Stocks rose in Japan, South Korea and Australia, sending the broader MSCI Asia Pacific Index higher. The gauge is on course for its sixth consecutive weekly gain, the longest streak since late January. Futures contracts for the Nasdaq 100 Index were little changed after the underlying gauge closed at an all-time high.

Trading in the US was driven by AI-linked companies, with Nvidia Corp.’s six-day rally pushing its market value closer to $6 trillion. Cerebras Systems Inc. soared 68% in its debut, while Applied Materials Inc. shares advanced in after-hours trade on encouraging forecasts.

Elsewhere, Brent crude climbed 0.7% to around $106 a barrel, while the dollar held onto gains from the previous four sessions. The pound dropped Thursday after a new challenge to the leadership of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Attention in Asia will also be on President Donald Trump’s China visit, with Taiwan emerging as a key issue.

In Treasuries, the two-year yield traded at 4.03% in early Asian hours Friday, its highest level since June, while the benchmark 10-year yield rose one basis point to 4.49%.

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Elsewhere, Japanese 10-year government bond yields climbed on Friday as the nation’s producer prices surged to the highest since 2023.
AI optimism, strong corporate profits and a still-robust economy have sent stocks from one record to the next, masking concerns of oil prices staying above $100 a barrel and stoking inflation. A report showed US retail sales rose for a third month, offering an upbeat data point for the health of consumers contending with higher prices.“April retail sales echoed what we’ve heard across corporate conference calls for weeks now: The US consumer remains resilient despite soaring gas prices,” said Bret Kenwell at eToro. “When it comes to stocks though, tech is in the driver’s seat right now, not the consumer.”

In geopolitical news, Trump signaled China is willing to support negotiations with Iran, as he pushes for a diplomatic resolution to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. China has not explicitly confirmed.

Bets that corporate earnings will keep powering ahead have offset worries that higher energy costs could fuel inflation and weigh on consumer confidence.

First-quarter S&P 500 profits likely grew about 27% from a year ago, marking a sixth straight quarter of double-digit expansion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.

It’s clear that Corporate America has become very skilled at adapting to a wide range of economic environments, according to Clark Bellin at Bellwether Wealth. For investors who missed the opportunity to put new money to work during the war-driven slide in March, he said “it’s not too late.”

“Stocks are still climbing the wall of worry, and we don’t think there is euphoria in markets just yet,” Bellin noted. “In fact, there is still plenty of skepticism, which suggests this bull market has more room to run.”

Lidl GB has thrown its weight behind one of the most ambitious surplus food redistribution trials yet seen on the British high street, drafting in the consumer food-sharing app Olio alongside its long-standing charity partner Neighbourly in a move that could keep millions of additional meals out of the bin each year.

The German-owned discounter, which has been one of the fastest-growing grocers in Britain over the past decade, will switch on the new three-way model on Friday 15 May across 20 stores in London and the north of England. If the pilot delivers as hoped, Lidl expects a nationwide rollout by the end of 2026 — a step change that would see more than 5,000 tonnes of edible surplus, equivalent to roughly 11.9 million meals, redirected annually from landfill to people who need it.

The partnership is unusual in that it knits together two of the most prominent names in British food redistribution for the first time. Neighbourly, the Bristol-based social impact platform that already manages Lidl’s “Feed it Back” scheme, will continue to coordinate the pipeline. Olio, the London-headquartered app that has built a community of more than nine million users globally around the idea of sharing rather than binning leftover food, will plug its volunteer “Food Waste Heroes” into Lidl’s evening collection slots as a second tier behind charities.

In practical terms, registered Food Waste Heroes will arrive at participating stores after trading hours to collect chilled lines, including meat, fish and poultry, as well as Lidl’s popular bakery range. The food is then offered, free of charge, to neighbours through the Olio app — extending the reach of the redistribution network into the evenings, when charity partners traditionally find collections hardest to staff.

