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The development of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool has led to a breakthrough in understanding how superbugs are formed, solving a complex problem that took microbiologists a decade to solve. The AI, co-scientist, was able to replicate the research and provide additional hypotheses, one of which was unique to the team and had not been published anywhere else. This achievement highlights the potential of AI to accelerate scientific progress and advance our understanding of complex problems.

The energy regulator Ofgem's plan to offer customers a choice between tariffs that shift standing charges has been met with criticism from charities and suppliers, who argue it fails to address the high cost of these fixed fees. The plans aim to provide customers with more control over how they pay for their gas and electricity, but critics say this will only lead to added complexity and higher costs for vulnerable households. The proposal to shift standing charges into unit rates could disproportionately affect pre-payment meter customers, who may be left with unaffordable charges.

The Street remains optimistic about Nvidia's earnings prospects despite recent concerns over the long-term demand impact from rival firm DeepSeek. Aggressive capital expenditures assumptions by hyperscalers such as Amazon and Meta underscore the potential for Nvidia to benefit from the global buildout of AI infrastructure. However, cautious signs, including a modest decline in EPS trends and unchanged 2025 estimates, suggest that investors may be bracing for softer results.

Walmart delivered another year of strong sales and profits in 2024, driven by its competitive prices that attracted inflation-weary shoppers. However, uncertainty about the state of the American consumer and the potential impact of tariffs have crept into expectations for 2025, affecting the company's financial outlook. The retailer now expects a slightly lower profit margin than analyst projections, citing a more cautious approach to guiding investors.

Thousands of students staged "Dark Indonesia" protests across the country on Thursday, fearing budget cuts and policies of President Prabowo Subianto would undermine social support systems. The protests, clad in black, highlighted concerns about education sector cuts, military moves into civilian roles, and lack of subsidized cooking gas. Student leaders are calling for change, arguing that the government's actions will impact their futures.

Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR) has been one of the hottest stocks on Wall Street, rising nearly 600% since the start of 2024, with its revenue growth rate being a significant factor in this surge. However, despite this rapid expansion, Palantir's business growth hasn't quite kept up with its stock returns, as its revenue is only up 29% in that same period, whereas Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) has maintained a more stable growth trajectory. This discrepancy raises questions about the valuation of these two companies.

India may be getting more than it bargained for when it comes to Elon Musk's entry into the country, as his role in the White House gives him leverage over negotiations on tariffs and factory jobs. The electric vehicle maker has identified locations for two stores in India and is hiring for customer-facing roles, fueling speculation that a meeting between Modi and Musk may pave the way for Tesla to sell cars in the country. However, President Trump's aim of cutting the U.S. trade deficit may leave India less leverage to wrangle coveted factory jobs from Musk.

A possible ceasefire in Ukraine's war with Russia could become a reality as early as 2025, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's GUR military intelligence agency. The components for such an agreement are largely in place, but it is uncertain how long it will last or how effective it will be, he added. A negotiated settlement has gained momentum following a series of diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ant Group Co.’s quarterly profit surged over 50-fold, driven by a significant investment gain that boosted the Chinese fintech giant's financial performance. The company's recent earnings report attributed this growth to a net investment gain, a marked improvement from a loss in the previous quarter. With its latest results, Ant Group has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of regulatory challenges.

Federal workers were fired 'based on your performance', despite receiving excellent performance reviews, highlighting a potential legal misstep by Elon Musk's cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency. The firings have sparked concerns about the accountability and transparency of government agencies under Musk's leadership. This move raises questions about the Trump administration's priorities in restructuring federal agencies.

Farage's decision to relinquish control of the party reflects a growing trend in British politics towards democratization and transparency, allowing for greater member participation and accountability. The move aims to restore trust in the party among its members and the general public, who have been critical of Farage's dominance over Reform UK. By handing over ownership to its 200,000-strong membership base, Farage is attempting to shift the party's focus towards issue-based politics rather than being led by a single figure.

Google is nearing a decision on locations for its first physical retail stores outside the United States, with New Delhi and Mumbai emerging as frontrunners. The company's goal is to showcase its products in a luxury segment and compete with Apple Inc.'s successful retail strategy. Google has only five physical stores globally, all located in the US.

