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U.S. stock indexes experienced a rise following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's optimistic remarks about the economy, despite recent job creation numbers falling short of expectations. The job report indicated an increase of 151,000 jobs in February, resulting in heightened market speculation regarding potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later in the year. Concurrently, global bond yields showed signs of recovery, as the euro gained significantly against the dollar, reflecting investor reactions to evolving economic policies and trade tensions.

Gemini, backed by billionaire Winklevoss twins, has filed confidentially for an initial public offering, with Goldman Sachs and Citigroup on board, according to people familiar with the matter. The crypto exchange and custodian is working towards going public as soon as this year, pending the closing of a US Securities and Exchange Commission investigation into the exchange. Deliberations are ongoing, but no final decisions have been made on pursuing an IPO.

In the latest trading session, Apple (AAPL) closed at $239.07, representing a 1.59% increase from the previous day, outperforming major indices like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Investors are keenly anticipating the upcoming earnings report, which is projected to show a 5.23% year-over-year increase in earnings per share, reflecting a positive outlook for the company's financial health. Despite a slight decline in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate over the past month, Apple maintains a Zacks Rank of #3, indicating a hold recommendation amid its premium valuation compared to industry peers.

TSMC (TSM) reached $177.10 at the closing of the latest trading day, reflecting a +0.71% change compared to its last close. The stock outpaced the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.55%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.7%. TSMC has dropped by 16.46% in the past month, falling short of the Computer and Technology sector's loss of 8.51%.

MercadoLibre (MELI) closed the most recent trading day at $2,009.34, moving -1.76% from the previous trading session, which lagged the S&P 500's 0.55% gain on the day. Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of MercadoLibre in its upcoming earnings disclosure, where they expect the company to post earnings of $7.82 per share, representing year-over-year growth of 15.34%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $5.5 billion, up 27% from the year-ago period.

Tesla's stock price has decreased by 10% this week, marking its seventh consecutive week of losses as concerns mount over declining sales and brand sentiment. The shares have now lost nearly half their value since reaching a record high in December, coinciding with the administration of President Trump and uncertainty surrounding tariffs. Analysts are increasingly worried about the impact of these factors on Tesla's future performance, particularly in key markets like China and Europe.

The US Department of Justice dropped a proposal to force Google to sell its investments in artificial intelligence companies, including Anthropic, amid concerns about unintended consequences in the evolving AI space. The case highlights the broader tensions surrounding executive power, accountability, and the implications of Big Tech's actions within government agencies. The outcome will shape the future of online search and the balance of power between appointed officials and the legal authority of executive actions.

Authorities are investigating an alleged arson attack on the New Jersey home of a Bayer executive, which occurred on March 4 and was quickly extinguished with minimal damage and no injuries reported. The investigation involves multiple agencies, highlighting the seriousness of the incident and the unusual nature of such collaboration in a house fire case. Bayer has confirmed the attack and emphasized the safety of its employees, amidst a backdrop of increasing security concerns in the healthcare sector following recent violent incidents.

Trump's threats of large-scale sanctions on Russia follow a pause in US military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, as he calls for both countries to negotiate a peace deal. Russian forces have almost surrounded thousands of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, leading to concerns about the stability of the situation. The US president has expressed a willingness to ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector if Moscow agrees to end the Ukraine war.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that there are nine Americans wrongfully detained in Venezuela, urging the release of these individuals by President Nicolas Maduro's government. The determination raises concerns regarding human rights violations and the treatment of U.S. citizens abroad, as the State Department continues efforts to secure their release. Among those identified is Lucas Hunter, whose case highlights the complexities surrounding U.S.-Venezuela relations and the ongoing political tensions.

The Federal Reserve's closely watched "dot plot" interest-rate projections are under review, with Chairman Jerome Powell signaling potential changes to the framework as part of a broader policy review expected to wrap up by the end of summer. The dot plot, which plots individual policymakers' expectations for economic growth and inflation, has been criticized for its historical accuracy and is being re-examined in light of changing economic conditions. Powell hinted that revisions could make the projections more effective and provide a clearer picture of the Fed's intentions.

Robinhood Markets Inc. has agreed to pay $26 million to settle Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra) allegations of failing to respond to red flags about potential misconduct and not verifying the identities of thousands of customers, among other regulatory issues. The settlement comes on the heels of a separate $45 million fine by Robinhood Securities and Robinhood Financial with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for failing to preserve records and report suspicious activity. Finra's action highlights the need for robust compliance measures in the retail trading industry.

The Spanish stock market rebounded during the midday session, with bank stocks leading the way after a strong punishment on Monday. The index rose 0.7% as investors regained confidence in the sector, which had taken a hit following news of government crackdowns on tax evasion and other financial crimes. Trading was boosted by the recovery of some major banks, including Santander, BBVA, and Bankia.

