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China ‘strongly dissatisfied’ with nationalisation of British Steel

China ‘strongly dissatisfied’ with nationalisation of British Steel

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The UK government has taken British Steel into public ownership to keep steel production and jobs in the country. China expressed strong dissatisfaction with this decision, saying it harms Chinese companies' trust in investing in the UK.

Key Facts

  • British Steel was nationalised by the UK government to protect steel production and 4,000 jobs in Scunthorpe.
  • The UK government acted after the Chinese owner, Jingye Group, threatened to close the site.
  • China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the UK for nationalising the company, saying it violates international rules and hurts Chinese investors’ confidence.
  • Jingye claims British Steel is valuable and should receive large compensation despite being ready to let it fail.
  • The UK government said a new leadership team will work to make British Steel stable and low-carbon.
  • The nationalisation followed a new UK law, the Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act 2026, that allows ministers to take ownership of steel companies.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move protects a key industry and supports British jobs and the economy.
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Guardian World Guardian Business
‘How’s this joker got my details?’: BrewDog founder faces complaints over emails to ‘equity punks’

‘How’s this joker got my details?’: BrewDog founder faces complaints over emails to ‘equity punks’

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

James Watt, the founder of BrewDog, is facing complaints about emails he sent to former BrewDog investors, called “equity punks,” offering them shares in a new company. Some recipients said they didn’t know how Watt got their contact details, raising concerns about possible breaches of UK data privacy laws. The UK data privacy watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), is now looking into these complaints.

Key Facts

  • James Watt sold BrewDog earlier in 2024 to the US company Tilray for £33 million.
  • More than 200,000 BrewDog investors lost the value of their shares after the sale.
  • Watt emailed thousands of these investors to offer them free shares in a new venture called Second Best.
  • Many recipients questioned how Watt obtained their contact details.
  • The complaints allege possible violations of the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
  • Watt said he followed legal advice and used data lawfully but did not explain how he got the information.
  • Tilray stated it did not have or share investor data with Watt and denied involvement in the email campaign.
  • The ICO is considering the complaints and may investigate if data laws were broken.
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Guardian World
No deposit, no problem: the new 100% mortgages for first-time buyers

No deposit, no problem: the new 100% mortgages for first-time buyers

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Several UK lenders are offering new mortgage deals that let first-time buyers borrow up to 100% of the property price, meaning they do not need a deposit. These deals often come with higher interest rates and different rules depending on the lender. Some loans also allow a family member or friend to help qualify for a bigger mortgage without owning the home.

Key Facts

  • Metro Bank launched a 100% mortgage for eligible first-time buyers with a five-year fixed rate of 6.99% and a maximum loan of £675,000.
  • Lloyds offers a mortgage requiring a minimum deposit of £5,000 (just over 98% loan-to-value) with a rate of 5.89% for homes up to £300,000.
  • Santander has a similar deal allowing borrowers to finance up to 98% of the home value, with a minimum deposit of £10,000 and a 5.49% rate, up to £500,000.
  • Skipton and Yorkshire building societies offer mortgages up to 100% and 99% loan-to-value respectively, with rates around 5.55% to 6.44%.
  • Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor (JBSP) loans enable buyers to add a family member or friend to increase borrowing power without sharing ownership.
  • JBSP loans mean all parties share legal responsibility for repayments, making these arrangements serious commitments.
  • Higher loan-to-value mortgages typically have higher interest rates compared to loans requiring larger deposits.
  • These mortgage options aim to help people enter the housing market despite rising property prices and affordability challenges.
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Guardian World
How do you split the bill with friends?

How do you split the bill with friends?

July 17, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The article explains how people can share the cost of a meal or other expenses when they go out with friends. It offers tips on different ways to split the bill fairly.

