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Fueled by a surge in technology stocks and rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, Asia-Pacific markets rose on Thursday. The highlight was Japan's Nikkei 225 index, which topped the 42,000 mark for the first time ever. The Nikkei rose nearly 1%, with technology stocks leading the charge. The broader Topix also hit new highs, rising 0.7%. This rally mirrored the performance of U.S. tech giants the day before, with chipmakers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Nvidia posting significant gains. However, a separate report from Japan pointed to a potential weakness in the economy. Orders for basic machinery unexpectedly fell for a second straight month, potentially signaling a weakening in capital spending. That could pose a challenge to the Bank of Japan...

Barcelona, ​​Spain – Tensions between residents and tourists in Barcelona reached boiling point this weekend. Protests against mass tourism saw hotel and restaurant entrances blocked in Barceloneta, with calls for an immediate reduction in visitor numbers. Reasons for discontent Residents blame the influx of tourists for the rising cost of living, crowded public spaces and a loss of local identity. Rent prices have skyrocketed, forcing many residents to abandon their neighborhoods. Measures to address the problem Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced that Airbnb-style short-term rentals will be banned by 2028, potentially freeing up 10,000 apartments for long-term rentals. Change of feeling While most residents still see tourism as economically beneficial, many are now concerned ab...

On Monday, the Republican National Committee (RNC) adopted a new platform, heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump. The revised platform introduces significant changes to previous GOP positions on marriage and abortion, while making ambitious economic promises. Key economic commitments include ending inflation, transforming the United States into a manufacturing powerhouse, and implementing deep tax cuts for workers. The platform aligns with Trump's pledges to maintain funding for Social Security and Medicare, two widely supported but expensive government programs. The new 16-page platform, much shorter than those from the 2016 and 2020 cycles, passed by a vote of 84 to 18, according to a person familiar with the proceedings. It reflects a shift toward Trump’s populis...

The New York Times editorial board on Friday called on President Joe Biden to withdraw from the presidential race against Donald Trump, citing his poor performance in the debate the night before. “The president appeared on Thursday night as a shadow of a once-great public servant,” the Times editorial said. “He struggled to articulate what he would accomplish in a second term. He struggled to respond to Trump’s provocations. He struggled to hold Trump accountable for his lies, his failures and his chilling plans. More than once, he struggled to finish a sentence.” “Biden has claimed that he is the candidate best positioned to confront and defeat this threat of tyranny. His argument is based largely on his victory over Trump in 2020,” the editorial continues. “That is no longer a sufficien...