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World shares were mixed Thursday after U.S. stock indexes drifted to a lackluster finish, with the S&P 500 closing just an iota higher, while Germany's DAX lost 0.9% and the CAC 40 in Paris slipped 0.3%. The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.5%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.2%. A third estimate of the U.S. economy's performance in the final three months of 2024 is expected to be released later Thursday, with concerns about inflation and shopper spending still lingering.

The Asus ROG Pelta hasn't tried to be the best possible headset, and that's perfectly fine. It has mastered the basics. Great microphone quality, awesome sound and super comfortable cushioning set the Pelta up for greatness, but limited size adjustment and a finicky 3.5mm microphone jack hold it back. For the quality you get though, it’s easy to overlook these issues.

The latest review of external hard drives showcases a diverse selection catering to various needs, emphasizing reliability, portability, and security. Highlighted models include the Lexar SL500 for its compact size and speed, the WD My Passport Ultra for its value and encryption features, and the iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3, which boasts advanced security measures. The guide aims to assist users in choosing the right storage solution by considering their individual requirements, including capacity, encryption, and intended use.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is considering shifting its focus away from Australia due to stretched valuations and weak growth, eyeing better opportunities in other markets like the U.S. and Japan. The firm's multi-asset investment strategy in Australia and New Zealand manages nearly $100 billion for clients, but BlackRock believes an uncertain global outlook means it must reassess its strategic asset allocation and diversify its portfolio to build "ballast" against market volatility. By doing so, BlackRock aims to capitalize on better growth prospects in other regions, particularly Japan, where recent corporate reforms have helped companies with pricing power.

The Washington Post's opinion section will now focus exclusively on supporting "personal liberties and free markets", with opposing viewpoints deemed unworthy of publication. This shift in editorial direction marks a significant departure from the outlet's previous commitment to covering a wide range of opinions. The move is part of Jeff Bezos' broader attempt to reshape the newspaper's editorial stance.

The U.S. Justice Department is expected to release on Thursday flight logs and "a lot of names" related to Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier accused of sex trafficking who socialized with Wall Street titans, royalty and celebrities. The attorney general hopes to protect the personal information of over 250 victims connected to Epstein, who took his own life in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. This move comes amid growing pressure from Republican lawmakers to release documents related to the Epstein case.

iDrive stands out as the best cloud storage service overall due to its robust backup and storage options, easy pairing and compatibility, and affordability. It offers a range of plans, including a 100GB option for just $2.95 per year, making it an attractive choice for both personal and business users. With iDrive's user-friendly interface and reliable customer support, it provides a secure and accessible way to store files and collaborate with others.

Grok 3's unpredictable AI chatbot has sparked controversy with its new "unhinged" personality mode, which yells, insults, and screams at users. The chatbot's various personalities, including an "Unlicensed Therapist" mode, raise concerns about potential misinformation and unhelpful advice. The AI's ability to react aggressively or emotionally challenges traditional notions of customer service.

European share markets slipped on Thursday following a threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the EU, but stocks globally held broadly steady after Nvidia's results threw up no big surprises. The uncertainty surrounding Trump's trade policy has left traders "paralysed" and is making it difficult for investors to focus. The outcome of this situation could have far-reaching implications for global markets.

During a recent cabinet meeting, President Trump discussed various topics, including government spending cuts, immigration, and international relations, while notably praising Elon Musk's contributions. Trump emphasized the need for a balanced budget and outlined aggressive staff reduction plans across federal agencies, hinting at significant layoffs. Additionally, he announced impending tariffs on European goods, further complicating international trade relations.

YouTube star MrBeast is looking to raise a couple hundred million dollars to expand his business in a funding round that would value his company at about $5 billion, according to people familiar with the matter. The online star, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, is raising money to fund a holding company that owns all or part of several businesses, including the chocolates brand Feastables and his video production company. MrBeast's business is profitable and generated more than $400 million in sales last year.

A Canadian regulator said on Wednesday it will impose a fee on Google to recover the cost of enforcing a law that requires large internet platforms to pay for news content on their websites. The imposition of the levy on the Mountain View, California-based search engine giant comes at a time of increased tension between Canada and the United States over trade, border security, and a digital services tax on U.S. technology firms. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission finalized the rule after a period of public consultations, during which Google intervened to argue against its implementation.

