Build-up of American military power comes as US president weighs strikes

New research describes how commerce shaped our culture

The success of weight-loss drugs has driven demand for injectable compounds that claim to improve everything from sleep to skin

Rise of UK challengers is increasing pressure on top firms to retain senior professionals

Two leaders meet in Beijing as both sides seek improved relations

London raises subject with Washington after stinging criticism from Trump

Prime minister hopes pact will help Britain tackle gangs bringing migrants from France in small boats

Sharp drop in production caused by fall-off in exports prompts carmakers to contemplate diversifying

Elon Musk’s electric-car maker invests $2bn in the billionaire’s xAI

Strong earnings appear to quiet demands from Wall Street to justify up to $135bn in capital expenditures

Revenue rises 17% to a record $81bn, but 66% surge in capital expenditures revives debate about returns on vast AI costs

Chair Jay Powell says robust growth and steadying jobs market show borrowing costs are not ‘restrictive’

Lord Jason Stockwood had previously suggested that tech companies could pay a windfall levy to fund the payments

Moves fuelled by surge in prices of precious and base metals triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions

Plus, more on gold

Race for new chair heats up as Jay Powell’s final meeting as head of US central bank comes into sight

Gold and silver are on a tear but buyer beware . . .  

Delivery and logistics group has been reducing its ‘volume’ from ecommerce giant by approximately 1mn pieces per day

Greenback rebounds after Treasury secretary rejects speculation that Washington is intervening to boost yen

Optimism over earnings powers Wall Street rebound from Greenland crisis

Big Four accounting firm has improved profitability in Britain as it recovers from series of scandals

Unexpectedly festive burials turn mourning into an act of defiance

Prosecutors search lender’s Frankfurt headquarters and a site in Berlin

Marco Rubio tells Capitol Hill that ‘regime is probably weaker than it has ever been’