Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel), Southeast Asia's largest telecom operator, is poised to sell shares worth $1 billion in Indian telecom major Bharti Airtel on Friday through block deals, according to a report by the Business Standard. The newspaper cited sources indicating that SingTel plans to sell 47.6 million Airtel shares at a floor price of 1,800 rupees per share, representing a 3.6% discount from the stock's last closing price. The report also suggested that JP Morgan is likely to act as the broker for the deal.

Applied Materials, a leading chipmaking equipment manufacturer, reported second-quarter revenue that missed Wall Street estimates on Thursday. The company's shares fell more than 5% in extended trading as investors reacted to the news. The shortfall was primarily attributed to lower-than-expected sales in the company's largest segment, semiconductor systems, amid uncertainties surrounding export restrictions.

Oil prices experienced a significant decline on Thursday, following reports that US sanctions on Iran might be lifted as part of a deal on Iran's nuclear program. This development came after President Donald Trump's remarks in Qatar, where he indicated that the United States was close to reaching an agreement. The comments were made ahead of Trump's visit to the United Arab Emirates, the final leg of his Gulf tour that began in Saudi Arabia. The potential lifting of sanctions has far-reaching implications for global oil supplies and market dynamics.

In the first quarter of 2025, a notable shift occurred in the cryptocurrency investment landscape as several high-profile asset managers reduced their stakes in spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This move comes in the wake of a 12% drop in the price of bitcoin during the same period, according to recent regulatory filings. This marks a significant departure from previous quarters, where asset managers typically increased their holdings in spot bitcoin ETFs, as evidenced by quarterly 13-F filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Japan’s economy contracted by 0.2% between January and March, marking the first quarterly drop in a year, according to data released by the Cabinet Office on Friday. This decline in the world’s fourth-largest economy underscores the challenges Japan faces as it navigates a complex landscape of global trade tensions and domestic stagnation. The preliminary figure for quarter-on-quarter GDP was worse than market expectations of a 0.1% contraction, signaling a slowdown from the 0.6% growth recorded in the October-December period. The last time the Japanese economy shrank was in January-March 2024, when it contracted by 0.4%.

In the intricate landscape of global trade, the relationship between the United States and India has been a focal point of recent discussions. President Donald Trump’s assertion on Thursday that India has offered to eliminate tariffs on US goods as part of a potential trade deal sparked immediate interest. However, New Delhi’s subsequent clarification that negotiations were still ongoing and far from complete added a layer of complexity to the situation. This back-and-forth highlights the delicate nature of trade negotiations and the significant challenges involved in reaching mutually beneficial agreements.

UnitedHealth Group, one of America’s most powerful corporations and a member of the exclusive Dow Jones Industrial Average, is facing a crisis that has sent shockwaves through the healthcare industry and financial markets. The unraveling of this corporate giant reached a critical point this week with the abrupt resignation of CEO Andrew Witty for "personal reasons," the company’s sudden abandonment of its financial guidance, and a bombshell revelation from The Wall Street Journal that UnitedHealth is under federal criminal investigation for possible Medicare fraud.

In the wake of the recent trade agreement between the United States and China, which saw tariffs reduced significantly, many economists have breathed a collective sigh of relief. The risk of an imminent recession, they argue, has diminished. However, JPMorgan Chase’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, remains cautious. In a Bloomberg TV interview on Thursday, Dimon stated, “I wouldn’t take it off the table at this point.” His perspective offers a nuanced view of the current economic landscape, highlighting both the positive impacts of the trade deal and the lingering uncertainties that could still lead to economic turmoil.

As the clock ticks down to midnight on Thursday, the New Jersey Transit system stands on the brink of a potentially devastating strike. Engineers are set to walk off the job one minute after midnight Friday morning, a move that would create significant disruptions for 100,000 daily train commuters, businesses across the New York metropolitan area, and even fans of Shakira and Beyoncé, who have concerts scheduled in the coming weeks.

The US economy is experiencing a significant shift in wholesale prices, with the latest data revealing a sharp decline in April. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Producer Price Index (PPI), a key measure of wholesale inflation, dropped by 0.5% in April compared to the previous month. This marks the largest monthly decrease since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the profound impact of tariffs on profit margins.

