China's Foreign Minister To Rubio: Taiwan Is 'Biggest Risk Factor' In US-China Relations Authored by Dave DeCamp via AntiWar.com, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and told him that the issue of Taiwan is the"biggest risk factor" in relations between Washington and Beijing, Chinese media has reported. "The Taiwan issue concerns China’s core interests and...
China's Foreign Minister To Rubio: Taiwan Is 'Biggest Risk Factor' In US-China Relations Authored by Dave DeCamp via AntiWar.com, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and told him that the issue of Taiwan is the"biggest risk factor" in relations between Washington and Beijing, Chinese media has reported. "The Taiwan issue concerns China’s core interests and is the biggest risk factor in China-US relations," Wang said, according to The South China Morning Post , which cited China’s CCTV broadcaster. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Chinese Foreign Ministry photo) "The US side should honor its commitments, make the right choice, open up new avenues for China-US cooperation, and do its part to promote world peace," Wang added. The call comes after Taiwan’s government announced it had signed contracts with the US for about $6.6 billion in arms , including a nearly $4 billion sale of HIMARS rocket systems . The contracts are a partial fulfillment of a massive $11 billion weapons package that the Trump administration approved in December, a number that represents more arms deals than were approved during the entire Biden administration. Taipei Times has noted that "The HIMARS can be equipped with either a pod of six 227mm rockets or a single Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of up to 300km (186 miles)." China reacted strongly when the US approved the series of weapons deals, launching major military drills around Taiwan simulating a blockade. Beijing first launched such drills in August 2022 in response to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the island. Wang’s warning to Rubio reflects a position China has repeatedly stated to the US in recent years, that Taiwan is the first "red line" in US-China relations . The two diplomats also discussed President Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for mid-May. Wang said that the US and China " must safeguar...
Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc.is winding down operations after the troubled US discount carrier buckled under the weight of surging fuel prices and a government bailout dangled by US President Donald Trump fell through. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Aerospace, Defense, and Airlines Analyst George Ferguson and Bloomberg News White House Correspondent Jeff Mason join David Gura and Christina Ruffini ...
Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc.is winding down operations after the troubled US discount carrier buckled under the weight of surging fuel prices and a government bailout dangled by US President Donald Trump fell through. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Aerospace, Defense, and Airlines Analyst George Ferguson and Bloomberg News White House Correspondent Jeff Mason join David Gura and Christina Ruffini on Bloomberg This Weekend to discuss. (Source: Bloomberg)
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s cash pile jumped to its highest level ever, reaching $397 billion, in Greg Abel ’s first quarter as chief executive officer. After a slight decrease late last year, the firm’s cash hoard jumped in the first quarter as it offloaded a net $8.1 billion of equity holdings in the period, the conglomerate said in a regulatory filing disclosing first-quarter results. Operating e...
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s cash pile jumped to its highest level ever, reaching $397 billion, in Greg Abel ’s first quarter as chief executive officer. After a slight decrease late last year, the firm’s cash hoard jumped in the first quarter as it offloaded a net $8.1 billion of equity holdings in the period, the conglomerate said in a regulatory filing disclosing first-quarter results. Operating earnings totaled $11.35 billion, up nearly 18% from a year earlier, in the three months through March, the Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate said in a statement Saturday.
To watch the meeting in the Mandarin translation, click here . CNBC will be livestreaming the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting on Saturday, beginning with a pre-show at 9:15 a.m. ET. Warren Buffett has loomed large at the company's annual gatherings, and this will be a key challenge as new CEO Greg Abel takes center stage this year. Signs at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, w...
To watch the meeting in the Mandarin translation, click here . CNBC will be livestreaming the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting on Saturday, beginning with a pre-show at 9:15 a.m. ET. Warren Buffett has loomed large at the company's annual gatherings, and this will be a key challenge as new CEO Greg Abel takes center stage this year. Signs at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, welcome shareholders and proclaim that "the legacy continues." However, the crowds were noticeably thinner at this year's shopping day . Long known as the "Woodstock for Capitalists," the event has drawn shareholders from around the world to hear the latest thoughts and reflections from the 95-year-old investor. There is some skepticism about whether Abel, who took over as CEO in January, can command the same attention that Buffett and the late Charlie Munger, his longtime sidekick, did. The "Oracle of Omaha" announced the plans to pass the baton to Abel at last year's annual meeting. No doubt, the 63-year-old Abel knew that his predecessor's legacy would cast a long shadow as he tries to forge his own path. Watch all of the day's events here, including Abel's first question-and-answer session with insurance chief Ajit Jain, and a panel with the heads of Berkshire's other businesses. 2 Min Ago Berkshire stock underperforms into meeting Berkshire Hathaway investors are heading into this year's annual meeting with less-than-stellar returns. Shares of Berkshire's class A stock have dropped nearly 6% in 2026, putting the conglomerate on pace to notch its first losing year since 2015. By comparison, the S&P 500 has climbed more than 5% year to date. What's more, Berkshire shares have tumbled more than 10% over the last 12 months. The S&P 500 has surged more than 28% in the same period. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Berkshire Hathaway vs. the S&P 500, 1-year — Alex Harring 4 Min Ago Berkshire’s shopping extravaganza sees lighter crowds Squishmallow display at the Berkshire Hat...
