Latest News
-
Motorbike killers kill two top aides of Mexico City Mayor
On Tuesday, two top aides to Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada died after being shot by gunmen riding a motorcycle in an attack during the daytime in the city centre. According to a city statement, the victims were Ximena Gzman, the private secretary of the mayor, and Jose Munoz a Brugada adviser. An official with the federal prosecutor’s office confirmed that initial reports suggested Guzman was driving to work when she stopped in a busy street of downtown Mexico City to pick her colleague up. Munoz was shot in the street by two motorbike riders. Guzman was killed by the attackers who fired four shots into her vehicle. The motive of the attack has not been revealed by authorities, but security experts believe it was a crime-related hit. Assassinations in Mexico's capital have shocked the city, which is widely seen as a place of relative safety amid a violent country. In many parts of Mexico political violence is common. Scores of local politicians have been killed in assassinations usually tied to drug cartels trying to exert their influence. Brugada, visibly upset by the death of Ximena (Jose) and Pepe, with whom she had shared many dreams and struggles for years. She thanked Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, and her cabinet, for their support and co-operation since the attack. Sheinbaum was a former Mexico City mayor. Sheinbaum stated, "It's a terrible incident and we will give the mayor all the help he needs." Brugada said that those responsible for the murder would not be left unpunished. A government official in Mexico City said that she was not in her car at the time of the attack. Local media published photos of a black Audi that had four bullet holes on the front windshield and a sheet covering a body. Another body was covered by a white sheet. Police taped the area off so that forensic experts could examine the scene. David Saucedo is a specialist in public security. He said that the message was sent by drug traffickers to Clara. He said that groups affected by drug seizures had previously attacked the authorities of the capital. Omar Garcia Harfuch was wounded in 2020, when he was the chief of police for Mexico City. He is now the minister for federal security. Two of his bodyguards were also killed. He blamed the Jalisco Cartel, one of the most powerful drug cartels in the country, for the attack.
-
James Hardie's annual profit for fibre cement fell by 9%
James Hardie Industries (the world's biggest fibre cement manufacturer) reported a 9% decline in annual profits on Wednesday. This was due to a poorer performance in its Asia Pacific division, coupled with a slight drop in North American net sales. James Hardie, based in Dublin, saw its annual net sales drop by 1% as lower volumes in North America & Asia Pacific offset gains in average selling prices in all three regions. North American fibre cement sales fell 1% in the past year as a 3% decline in volume due to market weakness overshadowed gains from an annual price increase. James Hardie has reported an adjusted annual net income of $644.33 million. This is up from $707.5 millions a year earlier and above its forecast for the full year of at least 635 million. The estimate was slightly higher than the Visible Alpha consensus of $643.66 million. The company has not provided an adjusted net profit outlook for fiscal year 2026. However, it said that its adjusted total earnings before interest taxes, depreciation, and amortization will be up in the low single-digits by next year. The company stated that "more recent macroeconomic uncertainty may have further impacted the cost of construction, and weighed on consumer sentiment. This could influence demand."
