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Business news, market updates, and economic developments

Oil prices rise and bonds wobble as Iran war stokes inflation fears

Oil prices rise and bonds wobble as Iran war stokes inflation fears

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Oil prices rose after an attack on a UAE nuclear plant increased tensions in the Middle East. Global bond markets became unstable as investors worried inflation might increase and central banks could raise interest rates. Talks between the US and Iran to end the conflict are ongoing but slow.

Key Facts

  • Brent crude oil price increased to about $110 per barrel after a UAE nuclear plant was attacked.
  • Iran said it responded to a new US proposal to end the conflict through a Pakistani mediator.
  • The 10-year US Treasury yield reached its highest level since February 2025 before easing slightly.
  • UK 10-year government bond yields hit an 18-year high, influenced by political uncertainty in the UK.
  • UK finance leaders met in Paris to discuss the Middle East conflict's impact on the economy.
  • Some UK politicians debate public spending plans amid concerns about rising debt and tax limits.
  • Japan’s 10-year bond yield rose to a nearly 30-year high as the government plans more debt issuance.
  • European and Asian stock markets mostly fell at the start of the week, reflecting economic concerns.
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Guardian World Guardian Business
Ryanair ‘confident’ it will avoid jet fuel shortage but warns of future fare rises

Ryanair ‘confident’ it will avoid jet fuel shortage but warns of future fare rises

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Ryanair said it is confident it will avoid a jet fuel shortage this summer despite worries related to the Iran conflict. The airline warned that people booking flights later in the year might face higher prices. Ryanair reported strong profits but remains cautious about future costs and fare forecasts.

Key Facts

  • Ryanair’s chief financial officer said the company is confident there will be no jet fuel supply shocks this summer.
  • Fares fell slightly in recent months due to uncertainty from the conflict in the Middle East.
  • The airline expects summer ticket prices to be about the same as last year, not higher as previously predicted.
  • More travelers are booking flights closer to their travel dates, which can lead to higher last-minute fares.
  • Europe has enough jet fuel due to supplies from West Africa, Norway, and the Americas, despite shipping issues in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Ryanair made a record profit of €2.26 billion in the year ending March but suspended future financial guidance due to possible cost increases.
  • The airline has hedged 80% of its fuel needs until April 2027 at around $67 per barrel but fuel costs could still rise.
  • Ryanair expects EU environmental taxes to increase by €300 million this year, raising costs for air travel in Europe.
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Guardian World
Romaine calm: live frog found in discount supermarket lettuce bag

Romaine calm: live frog found in discount supermarket lettuce bag

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A group of housemates in Esperance, Western Australia, found a live frog inside a sealed bag of discounted lettuce purchased from a Woolworths supermarket. The supermarket said it was an isolated case and is investigating, while an expert explained that frogs can sometimes accidentally get packaged with produce during harvesting.

Key Facts

  • Housemates in Esperance bought a discounted bag of lettuce for $1.15 that contained a live frog about the size of a man’s palm.
  • Woolworths described the incident as isolated and said they have strict quality controls for their produce.
  • The frog was named "Greg" by the housemates and later released into a nearby dam.
  • A frog expert said the frog is likely a type of bell frog, which can occur commonly in Western Australia or be a threatened species on the east coast.
  • Frogs sometimes accidentally hitch rides on produce during packing and shipping processes.
  • The expert advised that people who find frogs in their food should contact specialists to help identify and care for them properly.
  • Woolworths’ quality checks include washing and looking for foreign materials before packaging lettuce.
  • The event drew attention through media and social platforms due to its unusual nature.
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Guardian World
Police running out of room to store illegal cigarettes they’ve seized amid Australia’s booming illicit trade

Police running out of room to store illegal cigarettes they’ve seized amid Australia’s booming illicit trade

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Australian police are facing difficulties storing large amounts of illegal cigarettes and vaping products due to full storage facilities and high destruction costs. The illicit tobacco trade is growing quickly, causing significant financial losses to the government and supporting other criminal activities.

