THREAD: markets shocked as cor data...

MYSTERIOUS DAMAGE to Swedish Data Cables Sparks International Concern

15 April 2025 — Sweden’s Accident Investigation Board released a report showing uncertainty about whether data cables were intentionally damaged in Swedish waters. Investigators faced limited access to information, leaving many questions unanswered.

The investigation was mainly led by Chinese authorities, with Sweden only observing. This setup has sparked concerns about the transparency and depth of the findings. Many wonder if all details have been revealed.

Swedish prosecutors can choose to continue their own independent investigation. The incident involved the Yi Peng 3, a bulk carrier that dragged its port anchor over 180 nautical miles in November 2024.

The situation raises alarms over international maritime safety and data security, urging Sweden to take decisive action for clarity and protection of its waters and infrastructure.

RUSSIAN MISSILE Strike: Ukraine Mourns as 34 Lives Lost

14 April 2025 — A RUSSIAN missile strike in Ukraine’s Sumy region has taken the lives of at least 34 people. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack, calling it terrorism and urging a strong international response. He asked the United States and European nations to take decisive action against Moscow.

This tragic event raises tensions amid ongoing ceasefire talks between Ukraine and Russia. Both countries have accused each other of breaking agreements meant to protect energy infrastructure, making diplomatic efforts more difficult.

Zelenskiy stressed the need for stronger diplomatic pressure on Russia during a CBS News interview, highlighting the urgency for global intervention in this escalating crisis.

TRUMP’S 104% China Tarifs Stun Global Markets

09 April 2025 — The UK and EU stock markets are feeling the pressure as President Trump’s tariffs, including a steep 104% on Chinese goods, take effect. EU trade commissioner Maroš Šef?ovi? announced that the EU will not retaliate against these U.S. tariffs, citing limited options for response. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested a “zero-for-zero” trade deal to the White House amid talks of an EU-US free trade zone by Trump adviser Elon Musk.

Concerns about the economic impact of these tariffs are growing in Europe. Patrick Martin, head of France’s Medef business lobby, warned that U.S. tariffs could harm France’s economic growth and possibly lead to a recession. Meanwhile, Wall Street has also taken a hit as hopes for tariff delays fade, with the S&P 500 dropping 1.6%.

Elon Musk has publicly criticized Trump adviser Peter Navarro over comments related to Tesla and the broader effects of U.S. tariffs on American businesses. In other business news unrelated to tariffs, a Chinese billionaire is looking to purchase multiple Hudson’s Bay locations in Canada due to an emotional connection with the brand and aims to prevent its financial collapse. Binding bids for these assets are expected by April 30th with lease offers due by May 1st.;

TRUMP’S Bold Trade Move Shakes Global Markets

03 April 2025 — Former President Donald Trump has signed orders for “reciprocal tariffs” aimed at countries with unfair trade practices. This plan is to protect American jobs by taxing goods from nations harming the U.S. economy. It’s a major shift in U.S. trade policy, affecting many imports.

Trump calls these tariffs vital to balance foreign advantages over American manufacturers, showing his focus on American workers and industries. This aligns with his re-election strategy, emphasizing economic nationalism as a key point. Supporters see it as reclaiming economic control, while critics warn of possible retaliatory tariffs and tense international relations.

Economists are split on the effects, worried about complicating U.S. trade further and raising consumer costs if other countries retaliate. The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across political lines, showing different views on its economic impact potential.

As Trump boosts his campaign efforts, this sweeping tariff policy will be watched closely by both domestic and international stakeholders for its effects on global trade dynamics and the future direction of the U.S economy’s path forward.

FOREIGN STUDENTS as Pawns: How Hamas Manipulates US Campuses

02 April 2025 — Al-Ketbi warns that foreign students are being manipulated by terrorist groups like Hamas, backed by Iran. His comments follow the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-born Columbia University graduate facing deportation for pro-Hamas activities. Khalil’s case highlights how extremist groups exploit U.S. immigration laws to infiltrate society.

Khalil is accused of being a Hamas sympathizer with anti-American views, linked to violent campus activities at Columbia University. Videos show him urging protesters to “destroy” and “explode the heads of Zionists.” Al-Ketbi warns this is part of a pattern where foreign students act as proxies for hostile regimes like Iran on American campuses.

