<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>ActiveInvestorMag.com: The briefing, morning edition</title><description>The briefing, morning edition: machine-assembled stories for active investors, from ActiveInvestorMag.com. What happened here; why it matters on the site.</description><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/</link><language>en-us</language><item><title>AI-discovered flaws in PHP trigger a global cyber-security scramble dubbed Black October</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-ai-discovered-flaws-in-php-trigger-a-global-cyber-security-s/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-ai-discovered-flaws-in-php-trigger-a-global-cyber-security-s/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Bugs found by OpenAI models in code that powers millions of websites forced governments and companies to take sites offline to patch them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Websites used every day may have been vulnerable to hackers for years because of hidden flaws in their code that artificial intelligence only recently discovered. The code, called PHP, powers millions of websites, and the vulnerabilities could allow hackers to steal sensitive data such as passwords or take control of affected servers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A potential attack exploiting the flaws emerged on Wednesday, prompting governments and companies to temporarily take their websites offline while they installed security patches. Dozens of websites in the United States, Britain and around the world were briefly taken offline to make the fix. The AI-uncovered flaws triggered a rare global cyber-security response.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bugs were discovered this week by OpenAI models, and they have existed for more than a decade in PHP, a programming language that is 30 years old.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-ai-discovered-flaws-in-php-trigger-a-global-cyber-security-s/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>AI Backlash</category></item><item><title>Anthropic’s November listing hangs on a filing deadline as Wall Street looks to it to steady the AI trade</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-anthropic-s-november-listing-hangs-on-a-filing-deadline-as-w/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-anthropic-s-november-listing-hangs-on-a-filing-deadline-as-w/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The Claude maker is expected to seek a $2 trillion valuation, and a reported leak of its prospectus points to heavy losses and large compute commitments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Anthropic is preparing to go public, and time is running out for it to file the paperwork needed for a listing in November. Jay Ritter, who leads the University of Florida’s IPO Initiative, said Anthropic still has some time if it wants to go public on that schedule.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The company will likely release its official offering statement, or S-1, any day now. Wall Street is urging both Anthropic and OpenAI to complete their listings this year “before things get crazy”. The Anthropic offering is expected to seek a $2 trillion valuation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A report on a leaked version of the prospectus put Anthropic’s revenue at $16.3 billion, its net loss at $80.7 billion and its compute pledges at $750 billion. Other coverage said investors are waiting for a filing on $600 billion of infrastructure commitments. The two figures for the company’s commitments differ, and neither has been confirmed by a public filing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-anthropic-s-november-listing-hangs-on-a-filing-deadline-as-w/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>GDP &amp; Macro Reality</category></item><item><title>Euro zone business activity slows in October as France contracts, while UK firms report their best month since February</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-euro-zone-business-activity-slows-in-october-as-france-contr/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-euro-zone-business-activity-slows-in-october-as-france-contr/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Surveys show price pressures building on both sides of the Channel ahead of upcoming decisions by the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Business activity in the euro zone slowed in October amid a squeeze on profit margins, a sign of fading resilience in the face of higher energy costs. A contraction in France slowed the bloc’s expansion, the surveys show. Euro area business activity cooled, and the slowdown came as unrest in France weighed on the economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Outside France, growth remained decent. UK businesses reported their strongest month since February, according to a purchasing managers’ survey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the United States, business activity also cooled in October, as strong demand fuelled inflation pressures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-euro-zone-business-activity-slows-in-october-as-france-contr/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Economic Commentary</category></item><item><title>First tanker of Russian diesel under Trump’s deal with Putin sets sail for the United States</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-first-tanker-of-russian-diesel-under-trump-s-deal-with-putin/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-first-tanker-of-russian-diesel-under-trump-s-deal-with-putin/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The cargo follows the president’s 16 October decision to waive new Russia sanctions and buy Moscow’s diesel, but it will not arrive before the midterms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A tanker loaded with diesel fuel set sail from Russia for the United States on Friday, the first shipment since President Donald Trump agreed to a deal with Moscow. The first Russian diesel bound for the US under the surprise agreement between Moscow and Trump is aboard a tanker, shipping data shows.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;On October 16, Trump waived new Russia sanctions and reached an agreement to purchase diesel from Moscow. The deal with President Vladimir Putin has been described as controversial, and critics have called it a sweetheart deal.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The shipment will not arrive before the midterm elections.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-first-tanker-of-russian-diesel-under-trump-s-deal-with-putin/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Empire-Behavior</category></item><item><title>HD Hyundai and Kiewit plan a new US Gulf Coast shipyard with 3,000 jobs</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-hd-hyundai-and-kiewit-plan-a-new-us-gulf-coast-shipyard-with/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-hd-hyundai-and-kiewit-plan-a-new-us-gulf-coast-shipyard-with/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The joint venture will pursue US Navy logistics ships and commercial vessels under South Korea’s $150 billion US shipbuilding pledge.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;HD Hyundai will build a shipyard in the United States with Kiewit, creating 3,000 jobs. South Korea’s largest shipbuilder announced the joint venture as part of its efforts to expand in the US market, with plans to develop a new shipyard on the Gulf Coast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The partner is Kiewit Offshore Services, and the venture will operate as HD Kiewit Shipbuilding. The two companies are joining forces to build an advanced US shipyard by 2029. The new shipbuilder will pursue contracts to build logistics support vessels for the US Navy as well as commercial ships.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The yard is designed for Navy auxiliary and commercial vessels and is presented as a way of expanding shipbuilding cooperation between the United States and South Korea. The joint venture plans to build both Navy logistics support ships and commercial ships, according to the announcement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-hd-hyundai-and-kiewit-plan-a-new-us-gulf-coast-shipyard-with/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Rival Hegemons</category></item><item><title>Moody’s spares France a downgrade but keeps a negative outlook as unrest and bond yields weigh</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-moody-s-spares-france-a-downgrade-but-keeps-a-negative-outlo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-moody-s-spares-france-a-downgrade-but-keeps-a-negative-outlo/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The agency held France at Aa3 on Friday, a surprise reprieve for a government facing violent protests and rising borrowing costs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Moody’s spared France a credit rating downgrade on Friday, easing pressure on a government struggling to contain social unrest. The agency left its rating on France at Aa3. The decision defied expectations of a downgrade, but Moody’s left its outlook at negative.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The reprieve came as a surprise for a country struggling with soaring bond yields, and it was a boost for Macron’s government. The rating was held steady amid political uncertainty and a rise in borrowing costs that have worsened France’s debt position, and the country was given a warning alongside the decision.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The decision was accompanied by the assessment, quoted in coverage of the rating, that slower growth and a higher deficit have pushed France’s debt burden somewhat higher.