Indian oil refiners may be forced to scale back imports of Russian crude if a US sanctions waiver is not extended beyond this weekend, with local processors grappling with the fallout from the Iran war. The US hasn’t clarified whether it will extend the waiver allowing countries including India to continue buying the barrels after May 16, according to people familiar with Indian refiners’ outlook,...
Indian oil refiners may be forced to scale back imports of Russian crude if a US sanctions waiver is not extended beyond this weekend, with local processors grappling with the fallout from the Iran war. The US hasn’t clarified whether it will extend the waiver allowing countries including India to continue buying the barrels after May 16, according to people familiar with Indian refiners’ outlook, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. If it isn’t, local processors could be forced to source alternative and pricier spot barrels from elsewhere, they said. So far in May, imports of Russian oil have been running at a record 2.3 million barrels a day, according to Kpler data, as the waiver allowed imports of already-loaded Russian oil . But if no new vessels with Moscow’s crude are seen headed to India, full-month flows may drop to 1.9 million barrels a day. The oil market has been upended by the Iran war, which choked off substantial flows from the Persian Gulf to major buyers including India, the third-largest crude importer. As part of efforts to contain soaring prices, the US first issued an India-specific waiver against taking Russian oil on March 5, allowing refiners to buy stranded cargoes. A week later, the US relaxation was broadened globally, and — following an extension — it is now due to expire on May 16. Ahead of that deadline, India’s two biggest state refiners — Indian Oil Corp. and Bharat Petroleum Corp. — bought crude from West Africa and the US this week, according to traders familiar with the matter. These were so-called prompt cargoes, which would load as soon as this month, they said. In addition, BPCL has begun exploring short-term supply agreements for Azeri and African grades to diversify away from its dependence on the Persian Gulf, people familiar with the discussions said. IOC and BPCL didn’t respond to requests for comment. India’s oil ministry didn’t reply to email seeking comment. The US curbs against Russian oil wer...
US President Donald Trump said he would urge China’s Xi Jinping to “open up” to American business, and belatedly added Nvidia’s Jensen Huang to the list of executives accompanying him on a trip to Beijing. “I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic,” Trump said on social media. “I will make that my v...
US President Donald Trump said he would urge China’s Xi Jinping to “open up” to American business, and belatedly added Nvidia’s Jensen Huang to the list of executives accompanying him on a trip to Beijing. “I will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to ‘open up’ China so that these brilliant people can work their magic,” Trump said on social media. “I will make that my very first request.” Huang boarded Air Force One during a refuelling stop in Alaska on Wednesday,...
After a breakup, photographer Diana Markosian hired an actor to play her ex-boyfriend in hope of finding closure Falling in and then out of love is a universal experience that often brings sadness, grief and heartbreak, and with time, hope and healing. Photographer Diana Markosian used her camera lens to document these complex feelings in her new project, Replaced . She brings the viewer on her jo...
After a breakup, photographer Diana Markosian hired an actor to play her ex-boyfriend in hope of finding closure Falling in and then out of love is a universal experience that often brings sadness, grief and heartbreak, and with time, hope and healing. Photographer Diana Markosian used her camera lens to document these complex feelings in her new project, Replaced . She brings the viewer on her journey of having, losing and reclaiming love, in a project that blurs documentary and fiction. “[The moments] no longer existed in the way they had, and I wanted to reclaim them,” she says. “I wanted to feel that I could exist in my own story again.” Continue reading...
From Kylie’s prosecco to Margot Robbie’s gin, we taste the star-backed booze to see what actually tastes good – and what’s just selling a dream If you were incredibly late to the party, you’ll have become aware of celebrities making their own brands of alcohol in March, when Margot Robbie’s artisanal gin , Papa Salt, hit the rocks. Specifically, bars were refusing to stock it because oyster shells...