Student groups such as Columbia University’s Apartheid Divest and Students for Justice in Palestine are cited as platforms spreading antisemitic or pro-terrorism discourse under humanitarian pretenses. Al-Ketbi emphasizes that these organizations often mask their true intentions behind human rights activism while promoting dangerous ideologies.

He argues that U.S. academic institutions are vulnerable due to inadequate vetting and misuse of free speech protections. Universities must prevent political or terrorist exploitation to safeguard against these threats, according to Al-Ketbi’s analysis in the Saudi outlet Elaph translated by MEMRI.

GOLD PRICES Soar: How Trade Uncertainty is Shaking Markets

14 March 2025 — Gold prices have hit a record high of $2,985 as trade tensions shake up markets. Mixed signals from the Trump administration are fueling fears of a trade-induced recession. Investors are flocking to gold and the Japanese Yen, pushing the metal closer to the $3,000 mark.

The S&P 500 index has seen its first 10% drop from its peak since 2023. Market volatility is increasing, with many stocks showing big daily declines. This correction shows growing uncertainty in financial markets amid ongoing economic challenges.

Despite risks, variable-rate mortgages are attracting borrowers looking for lower initial rates. The current economic climate is influencing mortgage trends and borrower behavior significantly. Homebuyers must weigh potential savings against future rate increases in their financial decisions.

The IRS warns that over one billion dollars in unclaimed tax refunds for 2021 will expire soon if not claimed by April 15, 2025. After this deadline, these funds will revert to the U.S Treasury permanently. Taxpayers should act quickly to claim their refunds before it’s too late.

TRUMP’S Trade WAR: Global Markets in Chaos

05 March 2025 — President Donald TRUMP’s recent tariffs have sparked swift retaliation from Mexico, Canada, and China. These actions have thrown financial markets into chaos, raising fears of inflation and uncertainty for businesses.

Imports from Canada and Mexico now face a 25% tariff, with Canadian energy products specifically taxed at 10%. This move has heightened global trade tensions significantly.

China responded quickly to the U.S. tariffs, escalating an already heated international dispute. A Chinese spokesperson warned that these measures could harm the U.S. economy by disrupting beneficial trade relations.

Analysts worry about potential backlash against U.S. exports as these trade disputes unfold. The situation is seen as a risky maneuver that might reshape global trade dynamics and impact both consumers and businesses in the long run.

CHINA’S Tech Boom: How Deepseek AI is Shaking Global Markets

15 February 2025 — China’s tech industry is booming, thanks to the rise of the DeepSeek AI model. Major companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Xiaomi are seeing big benefits. This surge has pushed Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index up this year.

Alibaba, co-founded by Jack Ma, stands out in this market rally. The company’s growth shows the broader impact of tech advancements on China’s economy. Investors are watching these changes for possible global effects.

The rise in China’s tech stocks might affect U.S. investments and international trade ties. As U.S. markets close with small changes in the S&P 500, global investors keep an eye on shifts in Chinese tech trends.

This ongoing rally highlights China’s growing influence on worldwide economic dynamics, making it a key player to watch in global markets.

TRUMP’S Bold Trade Plan: A Shockwave For Global Markets

14 February 2025 — Former President Donald Trump is set to announce a new RECIPROCAL tariff policy on Thursday. This plan aims to match the higher duty rates imposed by other countries on U.S. goods. Trump’s strategy seeks to counteract foreign trade barriers, including regulations and subsidies, that hinder American exports.

The proposed tariffs are part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape trade in favor of American interests. By imposing equivalent charges on countries taxing U.S. products, the plan could escalate global trade tensions. This approach marks a significant shift in U.S. trade policy towards a more competitive stance against international markets deemed unfair.

Investors and analysts are watching closely as this announcement could impact stock markets, especially sectors dependent on international trade. The potential for increased tariffs may affect industries vulnerable to such changes, leading to market volatility.

This development is breaking news and has not yet appeared in existing news timelines, highlighting its significance for economic observers and policymakers alike. The implications for U.S.-foreign trade relationships remain a critical point of focus moving forward.

TRUMP’S Bold Trade Plan Sends Global Markets Into Turmoil

14 February 2025 — President Donald TRUMP is set to announce new reciprocal tariffs on Thursday. These tariffs aim to match the tax rates other countries impose on U.S. imports. This move is part of Trump’s strategy to reshape international trade and counteract barriers that hurt American businesses.