Key Facts

  • The article focuses on how to divide the bill among friends.
  • It aims to help people handle money matters easily when eating out or paying together.
  • Different methods for splitting costs are suggested.
  • It highlights the importance of fairness in sharing expenses.
  • The article is connected to personal finance and managing money in social settings.
  • No complex financial terms are used; the advice is practical and simple.
  • The content is supported with an accompanying video explaining the topic.
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BBC Business
China hits out at British Steel nationalisation

China hits out at British Steel nationalisation

July 17, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The UK government has taken control of British Steel to protect jobs and a key industry, a move China opposes as it owns the company through Jingye Group. China says this nationalisation breaks investment rules and harms Chinese companies' confidence in the UK.

Key Facts

  • The UK government nationalised British Steel to protect jobs and an important national industry.
  • British Steel's plant in Scunthorpe was previously under control of China's Jingye Group.
  • China’s commerce ministry criticized the move, saying it violates the China-UK Bilateral Investment Treaty.
  • Jingye Group contributed to the UK economy but lost control when the UK government stepped in.
  • The nationalisation may affect UK-China relations as a new UK prime minister takes office.
  • British Steel was losing about £700,000 a day before nationalisation.
  • The UK government is currently spending over £1 million a day to run the steelworks.
  • The government can now decide British Steel’s future without Jingye’s input but may not keep it long-term.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories BBC World
How three Ivorian firms are competing with global brands

How three Ivorian firms are competing with global brands

July 17, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Three Ivorian companies—Petro Ivoire, Djamo, and Kaira Holding—are competing with international brands in sectors like fuel, digital banking, and cosmetics. These local companies grow by understanding their markets, making faster decisions, and investing in production, while multinational firms continue to play a big role in Ivory Coast’s economy.

Key Facts

  • Petro Ivoire started in 1994 and is now the largest locally owned fuel distributor in Ivory Coast, holding about 15% of the market.
  • The company competes by combining local market knowledge with international quality standards.
  • Petro Ivoire can make strategic decisions faster than multinational companies because it is locally owned.
  • Petro Ivoire leads the butane gas market and is investing in electric vehicle charging stations.
  • Djamo, launched in 2020, offers digital banking services through a mobile app and serves over two million customers and 10,000 small businesses.
  • Djamo had to overcome investor doubts about tech companies from francophone West Africa but demonstrated potential for growth and economic stability.
  • Both companies highlight growing confidence in African businesses competing successfully at home and beyond.
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Al Jazeera
Taco Bell removing lettuce from some stores amid cyclosporiasis scare

Taco Bell removing lettuce from some stores amid cyclosporiasis scare

July 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Taco Bell said it will stop using lettuce in some stores because the FDA is investigating iceberg lettuce linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. This move is to protect customers while the investigation continues.

Key Facts

  • Taco Bell plans to remove lettuce from certain locations.
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell.
  • The investigation is related to a cyclosporiasis outbreak in the U.S.
  • Cyclosporiasis is an illness caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or water.
  • Taco Bell is working with public health officials during this investigation.
  • Removing lettuce is a safety step until the source of the outbreak is confirmed.
  • The announcement was made on a Thursday.
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The Hill
‘Brazen corruption’: critics denounce Trump media plan to sell priority access to Truth Social posts

‘Brazen corruption’: critics denounce Trump media plan to sell priority access to Truth Social posts

July 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump’s media company plans to sell fast access to posts on its Truth Social platform, which could give financial traders speedier news to make stock and bond decisions. Critics say this raises concerns about using the presidency for financial gain, although the company says the new service is a way to make money from its unique content.

