Newsletter Apr 18, 2023

Rishi Sunak investigated over wife's interest in UK childcare firm

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being investigated by parliament's standards watchdog over whether he properly declared his wife's shareholding in a childcare company which stands to benefit from new government policy.

G7 coalition to keep Russian oil price cap at $60 per barrel -source

The Group of Seven (G7) coalition will keep a $60 per barrel price cap on seaborne Russian oil, a coalition official said, despite rising global crude prices and calls by some countries for a lower price cap to restrict Moscow's revenues.

Mixed responses to the UK government making 'failure to prevent fraud' a criminal offence

Making the failure to prevent fraud a criminal offence is welcomed as a landmark in fighting financial crime, yet essential work remains on the UK government's to-do list.

Expectations of US inflation hike from 3.6% to 4.6% over the next year

A hike in expected US inflation over the next year comes ahead of next month's federal reserve decision on interest rates. Meanwhile, OPEC cuts increase the price of oil.

China's GDP recovery likely picked up in Q1 on end to COVID curbs

China's gross domestic product likely gathered pace in the first quarter, data is expected to show on Tuesday, as the end of strict COVID curbs lifted the world's second-largest economy out of a crippling pandemic slump, although some headwinds persist.

Rate-hike fears keep stocks rangebound

Markets fear that the monetary tightening by central bankers will tip the economy into recession.

Credit Suisse class action could force banks to clean up their act, says finance expert

Finance expert Tom Davey says that the class actions against investment bank Credit Suisse send a strong message that companies must clean up their act.

Hollywood writers approve strike if union talks break down

Hollywood writers voted overwhelmingly in favor of giving union negotiators the power to call a strike, moving a step closer to a production shutdown that would hamper studios and disrupt what viewers see on television.

Elon Musk creates AI-focused company but can it rival ChatGPT?

OpenAI's popular AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT could soon face fresh competition from Elon Musk's AI venture called X.AI Corp.

Sega closes in on a deal to acquire Angry Birds developer Rovio Entertainment for £625 million

With Sega nearing a mega deal to buy Rovio Entertainment, Stuart Smith, from commercial and media law firm, Simkins, has given his view on the purchase.

JP Morgan leads the pack as good news in the banking sector improves general economic outlook

Whilst the economic outlook is still uncertain after the March collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and near-collapse of Credit Suisse, recent results bring good news.

Over the moon for International Day for Human Space Flight

This day is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible achievements of humanity in space exploration.

Washington State bill allowing medical interventions on minors without parental permission clears House

A Washington State bill that would allow kids to receive medical care without informing their parents in certain cases passed the House of Representatives.

Bukayo Saka relives nightmare of racial abuse after Arsenal drop points

Arsenal are four points clear at the top of the 2022-23 Premier League table.

Football scholar among dead at Alabama sweet 16 mass shooting

Phil Dowdell was recruited by Jacksonville State University and given a football scholarship.

Liverpool hit Leeds for six after controversial Gakpo opener

Jurgen Klopp's side took the lead at Elland Road when Gakpo's goal was allowed to stand despite the ball striking Trent Alexander-Arnold's arm in the build-up.