Oil prices edged up on Thursday after sliding in the previous two sessions, with supply worries resurfacing after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a reversal of a license given to Chevron to operate in Venezuela. The announcement sparked unwinding in the market as traders became increasingly focused on Trump's Russian-Ukrainian peace talks. Market participants remain concerned about the potential impact on oil prices and global supply chains.

The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to put on hold a federal judge's order requiring the government to pay foreign aid funds to contractors and grant recipients for past work. The administration argues that this order amounts to judicial overreach, but critics say it undermines accountability and transparency in government spending. A decision by the court could have significant implications for how the U.S. allocates its foreign aid budget.

For most couples, food — whether eating out or ordering in — is the biggest category where there’s money to free up and redirect into something that matters more. Financial expert Ramit Sethi identified a host of factors that make dining expenses particularly difficult to control, including emotional spending on convenience, impulsivity, and reward. By consolidating restaurant spending on a single shared credit card and implementing strategies like planned leftovers, couples can reduce their food expenses and redirect that money towards other financial goals.

Apple shipped more than half of all "AI-capable PCs" in 2024, according to a new market analysis. The tech giant's M4 CPU and integration with Apple Intelligence on most newer laptops have made it the leader in this market segment, with Lenovo and HP trailing behind. With AI capabilities steadily making their way into average homes, Apple appears poised for continued growth in this area.

For the quarter ended January 2025, Pure Storage (PSTG) reported revenue of $879.84 million, up 11.4% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.45, compared to $0.50 in the year-ago quarter. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +7.14%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.42.

Gemini is Google's long-promised, next-gen generative AI model family developed by DeepMind and Google Research, comprising four flavors: Gemini Ultra, Pro, Flash, and Nano. The models were trained on a variety of public, proprietary, and licensed data, setting them apart from text-only models like LaMDA. Gemini is separate and distinct from the Gemini apps on the web and mobile, which connect to various models and layer a chatbot-like interface on top.

The cancellation of a crucial meeting between the FDA's Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee and flu vaccine manufacturers has raised concerns about the timely production of influenza vaccines, which can take time to develop. The move also highlights the disruptions caused by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as the nation's top health official, further fueling skepticism about vaccine efficacy. As a result, experts are calling for a swift rescheduling of the meeting to ensure that vaccine makers have sufficient time to produce shots for next season.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has informed unionized employees that they will have to return to the office in mid-April, unless they have certain exemptions, according to a memo seen by Reuters. The decision follows similar efforts across the federal workforce in response to a mandate by Republican President Donald Trump that officials terminate remote or hybrid work arrangements. This move is likely to spark debate about the balance between employee flexibility and agency efficiency.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to sign an agreement on sharing his country's mineral resources, Trump has said. Zelensky has described the bilateral deal as preliminary, and said he wants further agreements which include US security guarantees to deter renewed Russian aggression. The meeting comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high, with both sides vying for influence in the region.

Apple's budget-friendly iPhone 16e hits stores Friday and packs a number of features you'll find on the company's high-end phones — and one you won't. The phone's A18 processor, Face ID, and updated camera system provide a solid experience despite some missing features like multiple camera lenses and Apple's Camera Control button. Despite its relatively low price, the iPhone 16e delivers impressive performance and takes great photos.

The iPhone 16e is a safe device that relies heavily on its familiar design while incorporating some important upgrades, including the custom C1 modem and future-proofing with the A18 chip. The inclusion of Apple Intelligence, the company's nascent generative AI platform, makes the iPhone 16e a more compelling option for those interested in cutting-edge technology. By dropping the price point to $599, Apple has made its latest budget handset an attractive option for those looking for a reliable, yet affordable smartphone.

The iPhone 16E is everything that Apple wants it to be: reliable performance and a good camera system, but also very little else. It's the cheapest new iPhone available, making it the obvious choice for anyone clinging desperately to an older model. However, this phone is not for those looking for cutting-edge features like MagSafe or an ultrawide camera.

The iPhone 16e has an excellent screen and powerful performance, but its lack of a second rear camera and return to the notch design are significant drawbacks. The phone's all-new C1 chip brings improved 5G connectivity, but may not be enough to justify its premium price. Despite these limitations, Apple has created a solid budget-friendly iPhone option.