The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 will boast a range of communication features, including the return of Near Field Communication (NFC), which allows for seamless interaction with Amiibo figures. The handheld console is also set to receive an upgrade to Wi-Fi capabilities, although it will not adopt the faster Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 standards. Additionally, the Switch 2 will support USB-C charging and has a more comprehensive list of compatible Game Cards.

The United Nations Secretary-General has warned that women's rights are under attack, with digital tools often silencing women's voices and fuelling harassment. Guterres urged the world to fight back against these threats, stressing that gender equality is not just about fairness, but also about power and dismantling systems that allow inequalities to fester. The international community must take action to ensure a better world for all.

The Federal Aviation Administration is taking steps to address safety issues involving general aviation and business jets after a serious near-miss incident in Chicago, where a Southwest Airlines plane was forced to abort a landing due to the unauthorized presence of a business jet on the runway. The FAA's actions come amid a series of troubling incidents that have raised concerns about U.S. aviation safety and the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations. By implementing new measures to remind pilots of their responsibilities, the FAA aims to prevent future close calls and ensure the collective effort required for safety.

Devolo has launched a new portable router that comes with 5G support and can provide internet access to multiple mobile devices via a cellular network when no regular home internet connection is available. The WiFi router might be useful in various scenarios, such as traveling or working remotely where a stable connection is essential. By leveraging the power of 5G connectivity, Devolo's new router offers a convenient solution for those who need fast and reliable internet on-the-go.

A solid U.S. jobs report assuaged some swirling concerns about a rapid growth slowdown, but with policy uncertainty surging and tariff headlines keeping the outlook for risk assets murky, Wall Street sees little to cheer. Feb job growth shy of estimates, but some investors braced for worse. Tariff, federal workforce cuts cloud Wall St outlook; Powell says economy "continues to be in a good place".

Mantle Ridge has built a stake worth more than $1 billion in consultancy firm Cognizant Technology, saying its shares are undervalued. Activist investor Mantle Ridge has been engaging with the company's management and board since mid-2024 to boost the share price. The activist firm intends to remain closely engaged with Cognizant's management and believes the company has more room to grow.

U.S. foreign aid organizations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming they are owed over $671 million due to a freeze on foreign aid spending. Despite the administration's resistance to court orders for payment, a federal judge has set a deadline for the funds to be released by Monday, emphasizing the urgency as some organizations face potential shutdowns. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between government actions and the operational realities of humanitarian aid providers.

Boeing has introduced a significant change to its employee incentive plan, tying annual bonuses for over 100,000 employees to company-wide performance. This shift in approach aims to promote a culture of collaboration and shared goals across the various business units, rather than individual unit-specific objectives. The move is part of a broader effort by CEO Kelly Ortberg to drive cultural change and improve employee engagement.

Apple's delay in upgrading its Siri digital assistant raises concerns about the company's ability to deliver on promised artificial intelligence (AI) features. The turmoil in Apple's AI division has led to a reevaluation of its strategy, with some within the team suggesting that work on the delayed features could be scrapped altogether. The lack of transparency and communication from Apple regarding the delays has added to the perception of the company's struggles in the AI space.

Syrian authorities face increasing pressure from an insurgency by fighters from Bashar al-Assad's Alawite sect, with scores reportedly killed in violence across western Syria. The Syrian government has responded with force to quell the uprising, but its efforts have been undermined by Saudi Arabia and Turkey's backing of the Islamist-led government. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with reports of violence and killings continuing to emerge.

Mastercard's president for the Americas, Linda Kirkpatrick, predicts that one day every transaction will be digital, marking the potential retirement of physical transactions like credit card swipes. The rise of contactless payments has driven the financial sector to prioritize digital channels, which are now a target for cybercriminals and malicious actors. As Mastercard invests $10 billion in safety and security tools, it aims to create a seamless and secure environment for consumers.

DBS has decided to maintain a "hold" rating on Intel Corporation, acknowledging both the company's advancements in artificial intelligence and the profitability hurdles it faces. The report highlights Intel's positioning within the rapidly evolving AI market, emphasizing the need for continued investment in infrastructure to remain competitive. Despite the challenges, there is optimism regarding AI's transformative potential across various industries, which may benefit Intel in the long run.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reportedly planning to study a nonexistent link between measles vaccines and autism, despite decades of research that have consistently disproven this claim. This move follows a pattern of anti-vaccination sentiment in the country, fueled in part by celebrity endorsements like those from Senator Rand Paul and Senator Ted Cruz's father, Senator Rick Scott's, wife Marjorie Taylor Greene's vocal opposition to vaccines. As a result, vaccination rates are declining, putting vulnerable populations at risk.

