6 h. ago Japan and Switzerland’s economies contract as exports are hit by US tariffs; Alphabet shares jump after Warren Buffett reveals stake – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsChina travel warning for Japan sends shares in tourism and retail companies plungingAlthough WPP’s shares have slipped back a little (+3.7%), they’re still leading the FTSE 100 risers.AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould sums up the situation:“Executives at embattled advertising agency WPP have recently been snapping up shares in the company and it seems they may not be the only ones who see value in the business. There is speculation about a bid from French rival Havas and private equity firms reportedly looking to pick off bits of the business.“After years when it felt like WPP’s shares had been suffering a slow puncture, the tyre has burst in stock market terms for the company in 2025. This led to the departure of CEO Mark Read and investors in the US apparently being rallied by law firms for a class action lawsuit alleging they were misled about the state of the business.This better-than-expected performance was initial...

Economics

13 h. ago Japan and Swizerland’s economies contract as exports are hit by US tariffs – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsA flurry of takeover speculation has driven shares in advertising group WPP higher at the start of trading in London.WPP’s shares are up 4.7%, leading the risers on the FTSE 100 share index, following reports that several potential suitors have considered a bid.It is not clear whether any formal bids for WPP will materialise. Bidders could seek to buy the company in its entirety, take large stakes in the business or attempt to pick off parts of the holding group.It is understood there have been talks at a high level inside Havas, which is led by [billionaire Vincent] Bolloré’s son Yannick, about the potential for a deal involving WPP. Continue reading...

Economics

67 h. ago Trump turns on former ally Marjorie Taylor Greene as Epstein questions mount – live updates

Greene supports legislation to require the full release of investigative files on Jeffrey EpsteinBondi announces investigation into Epstein ties to Trump’s Democratic adversariesJeffrey Epstein advised Steve Bannon during 2018 pro-Trump media campaignThe US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said that the US has “essentially reached a deal with Switzerland”, after the country was hit with a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the US.“We’re really excited about that deal and what it means for American manufacturing,” Greer told CNBC today in an interview. Continue reading...

Politics

68 h. ago Trump won’t rule out pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell as he leaves DC for Mar

Maxwell, in federal prison after sex trafficking conviction, reportedly preparing to ask Trump to commute her sentenceBondi announces investigation into Epstein ties to Trump’s Democratic adversariesJeffrey Epstein advised Steve Bannon during 2018 pro-Trump media campaignThe US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said that the US has “essentially reached a deal with Switzerland”, after the country was hit with a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the US.“We’re really excited about that deal and what it means for American manufacturing,” Greer told CNBC today in an interview. Continue reading...

Politics

69 h. ago Documents show Epstein texted with House Democrat during 2019 hearing, report says – live updates

The person’s identity is not revealed in transcripts, but an analysis by The Washington Post suggests that it was Stacey Plaskett, who represents the US Virgin IslandsBondi announces investigation into Epstein ties to Trump’s Democratic adversariesJeffrey Epstein advised Steve Bannon during 2018 pro-Trump media campaignThe US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said that the US has “essentially reached a deal with Switzerland”, after the country was hit with a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the US.“We’re really excited about that deal and what it means for American manufacturing,” Greer told CNBC today in an interview. Continue reading...

Politics

2 d. ago Trump accused of caving to big business after deal to cut Swiss tariffs to 15%

Rolex denies ‘any negotiation’ with US although luxury watchmaker entertained Trump and gave him gold clockUS politics live – latest updatesDonald Trump agreed to cut US tariffs on Switzerland from 39% to 15% as part of a new trade pact, lowering duties that strained economic ties and hit Swiss exporters.The two countries have signed a “non-binding memorandum of understanding”, the Swiss government announced, following bilateral talks in Washington and intense lobbying by Swiss firms. Continue reading...

Economics

3 d. ago Bondi assigns prosecutor to lead investigation into Trump adversaries over Epstein ties – live updates

As he faces scrutiny amid latest Epstein email release, US president uses Department of Justice to investigate opponents including Bill ClintonThe US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said that the US has “essentially reached a deal with Switzerland”, after the country was hit with a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the US.“We’re really excited about that deal and what it means for American manufacturing,” Greer told CNBC today in an interview. Continue reading...

