Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace and intercepted what it described as ‘hostile aerial targets’ on Thursday, as the fallout from US strikes on Iran spread rapidly across the Gulf. Bahrain reported that its air defence systems had destroyed incoming Iranian aerial attacks, and Israel’s Home Front Command warned of launches from Lebanon toward communities in northern Israel.The closures and interceptions followed overnight US military action ordered by President Donald Trump, with US Central Command (Centcom) confirming that strikes were completed at 9:04 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Centcom said it hit Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defence sites,…
Author: Helen Rourke
Helen Rourke
Helen Rourke trained as a chartered accountant and spent fourteen years in financial services before starting to write. She qualified at a mid-tier firm, moved in-house to a media company's finance team, and spent her last years as a finance director at a creative agency, which gave her an unusual vantage point on both sides of the balance sheet. She writes about personal finance, tax, pensions, and the money questions people ask at dinner parties but never ask their accountant. She explains numbers without condescension and has no interest in making simple things sound complicated. Helen lives in North London. She files her own tax return on the first day it opens and considers this a character flaw.
Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday after US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Strait of Hormuz oil traffic is ‘rising very meaningfully,’ easing some of the supply-disruption fears that have kept markets on edge for months. The move came even as Washington and Tehran continue to struggle to reach a deal on ending their more than three-month-old war, according to Reuters.US crude oil futures fell 3.78% to $87.85 per barrel by 11:29am ET. Brent futures, the international benchmark, lost 3.31% to $91.13. Both moves reflect the market’s sensitivity to any signal (however tentative) that the world’s most important oil chokepoint…
The US Iran nuclear negotiations remained the subject of sharply conflicting accounts on Tuesday, as Washington and Tehran exchanged military strikes while both sides disputed whether diplomatic contact had broken down entirely.US Central Command said it had defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones before launching what it described as defensive strikes following attempted attacks by Iran. The exchange marked a fresh escalation in a conflict that has already caused widespread disruption to oil and gas infrastructure across the Middle East.Trump and Rubio insist US Iran nuclear negotiations are ongoingPresident Donald Trump pushed back firmly against reports that talks had…
President Donald Trump said he was indifferent to the possible collapse of Trump Iran negotiations, telling CNBC’s Eamon Javers in a phone interview on Monday that he did not care whether talks with Tehran were over. ‘I really don’t care. I couldn’t care less,’ Trump said, adding that he thought the discussions had started to get ‘very boring.’The call came after Iranian state news outlet Tasnim reported earlier that day that Tehran was halting negotiations with the United States and would move to ‘completely block’ the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Oil prices spiked…
New research suggests women are more consistent with their oral hygiene routines than men, visiting dentists more frequently and brushing their teeth more regularly. A study by independent research firm IQS, commissioned by oral care brand Oclean, found significant differences between genders in dental habits. Women were less likely to forget to brush their teeth and replaced their toothbrush or sonic brush heads more frequently than men. Women More Committed to Oral Care The study revealed that only 33% of women occasionally skip brushing their teeth in the evening, and 22% in the morning. Among men, the numbers were higher,…
A new book, The Heart of Finance, highlights the growing importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in the financial planning industry. Written by James Woodfall and Cliff Lansley, the book reveals how EI can significantly improve client relations, retention rates, and sales for financial planners, particularly in an era marked by economic uncertainty and technological disruption. Financial planners regularly encounter complex emotions in their clients, from grief to fear and anxiety, as individuals navigate significant life events. Research conducted by Woodfall and Lansley has shown that financial professionals with high emotional intelligence, who can effectively manage and respond to these emotions,…
With workplace stress and anxiety reaching alarming levels, International SOS is urging organisations to take proactive steps to support the mental health of their employees. As Blue Monday – widely regarded as the most challenging day for mental health – approaches, the health and security risk services company highlights the urgent need for businesses to address the ongoing challenges employees face in the workplace. A recent survey revealed that approximately 40% of the workforce reported stress levels so severe that they significantly impacted their ability to work over the last year. International SOS has identified three key mental health issues…
A new collection of handcrafted ceramics inspired by the British coast is bringing the beauty of the seaside into homes across the UK. The “Shoreline” collection, designed by Habulous, is a vibrant and practical homeware range that reflects the natural beauty of the coast, blending earthy tones and calming ocean hues. Each piece in the collection, which includes vases, candle holders, plant pots, and oil pourers, has been carefully handcrafted in Habulous’ Dartmoor studio. The distinctive turquoise and pink colourway is meant to evoke the serene yet dynamic spirit of the coast, reminiscent of the sun setting over the ocean,…
Kipling has announced an exciting new collaboration with Universal Pictures’ Wicked, launching a collection of bags inspired by the themes of empowerment, equality, defiance, and sisterhood showcased in the iconic film. The Kipling x Wicked collection reimagines some of the brand’s most popular styles, including crossbody bags, backpacks, and totes, with vibrant pink and green hues reflecting the colours synonymous with the Wicked franchise. The collection features a range of Kipling’s classic bag silhouettes, such as the Riri and Bina M crossbody bags, the City S backpack, and the New Cicely tote, all reinterpreted with the bold colour palette inspired…
A new report by Hokodo, in collaboration with the B2B Ecommerce Association, has revealed that two-thirds of finance leaders (66%) believe their teams are falling behind the rapid pace of B2B e-commerce. The investigative survey highlights the mounting pressures facing finance departments as the B2B market, predicted to reach $2.641 trillion in 2024, continues to evolve. The study found that 17% of finance leaders feel their teams are not adequately prepared for the future, with concerns primarily revolving around maintaining a balance between financial control and strategic growth. Almost half (46%) of those surveyed admitted that finding this balance is…
