European stocks fall sharply on Middle East tensions; Fed starts meeting

President Trump is set to give TikTok another temporary pass from a potential U.S. ban by signing an executive order this week. This move buys the popular video app more time to restructure its ownership—something the administration has demanded but keeps delaying enforcement on. It’s the latest in a series of unexpected reprieves for TikTok, which has been caught in the middle of U.S.-China tensions.

Editor’s Note: TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has been a rollercoaster, with Trump alternately threatening a ban and then backing off. This extension suggests the administration still hasn’t settled on a clear path—whether it’s forcing a sale to an American company (like the stalled Oracle-Walmart deal) or just kicking the can down the road. For users and creators, it means business as usual for now, but the long-term uncertainty isn’t going away.

China is repurposing abandoned coal mines into solar power farms, a move that could help tackle the country's oversupply of solar panels while boosting renewable energy efforts. According to a report by Global Energy Monitor, this trend is gaining global traction, with 15 countries rapidly converting old mining sites into solar projects in recent years.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cleaning up old industrial scars—it’s a clever two-for-one deal. By turning defunct mines into solar hubs, China could ease pressure on its struggling solar manufacturers (who’ve been pumping out more panels than the world can absorb) while speeding up its shift away from coal. It’s a practical example of how the energy transition can solve multiple problems at once. Plus, if other countries follow suit, it could give a much-needed jolt to global solar adoption.

An American investor, Steven Wood, is pushing for a board seat at Swatch Group, arguing that the company’s luxury watch brands could be performing even better. But the founding family, who control the company, aren’t having it—they’re sticking to their long-held vision. It’s a classic clash between an outsider pushing for change and insiders who prefer tradition.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a squabble over board seats—it’s a tension between old-school family control and modern shareholder activism. Swatch is a giant in the watch world, so how this plays out could signal whether legacy brands can resist outside pressure or if investors will start calling more shots. For luxury watch fans, it might mean changes (or not) to how their favorite timepieces are made and sold.

Despite being the tiniest nation in Southeast Asia, Singapore's companies punched way above their weight—generating a whopping $637 billion in revenue, which accounted for roughly a third of the entire Southeast Asia 500 list. That’s like a small but mighty athlete outrunning all the bigger competitors.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a fun fact—it shows how Singapore, despite its size, has become an economic powerhouse in the region. It’s a testament to its business-friendly policies, global connectivity, and the sheer scale of its corporate players. For investors and neighboring economies, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest players pack the biggest punch.

Canada's TC Energy just scored a legal win, overturning a $199 million damages ruling tied to its acquisition of Columbia Pipeline Group. A Delaware court sided with the company on appeal, wiping out the hefty penalty that had been hanging over the deal.

Editor’s Note: Big corporate takeovers often come with messy legal battles, and this ruling is a major relief for TC Energy. It not only saves them a chunk of cash but also sets a precedent for how similar disputes might play out in the future. For investors and energy sector watchers, it’s a sign that even high-stakes deals can get a second look in court.