US tech stocks tumble after data centre setback sparks investor concerns December 18, 2025 US tech stocks fell on Wednesday after news that software company Oracle had lost a key backer for its data centre project, reigniting investors’ concerns about AI companies’ spending. The tech-heavy Nasdaq dropped 1.8 per cent to $22,693.32 (£ 17,975.06), finishing at its lowest level since late November, while Oracle fell 5.4 per cent to [...]
Zara turns to AI-edited models amid shop closures December 18, 2025 Zara is using artificial intelligence to edit images of human models for its e-commerce platforms, Morning Wire understands, as the fast-fashion giant looks to cut costs amid a tough retail backdrop. Models who have previously shot campaigns for Zara have since been contacted by the Spanish retail giant and asked for permission for their images [...]
Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025 December 18, 2025 THE MENA REGION’s PREMIER FINANCIAL EVENT Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) is the MENA region’s premier financial event, bringing together global leaders, market experts, policymakers, and investors from 175 countries to drive impactful dialogue and collaboration. Over the four thematic days, ADFW 2025 delivered a milestone gathering of global finance’s most influential voices across five [...]
BP: FTSE 100 giant replaces top boss after just two years December 18, 2025 FTSE 100 oil major BP has replaced its top boss after just two years in the role as the energy giant targets a major turnaround. BP will swap out incumbent boss Murray Auchincloss, who has been in the role since the start of 2024, for Woodside Energy chief Meg O’Neil. Auchincloss will step down with [...]
Jordan North: Capital Breakfast host becomes a millionaire December 18, 2025 TV and radio presenter Jordan North has become a millionaire after taking over as host of Capital’s breakfast show. North succeeded Roman Kemp as host in April 2024 alongside Siân Welby and Chris Stark. The former I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here runner-up had previously been a DJ at Radio One. Now, new accounts [...]
Elliott turns the page on London’s IPO drought with Waterstones listing plan December 18, 2025 Elliott Management is preparing a multibillion-pound flotation of Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, with a listing expected next year and London edging out New York as the preferred venue. The US hedge fund has reportedly begun sounding out advisers ahead of a potential IPO, with banks likely to be appointed in early 2026. While no [...]
Northern Line closures to impact midweek after-work drinks until May December 18, 2025 The Transport for London (TfL) has planned closures of the Northern line starting from January, which will affect Bank, London Bridge, and Borough for four months. Starting on 12 January, eight stations will be out of action on weeknights from 10pm until the end of May, as TfL carries out engineering work for track replacements. [...]
Is the Premier League decoupling from the rest of English football? December 18, 2025 Ed Warner pores over a report on the polarisation of English football and comes up with a solution to the Premier League’s stand-off with the EFL for the new regulator. “I just hope they don’t mess it up.” The Premier League club chairman’s answer to my question about his hopes for the Independent Football Regulator [...]
HSBC chair poured cash into failed tax avoidance investment scheme December 18, 2025 The new chair of HSBC lost money in a tax-avoiding investment scheme that ultimately collapsed, Morning Wire can reveal. Brendon Nelson became a partner and investor in a biofuel exploration business called Future Fuels, itself part of a wider scheme called Elysian Fuels which was operated by Future Capital Partners. The unregulated investment scheme was [...]
The Capitalist: Canada cracks down on public defecation December 18, 2025 The City launches a festive anti-defecation campaign, The Capitalist meets the King and BP does the hoedown throwdown.