Business
What It Means for the UK
Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 100% import tariff on any country that introduces a digital services tax on America’s technology giants, a move that throws fresh uncertainty over Britain’s own levy and the recently struck UK-US trade understanding.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US president claimed “numerous European countries” had been weighing up such a charge, with some close to bringing one in. He warned that the penalties would take effect immediately and would entirely “supersede” any existing bilateral trade agreements.
“Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America,” he wrote.
While the post is aimed squarely at nations planning the “imminent implementation” of new levies, the implications for the UK are far from clear. London has had a digital services tax on the books since 2020, well before the latest wave of European proposals that appear to have prompted the president’s intervention.
Britain’s 2% Digital Services Tax applies to major search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces with worldwide revenues from their digital businesses topping £500 million and total UK revenues above £25 million. It is calculated only on the revenue tied to British users.
The charge bites on some of the largest names in American business, among them Apple, Google, Meta and Amazon. According to the Treasury, it raised more than £800 million in 2024-25, up from £678 million the year before, making it a useful and growing source of revenue for the Exchequer.
The tax has long been a source of irritation in Washington. Back in April, Trump said the UK faced “a big tariff” for what he characterised as targeting major American companies. “They think they’re going to make an easy buck, that’s why they’ve all taken advantage of our country,” he said at the time.
The Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury have been approached for comment.
The threat lands just days after the US and EU finalised a new trade deal, and the timing is unlikely to be coincidental. Michael Damianos, minister of energy, commerce and industry for the Republic of Cyprus, said the bloc “can respond swiftly and proportionately when the deal is not respected or its interests are at stake”.
France, Italy and Spain each levy a 3% digital services tax on large companies operating within their borders, and several other EU member states have implemented or proposed similar measures, according to the Tax Foundation, a non-profit body focused on tax policy. Amazon earlier this year raised its fees on sellers, citing precisely these taxes.
The latest salvo fits a now-familiar pattern. Trump has sought to impose sweeping tariffs on dozens of trading partners since returning to office in 2025, with mixed success. The US Supreme Court in February struck down his earlier attempt to apply a blanket global tariff of 10%.
That has not slowed the broader campaign. Washington recently announced fresh tariffs of between 10% and 12.5% on dozens of countries accounting for almost all of its imports, on the grounds that those nations are not doing enough to tackle forced labour, a move that has already caught UK exporters in its net.
For British firms, the stakes are considerable. US tariffs on UK goods have already climbed sharply over the past year, and a 100% duty triggered by the digital services tax would dwarf anything seen so far. With the ink barely dry on the UK-US trade understanding, ministers now face an uncomfortable choice between defending a levy worth the better part of £1 billion a year and shielding exporters from a potential tariff shock.
Business
Nifty has more room to run; stay selective: Analysts
RAJESH PALVIYA
HEAD OF RESEARCH, AXIS SECURITIES
Trading Strategy
For the July 7 expiry, a moderately bullish Call Spread strategy is recommended. Buy one lot of the 24,100 Call option at a premium of Rs 195–175 and simultaneously sell one lot of the 24,400 Call option at a premium of Rs 75–85. The strategy has a break-even point at 24,220, with a maximum potential loss of Rs 7,800 and a maximum profit of Rs 11,700.
TOP STOCK PICKS
TVS Motor: Buy | CMP: Rs 3,569.70 | Target: Rs 3,700– 3,720 | Stop loss: Rs 3,490
TVS Motor has broken above a minor double-top formation and its price channel is on strong volumes. The daily RSI has moved above 60, while fresh long accumulation, reflected in a 3.5% rise in price and a 0.1% increase in open interest, points to strengthening bullish momentum.
Samvardhana Motherson International: Buy | CMP: Rs 151.70 | Target: Rs 160–162 | Stop loss: Rs 144
The stock rallied 4.9% on Thursday alongside a 0.8% decline in futures open interest, signalling a classic short-covering rally. Weekly and monthly breakouts, backed by the highest single-day volume and price gain of the month, reinforce the ongoing structural uptrend.
AgenciesROHAN SHAH
TECHNICAL ANALYST, ASIT C. MEHTA INVESTMENT INTERMEDIATES
Trading Strategy
The index has been consolidating within a corrective trend since April 2026, with the 20-week EMA continuing to cap upside attempts. A breakout above 24,300 would improve the technical outlook and open the door for further gains. Buy Nifty futures above 24,300, with a stop loss below 24,000 and targets of 24,800–25,000.
