SME Support: Los Angeles County launched a Financial Clinic to help entrepreneurs cut debt, get capital-ready, and build long-term financial resilience through coaching, workshops, and one-on-one counseling. Retail Demand & Costs: UK retail sales slipped in July as clothing and footwear cooled after June’s hot-weather boost, while government borrowing came in higher than expected. Consumer Psychology in MENA: New research says MENA shoppers face a “messy middle” of too many options, with 41% saying buying is harder than five years ago—pushing brands to win with emotional connections, not just features. Housing & Mortgage Strain: Zillow warned Americans that saving for down payments and high mortgage rates are making homebuying a longer, tougher commitment. Markets Under Pressure: Economists and investors are watching rising U.S. bond yields and warning that the bond selloff could worsen affordability and broader economic risk. Trade & Tariffs: Ontario businesses are bracing after U.S.-Canada talks collapsed, with tariffs hitting steel, aluminum and auto goods. Cybersecurity Rules: Vietnam issued a decree requiring domestic and foreign firms to run information security assurance, verify users, and authenticate accounts for livestreaming. Energy & Disruptions: Zaporizhzhia restored power to all 13,500 affected consumers after a Russian strike; gas supply resumed in Bangladesh after a three-day Excelerate terminal outage. Food Supply Chain: Zambezi grain farmers say buyers are scarce, prompting government assurances that grain will be bought and stored nationwide.