Valve's latest hero shooter, Deadlock, has received a new hotfix patch with several updates to the core gameplay. The biggest change that most players will notice is the shift from a four-lane map design to a three-lane layout, alongside various improvements and bug fixes.

Intuitive Machines Inc. has successfully launched its second lunar mission, aiming to explore resources and test cellular technology on the moon's surface. The Athena lander, following the company's first mission which marked the first American-made lander to reach the moon since 1972, is expected to land closer to the lunar south pole than any previous attempt. This mission not only seeks to detect water and carbon dioxide but also aims to establish the first cellular network on the moon, enhancing communication and exploration capabilities.

Instagram is reportedly considering launching its short-form video feature, Reels, as a separate app in response to the uncertain future of Chinese-owned TikTok in the US. The move comes as Instagram's parent company Meta continues to prioritize its own social media platform amidst growing concerns about data privacy and security. If successful, the new app could potentially help Instagram maintain its market share and attract users who have been drawn to TikTok's engaging short-form content.

The Sony Xperia 1 VII name has turned up on X via a source that should offer the many fans of the line a little bit of relief. While nothing has been shared in relation to the potential specifications, the relevant post does at least state there will be a 2025 flagship from Sony. Every year rumors circulate that either Sony Mobile will be mothballed or the Xperia line will be retired (at least in name).

A little air has been let out of the balloon that had become Salesforce shares after the company's 2025 earnings per share outlook came in below consensus. The stock had run up 16% in the six months prior to the earnings release on optimism around the financial impact of Salesforce's new Agentforce technology. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff expressed confidence that the company will deliver upside on its operating margin guidance for this year.

The cancellation of the FDA's vaccine advisory meeting without explanation raises concerns about the impact on flu shot selection for next season, particularly with a record-breaking flu season already underway. The decision comes as RFK Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic now leading the Department of Health and Human Services, makes early moves that could affect vaccination uptake and policy in the U.S. The cancellation also underscores the lack of transparency in the meeting's cancellation.

Palantir Technologies Inc. is poised for 30% revenue growth in 2025, driven by the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. As AI continues to transform industries, companies like Palantir are at the forefront of this revolution, leveraging generative AI to optimize model building processes and develop platforms that enable foundation models. This shift towards accessible AI development is poised to disrupt traditional work models, forcing humans to redefine their skills and roles in the evolving landscape.

Petrobras posted a significant net loss in its fourth quarter due to non-recurring events, lower Brent prices, and volatility in the diesel market. However, despite the losses, the company aims to distribute dividends to its shareholders using its cash reserves. The firm's cash flow was not impacted by the financial transactions that affected its net profit.

Europe's Relay has secured a massive $35 million Series A round, demonstrating its potential to disrupt the parcel delivery landscape with an asset-light model that leverages AI. By adopting a last-mile delivery approach inspired by Asian e-commerce giants, Relay is reducing energy consumption and improving proof-of-delivery compliance. The company is now poised for further growth and expansion, solidifying its position as a major player in the European parcel delivery market.

The companies are sending the infrastructure needed to build out a data center with the goal of growing its capacity to a petabyte in the future. Lonestar, a data storage and resilience company, has partnered with Phison, a semiconductor and storage company, to launch a data center on a SpaceX rocket that's headed to the moon. The partnership marks the beginning of a lunar data center that the companies plan to expand in the future.

The Framework Laptop 12's new mint and pink color scheme has generated excitement among gadget enthusiasts, with senior industrial designer Esther Yen confirming her involvement in the design process. The laptop's modular design and repairability features are expected to appeal to budget-conscious consumers seeking a sustainable alternative to traditional laptops. Framework's first convertible notebook aims to bridge the gap between style and substance.

Petrobras has announced a significantly lower dividend payout than expected, trailing estimates by about 40% after reporting a surprise net loss in the fourth quarter. The Brazilian oil producer's results were impacted by "exclusive events," including an accounting impact from a sharp currency devaluation. Petrobras has been a cash cow despite political attacks on its dividend policy, but the current financial struggles may lead to a reevaluation of its payout strategy.