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-moody-s-spares-france-a-downgrade-but-keeps-a-negative-outlo/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;12 sources, 10 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Structural Indicators</category></item><item><title>SpaceX says a Tesla merger would need Elon Musk’s approval as antitrust and political doubts surface</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-spacex-says-a-tesla-merger-would-need-elon-musk-s-approval-a/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-spacex-says-a-tesla-merger-would-need-elon-musk-s-approval-a/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Both companies have formed committees to study a combination that Musk calls a good idea, but politics, China and regulators could stand in the way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;SpaceX said its potential merger with Tesla will require the approval of Elon Musk, its controlling investor, even though he has recused himself. Musk said this week that SpaceX and Tesla have formed special committees to study a merger of his two biggest companies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Musk described a deal as a good idea, but said US politics and China could get in the way. A former Justice Department official said the antitrust risks for the merger are real. Other analysis argues that a combination may face bigger obstacles from politics than from regulation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A merger could bring Musk a large personal payout.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-spacex-says-a-tesla-merger-would-need-elon-musk-s-approval-a/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>Texas sues OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT users were misled about its safety</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-texas-sues-openai-and-sam-altman-alleging-chatgpt-users-were/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-texas-sues-openai-and-sam-altman-alleging-chatgpt-users-were/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Attorney General Ken Paxton’s state-court suit accuses the company and its chief executive of breaking consumer-protection, child-safety and privacy laws.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued OpenAI and its chief executive Sam Altman, accusing them of failing to warn Texans about the dangers of ChatGPT. The suit was filed in state court on Friday and alleges the company breached consumer-protection law.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The suit alleges that OpenAI and Altman misled consumers about the safety of its product. It is a deceptive-marketing case that accuses the company of failing to protect users. Paxton’s office says the company and Altman violated two Texas laws, and it accuses them of breaking consumer-protection, child-safety and privacy laws.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Paxton’s office framed the case in strong terms, accusing OpenAI and Altman of lying to users and harming Texans. His office says the company imposed “negative side effects on consumers”. Paxton announced the case in a release that accuses the company of lying to users. The claims are allegations made by the state and have not been tested in court.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-texas-sues-openai-and-sam-altman-alleging-chatgpt-users-were/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>UK government urges households to stock up on food and water against supply-chain disruption</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-uk-government-urges-households-to-stock-up-on-food-and-water/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-uk-government-urges-households-to-stock-up-on-food-and-water/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;A relaunched preparedness campaign cites hostile states, terrorists, cyber attacks and severe weather as threats to supplies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The UK government has quietly warned citizens to stock up on emergency supplies. The advice was issued as part of a relaunched Be Ready campaign urging households to stockpile for a three-day disruption to supply chains.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Wes Streeting warned that people should prepare for supply-chain disruption from cyber or climate emergencies, and a checklist drawn up by the government sets out what households should keep. A minister said the public needed to be prepared for supply-chain disruption caused by “hostile state actors or terrorists”. Coverage of the official checklist said it warns that state-sponsored terrorism and cyber attacks could cause food shortages.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Burnham suggested stocking up on tinned food and bottled water. The government also pointed to severe weather risks as a source of disruption.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-uk-government-urges-households-to-stock-up-on-food-and-water/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5 sources, 5 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Structural Indicators</category></item><item><title>US envoy Waltz says the Iran war could last another year as Brent crude climbs above $117</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-us-envoy-waltz-says-the-iran-war-could-last-another-year-as-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-us-envoy-waltz-says-the-iran-war-could-last-another-year-as-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The UN ambassador’s interview signalled preparation for a prolonged standoff, at odds with the president’s calls for an early end; Waltz later disputed how his remarks were portrayed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said in an interview that the Iran war could last another year. The US is prepared for a long standoff with Iran, he said. On the prospect of a conflict that long, he said: “I’m not going to put out hypotheticals. One would hope that they’ll come to the table in a meaningful way before that”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The remarks suggest the US government is preparing for a prolonged standoff, diverging from President Donald Trump’s calls for an early end. The US could still be stuck in a stalemate with Iran a year from now, according to Waltz. He outlined US demands over Iran’s enriched uranium and over negotiations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Waltz later rejected the Financial Times’ characterisation of his remarks, publishing an exchange from the interview, and said decisions on the blockade rest with Trump. The interview’s account and Waltz’s own account of it therefore differ on emphasis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-us-envoy-waltz-says-the-iran-war-could-last-another-year-as-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 10 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Adversary&apos;s Veto</category></item><item><title>US intelligence memo warns Iranian plots to kill American officials have reached advanced stages</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-us-intelligence-memo-warns-iranian-plots-to-kill-american-of/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-us-intelligence-memo-warns-iranian-plots-to-kill-american-of/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The 23 October memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Iran has substantially increased efforts to target US diplomats, and officials link it to embassy drawdowns.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;US intelligence has found that Iran has “substantially increased” its efforts to target American diplomats and officials in the Middle East and beyond, with lethal plots reaching “advanced stages,” according to an October 23 memo to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, first obtained by Axios.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The memo was written by Jay Clayton and copied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe. It said lethal plots had “reached advanced stages in both the Middle East and certain other” locations. “Specifically, through various channels, we have received intelligence that Iran has substantially” increased these efforts, the memo said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These are the findings of US intelligence agencies as set out in the memo; Iran’s response to them is not included in the reports.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-us-intelligence-memo-warns-iranian-plots-to-kill-american-of/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 sources, 9 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Cabinet &amp; Insiders</category></item><item><title>White House says Melania Trump brokered a localised ceasefire in occupied Oleshky, due to start on 29 October</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-white-house-says-melania-trump-brokered-a-localised-ceasefir/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-white-house-says-melania-trump-brokered-a-localised-ceasefir/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Russia and Ukraine agreed to pause military action in the town to let in aid and evacuate civilians, according to the White House.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;First Lady Melania Trump secured a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine localised to the city of Oleshky, the White House said. According to the White House, both nations agreed to temporarily stop all military action in Oleshky to allow humanitarian aid to enter and to prepare a civilian evacuation through a designated safe passageway, with the ceasefire to begin on October 29.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Russia and Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire in a Ukrainian city hit by a food crisis. The town is Russian-occupied, and the White House described it as on the brink of disaster. The Kremlin published an item on a humanitarian operation in the town, which it calls Alyoshki, in the Kherson region.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Melania Trump said she brokered a temporary ceasefire. A statement praised her role in securing the agreement and said President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin had discussed details. Another statement said: “We welcome the efforts of the First Lady of the United States, Mrs Melania Trump”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-24-am-white-house-says-melania-trump-brokered-a-localised-ceasefir/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 11 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2026 14:15:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Empire-Behavior</category></item><item><title>Brazil’s Lula and Flavio Bolsonaro head into Sunday’s runoff with polls near a tie</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-brazil-s-lula-and-flavio-bolsonaro-head-into-sunday-s-runoff/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-brazil-s-lula-and-flavio-bolsonaro-head-into-sunday-s-runoff/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Foreign diplomats are discussing quick recognition of the winner, who will have to balance ties with China and the United States.