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June 18 2025 – The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady—resisting mounting pressure from President Trump to cut—and investors are now preparing for what may come next: a pro-Trump successor at the helm of the world's most powerful central bank.

Global financial advisory giant deVere Group says the central bank's decision is the right one, warning that cutting too soon could have backfired badly and pushed long-term borrowing costs higher, not lower.

Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Trump wants a full-point rate cut to offset the damage from his own tariffs. But if the Fed delivers prematurely, markets will punish that kind of political submission. Long yields could spike, and the cost of capital could rise across the board.”

May inflation data shows some easing—headline CPI dipped to 2.4% and core to 2.8%—but it is not enough for the Fed to justify a move. Wage growth remains resilient, household consumption is firm, and services inflation is still uncomfortably sticky.

“The Fed is right to stay on hold,” says Nigel Green. “The disinflation trend is fragile, the tariff shock is still working its way through, and rate cuts in this environment would send the wrong message.”

Tensions hit a new peak on Wednesday morning, just hours before the central bank's decision, when President Trump launched a personal attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell during an impromptu press briefing on the South Lawn of the White House.

Speaking beside a new row of flagpoles unveiled as part of a symbolic national display ahead of what the president described as a “potential war with Iran,” Trump again blamed the Fed for slowing the economy and accused Powell of incompetence.

“We're doing well. Well as a country, if the Fed would ever lower rates, you know, we'd buy debt for a lot less,” he told reporters. “Do you ever have a guy that's not a smart person and you're dealing with him and you have to deal? He's not a smart guy.”

deVere points to sharp movements in the yield curve as a warning sign. The 2-year/30-year spread is now at its widest since early 2022. Investors are demanding more compensation to hold long-dated Treasuries amid growing concern about inflation credibility, surging debt issuance, and the creeping politicisation of the Fed.

“What we're seeing now is a re-pricing of long-term risk,” says Green. “If the Fed signals it's willing to bow to political pressure, it damages its ability to anchor expectations—and yields will move accordingly.”

The decision to hold comes against the backdrop of Trump's increasingly aggressive demands for looser monetary policy and his influence over the next central bank leadership decision. Powell's term

18 June 2025 – Highlights:  

Chisinau, Moldova — The IT sector contributes 6% to the national GDP – a result that reflects the efficiency and impact of the ecosystem created by the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP). The data were presented by Marina Bzovîi, Administrator of MITP, at the Moldova Digital Summit 2025, confirming the essential role of the Park in the digital transformation of the Republic of Moldova. With 2024 marked by record performance, MITP expects a clear upward trajectory for 2025, supported by the accelerated expansion of the resident base and the increase in revenues generated by the IT sector.

Unprecedented growth: 533 resident companies in a single year

Currently, Moldova Innovation Technology Park brings together over 2,370 resident companies, of which 533 joined in 2024 alone – the largest annual advance since the park's launch. This record growth reflects Moldova's growing attractiveness for international investors and technology companies looking for a stable, competitive and future-oriented environment.

The MITP model offers a unique framework in the region: an ultra-competitive tax regime with a flat tax of only 7%, VAT exemptions and simplified contributions, which allows companies to focus on growth and innovation. These conditions are guaranteed by law until 2035, providing investors not only with incentives, but also with long-term predictability.

MITP is 100% virtual, allowing remote operation without the obligation of a physical presence in the Republic of Moldova — a key advantage in an era where remote work is becoming the global norm. In addition, initiatives such as the Visa IT program facilitate the attraction of international talent, ensuring quick and legal access to the global workforce.

In this modern and well-connected ecosystem, residents benefit from quality digital infrastructure, constant dialogue with the authorities and specialized support for international expansion. It is no coincidence that more and more companies from Romania and Ukraine are choosing to relocate to Moldova, in search of a more efficient, flexible and innovation-friendly space.

MITP is no longer just a tax-advantaged framework — it's a complete platform for accelerated growth, global connection, and sustainable digital transformation.

The park hosts companies with capital from 43 countries, most of them from Ukraine and Romania.

“The regional geopolitical context has had a major impact. If in 2021 only three Ukrainian companies were registered in the MITP, in 2024 their number increased 14 times, reaching 42, amid strategic relocations caused by the war. In the same period, the presence of companies with Romanian capital has almost doubled, boosted by the recent tax changes in Romania applied to the IT sector. Today, there are 41 companies in Romania in MITP”,

said Marina Bzovîi, MITP Administrator.