The stock market ended the week higher as investors worked through a wave of strong Big Tech earnings, while also navigating a divided Federal Reserve stance and renewed uncertainty in global oil markets. The Federal Reserve held its policy rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% for a third consecutive meeting, citing an uncertain economic outlook. Geopolitical tensions also intensified, with President Donald...
The stock market ended the week higher as investors worked through a wave of strong Big Tech earnings, while also navigating a divided Federal Reserve stance and renewed uncertainty in global oil markets. The Federal Reserve held its policy rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% for a third consecutive meeting, citing an uncertain economic outlook. Geopolitical tensions also intensified, with President Donald Trump reportedly rejecting Iran’s proposal to lift a naval blockade ahead of nuclear negotiations. In energy markets, the United Arab Emirates said it will exit OPEC and OPEC+, pointing to a strategic shift aimed at gaining more flexibility over its oil production policy. On the earnings front, Apple ( AAPL ) beat expectations on strong iPhone 17 demand, while Amazon ( AMZN ), Alphabet ( GOOG ), and Microsoft ( MSFT ) reinforced that heavy AI spending is driving returns. For the week, the S&P ( SP500 ) gained +0.9% , the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite ( COMP:IND ) advanced +1.1% , and the blue-chip Dow ( DJI ) increased +0.6% . alexsl Here's what caught investor attention this week: Meta ( META ) dropped 10% following the release of its quarterly report, amid lackluster guidance and an increase in its already aggressive capital expenditure budget. Largely driven by AI investment, the Facebook parent said it sees $125B -$145B in capital expenditures in 2026, up from its prior target of $115B-$135B. Alphabet ( GOOG ) ( GOOGL ) jumped after strong results and signaling even larger AI-driven spending ahead, raising its 2026 CapEx outlook to $180B–$190B and flagging further increases in 2027. The company delivered a strong Q1 beat, with revenue rising 22% to $109.9B and net income surging 81%, boosted by gains on nonmarketable equity securities that more than tripled vs. a year ago. PayPal ( PYPL ) recently announced a major corporate reorganization. The firm split its operations into three distinct business units, with one centered on Consumer Financial Services & Venmo. The move...
In case you haven't noticed, the bulls have ruled the roost on Wall Street for years. Aside from the five-week COVID-19 crash in February-March 2020 and the nine-month bear market in 2022, the time-honored Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) , benchmark S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) , and innovation-inspired Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) have rallied with consistency since President...
In case you haven't noticed, the bulls have ruled the roost on Wall Street for years. Aside from the five-week COVID-19 crash in February-March 2020 and the nine-month bear market in 2022, the time-honored Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) , benchmark S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) , and innovation-inspired Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) have rallied with consistency since President Donald Trump took office for his first, non-consecutive term in January 2017. During Trump's first term, the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq gained 57%, 70%, and 142%, respectively . This has been followed by double-digit gains across all three indexes since his second term began on Jan. 20, 2025. While most investors would attribute these outsize returns to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) , there's an even larger investment, spurred by President Trump, responsible for sending the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite to new heights. Continue reading
The Federal Reserve held its latest policy meeting this week with inflation still elevated, the war in Iran still rattling energy markets, and a new Chair waiting to be confirmed by the Senate. Former economic adviser to President Bush and Columbia Business School dean Glenn Hubbard breaks down what the Fed's decision signals about the economy and what Kevin Warsh's incoming leadership could mean ...
The Federal Reserve held its latest policy meeting this week with inflation still elevated, the war in Iran still rattling energy markets, and a new Chair waiting to be confirmed by the Senate. Former economic adviser to President Bush and Columbia Business School dean Glenn Hubbard breaks down what the Fed's decision signals about the economy and what Kevin Warsh's incoming leadership could mean for the institution's purpose, strategy, and independence. (Source: Bloomberg)
Alex Zanardi was a 21st century hero - a man who inspired millions through his unquenchable spirit in the face of unbelievable adversity, writes Andrew Benson.
Alex Zanardi was a 21st century hero - a man who inspired millions through his unquenchable spirit in the face of unbelievable adversity, writes Andrew Benson.
adventtr/E+ via Getty Images Wednesday, in a six to three decision, the Supreme Court declared Louisiana’s SB8 district Congressional map unconstitutional. As has become commonplace, the Justices were split along ideological lines. Should we now expect similar ideological and political dynamics to take hold within the Warsh Fed? Also on Wednesday, just a couple of miles west along Constitution Ave...
