Swiss voters decide today whether to tighten the country's neutrality Switzerland is holding one of its regular nationwide referendums today on a proposal to tighten the rules around its long-standing policy of neutrality, a vote that could shape how the country responds to future conflicts and sanctions regimes. Full story → · 1 sources
Pope Leo XIV completes first papal state visit to France in nearly 20 years Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a state visit to France this week, meeting President Emmanuel Macron, celebrating Mass in Paris, meeting with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, and warning that unchecked artificial intelligence could threaten humanity. Full story → · 1 sources
Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue as US and Iran talks yield mixed signals Oil markets swung this week on conflicting signals about progress between the United States and Iran over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports of a possible easing late in the week followed by word that President Trump had rejected an Iranian proposal. Full story → · 2 sources
Brazil's presidential race tightens weeks before October vote With Brazilians set to elect their next president in October, a new poll shows incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's lead over right-of-center Senator Flávio Bolsonaro continuing to narrow, and Brazilian markets have rallied on the shifting race. Full story → · 1 sources
Midterm map fight continues as Missouri ruling and funding truce shape the fall campaign A court ruling on Missouri's congressional map and a short-term government funding deal that runs through December 11 are both shaping the run-up to November's midterm elections. Full story → · 3 sources
Trump and Xi hold state dinner and summit talks, with no trade breakthrough announced President Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping for a state dinner and a round of summit talks this week, but the meetings did not produce a trade breakthrough on the issues still dividing the two countries. Full story → · 2 sources
Stocks close near record highs as markets digest the Fed's first rate hike since 2023 U.S. stocks ended the week higher, with the S&P 500 near all-time highs even as investors continue to absorb this month's Federal Reserve interest rate hike, ahead of a week that brings a fresh jobs report and inflation data. Full story → · 3 sources
Tech and semiconductor stocks keep leading the market even as the Fed holds rates higher Growth-oriented technology and semiconductor stocks have kept outperforming this month, even as higher interest rates have weighed on more rate-sensitive parts of the market, as investors bet on solid economic growth over inflation risk. Full story → · 2 sources