Markets

Markets brings together the news and analysis shaping the economy, from central bank decisions and government fiscal policy to the wider financial pressures felt by households and businesses alike. It tracks how political developments, trade shifts and geopolitical tension ripple through to growth, borrowing costs and the public purse, offering readers a clear line of sight from Westminster and beyond into their own finances.

This is where readers can follow the big-picture debates over taxation, debt and economic stewardship, as well as the warnings from policymakers about the challenges ahead. It matters because decisions taken in these arenas, whether by central bankers, chancellors or international leaders, ultimately feed through into prices, wages, mortgages and the broader cost of living.

By keeping this coverage in one place, the aim is to help readers cut through noise and jargon to understand what is actually driving economic conditions, and why it matters for the choices they make day to day.

Obama announces death of Portuguese Water Dog Sunny, aged 13

September 16, 2026

Former US President Barack Obama has announced the death of the family’s Portuguese Water Dog, Sunny, at the age of 13, describing the loss as that of “a cherished member of our family”. He shared the news in an emotional Instagram post on Tuesday, paying tribute to the dog’s loyalty and lively character during her…
SpaceX Starship to reach orbit with 26 Starlink satellites

September 16, 2026

SpaceX is targeting 22 September for the 14th test flight of its Starship rocket, aiming to reach orbit for the first time while carrying 26 Starlink V3 satellites. The mission marks a significant step for the programme, which is central to SpaceX’s plans to exceed the payload capacity of its Falcon 9 rocket and to…
A brief history of AI executives calling for regulation

September 16, 2026

This piece contextualises the recent wave of AI executives—including Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, Demis Hassabis, Satya Nadella and Elon Musk—publicly calling for AI regulation, arguing that such warnings from people who profit from the technology deserve scepticism but are not new. It traces a long lineage of concern about intelligent machines, from 19th-century philosophical warnings…
Saudi Arabia and Houthis Escalate Military Operations as Riyadh Seeks Direct US Intervention

September 16, 2026

Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement traded major military blows this week, with Riyadh saying it intercepted a Houthi drone near Mecca and the Houthis denying they had targeted Islam’s holiest city, accusing the kingdom of fabrication. The escalation, which also drew in Yemen’s Red Sea coastline and a critical Saudi oil pipeline, prompted…
Sandbanks property developer denies intentional strangulation during marital separation dispute

September 16, 2026

A jury has heard that Gemma Martin, the estranged wife of Sandbanks property developer Paul Pressland, had written a divorce “wish list” shortly before he allegedly strangled her at their £3million home. Pressland, 63, denies intentional strangulation and claims he acted in self-defence during a row that broke out after the couple’s guests had left…
Tom Cruise deflects in interviews while promoting dramatic film Digger

September 16, 2026

The Guardian critic argues that Tom Cruise, despite his famed dedication to death-defying stunts and single-handedly propping up cinema attendance, is notably poor at giving interviews. The observation comes as Cruise promotes Digger, his first original, non-sequel, non-action co-starring role since 2007’s Lions for Lambs, meaning he must sell himself as an actor rather than…
US government refuses AI regulation as industry leaders warn of risks

September 16, 2026

This Guardian opinion piece by Shakeel Hashim argues that the Trump administration and Republican leadership are failing to regulate artificial intelligence despite mounting warnings from within the industry itself. Even rival AI chief executives Sam Altman, Elon Musk and Dario Amodei have called for development to slow amid growing risks, yet Trump has dismissed these…
Ladbrokes owner prepares to cut 400 jobs weeks after profit boost

September 16, 2026

Entain, the FTSE 100 owner of Ladbrokes, Coral and BetMGM, has begun consulting on cutting 400 jobs from its customer care division, weeks after reporting better-than-expected first-half profits. The move highlights the pressure gambling firms are under despite solid financial results, as the sector braces for a possible increase to machine games duty in the…
Von der Leyen proposes special EU status for Canada

September 16, 2026

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has proposed making Canada the EU’s first “associate member”, opening the door to closer ties on trade, security and technology. The offer comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks a “unique alliance” with Brussels amid strained relations with the United States, following the collapse of…
Unmasking Iran’s murderous enforcers: Amnesty names 87 officials who oversaw brutal campaign of killing, torture and rape in crackdown on women’s rights protest

September 16, 2026

Amnesty International has published a 1,000-page report naming 87 Iranian officials it says oversaw killings, torture and sexual violence during the crackdown on the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, and has called for them to be investigated for crimes against humanity. The findings matter because they provide a detailed, evidence-based account implicating senior figures, including…