The US Food and Drug Administration has been circulating a list of banned words, including "woman," "disabled," and "elderly," which two sources claim has hindered their ability to communicate effectively. The list, which includes over two dozen terms, was allegedly issued without explanation or clear guidance on why certain words were prohibited. The White House has acknowledged that the directive may have misinterpreted President Trump's executive order.

The Bibas family, who were abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023, have become symbols of the brutal attack, with many Israelis holding onto hope for their safe return. The latest development has dashed those hopes, leaving the community in grief and pain. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on innocent lives.

The escalating trade tensions between the US and other nations have led to a subdued global market sentiment, with stocks fluctuating around record highs. The Federal Reserve's surprise discussion about pausing its balance sheet runoff has added complexity to the market landscape. Meanwhile, the Ukraine crisis has heightened transatlantic tensions ahead of Germany's upcoming election.

The Kremlin has expressed strong opposition to any plan that involves sending European troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission, citing concerns about NATO's involvement and the implications for Russia's security. The proposal, reportedly backed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump, aims to send fewer than 30,000 European servicemen to Ukraine in exchange for American protection. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the plan as "unacceptable" due to its potential ramifications for Russia's own security.

Majority worry Musk's cuts could delay federal services like Social Security, with 71% believing that billionaires have too much influence on Trump's administration. The poll highlights the delicate balance between reducing government spending and maintaining essential public services. Americans are concerned about the potential disruption to services such as Social Security retirement payments and student aid.

The Republican-controlled Senate is set to confirm Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, on Thursday, which would put a Trump loyalist atop the nation's most prominent law enforcement agency. The confirmation comes at a time of growing upheaval in the Justice Department, where career officials have resigned or been fired over concerns about political interference and loyalty to Trump's agenda. Patel has vowed to emphasize immigration and violent crime as key priorities for the FBI.

US companies with overseas operations are increasingly swapping their dollar bonds into euros to take advantage of lower interest rates, reducing funding costs by as much as 200 basis points. This hedging strategy is being driven by the divergence in interest rates between the US and other major economies, particularly in Europe. The demand for cross-currency swaps has been growing steadily, with many companies restructuring their existing hedges to capitalize on the favorable exchange rate.

The S&P 500's all-time high is accompanied by growing anxiety, as tariff threats and increasing inflation concerns temper investor optimism. Consumer sentiment has fallen to a seven-month low, suggesting that investors are bracing for the worst despite the market's fear gauge remaining calm. The recent surge in gold prices and European stocks beating American stocks add to an unfamiliar unease that feels like a storm is brewing.

Rates have ticked down this week, with the national average 30-year fixed rate decreasing by two basis points to 6.85%, while the 15-year fixed rate has fallen by five basis points to 6.04%. The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts the 30-year fixed interest rate will stay roughly the same for the first half of the year, then fall to 6.50% by Q4. Gradual changes in mortgage rates throughout 2025 may not significantly impact homebuying decisions.

The German luxury carmaker is shifting its focus towards combustion engine models, releasing 19 new ones by 2027, in an effort to revive earnings amid a sharp drop in sales. This move comes as the company braces for significantly lower earnings in 2025 due to declining demand and rising competition from electric vehicles. Mercedes-Benz's strategy of selling high-margin vehicles is expected to remain intact despite concerns from investors and labor representatives.

The launch of the Casio Edifice EFB-109D-1AVEF and EFB-109D-2AVEF in the UK marks a significant expansion of the brand's everyday sports watch lineup, which has drawn inspiration from automotive design. These timepieces feature a round stainless-steel case with a mirror-finished bezel, sapphire crystal glass for scratch resistance, and a stainless-steel bracelet. The watches are priced at £119 (~$150) on the Casio UK website.

Austria's two biggest centrist parties, the People's Party and Social Democrats, are moving quickly to form a government without the far-right Freedom Party. This development marks a significant shift in Austrian politics, as the two parties aim to create a stable coalition that can command a majority in parliament. The formation of this new government has been complicated by previous attempts at forming a coalition with the FPO, which ultimately collapsed due to disagreements over budget deficit targets.

Investors are turning their attention to mid-cap industrial companies that could benefit from increased military spending in Europe, rather than relying on traditional defense stocks. This shift is driven by the recognition of underpriced defense assets and the potential for higher valuation multiples and earnings growth tied to rising defense spending. As a result, Thyssenkrupp's TKMS division, which includes submarines and frigates, has emerged as a promising "hidden" defense stock.