TOP STOCK PICKS
Oberoi Realty: Buy | CMP: Rs 1,749 | Target: Rs 1,930 | Stop loss: Rs 1,650
Oberoi Realty has broken out of an inverse head and shoulders formation, confirming a bullish reversal. The breakout, supported by robust volumes and improving momentum, indicates the potential for further upside.
Aurobindo Pharma: Buy | CMP: Rs 1,555 | Target: Rs 1,725 | Stop loss: Rs 1,475
Aurobindo Pharma is expected to continue its outperformance. The stock has broken out of a multi-month cup-and-handle pattern on strong volumes, indicating the potential for sustained upward momentum.
SUDEEP SHAH
HEAD – TECHNICAL & DERIVATIVE RESEARCH, SBI SECURITIES
Trading Strategy
With markets trading in a broad range amid sharp volatility, traders should refrain from overleveraged bets, while investors should adopt a buy-on-decline approach in quality stocks with strong technical setups. Go long on Nifty only on a breakout above 24,200, with a stop loss at 23,950 and a target of 24,650. From a sectoral perspective, select private banks, financials, pharma, healthcare, tourism and auto stocks are expected to perform well, while Nifty IT, CPSE, PSE and metals are expected to remain under pressure and continue their underperformance in the near term.
TOP STOCK PICKS
Vijaya Diagnostic Centre: Buy | CMP: Rs 1,367 | Target: Rs 1,490– 1,550 | Stop loss: Rs 1,300
The stock is trading above its key moving averages across timeframes, reflecting sustained bullish momentum. After a six-week consolidation, it has broken out strongly, with buying emerging on every dip, while its relative strength against the diagnostics sector and the broader market remains favourable.
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services: Buy | CMP: Rs 328 | Target: Rs 344–350 | Stop loss: Rs 316
The stock has broken out of a four-week consolidation and is holding firmly above its key moving averages. Buying on dips, rising volumes, supportive momentum indicators and improving relative strength against the broader market suggest further upside potential.
Business
CME Group's Pullback Does Not Change The Rating
CME Group's Pullback Does Not Change The Rating
Business
Foreign outflows thin down on healthier cues in June
Since the US and Iran reached an initial agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on June 15, foreigners have been buyers in seven out of the eight trading sessions.
Foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth ₹31,823 crore so far in June, the lowest monthly outflow since ₹31,381 crore in December 2025, according to StockEdge. In February, they bought ₹12,950 crore of equities. “Easing oil prices on receding geopolitical tensions in West Asia led to the foreign sell-off abating to some extent,” said Riddhiman Jain, managing director and head of investment strategy and solutions, Waterfield Advisors.
AgenciesEarnings on Watch
Jain said the slew of measures taken by RBI to support the rupee also caused the reduction. He said the rally in semiconductor and AI stocks in South Korea and Taiwan lost momentum in June as valuation concerns emerged.
Foreign investors had withdrawn more than Rs 1.15 lakh crore from Indian equities in March, the largest monthly outflow on record, following the February 28 outbreak of war, which pushed oil prices sharply higher.
Selling moderated in June after a tentative peace deal eased concerns and crude prices retreated, helping the Nifty gain 2.2%. Domestic institutional investors, meanwhile, bought shares worth Rs 76,156 crore in June, marking the 35th consecutive month of their monthly purchasing spree.
Analysts said the decline in oil prices has reduced one of the biggest headwinds for India, but sustained foreign inflows will depend on stronger earnings and economic growth.
“Until overseas investors continue to prefer other markets over India, and there is a slowdown in that rally, no major foreign inflows are expected,” said Siddarth Bhamre, head of institutional research at Asit C Mehta. “The impact on inflation is likely to subsidise but there has to be earning visibility, which is missing. Barring some small inflows, a revival in foreign sentiment is not expected.”
So far this year, foreigners have been net sellers to the tune of nearly Rs 2.90 lakh crore, the highest ever in a year, after pulling out Rs 2.39 lakh crore the previous year. The Nifty is down 8%.
“India can emerge as a good value story in this backdrop, especially while geopolitical clouds are waning. However, overseas flows tend to follow price momentum rather than lead it,” said Jain of Waterfield. “Once markets demonstrate sustained outperformance versus the past two years, that is typically when allocators rotate back into India.”
Domestic investors have remained resilient, although SIP inflows declined in May, signalling some fatigue after two to three years of muted returns. “SIP inflows for May also declined, indicating that some investors are losing patience,” said Bhamre.
