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Reading Time : 2 minutes A sharp decline in economic optimism among small business owners has been recorded, with confidence dropping by 10 percentage points. Rising uncertainty, inflation worries, and labor quality issues contribute to the decline. Many entrepreneurs now hesitate to expand, fearing financial instability. The latest survey shows the lowest optimism levels since the early pandemic.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Retail media networks saw impressive growth in 2024, with Amazon leading at $56.2 billion in ad revenue. Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Criteo also reported significant gains. Despite these successes, retailers remain cautious about economic uncertainties that could impact future growth.
Reading Time : 2 minutesWealthy Americans are moving large sums abroad due to political and economic fears, favoring Switzerland and other offshore destinations.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThailand’s $28 billion mega canal project remains an ambitious but uncertain vision. Originally planned to bypass the Strait of Malacca, the idea has given way to a landbridge project, offering a more practical solution for trade. While the canal concept isn’t entirely abandoned, Thailand’s current focus is on developing an efficient overland transport corridor.
Reading Time : 3 minutesTrump recently threatened a 200% tariff on John Deere products over plans to shift production to Mexico. Farmers showed support, but critics like Mark Cuban called it harmful. Experts warned of trade deal violations. As of now, Deere hasn’t changed course, and the tariffs remain unimplemented.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Hyperloop One has shut down due to financial struggles, but the dream of high-speed tube transportation isn’t dead. New projects, like Switzerland’s scale-model test, show that interest in the technology remains strong. While setbacks exist, innovation continues, keeping the vision of ultra-fast travel alive.
Reading Time : 2 minutesTSMC has proposed a joint venture with Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom to manage Intel’s foundry division, aiming to revitalize U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. The deal could reshape Intel’s future but faces challenges in integration and regulatory approval. If successful, it may strengthen domestic chip production while redefining industry dynamics among major global players.
Reading Time : 3 minutes The US and EU are embroiled in a new trade war, with President Trump threatening a 200% tariff on European alcohol in retaliation for the EU’s 50% tariff on American whiskey. This escalating conflict, rooted in past disputes over steel and aluminum, could have serious consequences for businesses and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Reading Time : 3 minutesIn 2025’s turbulent global markets, hedgers seek safety from chaos with futures, while traders chase profits in volatility. Hedging suits the cautious, preserving value amid trade wars and shocks. Trading fits the bold, exploiting swings for gain. The best choice? It depends on your risk appetite—maybe even a mix of both.
Reading Time : 2 minutesPokémon GO’s future under Scopely sparks player concerns about monetization despite continuity in its development team and existing partnerships.
Reading Time : 3 minutesMixue Ice Cream and Tea, with 45,000 stores, tops McDonald’s and Starbucks. Founded in China, it raised $444 million in a 2025 IPO, with shares up 40%. Its mascot, Snow King, and 83-cent treats drive its appeal amid economic woes, doubling locations in two years.
Reading Time : 2 minutesBlackRock leads a consortium buying CK Hutchison’s Panama Canal ports for $22.8 billion, shifting control from Hong Kong to U.S. interests amid geopolitical tensions.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe U.S. government’s Bitcoin holdings are substantial, with significant value potential, sparking discussions on cryptocurrency policies
Reading Time : 2 minutesChristie’s AI art auction saw mixed results amid controversy over copyright concerns. Despite this, Refik Anadol’s work excelled, highlighting growing interest in AI-generated art. The auction raised complex questions about the future of AI art.
Reading Time : 3 minutesTrump’s $5M “gold card” offers U.S. residency to rich foreigners, skipping EB-5’s job rules. Set for March 2025, it aims to cut the deficit, but will millionaires bite when Italy’s deal is $260k? With 277,000 global tycoons eligible, it’s a bold bid for cash and talent.