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The U.S. Midwest saw a surge in factory activity to its highest level in almost 1-1/2 years in June, driven by strong gains in new orders and production, offering a beacon of hope for the struggling manufacturing sector. This uptick is attributed to improved consumer spending and rising demand for goods, which has helped alleviate supply chain issues that have plagued the industry in recent times. As a result, there are indications that the manufacturing sector may be emerging from its downturn.

Robinhood Markets has agreed to pay $29.75 million to resolve several probes into its supervision and compliance practices, including failure to respond to "red flags" of potential misconduct. The brokerage regulator said the company failed to implement reasonable anti-money laundering programs, miss suspicious or unauthorized trading, and properly supervise social media influencers who promoted the company. Robinhood's agreed settlement covers a range of issues that date back to 2014.

YouTube is under scrutiny from Rep. Jim Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee over its handling of content moderation policies, with some calling on the platform to roll back fact-checking efforts that have been criticized as overly restrictive by conservatives. The move comes amid growing tensions between Big Tech companies and Republicans who accuse them of suppressing conservative speech. Meta has already faced similar criticism for bowing to government pressure to remove content from its platforms.

The S&P 500 experienced its worst week since September, influenced by President Trump's fluctuating trade policies and a disappointing jobs report indicating rising unemployment. Despite minor gains on Friday, the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rate cuts continues to create volatility in the market. Analysts are closely watching upcoming earnings reports and economic indicators as traders navigate through a landscape marked by fears of slowing growth.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a call with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot to discuss bringing an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizing President Trump's determination to achieve a just and lasting peace through negotiations. The U.S. has been pressing for a ceasefire in Ukraine, while also considering sweeping sanctions against Russia until a peace agreement is reached. This call reflects the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Google's dominance in the browser market has raised concerns among regulators, who argue that the company's search placement payments create a barrier to entry for competitors. The Department of Justice is seeking the divestiture of Chrome to promote competition and innovation in the tech industry. The proposed remedy aims to address antitrust concerns by reducing Google's control over online searching.

Maxar Technologies, a U.S. aerospace firm, has disabled Ukrainian users' access to satellite imagery on one U.S. government platform amid the suspension of intelligence sharing with Kyiv by President Donald Trump's administration. This move follows a temporary suspension of access to commercial satellite imagery collected by the United States, as part of the administration's directive on support to Ukraine. The action is seen as a response to pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's government to cooperate with peace talks with Russia.

DoorDash Inc., Williams-Sonoma Inc., TKO Group Holdings Inc., and Expand Energy Corp. are set to join the S&P 500 index, adding a diverse range of sectors including food delivery, home accessories, sports entertainment, and energy. The additions mark a significant shift in the composition of the US equity benchmark, with implications for the companies' profiles and investors' portfolios. The companies will replace four other firms on the index prior to trading resuming on March 24.

Recent developments indicate that thousands of Ukrainian troops in Russia's Kursk region are nearly encircled by advancing Russian forces, presenting a significant setback for Kyiv's strategic position. The situation has deteriorated rapidly, with open source maps revealing that supply lines for the Ukrainian forces are at risk of being cut off, raising the prospect of a difficult withdrawal. As U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine has been suspended, the looming threat of encirclement puts considerable psychological pressure on Ukrainian troops.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has deployed a proprietary chatbot called GSAi to automate tasks previously done by humans at the General Services Administration, affecting 1,500 federal workers. The deployment is part of DOGE's ongoing purge of the federal workforce and its efforts to modernize the US government using AI. GSAi is designed to help streamline operations and reduce costs, but concerns have been raised about the impact on worker roles and agency efficiency.

The US Space Force has successfully tested maneuver warfare capabilities in space, with the X-37B spaceplane demonstrating aerobraking maneuvers that could find applications on future operational military satellites. The test paves the way for improved space domain awareness technology experiments and enhanced surveillance of adversary's satellites. The ability to execute sustained maneuvers in space would have significant benefits in defensive and offensive combat operations.

After a tumultuous week, U.S. stocks experienced a rebound as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reassured investors about the economy's stability, following a significant drop in the S&P 500. The market volatility was exacerbated by mixed economic data, including a rise in the unemployment rate despite job growth, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty among traders. This unpredictable environment has led to calls for diversification as investors seek to navigate ongoing market fluctuations.

