Oil rises as draw in US crude stocks signals firm demand

Inflation in Tokyo cooled off a bit in June, but prices are still climbing faster than the Bank of Japan would like. Even though the rate dipped, it’s stubbornly staying above the central bank’s 2% target, putting policymakers in a tricky spot—they can’t ignore the pressure, but they also don’t want to overcorrect.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Tokyo shoppers feeling the pinch—it’s a sign of how hard it is to tame inflation without wrecking economic growth. The Bank of Japan’s stuck between keeping prices stable and not choking off recovery, and their next move could ripple through everything from your grocery bill to global markets.

Hong Kong is doubling down on its push to become a major player in the crypto world, releasing an updated policy plan to boost stablecoins and digital asset innovation. This comes as competition heats up globally—especially with the US also making big crypto moves under the Trump administration.

Editor’s Note: Hong Kong’s latest move signals it’s serious about attracting crypto businesses and staying ahead in the fast-evolving digital finance race. With the US and others also vying for dominance, this could reshape where major crypto projects and investments flow in the coming years—making it a key development for investors and the industry.

Donald Trump claims the US and China have officially signed a trade truce, signaling a potential pause in their long-running economic conflict. The deal reportedly came after backchannel talks in London and Geneva, though details remain scarce. If true, it could ease tensions in a trade war that’s rattled global markets for years—but skeptics will want to see the fine print before calling it a win.

Editor’s Note: Trade wars are messy, expensive, and unpredictable—so even a shaky truce is better than nothing. This story matters because US-China tensions don’t just affect those two countries; they ripple through supply chains, stock prices, and your wallet. But until we know what’s actually in this deal (and whether it holds), it’s wise to stay cautiously optimistic.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari is sounding the alarm about potential inflation spikes if tariffs on imports stick around. He’s not hitting the panic button yet—he also pointed out that the job market is still holding up strong—but he’s clearly wary of tariffs making everyday goods pricier for consumers.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs might seem like abstract policy moves, but Kashkari’s warning is a reminder that they could hit wallets hard if they stick around. At the same time, his nod to the labor market suggests the economy isn’t on shaky ground—yet. It’s a heads-up for anyone watching prices at the grocery store or wondering if their job’s secure.

Nike is shifting some of its production out of China to avoid the sting of U.S. tariffs, a move that sent its stock price climbing. The company hasn’t ditched China entirely—it’s still a major manufacturing hub for them—but they’re clearly hedging their bets to keep costs down. Investors seem to like the strategy, at least for now.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs are expensive, and big companies like Nike aren’t just going to eat those costs—they’ll adjust their game plan. This signals how global trade tensions force even the biggest brands to rethink supply chains. For shoppers, it might mean fewer price hikes on sneakers, but it’s also a reminder that the U.S.-China economic tug-of-war isn’t going away.