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**US and China Reach 90-Day Tariff Truce, Easing Trade Tensions**
The US and China agreed to suspend most tariffs for 90 days following high-stakes negotiations in Geneva, signaling a temporary thaw in trade tensions. Experts predict a surge in cross-Pacific trade as businesses rush to stock up before the truce expires. While stocks rallied sharply on the news, uncertainties remain over long-term resolutions to key disputes like intellectual property and industrial subsidies. Analysts warn that inflation and supply chain pressures could linger despite the short-term relief.

**US-China Trade Set to Spike as Businesses Rush to Beat Tariff Deadline**
With US-China tariffs slashed from record highs, companies are scrambling to move goods before the 90-day pause ends, risking shipping backlogs and rising costs. Export data from China to the US already shows a 15.6% jump in December as firms front-loaded orders. Flexport’s CEO reported a 35% spike in freight bookings overnight, warning of potential cargo shortages. However, smaller businesses may struggle with cash flow as they race to capitalize on the tariff reprieve.

**Stock Markets Soar as US-China Tariff Truce Sparks Investor Optimism**
The Nasdaq and S&P 500 surged nearly 3% after the US and China announced a tariff pause, marking one of Wall Street’s biggest rallies in months. While the deal eases immediate trade friction, Fed officials caution that lingering tariffs could still weigh on inflation and economic growth. Key issues like fentanyl sanctions and tech export controls remain unresolved, leaving markets vulnerable to future volatility. Experts warn the 90-day window may not be enough to settle deep-rooted disputes.

**Can US-China Negotiations Deliver a Lasting Trade Deal?**
Trade analysts say the 90-day tariff truce offers a critical window—but warn major hurdles like IP theft and industrial subsidies could stall progress. China is expected to push back against US export controls, while Washington demands concessions on fentanyl and unfair trade practices. “The agenda is extremely broad, and narrowing it will be tough,” says CSIS expert Scott Kennedy. With both sides under political pressure, the clock is ticking to avoid another escalation.

**Quentin Tarantino to Honor George Sherman at Cannes Classics 2025**

Cannes regular Quentin Tarantino will pay tribute to late low-budget westerns director George Sherman at this year’s Cannes Classics. The *Pulp Fiction* auteur will present screenings of *Red Canyon* and *Comanche Territory*, followed by a conversation with critic Elvis Mitchell.

**Cannes Classics 2025 Celebrates Cinema Legends**

This year’s lineup includes a centenary screening of Chaplin’s *The Gold Rush*, a 25th-anniversary showing of *Amores Perros*, and a 50th-anniversary restoration of *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*. Kevin Smith’s *Dogma* and a new 4K *Barry Lyndon* print also headline the prestigious sidebar.

**Shia LaBeouf and Kevin Smith Join Cannes Classics Lineup**

Shia LaBeouf will debut *Slauson Rec*, a documentary about his free acting school, while Kevin Smith returns with *Dogma: Resurrected* for its 25th anniversary. The event closes with Kubrick’s *Barry Lyndon* in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio.

**JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, once Bitcoin’s fiercest critic, now lets clients buy crypto—but he’s not happy about it.** Despite calling Bitcoin a „fraud” and „pet rock,” Dimon bowed to client demand as Wall Street warms to crypto.

**From calling Bitcoin „stupid” to allowing investments, Jamie Dimon’s reversal marks a major win for crypto adoption.** JPMorgan’s move follows Bitcoin ETF approvals and Trump’s pro-crypto policies, forcing traditional finance to adapt.

**Jamie Dimon’s Bitcoin U-turn shows even Wall Street giants can’t ignore crypto’s rising demand.** As rivals like Goldman Sachs dive in, JPMorgan risks losing clients by staying on the sidelines—despite Dimon’s personal skepticism.

**Crypto skeptics lose a key ally as JPMorgan opens Bitcoin trading for clients.** Dimon’s grudging acceptance signals a turning point for institutional crypto adoption, even as he warns of its risks.

**Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn reveals his leadership evolution—from micromanaging 50 employees to becoming a „culture carrier.”**

**Von Ahn admits he overdid micromanagement early on but now delegates tasks he dislikes—like finance and HR—to his execs.**

**Despite scaling to 800+ employees, Duolingo’s CEO still weighs in on key decisions—but lets data drive most choices.**

**His „founder mode” differs from tech peers like Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, who argues against traditional scaling advice.**

**Is now a good time to buy a home? Even experts can’t agree**

Even housing economists like Redfin’s Chen Zhao are torn on whether it’s the right moment to buy a home, thanks to volatile mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. While rising inventory and stabilizing prices offer some relief, affordability remains a major hurdle for buyers. Experts suggest waiting if possible—but for those who must move, strategic negotiation can help.

**High home prices and rising mortgage rates make buying tougher than ever**

With median home prices up 43% since the pandemic and mortgage rates hovering near 7%, many buyers face financial strain just to qualify. Reventure CEO Nick Gerli warns that today’s market is a „raw deal,” with payments consuming nearly 40% of income—levels last seen during the 2006 housing bubble. For some, renting may offer more flexibility and savings in this uncertain economy.

**Buyers can still win—if they play the long game**

Despite challenges, rising inventory and price cuts give buyers leverage in negotiations, especially in Sunbelt markets. Experts advise shopping around for better mortgage rates, lower agent fees, and seller concessions. But with home prices expected to dip, waiting could pay off—unless life demands an immediate move. As Zhao puts it, „We’re operating in a different world right now.”