Key Facts

  • Police storage facilities for seized illegal cigarettes and vapes are full in Australia.
  • Destroying illegal vaping products can cost up to $13 per kilogram because of dismantling requirements.
  • Destroying a full pallet of illegal tobacco (about 550kg) can cost over $7,150.
  • Since 2016, about 2.66 billion illegal cigarettes, 510 tonnes of loose tobacco, and 7.5 million e-cigarette products have been seized.
  • The illicit tobacco market has caused an estimated $6 billion loss in government excise revenue in under six months.
  • Criminal gangs use money laundering, including cryptocurrency and private ATMs, to handle profits from illegal tobacco.
  • Illegal tobacco profits are linked to other crimes like drug trafficking, violence, and corruption.
  • Some banks have closed more than 1,000 accounts suspected of being linked to illegal tobacco activities.
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Guardian World
Summer travelers who relied on Spirit Airlines may struggle to find budget alternatives

Summer travelers who relied on Spirit Airlines may struggle to find budget alternatives

May 18, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Spirit Airlines stopped flying on May 3, 2026, leaving many travelers without cheap flight options. Rising fuel costs and tough competition have made it harder for low-cost airlines to offer very low prices, affecting summer travel plans.

Key Facts

  • Spirit Airlines closed down suddenly after 34 years in business.
  • The airline's lawyer apologized to customers who relied on Spirit's low fares.
  • Rising jet fuel prices linked to the war in Iran have increased flight costs.
  • Two other budget airlines in the U.S. recently merged to stay competitive.
  • Traditional airlines use premium services and dynamic pricing to offset fuel costs.
  • Low-cost carriers can no longer compete by just being the cheapest option.
  • Major airlines now offer some low-price seats like budget carriers do.
  • The high cost of fuel and inflation challenge budget airlines’ operations.
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AP News
Rise in solar panel sales as people 'want to save money'

Rise in solar panel sales as people 'want to save money'

May 18, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Solar panel sales in the UK have risen sharply as higher energy prices push businesses to invest in their own power sources. A company making vacuum cleaners in Somerset installed a large solar panel field to reduce electricity costs and expects to recover its investment in under four years.

Key Facts

  • Sales of solar panels for businesses have increased by 65% since the Iran conflict began.
  • Total solar power installations in the UK are up 11% compared to last year.
  • Numatic, a vacuum cleaner maker in Somerset, spent £1.5 million on 2,672 solar panels covering a field behind its factory.
  • The solar panels can power the entire factory on sunny days and aim to cover about 25% of its annual electricity use.
  • With further technology, the factory hopes to meet half of its energy needs through solar power.
  • The company expects the solar investment to pay for itself in less than four years.
  • Energy costs have risen due to global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Iran conflict.
  • Government data shows 27,000 new solar installations in March 2026, the highest since 2012, pushing the total to over 2 million systems in the UK.
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BBC Business
'We mould trees to grow into the shape of chairs'

'We mould trees to grow into the shape of chairs'

May 18, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A couple in Derbyshire, Alice and Gavin Munro, have spent 20 years growing trees shaped like chairs and other furniture. They shape young trees using frames and grafting, a process that takes several years, and plan to share their techniques through a future academy.

Key Facts

  • Alice and Gavin Munro have been growing trees into furniture shapes for 20 years.
  • The trees are grown upside down and shaped with recycled plastic molds.
  • It takes 6 to 9 years for a tree to grow into a chair shape, plus 1 year of drying.
  • Branches are grafted together to form one solid piece of furniture.
  • The couple started their business, Full Grown, in Derbyshire in 2006.
  • They work with several tree types such as willow, oak, and ash.
  • They hope to start Full Grown Academy to teach others to grow furniture.
  • Their work will be featured at the Chelsea Flower Show with a bronze chair cast.
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BBC Top Stories
‘Quieter and cleaner’: Sydney to trial electric ferry after two-year delay, with new fish market route slated for 2029

‘Quieter and cleaner’: Sydney to trial electric ferry after two-year delay, with new fish market route slated for 2029

May 18, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Sydney will trial its first Australian-made electric ferry starting in 2028, two years later than planned. The ferry is expected to serve a new route to the Sydney fish market in 2029 and is part of a plan to replace all diesel ferries in the city by 2035.

