Author: Andrew Rogers

U.S. stocks surged this week as investors responded to strong corporate earnings, declining short-term yields, and growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December. The S&P 500 has gained roughly 16% in 2025, driven by technology, growth-focused firms, and broad market optimism. Corporate earnings helped lift sentiment. Dell Technologies and other companies reported better-than-expected results, pushing shares higher and reinforcing investor confidence. Analysts said strong earnings combined with hopes for lower borrowing costs are reviving market momentum. Falling U.S. Treasury yields are also supporting equities. Softer expectations for borrowing costs create favorable conditions for businesses and investors. Cheaper…

A UK health advisory panel has recommended against offering prostate cancer screening to most men, saying the harms would outweigh the benefits. The UK National Screening Committee (UKNSC) instead supports targeted screening only for men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variants, who face a higher risk of aggressive cancer. These men could be screened every two years between ages 45 and 61. The committee concluded that screening all men, or even those with a family history of cancer, would lead to high levels of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment, while only slightly reducing deaths. Evidence for screening Black men—who face a…

Premier League clubs could face rising wage costs after the government announced that players’ image rights payments will be taxed as income from April 2027. Many top-flight footballers currently receive part of their earnings through image rights companies, which are taxed at the 25% corporate rate. Under the new rules, those payments will instead be taxed at the top income tax rate of 45%, leaving players with significantly higher tax bills. Agents say many players will expect clubs to cover the additional costs, especially during contract renegotiations. Some overseas signings already have clauses protecting them if the UK tax system…

Archaeologists say they now have firm evidence that a huge circle of deep pits near Stonehenge was carved by humans more than 4,000 years ago. Known as the Durrington pit circle, the structure consists of around 20 विशाल pits stretching over a mile in diameter. Some are up to 10 metres wide and 5 metres deep, requiring significant planning and engineering to dig into the chalk landscape. Using a mix of cutting-edge techniques — including radar, magnetometry, electrical imaging, soil DNA analysis and luminescence dating — researchers found repeating, unnatural soil patterns that they say could not have formed naturally.…

Scientists have identified five major phases of human brain development, suggesting the brain does not mature in a smooth, gradual way but instead shifts direction at key “turning points” throughout life. A large study of nearly 4,000 brain scans from people aged under one to 90 found four major transition points at around ages 9, 32, 66 and 83, dividing life into five distinct brain “eras”. Researchers found: Researchers measured brain efficiency, connectivity and structure to map these patterns. The biggest shift happens around the early 30s, when the brain moves into its most stable phase. Scientists believe life events…

Idrissa Gueye was warmly applauded by his Everton teammates after issuing a heartfelt apology for being sent off for striking Michael Keane during Monday’s win over Manchester United. The midfielder became the first Premier League player in 17 years to receive a red card for hitting a teammate after slapping Keane in the 13th minute at Old Trafford. Despite playing with 10 men for more than 80 minutes, Everton went on to secure a remarkable 1–0 victory. After the match, Gueye addressed the squad in the away dressing room, apologising directly to Keane and to the team for putting them…

People who stop using the weight-loss drug Mounjaro often regain weight and lose key health improvements, according to new research. The study found that stopping tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, not only leads to weight regain but also reverses benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved blood sugar control and reduced “bad” cholesterol levels. Researchers analysed data from the Surmount-4 clinical trial, which followed adults with obesity or overweight plus related health conditions. All participants used tirzepatide for 36 weeks before being split into two groups: one continued the drug, while the other switched to a placebo for a…

Virgil van Dijk has openly criticised Liverpool’s dreadful title defence, admitting the team are “in a mess” and questioning whether all players are taking responsibility after a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. The loss left Liverpool in the bottom half of the table with a negative goal difference. Van Dijk said the team’s start to the second half was “unacceptable” and admitted “panic kicked in” once Forest took the lead, highlighting ongoing problems defending set pieces. The captain said Liverpool are letting down manager Arne Slot and called for greater accountability in the squad. He stressed that basic standards…

US health officials have reported what is believed to be the first human death caused by the rare H5N5 strain of bird flu. The case involved an older adult in Washington state who had underlying health conditions, and authorities say the overall risk to the public remains low. The individual, from Grays Harbor County, was hospitalized in early November after developing a high fever, confusion and breathing difficulties. Health officials confirmed the patient was infected with the H5N5 avian influenza virus. Investigators said the person kept a backyard flock of poultry that had been exposed to wild birds, which is…

Tottenham head coach Frank has said the club is not close to spending £100m on a single player, unlike rivals Arsenal, who signed Declan Rice for £105m in 2023. Following recent leadership changes at Spurs and new investment from the club’s owners, Frank said success depends more on time, smart planning and player development than record-breaking transfers. Spurs’ current record signing remains Richarlison at £60m. Frank said he believes in improving the players already at the club and investing wisely in younger talent rather than overspending. While he acknowledged that investment is crucial, he made it clear Spurs are not…