Wednesday, October 28, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 182

Stocks flat as traders digest Fed comments, oil falls

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Stocks flat as traders digest Fed comments, oil falls

Traders continue to watch for possible Japanese intervention in the currency market after the yen touched fresh 40-year lows against the dollar, even if it rebounded later in the session

International News via Reuters:

A gauge of stock markets around the world edged lower to start the quarter on Wednesday as the U.S. central bank head said inflation expectations have fallen but policy won’t be loose, while oil prices fell as optimism over U.S.-Iran talks eased supply concerns.

Traders continue to watch for possible Japanese intervention in the currency market after the yen touched fresh 40-year lows against the dollar, even if it rebounded later in the session.

Speaking on a panel of central bankers in Sintra, Portugal, Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh said inflation expectations and inflation risks have come down in recent weeks. He said he will stick firmly to the U.S. central bank’s 2% inflation target and “disappoint” anyone who expects loose monetary policy.

His comments weighed on the dollar, which has been underpinned by rising expectations of Fed rate hikes this year, as inflation runs well above the central bank’s 2% annual target. Still, many analysts believe the inflation picture will improve in the months ahead.

“Nothing that we see suggests that any imbalance either on the activity side or the inflation side is growing rapidly,” said Steve Englander, head of global G10 FX research and North America macro strategy at Standard Chartered Bank’s New York branch.

“You can afford to wait and see how these longer-term technological trends play out,” Englander added. “What we do see is that unit labor costs are very, very soft, and ultimately that’s what the Fed controls.”

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies, rose 0.17% to 101.41, with the euro down 0.39% at $1.1376. The yen was last flat on the day against the dollar.

Interest rate futures imply no move from the Fed at its meeting late this month, while a hike in September is priced in.

Trades also eyed Thursday’s economic data expected to show U.S. employers added 110,000 jobs in June, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.3%, according to the median estimate of economists polled by Reuters. The ADP National Employment Report on Wednesday showed that private employment rose by 98,000 jobs last month, below economists’ forecasts for 118,000 job gains.

For the day, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 13.96 points, or 0.03%, to 52,305.24, the S&P 500 fell 16.13 points, or 0.22%, to 7,483.23 and the Nasdaq Composite fell 173.69 points, or 0.66%, to 26,040.03. 

MSCI’s gauge of stocks across the globe fell 2.51 points, or 0.22%, to 1,117.95. The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.38%, while Europe’s broad FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 11.45 points, or 0.45%. Emerging market stocks fell 0.96 points, or 0.06%, to 1,721.93.

Japan’s Nikkei gained 0.6% after surging 37% last quarter. South Korea’s main index fell about 2%, following a 68% rally last quarter driven by AI-fuelled chip demand.

In energy markets, oil prices fell as optimism over U.S.-Iran talks eased supply concerns.

“There’s more optimism as more oil goes through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst for Price Futures Group. “The market is signalling that once we get past this, the gloves are going to come off and we’re going to probably produce more oil in the world than we ever have.”

U.S. crude fell 2.03% to $68.09 a barrel and Brent fell to $71.17 per barrel, down 2.44% on the day. Despite sharp price declines last quarter, both remain up almost 20% year-to-date.

Analysts have cut their 2026 oil price forecasts for the first time since the Iran war began, as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eased concerns over prolonged supply disruptions, a Reuters poll showed.

Reporting by Rodrigo Campos in New York and Danilo Masoni in Milan; additional reporting by Nicole Jao, Karen Brettell, Chuck Mikolajczak, Caroline Valetkevitch and Niket Nishant; Editing by Hugh Lawson, Matthew Lewis and Nick Zieminski

Cycling champ tells men to check for cancer early

Gary Foster Skelton
-
0
Cycling champ tells men to check for cancer early

Retired police officer and Sinclair Packwood cycling champion Darren Glasford has benefited from a partnership between Bermuda Cancer and Health and Mass General Brigham, and he urges men to be proactive about their health

If you’re a man in your late 30s or early 40s – it’s time to find out your PSA number.

For those who don’t know what that means, it’s a part of the screening process for prostate cancer, revealed by a simple blood test.

Retired police officer and cycling champion Darren Glasford spoke to Gary Foster Skelton about his own journey with prostate cancer, and he urges men to be proactive about their health.

He told us how he has benefited from a partnership between Bermuda Cancer and Health and Mass General Brigham, representatives of which were in Bermuda recently, highlighting the success of their work together over the last decade.

