US
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US tariffs on semiconductor and drug imports could reach 250%. Markets face uncertainty as technology and healthcare companies brace for higher costs and new supply-chain disruption in the wake of President Trump’s latest trade escalation and fragile international talks.
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The US Federal Reserve paused rates for the fifth meeting. A rare split vote highlighted internal debate as economic signals diverged. Chair Powell reaffirmed the central bank’s independence, leaving markets and policymakers weighing the prospect of a policy shift in September.
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Evercore is buying boutique advisory firm Robey Warshaw for £146 million. The deal, expected to close in Q4 2025, adds strategic firepower to Evercore’s UK and European ambitions, bolstering its credentials in high-value M&A advisory and expanding its reach in cross-border transactions.
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Trump criticises UK’s North Sea oil taxation as excessive. US President Donald Trump has criticised the UK for high taxes on North Sea oil, calling it a “TREASURE CHEST” for the country. He urged for incentives to attract drillers, highlighting potential financial gains and reduced energy costs.
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US M&A rebounded this week with bank tie-ups, rail megadeals, and a media merger finalised. Five standout transactions revealed strategic integration, regulatory shifts, and consolidation pressures.
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AI giants are beating estimates while airlines and food brands struggle. The second-quarter earnings season has revealed a sharp divergence, with firms like Alphabet and IBM reaping AI gains, while consumer-facing businesses report weakening demand and rising costs.
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EU and US near trade deal with 15% tariffs. The European Union and the United States are finalising a trade agreement imposing 15% tariffs on most EU exports. Exemptions for aircraft and medical devices are under consideration, but key industries remain affected.
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AstraZeneca plans a $50 billion US investment by 2030. The investment aims to boost AstraZeneca’s US manufacturing and research presence, helping achieve $80 billion in annual sales by 2030. This move aligns with US political pressure for domestic pharmaceutical production.
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Japan and the U.S. struck a surprise tariff accord today. The agreement trims incoming U.S. auto duties on Japanese vehicles to 15 %, down from a planned 25 % escalation, in exchange for a promised US $550 bn investment package aimed at bolstering U.S. supply chains.
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Chevron’s $55bn Hess close led this week’s US dealflow. A surge of high-value US transactions defined the week, from Chevron’s landmark offshore energy win to Walgreens’ historic exit from public markets and a string of debt-financed acquisitions spanning healthcare, energy, and real estate.