
Five US transactions lifted M&A volumes in a shortened week. Regulatory clarity and strategic appetite drove landmark acquisitions by HPE, Home Depot, Boeing, AbbVie, and Thoma Bravo, marking a renewed focus on scale, sector positioning, and technology leadership.

US job growth outpaced expectations again in June 2025. Public sector roles made up nearly half of all new jobs, highlighting a private sector slowdown as manufacturing and business services declined. The unemployment rate slipped, but underlying data signalled a cooling labour market.

AstraZeneca chief hints at US move, intensifying pressure on UK markets. The FTSE 100’s largest company may relocate its primary stock listing to New York, as its CEO signals strategic realignment.

Canada suspends its digital services tax to revive US talks. The tax aimed at US tech giants faced criticism from President Trump, who halted negotiations and threatened tariffs. Talks are set to resume, targeting a new trade deal by 21 July.

EIS achieves ISO 42001 certification for AI governance leadership. The cloud-native insurance platform provider is the first in its category to receive the new global standard for AI management systems, reinforcing its commitment to ethical, accountable AI deployment in the insurance sector.

Federal Reserve pauses again amid economic pressure. The US central bank held its benchmark rate steady for a fourth time, as policymakers warned of inflationary pressure from rising tariffs and signalled a slower path to future rate cuts.