UPS and FedEx have started filing for tariff refunds through the U.S. government’s process, but it may take several months for customers to receive the funds. The move follows recent tariff adjustments, with the companies seeking reimbursement for certain charges. The refunds could impact logistics costs and supply chain dynamics in the coming months.
U.S. sanctions and policies under Donald Trump have significantly limited options for Cubans seeking to leave the island. As part of his efforts to isolate Cuba politically and restrict fuel supplies, these measures have reduced the avenues for Cubans to emigrate, intensifying the ongoing migration challenges faced by the population. The impact is part of broader U.S.-Cuba tensions during Trump's presidency.
Morgan Stanley named Affirm as a top stock pick in 2026, citing its undervaluation, ahead of a key investor forum on May 12. UnitedHealth was upgraded to top pick after strong Q1 earnings and an improved full-year outlook. Meta Platforms is favored among big tech stocks, with Q1 2026 results expected on April 29.
A coalition of 39 firms, including Nasdaq, has urged the EU to accelerate the implementation of DLT pilot rules, warning that delays could cause Europe to fall behind the US in tokenized finance. The call for action highlights concerns over Europe's competitive edge in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape. The coalition emphasizes the importance of timely regulation to maintain global leadership.
Investors are avoiding the riskiest US junk debt, particularly those linked to troubled software firms, amid concerns over AI disruption. Despite this cautious stance, they continue to take on risk in other markets. The trend highlights ongoing worries about AI's impact on software companies, leading to a divergence in risk appetite within the high-yield debt sector.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has assembled a panel of Canadian business leaders, including BMO CEO Darryl White, Teck CEO Don Lindsay, and TC Energy CEO Tracy Robinson, to advise on Canada’s US economic strategy. The panel aims to strengthen economic ties and navigate cross-border relations, reflecting the government’s focus on macro-finance and international trade diplomacy.
German pension fund VBL is shifting its €7 billion ($8.2 billion) residential property portfolio into a new fund structure. This move, announced in April 2026, aims to optimize asset management and investment strategies for the public-sector pension provider. The transfer reflects ongoing adjustments in institutional investment approaches within the European real estate market.
