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● LIVE Updated 2h ago · 19 sources tracked

Business & Markets

Global markets remain volatile as Fox Corporation finalizes a $22 billion acquisition of Roku, expanding its streaming reach. SpaceX’s IPO surpassed initial estimates, raising $87.5 billion. Meanwhile, KFC accelerates a strategy shift toward boneless chicken and new beverages. Central banks hold rates steady, but UK energy costs and EU-China trade deficits persist as key concerns.

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What changed

Fox’s $22 billion Roku acquisition and SpaceX’s IPO valuation update are new developments not previously reported.

Live updates

  1. Fox-Roku deal tops $22bn; SpaceX IPO exceeds $87.5bn; KFC pivots on boneless chicken

    Global markets remain volatile as Fox Corporation finalizes a $22 billion acquisition of Roku, expanding its streaming reach. SpaceX’s IPO surpassed initial estimates, raising $87.5 billion. Meanwhile, KFC accelerates a strategy shift toward boneless chicken and new beverages. Central banks hold rates steady, but UK energy costs and EU-China trade deficits persist as key concerns.

    What's confirmed:

    • Fox Corporation agreed to acquire Roku for $22 billion, granting access to over 100 million households using its streaming platform.
    • SpaceX’s IPO raised $87.5 billion, exceeding the previously estimated $75 billion.
    • KFC is prioritizing boneless chicken and new drink offerings to regain market share.
    • Global stock markets reached new highs while oil prices fell to their lowest in three months.
    • Central banks are maintaining steady interest rates amid economic uncertainty.
    • The EU’s trade deficit with China hit a record €1 billion daily.
    • UK vocational training executives face scrutiny over unauthorized bonuses.
    • Retail and manufacturing sectors continue to experience shifts in strategy and ownership.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Elon Musk’s approach to humanoid robotics at a new company differs from his past strategies (source: single report).
    • SpaceX millionaires are expected to invest heavily in luxury homes, watches, and private aviation (source: single report).
    • Family offices see buying opportunities in the broader space economy beyond SpaceX (source: single report).
    • 2026 election advertising spend is projected to hit a record high (source: single report).
    confidence 95%

  2. Stocks soar, oil drops as Iran deal lifts markets; EU-China trade gap widens; UK skills body faces bonus probe

    Global stock markets reached new highs while oil prices fell to their lowest in three months following the US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Central banks are holding rates steady, but UK energy costs and weakened electric vehicle targets remain under fire. Meanwhile, the EU’s trade deficit with China hit a record €1 billion daily, and a UK vocational training body’s executives are under scrutiny for unauthorized bonuses. Retail and manufacturing sectors continue to see shifts in strategy and ownership.

    What's confirmed:

    • Global stock markets hit record highs and oil prices fell to three-month lows after the US and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
    • The EU’s trade deficit with China reached a record €1 billion a day, according to import and export figures released today.
    • Kirstie Donnelly and Abid Ismail, executives at City & Guilds, were paid millions in bonuses ‘without authorisation or knowledge’ of their superiors, according to an investigation.
    • Brent crude prices dropped immediately after the US-Iran deal announcement, with Donald Trump posting ‘Let the oil flow’ on social media.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Central banks are expected to keep interest rates steady, though no official announcements have been made.
    confidence 92%

  3. Markets rally, oil drops as US-Iran deal eases tensions; UK faces EV and energy challenges

    Global stock markets hit records and oil prices fell to three-month lows after the US and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Central banks are expected to keep interest rates steady, while UK energy costs and weakened EV targets draw criticism. Retail and manufacturing sectors see shifts in ownership and strategy.

    What's confirmed:

    • Oil prices dropped to a three-month low and European and US stock markets reached record highs following the US-Iran agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
    • The US and Iran have formally agreed to terms that include securing the Strait of Hormuz, easing disruptions to global oil supply.
    • UK petrol and diesel prices jumped when the Iran conflict began in late February, but the deal may ease near-term fuel cost pressures.
    • The Federal Reserve and Bank of England are expected to hold interest rates steady amid reduced inflation risks from the Middle East deal.
    • UK proposals to weaken electric vehicle sales targets face backlash from manufacturers and charging industry groups, who warn of job losses and sector harm.
    • UK manufacturers and unions urge the government to address high electricity prices to prevent industrial closures.
    • Millions of people on benefits in the UK can access lower social tariffs for water, broadband, and phone bills.
    • UK billionaire Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group made a £166 million offer to acquire 77.1% of Australia’s Accent shoe firm.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • The global economy may return to normal within months, though experts warn lingering war impacts could persist.
    • UK convertible car sales may rebound as SUV demand cools, reversing recent trends.
    • More US business owners are selling to employees as retirement approaches, though no specific figures are confirmed.
    confidence 93%