It is also a clear signal that the discount sector has no intention of being outflanked on sustainability. Lidl has already smashed its previous food waste target, cutting waste by more than 40% ahead of schedule, and has since raised the bar to a 70% reduction by the end of FY2030. According to WRAP, the government’s waste advisory body, only around 7% of retail and manufacturing food surplus in the UK is currently redistributed, leaving a significant prize for any retailer prepared to crack the logistics.

Matt Juden, head of sustainability at Lidl GB, framed the move as the next logical step in a programme the supermarket has been refining since 2016. “At Lidl GB, we believe that no good food should ever go to waste,” he said. “While we have already made massive strides in reducing our surplus, this extension of our Neighbourly-managed programme allows us to have even more impact. It ensures that we are reaching every corner of the communities we serve, making sure edible food stays on plates and out of the bin.”

The pilot also lands at a sensitive moment for retailers who collect surplus only in the evening. Recently concerns were raised by charities about Tesco’s evening-only collection policy, and Neighbourly’s chief executive Steve Butterworth was at pains to stress that the Lidl model would not crowd out third-sector partners. “Our mission has always been to ensure as much edible surplus food as possible goes to those in our communities that need it most,” he said. “By expanding the programme to evening collections and including Olio’s Food Waste Heroes, we are providing Lidl with a robust additional redistribution layer. This isn’t about diverting food away from charities, it’s about opening up new streams of chilled and fresh produce for them, while ensuring nothing goes to waste if a charity can’t make it.”

For Olio, the deal marks another significant institutional endorsement of a model the start-up has been quietly scaling since 2015. Co-founder and chief operating officer Saasha Celestial-One described the tie-up as a chance to push more surplus into hyper-local hands. “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Neighbourly and Lidl,” she said. “We’re looking forward to working together to maximise the amount of edible surplus that can reach local communities from Lidl stores, and making sure as little food as possible goes to waste. We’re excited to see the impact of the trial, and we know our volunteers will be thrilled to have the chance to rescue Lidl food via our app.”

The political and regulatory backdrop is also shifting in favour of redistributors. Ministers have signalled growing impatience with the volume of edible food still going to waste, with Labour recently backing a £15m rescue fund aimed at supporting food redistribution organisations and helping them invest in the logistics and technology required to handle bulkier, more perishable donations. Pilots like the Lidl-Olio-Neighbourly trial slot neatly into that direction of travel, demonstrating how the private sector can plug the gap without waiting for primary legislation.

Lidl GB has now donated more than 50 million meals through Feed it Back since 2016, linking every one of its UK stores to a local good cause. With the Olio extension layered on top, the discounter is making a calculated bet that combining the efficiency of a national charity partner with the long tail of a consumer-led app can finally close the awkward last-mile gap in surplus redistribution — and turn what is still one of the grocery industry’s most stubborn problems into a marker of competitive advantage.

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Operator

Good day, everyone, and welcome to the Live Ventures Fiscal Year ’26 Q2 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Now I’ll turn the call over to your host, Greg Powell, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, Greg.

Greg Powell
Director of Investor Relations

Thank you, Elvis. Good afternoon, and welcome to the Live Ventures Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Conference Call. Joining us this afternoon are Jon Isaac, our Chief Executive Officer and President; and David Verret, our Chief Financial Officer. Some of the statements we’re making today are forward-looking and are based on our best view of our businesses as we see them today.

The actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including those outlined in our latest financials, Forms 10 and Forms 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. And a matter of fact, our 10-Q will be filed here in a few minutes for this quarter. We have no obligation to publicly update our forward-looking statements after this call, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise. You can find our press release referenced on this call in the Investor Relations section of the Live Ventures website. I direct you to our website, liveventures.com or sec.gov for our historical SEC filings.

I will now turn the call over to David to walk us through our financial performance. David?

David Verret
Chief Financial Officer

Thank you, Greg. Good afternoon, everyone. Before discussing our financial results, I’d like to touch on a few key highlights from the quarter. During the quarter, our Retail Entertainment and Flooring Manufacturing

LOS ANGELES — Reports of tension and a “toxic” locker room between LeBron James and Luka Doncic have been strongly denied by the Los Angeles Lakers, with multiple sources close to the team describing the superstar duo’s relationship as collaborative and professional as the club pushes for another deep playoff run in 2026.