The US dollar declined to multi-month lows against major currencies following weaker-than-expected job growth in February, as the Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates multiple times this year. The decline was accompanied by a boost for the euro, which is poised for its best weekly gain in 16 years. Fed Chair Jerome Powell repeated comments that the central bank will be cautious in responding to economic changes.

Oneok Inc. (OKE) closed at $89.57, reflecting a slight decrease of -0.19% amidst a generally positive market, where the S&P 500 gained 0.55%. Despite this recent downturn, analysts anticipate a significant increase in the company's earnings per share and revenue for the upcoming quarter, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook. The company's current Zacks Rank of #3 indicates a neutral stance, with investors advised to monitor analyst estimate revisions closely.

The latest trading day saw American Airlines (AAL) settle at $13.03, representing a -1.66% change from its previous close. American Airlines (AAL)'s stock has dropped by 22.33% in the past month, lagging behind the Transportation sector's loss of 5.34%. The upcoming earnings release is anticipated to be a significant event for investors, with consensus estimates expecting an EPS of -$0.23 and revenue of $13.12 billion.

Laid-off federal workers are discovering that their family members' reactions to their job loss are often more divisive than sympathetic, with some relatives openly celebrating their termination as a means of supporting the administration's cost-cutting measures. As Americans grapple with the consequences of these cuts, families are being torn apart by differing opinions on government spending and public service. The divide is so stark that it's leaving former federal workers feeling isolated and unsupported.

Canada is poised to engage in early talks with the United States on reviewing the North American free trade pact, with a focus on addressing trade friction and preventing "dumping" by China into the North American market. The country's finance minister, Dominic LeBlanc, expressed readiness to move quickly towards a broader negotiation that sorts out many points of contention between the three nations. Canada is also prepared to work with the White House to hash out further measures to prevent Chinese dumping, following the imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum last year.

The U.S. President's threat to impose reciprocal tariffs on Canadian dairy and lumber is a response to what he calls "tremendously high" tariffs imposed by the Canadian government, sparking concerns about trade tensions between the two nations. Trump has already suspended tariffs on certain goods from Canada and Mexico in an effort to help automakers, but warned that reciprocal tariffs would be implemented if Ottawa drops its current rates. The move is part of a broader campaign by Trump to pressure the Canadian government into changing its trade policies.

Two cybercriminals have been arrested and charged with stealing over $635,000 worth of concert tickets by exploiting a backdoor in StubHub's systems. The majority of the stolen tickets were for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, as well as other high-profile events like NBA games and the US Open. This case highlights the vulnerability of online ticketing systems to exploitation by sophisticated cybercriminals.

Shares of DoorDash, Williams-Sonoma, Expand Energy, and TKO Group rose in extended trade on Friday after an announcement they would join the S&P 500. The four companies will increase the S&P 500's representation of growth-oriented businesses, potentially benefiting index funds that track the benchmark. As these companies gain access to Wall Street's most widely followed stock benchmark, their shares are likely to experience increased liquidity and trading activity.

DoorDash and other four companies have been selected to join Wall Street's most widely followed stock benchmark, the S&P 500, marking a significant milestone in their corporate histories. The announcement has led to a surge in shares for all four companies, with DoorDash jumping 7.5%, Williams-Sonoma rising 2.4%, Expand Energy adding 1.5%, and TKO Group gaining 2.6%. The inclusion of these companies in the S&P 500 will require their respective index funds to purchase shares in order to maintain alignment with the benchmark's composition.

Business VoIP providers are evolving to offer more than just basic telephony, combining advanced features, scalability, and competitive pricing. RingCentral has emerged as a top choice, providing comprehensive services such as AI transcription, team collaboration tools, and integration with popular software. As the market for VoIP continues to grow, organizations are increasingly opting for solutions that enhance communication and operational efficiency.

Russian forces attacked the town of Dobropillia in eastern Ukraine late on Friday, killing four people and injuring 18, the regional governor said. Governor Vadym Filashkin initially reported five deaths but later confirmed four fatalities. The Russian attack on Dobropillia is part of a broader escalation of fighting in the Donbas region, where Moscow's forces have been advancing slowly and steadily since the start of the war.

