Author: OMN AI

U.S. existing home sales increased by 5.1% in December, surpassing expectations. Experts say lower mortgage rates and slower price growth encouraged more buyers to enter the market. The rise marks a positive shift for the housing sector after months of slower activity. Buyers took advantage of more affordable borrowing costs, which made homeownership more accessible. Analysts note that the trend may signal renewed confidence in the real estate market. Slower home price growth also played a role in boosting sales. Many potential buyers had delayed purchases due to rapidly rising costs earlier in the year. With prices stabilizing, more people…

A controversial US-funded study on hepatitis B vaccines among newborns in Guinea-Bissau has been cancelled after widespread criticism over its ethical design. The decision was confirmed by Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, whose senior official Yap Boum said the trial raised serious concerns about withholding a proven, life-saving vaccine in a country with a high burden of hepatitis B. The $1.6m study, overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services under Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, planned to vaccinate only half of participating newborns. Critics argued this would knowingly deny protection to thousands of infants. While…

Trump warns of possible military action The United States has made it clear that all options, including military intervention, remain on the table if Iran continues using lethal force against protesters. Speaking at an emergency UN Security Council session, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump is prepared to act decisively to stop the bloodshed. While the threat of retaliation looms, Trump also indicated that the violence may be slowing. Tehran rejects US accusations Iran’s deputy UN ambassador, Hossein Darzi, hit back at the United States, accusing Washington of fueling unrest under the pretense of supporting human rights. Darzi…

European troops arrive as security concerns mount Military personnel from several European countries have begun arriving in Greenland, signaling a stronger NATO presence in the Arctic. France, Germany, Sweden and Norway are taking part in a reconnaissance and training mission in and around the capital, Nuuk. Officials say the deployment is aimed at improving coordination and preparedness in a region that is gaining strategic importance. France has already sent an initial group of troops and plans to reinforce them with additional land, air and maritime assets in the coming days. Germany has also dispatched a small reconnaissance team at Denmark’s…

West Ham United are willing to sell Lucas Paquetá this month only if he returns on loan until season’s end.Flamengo had a €35m bid rejected and are considering raising it to around €40m.However, Flamengo are resisting a loan-back agreement and believe they can buy Paquetá cheaper in summer.West Ham fear losing the midfielder now would worsen their relegation battle.Paquetá wants to return to Brazil after a difficult spell in England.He became disillusioned following spot-fixing allegations, which he was cleared of last year.The investigation cost him a move to Manchester City in 2023 and affected him emotionally.Paquetá has struggled for form…

BP has warned it will write down up to $5bn (£3.7bn) from its green and low-carbon energy businesses as it refocuses on fossil fuels under its new chair, Albert Manifold. The company said the impairment mainly affects its gas and transition businesses but will not impact underlying profits when full-year results are published in February. BP has already cancelled hydrogen projects in the UK, Oman and Australia and is seeking to sell a stake in its solar arm, Lightsource. The announcement comes amid weaker oil trading and falling crude prices, with Brent crude averaging $63.73 a barrel in the final…

Geoeconomic Confrontation Tops Global Risk RankingsRising economic clashes between major powers, from sanctions to tariffs, are now considered the greatest threat to world stability, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2026. Released ahead of the WEF’s annual meeting in Davos next week, the report surveyed more than 1,300 leaders and experts from business, government, academia, and civil society. The report places geoeconomic confrontation above other pressing risks such as misinformation, societal polarisation, extreme weather, and state-based armed conflict. Half of respondents expect a turbulent or stormy world in the next two years, up from 36% last…

AI Fuels Market SurgeAlphabet, Google’s parent company, has become the fourth firm ever to surpass a $4 trillion market valuation, joining Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. Investor excitement around artificial intelligence has driven tech stocks to historic highs over the past year. Despite caution from even Google’s own CEO about overvaluations, Alphabet’s shares have jumped roughly 75% in the last 12 months and nearly 7% since January. A key boost came when Apple confirmed it would integrate Google’s Gemini AI model into Siri, showing confidence in Alphabet’s AI capabilities. Tech Innovation Keeps Competition HotAfter OpenAI’s ChatGPT shook the market, Google doubled…

Diageo is reportedly considering selling its Chinese assets as part of a strategic overhaul led by its new chief executive, Dave Lewis. According to Bloomberg, Diageo is working with Goldman Sachs and UBS to review its operations in China, where sales have been declining. The company owns a controlling stake in Sichuan Swellfun, a Shanghai-listed baijiu distributor whose shares have fallen sharply over the past year. Lewis, who took over on 1 January, is known for aggressive cost-cutting during senior roles at Unilever and Tesco. Diageo, whose brands include Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, faces pressure from falling Chinese demand,…

The New York Sirens of the Professional Women’s Hockey League are gaining attention for building an inclusive hockey culture in the tri-state area. Fans and families are praising the team for creating a welcoming environment that encourages everyone to enjoy the sport. The team’s focus on inclusion goes beyond the ice. From family-friendly events to community outreach programs, the Sirens aim to make hockey accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and backgrounds. Their efforts highlight a growing trend in women’s sports toward creating spaces where diversity and acceptance are central. Players and coaches emphasize teamwork, respect, and fun,…