British American Tobacco accused of helping North Korea fund terrorism in lawsuit
Victims of terrorist attacks say BAT’s operations in North Korea helped fund weapons used in the Middle East
Donald Trump expected to nominate Kevin Warsh as US Federal Reserve chair
Choice of former Fed governor to succeed Jerome Powell comes amid attack on central bank’s independence
SpaceX reportedly mulling Tesla merger or tie-up with Elon Musk’s xAI firm
Rocket company examining feasibility of both options before potential $1.5tn stock market flotation, report says
Friday briefing: How Britain’s high streets became a barometer of national decline
In today’s newsletter: As boarded‑up units spread from coastal towns to former industrial centres, a new Guardian investigation reveals how our high streets have become a litmus test for public frustration and political choices
UK’s first rapid-charging battery train ready for boarding this weekend
Great Western Railway service recharges in three and a half minutes between trips on west London line
Trump threatens tariffs on goods from countries that sell oil to Cuba
White House cites Cuba’s ties to hostile powers as order ratchets up Trump’s pressure to topple its government
Apple reports massive spike in iPhone revenue, particularly in China
The iPhone maker reported first-quarter earnings after market close
AstraZeneca to invest £11bn in China after rowing back on UK expansion
Keir Starmer says the move, announced during his trip to Beijing, will help support thousands of British jobs
What agreements have been made during Starmer’s trip to China?
Several deals have been struck so far but there does not appear to be a big bundle of investments worth billions
Organic salmon certifier forced to share findings amid claims consumers misled
Information tribunal rules Soil Association must disclose salmon farm inspection reports to WildFish campaigners
What is behind the extraordinary rise in investment into silver and gold?
Experts say factors including Trump’s aggressive policies and pressure on the dollar are pushing investors toward ‘safe haven’ of precious metals
Chinese state media views Starmer’s visit as act of economic pragmatism
PM praised for not pressuring Xi over his ties with Putin on a trip seen as business ‘taking precedence over politics’
‘Generational shift’ towards sparkling wine behind strong sales, says UK’s Chapel Down
Kent-based producer sees better-than-expected 19% sales rise on back of millennials’ preference for ‘lighter, crisper style of wine’
Brent crude tops $70 per barrel on Iran concern; gold and silver tumble from record highs – as it happened
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news, as metal prices continue to soar
Rate-rigging convictions of five bankers referred to UK appeals court
Referral comes after supreme court overturned convictions of two other traders, Tom Hayes and Carlo Palombo