funds have seen outflows for the second consecutive week as investors flee the market. • Market instability is being driven by escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, which have pushed international oil prices higher.

• European blue-chip companies are seeing an improved earnings outlook, with LSEG I/B/E/S data from Wednesday indicating the potential for the best growth in several years. • The positive trend is largely driven by soaring profits within the energy sector, which are offsetting losses in other industries. • Market reactions were mixed on Thursday, with TotalEnergies and Repsol shares climbing following strong Q2 results, while STMicroelectronics fell after missing estimates.

• The Hollywood Reporter has released a comprehensive awards season calendar detailing key dates for the 2025-2026 cycle. • The schedule covers major industry ceremonies, including the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys, Tonys, and Golden Globes. • This guide serves as a critical planning tool for industry professionals and fans to track nominations and televised events.

• In the first quarter of 2026, the seasonally adjusted general government deficit to GDP ratio for the euro area (EA21) and the European Union was 3.1%. • This figure represents a slight decrease from the 3.2% deficit recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025. • These indicators provide a critical measure of fiscal health and stability across the member states of the EU and the euro area.