Europeans to fill almost all gaps left by U.S. in NATO defence plans, source says

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Europeans to fill almost all gaps left by U.S. in NATO defence plans, source says

The main gap NATO is still struggling to plug is in strategic bombers, where the U.S. has said it will make only one aircraft available instead of two

International News via Reuters:

NATO is set to announce at next week’s Ankara summit that its European members have filled almost all the gaps left by the United States in the alliance’s defence plans, a NATO source told Reuters on Wednesday.

The main gap NATO is still struggling to plug is in strategic bombers, where the U.S. has said it will make only one aircraft available instead of two, said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Reporting by Sabine Siebold, editing by Bart Meijer

Oil falls as progress in US-Iran talks cools supply concerns

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Oil falls as progress in US-Iran talks cools supply concerns

Brent futures were down $1.60, or 2.19%, to $71.35 a barrel at 11:42 a.m. ET (1542 GMT)

International News via Reuters:

Oil prices fell on Wednesday as optimism over U.S.-Iran talks eased supply concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump said meetings in Qatar had gone well.

Brent futures were down $1.60, or 2.19%, to $71.35 a barrel at 11:42 a.m. ET (1542 GMT). U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was down $1.21, or 1.74%, at $68.28 a barrel. Both benchmarks were at their lowest in more than four months.

“The negotiations that are currently taking place in Qatar are perceived as being positive (and) that has allowed prices to drift further,” Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen said.

“There is a chance that we could see even lower prices.”

Trump said on Wednesday the U.S. was getting along very well with Iran and that recent meetings in Qatar went well.

The U.S. and Iran held technical talks in Doha on Wednesday as they seek to agree on the flow of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and secure a lasting ceasefire, a source with direct knowledge of the talks and an Iranian official said. The U.S. and Iran have sparred publicly over the meaning of the interim pact, exchanging military strikes over the past week.

In the U.S., crude inventories fell by 3.8 million barrels to 408.4 million barrels last week, the lowest level since September 2018, as domestic refinery demand rose ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. The draw, however, is smaller than analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a 4.5 million-barrel drop. [EIA/S]

Following five straight monthly increases, analysts have cut their 2026 oil price forecasts for the first time since the Iran war began, as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz eased concerns over prolonged supply disruptions, a Reuters poll showed.

Brent fell by around $45 a barrel in the second quarter of this year, its largest quarterly drop since the global financial crisis in 2008. U.S. crude futures, meanwhile, fell by around $31, their largest quarterly decline since 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic crushed global oil demand.  

The declines followed progress towards ending the Middle East conflict, after sharp gains in March triggered by the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran.

Tanker traffic through the strait has started to recover, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance saying oil flows through the waterway had returned to pre-war levels, without citing figures.

Meanwhile, OPEC+ oil-producing countries will likely agree on a further hike in their output targets from August when they meet on Sunday, three sources said on Wednesday.

Reporting by Nicole Jao in New York, Seher Dareen in London, Anushree Mukherjee in Bengaluru, Mohi Narayan in New Delhi and Georgina McCartney in Houston; Editing by Louise Heavens, Mark Potter and Chris Reese

US VP Vance says the Vatican’s views on immigration are ‘troubling’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
US VP Vance says the Vatican’s views on immigration are ‘troubling’

Leo, the first U.S. pope, has called for a “deep reflection” in the U.S. about how migrants are treated under Trump

International News via Reuters:

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday he disagreed with the Vatican’s views on immigration, describing them as “troubling”, following repeated comments from Pope Leo expressing disapproval of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, has called for a “deep reflection” in the U.S. about how migrants are treated under Trump, cast the Trump administration as being “extremely disrespectful” to immigrants and criticized what he called “their inhuman” treatment.

“I do think that some of the things that have come out of the Vatican on the immigration question in particular have been troubling, and ultimately I disagree with it,” Vance, a Catholic, said in an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” show.

“What I tell the Catholic leadership I talk to who disagree with our immigration policies, you know, I’m not hostile about it. I invite them to have the conversation but I also encourage them to remember that mass migration has victims.”

Trump has pursued a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive that rights groups say has violated free speech and due process rights and created an unsafe environment, particularly for ethnic minorities, who have expressed concerns about racial profiling.

Trump, who has been critical of Leo, says he aims to improve domestic security and curb illegal immigration.

Leo has also been critical of other policies that Trump has pursued.

The Vatican has declined to join Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza.

The pope has criticized the Iran war that began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran and recently praised an interim deal between Washington and Tehran that he hoped will end the conflict.

Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Neil Fullick

Cuba’s top diplomat says talks with United States showing ‘no progress’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Cuba’s top diplomat says talks with United States showing ‘no progress’

Top diplomat Bruno Rodriguez told reporters that U.S. sanctions were “causing deaths” in Cuba as the island’s economy collapses

International News via Reuters:

Cuba’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that talks initiated earlier this year with long-time foe the United States had stalled, leaving little hope for an end to U.S. sanctions that have laid siege to the island’s ailing economy.

Top diplomat Bruno Rodriguez told reporters that U.S. sanctions were “causing deaths” in Cuba as the island’s economy collapses and severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine and electricity make life nearly unbearable for the island’s approximately 9 million residents.

“Talks between Cuba and the US show no progress,” Rodriguez said at a press conference in Havana. “The conduct of US government delegations — generally respectful — has been accompanied by constant threats against Cuba, the application of coercive measures, and offensive statements regarding our country’s independence.”

“Despite this, Cuba remains open to dialogue and the peaceful resolution of differences, based on mutual respect and non-interference in Cuba’s internal affairs.”

  The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the foreign minister’s statement.

  The U.S. has called Cuba’s government a national security threat and says sanctions are necessary to force a change in the island’s government, a long-time aim of U.S. policy towards Cuba. 

Cuba, 90 miles off the shores of the Florida Keys, has long maintained it is not a threat to the United States.

United Nations experts have previously called the U.S. fuel blockade, implemented in January, illegal and a violation of the human rights of all Cubans.

U.N. DEBATE

Rodriguez also said the U.S. State Department was “pressuring and intimidating” United Nations member states to put off an upcoming floor debate over the U.S. blockade of the communist-run island.

The debate, slated for July 7, typically precedes a largely symbolic, non-binding U.N. vote of member states later in the year to call on the U.S. to end its sanctions against Cuba. 

The United Nations has voted 31 times, including in November of 2025, to ask the United States to end the decades-long trade embargo. Those votes have historically been near unanimous, with typically only the United States and Israel in opposition.

The vote this year, however, takes on special relevance for Cuba after the Trump administration in January imposed a fuel blockade on the island and fresh sanctions that have led to an exodus of foreign investment and the near total collapse of tourism.

Foreign minister Rodriguez added that promised aid from the United States – slated to be distributed by church groups – appeared delayed.

The State Department did not respond to Reuters questions about the United Nations vote, but did say that the promised aid to Cuba should begin to flow shortly, adding that Cuba’s government had been stalling delivery.

“We can confirm the aid is ready to go,” a State Department spokesperson told Reuters. “We expect big shipments in July, if the regime will allow them.”

Cuban lawmakers earlier this month approved sweeping economic reforms that, if implemented, would represent the single largest change to Cuba’s socialist model since former leader Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution and a major shift towards a market economy.

Rodriguez told reporters those reforms, however, had nothing to do with U.S. threats or sanctions.

“The (reforms) adopted are a matter of sovereignty,” Rodriguez said. “We have neither listened to nor are we interested in the United States’ opinion.”

Reporting by Ayose Naranjo and Dave Sherwood in Havana, Editing by Kylie Madry, Sanjeev Miglani and Nick Zieminski

Authorities continue to seek out ‘highly venomous’ Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Authorities continue to seek out ‘highly venomous’ Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Snake traps are in place, antivenom now on-island. Snake spotted in Southampton reckoned to be up to five feet long

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises that the appropriate antivenom for an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake has now arrived on island and is available at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Minister of Health stated, “As the search for the snake continues, it is important that we have antivenom on the island as part of our preparedness measures. Being bitten by a snake poses a significant health risk and ensuring that the appropriate clinical resources are available is a critical step in safeguarding both the public and our emergency responders. We urge everyone in the affected area to follow all safety guidance issued by the authorities, as community cooperation remains vital while this investigation is underway.”

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment can confirm there have been no further sightings since approximately midday on Friday. Additional reports received from members of the public, including images of suspected tracks, have been assessed and do not match the movement patterns of this species. The Government is actively responding and continues to assess all information received.

Efforts to locate the animal have included site verification, expert consultation, notifications to nearby residents and coordination with first responders and healthcare services. Capture and control strategies are in place, including the deployment of snake traps and rat bait stations which are being monitored from a distance. Members of the public are strongly advised not to undertake their own searches, investigations or attempts to capture the animal, as this poses significant safety risks. A structured ground search of dense vegetation carries risk, and preparations are under way to ensure that appropriate protective equipment and medical readiness are in place before this phase proceeds.

