WASHINGTON (AP) – Jay Allen is a fan of President Donald Trump, and voted for him on the belief that the Republican would cut taxes and trim regulations, helping his manufacturing business in northeast Arkansas. But the tariffs at the core of Trump’s economic agenda have wreaked havoc on his company, Allen Engineering Corp.

Soaring petrol prices are once again making many Australians think seriously about switching to an electric vehicle. As politicians warn Australians not to resort to panic buying, finding constructive ways to reduce your petrol costs has become increasingly appealing. The strikes on Iran have seen prices of Brent crude  trade around US$104 (A$150) per barrel.

HELSINKI (AP) – Heavy social media use contributes to a stark decline in well-being among young people, with the effects particularly worrying in teenage girls in English-speaking countries and Western Europe, according to the World Happiness Report 2026 published Thursday. The report found that Finland is the happiest land in the world for the ninth year in a row.

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February, driven partly by a sharp increase in food costs. The Labor Department reported Wednesday that its producer price index – which measures inflation before it hits consumers – rose 0.7% from January, and 3.4% from February 2025. The year-over-year increase was the most since February 2025.

Australia's research and innovation system is "broken" and needs "bold reform", according to a major new independent report released on Tuesday. Titled "Ambitious Australia", it's the culmination of a strategic examination of research and development in Australia, commissioned by the federal government in December 2024. It was led by Tesla chairwoman Robyn Denholm.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lifted official interest rates for the second time this year as it struggles to bring inflation under control, saying inflation is "likely to remain above target for some time". But it was a split decision, with five members of the RBA board voting for a hike against four who preferred to hold steady.

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks slumped after a report said inflation was primed to worsen even before the war with Iran sent oil prices spiking. The S&P 500 fell 1.4% for its first loss this week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.6%, and the Nasdaq composite slid 1.5%. Treasury yields climbed in the bond market, which in turn hurt the price of gold.

PERTH, Australia (AP) – Sam Kerr dispensed with the backflip that was a trademark celebration of her early goals, pointing an index finger to her head this time after producing a moment of brilliance to secure Australia’s 2-1 win over China and a spot in the Women’s Asian Cup.