**Apple uses scare tactics to deter EU users from apps with alternative payments**
Apple is displaying alarming red exclamation marks on EU App Store listings for apps like Instacar, warning users about „unsecure” external payment systems—despite the apps being fully compliant. The tactic appears aimed at discouraging adoption of non-Apple payment options under the EU’s Digital Markets Act. Fewer than 100 apps have implemented external payments due to Apple’s restrictive rules.

**Apple’s EU warning labels spark backlash amid antitrust scrutiny**
The tech giant faces EU criticism for using fear-based messaging to steer users away from apps with alternative payment methods, like Hungary’s popular Instacar. Though Apple proposed toning down the alerts, the EU hasn’t approved the changes. This follows recent rulings against Apple’s anti-steering practices in the US.

**Why Apple’s red warnings on EU App Store listings are controversial**
Apple’s ominous alerts on apps like Instacar imply security risks—despite no actual violations—raising concerns about unfair competition. The move coincides with Epic’s legal win against Apple’s payment restrictions, though the EU battle over „scare sheets” continues. Critics argue Apple is manipulating user trust to maintain control.

**Few EU apps dare to defy Apple’s strict payment rules**
With fewer than 100 EU apps offering external payments, Apple’s aggressive warnings—like those on Instacar’s listing—highlight the chilling effect of its policies. The EU has yet to approve Apple’s proposed softer warning design, leaving developers caught in a battle over fair competition.

**Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar walks 300 km to Romania, rallying ethnic Hungarians against Orban’s rule.**

**Peter Magyar’s 11-day march to Oradea signals a bold challenge to Viktor Orban’s long-standing government.**

**Ethnic Hungarians in Romania cheer Magyar as he vows to end Orban’s “dictatorship” and restore unity.**

**With polls favoring Magyar, his grassroots campaign taps into frustration over corruption and Orban’s divisive politics.**

**Jeremy Bowen: Netanyahu’s Gaza offensive risks global outrage, deeper Israeli divisions**

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned military offensive in Gaza threatens to deepen domestic divisions, escalate Palestinian casualties, and draw international condemnation. The operation, aimed at dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages, could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis as the UN warns of starvation and disease. With allies like the UK and EU opposing the move, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure amid accusations of violating international law.

**Netanyahu’s Gaza strategy sparks fears of prolonged war, civilian suffering**

As Israel prepares for a major offensive in Gaza, critics warn it could prolong the conflict, further isolate Israel globally, and fail to secure hostage releases. The plan to forcibly relocate Palestinian civilians has drawn UN condemnation, while Netanyahu’s political survival hinges on balancing hardline allies and growing domestic dissent. Meanwhile, families of hostages accuse the government of prioritizing military action over negotiations.

**Israel’s Gaza offensive plan faces backlash over humanitarian and legal concerns**

Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow to seize and hold Gaza territory risks intensifying civilian casualties and global outrage, with the UN refusing to cooperate on aid distribution under Israel’s terms. European allies warn of potential war crimes, while far-right ministers openly advocate for Palestinian displacement. As internal opposition grows, Netanyahu’s strategy appears driven more by political survival than lasting security.

**Trump’s Tariff Retreat? Signs Point to Potential Rollback Amid Global Backlash**

New signals suggest President Trump may be reconsidering his aggressive tariff policies after market turmoil and international pushback. As global finance ministers express frustration, the U.S. appears to soften its stance—but uncertainty remains over whether the 10% baseline tariff will stay.

**U.S. Faces Global Isolation as Allies React to Trump’s Trade War Fallout**

From Japan to Europe, nations are pushing back against Trump’s tariffs, with some exploring alternative trade alliances. The IMF warns of economic instability, while U.S. retailers fear empty shelves if the trade war escalates further.

**Will Trump Back Down? Treasury Secretary Takes Control Amid White House Chaos**

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, is now leading tariff negotiations, calming markets—but internal White House divisions linger. With Trump’s hardline trade adviser Navarro still in play, the world watches for signs of a full retreat.

**Global Economy at a Crossroads: Could Tariffs Trigger a Financial Crisis?**

As central banks game out worst-case scenarios, fears grow that the U.S. could weaponize dollar swap lines. Meanwhile, the UK shifts focus to EU trade ties, signaling a broader realignment away from U.S. unpredictability.

**Why Cybersecurity is Non-Negotiable in the Finance Industry**

The financial sector remains a prime target for cybercriminals due to its high-value transactions and sensitive data. From fintech startups to global banks, robust cybersecurity is now a necessity—not an option. Beyond data protection, it safeguards trust, risk management, and financial infrastructure.

**Key Cybersecurity Threats Facing Financial Institutions**

Legacy systems, insider threats, and third-party risks expose financial firms to cyberattacks. Phishing scams, ransomware, and API vulnerabilities continue to evolve, making fraud prevention critical. With breaches costing millions, investing in AI-driven security and multi-factor authentication is essential.

**The Future of Financial Cybersecurity**

AI, blockchain, and zero-trust architecture are shaping the next wave of financial security. As digital finance grows, institutions must prioritize employee training and quantum-resistant encryption. In this tech-driven era, cybersecurity isn’t just a defense—it’s the currency of trust.