THREAD: wh smith high

Trump’s TRADE Policies SPARK Dollar Hedge Surge to 5-Year High

14 April 2025 — Demand for hedging against a potential decline in the US dollar has surged to a five-year high. Traders are reacting to the Trump administration’s tariff policies, which they believe could weaken America’s economic strength. This uncertainty has prompted investors to seek protection against possible currency fluctuations.

Meanwhile, gold prices have retreated from record highs after initially climbing due to confusion over Trump’s trade agenda. The precious metal was seen as a safe haven amid market volatility but faced selling pressure as traders reassessed their positions. The US dollar’s resilience also contributed to gold’s pullback from its peak of $3,245.

In other financial news, spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen significant withdrawals amid ongoing trade tensions, indicating a move away from riskier assets. Over $713 million was pulled out in just one week, reflecting investor caution during uncertain times. Additionally, Nvidia shares dropped 25% from their 52-week high despite an initial surge following Trump’s announcement of a temporary pause on tariffs.

The Bank of Thailand plans new regulations holding financial institutions accountable for losses due to call center scams. These measures aim to enhance customer protection and ensure service providers share responsibility if they fail regulatory standards. This move underscores global efforts to tackle technology-related financial crimes and protect consumers’ interests in an increasingly digital world.

WH SMITH’S High Street Exit: A Shocking Shift in Retail

28 March 2025 — Modella has bought WH Smith’s online operations for £76 million. The company will now run under the TGJones name, while WH Smith keeps its travel shops. This move shows the tough times high street retailers face in a digital world.

WH Smith might sell its digital card business, Funky Pigeon, as part of restructuring. Nicholas Found from Retail Economics says old-school retailers struggle with fewer shoppers and rising costs. This sale highlights the economic pressures on traditional high street businesses.

Modella plans to keep current products and services in WH Smith stores, like Post Office and Toys R Us sections. They also want to add new items like craft goods to boost business. For now, it’s “business as usual” as Modella works on future plans for growth.

The acquisition shows WH Smith’s shift towards travel retail, which is more profitable despite industry challenges. With 480 high street stores and 5,000 employees affected by this change, focusing on travel-related retail could increase revenue in a tough market landscape.

TRUMP’S Tariff Moves Spark Gold Rush to Record High

28 March 2025 — Gold prices have hit a record high of $3,059. President Trump’s tariff policies have reignited trade war fears. Investors are turning to gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, as global trade tensions rise and stock markets become volatile. Trump’s new auto tariffs add to the uncertainty, driving gold prices up.

In other financial news, over 3 million Americans will see a Social Security boost in April 2025 due to the repeal of WEP and GPO under the Social Security Fairness Act. This law restores full benefits for public sector retirees and others with non-covered pensions, providing relief for many citizens.

Meanwhile, foreign institutional investors made significant net purchases worth Rs 11,111 crore on March 27. This marks the highest single-day inflows in 2025 so far. The Nifty and Sensex indices resumed their uptrend driven by strong buying in heavyweight financial stocks like HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries.

Financial expert Jim Cramer advises investors to consider GSK plc for its promising stock prospects amid growing artificial intelligence investments. With a yield of 4%, Cramer suggests that GSK could be a solid addition to investment portfolios during these uncertain times.

TRAGIC SPIKE: Migrant Deaths in Channel HIT Record High

30 December 2024 — Three migrants died trying to cross the Channel near Calais, according to the French coastguard. This tragedy adds to a growing number of fatalities this year, now reaching 77 as reported by the UN’s International Organization for Migration. Pas-de-Calais MP Pierre-Henri Dumont warned about the extreme dangers of these crossings, especially during winter.

The recent deaths spotlight a surge in illegal crossings over Christmas, with 1,485 migrants making it across from December 25th to 28th. This sets a record for any Christmas period since tracking began in 2018. The total number of crossings has now surpassed 150,000 since the crisis started.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government promised to stop these illegal crossings by targeting people-smuggler gangs around the Channel. Despite these promises, over 22,000 migrants have crossed since they took office in July — more than all of 2018 through 2020 combined.

CEO MURDER Sparks Fear: Corporate America on High Alert

07 December 2024 — The shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left corporate America in fear. The gunman, still unidentified, likely fled New York City by bus shortly after the ambush. Police are investigating potential motives, including whether the shooter was a disgruntled employee or client.

Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny stated that investigators are working tirelessly to track down the suspect. Video evidence shows the gunman fleeing on a bicycle into Central Park before taking a taxi to a bus terminal. This terminal offers routes to several major cities, complicating efforts to pinpoint his location.

The bold nature of this crime has raised concerns about safety among top executives nationwide. As police continue their search, corporate leaders are urged to review security measures and stay vigilant in these uncertain times.

US THAAD DEPLOYMENT to Israel Sparks Concerns Over Army Readiness

15 October 2024 — The U.S. has sent a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, along with 100 soldiers. This move, ordered by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and approved by President Joe Biden, puts extra pressure on the Army’s air defense forces. These forces are already stretched thin due to global conflicts. The deployment raises concerns about the military’s ability to upgrade missile defense systems amid rising demands from Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth expressed worries over the high operational pace of air defense forces, calling them “the most stressed” part of the Army. She highlighted the need for careful consideration when planning future deployments but admitted that unstable global situations sometimes require quick action. The Pentagon stated it would take several days for both equipment and personnel to reach Israel from their current U.S.-based location.

The decision highlights ongoing tensions within the Defense Department about resource allocation for international conflicts and its effect on U.S. military readiness at home. Gen. Randy George, Army chief of staff, noted that U.S. Army air defense forces are in high demand worldwide, describing them as “our most deployed formation.” This situation raises questions about America’s ability to balance international commitments with national security needs effectively.;

GEORGIA High School SHOOTING: Heartbroken Mother Begs for Forgiveness

12 September 2024 — The mother of the 14-year-old suspect in the Winder, Georgia, high school shooting has issued an apology. Marcee Gray expressed her sorrow to the victims’ families in an open letter provided to CNN.

I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart," wrote Marcee Gray, 43. Her son Colt Gray allegedly killed two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School last week. Seven others were injured by gunfire, and two suffered other injuries.

Victims included Richard Aspinwall, 39, Cristina Irimie, 53, Mason Schermerhorn, and Christian Angulo, both 14. “If I could take their place, I would without a second thought,” Marcee Gray stated in her letter. She also mourned for the teachers who died protecting students.

TERRORIST ATTACK Foiled: Southern Israel on High Alert

22 July 2024 — Security has been tightened in southern Israel since Hamas-led terrorists killed around 20 people on Oct. 7, sparking the Gaza war. On Monday, a suspect arrived at the entrance of Netiv HaAsara and threatened members of the community’s rapid response team with a knife. The team opened fire, stopping the attack.

Israeli Police are investigating the attempted terror attack near the Gaza border. The Israeli military confirmed one person was killed after trying to stab security forces. Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics reported that no one was physically injured, though a 61-year-old woman suffered from shock.

The terrorist was identified as a Canadian citizen who accused the IDF of killing civilians in Gaza. The IDF confirmed that he came from within Israel rather than crossing from Gaza. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region.

IOWA SCHOOL Shooting: Innocent Lives Lost in Heart-Wrenching Attack, Community in Shock

04 January 2024 — A day of learning turned into a nightmare when a 17-year-old student unleashed gunfire at Perry High School in Iowa. The first day back from winter break was marred by the death of a sixth-grader and injuries to five others, including the school’s principal, Dan Marburger. The shooter, Dylan Butler, also died due to what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The tranquil town of Perry, home to approximately 8,000 people and situated about 40 miles northwest of Des Moines, was plunged into turmoil by the shocking incident. Families were reunited at the McCreary Community Building after the shooting that has left this close-knit community devastated.

Authorities disclosed that during his assault Butler was armed with both a pump-action shotgun and a small-caliber handgun. A crude homemade explosive device was also discovered on-site but was safely deactivated by authorities.

This latest episode of gun violence once again puts America’s gun ownership rights under the microscope. As such events persistently occur nationwide, they cast an ever-growing shadow over other fundamental rights.

SMITH’S Triumphant Return: Reclaims Mayoral Seat, AMO Breaks Barriers in Rhode Island, and Beshear Clinches Kentucky Governorship

08 November 2023 — Mr. Smith has successfully reclaimed his position as mayor, defeating the current office holder Kimberly Mata-Rubio. This victory marks his third term in office, having previously served from 2008 to 2010.

Rhode Island is now home to its first black congressman, Mr. Amo. Despite this historic achievement, Amo maintains that he didn’t run for recognition but to champion women’s rights and the interests of the working class.

In a nail-biting Kentucky gubernatorial race closely watched nationwide, Mr. Beshear came out on top. As the son of former Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, he managed a slim victory over incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin by a margin of roughly 5,000 votes.

