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News from 2025


BMO reduces US dollar prime lending rate to 7.25 percent

BMO announced it will lower its US dollar prime lending rate from 7.50 percent to 7.25 percent, effective September 18, 2025.


Howden Re leaders discuss alternative capital's impact on reinsurance stability

Executives from Howden Re and Howden Capital Markets & Advisory (HCMA) discussed trends in the reinsurance market during an interview with The Insurer TV at the Rendez-Vous de Septembre event.


Bank of America raises U.S. minimum wage to $25 an hour

Bank of America announced it will raise its U.S. minimum hourly wage to $25 per hour, with the change taking effect in early October.


WTO: Artificial intelligence could raise global trade by over one-third by 2040

Global trade could increase by up to 37 percent by 2040 if economies address gaps in access to artificial intelligence, according to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) World Trade Report 2025.


Meta unveils Oakley Meta Vanguard AI sports glasses for high-intensity athletic performance

Meta has announced the expansion of its Performance AI glasses line with the introduction of Oakley Meta Vanguard, a new product designed for high-intensity sports.


Ambassador Rana discusses U.S.-Slovakia partnership on cyber policy at Bratislava Legal Forum

Ambassador Gautam Rana addressed the Bratislava Legal Forum, discussing the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid technological advancements in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI).


Andrew Puzder begins tenure as U.S. ambassador to European Union

Andrew Puzder has assumed his role as the United States Ambassador to the European Union, arriving in Brussels in August 2025.


IMF appoints Nigel Chalk as director of Western Hemisphere Department

Nigel Chalk has been named as the new Director of the International Monetary Fund’s Western Hemisphere Department, according to an announcement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.


DTEK and Fluence complete battery storage project supporting Ukrainian power grid

DTEK, a Ukrainian energy company, and the American firm Fluence have completed a battery energy storage systems (BESS) project aimed at providing reliable power to homes in Ukraine.


Secretary Rubio meets Qatari leaders to discuss regional stability and bilateral ties

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks in Doha with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.


Howden Re leaders highlight international growth amid shifting reinsurance landscape

Howden Re International’s CEO, Massimo Reina, and Deputy CEO, Sebastian Cooke, discussed the company’s recent growth and the changing reinsurance market in an interview with The Insurer.


Swiss Re forecasts GLP-1 drugs may cut US mortality by up to 6.4 percent by 2045

Swiss Re has released new research indicating that the adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could significantly reduce mortality rates in the United States and United Kingdom over the next two decades.


State Department adds new online resources for Americans living abroad

The State Department has updated its international travel website to include a section specifically for Americans residing outside the United States.


World Trade Organization appoints Robert W. Staiger as new Chief Economist

Professor Robert W. Staiger has been appointed as the new Chief Economist and Director of the Economic Research and Statistics Division (ERSD) at the World Trade Organization, according to an announcement made by the Director-General.


Secretary Hegseth and Chinese defense minister discuss Asia-Pacific interests

On September 9, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth held a call with Admiral Dong Jun, China’s Minister of National Defense.


IMF board reviews Lithuania’s economic outlook following Article IV consultation

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed its Article IV Consultation with the Republic of Lithuania on September 8, 2025.


Secretary Rubio discusses bilateral and regional issues with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a conversation with China’s Director of the Office of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Commission and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.


Axis Capital declares dividends and approves new $400 million share repurchase plan

AXIS Capital Holdings Limited announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per common share, which will be payable on October 17, 2025, to shareholders who are on record as of September 30, 2025.


DBS opens Jurong hub office during second Regenerative Festival focused on SME sustainability

DBS has launched the second edition of its DBS Regenerative Festival, an event aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore adopt sustainable business practices.


U.S., Sri Lanka open new English language lab at naval academy

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy have opened a new English Language Lab at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee.