China posts record trade surplus despite Trump tariffs

China posts record trade surplus despite Trump tariffs

China has reported the largest trade surplus in global history, underlining the resilience of its export machine despite a year of disruption caused by Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade brinkmanship. Official figures released in Beijing show China recorded a full-year trade surplus of $1.19 trillion (£890bn) in 2025, the first time the country’s surplus has exceeded the $1tn mark. The …

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USD/CHF Price Forecast: US Dollar is looking for direction above 0.7955

USD/CHF Price Forecast: US Dollar is looking for direction above 0.7955

The US Dollar has found support at 0.7955, after retreating from highs near 0.8020 against the Swiss Franc on Monday. Recent price action keeps the upside trend from late December lows in play, although technical indicators show a weakening momentum. The pair’s bearish pressure stemming from the escalation of the conflict between the US government and the Federal Reserve (Fed) …

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Gold hits record as investors seek shelter from Trump’s war on the Fed

Gold hits record as investors seek shelter from Trump’s war on the Fed

Donald Trump’s escalating confrontation with the US central bank has sent shockwaves through global markets, driving gold to a fresh all-time high as investors sought refuge from mounting political risk in the world’s largest economy. Gold surged to around $4,600 an ounce on Monday, while silver moved close to record territory, as fears grew over political interference in the independence …

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Starmer drops compulsory digital ID plan in 13th major U-turn

Starmer drops compulsory digital ID plan in 13th major U-turn

Keir Starmer has abandoned plans to make digital IDs mandatory for workers, marking the 13th significant U-turn of his premiership and a quiet retreat from one of Labour’s most controversial post-election policies. The digital ID scheme, originally pitched as a central plank of Labour’s crackdown on illegal working and migration, will now be optional when introduced in 2029. Workers will …

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Mass protests in Iran quiet after two weeks of violence

Mass protests in Iran quiet after two weeks of violence

The wave of violent protests that had been ongoing in Iran for the past two weeks has come to an end. According to reports, after the protests subsided, the situation in Iran has begun returning to normal. International phone calls have been restored; however, internet services remain suspended. The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 2,500, activists …

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Burger King’s $350M China Joint Venture Draws Armistice Capital, Other Institutional Investors

Burger King’s 0M China Joint Venture Draws Armistice Capital, Other Institutional Investors

Restaurant Brands International announced a joint venture with Chinese alternative asset manager CPE in November 2025, setting a target to grow Burger King’s presence in China from roughly 1,250 locations to above 4,000 within the next decade. The Toronto-based quick-service restaurant operator reported third-quarter 2025 revenue of $2.45 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of $2.40 billion, driven by international expansion and …

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The Role of Legal Tech in Enhancing Transparency for In-House Counsel and External Firms

The Role of Legal Tech in Enhancing Transparency for In-House Counsel and External Firms

The legal landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven in large part by advancements in technology. For in-house counsel and external law firms, technology offers a powerful tool to streamline operations, increase efficiency, and, perhaps most importantly, enhance transparency. Legal technology, particularly contract management software and document automation tools, is enabling legal teams to break down silos, improve …

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