Trump’s plan has sparked discussions among global trading partners, potentially impacting economic relations and market stability. The announcement follows a memo he signed, directing his team to calculate duties that align with those charged by other nations.

In addition to trade policy changes, the Trump administration has started workforce reductions across federal agencies, affecting recent hires in departments like Education and Energy. These actions reflect a broader agenda focused on reducing government size and boosting efficiency.

Meanwhile, Southern California faces severe weather threats as heavy rains prompt evacuations due to potential debris flows in wildfire-scarred areas. Residents are urged to stay alert as CalTrans crews work tirelessly to reduce flooding risks in affected regions.

Bank of England’s RATE CUT Sends Shockwaves Through Markets

07 February 2025 — The Bank of England has cut interest rates by 25 basis points, causing the Pound Sterling to drop sharply against the US Dollar. This move shows worries about economic growth and inflation. Experts expect more rate cuts in 2025, signaling a careful approach to monetary policy.

Market analysts warn this could affect savings rates and borrowing costs, urging people and businesses to rethink financial plans. The immediate effect saw GBP/USD fall by 0.93%, hitting a session low of 1.2359.

This has increased market volatility, raising concerns about future economic stability in the UK. As uncertainty grows, many wonder how these changes will impact their finances and investments moving forward.

MARKETS UNDER Pressure: How Budget and Trade Uncertainty Impact You

01 February 2025 — The BSE Sensex and Nifty have often closed lower on budget days over the past decade. Recent sessions continue this trend. However, a JM Financial report shows that Nifty usually rebounds within a week after the budget, posting positive results 75% of the time. The Nifty Mid-Cap Index also shows strength, closing higher 67% of the time with an average return of 1.5%.

In commodities, silver prices have fallen below $31.50 per ounce despite a bullish market outlook. Gold remains strong above $2,800 as fears over tariffs and inflation drive demand for safe-haven assets. Analysts predict growth toward $3,000 if current conditions persist.

The US Dollar Index is gaining strength due to expected tariffs on Mexico and Canada this weekend. These tariffs could affect grocery prices in America as President Trump plans a 25% levy on goods from these countries. Meanwhile, crude oil prices are dropping as analysts wait for confirmation before making further predictions about market trends.

In banking news, several branches of Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland will close in February 2025 due to broader economic adjustments. The Financial Conduct Authority is now empowered to address the impacts of these closures on communities and customers alike.

UPS STOCKS Plummet: Amazon Partnership Slashed, Investors Shocked

31 January 2025 — United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) shares have dropped sharply after announcing a major cut in its business dealings with Amazon.com Inc. UPS plans to reduce its low-margin Amazon business by half, surprising analysts and impacting the company’s revenue projections. Daniel Imbro from Stephens Inc. noted the unexpected nature of this rapid shift in strategy.

The company has projected $89 billion in revenue for 2025, falling short of analysts’ expectations of $94.9 billion, following a reported $91.1 billion for 2024. UPS is focusing on higher-margin sectors like healthcare, aiming for $20 billion in revenue from this segment by 2026 as it raises prices and implements surcharges to offset losses from Amazon’s reduced contribution.

Amazon accounted for 11.8% of UPS’s revenue last year, making the decision to slash this partnership significant amid weak demand recovery for parcel services this year. This strategic pivot highlights UPS’s efforts to stabilize its financial outlook by prioritizing more profitable ventures over volume-driven partnerships with lower margins like Amazon’s delivery services.;

AMERICAN EXPRESS Hit with $230 Million Settlement: Customers Shocked

21 January 2025 — American Express has agreed to a $230 million settlement over claims it misled customers about fees and services. This deal shows the increasing scrutiny on financial institutions. Affected customers will receive refunds as part of this agreement.

The company plans to improve customer service training and tighten compliance measures. These steps aim to stop deceptive practices and rebuild trust among its clients. American Express’s actions highlight the challenges financial giants face in staying transparent under consumer protection laws.

This case emphasizes the need for ethical business practices in today’s competitive market. It reminds us that consumer trust is vital for long-term success in the financial services industry. Financial companies must adapt to stricter regulatory demands, ensuring accountability and transparency at every level.

