Financial Times

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move is seen as a setback for Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to the dollar-based global payments system, and observers are weighing what it signals about the Gulf kingdom's financial alignment with Washington versus its deepening economic ties with China.

The Financial Times examines whether the European Union can construct a 'hybrid defence' against Russia, addressing Moscow's use of non-military pressure such as disinformation, cyberattacks, sabotage and election interference. The debate centres on whether EU institutions and member states can coordinate effectively to counter these tactics alongside traditional military deterrence.

Gold prices declined as markets absorbed signals that the US Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer than previously expected. Higher rates raise the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold, weighing on demand. Investors are watching upcoming Fed commentary and inflation data for clues on the timing of any policy easing.

The Reserve Bank of Australia meets on Tuesday for the sixth time this year, with economists and financial markets near-certain it will lift interest rates again. The debate now centres on how many further increases could follow as the bank works to curb inflation, with households watching borrowing costs climb.

The Financial Times argues that, for once, the US Federal Reserve has prioritised ordinary American households and small businesses over financial markets. The comment reflects debate over the Fed's policy direction and who its decisions ultimately serve. It is prompting discussion among economists and investors about a possible shift in how the central bank weighs Wall Street against the broader economy.

US companies are increasingly adopting cheaper 'open' AI models rather than relying solely on expensive proprietary systems from major AI providers. The Financial Times reports that businesses see open-weight models as a way to cut costs while retaining more control and flexibility. The trend reflects growing price pressure on enterprise AI spending and improving performance of openly available models.

The world's worst-performing stock market has slashed the minimum price for listed stocks, according to the Financial Times. The move is aimed at encouraging trading activity and improving liquidity in a market that has badly lagged global peers this year. Details on which exchange is involved and the size of the price reduction were not provided.

A new analysis argues that the Iran crisis is being felt as strongly through the banking system as through oil shipping routes. It points to sanctions, restricted financial channels and payment difficulties as central to how pressure on Tehran is playing out, alongside concerns about oil transit security.

Manchester City's verdicts in its legal dispute with the Premier League are being scrutinised well beyond England, with clubs, pundits and fans worldwide weighing in on what the outcome means for competitive balance and financial rules. The New York Times has gathered reactions from across the football world, reflecting how the case is being read as a test of how top-flight regulation is enforced internationally.

The Financial Times reports that SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, is pivoting away from its space focus, with a companion headline reading 'Starbase, we have a problem'. The report has drawn attention and comment as observers weigh what the shift means for the company's ambitions around Starship and its Texas Starbase operations.

Minutes from the Bank of Japan's latest policy meeting show members agreed that financial conditions in Japan remain accommodative. The release of the minutes gives markets a closer look at the board's internal debate as investors watch for signals on when the central bank may adjust its monetary stance. Traders and analysts are weighing the comments against expectations for future policy moves.

Oracle is reportedly contractually obliged to pay investors in a data centre site even if the location has no electricity supply. The Financial Times reports the arrangement shifts power-delivery risk onto the company, underscoring how aggressively Oracle is financing AI-era data centre capacity and the financial exposure that comes with projects racing ahead of grid availability.

Financial analysts and forecasters are projecting that insurance costs will continue rising into 2026, building on recent premium increases across the market. The Financial Times has gathered analysts' views on the outlook, with the consensus pointing to further price hikes for policyholders. Rising claims costs, inflation and reinsurance pressures are the usual drivers cited for such sustained increases, affecting both households and businesses.

Barclays analysts say labor-market pressures are set to persist as immigration slows and populations age, tightening the supply of workers in many economies. The bank's analysis points to structural worker shortages rather than a temporary squeeze. The report has been picked up by financial outlets including Investing.com and Yahoo Finance UK, feeding into ongoing debate about immigration policy and demographic decline.

Former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney told the New York Times that the world's heavy reliance on the U.S. dollar is unsustainable, arguing that the international financial system is at risk. Carney, now Canada's prime minister, has long advocated alternatives including multipolar currency arrangements and has criticized U.S. trade and monetary policy under President Trump for accelerating calls to reduce dollar dependence.

Nikola Jokic could sign a five-year, $360 million contract next summer, which would make it the richest deal in NBA history. The Denver Nuggets star is widely regarded as the best player in the league, and the potential extension has fueled discussion about soaring NBA salaries and the league's new financial landscape.

Financial outlets 24/7 Wall St. and Yahoo Finance are reporting that Bitcoin holders are selling, arguing that this sell-off differs from previous ones. The reports suggest a shift in holder behavior that investors are being urged to understand, though the specific nature of the difference is not detailed in the headline.

Goldman Sachs is reporting a sharp rise in the fees it earns from hedge fund clients, according to a Financial Times report. The story highlights how the bank's prime brokerage and financing businesses are benefiting from renewed hedge fund trading activity, reviving discussion about Wall Street's most profitable client relationships.

Real estate investor Grant Cardone says commercial real estate is heading toward a historic crash and is presenting Bitcoin as a complementary asset for investors looking to diversify. His comments have been picked up by financial outlets including Yahoo Finance and TradingView, adding a prominent property investor's voice to ongoing debate about the sector's troubles and crypto's role in portfolios.

A new report says the real estate market is adjusting to higher construction costs and elevated interest rates. Rising borrowing costs are affecting affordability and transaction activity, pushing developers and buyers to adapt to tighter financial conditions. The findings reflect broader pressure on the property sector as financing remains expensive and materials stay costly.

Japanese companies are reportedly introducing 'grandchild leave', letting employees take time off to care for grandchildren. Rising retirement ages and financial pressures mean more grandparents must stay in work, leaving them less available for the informal childcare families have long relied on. Commenters note the development reflects a broader squeeze on working families and an ageing workforce.

Bloomberg asks whether artificial intelligence is making the traditional annual corporate budget obsolete. The discussion centres on companies tied to budgeting and financial planning, including ASAN, FERG and NAVN. As AI enables continuous forecasting and real-time planning, questions are being raised about whether once-a-year budget cycles still make sense for modern businesses and the software firms that serve them.

The Financial Times argues the European Union lacks a clear strategy for key partners such as Canada, and needs a more coherent approach to relations with like-minded countries outside its borders. The call comes amid broader debate about how the EU positions itself with traditional allies, particularly on trade, security and economic cooperation with Western partners.

Milan Fashion Week is under way in the Italian fashion capital, with the Financial Times reporting that the industry is hoping the shows will inject some energy and excitement into a difficult period for luxury. Designers, brands and buyers are looking for standout collections that can revive consumer enthusiasm as the global fashion market slows.

Starbucks says it will close 250 stores in its latest round of restructuring. At the same time, financial columnists are examining whether a $20,000 401(k) loan affects Social Security: the loan itself does not count against the earnings test, but the repayments and reduced withholding could push more of a retiree's benefits into taxable income. Commenters are debating how store closures and retirement income decisions interact for older workers.