Bloomberg News – European Stocks Snap Nine-Day Winning Streak Amid Mixed The Stoxx 600 retreated 1 percent to 402.66 at the close of trading, after earlier rising as much as 0.3 percent. Shares extended losses in late-afternoon trading, as U.S. stocks declined amid disappointing results from IBM Corp. and United Technologies. The volume of shares....

Bloomberg News – Oil Warning: The Crash Could Be Worst in More Than 45 Years. Morgan Stanley has been pretty pessimistic about oil prices in 2015, drawing comparisons to the some of the worst oil slumps of the past three decades. The current downturn could even rival the iconic price crash of 1986, analysts had....

The Economist “Don’t mention the wall: US-Mexico talks” Senior American and Mexican officials meet today in Washington, DC, for delicate talks on the future relationship of their two countries. Donald Trump has vowed to introduce tariffs to keep out Mexican imports, and his staff say he will announce executive orders on immigration today, including the....

BBC News «Quebec City mosque shooting: Six killed, eight wounded» Six people have been killed and another eight wounded in a shooting at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, police say. Shots were fired at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre on Sunday night, where more than 50 people had gathered for evening prayers. One suspect....

The Economist “Monetary metaphysics: China” If interest rates rise in an economic forest and no one hears a central-bank statement, do they still make a tightening sound? This is the metaphysical question of Chinese monetary policy these days. Last week the People’s Bank of China nudged up rates on a series of short-term liquidity tools....

The Washington Post. “188,000 evacuated, emergency declared as California’s massive Oroville Dam threatens floods” If interest rates rise in an economic forest and no one hears a central-bank statement, do they still make a tightening sound? This is the metaphysical question of Chinese monetary policy these days. Last week the People’s Bank of China nudged....

The Economist “Back to the desert: With silver and lead, Britain woos new allies in the Gulf.” The post-Brexit search for strategic partners brings ministers to the Middle East. Brexit has given added impetus to Britain’s renewed interest in the region. Just as it ended colonial rule of the Gulf on the eve of its....

The Guardian “Brexit will have consequences for UK, says Theresa May as article 50 triggered” Theresa May has told parliament that she accepts Brexit will carry consequences for the UK, as a letter delivered to Brussels began a two-year countdown to Britain’s departure from the EU. The prime minister made a speech on triggering article....

New York Times “Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen Advance in French Election” In France’s most consequential election in recent history, voters on Sunday chose Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen to go to a runoff to determine the next president, official returns showed. One is a political novice, the other a far-right firebrand —....

CNN “The Pope and President: Unpredictable pair finally meet” After meeting with Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia and visiting sacred sites in Jerusalem, President Donald Trump’s tour of world religions concluded Wednesday at the Vatican, the Catholic Church’s holy headquarters. There, at the Apostolic Palace, Trump met with Pope Francis — finally. It’s a meeting....

BBC “Queen’s Speech: Brexit bills dominate government agenda” A host of proposed new laws designed to prepare the UK for a «smooth and orderly» departure from the EU have been announced in the Queen’s Speech. Of 27 bills, eight relate to Brexit and its implications for key industries. As well as a bill to convert....

The Guardian “Venezuela: police helicopter attacks supreme court with grenades” A police helicopter launched grenades at Venezuela’s supreme court building on Tuesday evening following months of protests against the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro. Maduro said “terrorists” had lobbed two grenades that failed to detonate. Some reports put the number of grenades higher. Local media suggested....

BBC “Ukraine wants membership plan talks, says Poroshenko” Ukraine’s president has asked for discussions to begin on an action plan that could eventually lead to membership of Nato. Petro Poroshenko said the will of the Ukrainian people was to eventually join the Western military alliance. Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said any decision on future....

BBC “Jordan soldier who killed US trainers jailed for life” A Jordanian soldier has been sentenced to life in prison with hard labor for killing three US military trainers last year. Marik al-Tuwayha, who pleaded not guilty to premeditated murder, attacked the men as their vehicles approached al-Jafr airbase in November. One was killed at....

The Guardian “Venezuela poll: EU condemns violence as turnout figure disputed” Venezuelan electoral authorities and opponents of Nicolás Maduro’s ruling socialists have clashed over turnout figures in Sunday’s vote for an assembly to write a new constitution and give the party greater powers. The national electoral council said more than 8 million people had voted....