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Brazil votes on Sunday in a presidential runoff between leftist incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and right-wing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro. Flavio Bolsonaro is the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The two candidates were set to clash once more before the vote.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The polls give a mixed picture. Flavio Bolsonaro holds a small but narrowing lead over Lula in polls, while pollsters point to a technical tie. The race is deadlocked ahead of Sunday’s vote.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Foreign diplomats in Brazil are discussing quick recognition of the runoff winner. Many on the left are haunted by Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency from 2019 to 2022, and leftists have taken to social media and the streets to push for a Lula win.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-brazil-s-lula-and-flavio-bolsonaro-head-into-sunday-s-runoff/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 9 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Empire-Behavior</category></item><item><title>Indonesia plans a second panda bond of up to 10 billion yuan as it faces MSCI downgrade risk</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-indonesia-plans-a-second-panda-bond-of-up-to-10-billion-yuan/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-indonesia-plans-a-second-panda-bond-of-up-to-10-billion-yuan/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Jakarta would return to China’s onshore debt market, possibly in November, after selling 7 billion yuan in its debut panda bond in July.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Indonesia is seeking to raise as much as 10 billion yuan, or $1.5 billion, through a panda bond sale. The sale would mark the country’s return to China’s onshore debt market. The bond could be sold in November.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A panda bond is yuan-denominated debt sold in China’s onshore market. Indonesia sold 7 billion yuan in its debut panda bond sale in July, and the new plan is a follow-up to that issue. “We have space to offer foreign currency bonds in the fourth quarter,” an Indonesian official said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The planned offering of up to $1.5 billion is under consideration rather than final, according to the official’s account. The target of 10 billion yuan would be larger than the July debut.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-indonesia-plans-a-second-panda-bond-of-up-to-10-billion-yuan/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Rival Hegemons</category></item><item><title>Japan’s core inflation tops the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the first time this year</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-japan-s-core-inflation-tops-the-bank-of-japan-s-2-target-for/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-japan-s-core-inflation-tops-the-bank-of-japan-s-2-target-for/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The September reading keeps a December rate rise in play, although the central bank is expected to hold at next week’s meeting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Japan’s core consumer inflation rose above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target in September, for the first time since December 2025. It was the first time this year that Japanese inflation broke 2%. The reading matched forecasts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Data released on Friday showed Japan’s annual core consumer inflation exceeded the central bank’s 2% target. The Bank of Japan is highly likely to conclude at its next policy meeting that underlying inflation has reached 2%.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The government struck a more cautious note. A Japanese minister urged caution on declaring an end to deflation as the Bank of Japan prepares to assess whether it has achieved its 2 percent target. That is the minister’s view; the central bank’s own judgment is due at the meeting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-japan-s-core-inflation-tops-the-bank-of-japan-s-2-target-for/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Fed &amp; Monetary Policy</category></item><item><title>Justice Department opens a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski’s time at DHS</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-justice-department-opens-a-criminal-investigation-into-corey/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-justice-department-opens-a-criminal-investigation-into-corey/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The probe follows an inspector general referral on contracting during Kristi Noem’s tenure, including a $220 million ad campaign and ties to GEO Group.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into Corey Lewandowski over his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, according to sources. The department is looking into allegations involving Lewandowski, a former top adviser to ex-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Investigators are examining whether he profited from his work for Noem.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The DHS inspector general referred its investigation of Lewandowski to the Justice Department for review. The inquiry follows that referral into potential contracting fraud during Noem’s tenure as Homeland Security secretary. The probe centres on contracting decisions made during her brief time at DHS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lewandowski, the first manager of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, served as a top aide to Noem. Trump fired Noem in March.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-justice-department-opens-a-criminal-investigation-into-corey/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 sources, 10 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Detention Economy</category></item><item><title>OpenAI nears a raise of up to $30 billion at a $1.25 trillion valuation after cutting its target</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-openai-nears-a-raise-of-up-to-30-billion-at-a-1-25-trillion-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-openai-nears-a-raise-of-up-to-30-billion-at-a-1-25-trillion-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;OpenAI lowered its asking price after some investors resisted a $1.4 trillion valuation, and UAE investors are leading the round.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;OpenAI is close to finalising a funding round of up to $30 billion at a $1.25 trillion pre-money valuation, according to people familiar with the matter. The round is being led by UAE investors. The company is closing in on the new round at that valuation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The price is lower than the one OpenAI first pitched. The company cut its valuation target for the round after facing resistance from some investors to a $1.4 trillion price tag. Even after the cut, the $1.25 trillion target is still about a 50% jump from where the company’s valuation sits now, according to one commentary on the move.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;OpenAI is working on the new raise of about $30 billion ahead of a planned initial public offering.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-openai-nears-a-raise-of-up-to-30-billion-at-a-1-25-trillion-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5 sources, 4 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>Peter Thiel breaks with Trump over the Iran war: ‘We should not have done it’</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-peter-thiel-breaks-with-trump-over-the-iran-war-we-should-no/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-peter-thiel-breaks-with-trump-over-the-iran-war-we-should-no/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Leaked audio of a private lecture shows the tech investor and Republican donor criticising the decision to go to war while still backing the president.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Billionaire technology investor Peter Thiel has voiced strong scepticism about the US war on Iran, saying Washington should not have launched it. “We should not have done it,” Thiel said of the war. Thiel told an audience at a private lecture earlier this month that the decision was a mistake.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The comments became public through leaked audio. In them, Thiel criticised Trump’s decision to launch the war and spoke of a “lot of mistakes”. He said the United States should not have gotten involved. The remarks were described as a rare rebuke of Trump from one of his backers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Thiel also warned that the world is “sleepwalking into Armageddon”. He has concluded that going to war with Iran might not have been the smartest decision, according to one account of the remarks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-peter-thiel-breaks-with-trump-over-the-iran-war-we-should-no/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;13 sources, 12 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>Republican senators and Downing Street rebuke Witkoff for calling Putin a ‘humanitarian’ as Russia strikes Kyiv</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-republican-senators-and-downing-street-rebuke-witkoff-for-ca/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-republican-senators-and-downing-street-rebuke-witkoff-for-ca/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The backlash and a deadly Russian attack came as Putin said talks must focus on security for Russia, Ukraine and Europe as a whole.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;US special envoy Steve Witkoff is facing bipartisan outrage in Congress after he praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a humanitarian. Several Republicans, including Senators Thom Tillis, John Cornyn and Joni Ernst, joined the criticism. Senator Shaheen, the ranking member, compared Putin’s tactics to Hitler’s.