Author: Sam Allcock

The popular shopping app Temu has recently halted its operations in Vietnam due to regulatory issues. The e-commerce platform failed to meet registration requirements set by Vietnamese authorities, leading to a suspension of services. This development raises questions about the regulation of online marketplaces and their impact on local businesses.Vietnam’s decision to suspend Temu follows concerns over the app’s exceptionally low prices, which many fear could harm domestic producers. With Vietnamese consumers left in limbo, the situation highlights the challenges faced by global e-commerce platforms in meeting regional regulatory standards.Temu’s Suspension in VietnamIn a surprising turn of events, the popular…

Shell and Norway’s Equinor have announced a significant merger of their UK offshore oil and gas assets, creating a new company. Located in Aberdeen, this joint venture aims to be the largest independent producer in the UK North Sea. Each company will own a 50% stake, promising substantial energy supply for Britain.By combining resources, Shell and Equinor intend to extend the life of crucial oil and gas fields. The venture is projected to produce over 140,000 barrels per day by 2025. This venture is to secure the UK’s energy future while addressing the challenges of a maturing North Sea basin.Creation…

Frasers Group and B&M will exit the FTSE 100 as part of the latest quarterly reshuffle by FTSE Russell.This reshuffle sees the addition of Games Workshop Group to the FTSE 100, marking significant changes in the index.Following a period of declining share prices, Frasers Group has been impacted by ongoing tensions with Boohoo Group.B&M’s shares have sharply declined, reflecting a drop in profits amidst rising operational costs.These index changes will be implemented by the end of December, affecting market standings.Frasers Group and B&M’s removal from the FTSE 100 comes as FTSE Russell rolls out its periodic adjustments to the UK…

The District of Columbia has initiated legal action against Amazon, accusing the online retail giant of failing to provide promised expedited delivery services to certain ZIP codes. Notably, these areas are predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged. Allegedly, Amazon continued to charge Prime members full rates despite slowing deliveries substantially. Resident complaints highlight an urgent need for transparency.Legal proceedings commenced with the District asserting that Amazon excluded ZIP codes 20019 and 20020 from its fastest delivery options, transitioning entirely to third-party delivery services. This decision, purportedly for driver safety, was not communicated to affected, paying members. The case underscores a broader…

Bitcoin’s journey to surpass the $100,000 mark is a significant milestone in the cryptocurrency arena. This achievement not only indicates the robust growth of the digital currency but also sets the stage for future developments. Key influences, such as political support and global adoption, have played a monumental role in this rise. As Bitcoin gains momentum, considerations of its long-term potential come into focus.The recent surge in Bitcoin’s price has sparked discussions about its future values. Analysts and investors are keen to understand whether reaching $610,000 is feasible by 2030. Factors like market dynamics, public interest, and regulatory frameworks will…

The recent Budget has notably unsettled consumers, affecting their confidence.Frasers Group anticipates a £50 million increase in its tax bill due to new changes.Chris Wootton, CFO, highlights a weakened consumer sentiment both before and after the Budget.Trading conditions are becoming more challenging, with a reported sales drop of 8.4%.Internal boardroom issues with Boohoo add to the complexities faced by Frasers Group.The recent Budget announcement has caused a significant stir among consumers, a sentiment echoed by Frasers Group. The company, a major player in retail, is forecasting a substantial increase in its tax obligations for the upcoming year. These changes stem…

Google Ventures continues to support Lawhive, a startup in the AI legal sector, with a new $40m investment.GV previously invested £9.5m in Lawhive during its seed round just eight months ago.The fresh funding will help Lawhive expand its operations into the United States.Lawhive aims to revolutionise the legal market by integrating AI to aid human lawyers.Other investors include TQ Ventures, Balderton Capital, and Premier League footballers.Google Ventures (GV) has reaffirmed its commitment to the AI legal startup Lawhive by leading another investment round. Just eight months after spearheading a £9.5 million seed investment, GV stands at the forefront of a…

The impending cryptocurrency bull market is drawing investor interest towards altcoins with the capacity to deliver substantial returns. Identifying promising projects early can be crucial for maximising gains.In this article, we explore several altcoins poised for potential growth. These digital currencies, each with distinctive qualities and prospects, present an opportunity for discerning investors.Aureal One: Pioneering Blockchain GamingAureal One emerges as a frontrunner for the upcoming bull run. It brings to the table a unique blockchain platform tailored for the gaming and metaverse arenas. Utilising Zero-Knowledge Rollups (ZK-Rollups), Aureal One ensures rapid transactions and negligible fees, critical attributes for the burgeoning…

In a remarkable turn of events, Bitcoin has surpassed the significant $100k milestone. This breakthrough comes after prolonged anticipation within the crypto community, signifying a new high at $103,600. Such a rise has propelled Bitcoin’s market value to $2.03 trillion, capturing about 60% of the global crypto market worth $3.69 trillion. What factors influenced this surge?This article explores the driving forces behind Bitcoin’s price increase, delving into recent political decisions and market dynamics. It also examines potential future trajectories for Bitcoin, providing investors and enthusiasts with insight into what could happen next in the cryptocurrency realm.Impact of SEC Leadership ChangeThe…

Driven by strong US growth, Watches of Switzerland saw revenue rise 4% to £785 million in H1 FY25.Despite this, adjusted EBIT decreased 9% to £66 million due to acquisition costs.The group’s statutory profit before tax fell 39% to £41 million.Luxury jewellery sales surged, bolstered by the Roberto Coin acquisition.The company remains optimistic about its full-year outlook.In the first half of the 2025 fiscal year, Watches of Switzerland experienced a notable 4% increase in revenue, reaching £785 million. This growth resulted largely from a robust performance in the United States. The US market, in particular, stood out with a remarkable 24%…