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Central Banks & Policy a month ago

US Supreme Court rules Trump may remove FTC commissioners, overturning Humphrey's Executor

In a June 29 ruling, the Supreme Court held that Federal Trade Commission commissioners exercise executive power and cannot be shielded by statutory for-cause removal limits, allowing the president to dismiss them. The court said the decision does not resolve all agency structures and separately indicated the Federal Reserve has a distinct historical basis for independence.

Central Banks & Policy a month ago

U.S. Supreme Court keeps Fed Governor Lisa Cook in office as removal case proceeds

In a June 29 ruling in Trump v. Cook, the Court denied the administration’s stay request, leaving a lower-court injunction in place and keeping Governor Lisa D. Cook on the Federal Reserve Board while the case proceeds. The opinion focused on procedural protections tied to the Fed’s for-cause removal standard and did not define cause fully.

Deals & Capital Markets a month ago

Comcast Unveils Tax-Free Separation of NBCUniversal and Sky Into Standalone Public Company

Comcast said it intends to separate its media operations, including NBCUniversal and Sky, from its connectivity and technology business through a tax-free distribution to shareholders. The company expects the transaction to close in about a year, subject to board, regulatory, tax and financing conditions, and plans investment-grade balance sheets for both companies.

Energy & Commodities a month ago

ScottishPower asks Ofgem to ringfence and refinance part of UK household energy debt

ScottishPower said households deemed unable to repay account for about one-third of sector debt and proposed pooling that portion for bank financing, with repayment spread over roughly 10 years. Ofgem reported domestic debt and arrears of £4.79 billion in Q1 2026, before a 13% price-cap increase from July 1.

Finance & Banking a month ago

World Bank retires 45% climate co-benefits goal, extends climate action plan

The World Bank Group said June 29 it will retire its 45% and earlier 35% climate co-benefits targets while extending the Climate Change Action Plan beyond its June 2026 expiry. The board requested an Independent Evaluation Group review, and the bank will continue reporting net greenhouse gas emissions, resilience beneficiaries and climate co-benefits progress.

Technology a month ago

BIS says AI capex surge could turn into financing pullback if returns fall short

In its June 2026 annual report, the BIS said the five largest hyperscalers are set to spend more than $1 trillion on AI capital expenditure in 2025-2026, with commitments exceeding earnings and, in some cases, free cash flow. The report said weaker returns could trigger financing retrenchment, wider credit stress and tighter financial conditions.

Central Banks & Policy a month ago

ECB's Kazaks Says Gradual Steps Are Preferable to a Rapid Run of Rate Hikes

ECB Governing Council member Martins Kazaks said there is no near-term need for the central bank to deliver several rate increases in quick succession. Reported comments indicated he prefers a patient meeting-by-meeting approach as new data arrive, following the ECB’s June 25 basis-point rate increase amid elevated uncertainty.

Finance & Banking a month ago

Airbus Secures Record €3 Billion EIB Facility, With Initial €1 Billion Signed in Brussels

Airbus will receive a €3 billion European Investment Bank financing package for research, development and innovation projects in France, Germany and Spain covering commercial and defence aviation. The first €1 billion tranche was signed in Brussels on Monday, and the EIB said the commitment is its largest financing package for a corporate borrower.

Energy & Commodities a month ago

Official 2026 El Niño forecasts raise fresh risk for Brazil’s rice-growing south

Brazil’s official forecasters and NOAA see a high probability of El Niño developing in the second half of 2026, a pattern linked to wetter conditions in the South. Rio Grande do Sul, which produces about 70% of Brazil’s rice, is still dealing with 2024 flood losses, silo damage and production costs that exceeded May 2025 paddy prices.