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The British government on 22 October firmly rejected Witkoff’s description of Putin. Downing Street said Russia was responsible for the war. Television host Brian Kilmeade called the compliment “embarrassing” and said it made Witkoff look “naive”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Witkoff told Putin during their meeting in St Petersburg: “You are a humanitarian … I salute that”. The praise came as Russia released a detained American whom Russian prosecutors had accused of fighting as a mercenary for Ukraine. Witkoff had landed in St Petersburg on Wednesday morning, a Kremlin aide confirmed, and met Putin in one of the city’s grand imperial palaces. Trump on Wednesday seconded his envoy’s description of Putin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-republican-senators-and-downing-street-rebuke-witkoff-for-ca/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;15 sources, 12 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Empire-Behavior</category></item><item><title>Senator Blumenthal investigates Tether’s payments to a firm linked to Bo Hines</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-senator-blumenthal-investigates-tether-s-payments-to-a-firm-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-senator-blumenthal-investigates-tether-s-payments-to-a-firm-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The Senate’s top Democratic investigator is seeking records on payments to the former White House crypto adviser’s firm, adding to scrutiny of the stablecoin issuer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Senator Richard Blumenthal, the Senate’s top Democratic investigator, is looking into payments by Tether to a firm linked to Bo Hines. Hines is a former White House crypto adviser. Blumenthal is seeking records on the payments. The payments were made to Hines’s firm, according to the senator’s inquiry.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Blumenthal’s letter cites press reports that the payments began while Hines was helping shape stablecoin legislation for the White House. Blumenthal described that legislation as “instrumental to its business,” referring to Tether. He sent letters requesting details of the payments.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reports allege that Hines pushed to extend stablecoin compliance deadlines. Those are allegations set out in press reports and in Blumenthal’s letter; the senator is requesting records to examine them.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-senator-blumenthal-investigates-tether-s-payments-to-a-firm-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Crypto &amp; Financial Engineering</category></item><item><title>Treasury proposes curbs on US investment in Chinese high-tech and biotech</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-treasury-proposes-curbs-on-us-investment-in-chinese-high-tec/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-treasury-proposes-curbs-on-us-investment-in-chinese-high-tec/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The draft rule would add biotechnology to the outbound investment limits and covers Russia and North Korea alongside China.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The US Treasury has proposed a rule to crack down on high-tech investments in China and other adversaries. The proposed curbs cover high-tech investments in China, Russia and North Korea. The proposal would tighten the rules on investing in sensitive Chinese technology.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The proposal also adds biotechnology to the outbound investment restrictions. The Trump administration’s plan would put new curbs on China biotech deals. In a statement on the OISP plan, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “the biotechnology sector in countries of concern enables the military”. A document detailing the potential new rule records that Bessent made a determination about “the biotechnology sector in countries” of concern.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bessent also said the rules would promote an “open investment environment” by providing clarity to investors in the United States and abroad. These are the Treasury’s own descriptions of the rule’s purpose and effect; the proposal has not yet been finalised.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-treasury-proposes-curbs-on-us-investment-in-chinese-high-tec/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 11 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Rival Hegemons</category></item><item><title>Trump invokes the Defense Production Act to put $150 million into US refining</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-trump-invokes-the-defense-production-act-to-put-150-million-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-trump-invokes-the-defense-production-act-to-put-150-million-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The president announced the step at an Iowa rally, and the Energy Department said the money would restart a refinery and expand fuel output.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to spend $150 million on domestic gas and diesel production, with the stated aim of lowering fuel prices. “In more breaking news, my administration is using the Defense Production Act to release $150 million to increase American refining capacity,” Trump told a rally in Sioux City, Iowa. He told the crowd the money would increase refinery capacity “to produce more diesel”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The White House published a presidential determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 on domestic petroleum production, refining and logistics capacity. The memorandum, addressed to the Secretary of War, cites Executive Order 14156 of 20 January 2025, which declared a national energy emergency under the National Emergencies Act. Trump made the determination on Thursday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Energy Department said it would use the funding to restart an American refinery and expand refining capacity. The department described the plan as one that would add millions more gallons of fuel a day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-trump-invokes-the-defense-production-act-to-put-150-million-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;14 sources, 13 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Cabinet &amp; Insiders</category></item><item><title>UK consumer confidence suffers its biggest fall since the pandemic as fuel costs bite</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-uk-consumer-confidence-suffers-its-biggest-fall-since-the-pa/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-uk-consumer-confidence-suffers-its-biggest-fall-since-the-pa/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Several surveys show sentiment collapsing ahead of Healey’s Budget, adding to the case for a Bank of England rate rise on 5 November.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;UK consumer sentiment plunged in October as soaring fuel prices brought home the scale of the cost-of-living hit from the Middle East conflict, according to GfK. The slump was as big as the Brexit shock. Confidence fell at the fastest pace since the Covid-19 pandemic, reversing the bounce in optimism seen over the summer.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The index has been closely tracked by the government and the Bank of England for early warning signs from the economy. Surveys this month from S&amp;amp;P Global and LSEG/Ipsos have also shown weaker consumer sentiment, undoing a recovery that had taken hold earlier.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The British Retail Consortium’s consumer sentiment monitor showed that views of the economy deteriorated for a third consecutive month. Separately, UK retail sales fell 0.4% in September as consumer confidence hit a six-month low.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-uk-consumer-confidence-suffers-its-biggest-fall-since-the-pa/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>GDP &amp; Macro Reality</category></item><item><title>US embassy accuses Canada of election meddling, and Ottawa tells its diplomats to avoid midterm candidates</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-us-embassy-accuses-canada-of-election-meddling-and-ottawa-te/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-us-embassy-accuses-canada-of-election-meddling-and-ottawa-te/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The embassy cited Canada’s targeted retaliatory tariffs as evidence of influence; Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not getting involved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The US Embassy in Canada accused Canadian leaders of “openly” describing plans to “influence American politics”. The accusation doubled down on Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s claims of potential election interference. The embassy set out its case in a fact sheet released on Wednesday.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The embassy cited Canada’s targeted tariffs as part of the influence accusations, along with remarks from Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. It accused Canada of brushing off the allegations. The administration also shared a list of Canadians as part of its claims. The US has formally accused Canada of election interference ahead of the midterms, adding a political dispute to the two governments’ fight over trade.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Canadian diplomats based in the US have been advised to avoid appearing with midterm candidates. People familiar with the matter said the diplomats were barred from being in the same room as candidates. The advice came after trade adviser Peter Navarro and Hoekstra issued warnings to Canada. Canada warned its diplomats to avoid US candidates after the Trump administration’s interference claims.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-23-am-us-embassy-accuses-canada-of-election-meddling-and-ottawa-te/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 9 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:17:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Empire-Behavior</category></item><item><title>Bank of Japan set to hold at 1.25% next week as Japan’s biggest union seeks 6% pay rises</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-bank-of-japan-set-to-hold-at-1-25-next-week-as-japan-s-bigge/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-bank-of-japan-set-to-hold-at-1-25-next-week-as-japan-s-bigge/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The BOJ is expected to keep rates steady at its 29 to 30 October meeting, while strong loan demand and an ambitious wage target keep further hikes in view.