-
Iran and the U.S. face each other without a Plan B when nuclear redlines collide
Three Iranian sources stated on Tuesday that the clerical leaders lack a clear plan in case efforts to settle a decades-long conflict fail. Sources said that if negotiations fail due to clashing redlines, Iran could turn to China or Russia as "Plan B". However, with Beijing engaged in a trade war with Washington, and Moscow's war in Ukraine distracting it, Tehran's back-up plan seems shaky. "Plan B" is to continue with the strategy prior to the start of the talks. Iran will not escalate tensions and is prepared to defend itself, a senior Iranian official stated. The strategy includes strengthening relations with allies such as Russia and China. Ayatollah Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, rejected the U.S. demand to stop uranium enrichment on Tuesday as "excessive" and "outrageous", warning that talks would not produce results. Multiple obstacles remain after four rounds of negotiations aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran will not ship its entire stockpile of highly enriched Uranium abroad, or even engage in talks about its ballistic missile program. This is according to two Iranian officials and an European diplomat. A lack of trust between the two sides, and Donald Trump's decision in 2015 to withdraw from an accord with major world powers, has made it more important for Iran to get guarantees that Washington won't renege on any future agreement. Iran's clerical leadership is facing a number of challenges - including energy and water shortages; a falling currency; military losses in the region and fears that Israel will attack its nuclear sites. These are all made worse by Trump's policies. The sources stated that with Trump's rapid revival of his "maximum-pressure" campaign against Tehran, which includes tightened sanctions, military threats and other measures, Iran's leaders "have no better option" but to sign a new agreement in order to avoid economic chaos at home, which could threaten their rule. The Islamic Republic has been exposed to anger by the public after protests against social repression, economic hardship and harsh crackdowns. Iran's economy will not recover without lifting the sanctions that prevent free oil sales, and allowing access to funds. The second official said, as did others, due to the sensitive nature of this issue. The Iranian Foreign Ministry was not available to comment immediately. A THORNY TRAIL Wendy Sherman, former U.S. The former U.S. Undersecretary of Political Affairs, who led the U.S. negotiation team that achieved the 2015 agreement between Tehran and six major world powers, stated that it was impossible to persuade Tehran to "dismantle their nuclear programme and to give up on their enrichment despite that being ideal". She said: "That means that they will reach an impasse and that we could face war. I don't believe, quite frankly that President Trump is looking forward to that because he campaigned for a peace-oriented president." Even if the enrichment dispute narrows, lifting of sanctions is still fraught. The U.S. favors gradual removal of nuclear-related restrictions, while Tehran insists on immediate removal. Since 2018, sanctions have been imposed on dozens of Iranian institutions that are vital to the country's economy. These include its central bank, national oil company and other important Iranian institutions. Sherman, when asked what Iran would do if the talks failed, said that Tehran "would continue to circumvent sanctions, and sell oil primarily to China, India, and perhaps others". China has been Iran's main oil buyer, despite sanctions. This has helped to stave off the economic collapse. However, Trump's increased pressure on Chinese trade companies and tankers could threaten these exports. Analysts warn of the limits to China and Russia's assistance. China may insist on lower prices for Iranian oil as the global demand for oil weakens. Beijing and Moscow cannot protect Iran from unilateral U.S. or EU sanctions if talks fail - something both Tehran and Washington are hoping to avoid. France, Britain, and Germany have warned that they will reimpose U.N. Sanctions if a deal is not reached quickly, despite the fact that they are not involved in the U.S. Iran talks. According to the U.N. Resolution on the 2015 Nuclear Pact, the E3 has until October 18th to activate the "snapback" mechanism before the resolution expires. Diplomats and an E3 document that was seen by may have to do this if a deal is not reached by August. Diplomats warn getting a deal by then will mean, at best, a political framework similar to 2013 where both sides make some immediate concessions, giving time for more detailed negotiations. A senior European official stated that "there is no reason" to believe it would take less time in comparison with the 18-month period of 2013. This is especially true when you consider the fact that the parameters and geopolitical environment are more complex now. (Written by Parisa hafezi and John Irish, edited by Stephen Coates).