In the event of a snake bite, you must call 911 immediately. Move away safely and put distance between you and the snake, remain calm and still, and keep the affected limb at about heart level. Remove rings, watches or tight clothing before swelling begins and follow the instructions of emergency responders. If it can be done safely, note what the snake looked like or take a photograph from a distance. Individuals should not attempt to catch or kill the snake, should not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom, and should not apply a tourniquet or ice. Alcohol should be avoided and no medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen should be taken unless directed by a doctor. Early medical treatment is critical, and every venomous snake bite must be treated as an emergency.

Government confirms that it received a photograph of a suspected rattlesnake taken in the Gibbs Hill Road, Southampton area on Friday, 26 June 2026. Officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo attended the location with the individual who took the photograph and verified that the site matches the scene shown in the image. The photograph has since been independently assessed by two experienced herpetologists, both of whom identified the snake as an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.

Based on the photograph received, the snake is estimated to be approximately 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 metres) in length. Identification of the species has been confirmed through an independent expert review. The sex of the species has not yet been confirmed.

The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is a highly venomous species and should be regarded as dangerous. While such snakes generally avoid human contact, any bite would constitute a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. The public is reminded not to approach, capture or attempt to kill the animal. If sighted, individuals should move to a safe distance and call 911 immediately.

Government continues to receive expert guidance, including assistance with species identification, procurement of antivenom and advice on behaviour and search strategies. The possibility of additional specialist support remains under review.

The route by which the snake arrived in Bermuda is not known. At this stage, possible explanations include accidental importation via cargo or illegal importation. Under the Invasive Alien Species Act 2021, snakes are a prohibited species and may not be imported, possessed, bred, sold or released without legal authority.

Overturned car reported on Middle Road, Devonshire

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Overturned car reported on Middle Road, Devonshire

Traffic diversions are in effect in the area while officers process the scene

Full statement from the Bermuda Police Station:

Police and other emergency services are currently on the scene of a single vehicle collision on South Road in Devonshire, near the junction with Belmar Drive.

The vehicle involved has overturned, and the female driver, who is believed to have been the sole occupant, has been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment. The extent of her injuries is unknown at this time.

Traffic is being diverted at Tee Street and Brighton Hill. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible and use alternative routes while emergency crews work to clear the scene.

Four-man Bermuda contingent primed for triathlon challenge in Chile

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Four-man Bermuda contingent primed for triathlon challenge in Chile

A powerful four-man contingent of Bermudian triathletes is primed to test its engine against the continent’s elite at the historic 2026 Americas Triathlon Championships in Antofagasta, Chile.

The high-stakes international showcase, running from July 4 to 5, marks the first time the coastal Chilean city will play host to the prestigious flagship event.

Spearheading the Bermudian challenge in the blue-riband Elite Men’s field is the experienced Tyler Smith. Running under number 21, Smith brings formidable continental pedigree to the starting pontoon against a world-class field.

The Elite division is set to feature a ferocious standard of competition, with Brazil’s world number one Miguel Hidalgo entering the weekend as the heavy pre-race favorite alongside two-time Chilean Olympian Diego Moya.

 

  • Under-23 Men: Rising prospect Nicholas Pilgrim takes the start line under number 67, eager to assert his authority in the age-group ranks following immense technical development over the Olympic distance.
  • Junior Men: Jackson Langley (number 16) and Oliver Hayward (number 32) are set to accumulate invaluable international racing minutes, with recent domestic form suggesting they can mix it at the business end of the field.

For the host city, the arrival of the event represents a massive sporting milestone, with local authorities transforming the urban waterfront into an elite racing theater.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Antofagasta, Sacha Razmilic, said: “These types of competitions allow us to showcase Antofagasta’s capacity to host major events to the world. We want Antofagasta to continue positioning itself as a city capable of hosting world-class events.”

Eventful opening day for young golfers

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Eventful opening day for young golfers

Bermuda’s Darina Betschart produced a roller-coaster opening round to seize the sole lead of the Girls 15 and Under Division at the 2026 Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships.

Making their historic debut as full members of the Caribbean Golf Association, Bermuda’s promising young pipeline enjoyed an eventful opening day at the picturesque Playa Dorada Golf Club in the Dominican Republic.

Betschart, who captured the Girls 11 to 13 crown last year, made an immediate statement after moving up an age bracket. The youngster carded an extraordinary opening scorecard to finish the day at a brilliant four-over par.

