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NEW YORK (AP) — The Trump administration’s recent changes to student loans are causing frustration and confusion for some borrowers. In response to a February court ruling that blocked some Biden-era programs, the Education Department has taken down online and paper applications for income-driven repayment plans. “This especially hurts anyone who’s lost their jobs, including federal workers,” said Natalia Abrams, founder and president of the Student Debt Crisis Center. “A few months ago, they would have been able to get on a zero-dollar income-driven repayment plan.” FILE – President Joe Biden departs after delivering remarks on student loan debt at…

Most Gulf markets have recently ended higher, buoyed by cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data, though uncertainties around tariffs continue to pose challenges. Penny stocks, while a term from earlier market days, still represent an intriguing investment area for those interested in smaller or newer companies. By focusing on those with strong financial health and potential for growth, investors can uncover opportunities that might offer both stability and upside in the evolving Middle Eastern market landscape. Name Share Price Market Cap Financial Health Rating Alarum Technologies (TASE:ALAR) ₪2.519 ₪174.67M ★★★★★★ Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development (PJSC) (ADX:SCIDC) AED0.69 AED419.7M ★★★★★★ Oil Refineries…

(Bloomberg) — Supply Lines is a daily newsletter that tracks global trade. Sign up here. Most Read from Bloomberg CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. shares plunged Friday after China’s top office on Hong Kong affairs reposted a sharp attack on the conglomerate’s decision to appease President Donald Trump by selling its stake in Panama ports. The commentary that the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office posted on its website originally appeared in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper and warned companies to be very careful about which “side they should stand on.” It said that social media users have accused the conglomerate…

Mar. 13—Nothing lasts forever, not even Forever 21. The fast-fashion retailer, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Los Angeles, is reportedly on its way to bankruptcy, according to multiple news outlets. And despite “everything must go” sales at New Mexico’s three stores, it’s unclear if doors are closing locally or not. The retailer’s operating company, F21 OpCo LLC, owned by Authentic Brands Group, last month told news outlets it was exploring a potential sale. “The efforts are ongoing and no final decisions have been made regarding the outcome of the process or the number of stores that may be closed,”…

As most Gulf markets recently ended higher, buoyed by cooler-than-expected U.S. inflation data, investors are keeping a close eye on monetary policies influenced by the Federal Reserve’s decisions. In this dynamic environment, dividend stocks in the Middle East can offer attractive yields and stability, making them an appealing choice for those looking to balance growth with income amidst economic uncertainties. Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Arab National Bank (SASE:1080) 6.03% ★★★★★☆ Delek Group (TASE:DLEKG) 8.79% ★★★★★☆ National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah (P.S.C.) (ADX:RAKBANK) 7.58% ★★★★★☆ Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM:EMAAR) 7.46% ★★★★★☆ Saudi National Bank (SASE:1180) 5.80% ★★★★★☆ Saudi Awwal Bank…

(Bloomberg) — China’s benchmark stock index rallied the most in two months on Friday, with consumer shares leading gains on expectations of more policy support for the sector. Most Read from Bloomberg The CSI 300 Index closed up 2.4% to its highest level since mid-December. Officials from the finance ministry, commerce ministry, the central bank and other government bodies plan to hold a press conference Monday on measures to boost consumption. A gauge of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong ended the day 2.8% higher. “The press conference on boosting consumption fanned expectations on policy support,” said Shen Meng, a…

(Bloomberg) — A Singapore-based company has been slapped with US sanctions for links to the Iranian oil trade, becoming the first in the city-state to be penalized for assisting with oil transfers at sea. Most Read from Bloomberg Shipload Maritime Pte was sanctioned because it “knowingly engaged in a significant transaction for the transport of petroleum or petroleum products from Iran,” according to a statement from the US Department of State on March 13. The punishment relates to an ship-to-ship transfer in December near Indonesia. Calls to Shipload Maritime on Friday went unanswered. The Trump administration has vowed “maximum pressure”…

While central bank interest rate decisions and developments on trade tariffs are likely to occupy much of investor focus in the coming week, there are also a number of companies still set to release earnings. Analysts will be looking to Tencent’s (0700.HK) annual results to see how the Chinese tech giant’s investment in artificial intelligence (AI) is playing out, as competition in the space heats up. In the chip sector, US semiconductor manufacturer Micron (MU) is due to release latest quarterly earnings, though guidance has already disappointed against expectations. Meanwhile, investors will be keeping an eye on Nike’s (NKE) latest…

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are rallying Friday, though not by enough to keep Wall Street from heading toward a fourth straight losing week, which would be its longest such streak since August. The S&P 500 was 1.9% higher in midday trading, a day after closing more than 10% below its record for its first “ correction ” since 2023. It’s on track for its best day since the day after President Donald Trump’s election, when Wall Street was focusing mostly on the possibility for lower taxes and other benefits for corporate profits. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was…

(Bloomberg) — A bounce in stocks calmed nerves among equity investors, but the fallout from Donald Trump’s political maneuvering continued to shake global markets and rattle US consumers. Yields on German bonds surged as government leaders agreed on a massive defense spending package, while the ultimate haven asset — gold — topped $3,000 for the first time. Most Read from Bloomberg The roughly 2% gain in the S&P 500 was set to be the biggest since the aftermath of the presidential election. Not even data showing a slide in consumer confidence prevented the market rebound. That follows a selloff that…