The recent U.S ballot initiative establishes individual rights relating to reproductive decisions following last year’s Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe v Wade — a move that returns abortion regulation power back to individual states.

MARINE CORPS Commandant’s Sudden Hospitalization: Uncertainty and Political Turmoil Ensue

31 October 2023 — Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith was urgently hospitalized following a medical crisis on Sunday evening. The specifics of the emergency are still concealed, but USNI News suggests that Smith suffered a heart attack.

Currently, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl is holding the fort as acting commandant during Smith’s absence. Under normal circumstances, the assistant commandant would step in if the commandant is unable to perform his duties, but this role remains unoccupied due to political deadlock.

President Biden’s pick for assistant commandant, Lt. Gen. Christopher Mahoney, is one among over 300 nominations held up by Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) objection against a Department of Defense policy related to abortion services for military personnel and their dependents.

Tuberville along with other Republicans assert that the department has exceeded its jurisdiction with this policy; however, the department maintains that its intention is to guarantee equal healthcare access for all military personnel.

NO RELIEF: Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Unyielding Stance on High Taxes

02 October 2023 — Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will address the record-breaking taxation rates burdening families and businesses in his speech today. Despite the unprecedented tax hike during this peaceful Parliament, he offers no respite. He strongly believes that promising a tax cut would undermine his goal of controlling inflation.

Hunt’s comments reflect a preference for substantial state support and an economic theory that individual expenditure fuels inflation. However, he neglects to recognize that government spending doesn’t have the same impact. In an attempt to distinguish his Conservative Party from the opposing Labour Party, who also resist tax cuts, Hunt professes belief in reducing taxes but doesn’t anticipate actual reductions.

Despite caution from the Institute of Fiscal Studies about high-tax systems becoming entrenched due to governmental choices, Hunt disagrees. He maintains that this shift isn’t inevitable with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak ready to make “tough calls.” Regarding potential future tax cuts, Hunt implies efficient government spending and hard decisions are vital for corporate growth.

UK Immigration Policy DISCONTENT Soars to RECORD High: Britons Demand Change

13 September 2023 — A recent study conducted by Ipsos and British Future has unveiled a significant rise in public dissatisfaction with the UK government’s immigration policy. The survey reveals that a staggering 66% of Britons are dissatisfied with the current policy, marking the highest level of discontent since 2015. Conversely, a mere 12% expressed satisfaction with how things stand.

The discontent is widespread, cutting through party lines but for varying reasons. Among Conservative voters, only 22% were satisfied with their party’s performance on immigration issues. A majority of 56% expressed dissatisfaction, while an additional 26% were “extremely unhappy”. In contrast, about three-quarters (73%) of Labour supporters disapproved of the government’s handling of immigration.

Labour supporters primarily voiced concerns about creating a “negative or fearful environment for migrants” (46%) and “poor treatment towards asylum-seekers” (45%). On the other hand, an overwhelming majority (82%) of Conservatives criticized the government for its inability to curb illegal Channel crossings. Both parties identified this failure as a top reason for their dissatisfaction.

Despite assurances from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration that their policies have made an impact, migrant crossings have seen only slight reduction from last year’s record-setting pace. Over one weekend alone witnessed more than 800 individuals making this dangerous journey

Buster Murdaugh BREAKS SILENCE After Stephen Smith Rumors Reach BOILING Point

21 March 2023 — Following Alex Murdaugh’s conviction for the murder of his wife and son, all eyes are now on his surviving son, Buster, who is suspected of being involved in the suspicious death of his classmate in 2015. Stephen Smith was found dead in the middle of the road near the Murdaugh family’s South Carolina home. Still, the death remained a mystery despite the Murdaugh name repeatedly cropping up in the investigation.

Smith, an openly gay teenager, was a known classmate of Buster’s, and rumors suggested they were in a romantic relationship. However, Buster Murdaugh has slammed the “baseless rumors,” saying, “I unequivocally deny any involvement in his death, and my heart goes out to the Smith family.”

In the statement released on Monday, he said he tried his best to “ignore the vicious rumors” published in the media and that he hasn’t spoken up before because he wants privacy while he grieves the deaths of his mother and brother.

The statement comes alongside the news that the Smith family raised over $80,000 during the Murdaugh Trial to launch their own investigation. The money raised through the GoFundMe campaign will be used to exhume the teenager’s body for an independent autopsy.