Reddit's automated moderation tool is flagging the word "Luigi" as potentially violent, even when the content doesn't justify such a classification. The tool's actions have raised concerns among users and moderators, who argue that it's overzealous and may unfairly target innocent discussions. As Reddit continues to grapple with its moderation policies, the platform's users are left wondering about the true impact of these automated tools on free speech.

DBRS upgraded Greece's credit rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB low', citing a healthier banking sector and the continued reduction in the country's general government debt ratio. The nation's debt, which was the highest in the euro zone, has shrunk by more than 40 percentage points since 2020. This downward trend is projected to continue, with the public debt-to-GDP ratio expected to fall below 140% by 2027.

GPT-4.5 and Google's Gemini Flash 2.0, two of the latest entrants to the conversational AI market, have been put through their paces to see how they compare. While both models offer some similarities in terms of performance, GPT-4.5 emerged as the stronger performer with its ability to provide more detailed and nuanced responses. Gemini Flash 2.0, on the other hand, excelled in its translation capabilities, providing accurate translations across multiple languages.

Dan Brown's thriller "Inferno" has maintained its position on top of the U.S. best-sellers list for the fifth consecutive week, with sales data from independent and chain bookstores, book wholesalers, and independent distributors nationwide. The novel's enduring popularity is a testament to Brown's ability to craft engaging stories that captivate readers worldwide. As a result, "Inferno" has solidified its place as one of the most successful fiction novels in recent years.

Dexcom has received a warning letter from the FDA following inspections of its two key manufacturing facilities, identifying issues with manufacturing processes and quality management systems in San Diego, California, and Mesa, Arizona. The company had already submitted responses to the Form 483 report and is preparing a written response, which it does not expect to have a material impact on manufacturing capacity or sales guidance for fiscal year 2025. Dexcom manufactures its products at multiple facilities worldwide, including its headquarters in San Diego, California.

The Panama Maritime Authority will analyze the key transaction between CK Hutchison and a consortium backed by BlackRock to ensure protection of public interest in two ports strategically located near the Panama Canal. The deal has raised concerns about China's influence in the region amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. The Panamanian government aims to safeguard the interests of its citizens amidst the changing ownership landscape.

A 10-week fight over the future of search. Google's dominance in search is being challenged by the US Department of Justice, which seeks to break up the company's monopoly on general-purpose search engines and restore competition. The trial has significant implications for the tech industry, as a court ruling could lead to major changes in Google's business practices and potentially even its survival. The outcome will also have far-reaching consequences for users, who rely heavily on Google's search engine for their daily needs.

The White House is committed to using tariffs as a means to reshape America's relationship with its global partners, despite recent back-and-forth with Canada and Mexico. The administration views tariffs as a key tool for re-ordering the international trading system to advance American interests. Despite short-term economic harm, Trump believes the long-term benefits outweigh the costs.

The marketing term "PhD-level" AI refers to advanced language models that excel on specific benchmarks, but struggle with critical concerns such as accuracy, reliability, and creative thinking. OpenAI's recent announcement of a $20,000 monthly investment for its AI systems has sparked debate about the value and trustworthiness of these models in high-stakes research applications. The high price points reported by The Information may influence OpenAI's premium pricing strategy, but the performance difference between tiers remains uncertain.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has eliminated two committees that advise it on food safety, raising concerns about government oversight of the food supply as the Trump administration seeks to downsize the federal bureaucracy and slash costs.The USDA eliminated the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods and the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection, a spokesperson said, potentially reducing public health risks.The committees provided scientific advice to the USDA and other federal agencies on public-health issues related to food safety, but their elimination may lead to gaps in expertise and oversight.

Dexcom has been issued a warning letter by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration following inspections that revealed issues in its manufacturing processes and quality management systems at its San Diego and Mesa facilities. The company's shares fell nearly 7% as it acknowledged the situation but expressed confidence that it would not materially impact its manufacturing capacity or sales guidance for fiscal year 2025. Dexcom is currently preparing a written response to address the FDA's observations.

The U.S. regulator overseeing national banks clarified that banks can engage in some crypto activities, such as crypto-asset custody, stablecoin activities, and participation in distributed ledger networks, without needing advance permission from regulators beforehand. This new guidance removes the expectation that firms should clear their crypto-related activities with regulators first, including demonstrating adequate controls for those business lines. The OCC also rescinded prior guidance telling banks to brief their supervisors on crypto activities beforehand.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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".

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.