Author: Andrew Rogers

A Swedish trial has found that a low daily dose of aspirin can cut the risk of colorectal cancer returning by more than 50% in patients with specific gene mutations. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute tested over 3,500 post-surgery patients across Scandinavia, finding that those with PI3K pathway mutations who took 160mg of aspirin daily for three years were far less likely to relapse than those given a placebo. The study suggests aspirin helps by reducing inflammation, interfering with the PI3K pathway, and limiting blood platelets that shield tumour cells. About 40% of colorectal cancer patients have these mutations, highlighting…

A new daily pill for weight loss, orforglipron, could help people shed up to a fifth of their body weight, according to a trial by Eli Lilly. The study involved 3,127 adults with obesity, none of whom had diabetes, and found that one in five participants taking the pill for 72 weeks lost 20% or more of their weight. Orforglipron targets the same GLP-1 receptors as popular weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy but in an oral form, which is easier to store, distribute, and use. Patients on the highest dose, 36mg daily, lost an average of 11.2% of…

Sky has put 900 UK jobs at risk as it continues reshaping its business to compete with US streaming services. The consultation process is expected to cut around 600 roles, with 300 redeployed, mainly affecting technology, product, and corporate teams. This is the third round of cuts in just over 18 months, following launches of Sky Glass, Sky Glass Air, and Sky Stream. Since early 2023, Sky has reduced nearly 3,500 roles as it moves away from traditional satellite pay-TV, with more than 90% of new subscriptions now coming through internet-based products. The latest cuts bring the workforce back to…

The US and China have agreed on a framework to transfer TikTok to US-controlled ownership, resolving a long-standing dispute over the app amid Washington’s security concerns. US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed the deal, while treasury secretary Scott Bessent said commercial terms have been settled but declined to disclose specifics. Chinese negotiator Li Chenggang said both sides had reached a consensus on resolving TikTok-related issues through cooperation. The agreement follows US legislation signed in April 2024 requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to sell the platform to a US-approved buyer or face a ban. The TikTok saga dates back to…

Former members of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) have urged governor Andrew Bailey to scale back or halt the central bank’s bond-selling programme, warning it is driving up government borrowing costs. Britain’s long-term gilt yields have hit a 27-year high, adding pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the 26 November autumn budget. While global factors, including Donald Trump’s trade war and concerns over the US Federal Reserve, are partly responsible, the Bank has acknowledged that its £100bn quantitative tightening (QT) programme is also contributing. The Bank has sold around £100bn of gilts over the past year…

New Rating: Fitch cut France’s credit rating from AA- to A+.Reason: Political instability following repeated government collapses after the 2024 snap elections and uncertainty over controlling public finances.Debt Outlook: France’s debt is forecast to rise from 113.2% of GDP in 2024 to 121% by 2027, with no clear signs of stabilisation.Deficit: The 2024 deficit is 5.8% of GDP, well above the stabilising target of ~2.8%. Fitch sees little chance of reducing it below 3% by 2029.Political Risks: Fitch warned that the run-up to the 2027 presidential election will limit fiscal consolidation, and the political impasse is likely to continue. Government…

AstraZeneca has paused its £200m Cambridge research site expansion, halting its entire £650m UK investment plan.The Cambridge project had been expected to create 1,000 jobs, following the scrapped £450m vaccine facility in Merseyside.An AstraZeneca spokesperson cited ongoing reassessment of investment needs and declined further comment.In contrast, the company plans $50bn in US investments by 2030, including new facilities in Virginia and labs across six states.The pause comes amid broader UK pharma setbacks, including Merck scrapping a £1bn London research centre and cutting 125 jobs.Sir John Bell warned major pharmaceutical firms are halting UK investments due to uncertain business conditions.Sanofi said…

The European Central Bank kept its key deposit rate at 2% during Thursday’s policy meeting, as widely expected.The rate has remained at its lowest level in over two years since June 2024.Other rates were also held steady: main refinancing at 2.15% and marginal lending at 2.40%.ECB President Christine Lagarde said inflation is stabilizing at 2% in the medium term, near the target.Flash data showed eurozone prices rose 2.1% in August, following 2% readings in June and July.The ECB’s decision follows the EU-US trade agreement, though its impact on growth remains uncertain.Political turmoil in France and weak global demand pose challenges…

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison overtook Elon Musk after Oracle shares surged 40% in early trading.Ellison’s 41% stake is now worth $393bn, slightly ahead of Musk’s $384bn, Bloomberg reports.The rise marked Oracle’s largest single-day increase and the biggest one-day wealth gain on Bloomberg’s index.Ellison, 81, also owns Tesla shares, a sailing team, the Indian Wells Open, and a Hawaiian island.He served on Tesla’s board from 2018 to 2022 and invested $1bn in Musk’s Twitter purchase.Musk frequently visits Ellison’s island, Lanai, and the two share a long-standing personal and business relationship.Both men have ties to Donald Trump, though Musk’s relationship reportedly soured…

Apple will unveil its thinnest iPhone at Tuesday’s “awe-dropping” event in Cupertino’s Steve Jobs Theater.The iPhone 17 lineup will include standard, Pro, Pro Max, and a new iPhone Air.Observers predict iPhone Air will be Apple’s lightest flagship phone, following the slim MacBook design trend.Apple will also reveal the Apple Watch series 11 and updated AirPods during the event.Rumors suggest the new AirPods may offer live translation, matching Google’s Pixel Buds features.Apple will announce launch dates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe.Trump’s tariffs threaten the iPhone supply chain and could raise device prices globally.Apple shifted production to India and shipped iPhones…