Global stock markets remained mixed today as investors weighed fresh U.S. inflation data, corporate earnings reports, and the ongoing economic uncertainty in China and Europe. The U.S. stock market opened slightly higher on Monday morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.4%, the S&P 500 climbing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.5% in early trading. Investors responded positively to June's U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed inflation cooling slightly to an annual rate of 3.0%, down from 3.3% in May."Markets are optimistic that the Federal Reserve may pause or even cut interest rates by the fall," said Lisa Raymond, chief analyst at Morgan & Co. "But it's still a wait-and-see situation, especially with more earnings coming this week."   Wall Street Opens Higher Dow +0.4%, S&P 500 +0.3%, Nasdaq +0.5% on Monday morning. Boosted by June CPI showing inflation cooled to 3.0% (down from 3.3%). Hopes rise for potential Fed rate cut or pause by fall. The U.S. stock market opened slightly higher on Monday morning, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.4%, the S&P 500 climbing 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 0.5% in early trading. Investors responded positively to June's U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed inflation cooling slightly to an annual rate of 3.0%, down from 3.3% in May. "Markets are optimistic that the Federal Reserve may pause or even cut interest rates by the fall," said Lisa Raymond, chief analyst at Morgan & Co. "But it's still a wait-and-see situation, especially with more earnings coming this week."   Tech Leads the Way Technology stocks led the gains in the U.S., with Apple (AAPL) up 1.8% and Nvidia (NVDA) jumping 2.4%, as demand for AI and semiconductors remains strong. Tesla (TSLA) also rebounded, rising 3.1% after announcing better-than-expected Q2 vehicle deliveries. Global stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S.,   Europe Struggles on Growth Concerns   Meanwhile, European markets showed little movement, with the FTSE 100 in London flat and Germany’s DAX down 0.2%. Investors remain concerned about weak industrial output and rising energy costs across the Eurozone.“The European economy is showing signs of fatigue,” said Carla Dupont, economist at BNP Paribas. “High borrowing costs and geopolitical tensions are dragging down business activity.”Global stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S., Market Performance Summary Table Region Index/Company Movement (%) Key Driver USA Dow Jones +0.4% Positive CPI report (3.0% inflation)   S&P 500 +0.3% Rate cut optimism   Nasdaq +0.5% Tech stock gains   Apple (AAPL) +1.8% Strong AI demand   Nvidia (NVDA) +2.4% Semiconductor growth   Tesla (TSLA) +3.1% Strong Q2 deliveries Europe FTSE 100 (UK) 0.0% Flat due to economic uncertainty   DAX (Germany) -0.2% Weak industrial output, high energy costs Asia Nikkei 225 (Japan) +0.6% Strong export performance   Shanghai Composite -1.2% Property sector risks, low consumer spending   Asia Mixed as Chinese Markets Slump   In Asia, markets showed mixed results. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.6%, supported by strong export data. However, Chinese markets fell sharply, with the Shanghai Composite down 1.2%, as fears about the country’s property sector and sluggish consumer spending persisted. Gains in consumer and tech sectors pushed markets higher, but weaker-than-expected bank earnings and inflation-related jitters limited broader momentum. European markets edged lower as traders grew cautious about global trade tensions and slowing growth indicators, while Asian markets saw mixed results, with Hong Kong posting modest gains and Tokyo slipping slightly. Overall, market sentiment remains cautious as investors await further economic data and guidance from central banks.   Looking Ahead   Investors are now turning their focus to key corporate earnings this week from major banks like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup, as well as tech giants like Netflix and Microsoft. The results are expected to provide a clearer picture of business resilience amid high interest rates and uncertain global demand. Overall, market sentiment remains cautious as investors await further economic data and guidance from central banks.

