Business Update

Going against Prime Minister Takaichi’s wishes, Japan’s central bank acted amid U.S. pressure, a tanking currency and inflation from energy disruptions. Source link

The unexpected decline in retail sales underscored China’s growing reliance on exports to sustain economic growth as domestic demand continues to falter. Source link

With support from Markwayne Mullin and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the kratom industry is pursuing a potentially lucrative policy. Mr. Mullin owns equity in a company that could benefit. Source link

United States of Bourbon, the result of a Vermont couple’s many road trips, is just one of several special whiskeys marking the 250th. Source link

Elon Musk built a huge complex outside the city of Bastrop, population 14,000. Its residents now wonder what the historic SpaceX initial public offering might mean for them. Source link

A framework agreement could be signed later this week, but details are scarce. Still, investors are cheering the potential breakthrough. Source link

In Germany, a campaign called Rights Against the Right is securing trademarks for right-wing symbols and phrases, aiming to cut into a revenue stream that sustains hate groups. Source link

The $22 billion deal will bolster Fox Corp.’s efforts to reach consumers on streaming platforms. Source link

The pace of the recovery will depend on how confident companies are that the deal between the United States and Iran will hold and be extended. Source link

Shipowners welcomed the agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but said they would need more security guarantees before resuming transits. Source link