From Kylie’s prosecco to Margot Robbie’s gin, we taste the star-backed booze to see what actually tastes good – and what’s just selling a dream If you were incredibly late to the party, you’ll have become aware of celebrities making their own brands of alcohol in March, when Margot Robbie’s artisanal gin , Papa Salt, hit the rocks. Specifically, bars were refusing to stock it because oyster shells had been involved in its distilling. It was such a charming tale; Robbie fell in love with London when she lived in Clapham in the 2010s, and wanted to give something back, namely, a gin with the flavours of Australia: wattleseed, wax flower, and oyster shell. “But what barman wants to have to ask every customer that orders a gin and tonic whether they’re allergic to shellfish?” was the question posed by Joanne Gould , food and drink writer and regular tester of alcohol on the Filter, with devastating inarguability. Continue reading...
A last-minute addition to US President Donald Trump’s much anticipated China visit has thrust AI and technology into the spotlight before a high-stakes Beijing summit. Nvidia co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang was spotted on the tarmac boarding the presidential plane, despite being absent from the list of attendees until Tuesday. Trump subsequently confirmed his attendance in a social media post, say...
A last-minute addition to US President Donald Trump’s much anticipated China visit has thrust AI and technology into the spotlight before a high-stakes Beijing summit. Nvidia co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang was spotted on the tarmac boarding the presidential plane, despite being absent from the list of attendees until Tuesday. Trump subsequently confirmed his attendance in a social media post, saying it was an honor to have Huang and other business leaders as part of the US delegation. Huang, whose company makes the chips at the heart of the AI boom, has been pushing for greater leeway in a market he’s identified as a $50 billion opportunity. He’s among several US business leaders including Apple’s Tim Cook and Tesla’s Elon Musk on Trump’s first overseas trip since waging war in the Middle East — a 36-hour pow-wow with Xi Jinping that’s expected to encompass the war, tariffs and the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Trump will also be joined by Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg and Goldman Sachs’ David Solomon, among others. Ahead of the summit, trade negotiators led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng began talks in Seoul . The teams last met face-to-face in Paris two months ago, not long after the US and Israel attacked Iran. Trump said he would prioritize trade discussions during the summit, and downplayed the amount of attention they would devote to the Iran war. But he’ll arrive facing an emboldened Xi , just as his own hand is constrained by the conflict in Iran. We unpack the issues here . Follow our coverage on the Trump-Xi summit here . What You Need to Know Today A Chinese oil supertanker appears to be sailing out of the Persian Gulf, a rare attempted crossing through the Strait of Hormuz just ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting. Supertanker Yuan Hua Hu was seen moving through the waterway on Wednesday morning, heading south, ship-tracking data show. The vessel is owned and operated by units of China’s Cosco Shipping, according to shipping ...
At least 15 former elected officials and co-conspirators with corruption offenses have been pardoned by President Trump in the last year, undermining the fight against public corruption. (Image credit: Andrew Harnik)
At least 15 former elected officials and co-conspirators with corruption offenses have been pardoned by President Trump in the last year, undermining the fight against public corruption. (Image credit: Andrew Harnik)
New MSP Platform business unit, AI-powered all-in-one Microsoft 365 protection, and Marketplace partnership with Pax8 strengthen Proofpoint’s commitment to channel and small and mid-size businessesProofpoint launches dedicated MSP Platform business unit and expands its channel-first cybersecurity strategy into North America with AI-powered Microsoft 365 protection for MSPs and SMBs.Proofpoint 365 ...
New MSP Platform business unit, AI-powered all-in-one Microsoft 365 protection, and Marketplace partnership with Pax8 strengthen Proofpoint’s commitment to channel and small and mid-size businessesProofpoint launches dedicated MSP Platform business unit and expands its channel-first cybersecurity strategy into North America with AI-powered Microsoft 365 protection for MSPs and SMBs.Proofpoint 365 Total Protection platform unifies email security, phishing and ransomware defense, backup, complianc
Pla2na/iStock via Getty Images Indexes for US equity real estate investment trusts continued to tick up during the week ended May 8. The Dow Jones Equity All REIT index closed the week up 0.56%, while the MSCI US REIT (RMZ) index grew 0.66% over the same period. The broader stock market indexes also logged gains for the recent week, with the S&P 500 up 2.33% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average in...