Oil prices experienced a rise on Friday but settled lower from earlier session highs following U.S. President Donald Trump's warning of potential sanctions on Russia related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Brent crude futures closed at $70.36 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures finished at $67.04, both reflecting a significant decline over the week, primarily due to trade war risks and an anticipated increase in OPEC+ supply. The market remains volatile as traders navigate geopolitical tensions alongside domestic economic indicators that signal uncertainty in the oil sector.

The clash between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and billionaire White House adviser Elon Musk during a Cabinet meeting over staff cuts has raised concerns about the balance of power within the Trump administration. According to reports, Trump told his Cabinet heads that they have the final say on staffing and policy at their agencies, while Musk's operation had been imposing its own blunt-force approach. The meeting followed complaints from agency heads and Republican lawmakers, who were frustrated with the Musk operation's tactics.

U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on imposing sweeping sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and peace agreement is reached with Ukraine are seen as an attempt to pressure Kyiv to accept a deal. The move could deepen tensions between the U.S. and Russia, potentially escalating the conflict in Ukraine. However, Trump's approach has already been criticized by some experts, who argue that it could strengthen Putin's hand rather than weakening his.

The creation of the Protoclone, a humanoid robot capable of remarkably human-like movement, brings science fiction into reality. With its eerily lifelike design and over 1,000 artificial muscle fibers, the machine is set to revolutionize industries such as healthcare and manufacturing. The implications of this development are far-reaching, ranging from assisting individuals with disabilities to serving as lifelike prosthetics for amputees.

Mexican Finance Minister Rogelio Ramirez de la O stepped down on Friday in a widely expected move and was replaced by his deputy Edgar Amador, who vowed to maintain financial and economic stability. The move comes amid concerns about Mexico's economy, which shrank in the fourth quarter for the first time in more than three years. Ramirez de la O had been appointed by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and had previously agreed to stay on temporarily under Claudia Sheinbaum after she emerged victorious in elections last year.

Texas and New Mexico reported an additional 59 cases of measles, bringing the total number of known infections to 228, as an outbreak that began in West Texas in late January has spread, resulting in the first U.S. measles deaths in a decade. The risk for widespread measles remains low due to robust immunization and surveillance programs, according to the CDC. Lawmakers are calling for a congressional hearing to discuss the rapidly spreading measles outbreak.

US lawmakers have raised national security concerns in letters to top Chinese telecom companies, China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom, citing the potential for these firms to exploit access to American data through their U.S. cloud and internet businesses. The lawmakers are seeking details on any links between the companies and the Chinese military and government by March 31, amid concerns about unauthorized data access, espionage, or sabotage. National security experts have warned that China Telecom's operations in the US could pose a significant risk to American telecommunications networks.

The U.S. Trade Representative's Office is set to hold a hearing focused on older Chinese-made "legacy" semiconductors, which may result in additional U.S. tariffs aimed at protecting domestic chip manufacturers from China's growing influence in the semiconductor market. This investigation, initiated under the Biden administration, highlights concerns over the origin of chips used in a variety of U.S. products, including those in critical sectors like defense. As tensions between the U.S. and China escalate, the hearing will address the potential economic repercussions of tariffs on consumers and industries reliant on these legacy chips.

A 37-year-old Tennessee man has been arrested for allegedly stealing Blu-rays and DVDs from a manufacturing and distribution company used by major movie studios and sharing them online before the movies' scheduled release dates, resulting in significant financial losses to copyright owners. The alleged DVD thief, Steven Hale, is accused of bypassing encryption that prevents unauthorized copying and selling stolen discs on e-commerce sites, causing an estimated loss of tens of millions of dollars. This arrest marks a growing trend in law enforcement efforts to curb online piracy.

President Trump has pledged to support legislative efforts to form a regulatory framework for stablecoins, following the creation of a US strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a separate stockpile of other digital assets. He stated that the US aims to use stablecoins to maintain its position as the dominant reserve currency in the world. The Treasury Secretary plans to work with agencies and regulators on updating previous guidance on stablecoins.

The Trump Organization has filed a lawsuit against Capital One Financial Corp., alleging that the bank "de-banked" President Donald Trump's company for political reasons, resulting in financial losses and disruptions to its business. The bank had cut ties with the Trump Organization three months prior to the 2021 US Capitol riot, despite having done business with them for decades. Capital One has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the decision was not politically motivated.