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Bank of Japan will hold its key interest rate steady at 1.25% at its policy meeting on 29 to 30 October, according to a report. The central bank raised rates in June and again in September 2026, taking the policy rate to a 31-year high of 1.25%. Most BOJ watchers expect the next rate rise in December.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Japan’s biggest labour group set a midpoint target of 6% for its 2027 wage increase talks. The target includes a 4% base pay increase. The group framed the figure as a message about how high pay rises should go, with the BOJ’s rate path in the background.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Separately, strength in Japanese loan demand is expected to leave scope for more BOJ hikes. The data, released ahead of next week’s meeting, reinforces the dominant market view that the central bank will continue to raise rates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-bank-of-japan-set-to-hold-at-1-25-next-week-as-japan-s-bigge/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 9 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Fed &amp; Monetary Policy</category></item><item><title>Barclays to cut 5,000 jobs as it leans on AI</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-barclays-to-cut-5-000-jobs-as-it-leans-on-ai/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-barclays-to-cut-5-000-jobs-as-it-leans-on-ai/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The British bank said greater use of artificial intelligence will remove about 5% of its workforce, as its chief executive discussed third-quarter results, the UK budget and private credit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Barclays is cutting 5,000 jobs as it increases its reliance on artificial intelligence. The bank said its greater use of AI will lead to a 5% reduction in its workforce.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The cuts equate to the loss of 5% of its 93,000 global staff. A Barclays executive said the reductions, affecting about 5% of full-time roles, come as “AI makes our people more productive”. The bank’s bosses hailed advances in AI productivity as they announced the cuts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The bank is turning to AI to improve efficiency. Chief executive C.S. Venkatakrishnan discussed the bank’s third-quarter earnings, economic volatility, the upcoming UK budget and private credit. He outlined three forces to watch in the bond market.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-barclays-to-cut-5-000-jobs-as-it-leans-on-ai/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Mainstream News</category></item><item><title>France’s 10-year borrowing cost tops 5% again and overtakes US yields</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-france-s-10-year-borrowing-cost-tops-5-again-and-overtakes-u/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-france-s-10-year-borrowing-cost-tops-5-again-and-overtakes-u/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;French yields stayed above 5% for a second day, with one gauge of French bond risk at a 15-year high, as policymakers signal no quick rescue from the European Central Bank.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;France’s 10-year borrowing cost topped 5% again in early Paris trading on Thursday, a day after touching that level for the first time since 2002. French borrowing costs have overtaken those of the United States amid budget turmoil. A gauge of French bond risk hit a 15-year high.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The move came as France recovers from its worst urban riots in years and braces for more clashes. Yields on eurozone government bonds rose while Treasury yields fell, widening the French spread. The French debt risk premium has reached the levels of the euro zone sovereign crisis. France’s borrowing costs are at a 24-year high as the riots deepen budget worries.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-france-s-10-year-borrowing-cost-tops-5-again-and-overtakes-u/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 9 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Fed &amp; Monetary Policy</category></item><item><title>Global stocks slide as Tesla’s spending cut and Meta dent AI optimism, and Hong Kong suffers its worst day in seven months</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-global-stocks-slide-as-tesla-s-spending-cut-and-meta-dent-ai/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-global-stocks-slide-as-tesla-s-spending-cut-and-meta-dent-ai/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;A day after SpaceX lifted the AI trade, Tesla’s capex cut and lower sales target, Meta’s results and Gulf tensions sent equities lower from Hong Kong to New York futures.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Global stocks fell and bonds gained as Meta dented optimism about technology. Markets sold off worldwide as further conflict loomed in the Middle East and Elon Musk cut spending at Tesla. US stock futures retreated on concerns about AI, as the rally driven by tech earnings faded.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tesla cut spending ahead of a potential deal with SpaceX, even as Musk bets the carmaker’s future on AI and robots. Musk set a lower sales target for Tesla, and the company’s profit dropped. Musk is exploring a combination of Tesla with SpaceX, a far more capital-intensive business.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;One analyst asked how much the Tesla capex cut is weighing on the market. Many AI bulls had long said the first hyperscaler spending cut would mark the end of the AI trade, the analyst said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-global-stocks-slide-as-tesla-s-spending-cut-and-meta-dent-ai/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;12 sources, 12 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>GDP &amp; Macro Reality</category></item><item><title>Nvidia’s Huang pitches $10 billion for European AI and says neoclouds are starved of capital</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-nvidia-s-huang-pitches-10-billion-for-european-ai-and-says-n/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-nvidia-s-huang-pitches-10-billion-for-european-ai-and-says-n/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;At Nvidia’s GTC conference in Berlin, Jensen Huang said demand for neocloud operators is “off the charts” but that scarce capital is holding them back, and urged lenders to treat Nvidia chips as a financeable asset.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang used the company’s GTC conference in Berlin to push for a bigger role in Europe’s AI future. In interviews on Thursday he explained the company’s $10 billion investment in European start-ups. His keynote on Wednesday morning was interrupted by protesters.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Huang said demand for neocloud firms is “off the charts”, but that scarce capital is holding back their growth. “Demand is really high, they just need working capital,” he said, calling neoclouds a “good investment”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;He said Nvidia is trying to get lenders to treat its chips as a “financeable asset”. Huang also said he told UK-based neocloud Nscale to “work around the clock” to overcome early setbacks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-nvidia-s-huang-pitches-10-billion-for-european-ai-and-says-n/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;12 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>Pentagon builds a deep-cover economic spy program aimed at China</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-pentagon-builds-a-deep-cover-economic-spy-program-aimed-at-c/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-pentagon-builds-a-deep-cover-economic-spy-program-aimed-at-c/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;A program overseen by a former CIA officer who followed Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg from Cerberus Capital Management would place undercover operatives against Chinese targets, alongside a new tech sabotage agency.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Pentagon is looking to build a more robust deep-cover spying program to confront China, according to people familiar with it. The effort is described as an economic intelligence programme targeting China. It would use US operatives working undercover.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tom Rakusan is overseeing the program. He is a senior adviser to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg and spent 39 years at the CIA. Rakusan previously worked on matters related to Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;After leaving the CIA, Rakusan joined Cerberus Capital Management, the private equity firm co-founded by Feinberg. He followed Feinberg from Cerberus to the Pentagon in 2025.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Separately, the Pentagon is quietly building an elite new tech sabotage agency, which has been described as a new Pentagon power centre around Feinberg.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-pentagon-builds-a-deep-cover-economic-spy-program-aimed-at-c/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Cabinet &amp; Insiders</category></item><item><title>Philippine central bank surprises with a big rate rise as Korea and Indonesia hold</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-philippine-central-bank-surprises-with-a-big-rate-rise-as-ko/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-philippine-central-bank-surprises-with-a-big-rate-rise-as-ko/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Three Asian central banks split this week on how to answer energy-driven inflation from the Middle East: Manila tightened more than expected, while Seoul paused and Jakarta held its benchmark rate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Philippine central bank raised interest rates by more than expected on Thursday. It warned that inflation would accelerate further as renewed Middle East tensions pushed up energy prices.