Markets A respite for sofas and spaghetti: Trump eases and delays tariffs Planned tariff hikes on imported furniture are pushed back a year, while punishing tariffs on Italian pasta are scaled down after months of negotiations. 01/01/2026
Economy Venezuelan bolívar–dollar rate jumps to nearly 480% as sanctions bite With the bolívar down sharply and access to official dollar rates limited, most Venezuelans now turn to crypto-based markets for foreign currency amid sanctions and persistent inflation. 01/01/2026
Business Warren Buffett, ‘Oracle of Omaha,’ retires after 60 years in business Warren Buffett’s departure as CEO marks the end of an era at Berkshire Hathaway for the business 'sage' whose unpretentious approach reshaped modern investing. 01/01/2026
Economy Europe’s corruption challenge goes beyond an East–West divide Petty bribery may be rarer in Western Europe, but influence, lobbying and regulatory capture remain powerful — and often minimised. 01/01/2026
Economy From war to wallets: How Iran’s economic crisis is fuelling protests Sanctions, inflation and currency collapse have pushed daily survival to the centre of public anger following the conflict with Israel last June. 31/12/2025
Business Citi edges closer to Russia exit, bracing for over €1bn hit Citi has secured internal approvals to sell its remaining business in Russia to Renaissance Capital, moving closer to an exit from the market after years of delays. 30/12/2025
Business Moody’s cuts Budapest rating to 'junk' as dispute with Orbán deepens The City of Budapest has been downgraded to "junk" rating by Moody’s and placed on review for further cuts, a move that could increase borrowing costs as the liberal mayor led capital butts heads with the PM. 30/12/2025
Economy Iran’s currency collapse sparks second day of protests Protesters closed shops for a second day as the rial hit new lows on the free market, amplifying inflation fears and highlighting the widening gap between official and street exchange rates. 29/12/2025
Business Explainer: Why Chevron operates in Venezuela despite US sanctions Chevron’s continued presence in Venezuela looks like an anomaly amid intensifying US sanctions. In fact, the contradiction is rooted in selective enforcement to maintain leverage over Caracas, as well as decades of oil politics. 29/12/2025
Business Space tech company’s shares skyrocket after Trump Golden Dome deal Sidus Space shares have jumped sharply this week after the small space-tech company announced it had won a place on a major US defence contract. 26/12/2025
Business Unlikely bedfellows: Castrol deal draws private capital into industry The deal reflects a shift in how investors view businesses like Castrol — less as consumer brands, and more as industrial infrastructure embedded in the global economy. 25/12/2025
Economy Santa Claus rally or year-end wobble? Markets wrap up 2025 mixed World shares were mixed despite fresh record highs on Wall Street, as investors remained wary of inflation, slowing demand and uncertainty over how markets will start the new year. 24/12/2025
Economy Germany’s export model hit by dual US and China demand slump Simultaneous falls in exports to the US and China are exposing deep structural weaknesses in Europe’s largest economy, according to a new study. 23/12/2025
Business Year of the metals: Venezuela tensions send gold and silver soaring Precious metals have been among the strongest performers this year, supported by geopolitical risk, expectations of looser monetary policy and global economic stability. 23/12/2025
Business Ryanair slapped with €255m fine over abuse of market power in Italy Italy’s antitrust watchdog ruled that Ryanair exploited its dominance in air travel to and from Italy by deliberately obstructing travel agencies that rely on its flights. 23/12/2025
Economy When the rich flaunt their wealth inequality feels worse, study shows According to new research, people underestimate inequality when they live in segregated social worlds. But when wealth is openly displayed, dissatisfaction rises fast. 23/12/2025
Business Italy slaps Apple with €98m fine over app tracking policy The fine adds to growing European scrutiny of Apple’s App Tracking Transparency feature and its impact on competition in mobile advertising. 22/12/2025
Business Warner to urge rejection of Paramount bid as Trump son-in-law exits Warner Bros Discovery is expected to urge shareholders to vote against Paramount's hostile takeover bid. This comes after Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, also withdrew his private equity firm from the financing of the offer. 17/12/2025
Economy Greece cuts an early cheque to EU creditors to boost market confidence Greece’s early repayment of its first bailout loans underscores an important turnaround, cutting future interest costs and accelerating debt reduction as the country seeks to strengthen market confidence. 16/12/2025
Business PayPal moves to establish US bank, expanding deposits and loans PayPal has applied to establish a Utah-chartered bank, a move that would allow the firm to hold deposits and increase lending capacity to small businesses. 16/12/2025