Pla2na/iStock via Getty Images Indexes for US equity real estate investment trusts continued to tick up during the week ended May 8. The Dow Jones Equity All REIT index closed the week up 0.56%, while the MSCI US REIT (RMZ) index grew 0.66% over the same period. The broader stock market indexes also logged gains for the recent week, with the S&P 500 up 2.33% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increasing a slight 0.22% Nearly all of the Dow Jones US real estate property sector indexes recorded increases for the recent week. The office REIT index logged the largest increase, up 4.70%, followed by the industrial and hotel indexes with increases of 3.03% and 2.62%, respectively. The retail REIT index was the sole property sector index to close the week in the red, down a small 0.55%. Cold storage-focused Americold Realty Trust Inc. ( COLD ) recorded the largest share-price increase among all US equity REITs with at least $200 million in market capitalization, up 20.85%. Healthcare REIT Healthpeak Properties Inc. ( DOC ) ranked second, with its share price up 19.61% for the week, followed by office REIT Hudson Pacific Properties Inc. ( HPP ), up 17.62%. On the other end, residential REIT Millrose Properties Inc. ( MRP ) logged the largest share-price decline for the week, down 11.33%. Healthcare-focused Chiron Real Estate Inc. ( XRN ) and diversified REIT NexPoint Diversified Real Estate Trust ( NXDT ) followed next, with share price declines of 4.17% and 3.23%, respectively. Original Post Editor's Note: The summary bullets for this article were chosen by Seeking Alpha editors.
With more than 35 years of experience as a nutrition expert, retail distribution strategist, and brand-building executive, Mitch Gould is sharing the core strategies behind successfully selling products into major retailers including Walmart, Target, ...
With more than 35 years of experience as a nutrition expert, retail distribution strategist, and brand-building executive, Mitch Gould is sharing the core strategies behind successfully selling products into major retailers including Walmart, Target, ...
At its peak, the Androscoggin paper mill in Jay, Maine, a rural town about 67 miles northwest of Portland, employed about 1,500 people - until a pulp digester exploded in 2020, forcing the mill to close permanently. In 2023, the 1.4 million-square-foot facility was purchased through a joint venture by JGT2 Redevelopment and a number of other holding and capital companies. The project is led by dev...
At its peak, the Androscoggin paper mill in Jay, Maine, a rural town about 67 miles northwest of Portland, employed about 1,500 people - until a pulp digester exploded in 2020, forcing the mill to close permanently. In 2023, the 1.4 million-square-foot facility was purchased through a joint venture by JGT2 Redevelopment and a number of other holding and capital companies. The project is led by developer Tony McDonald. Over the next three years, McDonald and his team broke down the mill's machinery and shipped it to Pakistan, and worked to clean up the industrial site for resale. That resale agreement was finalized earlier this year, accord … Read the full story at The Verge.
The market for state and local government debt is becoming “less forgiving,” according to BlackRock Inc.’s Pat Haskell , who leads the firm’s municipal bond group. State revenues are softening, and rainy day fund capacity has declined for the first time since the Great Recession, he wrote in his second quarter outlook report released Wednesday. The end of pandemic-era stimulus programs, slowing ta...
The market for state and local government debt is becoming “less forgiving,” according to BlackRock Inc.’s Pat Haskell , who leads the firm’s municipal bond group. State revenues are softening, and rainy day fund capacity has declined for the first time since the Great Recession, he wrote in his second quarter outlook report released Wednesday. The end of pandemic-era stimulus programs, slowing tax collections and rising costs are all adding to the weakness. The combination is “driving reserve drawdowns and structural imbalances, contributing to increased downgrades and wider credit gaps,” he wrote. At the same time, several states including Texas and Florida are considering property tax reductions, often without plans to replace the foregone tax revenue. That’s adding “another layer of uncertainty” and potential fiscal strain. “Property taxes are an important, stable form of revenue that we really like underpinning some of the credits we have,” said Haskell. For investors, the confluence of factors means the muni market is becoming “a more issuer-specific” credit environment in his view. BlackRock is maintaining higher liquidity levels to allow it to be “opportunistic” and wait for “aberrations” in the market, Haskell wrote. His team prefers essential service revenue bonds, such as for transportation and housing, over general obligation bonds, which could be more exposed to changing policy and budget constraints. “We definitely want to remain very vigilant around all the unknowns that are out there, given what’s going on from a macro perspective and a fiscal perspective,” he said. “The details underneath the hood are changing rapidly.”
