President Trump announced the US will bring back a wide range of tariffs—some as high as 70%—that had been temporarily paused during trade negotiations. This move signals a tougher stance on trade deals and could impact prices for consumers and businesses.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs are taxes on imports, and when they go up, it often means higher costs for goods—everything from electronics to groceries. This decision could escalate trade tensions, affecting both everyday shoppers and global markets. If other countries retaliate with their own tariffs, it might slow down international trade even more. Basically, brace for potential price hikes and economic ripple effects.

Russia's central bank just reported that its international reserves—think of it as the country's financial safety net—have reached a record high, growing by almost $10 billion in under a month. This stash includes foreign currencies and gold, acting as a buffer against economic shocks.

Editor’s Note: While this might sound like dry financial news, it’s a big deal because it shows Russia’s ability to weather sanctions and global instability. For critics, it raises questions about how effective Western sanctions have been; for supporters, it’s proof of resilience. Either way, it’s a signal that Russia’s economy isn’t on the brink—at least not yet.

The Bank of England is reportedly considering a major redesign of British pound banknotes, swapping out historical figures for imagery that emphasizes diversity and inclusion. While some see this as a progressive step, others worry it erases national heritage. The debate reflects broader cultural tensions over how history and identity are represented in public symbols.

A top German industry leader is sounding the alarm, warning that Europe’s heavy dependence on China for critical raw materials—like lithium for batteries—could turn the EU into little more than a "province of China." The CEO of AMG Lithium argues this reliance is weakening Europe’s industrial independence, leaving it vulnerable to geopolitical shifts.

The US dollar is having its roughest year in over five decades, plummeting more than 10% in value since January 2025. The New York Times reports that this slump—the worst since 1973—is being driven by a mix of factors, including former President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies and ballooning US deficits. Essentially, the world’s go-to currency is losing its muscle, and that’s raising eyebrows everywhere from Wall Street to Main Street.