CHEESE BANDITS Strike: UK Dairy Community Shocked by Daring Heist

28 October 2024 — Thieves pretending to be a legitimate distributor stole nearly 950 wheels of cheddar from Neal’s Yard Dairy, one of the UK’s top cheese retailers. The stolen cheese, including Hafod, Westcombe, and Pitchfork varieties, was worth about $390,000. This bold theft has left the dairy community stunned.

Neal’s Yard Dairy shared on social media that they delivered 22 metric tons of cheddar before realizing it was a scam. The fake distributor claimed to represent a major French retailer. This incident exposes weaknesses in supply chain checks.

Despite the huge loss, Neal’s Yard Dairy has taken on the financial hit to shield smaller cheesemakers who produce these premium cheeses. Their quick response shows dedication to supporting local artisans during tough times.

CENSUS DATA Flawed: Transgender Numbers Grossly Inflated, ONS Admits

14 September 2024 — The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has admitted potential bias in the 2021 Census regarding transgender identification. Deputy Director Mary Gregory stated that the question might have led to an overestimation of trans-identified individuals.

Gregory highlighted that people with lower English proficiency may have mistakenly identified as transgender. This error could significantly affect areas with higher non-English-speaking populations.

Oxford University analysis supports this claim, showing non-native speakers were ten times more likely to be listed under “unspecified gender.” Although they make up only 10% of adults, they account for 29% of those listed as transgender.

The accuracy of these figures is crucial for government resource allocation. The 2021 Census was the first to include a question about gender identity, making these findings particularly significant.

Biden’s BORDER Policies are FAILING: Shocking New Data Exposed

29 June 2024 — New data reveals that President Biden’s border policies are not working. The number of illegal crossings has skyrocketed, causing major concerns. Border Patrol agents are overwhelmed, and many believe the administration is not doing enough to secure the border.

Critics argue that Biden’s approach is too lenient and invites more illegal immigration. They say stronger measures are needed to protect the country and ensure safety. This includes building more barriers and increasing patrols along the border.

Supporters of stricter policies claim that current strategies fail to address the root problems. They emphasize that without tougher enforcement, illegal crossings will continue to rise, putting a strain on resources and communities near the border.

The debate over how to handle immigration continues, but one thing is clear: Biden’s current policies are facing serious challenges. Many Americans want change and demand action to secure the nation’s borders effectively.

TIKTOK’S SHADOW BAN: Suppressing Content Critical of Chinese Communist Party?

28 December 2023 — A recent investigation by Rutgers University’s Network Contagion Research Institute has unveiled unsettling details about TikTok’s content guidelines. The popular social media platform, notorious for its data collection and sharing with its parent company in China, now stands accused of stifling content that criticizes the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The research team found a stark contrast in the number of posts featuring contentious hashtags such as China’s conflict with India over Kashmir, the Tiananmen Square massacre, and the Uyghur genocide on TikTok compared to other platforms like Instagram. For instance, there were 206 Instagram posts tagged #HongKongProtests for every single one on TikTok. Similar ratios were observed for #StandWithKashmir, #FreeUyghurs, and #DalaiLama.

The report suggests that there is a high likelihood that TikTok either boosts or suppresses content depending on how it aligns with the Chinese government’s interests. This is worrisome since many Generation Z users rely on TikTok as their primary news source — interestingly enough, this is also the only generation reported not to take pride in being American.

TikTok cannot deny these findings as they mirror the methodology used by them last month to prove their platform was not biased against Israel. This revelation raises serious questions about

BIDEN’S Motorcade Shocked in Unexpected CAR Crash: What Really Happened?

18 December 2023 — On Sunday evening, an unforeseen event took place involving President Joe Biden’s motorcade. As the President and First Lady Jill Biden were departing from the Biden-Harris 2024 headquarters, their convoy was struck by a car. This incident transpired in Wilmington, Delaware.

A silver sedan bearing Delaware license plates collided with an SUV that was part of the presidential convoy. The impact produced a loud bang which reportedly caught President Biden off guard.

Immediately following the collision, agents surrounded the driver with firearms at ready while members of the press were quickly moved away from the scene. Despite this startling occurrence, both Bidens were safely escorted away from the location of impact.