IT sector – a force in the economy: 6.3% of GDP

The contribution of the IT sector to the national economy has increased significantly, reaching 6.3% of GDP in 2024, according to preliminary estimates, compared to 1.8% in 2015. This remarkable evolution is a direct result of the expansion of tech companies, favorable fiscal policies and the sustained attraction of foreign investment.

“For 2025, we estimate that the revenues generated by MITP resident companies will reach 1 billion euros, with an increase of approximately 30% compared to 2024, when they totaled 785 million euros. It is a clear confirmation of the potential for sustainable growth and the value that the IT sector brings to the Moldovan economy”,

said Nadejda Hodus, Financial Manager MITP.

IT exports – Moldova, regional leader in growth rate

Exports of IT services increased spectacularly, reaching 523 million euros in 2023, 10 times more than in 2015 (53 million euros). Although the absolute volume is lower than that reported by countries such as Romania (7.5 billion euros) or Ukraine (6 billion euros), Moldova's growth rate is the fastest in the region.

“This performance is all the more impressive as Moldova is a small country, both in terms of territory and population. MITP's development model proves to be an efficient and sustainable one, transforming Moldova into a regional digital hub with strategic potential”,

added Nadejda Hodus.

Record contributions to the state budget

The economic impact of the MITP is also directly felt in the revenues of the National Public Budget. In 2024, resident companies contributed €78 million – four times more than in 2017. About 50% of these amounts come from newly established businesses after the launch of the park.

According to a recent analysis conducted by MITP, the contributions paid by resident companies could cover up to 16% of the national expenditure on health care and about 90% of the financing of vocational higher education – an eloquent illustration of the real economic impact generated by the IT sector in the Republic of Moldova.

“Through these results, MITP imposes itself not only as a successful model in the region, but also as an example of effective public policy, which creates jobs, attracts investments and amplifies the country's digital competitiveness. With clear objectives and a sustained pace of development, Moldova is getting closer to becoming a regional pole of innovation and technology”,

concluded the Administrator of Moldova Innovation Technology Park, Marina Bzovîi.

About Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

Launched in 2016, MITP is Moldova's national platform dedicated to the tech industry, offering a unique 7% tax regime and 100% virtual operation. With more than 2,300 resident companies in 43 countries, MITP contributes significantly to the national GDP and attracts global investment. Supported by legislative guarantees until 2035, the park promotes innovation, IT exports and Moldova's integration into the European digital economy.

• Most family-friendly airline and best First Class lounge worldwide
• Austrian Airlines and Eurowings also receive Awards

Frankfurt 17 June 2025 – Lufthansa is the world's most family-friendly airline. This prize from the World Airline Awards 2025 was presented today by the market research institute Skytrax at the Paris Air Show. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt was also named the world's best First Class Lounge. Austrian Airlines and Eurowings also received one of the coveted prizes – the award for “Best Airline Staff in Europe” went to Austrian Airlines in Vienna and Eurowings was named “Best Low Cost Airline in Europe”. Skytrax, a market research institute specializing in aviation, had previously surveyed 22.3 million passengers from well over 100 countries worldwide.

“Lufthansa attaches great importance to ensuring that all guests on board feel comfortable with us – from Economy to First Class. I am therefore particularly pleased that we have received the award for the world's most family-friendly airline and at the same time for the best First Class lounge,” says Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer Lufthansa Airlines. “Above all, Lufthansa's unsurpassed hospitality is also premium. In particular, our colleagues in the cabin, cockpit and on the ground can be very proud today. They are the ones who fulfill our promise of quality day after day.”

Traveling with children  

Lufthansa attaches great importance to ensuring that its youngest guests also feel comfortable on board. The airline therefore offers specially created kids' menus prepared by the chefs at Gate Gourmet. The menus belong to the “Special Meals” category and can be pre-ordered by passengers free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. The offer applies to all classes on long-haul flights and to Business Class on short-haul flights.

The trays are lovingly designed with colorful illustrations of the Lufthansa mascots “Lu” and “Cosmo” and the menu card invites young passengers to puzzle and color while they playfully learn how an airplane flies.

