Oil prices gain for fourth day on supply fears from Trump tariff threats

Wall Street started the day in the red as investors reacted to disappointing job growth numbers and ongoing concerns over Trump's trade tariffs. The U.S. added only 73,000 jobs in July, and previous months' job figures were revised downward by 258,000. Meanwhile, tensions between Trump and the Federal Reserve are escalating, adding to market uncertainty.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights how political and economic pressures—like trade wars and weak job growth—can shake investor confidence and drag down markets. For everyday people, it’s a reminder that these big-picture issues can eventually trickle down to things like job opportunities, stock portfolios, and even prices at the store.

The UK government has announced that civil service internships will now be reserved exclusively for students from poorer families, as part of an effort to make Whitehall (the heart of British government) more representative of the working class.

Editor’s Note: This move aims to level the playing field by giving underprivileged students a foot in the door of government careers, where connections and privilege often dominate. It’s a step toward diversifying the civil service, but critics might argue it excludes middle-class applicants who also face financial struggles. Either way, it signals a shift in who gets access to power.

Microsoft has suddenly discontinued a widely used digital service, leaving customers concerned about potentially losing access to content they've purchased.

Editor’s Note: If you've bought digital movies, games, or other content through Microsoft, this could directly affect you. Sudden shutdowns like this raise questions about ownership in the digital age—do we really "own" what we pay for if a company can take it away? It’s a reminder to back up important digital purchases when possible.

Switzerland is caught off guard by the U.S. government's decision to increase tariffs on certain Swiss goods, and officials are now pushing for diplomatic talks to resolve the issue. The move could hurt Swiss exporters, and the country hopes to avoid a prolonged trade dispute.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because sudden tariff hikes can strain international trade relationships and hurt businesses on both sides. Switzerland, known for its precision exports like watches and machinery, now faces higher costs to sell to the U.S., which could lead to higher prices for consumers or lost sales. The push for negotiations shows how even stable economies can be rattled by abrupt policy changes.

Insurance brokerage firm Arthur J. Gallagher reported an increase in quarterly profits, driven by higher commissions and fees from its services. The company's financial performance reflects strong demand for its offerings in a competitive market.

Editor’s Note: This matters because it signals resilience and growth in the insurance sector, suggesting that businesses and individuals are actively seeking risk management solutions—a positive indicator for both the industry and the broader economy.