Investments and Business

Auction sales fall 6% in the first half, raising fears of an art market shift

Art market at risk as auction sales fall 6% in the first six months

Income from auctions dropped about 6% in the first half of the year relative to the identical timeframe last year, leading to renewed worries regarding the robustness of the global art market. This happens alongside a more extensive downturn in fine-art transactions, indicating a change in collector habits and putting conventional business models to the test.Although leading institutions such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips maintained their dominance, their total sum decreased to slightly below $4 billion in the first half of 2025. The central aspect of their operations, fine-art auctions, declined by around 10%. This indicates a market that is…
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Crypto kidnapping: How armed gangs are hunting the internet's high rollers

Crypto kidnapping: Armed gangs on the trail of crypto-rich targets

In today’s digital economy, cryptocurrencies have created a new class of millionaires. But this digital wealth has also attracted a dangerous kind of attention — not from hackers, but from armed criminals. These groups are now targeting individuals known to hold significant crypto assets, leading to a troubling rise in what has become known as “crypto kidnappings.”A different type of objectiveUnlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets can sometimes be accessed from any device — and in many cases, they are not protected by the same safeguards as financial institutions. For criminals, this presents a unique opportunity. All they need is…
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There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

Navigating Tariff Strategy: Market Reactions if Trump Misses the Sweet Spot

As discussions about potential economic policy in a second Trump presidency gain momentum, one issue resurfaces with renewed significance: tariffs. While some level of trade protectionism may appeal to certain voter bases and align with broader political goals, the financial markets tend to respond delicately to such measures. There appears to be a threshold — a “sweet spot” — for tariffs, beyond which investor confidence could falter and economic stability may be jeopardized.Donald Trump has consistently championed tariffs as a tool to rebalance international trade and bolster American manufacturing. During his first term, his administration imposed levies on hundreds of…
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Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback

Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback

Intel Corporation has initiated a major restructuring effort that includes reducing its global workforce by approximately 15%. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to regain momentum in a highly competitive semiconductor industry, where the company has faced increasing pressure from rivals and shifting technological demands.The job cuts, affecting thousands of positions across multiple departments, reflect Intel’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and refocus resources on key areas that align with its long-term growth objectives. According to company sources, the reductions are not limited to a specific region or function but are instead distributed across several…
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There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

Tariff sweet spot: How markets might revolt if Trump goes too far

As discussions about potential economic policy in a second Trump presidency gain momentum, one issue resurfaces with renewed significance: tariffs. While some level of trade protectionism may appeal to certain voter bases and align with broader political goals, the financial markets tend to respond delicately to such measures. There appears to be a threshold — a “sweet spot” — for tariffs, beyond which investor confidence could falter and economic stability may be jeopardized.Donald Trump has consistently championed tariffs as a tool to rebalance international trade and bolster American manufacturing. During his first term, his administration imposed levies on hundreds of…
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Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback

Intel slashes 15% of workforce aiming for a comeback

Intel Corporation has initiated a major restructuring effort that includes reducing its global workforce by approximately 15%. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to regain momentum in a highly competitive semiconductor industry, where the company has faced increasing pressure from rivals and shifting technological demands.The job cuts, affecting thousands of positions across multiple departments, reflect Intel’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and refocus resources on key areas that align with its long-term growth objectives. According to company sources, the reductions are not limited to a specific region or function but are instead distributed across several…
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There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

As discussions about potential economic policy in a second Trump presidency gain momentum, one issue resurfaces with renewed significance: tariffs. While some level of trade protectionism may appeal to certain voter bases and align with broader political goals, the financial markets tend to respond delicately to such measures. There appears to be a threshold — a “sweet spot” — for tariffs, beyond which investor confidence could falter and economic stability may be jeopardized.Donald Trump has consistently championed tariffs as a tool to rebalance international trade and bolster American manufacturing. During his first term, his administration imposed levies on hundreds of…
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Intel cuts 15% of its staff as it pushes to make a comeback

Intel announces 15% staff reduction to fuel comeback

Intel Corporation has initiated a major restructuring effort that includes reducing its global workforce by approximately 15%. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to regain momentum in a highly competitive semiconductor industry, where the company has faced increasing pressure from rivals and shifting technological demands.The reductions in personnel, impacting numerous roles in various divisions, demonstrate Intel's continuous initiatives to optimize operations, boost effectiveness, and redirect resources to critical sectors that align with its strategic growth goals. As per company insiders, these cutbacks are spread across multiple sectors rather than being confined to a particular area or role,…
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There’s a sweet spot for tariffs. Markets could revolt if Trump is way off

Could a tariff misstep by Trump spark market turmoil?

As discussions about potential economic policy in a second Trump presidency gain momentum, one issue resurfaces with renewed significance: tariffs. While some level of trade protectionism may appeal to certain voter bases and align with broader political goals, the financial markets tend to respond delicately to such measures. There appears to be a threshold — a “sweet spot” — for tariffs, beyond which investor confidence could falter and economic stability may be jeopardized.Donald Trump has persistently advocated for tariffs to adjust global trade and strengthen manufacturing in the United States. Throughout his initial term, his government enacted duties on imports…
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