Lufthansa has also introduced a new range of children's toys on board. From cloud-shaped cuddly blankets for toddlers to puzzles and the game “City, Country, Flight”, there is something for every taste and every age. There is also a portfolio of coloring pages featuring Lu and Cosmo, which can be accessed via the Lufthansa eJournals homepage. Young passengers will also find magazines for children and teenagers in various languages. The in-flight entertainment program for children includes a large selection of films, series, music, audio books and podcasts. Children can also look forward to special amenity kits and, from summer 2025, new year-round “Best Friend” children's boarding passes.

Travel in Lufthansa First Class

The separate First Class terminal in Frankfurt with limousine transfer directly to the aircraft and personal assistant, which has been named the best First Class lounge in the world, is emblematic of Lufthansa's premium offering.

Since the beginning of the year, traveling in Lufthansa's top class has become even more exclusive. The new Lufthansa Allegris First Class on long-haul aircraft can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru and sets new standards with two individual suites and the extraordinary Suite Plus: guests can heat or cool their almost one meter wide seats in the individual suites according to their personal needs. The separate cabins with ceiling-high walls and lockable door, large table and wide seat, a living room-sized screen and wireless “over-ear” headphones define a new standard in comfort and individuality. Generous storage space is provided by a personal wardrobe in the suite, so that travelers can change comfortably and have all their personal items to hand. Individual lamps allow travelers to create their very own feel-good atmosphere.

The Suite Plus double cabin, the only one of its kind in the world, creates a special travel experience with two wide seats that can be combined to form a comfortable double bed if required. The flying private room impresses with maximum comfort and individuality. The Suite Plus offers maximum exclusivity for the single passenger and the unique opportunity to use the double cabin as a couple.

The new First Class is part of a major Lufthansa premium offensive. Among other things, First Class guests can also look forward to renovated First Class check-in areas in Frankfurt (from late summer) and Munich as well as the newly designed First Class Lounge at Munich Airport.

Skytrax

The survey was conducted by the market research institute Skytrax. It evaluated the airlines' in-flight offers and services at the airports. Skytrax has been conducting the annual passenger survey since 1999. All detailed results of the World Airlines Awards can be found at www.worldairlineawards.com

Largest individual monetary prize for research in the University's history – 18 June 2025 – The Frontiers Planet Prize, a global initiative of the Frontiers Research Foundation in Switzerland, has announced Associate Professor Arunima Malik as one of its three 2025 International Champions, awarding her US$1 million (A$1.54 million) to advance her and her research team's pioneering work in sustainability science.

By providing innovative, scalable solutions to help keep humanity within planetary sustainability boundaries, Associate Professor Malik received the award for, 'Polarising and equalising tr

18 JUNE 2025 – Equinor has today been awarded a new exploration opportunity in Brazil, providing the potential for deepening the company’s position in the country.

Equinor has deepened its position in the Santos basin after winning the S-M-1617 block during Brazil's 5th Open Permanent Concession bid round.

“We are pleased with our success in today’s bidding round, securing a new exploration opportunity in Brazil – a core country in our international portfolio. The license is in close proximity to the S-M-1378 block we already own, an area with strong potential that we can leverage to reinforce our position in the Santos basin. This award provides us with longevity options for Brazil and demonstrates our continuous commitment and appetite to grow in the country,” says Veronica Coelho, Senior Vice President and Brazil Country Manager.

The S-M-1617 license in Brazil was secured by Equinor on a 100% basis with a total signature bonus of around 30.5 million Brazilian Real (around 5.5 MUSD).

The block is located 60 kilometers away from the S-M-1378 block already owned by Equinor. This is an addition to our existing opportunity set in Brazil and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment and growth ambition in the country. Equinor will now work to conduct necessary geological and geophysical assessments for future exploration activities.

Facts about Brazil:

Equinor as an international operator has been present in Brazil for more than two decades and sees the country as a core area for long-term growth.
The S-M-1617 license is located in the Santos basin, 400 kilometres off the coast, in water depths up to 2600 metres.
Equinor is progressing as an operator of the Bacalhau and Raia projects, in the Santos and Campos basins respectively.
Beyond oil and gas, Equinor is expanding investments into renewable energy with onshore assets already in operation and more projects under development through its subsidiary Rio Energy.