Key Facts

  • Truth Social will offer a paid service called Truth PSI that gives faster access to top posts.
  • The service targets Wall Street trading firms and institutions to act on news quickly.
  • President Trump is the most followed user on Truth Social with 12.9 million followers.
  • Trump is also the largest shareholder of Trump Media + Technology, the parent company.
  • Experts warn this could be a conflict of interest by profiting from presidential posts.
  • The program will start next month and has already gained customers.
  • Trump Media + Technology's stock dropped over 70% since Trump became president last year.
  • The company is also involved in other businesses like crypto and nuclear fusion to boost revenue.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
The financial winners and losers from the World Cup

The financial winners and losers from the World Cup

July 16, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The World Cup generates huge amounts of money, especially for FIFA, the organization that runs world football. While FIFA and broadcasters earn big profits from the event, fans face high costs for tickets, travel, and accommodation.

Key Facts

  • FIFA made a record $7.6 billion from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and expects even more revenue from the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
  • FIFA's income comes from selling TV rights, sponsorships, tickets, and licensing deals, plus a new resale marketplace charging fees.
  • FIFA is planning to expand the World Cup to 48 or even 64 teams to attract more viewers and increase earnings.
  • Fans paid very high prices for tickets, with some final match tickets listed officially at $32,970 and resale prices exceeding $2 million.
  • Travel and other expenses, like a train ticket hike in New Jersey from $12.90 to $150, also raised costs for fans.
  • Broadcasters spent large amounts to buy TV rights but expect large returns through advertising, especially with new "hydration breaks" sponsored during games.
  • In the US, a 30-second World Cup ad costs between $200,000 and $750,000, making hydration break ads a new big money opportunity.
  • UK viewers watching on BBC or ITV did not see hydration break ads because those channels do not run commercials.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
I wouldn't marry him until he paid off his debt, now I'm in charge of our money

I wouldn't marry him until he paid off his debt, now I'm in charge of our money

July 16, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Sarah Reeve made her fiancé, Lee, pay off his debt before they married. Since then, Sarah has taken charge of managing their money, including budgeting, saving, and paying bills. She says getting financial advice helped her feel more confident about planning for the future.

Key Facts

  • Sarah gave Lee an ultimatum to clear his £2,000 debt before marriage.
  • After paying off his debt, they used a joint bank account for all their money.
  • Sarah manages the bills, savings, and budgeting, while Lee prefers to leave money decisions to her.
  • Sarah earns £24,000 part-time in insurance; Lee used to work at a factory and now does property maintenance earning about £30,000.
  • They have two daughters, 19 and 21, and consider their money shared.
  • The couple regularly makes extra payments on their mortgage and have avoided overspending.
  • Sarah initially felt unsure about managing investments but gained confidence after meeting a financial adviser.
  • Research shows more women are involved in daily money management but feel less confident than men about investment decisions.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories BBC World
Stocks fall on AI and Iran concerns, Netflix releases Q2 earnings report

Stocks fall on AI and Iran concerns, Netflix releases Q2 earnings report

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

U.S. stock markets, including the Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P, dropped due to worries about changes in artificial intelligence (AI) and tensions related to Iran. Netflix also released its earnings report for the second quarter during this time.

Key Facts

  • The Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P stock indexes all fell on Thursday.
  • Investors are concerned about the rapid growth and impact of AI technology.
  • Rising tensions involving Iran added to worries in the market.
  • Netflix published its second-quarter earnings report on the same day.
  • Market experts, such as Angela Palumbo from Barron's, provided analysis on these developments.
  • The stock decline reflects uncertainty in both technology and geopolitical areas.
  • The news was covered and discussed on CBS News.
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CBS News
Wall Street traders can soon pay for early looks at Truth Social posts

Wall Street traders can soon pay for early looks at Truth Social posts

July 16, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, plans to offer a new service called “Truth API.” This service will give Wall Street firms early access to important posts that could affect the stock market.