Some flights are less than 100 miles, and they're the backbone of the U.S. air system, linking small towns and big cities. But short routes were in decline even before jet fuel costs spiked. (Image credit: Charles Krupa)
Some flights are less than 100 miles, and they're the backbone of the U.S. air system, linking small towns and big cities. But short routes were in decline even before jet fuel costs spiked. (Image credit: Charles Krupa)
What form of government do we have in America now? Some scholars say it is no longer liberal democracy, but "competitive authoritarianism." NPR's Frank Langfitt explains the term and its origin. (Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini)
What form of government do we have in America now? Some scholars say it is no longer liberal democracy, but "competitive authoritarianism." NPR's Frank Langfitt explains the term and its origin. (Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini)
BlackRock Inc. says staying invested in credit markets for income is the best way to navigate current market volatility. While geopolitical uncertainty has pushed many investors to the sidelines, the volatility is creating opportunities for patient capital, particularly where pricing has diverged from fundamentals, BlackRock analysts wrote in the firm’s quarterly fixed-income outlook released on W...
BlackRock Inc. says staying invested in credit markets for income is the best way to navigate current market volatility. While geopolitical uncertainty has pushed many investors to the sidelines, the volatility is creating opportunities for patient capital, particularly where pricing has diverged from fundamentals, BlackRock analysts wrote in the firm’s quarterly fixed-income outlook released on Wednesday. “The returns from fixed income — because of where yields are — are at the highest they’ve been on a sustained basis for the best part of two decades and giving you attractive compounding returns,” James Turner , the firm’s head of global fixed income for EMEA, said in an interview. Yields on a Bloomberg index of euro investment-grade corporate bonds are at about 3.6%, compared to an average of less than 2% over the past decade. Even as European credit spreads have tightened back to levels seen before the Iran war, BlackRock argues that the return of healthy coupon income in credit can be an under-appreciated driver of returns, instead of reliance on price or spread moves. “It’s a much more normal environment which is more akin to how fixed income should be. You don’t need a capital return to make a good total return in fixed income anymore,” Turner added. Corporate fundamentals are providing support for the market and issuers have taken a more cautious approach to balance sheet management, the report said. That’s leading to proactive refinancing, declining leverage and healthy margins, making broad-based downgrades or defaults unlikely, it said. While the conflict has increased uncertainty around the economic, monetary and fiscal outlook, increasing growth and inflation risks, an aggressive rate hiking cycle seems unlikely, BlackRock argues. “Recession is certainly not in our base case and that in itself keeps spreads contained,” Turner said. “Most investors view when you see spreads widening at the moment is more likely a buying opportunity rather than concern.” ...
With its price down by 84% in the last five years, Cardano 's (CRYPTO: ADA) price chart probably isn't very inspiring to anyone. The network has one of the widest gaps between its market cap ($10.3 billion) and on-chain economic activity in the entire crypto sector. Its total value locked (TVL), a measure of how much capital works on a chain in decentralized finance (DeFi), is just $139 million. T...
With its price down by 84% in the last five years, Cardano 's (CRYPTO: ADA) price chart probably isn't very inspiring to anyone. The network has one of the widest gaps between its market cap ($10.3 billion) and on-chain economic activity in the entire crypto sector. Its total value locked (TVL), a measure of how much capital works on a chain in decentralized finance (DeFi), is just $139 million. There are three coins that are better buys than Cardano because they offer what it doesn't. Here's why each deserves a closer look. Image source: Getty Images. Continue reading
Report Exposes Shocking Explosion In EU Sex Crimes Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news, A horror report has laid bare the EU’s staggering rise in sex crimes over the last decade. Sexual violence offences have nearly doubled since 2014, while recorded rapes have surged 150 per cent. Around 1.9 million sexual offences were logged between 2015 and 2024 alone, with 256,302 occurring in 2024. B...
