Rates & inflation pressure: Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said the Fed is focused on bringing inflation back to 2% as the US labour market stays “very resilient,” even as an energy shock and AI investment keep growth going. Consumer squeeze: South Africa faces another likely rate hike as households battle rising food, fuel and electricity costs, with debt stress worsening and inflation at a 19-month high. Crypto market jitters: BlackRock’s reported $527.8m Bitcoin ETF sale added to near-term bearish sentiment, while Trump renewed promises of a “future-proof” crypto market structure. Retail & payments shift: JD Power found banks expand financial advice but struggle to sustain customer engagement; in the UK, Nayax pushed PIN-capable self-service terminals to boost 24/7 retail. SME support: Singapore refreshed its retail digital plan to drive AI adoption among 2,000 SMEs, and Fiji launched a Pacific Blue Circle Fund to help climate-resilient small businesses access financing. Energy & business costs: A Lima Chamber meeting highlighted data-center-driven power price risk and urged firms to lock in lower fixed rates. Local economy hits: Milwaukee’s National Avenue roadworks are set to disrupt access for nearby businesses, while Durban’s immigration crackdown has shuttered some foreign-owned shops. Market & housing: Belgrade announced a €20.1m tender to reconstruct the Kalenic market, and Florida’s new housing budget could reshape Brevard County real estate. Public safety & consumer alerts: Australia sued 3M over PFAS firefighting foam contamination, and California issued a grapevine alert after a pest was found in Costco deliveries.