After a turbulent few years marked by high volatility, regulatory crackdowns, and the collapse of several major platforms, the cryptocurrency market is showing signs of a strong rebound in mid-2025.Bitcoin has reclaimed stability above $65,000, while Ethereum is trading confidently near $4,200, signaling renewed investor confidence and growing mainstream adoption.What’s driving the comeback? Experts point to three key factors: institutional investment, regulatory clarity, and technological innovation.   Institutional Money Is Back Major financial institutions—including BlackRock, JPMorgan, and Fidelity—have re-entered the market with renewed strategies. This time, they’re focusing on tokenized assets, blockchain-backed bonds, and Bitcoin ETFs that are now officially regulated in the U.S., Europe, and parts of Asia."The noise is gone, and the infrastructure is maturing," says Elena Park, a blockchain analyst at MorganTech Research. "Institutional players are treating crypto not as a gamble, but as a long-term asset class."Even central banks are exploring digital assets. Countries like Singapore, UAE, and Brazil have launched CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies), integrating blockchain into national payment systems.   Regulatory Frameworks Bring Stability 2025 has seen clearer legal frameworks emerge, especially in the U.S., EU, and Southeast Asia. This regulatory clarity is reducing investor uncertainty and allowing new products—such as crypto-based retirement funds, lending platforms, and tokenized commodities—to enter the market with legal backing.The Crypto Market Stability Act (CMSA) in the U.S. has also introduced mandatory reserves for stablecoins, stricter KYC/AML protocols for exchanges, and real-time audit requirements."Regulation doesn’t kill crypto—it protects it," notes Dr. Omar Hussein, a digital finance professor in London. "Now, institutional and retail investors can participate with more confidence."   Layer 2 and Utility Coins Gain Momentum While Bitcoin and Ethereum dominate headlines, smaller utility tokens and Layer 2 solutions are making waves. Networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Solana have significantly improved transaction speeds and lowered gas fees, making DeFi and NFTs more accessible.Meanwhile, real-world utility tokens tied to carbon credits, music royalties, and real estate assets are finding niche but growing markets.   Cautious Optimism Remains Despite the rebound, the crypto market isn’t without risks. Geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks, and sudden market corrections remain constant threats. Investors are still haunted by memories of the 2022–2023 crashes and the FTX and Celsius collapses. As a result, risk management and education have become major themes in crypto investment. Exchanges now offer built-in insurance, and educational tools are more robust than ever.   Looking Ahead: The Next Wave With blockchain integration into everyday finance, from cross-border payments to gaming economies, crypto is evolving beyond speculation. Many believe the next phase will be utility-first, focusing less on price speculation and more on what blockchain technology can do. "This is no longer a gold rush—it’s a tech revolution," says Elena Park. "And this time, the world is watching with sharper eyes and smarter wallets."

Five years after the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to rethink how and where we work, the ripple effects are still shaping business models around the world. From Fortune 500 corporations in New York to tech startups in Nairobi, businesses are shifting toward hybrid work—creating a balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility. What was once a temporary survival strategy has evolved into a long-term cultural transformation. Today, flexible work is no longer seen as a perk—it’s an expectation.   Work Without Borders Companies are no longer confined by geography when hiring talent. Businesses in London now employ designers in the Philippines, developers in Argentina, and marketers in Kenya. This global workforce expansion has allowed small businesses to scale faster and large enterprises to tap into more diverse skill pools. "We hire for talent, not time zones," says Michelle Tan, CEO of a Singapore-based e-commerce platform. "Remote work has made our company more inclusive, agile, and cost-effective."   Office Space Reinvented As remote work continues, traditional office spaces are undergoing massive change. Instead of cubicles and corner offices, businesses are investing in collaborative hubs, co-working partnerships, and experience-based workspaces. Real estate experts in major cities like Toronto, Amsterdam, and Dubai are seeing an increase in "hot desks" and pop-up offices—flexible spaces where employees can meet only when needed. This shift has allowed companies to significantly reduce overhead costs, freeing up capital to invest in innovation, training, and employee well-being.   Challenges of the New Normal Despite their advantages, hybrid work models are not without challenges. Work-life balance, digital burnout, and communication gaps remain key concerns. Companies are now investing in digital wellness programmes, asynchronous communication tools, and regular off-site team bonding retreats. "The future of work is not just remote—it’s human-centred," says Luca Moretti, an organisational psychologist in Milan. "Businesses that focus on trust, flexibility, and mental health will thrive."   Technology at the Core Cloud systems, AI-driven productivity tools, virtual collaboration platforms, and digital performance tracking are now the backbone of the modern business ecosystem. Platforms like Slack, Notion, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams have become standard tools, while innovations in virtual reality are paving the way for immersive remote meetings and training. Meanwhile, cybersecurity has emerged as a top priority. As data becomes more distributed, companies are investing heavily in secure cloud infrastructure and employee training.   Looking Ahead The global business landscape in 2025 is marked by adaptability, decentralisation, and digital transformation. While industries like manufacturing and logistics may still require physical presence, the broader trend is clear: the office is no longer a place—it’s a network. Businesses that embrace this evolution are not just surviving—they're thriving. "It’s not about where we work," Michelle adds. "It’s about how we grow, how we lead, and how we stay connected."

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) is set to propose zero import duties on an additional 100 goods in the upcoming national budget, aiming to boost bilateral trade with the United States and cushion higher tariffs on Bangladeshi products entering the American market.

Beijing condemned on Wednesday new US warnings on the use of AI chips by Chinese tech giant Huawei, vowing it would take steps against "bullying" efforts to restrict access to high-tech semiconductors and supply chains.

Companies importing goods into the United States from China are rushing to convert warehouses into facilities that are exempt from President Donald Trump's tariffs until they are ready to sell the merchandise.

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) today demanded an "investment-friendly atmosphere" to restore business confidence, citing concerns among entrepreneurs due to an unstable law and order situation.

Only 0.1 percent of account holders have deposits of Tk 1 crore or more, and they collectively held almost 42 percent of the total deposits in the banking system in 2024.