Report Exposes Shocking Explosion In EU Sex Crimes Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news, A horror report has laid bare the EU’s staggering rise in sex crimes over the last decade. Sexual violence offences have nearly doubled since 2014, while recorded rapes have surged 150 per cent. Around 1.9 million sexual offences were logged between 2015 and 2024 alone, with 256,302 occurring in 2024. Between 2015 and 2024, EU authorities recorded 664,293 rapes. The vast majority of victims were women. The findings, compiled by The Campaign for an Independent Britain, Stand for Our Sovereignty, and think tank Facts4EU, tie directly into the migration crisis that began in 2015 under Angela Merkel. Horror report lays bare the EU's staggering rise in sex crimes as fears soar over PM opening the floodgates https://t.co/7HmFYG6JCr — GB News (@GBNEWS) May 11, 2026 Critics warn that restoring any form of freedom of movement could import the same wave of violent crime the continent is now battling. The report’s authors note the sharpest increases coincide with the 2015 migration surge, though they caution that definitions and reporting practices vary by country. Trends, however, do not lie. Sexual violence offences jumped 94 per cent between 2014 and 2024. Rapes rose 150 per cent in the same period. This latest report matches what we have already documented. Rape reports in Spain have surged by a whopping 322 per cent over the last decade. The pattern repeats in Germany, where foreigners are vastly overrepresented in violent crimes and rape cases have risen 72 per cent since 2018. This data comes as Keir Starmer faces fresh pressure not to fling open Britain’s borders through any EU “reset.” Starmer’s government lost control of more than 30 councils and around 1,500 councillors last week. Rather than double down on secure borders and British sovereignty, he is eyeing a Brussels reset that could expose the UK to the very crime wave now engulfing the EU. Britain has struggled with ...
Blackstone Inc. has walked away from a proposed $4 billion tie-up with New World Development Co. after the embattled property developer refused to hand over the reins, people familiar with the matter said. The New York-based real estate investment firm has informed the company of its decision, ending a protracted yearlong negotiation that stalled in recent months, according to the people, who aske...
Blackstone Inc. has walked away from a proposed $4 billion tie-up with New World Development Co. after the embattled property developer refused to hand over the reins, people familiar with the matter said. The New York-based real estate investment firm has informed the company of its decision, ending a protracted yearlong negotiation that stalled in recent months, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. advised Blackstone on the deal, the people added. Talks drifted since March as New World held parallel discussions with other suitors, including a consortium led by RRJ Capital and Ares Management Corp. , the people said. Unlike Blackstone, those groups are not pushing for a controlling stake, opting instead for minority positions that would allow the Cheng family to remain as the largest shareholder, the people said. Under the original plan, Blackstone would become the largest shareholder, proposing to inject about $2.5 billion into a special‑purpose vehicle, while the Cheng family would contribute $1 billion to $1.5 billion, one of the people said in March. Read more: New World Weighs Sale of Stake in $2 Billion Hotel Portfolio Representatives for Blackstone, Goldman, New World and Ares declined to comment. A spokesperson for RRJ didn’t respond to a query. RRJ is still assembling a consortium and has proposed acquiring less than 30% in New World via a share sale. Ares has offered a capital injection to shore up the company’s balance sheet, but has insisted that the Cheng family pledge shares as collateral. It has also invited some Asian sovereign funds to join the consortium, the people said. Read More: Blackstone Talks on $4 Billion New World Deal Stall Over Control It stands in contrast with Blackstone’s plan. The US alternative asset manager had sought to restructure the property firm to reduce leverage, reset bank loan terms and review assets, the people said. CapitaLand Investment Ltd...