The Trump administration is considering banning Chinese AI chatbot DeepSeek from U.S. government devices due to national-security concerns over data handling and potential market disruption. The move comes amid growing scrutiny of China's influence in the tech industry, with 21 state attorneys general urging Congress to pass a bill blocking government devices from using DeepSeek software. The ban would aim to protect sensitive information and maintain domestic AI innovation.

The Memory Card Pro series has been updated to enable its users to use their PlayStation 1 memory cards as a Bluetooth receiver, allowing gamers to connect wireless controllers like the Xbox. However, this feature is still limited to specific controllers and requires the user to put both the controller and the Memcard Pro in pairing mode. This new functionality expands gaming possibilities for retro console enthusiasts.

The leader of Yemen's Houthis has issued a four-day ultimatum to Israel to lift its blockade on aid entering Gaza, threatening to resume naval operations against Israeli interests if the demand is not met. This announcement marks a potential escalation in the Houthis' military engagement, which had previously diminished after a ceasefire in January, and reflects their ongoing support for Palestinians amid the conflict with Hamas. The situation highlights the intricate web of alliances and tensions in the region, as the Houthis, aligned with Iran, continue to assert their influence over maritime operations linked to the broader conflict.

Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), proposed that the United States could acquire 1 million Bitcoin to create a strategic reserve, as outlined in a bill by Senator Cynthia Lummis. He emphasized a gradual acquisition strategy over four years, leveraging the government's existing Bitcoin holdings while advocating for transparency to mitigate market volatility. Saylor views Bitcoin as a form of "digital property," drawing comparisons to historic land acquisitions and positioning it as a foundational asset for the future.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is slashing 3,000 jobs amid declining server sales and profit margins, sparking concerns about the company's competitiveness in the industry. CEO Antonio Neri acknowledged the disappointment, attributing it to "aggressive discounting" and inventory misalignment. The company's woes have sent shares tumbling, raising questions about its ability to navigate regulatory challenges.

The upcoming inflation report could further destabilize the U.S. stock market, with investors concerned about an economic growth slowdown and rising inflation. The benchmark S&P 500 has marked its worst week in six months, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite is struggling to recover from a correction. Investors are weighing the potential impact of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve on the economy.

The U.S. government is considering options to quickly ease sanctions on Russia's energy sector, contingent on a peace agreement to end the Ukraine war. This initiative reflects efforts to prepare for potential negotiations between President Trump and President Putin, as analysts suggest that sanction relief could be a key element in any deal. The inquiry also addresses past delays in lifting sanctions, aiming to streamline the process to avoid disruptions in global markets.

Fritz Alphonse Jean took over as Haiti's transitional president in a friendly ceremony, marking a departure from the more fraught transition that occurred in October when the first president refused to sign the transition decree over an unresolved corruption scandal. The country is currently battling a devastating conflict with armed gangs, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes and resulting in over 1 million internally displaced persons. Jean's commitment to hold long-delayed elections by a February 7, 2026 constitutional deadline is seen as a positive step towards stability.

The White House plan to ban student borrowers from Public Service Loan Forgiveness if they work at certain nonprofits appears aimed at pro-Palestinian groups and charity organizations opposed to President Trump's policies. The administration is using the program as a tool to penalize groups that engage in constitutionally protected speech, such as informing undocumented immigrants of their rights or criticizing Israel. This move raises serious legal concerns about the president's authority to alter the terms of the program.

Gemini can now add events to your calendar, give you event details, and help you find an event you've forgotten about. The feature allows users to ask voice commands or type in prompts to interact with Gemini, which then provides relevant information. By leveraging AI-powered search, Gemini helps users quickly access their schedule without manual searching.

Canada's main stock index, the S&P/TSX composite, rebounded by 0.7% on Friday, driven by a boost in energy shares from rising oil prices, but still recorded a 2.5% decline for the week, marking its largest weekly drop since December. Despite this rally, disappointing job growth figures and ongoing tariff threats from the U.S. create a climate of uncertainty that could influence the Bank of Canada's monetary policy decisions. Investors are now anticipating a rate cut next week, reflecting concerns about the broader economic impact of trade tensions and labor market stability.

In accelerating its push to compete with OpenAI, Microsoft is developing powerful AI models and exploring alternatives to power products like Copilot bot. The company has developed AI "reasoning" models comparable to those offered by OpenAI and is reportedly considering offering them through an API later this year. Meanwhile, Microsoft is testing alternative AI models from various firms as possible replacements for OpenAI technology in Copilot.

United Airlines has successfully installed its first Starlink-equipped plane, marking a significant upgrade to in-flight internet speeds. The airline aims to equip 40 planes a month with the new technology and finish its entire regional jet fleet within the year. With speeds of up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), Starlink is expected to provide users with a "living room in the sky experience."