The MSI Thin A15 is a budget-friendly gaming laptop that packs impressive performance credentials, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Despite its relatively modest price point, the laptop's hardware configuration makes it a viable option for 1080p and 1440p gaming. The device also boasts a range of connectivity options, including USB-C with DP alt mode and an HDMI port.

The Retroid Pocket Flip 2 is set to feature an OLED display, Hall effect joysticks, and triggers, offering a nostalgic gaming experience reminiscent of the Nintendo DS. The device's design includes a hinge that can rotate up to 180 degrees, providing versatility in gameplay. Retroid has not officially confirmed a release date, but leaks suggest pre-orders will open in March.

The Kremlin has condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's comments about other world leaders as "inadmissible," following a spat between Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump. The backlash highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Western countries, particularly in light of Zelenskiy's criticism of Trump's supposed disinformation bubble. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has accused Ukraine of mismanaging foreign aid and being unaccountable for its spending.

The new Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor features up to 16 Zen 5 cores, a powerful Radeon GPU, fast NPU, and up to 128 GB RAM, making it a strong contender in the high-end mobile market. The Strix Halo series is designed to rival Apple's M4 Pro/Max chip, with a focus on gaming, content creation, and AI development. The processor's TDP range of 45-125 Watts indicates its primary use case as a powerful multimedia laptop.

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X and Ryzen 9 9900X are the latest additions to AMD's Zen 5 microarchitecture, boasting high core counts and clock speeds. However, these flagship processors come with a higher TDP than their predecessors, requiring more power consumption. The new Ryzen 9000 series offers improved performance over the previous generation, but some areas still lag behind.

The European Commission has approved a 920 million euro state aid to Infineon for the construction of a new semiconductor manufacturing plant in Dresden, Germany. This decision is part of the EU's efforts to strengthen Europe's security of supply and technological autonomy in semiconductor technologies. The MEGAFAB-DD project will enable Infineon to produce a wide range of chips used in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The executive orders signed by President Trump aim to curb funding for migrants in the country illegally and eliminate regulations deemed "overreach" by the administration. The moves are part of Trump's broader campaign to assert control over independent executive agencies and bolster his Department of Government Efficiency's sweeping government-slashing effort. The actions also target advisory committees and agencies for elimination, including those involved in conflict resolution and community development programs.

The Trump administration's tariffs and trade restrictions are having far-reaching consequences for states across the country, disrupting local economies and threatening vital industries. As trade tensions escalate, governors are struggling to navigate the complex web of federal policy and global market forces. The stakes are high, with some states facing significant economic fallout if they fail to adapt.

The US appeals court has dealt a significant blow to President Donald Trump's efforts to limit birthright citizenship, rejecting his request for an emergency order to stay a nationwide injunction issued by a federal judge in Seattle. The decision marks the first time an appellate court has weighed in on Trump's executive order, which is widely seen as unconstitutional. The ruling sets the stage for further legal battles that may ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court.

CoStar is preparing a A$2.7 billion ($1.72 billion) bid for Australian property classifieds firm Domain Holdings, allowing the U.S. company to expand its presence in the region and capitalize on the growing demand for online real estate listings. The proposed acquisition would mark a significant milestone for CoStar, which has been actively expanding its global footprint through strategic acquisitions. By acquiring Domain, CoStar would gain access to a large and established player in the Australian market, potentially strengthening its position as a leading provider of real estate listings globally.

Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reaffirmed the country's commitment to supporting Ukraine's bid for European Union membership, rejecting claims that Ukraine is responsible for the ongoing conflict with Russia. Scholz emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified stance in Europe and keeping the door open for Ukraine's potential entry into the EU. By upholding this position, Germany aims to preserve Ukraine's sovereignty and democratic aspirations.

Renault's record operating profit of 4.3 billion euros in 2024 was driven by lower costs and a string of new launches, exceeding expectations and beating its target margin. The company's revenue rose 7.4% to 56.2 billion euros, outpacing forecasts and driven by the success of new electric and hybrid models. Despite this strong performance, Renault warned that EU emissions rules will erode 500 million euros of operating profit in 2025.

TikTok's decision to lay off staff in its trust and safety unit is a significant development, reflecting the company's ongoing efforts to balance content moderation with the need for efficiency and cost-cutting. The move comes amidst increased scrutiny of social media platforms' handling of online threats, particularly those affecting children. This restructuring may also impact TikTok's ability to meet its previously stated commitments to investing in trust and safety initiatives.