adventtr/E+ via Getty Images Wednesday, in a six to three decision, the Supreme Court declared Louisiana’s SB8 district Congressional map unconstitutional. As has become commonplace, the Justices were split along ideological lines. Should we now expect similar ideological and political dynamics to take hold within the Warsh Fed? Also on Wednesday, just a couple of miles west along Constitution Avenue in the Marriner S. Eccles Building, an FOMC decision to leave rates unchanged with a loosening bias meeting produced an eight to four decision. It was the first meeting with four dissents since the Greenspan Fed’s aggressive crisis-fighting easing cycle back in 1992. May 1 – Reuters (Michael S. Derby): “Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said Friday she dissented against the central bank holding on to an easing bias this week due to uncertainty around the economic and inflation outlooks. ‘Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased in 2026 and makes the future path for monetary policy more uncertain,’ Hammack said… The official said she voted against the Fed’s policy statement… that left the interest rate target range unchanged… because it retained language that pointed to ‘a pause rather than an end to the easing cycle. I see this clear easing bias as no longer appropriate given the outlook.’ Hammack said there are now upside risks to inflation and downside risks to the job market. She added inflation pressures are ‘broad based’ and ‘and rising oil prices present an additional source of inflationary pressure.’ Hammack’s dissent took place amid an unusually fractious Federal Open Market Committee vote that saw four officials break from the consensus.” May 1 – Bloomberg (Matt Grossman): “Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari wrote Friday that heightened inflation risks from the Iran war led him to object to the Federal Reserve policy statement that followed this week’s meeting, because the statement implied that the Fed’s next move...
JPMorgan has an updated list of top ideas from analysts as the new trading month kicks off. April was a strong month for Wall Street as all three of the major indexes ended higher. The S & P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also recorded their biggest monthly gains since 2020. Each month, analysts at JPMorgan compile their top plays tied to one of the following investment themes: growth, income, value and...
JPMorgan has an updated list of top ideas from analysts as the new trading month kicks off. April was a strong month for Wall Street as all three of the major indexes ended higher. The S & P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also recorded their biggest monthly gains since 2020. Each month, analysts at JPMorgan compile their top plays tied to one of the following investment themes: growth, income, value and shorts. The bank added digital banking solutions company Q2 Holdings this month, while removing Alkami and Huntington Bancshares . Here's 10 on the list: Q2 shares have tumbled nearly 30% in 2026, building on last year's slide of more than 28%. But Wall Street predicts a rebound on the horizon: The average analyst polled by LSEG has a buy rating, and consensus price targets suggesting more than 47% in upside. The financial technology company reported on Wednesday first-quarter adjusted EBITDA and revenue that exceeded analyst expectations, according to FactSet. Q2 also gave stronger-than-anticipated guidance for adjusted EBITDA in the current quarter and full year. Caterpillar is another name on the list. Shares surged almost 10% on Thursday alone after the manufacturing equipment maker beat the Street's expectations on both lines for the first quarter. With that gain, the Dow Industrials component is up more than 55% in 2026 — on track for its eighth straight winning year. While half of the analysts polled by LSEG have a buy or strong buy rating, the average price target implies a pullback of more than 12% over the next year. CAT YTD mountain Caterpillar in 2026 Budget retailer Dollar Tree also has a spot on JPMorgan's list. The stock has dropped 23% so far this year, reversing course after a climb of just over 64% in 2025. The typical analyst's price target implies a rebound of 30% over the next 12 months, according to LSEG. Still, the majority of analysts have a hold rating.
A tweak by India’s central bank to the definition of shadow lenders has potentially revived the debate about whether Tata Sons Pvt. — the controller of one of the country’s largest conglomerates — could be forced to list in the near future. The Reserve Bank of India this week said shadow lenders that are accepting money from associates and group entities will be counted as having indirect access t...
A tweak by India’s central bank to the definition of shadow lenders has potentially revived the debate about whether Tata Sons Pvt. — the controller of one of the country’s largest conglomerates — could be forced to list in the near future. The Reserve Bank of India this week said shadow lenders that are accepting money from associates and group entities will be counted as having indirect access to public funds. The acceptance of such funds means that Tata Sons, which overlooks the steel-to-semiconductor empire, might have to go for an initial public offering to adhere to the regulator’s new rules that take effect from July 1. Tata Sons, one of Asia’s oldest business groups, has long sought to avoid being classified in a way that would invite tighter oversight typically associated with top-tier or large shadow lenders, including a mandatory public listing. But the RBI’s latest clarification tightens the framework governing non-bank lenders, where classification hinges on whether an entity avails public funds and has customer interface — two key determinants of regulatory intensity and eligibility for exemptions. Tata Sons Expects Reprieve From Forced IPO Amid Regulator Review SP Group Renews Push for Tata Sons Listing in Open Letter to RBI Tata Group’s Outsider Chairman Faces Litmus Test After Bad Year Shriram Subramanian , founder and managing director at InGovern Research Services Pvt. , said there are seven Tata Group companies that together hold nearly a 12% stake in Tata Sons, adding that the debt raised by these companies constitutes indirect access to public funds for Tata Sons. According to Subramanian, the RBI’s latest tweaks clearly state that a shadow lender with both direct and indirect access to public funds must be listed. That will pose a challenge to Tata Sons which missed its September 2025 deadline to go for a public offering, despite being classified as “upper layer.” Firms under this section have to be listed on exchanges. An email to Tata Sons o...