UK start-up Barocal wins US$1 million TERA-Award for green energy innovation

This article digs into why the Federal Reserve's independence—its ability to make decisions free from political pressure—might already be compromised, even if it isn't obvious yet. It explains why that freedom matters for things like inflation control and economic stability, and hints at the long-term risks if politicians keep chipping away at it.

Editor’s Note: The Fed’s independence is like an invisible shield that keeps short-term politics from messing with interest rates and inflation. If that shield cracks, it could mean more economic chaos down the road—higher prices, wild market swings, or even a loss of global trust in the U.S. economy. It’s one of those slow-burn problems that doesn’t make headlines until it’s too late.

Japan's long-term government bond yields are climbing, signaling deeper concerns than just inflation. Investors seem increasingly jittery about the country's economic future—whether it's doubts about growth, debt sustainability, or broader global instability creeping in.

Editor’s Note: When bond yields rise, it usually means investors want higher returns for the risk they're taking—and in Japan's case, that risk isn't just about prices going up. It hints at bigger questions: Can Japan manage its massive debt? Will its economy stay stuck in low gear? For global markets, this matters because Japan's bond market is enormous, and any major shift could ripple worldwide.

At just 33, Zohran Mamdani has pulled off a political stunner by clinching the Democratic mayoral nomination in New York. His progressive platform—packed with bold ideas like taxing the wealthy and expanding social programs—has electrified his base, rattled opponents, and sent shivers through the city’s elite. Whether you love him or loathe him, his rise signals a shift in the city’s political winds.

Editor’s Note: Mamdani’s win isn’t just about one candidate—it’s a litmus test for how far left New York’s electorate is willing to swing. If his policies gain traction, they could reshape everything from housing to taxes, making this a story to watch for anyone who cares about power, inequality, or the future of America’s biggest city.

This podcast episode dives into how President Trump and his administration have taken public criticism of the Federal Reserve to unprecedented heights—far beyond the usual behind-the-scenes pressure past presidents have applied. Unlike traditional quiet lobbying for rate cuts, Trump’s team has openly attacked Fed Chair Jerome Powell, even dragging in unrelated issues like office renovation costs. The discussion suggests this relentless pressure might have already undermined the Fed’s perceived independence, regardless of future policy decisions.

Editor’s Note: Central banks thrive on credibility, and when politicians aggressively meddle, it rattles markets and erodes trust in economic stability. This isn’t just about interest rates—it’s about whether the Fed can act free from political theater, which matters for everything from your mortgage to your 401(k). The podcast hints we may be seeing lasting damage, not just temporary noise.

A top Morgan Stanley banker, David Wraight, just dropped a cool $18.8 million on two swanky Hong Kong apartments in Wong Chuk Hang’s Deep Water Pavilia. The units, totaling over 3,200 square feet, were snapped up at what seems to be a discount—part of a trend where wealthy financiers are scooping up high-end real estate deals in the city.

Editor’s Note: While this might seem like just another rich-person property purchase, it’s actually a sign of how global investors are still betting big on Hong Kong’s luxury housing market, even as prices soften. For locals, it’s a reminder that deep-pocketed buyers are always ready to pounce when opportunities arise—keeping the city’s notoriously expensive real estate scene competitive.