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Bank of Korea held its policy rate steady at 3% after two straight increases, as expected. It paused its tightening as inflation eased but remained above target, and signalled that tightening would continue. Shin Hyun-song said the rate freeze was the fruit of preemptive action and that monetary tightening would continue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bank Indonesia held its benchmark interest rate steady on Wednesday but raised its deposit facility rate. The decision came as the threat of a downgrade by index provider MSCI weighed on Indonesian markets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-philippine-central-bank-surprises-with-a-big-rate-rise-as-ko/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Economic Commentary</category></item><item><title>Seven vessels hit near Hormuz, Iran’s Guards say, as they threaten US bases over tanker escorts</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-seven-vessels-hit-near-hormuz-iran-s-guards-say-as-they-thre/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-seven-vessels-hit-near-hormuz-iran-s-guards-say-as-they-thre/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed strikes and mine hits on seven ships overnight and warned Washington of a wider response, even as Gulf oil exports run above their pre-war level.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said on Thursday that four vessels it accused of illegal oil transfers were hit simultaneously and caught fire. The Guards said they struck the four ships while they were transferring oil ship to ship in the northern Persian Gulf, and that three more vessels struck mines. Iran’s government put the total at seven oil tankers on fire or damaged in the Strait of Hormuz.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Iranian state television reported that the seven tankers were either struck by attacks or hit naval mines. Other accounts say the ships caught fire or were damaged overnight after being hit by Iran or striking naval mines. The Guards described the ships as “violating” vessels.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Guards also threatened to strike American bases across the Middle East if the US military continues to escort ships through Hormuz. They warned the United States of a wider response.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-seven-vessels-hit-near-hormuz-iran-s-guards-say-as-they-thre/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;16 sources, 15 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Adversary&apos;s Veto</category></item><item><title>SpaceX’s beat-and-raise quarter revives the AI trade and lifts the Nasdaq</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-spacex-s-beat-and-raise-quarter-revives-the-ai-trade-and-lif/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-spacex-s-beat-and-raise-quarter-revives-the-ai-trade-and-lif/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;SpaceX’s third-quarter results and Elon Musk’s dismissal of overcapacity worries sent tech stocks higher, with small caps posting their best day since August.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;SpaceX beat earnings estimates and raised its outlook in third-quarter results released after the market close on Tuesday. The beat and raise reinvigorated Wall Street’s enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, with the Nasdaq leading the major indices in a rally with broad participation. Tech stocks rose after the results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;SpaceX shares surged 8% on the quarterly report. Nasdaq futures led gains before the open as results from SpaceX and Super Micro rekindled the AI trade. The S&amp;amp;P 500 edged higher as the two companies sparked an AI rebound.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The company’s AI spending has reached $16.4 billion, forcing investors into another bet on Elon Musk. On the earnings call, Musk called talk of AI overcapacity “ridiculous”. He said the AI and rocket company is “hounded relentlessly by every hyperscaler” seeking to rent its compute.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-spacex-s-beat-and-raise-quarter-revives-the-ai-trade-and-lif/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;11 sources, 10 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>Trump denies ordering the Starlink slowdown in Ukraine as Rubio and Hegseth point to Musk</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-trump-denies-ordering-the-starlink-slowdown-in-ukraine-as-ru/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-trump-denies-ordering-the-starlink-slowdown-in-ukraine-as-ru/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The president said he does not know who restricted Ukraine’s satellite internet, his top officials put the decision on SpaceX, and lawmakers are calling for an investigation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Trump denied ordering a slowdown of SpaceX’s Starlink service in Ukraine and said he does not know who did. “I don’t know who did it,” Trump said when asked whether SpaceX founder Elon Musk was behind the change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ukraine’s access to Starlink is a decision for SpaceX and Musk, not the White House, responding to claims that the administration was involved in restricting Kyiv’s access to satellite internet services. “Starshield is a defense product… the United States military uses,” Rubio told reporters last week. “It’s not at this moment available to Ukraine”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Pentagon also denies playing a role. “We haven’t pulled anything back,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters on Tuesday. Rubio and Hegseth have both pointed at Musk over the slowdown. Trump made his denial when asked directly whether Musk was behind the change to the service.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-trump-denies-ordering-the-starlink-slowdown-in-ukraine-as-ru/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Cabinet &amp; Insiders</category></item><item><title>Trump says fraud investigations made a very big dent in overseas crypto scams as his family’s crypto gains draw scrutiny</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-trump-says-fraud-investigations-made-a-very-big-dent-in-over/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-trump-says-fraud-investigations-made-a-very-big-dent-in-over/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;At a White House cybercrime roundtable the administration showcased seizures of fraudulent crypto sites, while critics pointed to the Trump family’s crypto earnings and the 2025 pardon of Binance’s founder.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Trump said fraud investigations have made a “very big dent” in overseas scams. He spoke at a roundtable on cybercrime in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, alongside Stephen Miller.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The president’s team highlighted work to crack down on overseas crypto scams. The event was set up to tout seizures of fraudulent crypto sites. Ahead of it, the administration planned to throw a spotlight on overseas crypto abuses.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The roundtable focused on cybercrime losses in 2025. During the event Trump avoided the word “cryptocurrency”, using “cybercurrency” instead. One account put the scams’ losses at $7.2 billion, set against $2.3 billion in gains for the Trump family. Miller also spoke about the president’s record on scams.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-trump-says-fraud-investigations-made-a-very-big-dent-in-over/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;13 sources, 13 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Crypto &amp; Financial Engineering</category></item><item><title>US and Israel plan renewed Iran strikes after the midterms as Washington pulls diplomats from Saudi Arabia</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-us-and-israel-plan-renewed-iran-strikes-after-the-midterms-a/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-us-and-israel-plan-renewed-iran-strikes-after-the-midterms-a/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Plans for a post-election air campaign, embassy drawdowns in the Gulf and a large Israeli sortie toward Iran’s border point to rising odds that the war resumes after 3 November.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The United States and Israel have drawn up plans for renewed strikes on Iran after the elections. The planning is aimed at the period after 3 November, when the US midterms take place. The campaign under discussion has been described as massive. One account says interest was expressed in dropping the 22,000-pound GBU-43/B “Mother of all Bombs”. Separately, the United States and Israel are planning for a possible attack on Iran, a source said.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At the same time, Washington ordered some diplomats to leave Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks escalate. US embassy staff and their families have been told to leave. US troops and diplomats are also evacuating posts elsewhere in the Middle East, according to sources.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Some of President Trump’s advisers, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have been privately advocating a resumption of military operations against Iran. Hegseth met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an unannounced visit to Israel.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-22-am-us-and-israel-plan-renewed-iran-strikes-after-the-midterms-a/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;14 sources, 13 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Adversary&apos;s Veto</category></item><item><title>A New Jersey food importer sues over Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods under a 1930 law</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-a-new-jersey-food-importer-sues-over-trump-s-50-tariffs-on-c/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-a-new-jersey-food-importer-sues-over-trump-s-50-tariffs-on-c/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The lawsuit argues the White House exceeded its authority by using a provision of the Smoot-Hawley Act that no president had used in 96 years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A New Jersey food importer filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging President Donald Trump’s power to invoke a Depression-era law to levy a 50% tariff on Canadian goods. The company is New Jersey-based Gellert Global Group, which objects to the use of the law to levy a 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The lawsuit argues that the White House exceeded its authority in imposing the latest tariffs on Canada and caused “immediate harm to American businesses”. It is the latest legal challenge to the president’s tariffs.