-
Investors weigh US fiscal concerns as stocks fall and Treasury yields rise
On Tuesday, major stock indexes declined while yields on longer-dated U.S. Treasury bonds increased. Investors were focused on U.S. financial concerns as Congress discussed a bill to cut taxes. The S&P 500 Snapped a six-day Streak of gains The U.S. president Donald Trump tried to get his fellow Republicans to support the bill. However, he struggled to persuade a few holdouts. This package would, among other things, extend his 2017 tax cuts. Investors are concerned that the bill could lead to a higher budget deficit in the United States than expected. Moody's Investors Service lowered the U.S. Credit Rating late Friday night, causing investors to worry about the debt burden of the country. "With the Republican Bill still in the air, it's just enough to make people a bit more cautious, and maybe use this recent rally to trim a bit of their portfolio," said Rick Meckler. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 114.83 or 0.27% to 42,677.24. The S&P500 fell 23.14 points or 0.39% to 5,940.46 while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 72.75 points or 0.38% to 19,142.71. Meckler added that investors are also reevaluating the recent rally, and taking into consideration the possible fallout of the changes in U.S. Tariff Policy. Home Depot shares closed down 0.6% despite the fact that Wall Street expectations for first-quarter revenue were exceeded. The MSCI index of global stocks fell by 0.77 points or 0.09% to 816.72. European stocks closed at nine-week highs with telecom and utilities companies leading the gains. The pan-European STOXX 600 rose by 0.73%. The yields on longer-dated U.S. Treasury bonds have risen amid U.S. financial concerns. The 10-year benchmark yield in the United States rose by 0.2 basis points, to 4.477%. The 30-year bond rate rose 2.3 basis points to 4.965%. In intraday trading on Monday, it reached 5.037%, its highest level since November 2023. The yields of Japanese government bonds with a super-long maturity date reached all-time records on Tuesday. This was a result of a disappointing auction of securities with a 20-year maturity. The Japanese yield on the 20-year bond jumped up to 15 basis points, reaching 2.555%. This is its highest level since 2000. And, for the 30-year bond, it reached a new record of 3.14%. Dollar fell again due to more cautious comments by Federal Reserve officials about the economy. Alberto Musalem, President of the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, said that despite recent ease in U.S. China trade tensions the labor market is likely to weaken, and prices are expected to rise. By the end of the year 2025, traders expect the Fed to cut rates by at least 25 basis points. The dollar dropped against the yen and reached a two-week low at 144.095 yen. It then traded down 0.2% to 144.495, slipping in five out of the six sessions. The Aussie Dollar was down last 0.6% to US$0.6416, after the Reserve Bank of Australia lowered benchmark interest rates by a further 25 basis points. In Canada, inflation eased in April to 1.7%, which was higher than the 1.6% economists expected. The oil price has remained stable amid the uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran talks and Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Brent futures fell 16 cents or 0.2% to settle at $65 a barrel. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI), which is a blend of U.S. West Texas Intermediate and West Texas Intermediate, dropped 13 cents or 0.2% to settle at $60.56. The dollar continued to weaken, and gold prices increased by more than 1%. Spot gold increased 1.86%, to $3288.96 per ounce.
-
US to declare Biden fuel efficiency rules beyond legal authority
Automakers said that the U.S. Transportation Department will declare that the fuel economy regulations issued by then-President Joe Biden, which included electric vehicles when setting the rules exceeded the legal authority of the government. Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary, said that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the Department submitted to the White House on Friday its interpretive rule "Resetting Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program". He said that the previous administration "illegally" used CAFE standards to impose a mandate for electric vehicles, which drove up car prices. The reduction in fuel efficiency requirements could be achieved by removing EVs as a factor for calculating credits and regulatory mandates. NHTSA announced in June that it will increase CAFE standards for light duty vehicles to approximately 50.4 miles per gallon (4.67 grams per 100 km) from 39.1 miles per gallon currently. Last year, 120 Republican legislators said that NHTSA overstepped its authority when it adopted fuel economy standards. "These standards effectively mandate EVs and at the same force the internal combustion engines out of the marketplace." The lawmakers stated that the agency "accounted EVs in their regulatory baseline and factored this baseline into their determination of maximum achievable CAFE Standards." House Republicans proposed last week to kill the EV credit and repeal fuel efficiency regulations designed to encourage automakers into producing more zero-emission cars as part of a broader tax reform bill. The federal law requires NHTSA set CAFE standards to the maximum possible level. The Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would begin the effort to reverse Biden's parallel vehicle emission rules, which would force automakers into building a growing number of EVs. However, the agency has not yet begun to rescind California’s legal authority to enforce its 2035 EV regulations. The EPA also plans to reconsider the rules that award credits for vehicles with "start-stop" technologies, which are found in about half of all new cars. NHTSA stated last year that the rule would cut gasoline consumption by 64 billion gallon and emissions by 659 millions metric tons. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson, Stephen Coates, Chris Reese and Aurora Ellis).
-
Analyst at Moody's says that Colombia's public debt is a risk to its sovereign rating.
