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Japan's Big Four Beer Makers Face Price-Fixing Investigation

Japan's Fair Trade Commission has raided Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo, and Suntory over allegations they coordinated beer price increases. The four firms control over 90% of the market. Investigators suspect executives met to arrange pricing after industry association meetings.

3 min read

IMF warns of debt crisis, energy shocks and AI inequality threatening global growth

The IMF warns that global growth faces threats from record public debt, energy shocks and an unevenly distributed AI boom. Advanced economies face particular pressure to implement fiscal consolidation, while central banks maintain hawkish stances on inflation.

8 min read

Worcester pub owner: 'I've tried everything but there's no way forward'

A Worcester publican has closed his seven-year-old pub after being overwhelmed by rising costs, job losses and declining customer spending. Jon Dean called for government tax cuts to prevent further closures across the hospitality sector.

4 min read

Jaguar's £130,000 electric gamble: from 'woke' backlash to Type 01 reveal

Jaguar unveils the £130,000 Type 01 electric grand tourer in New York, marking the culmination of a controversial two-year reinvention that began with a "woke" backlash. The car features 1,000 horsepower and 320-mile range, but faces intense competition and questions about whether the brand can r...

6 min read

Paramount Completes $110bn Warner Bros Takeover, Reshaping Hollywood

Paramount Skydance has completed its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, creating a media giant that combines HBO, CBS, Nickelodeon and iconic franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones. The deal includes strict production requirements and safeguards for editorial indepe...

6 min read

Lego fraudster among insurance industry's most high-profile scammers in 2025

A man jailed for fabricating Lego theft claims has been named among 2025's most high-profile insurance fraudsters. Fraudulent claims reached £1.34bn last year, with average claim values hitting the second-highest level on record.

4 min read

Australian consumer confidence hits worst level since 1990s as rate rises bite

Australian consumer confidence has plunged to its worst level since the late 1990s following the Reserve Bank's rate rise to the highest point since 2011, with mortgage holders and families facing mounting cost-of-living pressures.

4 min read

Banks still blocking credit card access despite Jersey's data-sharing law

Jersey islanders still cannot obtain credit cards from major providers despite new data-sharing laws designed to remove barriers to applications. The government says offering products remains a commercial decision.

3 min read

FCA to probe handling of banker who exposed Epstein-Lutnick ties before death

The FCA has launched an investigation into its handling of whistleblower Simon Andriesz, who exposed alleged ties between Jeffrey Epstein and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick before taking his own life. Andriesz had accused the regulator of failing to protect him and providing misleading info...

6 min read

Parents invest £100 monthly in toddlers' pensions for long-term security

Richard and Caitlin Brain contribute £100 monthly into pensions for their toddler and baby, betting on decades of compound growth. Industry data shows Junior SIPP openings have surged 158% as parents seek long-term financial security for their children.

6 min read

Scotland's AI Data Centre Boom: Why It's Become So Controversial

Scotland faces a planning battle over 23 proposed AI data centres. Supporters cite investment and jobs; opponents worry about energy use, water consumption, and landscape impact. The Chapelcross proposal alone would be among the world's largest.

5 min read

Historic 215-year-old chapel offered at auction for just £1

A Grade II listed 19th-century chapel in Aberdare that once held 900 worshippers is being auctioned with a £1 guide price. The Ebenezer Chapel has been derelict since 2009, though previous plans for conversion to flats have lapsed. The auction begins on 8 October.

2 min read