Tencent ( TCEHY ): Q1 Non-GAAP EPS of RMB 7.36. Revenue of RMB 196.46B (+9.1% Y/Y). Revenues from VAS increased by 4% year-on-year to RMB96.1 billion for 1Q2026. Domestic Games revenues were RMB45.4 billion, up 6% YoY. International Games revenues were RMB18.8 billion, up 13% YoY (14% on a constant-currency basis). Revenues from Marketing Services were RMB38.2 billion for 1Q2026, up 20% YoY, impro...
Tencent ( TCEHY ): Q1 Non-GAAP EPS of RMB 7.36. Revenue of RMB 196.46B (+9.1% Y/Y). Revenues from VAS increased by 4% year-on-year to RMB96.1 billion for 1Q2026. Domestic Games revenues were RMB45.4 billion, up 6% YoY. International Games revenues were RMB18.8 billion, up 13% YoY (14% on a constant-currency basis). Revenues from Marketing Services were RMB38.2 billion for 1Q2026, up 20% YoY, improving from 17% YoY growth in 4Q2025. Revenues from FinTech and Business Services increased by 9% YoY to RMB59.9 billion for 1Q2026. Non-IFRS operating profit: +9% Y/Y. Capital expenditure was RMB31.9 billion, up 16% YoY. Total cash was RMB533.7 billion, up 12%. Free cash flow was RMB56.7 billion, up 20% YoY. Net cash position totalled RMB146.9 billion, up 63%. More on Tencent Tencent's 1.4 Billion Users Give It An AI Edge No Western Platform Can Match Tencent: Not A Bargain Despite YTD Share Price Weakness Tencent Holdings Limited (TCEHY) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript DeepSeek may be valued at $45B as China's Big Fund eyes investment - report Chinese tech firms rush for Huawei AI chips after DeepSeek's V4 launch: report
Maskot/DigitalVision via Getty Images Upwork ( UPWK ) stock was hit hard last week after the company reported earnings. Right out of the gate for the fiscal year, the company cut guidance materially. This stoked fears that the advancements made in AI are reducing the company's ability to find job posters for the freelance demand that exists. In addition to a large workforce restructuring, the comp...
Maskot/DigitalVision via Getty Images Upwork ( UPWK ) stock was hit hard last week after the company reported earnings. Right out of the gate for the fiscal year, the company cut guidance materially. This stoked fears that the advancements made in AI are reducing the company's ability to find job posters for the freelance demand that exists. In addition to a large workforce restructuring, the company did little to help itself stave off this narrative. However, I'm not convinced that AI is the death knell for this company, and given the distressed valuation it currently trades at, I see an opportunity for an outsized return as the company's results stabilize. Business Profile Upwork is a platform that connects businesses and individuals with on-demand workers, whether they be freelance, agency, fractional, or on payroll. The company measures growth via something called GSV. This is gross service value. The company has customers in over 180 countries and produced nearly $4 billion in GSV last year in 2025. The company, as of Q1, has 784,000 active clients, down 3% y/y. AI is also starting to play a role in the company's operations. The company recently brought the marketplace to ChatGPT that allows job posters to describe project needs, discover talent, and draft posts much faster with better quality in order to create job postings that are more likely to attract not just more talent, but the right talent. The company has also recently launched an AI work agent called Uma to assist SMBs in hiring talent. As a result, with the Q1 update, we learned that GSSV from AI-related work increased more than 40% y/y. The AI Integration & Automation category on Upwork, which is the largest AI-related work subcategory, grew nearly 50% y/y. The company is a global business, but a majority of GSV comes from US clients at nearly 70%. The workforce, however, is largely international. Only 25% of 2025 GSV came from US-based workers. India and the Philippines are the largest internation...
The market is poised for growth driven by increasing enterprise data, AI, and multi-cloud strategies. Key opportunities include adopting advanced AI for security, embracing hybrid architectures, and transitioning to sustainable storage solutions. Cloud Storage Market Cloud Storage Market Dublin, May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cloud Storage Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Oppor...
The market is poised for growth driven by increasing enterprise data, AI, and multi-cloud strategies. Key opportunities include adopting advanced AI for security, embracing hybrid architectures, and transitioning to sustainable storage solutions. Cloud Storage Market Cloud Storage Market Dublin, May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cloud Storage Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global Cl