FTSE 100 today: Shares lower, pound slips below $1.36, GDP figures disappoint

Legendary Entertainment, the powerhouse behind hits like Dune and Godzilla, is reportedly considering a takeover of Lionsgate Studios, the company known for franchises like The Hunger Games and John Wick. If this deal goes through, it could shake up Hollywood by merging two major players with deep libraries of popular films and TV shows.

Editor’s Note: Big studio mergers are always a big deal because they reshape who controls what in Hollywood—which movies get made, who gets hired, and how streaming wars play out. If Legendary scoops up Lionsgate, it could mean more crossover between their blockbuster franchises or even fewer mid-budget films as consolidation tightens. For fans, it might mean more John Wick meets Godzilla speculation, but for industry workers, it could signal more layoffs or restructuring. Either way, it’s a move worth watching.

Shareholders of Lifeway Foods, the company behind popular kefir products, are pushing forward with a consent solicitation—a formal request to take action without a full shareholder meeting—amid an ongoing disagreement with the company’s board. This suggests growing tension between investors and leadership over how the business is being run.

Editor’s Note: When shareholders and a company’s board clash, it often signals deeper issues—whether it’s about strategy, financial performance, or leadership decisions. For a well-known brand like Lifeway, this kind of public dispute could unsettle investors and customers alike, especially if it drags on or escalates. It’s a reminder that even niche food companies aren’t immune to corporate drama.

Several countries have temporarily banned imports of Brazilian chicken due to recent bird flu outbreaks in the country. Brazil, a major global poultry exporter, is facing trade disruptions as nations like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia impose restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus. While Brazil insists its chicken products remain safe, importers are playing it safe—potentially driving up prices or shifting demand elsewhere.

Editor’s Note: Bird flu doesn’t just ruffle feathers—it shakes up global markets. Brazil supplies nearly 40% of the world’s chicken exports, so these bans could ripple through supermarket prices and supply chains. For consumers, it might mean pricier chicken nuggets; for farmers, lost revenue. It’s a reminder of how quickly disease can scramble international trade.

Elon Musk's AI venture, xAI, is reportedly gearing up for another funding round that could value the company at a staggering $200 billion, according to the Financial Times. If successful, this would place xAI among the world's most valuable tech firms, signaling massive investor confidence in its potential—or at least in Musk's vision.

Editor’s Note: A $200 billion valuation would put xAI in the same league as giants like Google and Amazon, underscoring just how hot (and expensive) the AI race has become. Whether this reflects genuine technological promise or just hype around Musk’s brand is up for debate, but either way, it’s a sign that AI’s financial gold rush is far from over. For startups and investors, it’s a benchmark; for skeptics, it’s a reality check on how much money is flooding into AI—for better or worse.

Alberta and the federal government are teaming up to invest $203 million in affordable housing, funding 25 projects across the province. The money will create over 2,300 new units, including student housing in Edmonton and shelters for Calgary’s homeless population.

Editor’s Note: This is a big deal because Alberta’s housing crisis has been squeezing renters and vulnerable groups for years. More units mean more people—students, low-income families, and those experiencing homelessness—will have a safer, more stable place to live. It’s a step toward easing the pressure, though the real test will be how quickly these projects get built and who gets access.