Japan's markets brace for election impact on JGBs, yen

The Dow took a hit today, but there’s a small silver lining—consumer sentiment inched up slightly. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller, a vocal advocate for rate cuts as early as July, casually mentioned he’d be open to taking the Fed chair job if it came his way. Markets are still jittery, but Waller’s comments add an interesting twist to the rate-cut debate.

Editor’s Note: Investors are stuck in a tug-of-war between mixed economic signals—weak market performance vs. slightly happier consumers—while Fed officials like Waller keep speculation alive about future rate cuts. His offhand remark about the top job also hints at potential shifts in leadership down the line, which could shape policy. Basically, it’s another day of "wait and see" for anyone with money in the game.

Senator Ron Wyden isn't dropping the Jeffrey Epstein scandal anytime soon. The Democratic lawmaker is pushing for more transparency, demanding answers about Epstein's connections and how his crimes went unchecked for so long. While others might have moved on, Wyden's persistence keeps the spotlight on accountability—especially for powerful figures who may have enabled Epstein.

Editor’s Note: Epstein's case isn't just about one man—it's about the systems that protected him. Wyden's doggedness matters because it challenges the usual "look away" approach to scandals involving the wealthy and well-connected. If more officials followed his lead, it might actually force some uncomfortable truths into the open.

Former President Trump’s public feud with Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, has unexpectedly dragged a wonky, low-profile planning board—the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation—into the spotlight. The board, which usually deals with obscure regulatory reviews, found itself caught in the crossfire as Trump accused Powell of manipulating interest rates for political gain. Now, critics and supporters alike are scrutinizing the board’s role and influence, raising questions about how much power these quiet bureaucratic bodies really hold.

Editor’s Note: Most people have never heard of this advisory board, but Trump’s spat with Powell shows how even niche government agencies can get pulled into bigger political battles. It’s a reminder that behind-the-scenes players—often ignored—can suddenly become central to debates about power, accountability, and who’s really calling the shots in Washington.

Chevron has officially closed its massive $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp, despite ExxonMobil's last-ditch effort to block the deal over disputed oil assets in Guyana. An arbitration panel sided with Chevron, clearing the way for the merger and ending a high-stakes corporate showdown.

Editor’s Note: This deal is a big win for Chevron, giving it a stronger foothold in Guyana’s booming oil fields—one of the hottest energy plays right now. Exxon’s failed challenge shows how fiercely companies are fighting over these resources, but the ruling keeps consolidation in the oil industry rolling. For investors, it’s a sign that even legal roadblocks might not stop major deals when the prize is this lucrative.

Kevin O’Leary, the blunt-talking investor from Shark Tank, is sounding the alarm for Gen Z about consulting jobs—calling them a career trap that could leave you "unemployable for life." He claims even two years in the field turns you into "tainted meat" in the eyes of future employers, framing it as a slow slide into professional ruin.

Editor’s Note: O’Leary’s harsh take taps into broader anxieties about early-career choices and employability. Whether you agree or not, his warning highlights how certain industries (like consulting) can pigeonhole workers—a real concern for young professionals navigating a shaky job market. It’s also classic O’Leary: hyperbolic, but designed to spark debate.