Venezuela tensions, US defense industry, gold market shifts, UK economic outlook...

The Financial Times reports that a sustained rally in gold prices, combined with the introduction of a new tax regime, has hit China’s retail jewelry sector hard. Hundreds of jewelry stores have closed as consumers balk at record-high prices and less favorable tax conditions, signaling that even traditionally resilient demand for gold in China is sensitive to rapid market shifts. The closures highlight the ripple effects that global commodity trends and domestic policy changes can have on retail investment channels. Financial Times

The Wall Street Journal highlights a surge in teenage participation in US stock markets, with many young investors motivated by goals such as saving for homes and retirement. This generational shift, often encouraged by parents reflecting on missed opportunities, is fueling new patterns in retail investing and may reshape long-term trends in market participation and household financial planning. Wall Street Journal (Markets)

According to the Wall Street Journal, stocks and cryptocurrencies associated with former President Donald Trump and his family have seen significant declines, mirroring a broader sell-off in riskier assets. The negative performance underscores the vulnerability of “brand-linked” investments to both political developments and shifts in investor risk appetite, raising questions about the sustainability of such vehicles in volatile markets. Wall Street Journal (Markets)

The Financial Times examines the UK’s economic outlook, focusing on the evolving forecasts provided to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the country’s Budget. The fiscal watchdog’s communication, emphasizing transparency, comes amid political scrutiny over when and how forecast downgrades were conveyed. The episode underscores the high stakes for credibility and investor confidence as the UK navigates post-pandemic recovery and fiscal planning. Financial Times

A coordinated wave of reporting—including USA Today, the Washington Post, and the Financial Times—confirms that President Trump has declared Venezuelan airspace “closed in its entirety,” warning airlines, pilots, and trafficking organizations to avoid the region. This move follows a substantial US military buildup near Venezuela, with speculation mounting over possible land strikes and regime change efforts targeting President Nicolás Maduro. The White House has not clarified legal authority or operational details, but the action is widely viewed as escalating US-Venezuela tensions and increasing uncertainty for commercial and diplomatic actors across the Caribbean and Latin America. Financial Times Washington Post (World) USA Today

The Washington Post reports that several Caribbean countries, including the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, are providing logistical support and hosting US forces amid the Venezuela crisis, with Grenada considering involvement. This regional alignment bolsters the US position and could shift the strategic calculus for both the Maduro regime and other actors in the hemisphere, as the Caribbean becomes an increasingly critical staging ground for US military and diplomatic operations. Washington Post (World)

The World Street Journal notes that both Russia and China have opted for a subdued response to the US-Venezuela standoff, with their focus diverted by the war in Ukraine and ongoing trade negotiations. The article characterizes the so-called “Axis of Authoritarianism” as depleted, suggesting that Caracas may lack the robust external backing it previously enjoyed, which could affect Maduro’s room for maneuver. World Street Journal (International)

According to the Washington Post, Venezuelans are caught in a state of anxious uncertainty as they try to prepare for a possible US attack. Citizens are described as living “moment to moment,” squeezed between President Trump’s threats and a government widely distrusted at home, illustrating the profound humanitarian and psychological toll of mounting geopolitical confrontation. Washington Post (World)

The Washington Post reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is contending with a perilous moment as a corruption scandal engulfs a top aide. This domestic crisis comes as Kyiv is under pressure from the US to reach a negotiated settlement with Russia, compounding Zelensky’s political vulnerability and casting uncertainty over Ukraine’s leadership at a critical stage in the war. Washington Post (World)

The World Street Journal and Wall Street Journal both report that US defense startups are experiencing a surge in business as the Trump administration pivots military resources southward for anti-narcotics operations. Companies specializing in drones, sensors, and AI platforms—originally designed for traditional battlefields—are now rebranding their products for the fight against “narco-terror,” reflecting rapid adaptation and new revenue streams as US strategy evolves. World Street Journal (International) Wall Street Journal (politics)

The World Street Journal profiles Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, whose aggressive expansion strategy has made the German company the world’s fastest-growing arms maker. Although some industry insiders warn that Papperger’s pace may be unsustainable, the company’s comprehensive push into battlefield technologies positions it as a central player in both European and global defense procurement. World Street Journal (International)