Economy

‘Sell America’ returns to Wall Street after Trump ups the ante against Jerome Powell and the Fed

“Sell America” Returns: Trump’s Pressure on Jerome Powell and the Fed

Investors moved quickly after reports emerged of a criminal probe involving Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, stirring renewed worries about US financial stability.The disclosure prompted mild pullbacks in equities, fixed-income markets, and the dollar, underscoring anxiety about the Fed’s autonomy.US equity markets began the session in negative territory after reports surfaced that federal prosecutors were examining Powell. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 159 points, or 0.32%, while the broader S&P 500 eased 0.14% and the tech-focused Nasdaq edged down 0.1%. The US dollar lost ground against major global currencies, with the dollar index slipping 0.35%, reflecting a cautious stance…
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From Toronto to “Venture-Ready”: Securing Institutional Capital for Startups

From Toronto to “Venture-Ready”: Securing Institutional Capital for Startups

Institutional capital describes sizable, professionally managed funding sources, including venture capital firms backed by institutional limited partners, pension-plan-supported venture units, late‑stage growth funds, corporate venture groups and large-scale family offices. In Toronto’s market, this group encompasses domestic VC firms from seed through growth, major pension fund VC divisions and global investors that frequently participate in co-investments. Institutional investors typically provide substantial capital, conduct formal due diligence, impose defined governance standards and set performance expectations that differ significantly from those of angel or seed investors.Why Toronto is significantToronto stands as Canada’s largest tech hub, supported by a dense pool of talent…
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Zimbabwe: CSR cases advancing sustainable agriculture and youth employment in communities

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Zimbabwe: CSR & Youth Empowerment

Overview: Why CSR plays a pivotal role in agriculture and youth employment in ZimbabweZimbabwe’s economy remains closely tied to agriculture — a sector that sustains rural livelihoods, supplies domestic food markets and supports agro-processing. Smallholder farmers produce the majority of staple crops while commercial agriculture contributes export earnings. At the same time, youth unemployment and underemployment are chronic challenges: estimates vary by source and definition, but youth joblessness and precarious informal work affect a large share of people aged 15–35. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs that intentionally link sustainable agricultural practices with youth employment create opportunities to address both food…
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Costa Rica: How sustainable tourism models attract impact capital without overbuilding

Costa Rica: How sustainable tourism models attract impact capital without overbuilding

Costa Rica stands among the planet’s most emblematic examples of nature-centered tourism, safeguarding nearly one-quarter of its territory through national parks and protected areas while harboring an extraordinary concentration of global biodiversity relative to its size. These natural strengths have shaped a premium tourism identity rooted in wildlife, forests, shorelines, and open-air adventure rather than conventional mass-market beach resorts. That reputation positions Costa Rica as a leading destination for impact capital, attracting investors interested in achieving tangible environmental and social results alongside financial gains.Core sustainable tourism models operating in Costa RicaEcolodges and boutique properties: Small-footprint accommodations sited in or adjacent…
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New York City, in the United States: What drives valuation gaps between private and public markets

New York City: Bridging Private & Public Market Valuation Gaps

New York City is a concentration point for capital—venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, family offices, and public market investors all operate at scale. Yet the same company, real estate asset, or industry cohort can carry materially different valuations depending on whether it is traded in private or public markets. Understanding why those gaps exist is essential for investors, advisers, and policy makers operating from Manhattan to Brooklyn.What exactly is meant when referring to a valuation gap?A valuation gap is the persistent difference in price levels or implied multiples between similar assets in private transactions and those available on public…
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Beyoncé is officially a billionaire, Forbes says

Billionaire Beyoncé: Forbes Makes It Official

Beyoncé’s rise to billionaire status stems from years of creative autonomy, shrewd investments, and purposeful brand development, becoming a landmark achievement within today’s entertainment landscape. This accomplishment signifies not only individual triumph but also a wider evolution in how global artists convert cultural impact into lasting financial strength.Beyoncé reaches billionaire status and redefines what success signifies across the entertainment worldBeyoncé has officially crossed the threshold into billionaire territory, according to Forbes, cementing her position not only as one of the most influential artists of her generation, but also as one of the most successful entrepreneurs to emerge from the global…
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Beyoncé is officially a billionaire, Forbes says

Forbes: Beyoncé Officially a Billionaire

Beyoncé’s ascent to billionaire status is the result of decades of artistic control, strategic investments and brand building, marking a defining moment for the modern entertainment industry. This milestone reflects not only personal success, but a broader shift in how global artists transform cultural influence into long-term economic power.Beyoncé reaches billionaire status and redefines what success signifies across the entertainment worldBeyoncé has officially crossed the threshold into billionaire territory, according to Forbes, cementing her position not only as one of the most influential artists of her generation, but also as one of the most successful entrepreneurs to emerge from the…
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New York City, in the United States: What drives valuation gaps between private and public markets

New York City: Exploring Valuation Gaps Between Private & Public Markets

New York City is a concentration point for capital—venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, family offices, and public market investors all operate at scale. Yet the same company, real estate asset, or industry cohort can carry materially different valuations depending on whether it is traded in private or public markets. Understanding why those gaps exist is essential for investors, advisers, and policy makers operating from Manhattan to Brooklyn.What exactly is meant when referring to a valuation gap?A valuation gap is the persistent difference in price levels or implied multiples between similar assets in private transactions and those available on public…
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Trump’s gas price discount has disappeared

What Happened to Trump’s Gas Price Discount?

Throughout much of 2025, the White House highlighted lower gasoline prices as evidence of economic prosperity; however, current patterns reveal that costs are now nearly identical to those of a year prior, undermining that assertion.President Donald Trump and his economic team have often highlighted lower gasoline prices as evidence of improved affordability under his administration. For much of 2025, this argument appeared to hold weight, as prices at the pump were noticeably lower than during the same period under former President Joe Biden. However, recent data suggest that the gap has largely vanished, raising questions about one of Trump’s most…
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Trump’s gas price discount has disappeared

Gas Prices Soar: Trump’s Discount No More

For most of 2025, the White House touted cheaper gas as proof of economic success—but recent trends show prices are now virtually the same as a year ago, complicating that narrative.President Donald Trump and his economic advisors frequently pointed to reduced gasoline costs as proof of enhanced economic accessibility during his tenure. Throughout a significant portion of 2025, this assertion seemed valid, given that fuel prices were distinctly lower compared to the corresponding period under former President Joe Biden. Nevertheless, current statistics indicate that this disparity has largely disappeared, casting doubt on a prominent economic claim made by Trump. As…
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