Hong Kong stocks hit 3-month high on rate-cut hopes, bets on fund inflows

Brazil's booming wind and solar sectors are facing unexpected growing pains. Despite being a global leader in green energy, the industry is now struggling with tangled supply chains, expensive loans, and a lack of infrastructure to transport all that clean power. It’s a classic case of success outpacing preparation—like building a sports car but forgetting to pave the roads.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just Brazil’s problem—it’s a cautionary tale for the global energy transition. Even countries with abundant renewable resources can stumble if logistics and investment don’t keep up. For anyone tracking the shift to clean energy, it’s a reminder that political will and shiny tech aren’t enough; the boring stuff (like power lines and financing) matters just as much.

Gas prices are dropping just in time for summer road trips, which is a bit surprising given the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East that usually push prices up. Lower energy costs have also played a role in keeping inflation from spiraling out of control this year.

Editor’s Note: Cheaper gas is a win for drivers hitting the road this summer, and it’s helping ease some of the financial pressure on households. Even with global tensions that typically drive prices higher, the dip at the pump is a rare bit of good news for wallets—and might help keep broader inflation from flaring up again.

Energy expert Amrita Sen says Trump’s decision to let China keep buying Iranian oil won’t shake up the market much—it’s basically business as usual. The move avoids a supply shock but keeps tensions simmering in the background.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t a market bombshell, but it’s a reminder of how geopolitical games play out in oil trades. China gets a pass, Iran stays somewhat connected, and traders shrug because they saw it coming. For everyday folks? No sudden gas price spikes, but it shows how tangled global energy politics can be.

Households across the UK are collectively over £8 billion behind on their council tax payments, according to new figures. With council tax hikes on the horizon, campaigners are pushing for a rethink on how these bills are managed, arguing the current system is pushing many into deeper financial strain.

Editor’s Note: Council tax is a major expense for most households, and falling behind can lead to serious consequences like court action or bailiffs. This isn’t just about individual budgets—it’s a sign of how squeezed people are, especially with rising living costs. If millions are struggling to pay, it suggests bigger problems with affordability and local funding models. Campaigners want reforms, but until then, the debt pile keeps growing.

General Mills, the company behind brands like Cheerios and Betty Crocker, is bracing for a tougher year ahead. They’ve warned that their annual profits will likely fall short of expectations, blaming shaky consumer confidence and unpredictable economic conditions. Basically, people are tightening their belts, and that’s hitting the snack and grocery aisles harder than expected.

Editor’s Note: When a giant like General Mills signals trouble, it’s a sign of broader economic jitters. If folks are cutting back on cereal and yogurt, it hints at deeper spending pullbacks—something that could ripple across other food brands and even the stock market. Not exactly comforting news for investors or shoppers watching prices climb.