ETHICS In QUESTION: Biden Under Scrutiny as Hunter’s Investigations Intensify

15 October 2023 — The ongoing investigations into Hunter Biden have begun to cast a significant shadow over President Joe Biden. The Justice Department, along with Republican members of Congress, are closely examining the president’s son for his alleged involvement in a criminal scheme with then-Vice President Biden. This comes alongside separate gun charges following the collapse of a plea deal on tax charges.

A recent poll indicates that 35% of U.S. adults believe the president has acted illegally, while 33% suspect unethical conduct. The investigation is spearheaded by House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH). Their goal is to establish a connection between Hunter’s business dealings with a Ukrainian oil and gas firm and his father during his vice presidency.

Hunter Biden has been indicted by special counsel David Weiss in relation to a gun purchase in October 2018. He stands accused of violating orders prohibiting drug users from owning guns and has pleaded not guilty to all three counts against him. There are clear differences in perception across party lines: only 8% of Democrats believe the president is guilty of crimes related to his son’s activities, compared with 65% of Republicans.

As these investigations and indictments continue, they fuel growing controversy around the Bidens. This raises serious concerns about ethics at the

ASIAN MARKETS in Chaos: Evergrande Crisis and Wall Street Woes Trigger Shockwaves

25 September 2023 — Asian stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Monday, with Tokyo standing as the sole major regional market to register gains. This follows on the heels of Wall Street’s most dismal week in half a year, which subsequently boosted U.S. futures and oil prices.

Investor confidence was shaken due to multiple factors including worries over China’s real estate sector, a potential shutdown of the U.S. government, and an ongoing strike by American auto industry workers. European markets weren’t spared either with Germany’s DAX, Paris’ CAC 40, and Britain’s FTSE 100 all experiencing a 0.6% drop.

China Evergrande Group saw its shares plummet nearly 22% after it disclosed its inability to secure additional debt due to an ongoing investigation into one of its subsidiaries. This revelation threatens the restructuring of its staggering debt that exceeds $300 billion. In response, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.8%, Shanghai Composite index fell by 0.5%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 managed to climb by 0.9%.

Elsewhere in Asia, Seoul’s Kospi dipped by 0.5%. On a brighter note though, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 managed to claw back some ground ending with a modest

AMERICAN CAVER Trapped: Unfolding Drama in Turkish Cave as Rescue Operation Faces Challenges

07 September 2023 — Mark Dickey, a seasoned American caver and researcher, is trapped deep within Turkey’s Morca cave. Located in the formidable Taurus Mountains, the cave has become Dickey’s unexpected prison nearly 1,000 meters below its entrance. During an expedition with fellow Americans, Dickey fell ill with severe stomach bleeding.

Despite receiving on-site medical attention from rescuers including a Hungarian doctor, his extraction from the constricted cave could take weeks. The complexity of the situation is due to both his condition and the challenging environment of the cold cave.

In a video message shared by Turkey’s communications directorate, Dickey expressed heartfelt gratitude towards both the caving community and Turkish government for their rapid response. He believes their efforts have been life-saving. While he appears alert in the video footage, he stressed that his internal recovery is still ongoing.

According to his affiliated New Jersey-based rescue group, Dickey has stopped vomiting and has been able to eat for the first time in days. However, what caused this sudden illness remains a mystery. The rescue operation continues under demanding conditions requiring multiple teams and constant medical care.

UKRAINE’S Defense Shake-Up: Zelenskyy UNVEILS Umerov as New Leader Amid WAR Scandal

04 September 2023 — In a significant turn of events, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, declared a leadership overhaul in the Defense Ministry on Sunday. The incumbent, Oleksii Reznikov, will step aside, making way for Rustem Umerov, a notable Crimean Tatar politician. This change comes after “more than 550 days of full-scale war”.

President Zelenskyy highlighted the necessity for “new approaches” and “different formats of interaction” with the military and society as the driving factors behind the leadership change. Umerov, who currently presides over Ukraine’s State Property Fund, is a familiar figure to the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament. He has played a pivotal role in evacuating citizens from territories under Russian control.

The leadership transition comes amidst a cloud of scrutiny over the Defense Ministry’s procurement practices. Investigative journalists exposed that military jackets were being bought at an exorbitant $86 per unit, a stark contrast from the customary $29 price tag.