A top Moody's Analyst said that if a planned fiscal consolidate in Colombia does not stabilize public debt or comply with fiscal rules it could result in a ratings reduction for the Andean country. Renzo Merino said that the Colombian economy will grow 2.5% in this year at an event organized by Moody's. Moody's has rated Colombia as Baa2. In June last year, it lowered the outlook of the country from "stable" to "negative", citing economic conditions which complicate fiscal management. Merino said that the main risk is that Colombia's credit policies may have been weakened. This could lead to a lower outlook. Moody's, he said, will reassess Colombia's sovereign credit rating once Colombia releases its medium-term budget framework in June. He said that it was important for the government to be transparent, and publish credible estimates. It is also important to show where adjustments will take place. Moody's has given Colombia a rating that is two notches higher than Fitch or S&P. Merino stated that the problem with Colombia was that it spent more relative to its income than it brought in. Merino added spending cuts had already been made, but they were not enough. Merino stated that the key question will be whether or not the new administration can reverse a decline in public finances. Analysts believe that the fiscal deficit target of 5,1% of Colombia's gross domestic product (GDP) is unlikely to be achieved. The central bank has slowed down the rate cuts due to the deterioration of Colombia's public finances. In April, the central banks reduced the rate to 9.25% by 25 basis points. Merino stated that the pressure on the country’s treasury meant limited margins to operate, and the government was forced to take high-cost debt. Nelson Bocanegra, Rafael Escalera Montoto and Aida Pelaez Fernandez edited the article.
-
Venezuelan minister: US detainee is handed to Trump's envoy at Antigua
In a Tuesday message, Venezuelan Information Minister Freddy Nazareth Nanez confirmed that a U.S. national who was detained in Venezuela had been handed over to Richard Grenell - an envoy for U.S. president Donald Trump - on the Caribbean Island of Antigua. Nanez provided the information when asked whether a post made by far-right U.S. activists Laura Loomer, in which they named the detained American Air Force veteran Joe St. Clair as well as stating that he was on his way to the United States along with Grenell, was true. "Correct," Nanez responded. The U.S. State Department and the White House did not respond immediately to a comment request. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday morning, citing an unnamed single source, that Grenell was in Antigua meeting with representatives of Nicolas Maduro to negotiate the release at least one U.S. prisoner. News outlet said that the U.S. would extend by 60 days the wind-down period for the license that allows U.S. Oil Company Chevron to work in the country. The license was due to expire on the 27th of May. Two sources confirmed that Grenell met with Jorge Rodriguez the head of Venezuela’s ruling party-allied parliament and offered Grenell the extension. Grenell would have to get approval from the U.S. Treasury Department as well as the State Department. Treasury did not respond immediately to a comment request about the potential extension. Grenell returned to the United States in January after meeting Maduro with six Americans who were held in Venezuela. Vivian Sequera reported from Caracas, and Marianna Pararaga reported from Houston. Additional reporting was provided by Daphne Psaledakis in Washington and Timothy Gardner. Julia Symmes Cobb wrote the article. Sandra Maler edited it.
-
Nippon Steel is still committed to a full U.S. Steel acquisition -executive
A senior executive from Japan's Nippon Steel said that the company is committed to acquiring a 100% stake in U.S. Steel. The company also wants to meet with U.S. Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent, to clarify Donald Trump's stance regarding the deal. The deadline is May 21 for the steelmakers to complete a new national security review of the proposed merger of $15 billion by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US. Former President Joe Biden had blocked the merger in January on national security grounds following an earlier review. Trump ordered the CFIUS in April to reassess this deal, which raised hopes for a reversal. In February, he had said that the deal would be an investment, not a purchase. Trump will decide on the fate of this transaction by June 5, according to expectations. Takahiro Muri, Nippon Steel's Vice Chairman and lead negotiator in the deal, said on Tuesday that "our intention to pursue a complete buyout remains unchanged." He said that only full ownership could allow Nippon Steel share its core technologies and strengthen U.S. Steel. Mori stated that "there is no such thing as free technology". He said Nippon Steel had requested a meeting Bessent, the chair of CFIUS to better understand Trump’s position before a final decision. According to three sources familiar with the situation, Nippon Steel has announced plans to invest up to $4 billion into a new steel mill if the Trump Administration approves its bid to acquire the iconic U.S. Steel company. Mori refused to comment on the details of the CFIUS discussions, but stated that any increase in investments would be linked to higher returns and wouldn't strain the company’s finances. Mori stated that the deal would make U.S. Steel stronger and United States more powerful, and it was "100% in line with Trump's policies" by increasing foreign investment and domestic production. Mori noted that President Trump would approve the plan if he fully understood (the strategic significance). He said that the majority of the board members of U.S. Steel will be Americans, and three independent directors, appointed by CFIUS (the U.S. Government), who are responsible for national security issues, will oversee trade and manufacturing capacity. (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi, Ritsuko Shimizu; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) The world's fourth largest steelmaker is expecting its net profit to drop by 43% during the fiscal year that ends March 2026. This will be due to the slump in global steel prices caused by China's overproduction and exports as well as impact of U.S. Tariffs. Reporting by Yuka obayashi and Ritsuko shimizu, Editing by Raju gopalakrishnan
Sources say that the Syrian leadership has approved the return of dead spy archives to Israel.
