Inversiones y negocios

Auction sales fall 6% in the first half, raising fears of an art market shift

6% slump in auction sales in H1 prompts art market speculation

Auction revenues declined by around 6% in the first half of the year compared with the same period last year, prompting fresh concerns about the global art market's strength. This occurs amid broader weakening in fine‑art sales, signaling a shift in collector behavior and challenging prevailing business models.Although major houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips continued to lead, their combined total slipped to just under $4 billion in H1 2025. Fine‑art auctions—the core of their business—dropped by approximately 10%. This signals a market that is either consolidating at a lower baseline or possibly entering a longer-term structural change.Although there was a…
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Graphic: Track grocery price trends

Graphic: Analyze grocery price trends

Over the past few years, grocery shopping has transformed from a routine errand into a financial balancing act for many households. Price changes across food categories have caused consumers to shift their buying habits, rethink priorities, and search for affordable alternatives. While prices often fluctuate due to predictable factors like seasons or supply chain costs, recent global events, economic pressures, and shifting demand have significantly disrupted this once-stable routine. Understanding grocery price trends not only helps with personal budgeting, but also reveals larger patterns in food systems and economic health.A change in consumer habitsInflation has left a noticeable impact on…
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US-China talks restart as hopes grow for trade war truce extension

US-China meetings restart as anticipation increases for trade war truce extension

Diplomatic negotiations between the United States and China have resumed, reigniting hopes that the two global powers may extend their fragile truce in the ongoing trade dispute. After years of escalating tariffs and retaliatory measures that disrupted global supply chains and unsettled markets, the return to formal dialogue signals a potential shift toward stabilization and mutual accommodation.The talks, which are taking place amid a complex geopolitical backdrop, reflect the high stakes for both nations. The global economy continues to face uncertainty fueled by inflationary pressures, supply chain vulnerabilities, and shifting political alliances. In this context, efforts to avoid further trade…
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Ireland 'not exactly celebrating' Trump's deal with EU

Ireland ‘not exactly celebrating’ Trump’s EU deal

When former U.S. President Donald Trump brokered a trade understanding with the European Union, reactions across Europe were mixed. In Ireland, the reception was particularly reserved. Far from celebrating the deal, Irish leaders and stakeholders expressed a blend of cautious skepticism and concern over its potential consequences, particularly for key sectors like agriculture and technology that are deeply tied to transatlantic trade.While the announcement of the trade agreement was framed by the Trump administration as a breakthrough in reducing economic tensions between the U.S. and the EU, many Irish policymakers viewed it through a more critical lens. From their perspective,…
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Who are the winners and losers in US-EU trade deal?

Winners vs losers: US-EU trade deal explained

The latest trade agreement between the United States and the European Union has sparked renewed debate over global commerce, tariffs, and economic strategy. As both regions seek to reinforce their positions in a shifting geopolitical landscape, the new deal marks a pivotal moment for transatlantic economic relations. While officials on both sides have emphasized mutual benefits, the reality is more nuanced: some sectors are poised to gain significant advantages, while others may face increased pressure or reduced competitiveness.At the core of the agreement is the reduction or elimination of tariffs on a range of goods and services. For American and…
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