Business - Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Yields on the US Treasury’s longest-dated bond rose to the highest level in almost two decades as investor concerns mount that accelerating inflation will force central bankers to raise interest rates. Bloomberg's Mark Cranfield breaks down the situation. (Source: Bloomberg)

Asia-Pacific markets fell on Wednesday as investors weighed elevated bond yields and renewed geopolitical tensions.

A series of precedent-setting rulings signals that Chinese courts are being enlisted to shield workers from displacement by artificial intelligence.

Retail sources rebuff government proposal as ‘unjustified’ and likely to push costs up across board UK supermarkets have been asked by the government to consider freezing the prices of some essential foodstuffs to protect the public from inflation fuelled by the Middle East conflict. Retailers rejected the plan, criticising its potential cost amid rising taxes, fuel and energy costs and arguing it could push up prices for shoppers overall. Continue reading...

Japanese stocks are under pressure as long-term interest rates approach 3%, levels which are stoking fears about a hit to corporate earnings via increased borrowing costs.

SpaceX has picked Goldman Sachs to lead what's expected to be a record-setting IPO.

National Audit Office says potential benefits are ‘considerable but uncertain’ while risks are ‘immediate and substantial’ The cost of the government’s £38bn nuclear plant in Suffolk is subject to “significant uncertainty” and may outweigh the benefits for UK households until at least 2064, according to the government’s spending watchdog. The National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that although the potential benefits of the Sizewell C nuclear plant are considerable, they remain uncertain. The risks, however, are “immediate, substantial and borne by the public”. Continue reading...

The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield hasn’t been this high since the lead-up to the global financial crisis. Across Europe and Asia, yields are also elevated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in Beijing to reinforce ties with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and make progress on a long-stalled energy project. (Source: Bloomberg)

The war with Iran has now blown past the 60-day requirement under the War Powers Act for the president to seek the authorization of Congress.