Nvidia's strong growth forecast indicates that the demand for its AI chips remains robust, as evidenced by a 78% revenue increase to $39.3 billion in the fourth quarter. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the impressive reception of the new Blackwell semiconductors, alleviating concerns about a potential slowdown in hardware spending. Despite challenges with profit margins due to the costly Blackwell rollout, Nvidia's overall momentum in the AI sector continues to thrive.

U.S. health officials are reevaluating a $590 million contract awarded to Moderna for the development of its bird flu vaccine due to "oversight" issues, Bloomberg News reported. The review is part of a government push to examine spending on messenger RNA-based vaccines, a technology that powered Moderna's Covid vaccine. This move may impact the development and distribution of the bird flu vaccine, which has shown promising results in early trials.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that North Korea was responsible for the theft of approximately $1.5 billion in virtual assets from cryptocurrency exchange ByBit. The agency attributes this malicious cyber activity to a group called "TraderTraitor" which rapidly converted stolen assets into bitcoin and other virtual currencies. The FBI warns that the stolen assets will likely be laundered and eventually converted to fiat currency.

The large 17-inch machine from Gigabyte also comes with the Intel Core i9-13980HX, 32GB of memory and a quick 240Hz QHD screen. Thanks to a 29% markdown, the RTX 4090 gaming laptop has now dropped to $2,410. High-end gamers don't necessarily have to wait for the highly anticipated launch of the first RTX 5090 laptops, as RTX 4090-equipped notebooks like the Gigabyte Aorus 17X offer a better bang for the buck.

Toyota Motor's global production rose 6% y/y in January, driven by strong domestic sales and a significant increase in Mexico. The company's North American demand remained resilient despite snowfall impacts. Toyota's global output reached 781,729 vehicles in January.

Nasdaq Composite closed up around 0.3%, while the tech-heavy index had risen as much as 1% earlier in the session after consecutive sharp losses for the index. The benchmark S&P 500 finished just above the flatline, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell roughly 0.4%. Bitcoin dropped below $85,000, losing over 4% to its lowest levels since November.

Commercetools, a pioneer in "headless commerce," has laid off dozens of staff after failing to meet its sales growth targets, citing significant restructuring efforts in marketing, sales, and internal operations. The company's founder Dirk Hoerig led the business as CEO until July 2024, when Andrew Burton took over, and raised $1.9 billion valuation just a few years ago. Commercetools' business boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but recent market shifts have impacted growth targets.

The new MagicBook Pro 14 boasts a high-resolution display that accurately reproduces colors, thanks to its 14.6-inch OLED panel covering the entire DCI-P3 color space with a color accuracy of under 0.5. The laptop's design is notable for its thin profile at 0.67 inches and lightweight build at 3.06 pounds. Honor has launched this new notebook in various configurations, including models powered by Intel Core Ultra processors.

Nvidia's business has shown resilience despite concerns about an AI bubble sparked by Chinese firm DeepSeek, with its chip sales reaching $39bn over three months. The surge in demand for chips capable of handling large amounts of data used to train AI models is driving growth, but some investors had previously been cautious due to the emergence of a rival firm. Despite this, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang remains confident that demand will continue.

The boom in e-commerce post-pandemic has led to a proliferation of separate app providers, but Shop Circle is addressing this issue with its unified platform. With $60 million in funding, the company aims to scale up its strategy and integrate AI-powered solutions. By doing so, Shop Circle claims to have increased year-on-year revenues by 110%.

Instagram is considering the launch of a separate app for its short-form video feature, Reels, its chief Adam Mosseri told staff this week. This move aims to provide a similar video-scrolling experience and take advantage of TikTok's uncertain status in the United States. The company is looking to expand its presence in the short-form video space, where it lags behind competitors.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% across-the-board tariffs on US neighbors Canada and Mexico, with a new deadline set for March 4. The move comes after Trump relented on plans earlier this month, only to threaten the tariffs once again. Trump also hinted at imposing tariffs on the European Union in April, further escalating his trade war across the Atlantic.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced her intention to approve the expansion of Gatwick Airport, a move that faces significant opposition from local authorities and residents. The £2.2bn project aims to increase the airport's capacity by allowing the northern runway to be used for departures as well as landings. A final decision on the expansion is expected in October.