Key Facts

  • The trial ferry is 24 meters long and runs on battery power.
  • Contracts were signed for a 12-month trial beginning in 2028.
  • The trial was delayed by two years from the original start date in early 2026.
  • The ferry will run on a new route to the Sydney fish market, which currently has no ferry service.
  • The ferry is designed and built in Australia by Tasmanian shipyard Richardson Devine Marine, based on a design from Sydney naval architects Incat Crowther.
  • The NSW government plans to replace all 40 diesel ferries with electric or hydrogen vessels by 2035.
  • The government aims for net zero emissions across public transport by 2035, with electric buses, trains, and light rail running on renewable energy next year.
  • The trial will test the ferry’s reliability, charging systems, and get feedback from passengers and crew.
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Guardian World
US says China to buy billions in agricultural goods after Trump-Xi talks

US says China to buy billions in agricultural goods after Trump-Xi talks

May 18, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

China will buy at least $17 billion worth of agricultural goods from the United States each year through 2028, following talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The deal also includes restoring market access for US beef and poultry and setting up new boards to manage trade and investment between the two countries.

Key Facts

  • China agreed to buy at least $17 billion in US agricultural products annually until 2028.
  • The 2026 purchase target applies proportionally for the remainder of the year.
  • China will buy at least 87 million metric tonnes of US soybeans as part of a previous agreement from October.
  • China will allow imports of US beef from over 400 production facilities whose listings had expired.
  • Imports of US poultry will resume from states free of avian influenza, determined by the US Department of Agriculture.
  • President Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to create two new groups: the US-China Board of Trade and the US-China Board of Investment.
  • The Chinese government has not yet confirmed or commented on the White House announcement.
  • US-China trade in goods was about $415 billion last year, down from over $690 billion in 2022.
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Al Jazeera
Shopping frenzy over special edition Swatch pocket watch

Shopping frenzy over special edition Swatch pocket watch

May 18, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A special edition Swatch pocket watch caused large crowds and busy shopping, similar to past big shopping days like Black Friday. People showed strong interest in buying this limited watch.

Key Facts

  • Swatch released a special edition pocket watch.
  • The watch attracted large groups of shoppers.
  • The shopping activity resembled past Black Friday events.
  • The watch is a limited or special edition item.
  • Media outlets like CBS News covered the event.
  • The shopping excitement showed strong consumer demand.
  • The event took place recently, as reported by Jonathan Vigliotti.
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CBS News
Jury to decide fate of Musk's blockbuster suit against OpenAI

Jury to decide fate of Musk's blockbuster suit against OpenAI

May 18, 2026 • France24

Summary

A jury has started deliberating in a high-profile lawsuit filed by President Elon Musk against OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman. Musk accuses OpenAI of turning from a nonprofit group into a profit-driven company and misusing a $38 million donation he gave to support nonprofit AI research.

Key Facts

  • The trial took place in Oakland, California, lasting three weeks with many tech leaders testifying.
  • President Musk claims OpenAI broke its promise by switching from a nonprofit to a commercial business.
  • Musk alleges OpenAI's leaders, including Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, misused his $38 million donation.
  • OpenAI is now valued at around $850 billion and is known for developing ChatGPT.
  • The suit could force OpenAI to return to nonprofit status and cancel its plans for a public stock offering.
  • Microsoft is OpenAI’s largest investor, contributing $13 billion, and may have helped the shift away from nonprofit status.
  • The jury first must decide if Musk filed the lawsuit within the legal time limit.
  • Sam Altman faced criticism during the trial about his leadership and was temporarily fired by OpenAI’s board in 2023 before being reinstated.
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France24
Why does Amazon have no Western rivals?

Why does Amazon have no Western rivals?

May 17, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Amazon, started in 1995 as an online bookstore, is now the world’s largest company by sales and leads online shopping in the West. It holds a big share of the market because it grew fast, invested heavily in new ideas, and uses profits from its cloud-computing business to support its retail operations.

