Author: Emily Harper

Roundhill Investments has reintroduced its meme-themed exchange-traded fund, the Roundhill MEME ETF, marking a comeback for one of the most talked-about speculative products of recent years. The fund, trading under the ticker MEME, seeks to capitalize on renewed retail enthusiasm for highly volatile, social-media-driven equities. It was originally launched in 2021, at the height of the meme stock craze, but was shut down in 2023 after investor appetite waned. Fund Revival and Investment Focus Roundhill’s CEO Dave Mazza described the relaunch as a “timely response to resurging interest in retail trading,” emphasizing that this new version of MEME offers more…

Citigroup has officially rejected an unsolicited offer of approximately $9.3 billion from Grupo México to acquire its Mexican retail banking unit, Banamex. In its formal statement, Citi reiterated a previously arranged plan: to sell a 25% equity stake in Banamex to local businessman Fernando Chico Pardo, followed by a public offering of the remainder. Citi states this is the optimal pathway to exit the business while maximizing returns for shareholders. Rationale Behind Citi’s Strategy The bank emphasized that pursuing a transaction with a single buyer at favorable terms could undermine transparency, and that the stake-sale plus IPO structure better aligns…

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning Thursday to air traffic controllers who are reportedly calling out sick in protest of the ongoing government shutdown, saying that those who fail to report to work risk losing their jobs. Speaking on Fox Business’ Varney & Co., Duffy made clear that the Department of Transportation (DOT) would not tolerate unapproved absences. “If we have some on our staff that aren’t dedicated, we’re going to let them go,” he said. “I can’t have people not showing up to work.” Duffy praised the vast majority of controllers, describing them as “amazing, beautiful, wonderful…

Social Media Crackdown Begins China has launched a two-month campaign to restrict expressions of strong pessimism or negativity on social media platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, and Xiaohongshu. The Cyberspace Administration announced the measure as an effort to “create a more civilised and rational online environment.” Posts deemed to excessively highlight negative emotions or frustrations are now targeted for removal, part of a wider attempt to shape digital discourse. Authorities argue the initiative will reduce the spread of discontent, especially among younger users who face a bleak job market and economic uncertainty. Recent demonstrations in parts of China were fueled…

The European Union has introduced a plan aimed at protecting its farmers from a surge in agricultural imports following its proposed trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). Under the agreement, the EU would eliminate certain tariffs that currently limit imports from these South American countries. In response, Brussels unveiled protective steps intended to buffer the European farming sector from sharp competition. The idea behind the EU’s proposal is to guard against sudden import surges that could severely disrupt market stability and domestic producer incomes. Officials describe the measures as temporary “safeguards,” designed to be triggered…

Across the global luxury market, consumer priorities are shifting from owning high-end items to seeking unique experiences. Analysts report that affluent consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, increasingly value time, access, and personalization over material possessions. Global consultancy Bain & Company forecasts that personal luxury goods sales may decline by up to 5% in 2025, following a slowdown that began in late 2024. Meanwhile, luxury travel spending is expanding rapidly—projected to reach USD 390 billion by 2028, up from USD 240 billion in 2023, according to McKinsey. Shift In Consumer Spending Patterns Travel data confirms the shift. Luxury hotel chains…

A Tease That Fizzled LeBron James sent fans into a frenzy when he teased “the decision of all decisions,” a clear callback to his controversial 2010 “Decision” press conference announcing his move from Cleveland to Miami. Speculation soared — was he retiring, demanding a trade, or reshaping his NBA legacy? Instead, James revealed an ad campaign with Hennessy. For some fans, the anticlimax was disappointing. Branding experts echoed the sentiment, calling it a letdown and accusing James of “trolling” his audience. Critics argued that referencing “The Decision,” an event widely mocked in sports culture, only resurfaced old criticism. A Polarizing…

After more than 20 years of careful restoration, the tomb of Amenhotep III, located in the Luxor region of Egypt, was officially reopened to the public on October 4, 2025. The site, designated tomb WV22 (also referred to as KV22) in the West Valley of the Kings, has long been the focus of conservation efforts to stabilize walls, treat damaged artwork, and manage environmental stresses. Restoration Campaign and Structural Work The restoration was led by a Japanese-led, three-phase program in coordination with Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, local agencies, and international conservation specialists. Over the course of the project, teams…

Former President Condemns League’s Selection President Donald Trump sharply criticized the NFL’s decision to feature Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny as the headliner for the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, calling the move “absolutely ridiculous.” The performance, scheduled for February, will mark the first time a male Latin artist leads the event. Bad Bunny, who is known for performing primarily in Spanish and for his outspoken political views, has often criticized Trump-era immigration policies. The selection of Bad Bunny has sparked anger among conservative circles. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents would be…

In 2024, global trade in goods rebounded more forcefully than many analysts had anticipated, underpinned by surging demand in major economies and renewed investment in technology. Reinforced Growth Across Global Merchandise Flows The World Trade Organization (WTO) reports that merchandise trade value expanded by an estimated 3.4%, signaling a robust recovery across multiple sectors. This performance stood in contrast to more cautious forecasts issued earlier in the year. Trade in goods formed one component of broader gains: world trade in goods plus services rose by 4% to about US $ 32.2 trillion, according to WTO statistics. Meanwhile, the share of…