The US retail sector is showing signs of strain as consumer spending slowed sharply in April, reflecting a potential weakening in consumer demand. According to the latest data, retail sales grew by only 0.1% in April, a stark contrast to the 1.7% surge in March when shoppers rushed to make purchases ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariffs. This slowdown is particularly concerning as consumer spending is the backbone of the economy, accounting for two-thirds of gross domestic product (GDP). The April data was worse than the 0.2% monthly rise economists polled by FactSet had predicted, indicating that consumer confidence may be deteriorating under the weight of tariff-induced uncertainty.

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, finds itself in a precarious position as it grapples with the economic fallout from President Donald Trump’s tariffs. The company has announced that it will raise prices on some items due to the increased costs brought about by the ongoing global trade war. This move underscores the broader challenges facing the retail industry as tariffs continue to disrupt supply chains and inflate costs.

In a bold move to fortify its position in the retail market, Dick’s Sporting Goods has announced a $2.4 billion acquisition of its rival, Foot Locker. This strategic deal, revealed on Thursday, is part of a larger trend among apparel companies seeking to safeguard their futures against the backdrop of volatile tariff policies. For Dick’s, a Pittsburgh-based sporting goods giant, the acquisition marks its first significant international expansion, positioning it to operate Foot Locker’s 2,400 stores across 22 countries.

In early April, Wall Street experienced a meltdown that would make even the most temperamental toddler blush. Fearing that President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade war would spark a global recession, investors stampeded to offload US assets in a panic. The rare simultaneous selloff of both stocks and bonds signaled a profound loss of confidence in White House policy. It was a chaotic scene, with market indices tumbling and investor sentiment plunging into the abyss.

Boeing, the aerospace giant, has secured a monumental deal with Qatar for up to 210 jets in what the White House is hailing as the aircraft maker’s “largest-ever” widebody order, valued at a staggering $96 billion. This historic agreement comes at a time when the company is navigating through significant challenges, making the deal a crucial lifeline for Boeing. The order includes 130 of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner jets and 30 of its 777-9s, with options for an additional 50 Dreamliners and 777X. This massive deal not only solidifies Qatar Airways’ future fleet but also underscores Boeing’s market-leading position in widebody aircraft.

The American consumer, already bruised by the pandemic and the subsequent surge in inflation, is now grappling with the additional uncertainty brought on by President Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff policy. New survey data from tax and audit firm KPMG reveals that consumers are adapting their spending patterns and delaying purchases in response to these economic headwinds. This shift underscores a growing trend of financial prudence and a heightened awareness of economic instability.

At 94 years old, Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, has made a monumental announcement that has sent ripples through the financial world. After nearly six decades at the helm of one of the most successful investment conglomerates, Buffett has decided to step down as CEO, handing the reins to Greg Abel at the end of the year. This transition marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Berkshire Hathaway.

The maritime landscape of US ports is experiencing a dramatic shift, one that oscillates between a slowdown in cargo and an impending surge. This dynamic situation is primarily driven by the recent changes in tariffs between the United States and China. As of Wednesday, cargo leaving China bound for the United States will carry a 30% tariff rate, a significant reduction from the previously imposed 145% tariff that lasted for six weeks. This sudden de-escalation in tariffs, announced by both countries, has set the stage for a 90-day period of lower rates. Experts predict that this temporary reprieve will prompt retailers to frontload more cargo, working against the clock to bring in inventory before the tariffs change again.

In the ever-evolving landscape of fast food, where convenience often trumps health, a subtle but significant shift is taking place. In-N-Out, a beloved burger chain, has recently announced changes to its menu that reflect a growing trend towards healthier ingredients. This move comes on the heels of the US government's decision to ban certain synthetic dyes due to health concerns, signaling a broader movement within the fast-food industry to prioritize consumer health.

The recent ruling by a New York appeals court in favor of Fox News marks a significant development in the ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Smartmatic. This legal battle is not just a clash between two entities but a complex interplay of reputation, damages, and the broader implications for press freedom in the United States.