Key Facts

  • Amazon surpassed Walmart earlier this year to become the largest company in the world by annual sales.
  • In the US, Amazon has 40.5% of all online retail sales; Walmart holds 9.2%.
  • Amazon also controls about 30% of the UK online retail market.
  • Other competitors include Walmart, Target, Tesco (UK groceries), Zalando (German clothing), Temu, Shein, and eBay.
  • eBay focuses on auctions and second-hand goods and recently received a $55.5 billion takeover offer from GameStop.
  • Amazon’s early start and focus on fast, convenient shopping helped it grow quickly.
  • Amazon’s shareholders allowed it to reinvest profits and sell products at low prices to outpace rivals.
  • Amazon uses technology, like automation and data, plus profits from Amazon Web Services (AWS), to keep improving and expanding.
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BBC Tech BBC Business BBC Top Stories
HS2 failings blamed on high-speed focus and political pressure

HS2 failings blamed on high-speed focus and political pressure

May 17, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

A review of the HS2 high-speed rail project is expected to say the project's problems were caused by focusing too much on very high speeds and by political pressures. Costs have grown a lot, delays have happened, and parts of the original route have been cancelled, with the opening date now likely to be later than planned.

Key Facts

  • HS2 is a high-speed rail project in the UK aimed at increasing rail capacity.
  • The project was originally designed for trains to run up to 360 km/h (224 mph).
  • The HS2 route was initially planned from London to Birmingham, with branches to Leeds and Manchester.
  • The eastern leg to Leeds was cancelled in 2021; the Manchester to Birmingham section was cancelled in 2023.
  • Costs are expected to exceed £100 billion.
  • The current target opening year of 2033 is expected to be delayed.
  • The project review criticizes the focus on very high speeds and political changes as causes of problems.
  • Parts of HS2 construction continue, including a 10-mile tunnel under the Chilterns and the Colne Valley viaduct.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
UK firms halt investments and hiring as Iran war pushes up costs, bosses warn

UK firms halt investments and hiring as Iran war pushes up costs, bosses warn

May 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

UK businesses are slowing down investment and hiring because of higher costs linked to the war in Iran and political uncertainty at home. Rising energy prices and supply problems are causing companies to focus on managing expenses instead of growing.

Key Facts

  • The US-Israeli war on Iran began over two months ago, affecting global markets and UK businesses.
  • More than half of mid-sized UK companies say increased energy and fuel costs, plus supply chain issues, are their biggest challenges.
  • UK employers are putting cost control ahead of business growth due to these pressures.
  • Job vacancies in the UK fell by 7.7% from March to April and are down 5.6% compared to last year.
  • Some job categories, like pilots and travel agents, saw big drops in postings, while others like nannies and sales executives increased.
  • The UK government plans new support measures to help households and businesses cope with economic pressures.
  • About a third of businesses want to use more UK suppliers or bring production closer to home to reduce risks.
  • UK economic growth was 0.3% in March despite the Iran war starting at the end of February, but future growth is uncertain.
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Guardian World
Government-backed Pensions Commission calls for action on gender savings gap

Government-backed Pensions Commission calls for action on gender savings gap

May 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A government-backed commission in Britain says women have only half the private pension savings that men have when they retire. The commission will suggest ways to reduce this pension savings gap, which is linked to career breaks for caring and part-time work by women.

Key Facts

  • Women near retirement have about £81,000 in private pension savings, while men have about £156,000.
  • The Pensions Commission plans to issue a report with recommendations next year on how to fix the pension system.
  • Women’s pension savings tend to stop growing after having children, a problem called the "motherhood penalty."
  • Men’s pension contributions roughly double in the years after their first child, while women’s stay the same.
  • Women often work part-time or leave work to care for family, which affects their pension savings because they might miss out on workplace pension plans.
  • The UK has the second-worst gender pension savings gap among rich countries in the OECD, behind Japan.
  • The commission recommends changing pension policies and labour market rules, including better access to childcare, to close the gap.
  • The commission is led by Jeannie Drake and includes experts from business and academia.
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Guardian World
Crime increasingly a ‘serious barrier’ to UK growth, say business leaders

Crime increasingly a ‘serious barrier’ to UK growth, say business leaders

May 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

UK business leaders say crime like shoplifting, fraud, and cyber-attacks is making it harder for companies to grow. The British Chambers of Commerce urges the government to improve support for businesses facing these problems.

