Germany’s Merz seals coalition deal bringing to end months of stalemate

Germany’s conservatives under Friedrich Merz have reached a deal with the Social Democrats to govern Europe’s biggest economy, five months after the previous government collapsed. Merz, 69, said their deal sent “a strong and clear signal” to Germans and the EU that Germany “will get a strong government capable of action”. The two sides have … Read more

Trump tariffs spark US government bond sell-off

Confidence in the US economy is plummeting as investors dumped government debt amid escalating concerns over the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs. The interest rate on US bonds – traditionally considered a “safe haven” investment in times of crisis – spiked on Wednesday to touch the highest since February. Sweeping taxes on goods being imported … Read more