Key Facts

  • Truth Social is owned by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG).
  • TMTG will launch a data service called “Truth API.”
  • The API will provide real-time access to posts marked as “most market-moving.”
  • Wall Street investment firms can use this early information to make financial decisions.
  • The service aims to allow faster access to social media posts that may impact stock prices.
  • This move creates a link between a social media platform and financial markets.
  • The announcement was made on a Thursday.
  • This is a new way for trading firms to get early data from social media.
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The Hill
HP fined 1.4 billion rupees for “cartelization” of ink cartridges, toner, PCs

HP fined 1.4 billion rupees for “cartelization” of ink cartridges, toner, PCs

July 16, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The Indian government fined HP India and some of its resellers about 1.4 billion rupees (around $14.4 million) for working together to fix prices and limit competition in selling computers, ink cartridges, and toner. The Competition Commission of India found that HP and its partners arranged bids and restricted resellers to win government contracts unfairly.

Key Facts

  • HP India was fined approximately 1.3 billion rupees ($13.1 million) for coordinating bid prices with five resellers on government computer contracts.
  • HP India was fined 119.8 million rupees ($1.2 million) for cartelizing sales of ink cartridges, toner, and related printing supplies.
  • 21 HP resellers were fined 35.2 million rupees (about $365,000) for their role in the price-fixing scheme.
  • WhatsApp messages showed HP and 16 Tier-2 resellers coordinated activities like bid rigging and price fixing from 2017 to 2020.
  • HP claimed it was forced to support reseller arrangements because high printing supply prices pushed resellers toward counterfeit products.
  • The Competition Commission ordered HP and its partners to stop anti-competitive behavior and to hold training on competition rules within 60 days.
  • HP has not made a public statement about the fines.
  • The case highlights the broader issue of high ink and toner prices, which lead some users and resellers to consider cheaper alternatives.
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Ars Technica
Trump Media to sell early access to key social posts

Trump Media to sell early access to key social posts

July 16, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

Trump Media & Technology Group, which owns the social media platform Truth Social, will start selling a paid service that gives financial firms fast access to important posts from key accounts, including President Donald Trump’s. The service aims to help traders get news quickly to react to market changes and to create new income for the company.

Key Facts

  • The paid service launches on August 1 and provides instant updates from influential accounts on Truth Social.
  • President Donald Trump has the most followers on Truth Social.
  • Trump Media is currently losing money and hopes this service will bring steady profits.
  • Financial traders often react quickly to Trump’s posts, which can affect global markets.
  • Before this, firms watched the app manually, but now posts will be sent directly to paying clients.
  • The service will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Some firms have been copying Truth Social’s data without permission.
  • Trump Media plans to stop unauthorized copying and require firms to buy the official feed.
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BBC US BBC Tech BBC Business BBC World BBC Top Stories
Bank of America CEO says U.S. could see $20 billion in economic impact from World Cup

Bank of America CEO says U.S. could see $20 billion in economic impact from World Cup

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The 2026 World Cup is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the United States and its host cities. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said the event could create about $20 billion in economic activity in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
  • Host cities in the U.S. are already seeing financial benefits from the tournament.
  • Brian Moynihan is the CEO of Bank of America.
  • He estimates the U.S. could gain $20 billion in economic impact from the event.
  • The impact includes spending by visitors, tourism, and local businesses.
  • The World Cup event is expected to boost jobs and income in the host cities.
  • This discussion was shared during an interview on CBS News with Margaret Brennan.
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CBS News
Bank of America CEO on World Cup ticket sales, economic boost

Bank of America CEO on World Cup ticket sales, economic boost

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan talked about the company’s sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup. He mentioned that many people bought tickets even though they were expensive, which could help the economy grow.

Key Facts

  • Brian Moynihan is CEO of Bank of America.
  • Bank of America is a sponsor of the FIFA World Cup.
  • Ticket sales for the World Cup have been very high.
  • Tickets are expensive but many people still bought them.
  • The high ticket sales may give a boost to the economy.
  • Moynihan discussed this on the CBS News show "Face the Nation."
  • The full interview aired on Sunday.
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CBS News
Business Daily

Business Daily

July 16, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

China's economy grew very slowly in the latest quarter, showing one of its weakest performances. This slowdown raises concerns about how it might affect the global economy. At the same time, durian fruit prices are falling across Asia, and New York is taking steps to regulate centers that store data for artificial intelligence.

