Uncertainty

Growth in charge points falls markedly despite surge in number of rapid-charging unitsBusiness live – latest updatesThe UK’s rollout of electric vehicle chargers has slowed amid challenging cost pressures and uncertainty over government sales targets.Charger companies installed 5,100 public charge points in the first half of 2026, pushing the total to 121,171, according to Zapmap, a data company. That was a 10% increase on the same point a year before – well below growth rates above 40% in 2024. Continue reading...

• Global investors are entering the second half of the year balancing strong market momentum and a constructive earnings backdrop against significant geopolitical and economic risks. • Key concerns currently weighing on market sentiment include uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence, trade policy, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. • Markets have seen a boost in confidence due to a notable increase in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has lowered immediate downside risks to the global economy.

Mangione, accused of killing health executive Brian Thompson, has pleaded not guilty in state and federal casesLuigi Mangione is scheduled to appear at Manhattan federal court on Monday morning in relation to the murder of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson.Mangione stands accused of the 4 December 2024 killing of Thompson on a New York City street. He faces murder and weapons charges in his state-level case, and stalking counts in the federal proceedings. Continue reading...

• South Korean stocks opened lower on Monday, June 29, as investors reacted to renewed geopolitical instability. • Market sentiment was dampened by uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, which contributed to rising oil prices. • Investors are closely monitoring the situation alongside upcoming investment plans from major tech giants Samsung and SK hynix.

• Gold prices (XAU/USD) declined to approximately $4,060 during Asian trading hours on Monday. • The drop is driven by market uncertainty regarding US-Iran talks and expectations of a hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve. • This price movement reflects investor caution as geopolitical tensions and monetary policy shifts influence the precious metal's appeal.

• PwC reports that health services M&A activity remains active in 2026, with overall deal value increasing compared to the first half of 2025. • Despite higher values, deal volume is slowing as buyers become more selective due to reimbursement pressures and policy uncertainty. • Financial risks are rising for providers as Medicaid cuts from the “Big Beautiful Bill” and higher ACA exchange costs are expected to increase the number of uninsured patients.

• The British Pound fell to 1.32 against the US Dollar, marking a 1.65% decline over five days following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. • Starmer's departure follows intensifying internal dissent and policy reversals, exacerbated by Andy Burnham's recent parliamentary seat win, which may trigger a formal leadership challenge. • This political turmoil, combined with a strengthening US Dollar, has significantly pressured the GBP and shaken public confidence in the government.