Events

3 d. ago US tariffs on Swiss goods cut to 15% in deal struck with Trump administration

In exchange, Swiss officials committed to series of quotas for imports from the US on a duty-free basisUS politics live – latest updatesDonald Trump agreed to cut US tariffs on Switzerland from 39% to 15% as part of a new trade pact, lowering duties that strained economic ties and hit Swiss exporters.The two countries have signed a “non-binding memorandum of understanding”, the Swiss government announced, following bilateral talks in Washington and intense lobbying by Swiss firms. Continue reading...

Economics

3 d. ago US Catholic bishops issue rare condemnation of Trump administration’s immigration enforcement – live

US Conference of Catholic Bishops calls for ‘meaningful immigration reform’ in first message of its kind in 12 years The US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, said that the US has “essentially reached a deal with Switzerland”, after the country was hit with a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the US.“We’re really excited about that deal and what it means for American manufacturing,” Greer told CNBC today in an interview. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago UK exports to US hit lowest level since January 2022 as tariffs bite – business live

New economic data shows fall in UK exports to the US, as Britain’s economy shrinks in SeptemberChancellor Rachel Reeves is harking back to the happier days of stronger growth in the first two quarters of this year.Responding to this morning’s GDP figures, Reeves says:“We had the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first half of the year, but there’s more to do to build an economy that works for working people.At my Budget later this month, I will take the fair decisions to build a strong economy that helps us to continue to cut waiting lists, cut the national debt and cut the cost of living.” Continue reading...

Economics

6 d. ago Switzerland nears deal to cut US tariffs to 15% after business push

European country hopes to reduce levy from 39% after business leaders stepped in to drive the talks forward

Economics

9 d. ago Businesses worldwide brace for extra Trump tariffs on steel imports

Commerce department expected to add about 700 more items with steel content to levy list at request of US firmsBusinesses around the world are steeling themselves for another round of Donald Trump’s tariffs, this time on goods ranging from bicycles to baking trays, as US industry embraces a call for more products to tax on import.Small, medium and large American companies have asked the US Department of Commerce to add about 700 more items to an August list of 407 products already facing extra tariffs because of their steel content, which hit items such as Ikea tables with metal nuts and bolts and German combine harvesters. Continue reading...

Politics

1 week ago IKEA profits plunge more than a quarter after Trump’s tariff uncertainty

IKEA stores across 63 markets around the world fell for a second year in a row

Politics

1 week ago China's exports fall 1.1% in October, hit by a 25% drop in shipments to the US

China has reported that its exports contracted in October, hit by a 25% drop in shipments to the United States

Events

1 week ago Even if the Supreme Court rejects Trump’s tariffs, his staff is working on backup plans to keep charging for imports

Several small businesses have sued the president for his sweeping tariffs, claiming they negatively impact business and defy Congress’s authority

Politics

2 w. ago Businesses press Supreme Court to strike down Trump’s emergency tariff power

About 40 briefs have been filed challenging signature policy ahead of showpiece hearing

Events

2 w. ago What – if anything – did Asian countries get out of Donald Trump’s whirlwind tour?

Uncertainty surrounds the signing of this week’s trade deals amid the failure to secure reciprocity from the US to cut tariffsOn Donald Trump’s whirlwind tour of Asia – which involved stops in Malaysia, Japan and Korea – the US president triumphantly collected new trade deals from countries hoping for a reduction in the tariffs he slapped on them earlier this year.However – China aside – analysts were left asking just how much Asian nations got out of it. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago Luxury carmaker blames US tariffs and slashes investment plans by £300m

The firm said its quarterly operating loss more than doubled to £56.1 million for the period

Economics

2 w. ago Trump says he will cut fentanyl tariff on Chinese goods and expects ‘great deal’ with Xi – business live

Most Asian stock markets rally on trade deal optimism, ahead of expected US interest rate cutAston Martin has slashed £300m from its investment plans after the British sportscar maker reported a bigger than expected loss in the third quarter because of Donald Trump’s tariffs and weak demand in China.The carmaker said on Wednesday that losses before tax were £112m in the third quarter of 2025, a ninefold increase from £12m a year earlier.This year has been marked by significant macroeconomic headwinds, particularly the sustained impact of US tariffs and weak demand in China.Work is under way to review our future product cycle plan with the aim of optimising costs and capital investment while continuing to deliver innovative, class-leading products to meet customer demands and regulatory requirements. Continue reading...

Economics

3 w. ago Putin mocks EU's toilet ban on Russia as he warns 'it will cost them dearly'

As the EU continues to slap bans on exports of toilets to Russia, leader Vladimir Putin has hit back on the move, warning the West it will be a bad decision to carry on

Events