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• The European Commission is currently in discussions with Spanish officials to provide additional financial support for the city of Ceuta. • This funding is intended to bolster border security forces and increase humanitarian assistance following an unprecedented surge of migrant arrivals. • The measure is critical as Ceuta struggles to manage the logistical and humanitarian aftermath of the record-breaking influx of people.

• European stock markets are currently maintaining positions near record highs despite conflicting market pressures. • Positive corporate earnings reports are providing upward support, but this growth is being offset by downward pressure within the technology sector. • The situation highlights a tug-of-war between strong fundamental company performance and volatility in high-growth tech valuations.

• Major stock indices traded mixed today, with the S&P 500 rising +0.31% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing +1.05% to reach new all-time highs. • Gains were driven by strong corporate earnings, specifically from Booking Holdings, which saw its stock jump over +7% following better-than-expected Q2 gross bookings. • The Nasdaq 100 lagged behind the other indices, posting a slight decline of -0.03%.

• Disney+ has ceased providing 4K and HDR streaming support for a segment of its subscribers across parts of Europe. • The service disruption is believed to be the result of an ongoing streaming patent dispute, though official confirmation is pending. • This loss of high-end visual quality undermines the value of the Premium subscription tier, leaving affected customers without the features they pay extra for.

• An FDA advisory panel has recommended the use of an experimental Replimune treatment for advanced melanoma, despite the agency having rejected the drug twice previously. • Rising oil prices driven by the conflict with Iran have sparked industry concerns regarding the vulnerability of essential medicine supply chains to price volatility. • These developments highlight critical regulatory shifts for oncology treatments and the impact of geopolitical instability on pharmaceutical costs.

Sarah Henderson says bill ignores gambling inducements, uniting parties and independents against controversial legislationFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor will be forced to make major changes to its planned crackdown on online gambling advertising, as the Coalition, Greens and independents demand tougher rules to stop betting companies offering generous inducements as well as further limits on broadcast ads.After a two-day inquiry including sensational evidence that gambling companies allegedly provided illegal drugs and access to sex workers to keep problem gamblers betting, the Coalition confirmed on Wednesday afternoon it would seek “crucial amendments” before agreeing to support the government’s legislation. Continue reading...

• A political analyst has advised the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to resign from the Cabinet and support Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim from the outside. • The recommendation follows a decline in electoral support, highlighted by the loss of key seats in Negeri Sembilan, including the seat held by Anthony Loke. • This strategic shift is intended to stop a "voter exodus" and prevent further erosion of the party's grassroots base.

• Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) achieved a supermajority victory in the Negeri Sembilan polls by leveraging strong Malay-Muslim support. • Analysts suggest this outcome may prompt the two former rivals to deepen their partnership and formalize a more serious working relationship. • The potential alliance is highlighted by the fact that BN and PN combined for 94 seats in Peninsular Malaysia during the 15th general elections, outperforming Pakatan Harapan's 71 seats.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for Spain following a diplomatic crisis involving the territory of Ceuta. • The move comes after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez accused several European leaders of attacking him rather than offering solidarity during the turmoil. • Tensions escalated on Thursday when Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni proposed suspending Spain from the 29-country Schengen zone, which typically allows for borderless travel.

• Tokyo is expected to announce a joint action with the United States to support the Japanese yen, marking the first such coordinated effort since 2011. • The move follows comments from US Treasury Secretary Bessent on July 30, who stated that the yen appears to be "very undervalued." • This intervention aims to stabilize the currency market and counteract the significant depreciation of the yen against the US dollar.

• Stryker Corporation (SYK) shares fell 5.83% to $327.77 after the company's quarterly revenue failed to meet consensus forecasts. • Technical analysis shows the stock has broken below the $314.99 support level and is currently trading under its 20, 50, and 200-day moving averages. • Negative momentum is evident as the MACD and ADX issue sell signals, while the RSI sits at 33.71, indicating a bearish trend.

• The USD/JPY exchange rate rose 0.53% to ¥160.39 following the Federal Reserve's decision to keep US interest rates steady. • Japanese authorities intervened in the foreign exchange market by selling US dollars and buying yen to combat the currency's sharp depreciation. • This volatility highlights the ongoing tension between US monetary policy and Japan's efforts to stabilize its currency.

During her first visit to Ghana, Dame Sarah Mullally expressed regret and said the controversial fund symbolises the Christian belief in repentanceAt a former British castle where thousands of enslaved Africans were held before being shipped across the Atlantic, the archbishop of Canterbury expressed “lament” for the Church of England’s involvement in transatlantic chattel slavery and reaffirmed her commitment to a controversial £100m fund for affected communities.Dame Sarah Mullally made the comments on Thursday during a visit to the Cape Coast castle, a 17th-century fortress that was built by Swedish traders, but occupied by the Danish and the Dutch, before the British seized it in 1664. Continue reading...

US president’s board of peace says Israel will withdraw from Gaza following disarmament of Hamas but no immediate statement from either sideWhat is Trump’s Board of Peace and who is involved?Donald Trump on Thursday announced an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas, calling it a critical step toward a new Palestinian government in Gaza. There was no immediate statement from Hamas or Israel on the agreement.“This agreement is a critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people,” Trump said in a social media post. Continue reading...