Key Facts

  • Two-fifths of UK companies experienced some form of crime in the past year.
  • One in five companies faced fraud or scams, and 21% experienced cyber-attacks.
  • Crime is causing businesses to spend more time and money on security instead of growth.
  • The BCC suggests the government create a reporting system for cyber-attacks and set up regional crime hubs linking police and businesses.
  • High-profile cyber-attacks affected companies like Marks & Spencer, Jaguar Land Rover, and Booking.com.
  • The Jaguar Land Rover hack cost the UK economy about £1.9 billion, possibly the most expensive UK cyber-attack ever.
  • Shoplifting rose 20% in one year, with over 530,000 offences recorded by March 2025.
  • Larger companies and manufacturing firms are particularly affected by business crime.
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Guardian World
Is the Staff Job Is Dead? Welcome to the Era of Fractional Work

Is the Staff Job Is Dead? Welcome to the Era of Fractional Work

May 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Many workers, especially younger ones, are shifting away from traditional full-time jobs toward freelance, fractional, and portfolio careers where they work for multiple employers or clients at once. While some companies are increasing freelance hires, most still offer permanent full-time roles, showing that the traditional staff job is changing, not disappearing.

Key Facts

  • Younger workers no longer expect job security from a single employer as they once did.
  • Freelance and fractional work means professionals divide their time among several companies or projects.
  • In 2025, 55% of U.S. Zoomers believe traditional jobs will disappear; 39% freelance or plan to.
  • Gen Z accounts for 28% of the freelance workforce as of 2025.
  • Almost half of CEOs plan to hire more freelancers in the near future.
  • The World Bank reports online gig workers make up 12% of the global labor market.
  • Despite growth in freelance roles, permanent full-time jobs still dominate hiring.
  • Employers and workers seek flexibility and security amid economic uncertainty.
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Newsweek
The food recalls, alerts issued over salmonella concerns this month

The food recalls, alerts issued over salmonella concerns this month

May 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Several food recalls and safety alerts have been issued this month due to concerns about salmonella contamination. Many affected products share a common ingredient that may be contaminated.

Key Facts

  • Multiple food recalls have happened this month.
  • The recalls are because of possible salmonella bacteria.
  • Salmonella can cause illness if ingested.
  • Many recalled products contain the same ingredient.
  • Authorities are tracking and alerting consumers to stay safe.
  • People are advised to check their food and follow recall instructions.
  • The source of contamination is under investigation.
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The Hill
"Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper announces pregnancy

"Call Her Daddy" podcast host Alex Cooper announces pregnancy

May 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Alex Cooper, host of the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, announced she is pregnant with her first child. She shared the news on Instagram, showing a photo with her husband, Matt Kaplan, whom she married in April 2024.

Key Facts

  • Alex Cooper hosts the widely listened-to "Call Her Daddy" podcast.
  • She announced her pregnancy in an Instagram post on Sunday.
  • Cooper married producer Matt Kaplan in April 2024.
  • Cooper shared photos with Kaplan, including one where she showed her baby bump.
  • She did not provide details about her due date or other pregnancy specifics.
  • "Call Her Daddy" has more than 2.1 million YouTube subscribers.
  • Cooper has over 7.2 million followers on Instagram.
  • The podcast often features celebrity guests and discusses topics like relationships and pop culture.
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CBS News
Call out allies, not just adversaries, for hurting American workers

Call out allies, not just adversaries, for hurting American workers

May 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Special 301 report this year criticized both friendly countries and competitors for activities that harm American workers. It aims to address unfair practices no matter where they happen.

Key Facts

  • The Special 301 report is an annual review by the U.S. government.
  • It identifies countries that violate intellectual property rights or engage in unfair trade practices.
  • This year, the report calls out not only adversaries but also allies when they harm U.S. workers.
  • The focus is on holding all countries accountable for actions impacting American jobs.
  • The report supports efforts to protect U.S. economic interests globally.
  • It encourages fair trade and respect for U.S. intellectual property rights.
  • The report influences U.S. trade policy and negotiations with other countries.
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The Hill