Independent perspective · Market intelligence
The stories shaping New Zealand.
A clear, considered view of the latest headlines across business, markets, technology and more.
US midterm elections 2026 live: all eyes on last two razor-thin Senate races as Democrats vie to expand blue wave
Tight races in Mississippi and Alaska could further tip scale for Democrats; blue wave has already given the party more than 40 new House seats Live results : see results from races in all 50 states Sign up for Breaking News US email
Herbert Blomstedt obituary
Veteran Swedish-American conductor with a tautly rhythmic approach to the symphonic classics
Jobe Bellingham joining Jude in England squad is ‘beautiful’, says Tuchel: football news – live
⚽ All the latest heading into a busy weekend of football ⚽ Premier League: 10 things to look out for | Mail Tom
Russell Brand rape conviction must be ‘wake-up call’, says culture secretary
Lisa Nandy calls for whistleblowers to be protected and highlights bravery of women who came forward in case
Burnham aims for ‘quite radical change’ in support for young people
Prime minister says ‘root and branch review of childhood’ is needed and he does not rule out some benefit cuts
US tech stocks open higher on Wall Street after worst day in 19 months – business live
European and Asia-Pacific markets slide after Wall Street rout, while latest US jobs report beats forecasts
Martine Rose appointed creative director at Balenciaga
Fashion house move marks breakthrough in white, male-dominated industry
Huddersfield Town’s most famous fan | Letters
Readers respond to the death of Patrick Stewart
UK dairy farmers face further pressure as milk processor cuts prices
Freshways lowers price paid to producers by 7p a litre, prompting warnings confidence in the sector is ‘at rock bottom’
Bomb threats against European flights ‘likely a coordinated campaign of disruption’, Ireland says – as it happened
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Struggling to spell ‘male chauvinist pig’? Apple’s grey list means your iPhone won’t help you
There are more than 100,000 words and phrases that the tech giant has restricted its predictive text from completing, research shows
US tech stock rout: is the AI bubble bursting?
After Thursday’s share price plunge on Wall Street, could the volatility be the start of a huge market meltdown? Business live – latest updates
Premier League news: United’s Baleba out for weeks, Maresca backs Donnarumma
Carrick says it is possible to restore former glory at Old Trafford with time and Unai Emery confirms Aston Villa contract talks
Global stocks plunge amid AI slowdown fears after Democrats’ midterm triumph
Asian and European markets follow Wall Street with sharp fall as FTSE is down 1.9% Business live – latest updates
UK government to extend controversial Palantir NHS contract as it draws up plan for British alternative – as it happened
Health secretary Yvette Cooper has faced calls to axe US tech firm’s contract to deliver the flagship government AI system, report says
How Gotham FC re-tooled for another NWSL title run – this time as favorites
After two titles won as the lowest seed in the playoffs, the New Jersey club sought consistency in 2026. It’s arrived, but what’s next?
Marilyn Monroe is a magnetic misfit in Speculations, a spicy conspiracy drama full of bombshells
Marylebone theatre, London Trevor Nunn directs Torben Betts’s intriguing but flawed play following US journalist Dorothy Kilgallen’s theories about the Kennedys
Clem Cattini obituary
Drummer who as a session musician made an unsung contribution to more than 40 No 1 singles
‘He’s manipulating its power’: why did Russell Brand convert to Christianity?
Sincere or self-serving, the disgraced comedian’s case shows how the church became a culture war frontier
The 36 best Christmas gifts in the UK for every kind of teenager – chosen by teens
From Polaroid cameras to skincare, loungewear to gaming accessories, here are the presents teenage boys and girls told us they rate for 2026 • Homemade Christmas gifts anyone can make
Buying your first home? How to get a mortgage, explained
Getting on to the property ladder is one of the biggest milestones in many people’s adult lives – but with a little planning and research, you can step confidently on to that first rung. Here’s what you need to know …
In jailing Joshua Wong, China is telling the world they'd crush every hope for democracy on its soil | Nathan Law
My friend was due to be released next January. Under draconian security laws, his sentence has been extended by 10 years
‘A global political awakening’: how gen Z protests are sweeping the world
From Serbia to Bangladesh and India to France, young people are pushing back against authoritarianism and reshaping political landscapes
How much can I borrow? A first-time buyer’s guide to mortgage affordability, from deposits to interest
Lloyds offers plenty of tools to help first-time buyers understand how much they can borrow, as well as the deposit amount they’ll need and even repayment estimations