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AT&S, the Austrian substrate manufacturer, is featured in a new report on the growing competition to produce advanced IC substrates, the critical layer that connects AI chips to circuit boards. The technology is becoming a bottleneck as demand for AI accelerators surges, and companies and governments are racing to expand capacity and secure supply of these components.

The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rates by 25 basis points, in line with expectations. The move is part of the bank's ongoing effort to bring eurozone inflation back toward its target. Analysts had widely anticipated the decision, so attention now turns to the bank's guidance on further policy steps.

Russia has started rationing fuel following a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike that hit key energy and fuel infrastructure. Reports say Ukrainian long-range drone technology has outmanoeuvred Russian jet-powered drones and air defences, forcing Moscow to restrict petrol supplies in affected regions. The strikes mark an escalation in the ongoing battle over energy targets between the two countries.

Fresh polling on Donald Trump's approval rating is drawing widespread attention, with commentators across the political spectrum reacting to the numbers. Supporters and critics are debating what the figures mean for his standing and the broader political landscape.

Samsung and LG, among Apple's key South Korean suppliers, are reportedly facing pressure on profits even as the new iPhone Duo debuts. Despite strong attention around the launch, suppliers are struggling with margin squeeze, highlighting the difficult economics of supplying components for Apple's devices amid intense competition and cost pressures.

Gold markets are positioning ahead of the latest US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report, a key gauge for Federal Reserve policy. Prices are being supported by record central bank gold purchases, but a hawkish Fed stance is capping gains, leaving traders torn between strong official-sector demand and the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates.

Financial commentary is weighing what could come next for Apple under new leadership, pointing to three likely priorities: a long-rumored foldable iPhone, building out AI server infrastructure, and expanding manufacturing and sales in India. The discussion frames these as key tests for the company's next phase, with investors watching how the strategy could affect Apple's stock and its competitive position against rivals in smartphones and artificial intelligence.

Ukraine's defence ministry says its forces struck six strategic Russian oil refineries over the past week, some up to 1,600 km behind the front line. It describes the facilities as key parts of Russia's defence industry supplying fuel to occupation forces, framing the campaign as retaliation for Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory.

Upcoming US employment and inflation figures are set to be a major test for the Federal Reserve's interest rate path and for signs of underlying economic strength, according to Reuters. Investors and policymakers will be watching closely to see whether labor market resilience and price pressures shape expectations for further rate moves.

Barrick Mining has reached an agreement with labor unions in Mali, avoiding planned strikes at its operations in the country. The deal defuses a dispute that had threatened to disrupt production at the miner's Malian sites, which are a key part of the country's gold industry. Details of the agreement have not been fully disclosed.

Global crude oil prices are holding above $105 a barrel as maritime security risks in the Strait of Hormuz escalate, forcing international shipping routes to adjust with delays and longer detours. Markets are watching whether the key oil chokepoint's instability will keep prices elevated and how higher energy costs could feed into global inflation.

Police have declared a major incident near RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire after several people were arrested on suspicion of explosives offences. The arrests prompted a large emergency response in the area, with authorities warning residents to stay away while investigations continue. The airbase, a key RAF site, has drawn heightened attention given the security implications.

Investors across the Asia-Pacific region continue to put money into real estate even as interest rates push up borrowing costs. Analysts point to resilient regional demand, attractive valuations after price corrections, and long-term growth prospects in key markets as reasons capital keeps flowing in. The trend has drawn attention among global property investors weighing where to deploy funds amid tighter monetary conditions.

Bitcoin is holding around $84,000 after recording its strongest weekly gain since January. Crypto market trackers report traders weighing whether the rally can continue, with attention on whether Bitcoin can keep the $84,000 level or give back some of last week's gains. Other major cryptocurrencies are said to be moving in step with the market leader.

The Federal Reserve has put forward proposed rules for stablecoins under the GENIUS Act, the US legislation establishing a federal framework for dollar-pegged digital tokens. The proposal would set requirements for issuers operating under US oversight. The move marks a key step in implementing the new stablecoin law and is being closely watched by banks, crypto firms, and regulators assessing how the market will be supervised.

