SpaceX-xAI Merger Talks, Israeli Hostage's Release, Gold Price Drop, and More: Your Weekly Digest

EXCERPT: Elon Musk's SpaceX is in merger talks with his AI firm xAI, while the Israeli hostage Sasha Troufanov shares his harrowing story. Gold takes a hit as the US dollar strengthens, and the ECB pushes for a digital euro.

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SpaceX and xAI in Merger Talks Ahead of IPO

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According to a report from Reuters, Elon Musk's SpaceX is in discussions with his artificial intelligence firm xAI regarding a potential merger. The talks come as SpaceX prepares for a potential blockbuster initial public offering (IPO).

Israeli Hostage Released After Nearly 500 Days in Gaza

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In his first international interview since his release, Sasha Troufanov, an Israeli citizen held hostage in Gaza for nearly 500 days, spoke to the BBC about his experience. He shared how he thought he would die in captivity but managed to survive.

Gold Prices Drop as Dollar Strengthens

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Gold saw its largest one-day percentage decline since October as the US dollar strengthened, causing gold prices to reverse earlier gains and fall below the $5,500 mark.

ECB's Cipollone: Digital Euro Guarantees Strategic Autonomy

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European Central Bank (ECB) Executive Board member Piero Cipollone expressed the need for a digital euro to ensure the region's strategic autonomy from payment providers outside Europe.

Trump Administration Seeks to Quell Fears Over Board of Peace

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The Trump administration has made efforts to tamp down concerns that its Board of Peace aims to replace the United Nations or have a broader remit. A draft charter suggests otherwise.

Insurance Platform Ethos Sees 15% Drop in Shares After IPO

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Insurance platform Ethos Technologies Inc. experienced a 15% drop in its shares following its trading debut after raising roughly $200 million in an initial public offering (IPO).

Blackstone-Backed Liftoff Mobile Aims for $762 Million IPO

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Liftoff Mobile Inc., a Blackstone Inc.-backed company specializing in mobile application ad placements, is seeking to raise up to $762 million through an initial public offering (IPO).

US Mortgage Rates Tick Higher, Reaching 6.1% for 30-Year Loans

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Mortgage rates in the US have risen for a second consecutive week, reaching 6.1% for 30-year fixed-rate loans. Demand from buyers remains sluggish.

Weight Loss Jab Users Warned Over Rare Pancreas Issue

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Users of a weight loss injection have been urged to watch out for symptoms such as severe pain in the stomach and back, which may indicate a rare but serious pancreas issue.

Wall Street's Stamp of Legitimacy Fuels Suspected Pump-and-Dumps

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US regulators are investigating how dozens of small, foreign-based companies became targets of chatroom stock promoters. Bloomberg's Weihua Li explains the suspected pump-and-dump schemes and their potential consequences.

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