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The case concerns Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which Trump invoked over the summer to impose 50% tariffs. The suit has been described as a challenge to $40 million in cheese duties under that law.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-a-new-jersey-food-importer-sues-over-trump-s-50-tariffs-on-c/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>GDP &amp; Macro Reality</category></item><item><title>BlackRock’s Fink warns that resistance to data centres will push up inflation and computing costs</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-blackrock-s-fink-warns-that-resistance-to-data-centres-will-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-blackrock-s-fink-warns-that-resistance-to-data-centres-will-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The asset manager’s chief made the case for a rapid AI buildout as a poll shows most Americans oppose more data centres and finance leaders argue over a bubble.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;BlackRock Chief Executive Larry Fink warned on Wednesday that pushback against building data centres will drive up inflation. He said delays in building them could raise computing costs and threaten the economy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Fink said that failing to push ahead with data centre construction could be inflationary. He stressed the critical role of data centres for the US economy and warned against resistance to their development.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In his account, slow construction could push up the cost of computing as demand for AI rises. A slow buildout would keep AI computing capacity expensive while demand accelerates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-blackrock-s-fink-warns-that-resistance-to-data-centres-will-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 sources, 10 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>China moves to tighten control over exports of its top AI models</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-china-moves-to-tighten-control-over-exports-of-its-top-ai-mo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-china-moves-to-tighten-control-over-exports-of-its-top-ai-mo/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Beijing has put draft export controls on 23 AI-related technologies out for consultation, including open-weight models and AI agents, as it protests Washington’s DeepSeek ban.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Beijing is moving to tighten its grip on the global spread of China’s top-tier artificial intelligence. On 16 October, the Ministries of Commerce and of Science and Technology put export controls on AI out for consultation until 15 November.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;China has proposed draft export controls covering 23 AI-related technologies. The plans would tighten controls on open-weight models as well as on 23 key AI technologies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The government released proposed export controls covering advanced AI, including AI agents. They came out on the same day that Tencent responded to an incident involving a rogue AI.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-china-moves-to-tighten-control-over-exports-of-its-top-ai-mo/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5 sources, 5 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Rival Hegemons</category></item><item><title>Gulf oil flows top their pre-war level even as new Hormuz attacks lift prices</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-gulf-oil-flows-top-their-pre-war-level-even-as-new-hormuz-at/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-gulf-oil-flows-top-their-pre-war-level-even-as-new-hormuz-at/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;More than 24 million barrels a day left the region through Hormuz and other routes in the week to 18 October, but attacks on ships and soaring freight costs kept crude rising.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;More oil is now coming out of the Persian Gulf than before the Iran war. Flows through the Strait of Hormuz and alternative export routes averaged more than 24 million barrels a day in the week through 18 October, above the pre-war level.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Prices rose anyway. Oil advanced as attacks in the Strait of Hormuz continued to menace global supplies, though flows through the waterway remain robust. Oil prices also rose as Hormuz shipping risks persisted.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The latest incidents were attacks on a tanker near the strait and on Saudi Arabian facilities by Iran-backed Houthis. Traders were assessing those developments as prices climbed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-gulf-oil-flows-top-their-pre-war-level-even-as-new-hormuz-at/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 5 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Adversary&apos;s Veto</category></item><item><title>Musk calls a SpaceX-Tesla merger a good idea as both boards set up special committees</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-musk-calls-a-spacex-tesla-merger-a-good-idea-as-both-boards-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-musk-calls-a-spacex-tesla-merger-a-good-idea-as-both-boards-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Independent directors at the two companies will study a combination that Musk says has a lot to offer, and that would be the biggest merger on record.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Elon Musk said on Tuesday that a merger of SpaceX and Tesla would be “a good idea” and that the two companies had formed special committees to consider a deal. The committees are made up of independent directors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Musk made the comments on SpaceX’s earnings call. “Because I’m a conflicted party, I can’t actually be in the discussions,” he said. He added that “there’s a lot to be gained” by combining the companies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tesla’s committee is drawn from its seven independent directors, with Robyn Denholm as chair. Musk is chief executive of both companies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-musk-calls-a-spacex-tesla-merger-a-good-idea-as-both-boards-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;12 sources, 9 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Tech Oligarchs</category></item><item><title>Russia frees an American as Putin hosts Witkoff, who asks to restart three-way Ukraine talks</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-russia-frees-an-american-as-putin-hosts-witkoff-who-asks-to-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-russia-frees-an-american-as-putin-hosts-witkoff-who-asks-to-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Washington’s envoy presented an updated peace proposal in St Petersburg, while Putin floated a meeting with Trump in China and offered help on Iran.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;White House envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to allow the resumption of trilateral peace talks between Russia, Ukraine and the US. He presented Putin with an updated proposal to end the war in Ukraine during their meeting in St Petersburg.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Before the meeting, Russia released US citizen Stephen Hubbard, 74, who had spent more than four years in captivity after being seized by Russian troops. Putin ordered the release of the jailed American as he met the envoy. President Trump later said the former teacher was “on his way back home” and that “there was no ‘swap’ necessary”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The talks were a fresh drive to end the war in Ukraine. Witkoff hailed the Russian leader as a “humanitarian” during the talks.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-russia-frees-an-american-as-putin-hosts-witkoff-who-asks-to-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Empire-Behavior</category></item><item><title>The ECB makes its case in China for euro liquidity lines to widen the currency’s global role</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-ecb-makes-its-case-in-china-for-euro-liquidity-lines-to-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-ecb-makes-its-case-in-china-for-euro-liquidity-lines-to-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Chief Economist Philip Lane argued that backstops in euros for foreign central banks could support sovereign bond markets and help the ECB hit its inflation target.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The European Central Bank made the case in China for euro liquidity lines. The ECB argued that it can strengthen the euro’s global role and amplify the reach of its monetary policy by providing liquidity safety nets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chief Economist Philip Lane said wider global use of the euro could help the ECB hit its inflation target. He said a global euro liquidity backstop could support sovereign bond markets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The ECB set out how the tools would work in a publication on euro liquidity lines and the international monetary system. In the bank’s account, swap lines can be used against local-currency collateral, so that combined swap and EUREP access offers stronger support than EUREP alone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-ecb-makes-its-case-in-china-for-euro-liquidity-lines-to-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Structural Indicators</category></item><item><title>The OCC issues its final GENIUS Act rule for stablecoins and reopens the question of rewards</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-occ-issues-its-final-genius-act-rule-for-stablecoins-and/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-occ-issues-its-final-genius-act-rule-for-stablecoins-and/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Comptroller Jonathan Gould called the rule a milestone, while industry groups press the Treasury on the parts of the law still to be written.