President Trump is preparing to reverse fuel economy standards for cars put in place under the Biden administration. The move would loosen emissions and mileage requirements for automakers, reversing one of the previous administration's key climate policies. Bloomberg reported the plan, which is expected to affect US vehicle efficiency rules and the broader auto industry's regulatory outlook.

The head of the UN Environment Programme says financing is the main obstacle to rolling out solutions that help communities cope with extreme heat. The warning comes as heatwaves intensify worldwide, with measures such as cooling systems, urban shading and early-warning plans available but underfunded. The comments underline growing pressure on governments and donors to direct more money toward climate adaptation.

President Donald Trump says he has approved new fuel economy standards that roll back regulations put in place under the Biden administration. The move relaxes mileage requirements for US automakers, reversing one of the previous administration's key climate and emissions policies. The announcement is drawing attention for its impact on the auto industry, fuel costs, and US efforts to cut vehicle emissions.

Media reports detail the Muse Charm, an AI gadget from Meta described as more than a simple keychain, listing five things it can do. The device is attributed to Mark Zuckerberg's company and is presented as a wearable accessory with built-in AI functions. Coverage focuses on explaining its capabilities, though independent confirmation of the features or an official launch date has not been reported.

Bitcoin's share of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization has fallen below 60%, a threshold watched closely by traders as a signal of shifting momentum. A declining dominance rate typically means alternative cryptocurrencies are gaining value faster than bitcoin, prompting debate over whether an altcoin rotation is underway and what it could mean for the broader market's direction.

A former Turkish minister has resigned as a crisis surrounding an investment fund in Turkey continues to grow. The resignation adds to political pressure as the fund's troubles deepen, drawing attention to oversight of the country's financial institutions. Details about the fund and the reasons for the resignation remain limited, but the development is being closely watched by markets and observers of Turkish politics.

BBC economics editor Faisal Islam reports that the UK chancellor faces two major decisions in the run-up to the upcoming Budget. The piece examines the fiscal choices the government must weigh, a topic drawing attention as speculation builds over tax and spending plans.

OpenBao is an open-source tool written in Go for managing, storing, and distributing sensitive data such as passwords and API secrets, encryption keys, and digital certificates. It emerged as a community-maintained alternative to HashiCorp Vault after licensing changes. On GitHub's trending list this week it has picked up new stars and attention, with developers discussing it as a free, open option for handling secrets securely in their infrastructure.

The Wall Street Journal reports that a storied Indian business empire is being torn apart by infighting, with internal disputes fracturing one of the country's most prominent family-run conglomerates. The feud threatens the group's stability and future direction, drawing attention to the fragility of India's large family-controlled business houses, which dominate key sectors of the economy.

A potential nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is drawing scrutiny over whether Riyadh would be permitted to enrich uranium on its own soil. Observers in Israel and the wider Middle East are weighing the implications for nonproliferation commitments, regional security, and the possibility of a broader U.S.-brokered normalization arrangement involving Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The Trump administration is reportedly looking to soften a key protection for 401(k) retirement accounts, according to Forbes. The report has drawn attention because 401(k) rules safeguard the retirement savings of tens of millions of American workers, and any weakening of those protections could affect how their funds are managed and what fees or conflicts of interest they are exposed to.

Investors are watching two key indicators this week that could signal the health of the AI-driven stock rally and the broader economy. Analysts say upcoming economic data and earnings from major AI-related companies will help determine whether the market's enthusiasm for artificial intelligence is supported by fundamentals or showing signs of strain amid ongoing uncertainty about growth and interest rates.

Ukraine has hit an oil refinery deep inside Russian territory, reportedly 1,550 kilometres from the border, using cheap drones built with 3D printers and fishing line rather than expensive military hardware. Commenters are highlighting how low-cost, garage-built technology is allowing Ukraine to strike strategic targets far behind the front line and outpace Russia's defences.

Indian oil stocks are in focus for retail investors following disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the key shipping route for global crude supplies. Coverage highlights three Indian oil companies that investors are watching as tensions raise concerns over import costs and fuel prices. The market reaction reflects India's heavy dependence on crude passing through the strait.