Economy

The United States and China have reached a trade deal to lower tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods described as non-sensitive, following a meeting between President Trump and President Xi this week. The agreement is expected to reduce prices on consumer products such as small appliances, toys and holiday items, and markets are watching for official confirmation and further details.

Mistral AI chief executive Arthur Mensch argues that AI is fundamentally software and can therefore be controlled, according to an interview with Le Monde. The French start-up boss is pushing back against fears that advanced AI systems are unpredictable or beyond human oversight, framing the technology as an engineering discipline like any other that can be governed through proper design.

The United States is set to finalize vehicle fuel economy standards that are sharply lower than previously planned, rolling back stricter efficiency requirements for automakers. The move would ease pressure on manufacturers to improve miles-per-gallon performance, a shift likely to draw criticism from environmental groups and debate over its impact on emissions and consumer fuel costs.

The United States is threatening to ban Iranian airlines from operating internationally starting Wednesday, according to Al Jazeera. The move would effectively ground Iranian carriers worldwide, and it is drawing attention amid already heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over sanctions and regional security.

The Trump administration has moved to slash fuel economy standards for cars put in place under Joe Biden, weakening requirements that automakers improve mileage and cut emissions. The rollback, reported by Politico, is expected to benefit manufacturers who argued the rules were too costly, while drawing criticism from climate advocates who say it will increase pollution and fuel consumption.

The state of Texas is moving to expand its role in the space economy, according to a report from KXAN Austin. The item signals growing state-level involvement in commercial space activity, an area where Texas has been building a presence through launches, aerospace investment and industry partnerships. Details of specific programmes or funding were not immediately available.

President Trump has moved to roll back fuel economy standards put in place under the Biden administration, loosening requirements that pushed automakers toward more efficient vehicles. The decision is drawing attention from the auto industry, environmental groups, and consumers, with supporters framing it as relief from costly mandates and critics warning it will increase emissions and fuel use.

President Trump says he has approved rolling back fuel economy standards introduced under the Biden administration, lowering required miles-per-gallon targets for new vehicles. Automakers and environmental groups are expected to clash over the change, which would ease efficiency requirements but could raise fuel consumption and emissions across the US vehicle fleet.

Donald Trump announced he has approved new fuel economy standards that end the Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate. The move rolls back emissions and efficiency rules that had pushed automakers toward EV production. It is likely to spark debate over the future of US auto policy, industry investment in electric vehicles, and America's climate commitments.

President Trump is preparing to roll back fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks that were put in place under the Biden administration. The move would loosen emissions and mileage requirements for automakers, reversing a key piece of the previous administration's climate policy and easing regulatory pressure on the US auto industry.

An analysis from Venezuela-based outlet Venezuelanalysis takes stock of the Venezuelan economy, arguing that its condition reflects both US economic coercion and longstanding structural constraints. The piece examines how sanctions and domestic weaknesses together shape inflation, production and living standards. Discussion of the topic comes as Venezuela's economic outlook remains a recurring subject in regional news coverage.

Rising frustration in Brazil over the cost of living is weighing on President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's bid for reelection. Persistent price pressures on food and everyday essentials have eroded support among voters, threatening the incumbent's chances despite his administration's social programmes and economic agenda.

A new poll conducted by KFF and the Associated Press finds that economic frustration is weighing on President Trump's standing among rural voters, a key part of his political base. The findings suggest rising costs and economic strain may be eroding support in areas that backed him strongly, raising concerns for his coalition heading forward.

The Trump administration is preparing to roll back fuel economy standards introduced under President Biden, loosening requirements that pushed automakers toward more fuel-efficient vehicles. The move would ease regulatory pressure on car manufacturers and marks a significant shift in US climate and energy policy, drawing attention from industry groups and environmental advocates alike.

A new publication breaks down the economics of running inference with open-weight AI models, weighing the cost of self-hosting open models against paying commercial API providers. The analysis covers hardware expenses, serving efficiency and when open-weight deployments actually save money. Readers are debating the assumptions behind the cost comparisons and what they mean for businesses choosing between open and closed AI infrastructure.

Despite relatively strong headline economic indicators, American voters remain anxious about prices and living costs, and that sour mood could hurt Donald Trump and his party in the November elections. Commentators argue that perception matters more than statistics, with many voters still feeling squeezed by high costs, making the economy a central risk factor for Trump's political standing this fall.

President Trump has approved new fuel economy standards and formally ended the Biden administration's electric vehicle mandate, according to reports tagged to Ford and General Motors on the NYSE. The move rolls back requirements pushing automakers toward EV production, a shift likely to affect US carmakers' strategy and emissions rules.

Florida congressman and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds said he would have participated in a debate against David Jolly at the Sunshine Economy Summit, an economic forum held in Florida. Donalds, a Republican running for governor, suggested the absence of a head-to-head exchange was not his choice, framing Jolly, a Democrat and former congressman, as the party that declined the matchup.

A new poll finds rural voters are increasingly concerned about the economy as the US midterm elections draw closer. Inflation, jobs and the cost of living are weighing heavily on these communities, whose turnout could prove decisive in key Senate, House and state races. Commentators are watching whether economic anxiety will push rural voters toward Republicans or keep Democrats competitive.

The US Federal Reserve has bought roughly $355 billion in Treasury bills over the past nine months, exceeding the roughly $320 billion purchased during the Covid-era emergency response. Critics, including investor commentary circulating online, argue attention is fixed on interest-rate decisions while this money creation goes largely undiscussed, at a time when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also issuing substantial new debt.

High-income US households are continuing to spend even as the broader economy shows signs of strain, according to a new report from USA Today. The piece examines how wealthy consumers' financial cushions allow them to sustain spending on travel, dining and goods, helping prop up consumer demand that lower-income households have pulled back from amid rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Michigan State University researchers examine how disruptions in global fuel markets travel through supply chains to affect Michigan's economy, from transportation and manufacturing costs to consumer prices at the pump. The analysis highlights the state's exposure to international energy volatility and what sustained price shocks could mean for local businesses and households.

Cortez presented an economic vision built on the principle of competing globally while acting regionally, speaking to an audience of young leaders in Pharr, Texas. The roadmap reportedly focused on how the Rio Grande Valley can position itself within global markets through coordinated regional action and investment in local talent.