The German court's decision has significant implications for the fashion industry, as it sets a precedent for determining what constitutes art versus design. This ruling highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of copyright law and its application to various creative industries. The decision also underscores the challenges faced by companies seeking to protect their intellectual property in a rapidly evolving market.

The Republican-led bill aims to eliminate the District of Columbia's local government and allow Congress to legislate for its 700,000 residents. This move has sparked controversy over concerns about federal control and the potential erosion of home rule in the capital city. The proposal has also reignited discussions about elevating Washington, D.C. to statehood.

Lenovo's quarterly revenue surged 20% to $18.8 billion, exceeding expectations, while net profit more than doubled to $693 million. The company's adoption of DeepSeek's artificial intelligence model in its products is expected to drive growth, particularly in the demand for AI applications. Lenovo has positioned itself to benefit from the booming demand for AI by expanding its AI server and software businesses.

STMicroelectronics is launching a new computer chip targeting the booming market for AI datacenter equipment, developed in cooperation with Amazon's web services arm AWS. The photonics chip uses light rather than electricity to increase speed and reduce power consumption in converters known as transceivers. Hundreds of thousands of transceivers are needed in an advanced AI datacenter, where demand is growing not only for specialized computing chips made by Nvidia but also chips used in memory, power, and communications applications.

STMicroelectronics is launching a new computer chip targeting the booming market for AI data centre equipment, which it has developed in cooperation with Amazon's web services arm. The chip uses light rather than electricity, increasing speed and reducing power consumption in converters known as transceivers. This technology aims to meet growing demand from top U.S. software firms planning to spend $500 billion on AI infrastructure.

Meta's strong Q4 earnings results, driven by 20.6% year-on-year revenue growth, exceeded analysts' expectations and beat EBITDA estimates, despite missing next quarter's revenue guidance. The company's progress on AI, glasses, and the future of social media is a positive note, but the mixed quarter overall suggests that Meta still faces challenges in its advertising business. As the social networking landscape continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to changing user behavior.

Lloyds Banking Group has nearly tripled its provision to cover potential compensation payments in the car finance mis-selling scandal, setting aside an additional £700m on top of the initial £450m. The move reflects growing concerns about the banking group's liability for unclear commission practices with car dealers. The increase in provision comes ahead of a Supreme Court ruling in April that may determine whether people taking out car loans were properly informed.

The European Union's imposition of 45.3% tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles has sparked tension in trade relations between the two economic giants, with China expressing frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations to reduce or eliminate these punitive measures. The EU's decision was taken after an anti-subsidy probe into whether Chinese firms benefited from preferential grants and financing as well as land, batteries, and raw materials at below market prices. Despite China's efforts to push for negotiations, the situation remains unresolved.

Airbus has reported a 7% increase in deliveries to around 820 jets this year, despite facing short-term production pressures and delays to its A350 freighter. The company's adjusted operating income for 2024 was down 8%, but still met market expectations. Airbus also flagged risks on its slow-selling A400M military transport aircraft amid weak orders.

The US designation of major drug cartels as global terrorist organizations marks a significant escalation in the country's efforts to disrupt their operations and financing. This move follows President Trump's executive order calling for an evaluation of whether any criminal cartels or transnational gangs should be designated as terrorism groups, reflecting growing concerns over national security and economic interests. The impact on asylum seekers remains uncertain, with some analysts warning that the designations could expose them to prosecution or bar them from entering the US.

The potential OnePlus 13T may have made a surprise appearance in an official Oppo marketing video, fueling speculation about the upcoming compact device. While some speculate it could be a OnePlus 13 Mini with a 6.3-inch screen, new information suggests the device might launch as the OnePlus 13T instead. The design of the unknown device appears to deviate from OnePlus's typical design language, but its petite size may appeal to enthusiasts seeking a compact premium offering.

Around $99 million in cryptocurrency was withdrawn by eight digital wallets linked to the creator of Libra, according to blockchain researchers Chainalysis. The withdrawal occurred after Argentina President Javier Milei promoted the coin on X, leading it to spike above $4.50 before plummeting. The on-chain behavior suggests that the wallets are closely related to the Libra creator team.