The rumors surfaced earlier this week after the Lakers suffered a tough loss, with anonymous sources cited in various outlets claiming friction between the veteran James and the newly acquired Doncic. Some reports even used the word “toxic” to describe the team’s internal dynamics. However, both players, head coach JJ Redick and team executives have pushed back firmly, calling the stories overblown and inaccurate.

James addressed the speculation directly after a recent practice. “Luka and I are good,” the 41-year-old said. “We talk every day — about basketball, about life, about how we can help this team win. There’s no tension. We’re trying to do something special here.” Doncic echoed those sentiments in his own comments, describing James as a “big brother” and mentor who has helped him adjust to life in Los Angeles.

The pairing of James and Doncic, formed through a major trade last offseason, was always going to generate massive attention. James, in his 23rd season, remains one of the league’s most dominant forces, while Doncic, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks, brought his elite playmaking and scoring ability to the Lakers. Their styles complement each other — James’ vision and leadership pairing naturally with Doncic’s creativity and step-back shooting.

Insiders say the transition has been smoother than expected. Redick, in his second year as head coach, has implemented an offensive system that leverages both stars’ strengths. “They feed off each other,” Redick said. “LeBron sees the floor like no one else, and Luka’s ability to create is special. We’ve had zero issues between them. The locker room is united.”

Multiple Lakers players backed up that assessment. Veteran forward Anthony Davis, who has played alongside both, dismissed the rumors as “clickbait.” “We’re a close group,” Davis said. “There’s always going to be noise when you have stars, but we’re locked in on the same goal.”

The “toxic locker room” narrative appears to have originated from a handful of anonymous quotes following a mid-season stretch where the Lakers dealt with injuries and inconsistent play. Some outlets amplified the comments without sufficient verification, leading to a wave of stories that painted a picture of dysfunction. Team sources insist those quotes were either taken out of context or came from individuals not directly involved with the day-to-day operations.

Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka also weighed in, calling the reports “frustrating but predictable.” “We’ve built a culture here of accountability and winning,” Pelinka said. “LeBron and Luka are both high-character guys who hold themselves and their teammates to high standards. That can sometimes be misinterpreted from the outside as tension.”

The partnership between James and Doncic has shown clear on-court chemistry. In games where both have been healthy, the Lakers have posted one of the league’s best net ratings. James’ ability to elevate teammates has helped Doncic adapt quickly to a new system, while Doncic’s gravity as a scorer has created easier opportunities for James in his later career stage.

Off the court, the two have been spotted together frequently — at team dinners, charity events and even family outings. James has been vocal about mentoring younger stars, and sources say his relationship with Doncic mirrors the guidance he once provided to players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.

The timing of the rumors also raised eyebrows. They emerged during a week when the Lakers were dealing with minor injury concerns and a tough stretch of schedule. Some within the organization believe the stories were planted or exaggerated to create drama during a relatively stable period for the franchise.

This is not the first time James has faced locker room speculation. Throughout his career, particularly during his time with the Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, narratives of internal conflict often surfaced when results dipped. James has consistently said such reports are part of the territory when playing at the highest level.

For Doncic, the adjustment to Los Angeles has included not just basketball but also navigating the intense media spotlight that comes with playing alongside one of the sport’s biggest icons. Friends of the Slovenian star say he has thrived under James’ leadership and appreciates the veteran’s willingness to share knowledge.

As the Lakers prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, the focus has shifted back to basketball. The team sits in solid playoff position in the Western Conference, with realistic hopes of making a deep postseason run. Both James and Doncic have expressed excitement about what they can achieve together.

League insiders believe the debunked rumors will have little long-term impact. The NBA has seen countless examples of superstar pairings facing early scrutiny only to develop strong chemistry over time. The James-Doncic duo, while still relatively new, has shown enough promise to quiet most critics.