Jain said global investors are likely to remain in wait-and-watch mode, with first quarter earnings serving as the key test. “While a runaway rally is not expected, the bias has turned positive,” he said. “After two to three years of tepid returns, there is some exhaustion that has set in among domestic investors, as reflected in the reduction in SIP inflows. While the flows have tapered, this is not a concern currently.”
Business
California law forces streaming platforms to lower volume on loud ads
Fox Business’ Kelly Saberi reports on California’s proposed wealth tax, where proponents offer to reduce the rate from 5% to 2%. Gov. Gavin Newsom rejects any wealth tax, citing concerns about defunding public services.
California viewers fed up with blaring streaming ads may soon get some relief.
Starting this Wednesday, July 1, streaming platforms serving California consumers will be barred from running commercials at a higher volume than the shows, movies or other video content they interrupt.
The bill, SB 576, was signed into law last October by Gov. Gavin Newsom and extends a long-running television rule to the streaming era.
Federal law already requires commercials on broadcast and cable television to match the average volume of the programming they accompany under the 2010 Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act.
CALIFORNIA VOTERS TO CONSIDER BALLOT MEASURE TO INCREASE TAXES ON BILLIONAIRES

A person uses a remote control while browsing streaming services, as California bars platforms from playing commercials louder than the programming they interrupt. (iStock)
Newsom’s office referred FOX Business to the governor’s October 2025 release announcing the signing of the bill.
“We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program,” Newsom said at the time.
“By signing SB 576, California is dialing down this inconvenience across streaming platforms, which had previously not been subject to commercial volume regulations passed by Congress in 2010.”
NEWSOM’S POLITICAL DEFENSE FACES SKEPTICISM AS DOJ INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Los Angeles skyline is seen here. California’s new streaming-ad volume law will apply to platforms serving viewers in the state beginning July 1, 2026. (iStock)
The bill was authored by Democratic state Sen. Tom Umberg, who said the measure grew out of a frustration familiar to many households as streaming ads suddenly blare over shows and wake sleeping children.
“This bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work,” Umberg said.
“SB 576 brings some much-needed peace and quiet to California households by making sure streaming ads aren’t louder than the shows we actually want to watch.”
SOME RICH CALIFORNIANS ARE GIVING AWAY CASH TO SKIRT THE STATE’S PROPOSED BILLIONAIRE TAX

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an event on March 15, 2026. Newsom signed a bill last year requiring streaming services to keep ad volume in line with the shows, movies and other programming they accompany. (Julia Beverly/WireImage / Getty Images)
The move comes as streaming platforms increasingly lean on ad-supported subscription plans to attract viewers while boosting advertising revenue.
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Groups including the Motion Picture Association and Streaming Innovation Alliance opposed the bill, arguing many platforms were already working on ways to normalize ad volume, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The Motion Picture Association and Streaming Innovation Alliance could not immediately be reached by FOX Business for comment.
Business
Medtronic: Coming Back, But Not Yet Ready For Greatness
Medtronic: Coming Back, But Not Yet Ready For Greatness
Business
How a Unit Linked Insurance Plan Offers Life Insurance and Market Returns Under One Policy
Financial planning today often requires a balance between protection and long-term wealth creation. Many individuals look for solutions that can support family security while also offering opportunities for capital growth.
A unit linked insurance plan combines these two objectives within a single policy. It provides life insurance coverage and allows a portion of the premium to be invested in market-linked funds. This structure gives policyholders the chance to build wealth over time while maintaining financial protection for their loved ones. Understanding how these plans work can help individuals make informed financial decisions.
What is a unit linked insurance plan?
A unit linked insurance plan is a life insurance product that combines protection and investment features. When a policyholder pays a premium, one portion goes towards life insurance coverage. The remaining amount is invested in market-linked funds such as equity, debt, or balanced funds.
The value of the investment component depends on the fund’s performance. As a result, returns are not guaranteed and may rise or fall based on market conditions. This feature allows policyholders to participate in financial markets while maintaining life insurance coverage under a single policy.
How does a unit linked insurance plan work?
A unit linked insurance plan follows a straightforward structure that combines two financial objectives.
Premium allocation
The premium paid by the policyholder is divided into different components. One portion covers life insurance protection, while the remaining amount is invested in selected funds.
Investment in market-linked funds
Policyholders can choose from different fund options based on their financial objectives. These funds may invest in equities, debt instruments, or a combination of both.
Unit allocation
The invested amount purchases units in the selected fund. The number of units depends on the fund’s prevailing net asset value (NAV).
Fund value movement
The value of the investment changes according to market performance. Strong market conditions may increase fund value, while weaker conditions may reduce it.