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has issued its final rule to implement the GENIUS Act, setting a federal framework for US stablecoins. The OCC presented the rule as advancing US leadership in digital assets.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “the OCC’s final rule carries that landmark legislation forward, providing a clear, practical foundation”. Bessent and Comptroller Jonathan V. Gould hailed the rule as a milestone that, in their words, positions the US as a global leader.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The rule had been expected. On 15 October, Gould said the OCC’s final rule implementing the GENIUS Act would come “in the very near term”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-occ-issues-its-final-genius-act-rule-for-stablecoins-and/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;7 sources, 7 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Financial Regulation</category></item><item><title>The RBA says Australia’s inflation outlook is materially worse, reviving bets on a November rise</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-rba-says-australia-s-inflation-outlook-is-materially-wor/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-rba-says-australia-s-inflation-outlook-is-materially-wor/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;A warning from Deputy Governor Hauser lifted the Australian dollar and reopened a rate decision that bond traders had begun to discount.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Reserve Bank of Australia said the country’s inflation outlook has become materially worse. Deputy Governor Hauser gave the warning ahead of the central bank’s November meeting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His comments raised the prospect of another interest rate rise as soon as November. He described the November rate decision as open.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Bond traders had earlier cooled on the prospect of a further rise in interest rates at the policy meeting next month. The warning challenged that view.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-the-rba-says-australia-s-inflation-outlook-is-materially-wor/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;5 sources, 5 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Fed &amp; Monetary Policy</category></item><item><title>Trump says his political operation has committed $400 million to the midterms as MAGA Inc. pours in $277 million</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-trump-says-his-political-operation-has-committed-400-million/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-trump-says-his-political-operation-has-committed-400-million/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The president’s super PAC spent more than $200 million in September alone, and a late $80 million donation is now flowing to Democrats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his political operation had committed $400 million to the midterm elections, including $300 million already spent. He said he plans to spend at least $400 million by Election Day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;His super PAC, MAGA Inc., has put $277 million into the midterms. It spent more than $200 million in September, mainly through two affiliated PACs, according to election data released on Tuesday. That is nearly a quarter of a billion dollars to help Republicans.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Trump said the money is going to help Republicans in the midterms. At the same campaign event, Trump called up Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to announce the construction of a new plant to build silicon wafers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-trump-says-his-political-operation-has-committed-400-million/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;6 sources, 4 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Megadonors</category></item><item><title>Trump says the Pentagon will invest $1.5 billion in North Carolina chip production</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-trump-says-the-pentagon-will-invest-1-5-billion-in-north-car/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-trump-says-the-pentagon-will-invest-1-5-billion-in-north-car/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;At a rally in Greenville, the president and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also announced a Sibelco plant worth hundreds of millions of dollars.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;President Donald Trump said the Pentagon will invest $1.5 billion in chip production in North Carolina. He made the announcement at a campaign stop in the state, with the money going to semiconductor chip production. Trump spoke in Greenville, where the rally was held.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick joined him on stage to share the news with the crowd. Lutnick announced on Tuesday a new investment in North Carolina by Sibelco, a global industrial minerals company. He said Sibelco will invest “hundreds of millions” of dollars in semiconductor manufacturing in the state.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sibelco is going to build a manufacturing plant in North Carolina, Lutnick said. At the Pitt-Greenville Airport, Trump and Lutnick announced two semiconductor production efforts in all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-trump-says-the-pentagon-will-invest-1-5-billion-in-north-car/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;8 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Cabinet &amp; Insiders</category></item><item><title>UK inflation jumps to 3.5% in September on fuel costs, firming bets on a November rate rise</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-uk-inflation-jumps-to-3-5-in-september-on-fuel-costs-firming/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-uk-inflation-jumps-to-3-5-in-september-on-fuel-costs-firming/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Consumer prices rose faster than expected, to an 11-month high, a week before a Budget in which the chancellor has already ruled out a higher capital gains tax.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Annual consumer price inflation in the UK rose to 3.5% in September, the highest rate in nearly a year. It was 3.1% in the year to August, according to the Office for National Statistics.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The rise was larger than expected. A surge in petrol and diesel costs drove the increase, which took inflation to an 11-month high. Fuel prices driven up by the war were the main push.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Bank of England’s target is 2%. September’s reading leaves inflation further above that target as policymakers prepare for their next meeting.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-21-am-uk-inflation-jumps-to-3-5-in-september-on-fuel-costs-firming/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 sources, 8 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:16:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Fed &amp; Monetary Policy</category></item><item><title>A Bank of Canada survey shows inflation expectations rising, and BMO now leans toward a rate rise next week</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-20-am-a-bank-of-canada-survey-shows-inflation-expectations-rising-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-20-am-a-bank-of-canada-survey-shows-inflation-expectations-rising-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;Businesses blamed energy prices and new tariffs for higher expected inflation, though some economists say softer consumer prices argue for a hold.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A Bank of Canada survey recorded a notable rise in inflation expectations, The Wall Street Journal reported. The rise in expectations is tied to elevated energy prices stemming from the Middle East conflict and to the imposition of new tariffs, according to Morningstar. A second Morningstar update tied it to elevated fuel costs and new tariffs on US and Canadian goods.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The surveys also pointed to strain from trade. Trade tensions are weighing on exports and investment, Yahoo Finance reported, while cost pressures remain widespread and businesses are absorbing part of the additional tariff burden themselves.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% in September. Since then, Canada’s mortgage market has reported upward pressure on fixed rates.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-20-am-a-bank-of-canada-survey-shows-inflation-expectations-rising-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;9 sources, 6 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Fed &amp; Monetary Policy</category></item><item><title>ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent place more than $35 billion of Nvidia chip orders</title><link>https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-20-am-bytedance-alibaba-and-tencent-place-more-than-35-billion-of-/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-20-am-bytedance-alibaba-and-tencent-place-more-than-35-billion-of-/</guid><description>&lt;p&gt;The Reuters report lands as chip stocks recover from a nine-day slide and as Washington argues over how tightly to police AI technology bound for China.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;ByteDance, Alibaba and Tencent have placed more than $35 billion worth of Nvidia chip orders, Reuters reported in an exclusive. Reuters described the chip involved as among the most powerful of Nvidia’s AI processors.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Reuters quoted a statement that “US firms continue to be restricted by a combination of outdated US export controls”. The export controls in question are overseen by the US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://activeinvestormag.com/story/2026-10-20-am-bytedance-alibaba-and-tencent-place-more-than-35-billion-of-/&quot;&gt;Why it matters to investors, and what to watch: on the site.&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;10 sources, 10 outlets. Assembled by machine; sources listed on the page.&lt;/p&gt;</description><pubDate>Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:18:00 GMT</pubDate><category>Rival Hegemons</category></item></channel></rss>