For Lakers fans, the priority remains winning. Whether the duo ultimately leads the franchise to another championship remains to be seen, but current indications point to a healthy, productive working relationship rather than any toxic division.

As the season continues, expect the noise around James and Doncic to persist — it comes with the territory of two high-profile stars sharing the spotlight. But according to those closest to the situation, the reports of tension are greatly exaggerated, if not entirely manufactured. The Lakers are focused on basketball, and their two biggest stars appear firmly on the same page.

President Donald Trump said that Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to order 200 Boeing jets during their high-level meeting in Beijing.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump described his talks with the Chinese leader as “very good” and said the aircraft commitment exceeded Boeing’s expectations.

“One thing [Xi] agreed to today: he’s going to order 200 jets. That’s a big thing. Boeing — 200 big ones. That’s a lot of jobs. It’s a lot. Boeing wanted 150, he got 200,” Trump said.

Terms of the agreement, including delivery timelines and aircraft models, were not immediately disclosed.

TRUMP READIES FOR BEIJING SUMMIT WITH XI AS AI CHIP SALES, FARM GOODS TOP AGENDA

President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with China’s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026.  (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Trump arrived in China Wednesday alongside a delegation of top American business leaders for meetings with Chinese officials and executives. The visit marks Trump’s first trip to the country since 2017 and comes amid mounting tensions over trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the fallout from the war with Iran.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg was among those executives and recently said the trip represented “a meaningful opportunity” for the aerospace giant.

While Ortberg declined to specify the number of aircraft under discussion during a recent analyst call, he said he was “highly confident” that if Trump reached an agreement with Xi, the deal would “include some aircraft orders.”

BOEING PURSUES MASSIVE CHINA JET DEAL AS CEO JOINS TRUMP’S DELEGATION TO BEIJING

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg testifies before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Hearings on production quality issues on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Bloomberg previously reported that China was considering purchasing roughly 500 Boeing 737 Max aircraft to meet growing airline demand.

Boeing shares fell more than 4% in Thursday trading after the reported order total fell short of analysts’ expectations, according to Reuters.

China last announced a major Boeing purchase during Trump’s 2017 visit to Beijing, agreeing to buy 300 aircraft from the U.S. manufacturer, the outlet reported.

FORMER TREASURY SECRETARY SAYS GUARDRAILS ARE NEEDED TO AVOID US-CHINA ‘MUTUALLY ASSURED ECONOMIC DISRUPTION’

Members of the U.S. delegation and CEOs from various industries stand prior to a welcome ceremony for U.S. President Donald Trump outside the Great Hall of the People on May 14, 2026, in Beijing, China.  (VCG/VCG via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Boeing and European rival Airbus have aggressively competed for aircraft sales in China, one of the world’s largest aviation markets.

Other executives traveling with the U.S. delegation included Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Citi CEO Jane Fraser, and Cargill CEO Brian Sikes.

Reuters, Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr and Efrat Lachter, as well as FOX Business’ Eric Revell contributed to this report.

NEW YORK — Christians worldwide observe Ascension Day on Thursday, May 14, 2026, marking the moment Jesus Christ ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection on Easter Sunday. The feast, one of the oldest in the Christian calendar, celebrates Jesus’ exaltation to the right hand of God and carries deep theological significance for believers across denominations.

Ascension Day commemorates the event described in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. According to scripture, after appearing to his disciples for 40 days following his resurrection, Jesus led them to the Mount of Olives near Bethany. He blessed them, promised the coming of the Holy Spirit, and was then lifted up into heaven as they watched. Two angels appeared, telling the disciples that Jesus would return in the same way he departed.

The number 40 holds symbolic importance in the Bible, representing periods of testing, preparation and transition. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before his ministry and the Israelites wandered 40 years in the desert, the 40 days between Easter and Ascension represent a time of final instruction and commissioning for the apostles before the birth of the Church at Pentecost.

For many Christian traditions, Ascension Day is a major feast. In the Catholic Church, it is a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries, requiring the faithful to attend Mass. Eastern Orthodox Christians, who follow the Julian calendar in some regions, often celebrate it on a different date, but the meaning remains the same. Protestant denominations vary in observance — some, like Anglicans and Lutherans, treat it as a principal feast, while others observe it less formally.

The theological importance of the Ascension is profound. It affirms Jesus’ completed work of salvation, his ongoing intercession for humanity, and his promise to send the Holy Spirit. Theologians explain that the Ascension is not merely Jesus leaving earth but entering into the fullness of divine glory while remaining spiritually present with his followers. It bridges the earthly ministry of Jesus and the age of the Church empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Modern observances blend ancient tradition with contemporary expression. Many churches hold special services featuring hymns like “Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise” and readings from Acts 1. Some communities organize outdoor processions or hilltop gatherings to symbolically recall the Mount of Olives event. In parts of Europe, traditional customs include planting “ascension trees” or releasing balloons, while in the United States, many parishes focus on community service projects and teachings about living with an eternal perspective.

The date of Ascension Day is always a Thursday, exactly 40 days after Easter. In 2026, Easter fell on April 5, placing Ascension Day on May 14. This fixed relationship to Easter makes it a movable feast that shifts each year. Some regions transfer the observance to the following Sunday for practical reasons, though traditionalists prefer the Thursday date to maintain the biblical 40-day timeline.

The Ascension also connects to core Christian doctrines about heaven, the second coming and the role of the Church. It reminds believers that Jesus’ physical absence does not mean abandonment but rather the beginning of a new way of presence through the Holy Spirit and the community of faith. Sermons on Ascension Day often encourage Christians to live as citizens of heaven while actively engaged in earthly responsibilities.

In a world facing uncertainty, many pastors say the message of Ascension Day feels particularly relevant. “Jesus’ ascension assures us that our story does not end in suffering or death,” said Rev. Dr. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, in a recent Ascension-themed message. “It ends in victory and eternal life with God. That hope sustains us through our own ascents and descents in daily life.”

The feast has inspired countless works of art, music and literature throughout Christian history. From medieval paintings showing Jesus being lifted by angels to modern hymns and contemporary worship songs, the Ascension continues to capture the imagination of believers. It also influences Christian art and architecture, with many churches featuring ascension-themed stained glass or altarpieces.

For families and individuals, Ascension Day offers an opportunity for reflection and celebration. Some traditions include special meals, prayer walks or acts of charity in honor of Jesus’ command to care for others. In some cultures, it marks the beginning of summer activities or the blessing of fields and crops, connecting spiritual truth with everyday life.

As Christians gather for worship on May 14, 2026, many will hear the familiar words from Acts 1:11: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” These words provide both comfort and challenge — comfort in the assurance of Christ’s return and challenge to live actively as his witnesses until that day comes.

The Ascension also deepens the meaning of Pentecost, which follows 10 days later. Without the departure of Jesus, the sending of the Holy Spirit would not have occurred. Many churches use the period between Ascension and Pentecost for focused prayer, asking God to renew the Church with the same power that filled the apostles.

In an increasingly secular society, Ascension Day serves as a quiet but powerful reminder of Christianity’s central claims. It affirms that history has direction and purpose, that ultimate authority rests with the risen and ascended Christ, and that believers are called to live with hope and mission. Whether celebrated in grand cathedrals or small home gatherings, the day invites Christians to lift their eyes beyond immediate circumstances to the reality of God’s kingdom.

For those new to the faith or exploring Christianity, Ascension Day offers an accessible entry point into understanding who Jesus is and what he accomplished. It is not merely a historical event but a living reality that shapes how believers view their daily lives, their communities and their ultimate destiny.

As May 14, 2026, dawns, millions of Christians will pause to remember and celebrate the Ascension. In doing so, they join a tradition stretching back two thousand years, finding renewed strength and purpose in the knowledge that Jesus reigns and will one day return to make all things new.