• A new POLITICO poll reveals that a majority of MAGA supporters would continue to vote for a Republican candidate even when faced with various political scandals. • The data shows that MAGA Trump voters exhibit significantly higher levels of partisan loyalty compared to both general Republican voters and Democrats. • These findings underscore how Donald Trump has reshaped the nature of political allegiance and voter behavior within the GOP base.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new policy on Tuesday banning federal funding for "dangerous" gain-of-function research. • This type of research involves enhancing viruses to predict potential threats, a practice that has faced scrutiny following the COVID-19 pandemic. • The move follows a 2020 order from the Trump administration and aligns with a bipartisan bill signed by President Joe Biden on March 20, 2023.

Exclusive: Work and pensions secretary echoes Andy Burnham as he unveils funds to stop families in England losing benefitsUK politics live – latest updatesYoung people will be expected to engage with new support to seek work, Pat McFadden has said, as he unveiled new funds to stop families losing benefits when teenagers take up apprenticeships.Speaking to the Guardian, the work and pensions secretary echoed the comments of Andy Burnham when he suggested that access to support would be conditional on young people properly participating in the support that would be provided. Continue reading...

Survey also shows Australians rounding on the government over its handling of inflation and the cost of living crisisGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastOne Nation’s primary vote has plateaued and Angus Taylor’s approval rating has crashed, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll.But it is not all smooth sailing for Labor with Australians rubbishing the government’s handling of the inflation and cost of living crisis. Continue reading...

• A Trump supporter reports that his liberal brother has severed all ties and refused to provide financial assistance during a period of personal hardship. • The conflict highlights the impact of rising living costs and political polarization on family dynamics and loyalty within the United States. • Researchers note a growing trend of Americans experiencing strained or broken familial relationships due to disagreements over abortion, immigration, and elections.

Scientists say decision is blow to UK astronomy as deep space observatory is home to world-leading facilitiesJodrell Bank Observatory, which runs a world-leading network of radio telescopes, is facing closure after the government’s major funder cut support for the facility.The deep space observatory, which hosts the Grade I-listed Lovell telescope, is prized by astronomers who study galaxies, black holes, star formation, planets beyond the solar system and the afterglow of the big bang. Continue reading...

So-called ‘Reformers’ hosted recruitment functions with speakers including Tony Abbott and Alan JonesFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSenior politicians in the New South Wales Liberal party supported the work of a group of young conservative power brokers who sought to take control of the party and move it towards the right, the corruption watchdog has heard.The Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) began its Operation Rosny hearings into allegations of corruption against people associated with the NSW Liberal party on Monday. Continue reading...

Ukrainian president will be first overseas visitor for new British prime ministerVolodymyr Zelenskyy will become Andy Burnham’s first overseas visitor as prime minister, in a visit that Burnham said underlined Britain’s “unwavering” backing for Ukraine.Less than two weeks after Keir Starmer travelled to Kyiv for the final foreign visit of his prime ministership, the Ukrainian president will on Monday join Burnham at a naval base where Ukrainian forces have been receiving training. Continue reading...

• XRP is currently trading at $1.09, reflecting a slight increase of 0.75% as it finds support near the $1.0968 Ichimoku Kijun level. • Technical indicators show the asset is trading above its 20-day ($1.0978) and 50-day ($1.0972) moving averages, though it remains below the 200-day average of $1.3951. • Short-term momentum is turning constructive, highlighted by a MACD buy signal and bullish dominance in Bull/Bear Power, while ADX and the Awesome Oscillator remain neutral.

• Goldman Sachs stock is trading near recent highs following strong earnings momentum driven by growth in its investment banking and trading divisions. • The firm's financial performance is currently supported by increased revenue and profit, though retail investors are closely monitoring capital returns and balance sheet metrics. • The stock's valuation remains sensitive to macroeconomic variables, including GDP growth, inflation, and central bank policy rates, which impact corporate demand for advisory services.

• The Indian Parliament passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 to combat paper leaks and recruitment fraud. • The new law introduces severe penalties for offenders, including up to 10 years in prison and fines exceeding Rs 1 crore. • Prime Minister Modi advocated for the bill by citing a Kota student's suicide note, emphasizing the need to protect the country's youth, who make up over 70% of the population.

• Chinese stocks declined on Thursday as AI and semiconductor shares continued a correction driven by profit booking in high-priced technology stocks. • Losses were partially offset by strength in defensive sectors, specifically banking, gold, and rare earths. • In contrast, Hong Kong markets outperformed the mainland, seeing gains in Tencent and other broad technology shares.

Mayor admits he has no authority to direct Israeli prime minister’s arrest after saying he’s ‘not welcome’ in NYCZohran Mamdani, the New York City mayor, doubled down on his support for the international criminal court on Wednesday, a day after calling on federal authorities to execute the court’s warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest should he visit the city in the fall.“I call on the federal government to join the international criminal court and to execute both this warrant as well as any warrant the international criminal court holds,” Mamdani told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday. Continue reading...

• Supporters of the youth-led "Cockroach movement" in New Delhi are vowing to continue their protests despite a recent police crackdown. • The movement is demanding significant government accountability and comprehensive educational reforms across India. • This escalation highlights growing tensions between India's youth and state authorities over systemic social and academic grievances.