Financial Summary: Thursday, August 14, 2025

U.S. Vice President JD Vance faces criticism in the U.K. due to road closures and increased security during his visit.

Trump and Putin are set to hold their first one-on-one talks at an Alaska summit to discuss economic cooperation.

Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich announces plans to escalate settlement activities in the West Bank, raising regional tensions.

The UK's economic growth slows to 0.3% in the second quarter, prompting concerns ahead of the Autumn Budget.

Workers in one of the world's most expensive cities are struggling to cope with rising living costs.

US wholesale prices surged by 3.3% in July, marking the highest increase since February amid ongoing trade war impacts.

Top Fed official Austan Goolsbee has raised doubts about a potential rate cut in September, diverging from market expectations.

Muthoot Finance's shares received target price upgrades following strong Q1FY26 results, indicating robust growth in gold loan assets.

Paytm shares surged 17% after receiving RBI approval and reporting a profitable Q1, with analysts predicting further gains.

The Indian stock market gained over 150 points, ending a six-week losing streak amid positive investor sentiment.

European shares reached a two-week high as investors assessed corporate earnings and economic data.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq retreated from record highs following unexpected increases in producer prices, dampening hopes for interest rate cuts.

Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level of 2025, providing potential relief for homebuyers amid high home prices.

Analysts warn investors against taking risks in a potentially weakening economy, suggesting caution in market strategies.

Energy commodity prices continue to underperform, prompting investors to exit positions that are no longer viable.

Igor Babuschkin, co-founder of Elon Musk's xAI, is leaving to start his own venture firm.

Perplexity AI's $34.5 billion acquisition bid for Google's Chrome browser raises major antitrust concerns.

Apple Watch is set to feature a redesigned blood oxygen sensor following a legal dispute with Masimo.

Researchers have created a new method to estimate the energy consumption of digital services to enhance tech sustainability.

Economists expect the Reserve Bank of India to focus on economic growth rather than inflation, indicating no immediate repo rate cuts.

Indian banks are tightening their scrutiny on overseas investments amid a decline in foreign direct investment in the country.

Sebi Chairman emphasizes the importance of combining human expertise with technology to tackle cyber fraud in India's financial markets.

Nearly 20% of older student loan borrowers are now facing serious delinquency, raising concerns about potential retirement benefit garnishment.

Monterey Car Week begins with 1,140 classic cars up for auction, though sales expectations are low.

Rising food inflation and tariffs are leading to increased school lunch prices, impacting family budgets.

A recent analysis suggests that Americans may be better prepared for retirement than previously thought, easing fears of a retirement crisis.

A man was fired from the Department of Justice after being charged with assault for throwing a Subway sandwich at a U.S. Customs officer.

Coffee prices have surged by 14.5% year-over-year, raising concerns for retailers and importers amid ongoing tariffs.

Brinker International's CEO attributes Chili's growth to effective marketing strategies, emphasizing branding's importance.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has written off $8 billion from its megaprojects due to budget overruns and lower oil prices.

Japan's SMBC Fund invests $7 million in Shivalik Small Finance Bank, acquiring a 4.99% stake to enhance growth and technology.

Apollo Hospitals shares rise as brokerages increase target prices following a strong 42% YoY profit growth in Q1FY26.

JSW Cement's shares debuted at a 4% premium on the BSE and NSE, supported by strong IPO subscription and future expansion plans.

Muthoot Finance shares hit the upper circuit after reporting a 65% YoY increase in Q1 profit, reaching a market cap of Rs 1 trillion.

Infosys shares jump 2% after announcing a Rs 1,300 crore deal to acquire a majority stake in Telstra's Versent Group.

Vodafone Idea reported a widened net loss of Rs 6,608 crore for Q1, despite a 5% increase in revenue to Rs 11,023 crore.

Kodak is facing potential bankruptcy despite a resurgence in film photography among Gen Z consumers.

Foxconn reports earning more from server production than smartphones, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Target and Ulta will end their partnership for in-store beauty shops next year, marking a significant shift in retail strategy.

Halliburton secured a deal for well stimulation services in the North Sea, expanding its operational footprint.

BNP Paribas is in advanced talks to acquire Mercedes-Benz’s leasing unit, indicating a strategic expansion in financial services.

Tapestry's stock fell after the company cut its outlook due to tariff impacts on its brands, including Coach and Kate Spade.

Freddie Bharucha has been named the next CEO of P&G Beauty, signaling leadership changes in the consumer goods sector.

Indian Oil's net profit more than doubles to Rs 5,689 crore in Q1, driven by strong marketing margins.

Kroger settles with C&S Wholesale following the collapse of its $25 billion merger with Albertsons.

Nike co-founder Phil Knight pledges $2 billion to OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute to enhance cancer treatment and research.

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has acquired a $1.6 billion stake in UnitedHealth, signaling confidence in the beleaguered insurer.

Intel's stock rose 7% following reports that the Trump administration is considering a stake in the chipmaker to support factory funding in Ohio.

The DOJ and SEC have charged two men in a $200 million Ponzi scheme involving non-existent water vending machines.