London Tests Self-Driving Taxis as EU Demands Trade Deal Clarity

As the world watches the development of autonomous vehicles, London has become the latest city to test self-driving taxis. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, equipped with an onboard AI system, is navigating the city's complex streets, avoiding jaywalkers and cyclists, and handling roadwork with ease. This is part of the UK government's robotaxi trials set to launch in the spring, with tech companies like Waymo and Baidu also participating.

However, not everyone is convinced of the benefits of self-driving taxis. London's black cab drivers, who must pass a rigorous training course known as "The Knowledge," are skeptical of the technology. They have previously opposed disruptions to their industry, including the arrival of Uber.

Meanwhile, in the world of finance, retail investors are making waves. An analysis of trading activity in 2025 shows that they outperformed two popular index funds, SPY and QQQ, which track the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, respectively. Retail investors accounted for $5.4 trillion in trading activity, a nearly 47% increase from the previous year.

In other news, NBC's $7.75 billion bet on the Olympics appears to be paying off. The network's coverage of the Winter Games has seen a 94% increase in viewership compared to the 2022 Beijing Games. This is the second straight Olympics where viewers have returned in large numbers, with the 2024 Paris Summer Games also seeing a significant increase in viewership.

However, global trade tensions continue to simmer. The European Union's executive arm has requested "full clarity" from the US on trade deals after the Supreme Court struck down some of President Trump's tariffs. The EU has asked the US to fulfill its commitments, citing the need for "fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial" trans-Atlantic trade and investment.

The situation has been described as "pure tariff chaos," with Trump lashing out at the court decision and proposing a global tariff of 15%, up from the 10% he announced earlier. The EU has sealed a trade deal with the US that imposes a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the US, but the current situation has put the deal in jeopardy.

In a separate development, a simple yet innovative product has caught the attention of consumers. A genius clamp called Snatch can instantly transform a tote bag into a crossbody bag, giving thin-handled tote bags new life with a wider, sturdier shoulder strap. The product exemplifies a simple and solutions-oriented approach to product design.

As the world navigates the complexities of autonomous vehicles, global trade, and innovative products, one thing is clear: the future is full of exciting developments and challenges.