businesses

Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock says the days of low interest rates are gone, signalling that borrowing costs are likely to stay elevated for the foreseeable future. The warning matters for Australian households and businesses still adjusting to higher mortgage repayments, and it has drawn wide attention as people weigh what a permanently higher rate environment means for housing and the wider economy.

The United States and China have reached a major trade framework that reportedly cuts the US trade deficit with China in half. The announcement marks a significant step in easing tensions between the world's two largest economies. The exact terms of the agreement and how the deficit reduction will be achieved have not yet been detailed, and reactions from businesses and lawmakers are still coming in.

Bill Gates has publicly criticised Donald Trump's refusal to back safeguards on artificial intelligence, arguing the US should support stronger oversight of the technology. Gates framed the resistance as a mistake at a time when governments worldwide are moving to regulate AI. The remarks add a prominent business voice to the debate over how far Washington should go on AI rules.

China has introduced new travel restrictions affecting technology workers, and the measures are reportedly causing concern among major tech companies and skilled professionals. Observers say the rules could complicate international travel for engineers and experts in fields like artificial intelligence, raising questions about talent mobility, business operations, and China's push to retain and control its technology expertise.

A move by federal authorities to reschedule marijuana is expected to significantly affect medical marijuana businesses, particularly their taxes and day-to-day operations. Rescheduling from Schedule I could allow cannabis companies to deduct normal business expenses under federal tax law, ending restrictions imposed by IRS Code 280E and easing banking and operational hurdles for operators.

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, the Japanese maker at the center of a supplement contamination scandal linked to suspected deaths, is reportedly considering a buyout offer worth more than ¥500 billion. The move would mark a major turning point for the company, which has faced reputational and financial fallout since the scandal, and is drawing attention to the future ownership of the troubled firm.

Meta has introduced Muse, an AI agent that, according to CNBC, targets one of the most profitable weak spots in the economy. The move signals Meta's push to move its artificial intelligence beyond social feeds and into commercial territory, potentially disrupting incumbent players in that market. Details on the specific sector and how the agent works remain limited, but analysts are watching the announcement closely for signs of Meta's broader AI monetisation strategy.

Indian broadcasters are running rolling live coverage bundling several major stories: a political row involving the Election Commission, remarks and actions by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a fresh attack by Yemen's Houthis, and rising tensions between the United States and Iran. The combined coverage reflects a busy news day spanning domestic election politics and international security developments being watched in both India and the US.

The United Nations has published an updated blacklist naming 61 companies it says are involved in activities in Israeli settlements that violate Palestinian human rights. The list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, identifies firms for business operations linked to the occupied territories. The move is expected to draw criticism from Israel and the United States, while rights groups welcome greater corporate accountability.

The world's most valuable AI startup will open an office in Singapore in October and begin hiring local staff, according to VnExpress International. The move signals growing interest from leading AI companies in establishing a Southeast Asian presence, with Singapore's business-friendly environment and talent pool making it a regional hub.

The United Nations has expanded its database of companies operating in Israeli West Bank settlements to 138 firms. The list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, flags businesses the UN says are involved in activities supporting settlement expansion, which it considers illegal under international law. Israel rejects the blacklist, and its publication has drawn criticism from Israeli officials and mixed reactions from companies and governments.

Spotify Technology is facing a fresh valuation test as investors weigh how much of the company's growth story now rests on podcasts and audiobooks rather than music streaming alone. The company has been pushing to diversify revenue beyond its core music business, expanding spoken-word content and subscription tiers, and markets are reassessing what that expansion means for the stock's worth.

The Bulgarian National Bank has warned that a proposed tax on banks could end up raising the cost of credit for businesses and households. According to the central bank, taxing the banking sector may lead lenders to pass the additional burden on to customers through higher interest rates and fees, potentially tightening access to financing. The warning adds to ongoing debate over fiscal measures affecting the country's financial sector.

UBS analysts have published a report examining how AI shopping agents could reshape hardline, broadline and food retail. The analysis suggests that as consumers increasingly delegate purchasing decisions to AI assistants, retailers across these categories may need to rethink pricing, visibility and customer relationships. The report is being picked up by financial media including Investing.com and Yahoo Finance.

Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi has laid out an investment strategy around the National Stock Exchange's long-awaited IPO, telling viewers whether the listing could deliver big returns. The exchange's long-pending public offering is one of the most anticipated events in Indian markets, and investors are weighing how much money it could make for retail participants.

The watchdog group UN Watch has condemned the UN's decision to expand its blacklist of companies operating in Israeli settlements, arguing the list unfairly targets Israeli firms and politicises human rights mechanisms. The move reignites long-running disputes over the legitimacy of settlement-related listings and the UN Human Rights Council's treatment of Israel.

The Governor of the Qatar Central Bank met with Algeria's Minister of Finance in a bilateral meeting. Details of the agenda were not disclosed, but such talks typically cover financial cooperation, banking ties and monetary policy coordination between the two countries. The meeting comes amid growing economic engagement between Gulf states and North African partners, and it is drawing attention in regional financial and business circles.

The Thai government has declared a two-day public holiday for civil servants as severe floods batter the country. The move could affect the timing of a court ruling, since closures may push back official proceedings. The decision highlights the scale of the flooding crisis and its knock-on effects on government business and the justice system, with attention now on whether the ruling will be delayed.

Cricket fans are focused on an India versus England fixture, with searches and engagement spiking in India. The interest comes amid a busy international calendar that also includes Sri Lanka's tour of England, where commentary coverage of the third ODI is under way. Fans are following team selections, match conditions and results across the fixtures as the series builds.

Influencers and content creators are increasingly taking equity stakes in startups instead of relying on one-off brand sponsorship deals. The shift reflects creators seeking longer-term financial upside by aligning with early-stage companies, often in exchange for promotion or advisory work. It signals a maturing creator economy, with talent positioning themselves as business partners and investors rather than paid advertising channels.

TechCrunch's Mobility newsletter reports that autonomous vehicle companies are increasingly narrowing their focus to specific markets and use cases rather than pursuing broad self-driving ambitions. The piece examines how startups in the sector are choosing where to compete, reflecting a maturing industry where companies are prioritizing viable business lines.

Federal prosecutors have charged the owner of a semi-truck business over an alleged $105 million investment fraud scheme. Federal charges were announced in the case, though details of the alleged scheme, the accused's name, and the court involved have not yet been disclosed. The case adds to a string of recent federal prosecutions targeting investment fraud in the transportation sector.

The US government is moving to insert itself into Elon Musk's legal battle with the European Union, a fight carrying a €120 million price tag. The dispute centres on regulatory action by Brussels against Musk's businesses, and Washington's intervention escalates what was already a transatlantic clash over tech regulation. Observers are watching whether US involvement will pressure the EU to soften its enforcement stance.

A new analysis of 4,688 small-business websites found that 49.7% met none of seven security header criteria, suggesting many small firms leave basic web protections unconfigured. The finding has drawn attention among developers and security commentators, who point to it as evidence that basic HTTP security headers remain widely neglected outside large organisations with dedicated technical teams.

Attention is turning to the likely economic consequences for Germany of a free trade agreement between the European Union and India. Commentators are weighing how reduced tariffs and closer trade ties with India could affect German exporters, manufacturers and supply chains. With negotiations advancing between Brussels and New Delhi, businesses and policymakers are assessing the opportunities and risks for Europe's largest economy.