Key Facts

  • China’s recent economic growth rate is among the slowest it has recorded.
  • The weak growth raises questions about China’s future economy.
  • Slow growth in China could impact the global economy.
  • Durian fruit prices are dropping across Asian markets.
  • Durian is nicknamed the "king of fruits."
  • New York is working on new rules for AI data centers.
  • The information was shared by reporters in London, Singapore, and New York.
  • The report was part of a BBC World Service program dated July 17, 2026.
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BBC Business
Fear of humanoid robots spurs human workers to strike at Hyundai auto factory

Fear of humanoid robots spurs human workers to strike at Hyundai auto factory

July 16, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Thousands of Hyundai auto workers in South Korea began striking after talks failed over plans to use humanoid robots in their factories. Hyundai plans to introduce more than 25,000 Atlas robots made by Boston Dynamics across its plants, starting with U.S. factories in 2028, raising concerns about job security.

Key Facts

  • Hyundai workers at its Ulsan plant started a partial strike from July 13 to July 15 and plan four-hour strikes from July 20 to 22.
  • The strike is in response to Hyundai's plan to deploy Atlas humanoid robots that can perform various factory tasks.
  • Atlas robots are over 6 feet tall, can lift more than 100 pounds, and cost about $130,000 each.
  • Hyundai aims to install more than 25,000 Atlas robots in its and Kia’s manufacturing plants worldwide.
  • The union wants a fixed salary for workers and a retirement age increase from 60 to 65 to protect workers from automation impacts.
  • Boston Dynamics, the maker of Atlas, will become a fully owned subsidiary of Hyundai.
  • Other carmakers like Tesla, BMW, and some Chinese EV companies are also testing humanoid robots.
  • The global automotive industry has used industrial robots for decades, with over 1 million robots in use worldwide by 2021.
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Ars Technica
Trump Media to sell faster access to president's Truth Social posts

Trump Media to sell faster access to president's Truth Social posts

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump’s media company will offer a new service that sells faster access to posts on Truth Social, the platform where he shares news and policy updates. Starting August 1, this service will provide real-time posts to paying customers, including financial firms that need quick information to make decisions.

Key Facts

  • Trump Media & Technology Group announced a Truth API data feed providing fast access to important posts on Truth Social.
  • The service is expected to start on August 1.
  • It aims to deliver posts to customers in milliseconds, which is helpful for high-frequency trading firms that trade stocks very quickly.
  • The API offers 24/7 coverage and includes an archive of posts back to 2022.
  • The company has not disclosed the cost of the service.
  • President Trump founded Trump Media & Technology Group in 2021 after being suspended from major social media platforms.
  • President Trump has 12.9 million followers on Truth Social, making him the platform’s most prominent user.
  • He often uses Truth Social to make announcements that influence financial markets.
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CBS News
Airlines say permanent daylight saving time won't be simple

Airlines say permanent daylight saving time won't be simple

July 16, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. House has approved a bill to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent, which means clocks would stay one hour ahead year-round. Airlines warn that changing to permanent DST would take a long time and cost money because they would need to adjust many systems and schedules. The bill still needs to pass the Senate and be signed by President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • The House voted to keep daylight saving time all year, but the Senate must approve it next.
  • Airlines say switching to permanent DST could take up to 24 months to adjust their operations.
  • Changes would affect flight schedules, crew work times, and connections with international flights.
  • Airlines use complex global networks that need stable and predictable schedules.
  • Other industries with timetables, like trucking and railroads, will also need time to adjust.
  • Some experts think airlines might need only 6 to 12 months to make changes, not two years.
  • Permanent DST advocates say it could save energy by having more daylight in the evening.
  • Opponents worry about darker mornings in winter and possible health effects.
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CBS News