Three sources said that the Syrian leadership had approved the transfer of Eli Cohen's belongings to Israel to show goodwill towards Donald Trump and to reduce Israeli hostility.
Israel announced on Sunday that it had recovered the documents, photos and personal belongings of Cohen, claiming its spy agency Mossad worked with a foreign intelligence agency, which was not named, to obtain the material.
A Syrian security source, an advisor to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and a person who is familiar with the backchannel discussions between the two countries have all confirmed that the archive was actually offered to Israel by Sharaa in an indirect gesture to calm tensions and gain Trump's trust.
Cohen, who infiltrated Syria's political establishment in 1965 and was then hanged on a Damascus street, is still considered a hero by Israelis. He's Mossad’s most celebrated spy, having uncovered military secrets which helped the Mossad to win the Middle East war in 1967.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, described Cohen as "a legend" and the "greatest intelligence agent in state history".
Mossad hailed the return of the archive of his files held by Syrian intelligence for 60 years as "a moral achievement of the highest order".
Israel has not revealed publicly how it came to possess the archive, saying that the only way the archive was acquired was through "a complex and covert Mossad operation in collaboration with an allied Foreign Intelligence Service".
The White House, the office of Netanyahu and Syrian officials did not respond immediately to requests for comments on Syria's involvement in Israel's retrieval of the Cohen Archive.
COHEN DOSSIER
According to a Syrian security source, after rebels led Sharaa ousted President Bashar Al-Assad suddenly in December, ending the 54-year rule of his family, they discovered the Cohen dossier inside a building for state security.
Source: Sharaa, his foreign advisors and the other source quickly decided to use material as leverage.
According to a Syrian security source, Sharaa realised the importance of the Cohen archives to Israel and that their return would be a significant diplomatic act.
Sharaa must end Israeli attacks on Syria, and improve relations with the United States as well as other Western countries in order to rebuild his country that has been ravaged by civil war for 14 years.
Israel views Sharaa, his former insurgents and the al Qaeda group that once ruled Syria as unreconstructed jihadists. Israeli forces launched an incursion in border areas last summer and bombed multiple targets to support Syria's Druze minority sect.
This month, it was reported that the United Arab Emirates set up a secret channel for talks between Israel & Syria. The effort included building confidence between the two sides.
According to two sources familiar with the issue, there have been additional indirect channels of communication.
A person familiar with the talks has confirmed that Syria agreed in the talks to return the remains of Cohen and three Israeli soldiers who were killed in Lebanon fighting Syrian forces during the early 1980s. Israel announced last week that the body of Zvi Feldman was returned.
Sharaa approved the return of the Cohen archives directly and in context with the confidence-building measures, said the source.
Last week, Trump held a
surprise meeting
Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia. He urged him normalise relations with Israel and declared that he would
Lift sanctions
On Syria
Officials in Syria have stated that they wish to see peace in the entire region. Sharaa confirmed in this month's issue that Damascus has conducted indirect talks with Israel through states with which it is in contact in an effort to calm down the situation.
(source: Reuters)