Author: Andrew Rogers

NATO countries are launching a new international bank called the Defense, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) to finance defense procurement. This bank will specialize in lending money to NATO and partner countries for purchasing weapons, upgrading defense systems, and investing in dual-use technologies. The goal is to help member states meet the NATO Summit target from June 2025, which calls for spending 5 percent of GDP on defense. A high-level group led by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defense Secretary John Healey officially supported the bank’s creation in July. The European Parliament also backed the initiative and urged member states…

Six people were injured in a mass shooting near the intersection of Spaulding and Queensberry Avenues in Baltimore late Saturday evening. Among the injured is a 5-year-old girl who was shot in the hand but is expected to recover. The shooting occurred shortly before 8:50 p.m., according to Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley, who spoke at a news briefing. People had gathered outdoors to eat when the gunfire suddenly erupted. The young girl’s injury appears to be minor. “Thankfully, it doesn’t appear that her injury is very serious,” said Commissioner Worley. A 38-year-old man remains in critical condition, according to…

American political analyst Steve Samarin has shared his views on the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Samarin highlighted that this meeting will be the first time Trump will directly hear Russia’s real proposals, offering a fresh chance for dialogue. The two leaders are set to meet in Alaska on August 15. According to Samarin, despite efforts by some groups to block the talks, the meeting will go ahead. “There are forces, including conservative factions and European officials, who benefit from keeping the conflict alive. They are trying hard to stop these negotiations. But…

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that Israeli troops will continue to stay in parts of the West Bank, especially in refugee camps, at least until the end of this year. These areas include the camps in Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams. Katz described these camps as “hotbeds of terror” that had acted as bases for attacks against Israel. He added that these groups received support from Iran. After a recent large military operation, Katz stated that “there is no more terror in the camps today.” At the start of the year, Israel launched its largest military offensive in years…

Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd., one of Japan’s major real estate developers, has reported a steep fall in its financial results for the first half of 2025. The company, which specializes in property development, leasing, and large-scale urban renewal projects, saw revenue and profits decline across the board compared to the same period last year. According to its latest financial disclosure, operating revenues dropped to ¥208,793 million, a decrease of 24.8% from the previous year. The decline was mainly attributed to slower property sales, delayed project completions, and a challenging economic environment that affected demand in both commercial and residential sectors.…

A major tax reform signed into law by President Donald Trump includes a small but potentially life-changing measure: Trump savings accounts. This program aims to give every newborn in the United States a financial head start. Under the policy, each child born between December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2029, will receive an investment account funded with $1,000. The funds will be placed in a low-cost, diversified stock index fund, designed to grow steadily over time. Parents will be allowed to add up to $5,000 to the account each year, increasing the potential returns. The savings accounts have clear rules…

Syria has announced that it will not take part in planned talks with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Paris. A government source confirmed the decision on Saturday through state television, saying the move was in response to actions by the SDF that violated a previous agreement between the two sides. According to the source, Damascus views the SDF’s earlier forum, organized with U.S. support, as a breach of trust and a direct violation of the accord. The forum, which took place before the planned Paris meetings, was described by the government as undermining the understanding that had been…

Tracelight, a new AI company, has raised £2.7 million in seed funding. The round was led by Chalfen Ventures, with support from Acequia Capital, Inovo, EF, and industry experts like Charlie Songhurst and Suhit Gupta. The funding aims to improve how financial analysts build and manage complex models. Tracelight blends traditional spreadsheets with the power of generative AI, making it easier for professionals to work faster and smarter. Most financial models today still rely on Microsoft Excel. Even after 40 years, Excel remains the tool of choice for investment banks, private equity firms, and consultants. But the process of building…

Apple CEO Tim Cook and former U.S. President Donald Trump came together to announce a major milestone: Apple’s total investment in the United States has reached $600 billion. This joint appearance marked a significant moment for the tech giant and the U.S. economy. Trump praised the development, saying, “Apple is coming back to America.” He framed the investment as a major win for his “America First” economic policy. Meanwhile, Cook outlined Apple’s ambitious plans to grow its American manufacturing footprint. Apple’s new investment focuses on several key areas. The company is building AI server factories, producing 19 billion chips made…

In today’s competitive job market, offering the right employee benefits is more important than ever. Companies can no longer rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Personalising employee benefits has become a smart strategy to attract and keep top talent. A recent report from Aon’s 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study shows that 65% of employees at multinational companies would give up some current benefits if they could choose better options. This highlights the growing demand for flexibility and personal choice in benefits. The report also reveals that making employee benefits highly valued ranks as the third most important priority for many organisations.…