In a round entirely devoid of a single standard par, Betschart’s day was illuminated by a spectacular eagle and two birdies, allowing her to hold the summit despite suffering four bogeys and two double bogeys across the challenging coastal layout.

  • Boys 11-13: Lewis MacFarlane anchored himself inside the top ten following a gritty opening loop. MacFarlane signed for an 11-over par round of 83 to sit in solo sixth place. Ten-year-old Bradford Laing—the youngest competitor in the division—endured a tougher introduction to finish 16th with a 21-over par 93.
  • Boys 15 & Under: Grayson Tavares concluded his opening round in 14th place overall after firing a 15-over par 87, a round highlighted by a majestic eagle of his own.

Boys 18 & Under: Sa-Qui Robinson matched his teammate’s standing, ending day one tied for 14th. Robinson carded 10 steady pars but a late tough run left him signing for a 14-over par round of 84 ahead of tomorrow’s second-round charge.

Yushea DeSilva-Andrade targets World Championships after gold medal triumph

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Yushea DeSilva-Andrade targets World Championships after gold medal triumph

Bermudian boccia star Yushea DeSilva-Andrade has set her sights on this summer’s World Championships in Seoul after clinching a dramatic gold medal at the Birmingham World Boccia Challenger.

DeSilva-Andrade rebounded from an opening-match defeat in the five-player round-robin stage to reel off three consecutive victories, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure.

“The Birmingham World Boccia Challenger was a great competition for me,” DeSilva-Andrade said. “My first game didn’t go as I anticipated, but I kept on playing the game the way my coach and I had planned.

“Even when I lost that first game, a feeling came over me that I couldn’t explain. I just knew I would be okay.”

The tournament tested the Bermudian’s resilience, forcing her to mount critical comebacks in both her third and fourth matches after falling behind in the early ends.

“All I needed to do was remain calm, dig deep, and execute my shots to the best of my ability, and I did,” she added.

“Winning this gold medal didn’t just make me happy that I won, it taught me a very important lesson. If I just stick to the plan, even when things get a bit uncertain, it will work out in the end.”

DeSilva-Andrade paid tribute to her support team ahead of her upcoming trip to South Korea, thanking her new teammates, friends, coach, and mother for their guidance on what she termed a “rollercoaster of a journey.”

Special church service to mark 250th anniversary of the U.S.A.

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Special church service to mark 250th anniversary of the U.S.A.

The Congregation of St. Peter’s Church – Their Majesties Chappell, St. George’s, is pleased to announce a Service of Celebration & Thanksgiving on the occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America – 6:00 p.m. on July 6th, 2026, at the Church.

Governor Mr. Andrew Murdoch, U.S. Consul General Ms. Antoinette Hurtado, Deputy Premier Mr. Zane DeSilva, and Mayor Ms. Quinell Francis, the Town of St. George, will be among the worshipers at the celebration to honour the longstanding relationship between Bermuda and the United States of America which goes back to before the year 1609 when British travellers were shipwrecked off Bermuda on their way to replenish the settlement at Jamestown, Virginia.

It was in May 1612 that Bermuda and what became the United States of America were inextricably joined together through the establishment of the Virginia Company of London. Since that time the bond of friendship as endured as both neighbours and allies, even in times of war, starvation and upheaval has continued. Most recently during the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, through efforts in policing Bermuda’s waters in combatting drug smuggling in the North Atlantic, and through economic cooperation of various kinds, the two countries continue to work together for their mutual benefit.

As Dr. Edward Harris said in a recent newspaper article: “It was from that summer (1609) that tiny Bermuda and the immense ‘Virginia’ collided and (some might say) have been inseparable ever since”.

Today, many Bermudians still believe that if it were not for the Gunpowder Plot of 1775 in St. George’s, the United States of America may well have had a different name, and George Washington may not have been their first President.

The general public is invited to the Service of Celebration & Thanksgiving at St. Peter’s Church – Their Majesties Chappell on July 6th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m., in recognition of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.

For further information please contact:
Rev. Thomas Nisbett,
Priest & Pastor – The Anglican Parish of St. George
Tel: (441) 901-0217 or (441) 297-2459
e-Mail: nisbettt@yahoo.ca or stgeorges.rector@anglican.bm

1...181182183...1,110Page 182 of 1,110

© Bermuda Broadcasting Company Limited 2026 All rights reserved.

Stream live

Popular news

SportsPoliticsJobs & EconomyCrimeHealthcareBusiness & Finance

Editor Picks