Life insurance benefit
The policy provides a death benefit during the policy term, subject to policy conditions. This benefit supports the financial needs of beneficiaries if the insured individual passes away.
How life insurance protection is included
remains an important component of a unit linked insurance plan. The policy offers financial protection throughout the coverage period.
The insurance benefit generally becomes payable upon the death of the insured person during the policy term. Depending on policy terms, beneficiaries may receive the sum assured, fund value, or a combination specified under the plan.
This protection feature allows families to maintain financial stability while the investment component continues supporting long-term financial goals.
How market-linked returns are generated
The investment portion of a unit linked insurance plan is linked to financial market performance. Returns depend on the assets held within the chosen funds.
Equity funds
Equity funds primarily invest in company shares. These funds may offer higher growth potential but usually involve greater market fluctuations.
Debt funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities such as bonds and government instruments. These funds generally focus on stability and lower volatility.
Balanced funds
Balanced funds combine equity and debt investments. This approach aims to provide a mix of growth opportunities and relative stability.
The performance of these funds influences the overall value of the policy’s investment component.
Benefits of combining insurance and investment
A unit linked insurance plan offers several practical advantages for individuals seeking multiple financial benefits within one policy.
| Benefit | Description |
| Dual purpose | Combines life insurance coverage and investment opportunities. |
| Goal-based planning | Supports long-term financial objectives such as education or retirement planning. |
| Fund choice | Allows selection from multiple investment options. |
| Switching flexibility | Enables movement between available funds according to changing needs. |
| Long-term participation | Encourages disciplined investing through regular premium contributions. |
These features make the product suitable for individuals seeking both protection and wealth-building opportunities.
Factors to consider before choosing a plan
Several factors should be reviewed before selecting a unit linked insurance plan.
Risk appetite
Different funds carry different levels of market risk. Investors should choose options aligned with their comfort level and financial goals.
Investment horizon
Longer investment periods often provide greater opportunities to manage market fluctuations.
Charges and costs
Policies may include fund management charges and other applicable costs. Understanding these expenses is important before making a decision.
Financial objectives
Investment choices should match specific goals such as retirement planning, children’s education, or wealth accumulation.
Market exposure
Returns are linked to market performance. Individuals should be prepared for periods of both growth and decline.
Conclusion
A unit linked insurance plan provides life insurance protection and market-linked investment opportunities under one policy. It allows policyholders to maintain financial security while participating in potential market growth. The combination of fund choice, flexibility, and long-term investing makes it a practical option for many financial plans. Reputable platforms like Tata AIA offers various life insurance and wealth-oriented solutions designed to support different financial goals. Reviewing policy features carefully can help individuals choose an option that aligns with their long-term requirements.
Business
Harbor Mid Cap Value Fund Q1 2026 Commentary (HAMVX)
Harbor Capital is an asset manager focused on curating an intentionally select suite of active ETFs that they believe have the potential to produce compelling, risk-adjusted returns within a portfolio. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by Harbor Capital, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use Harbor Capital’s official channels.
Business
Mid-tier miners slam CGT changes as ‘huge risk’ to investment
Directors from some of Western Australia’s leading mid-tier miners have criticised the “huge risk” the capital gains tax changes pose to investment in the next generation of miners.
Business
Lotus Opens Hethel Performance Hub as Minister Backs UK Car-Making
Lotus has formally opened the doors of its storied Norfolk home to other manufacturers, with industry minister Chris McDonald officially launching the Hethel Performance Hub and signalling that the government sees the site as a test bed for the future of British car-making.
The hub is an attempt to turn Lotus’s long-established engineering, manufacturing and testing capability at Hethel into a shared resource. Rather than guarding its designers, engineers, test track and assembly lines for its own use, the Geely-owned firm wants to let similar manufacturers and technology companies develop and build alongside it, on the principle of partnership rather than competition.
“By creating an environment where partners can collaborate, develop and deliver side by side, we enable a faster, smarter way to innovate in a sector where traditional models often slow things down,” said Matt Nice, deputy managing director at Lotus Cars. The aim, he added, was to unlock “the full potential” of a site that already has “everything here to be a perfect incubator for partners to bring their concepts and ideas to production”, while ensuring those products do not compete directly with Lotus’s own cars.
Four partners are already working within the Hethel environment. Charge Holdings is relocating its full operations, including Charge Cars and wider group vehicle programmes, to the Norfolk site, while Zenos Cars has signed Heads of Terms with Lotus with a view to using the hub as a future production base. DR Automobiles is a confirmed partner, with further details of a confidential project expected later this year, and Cranfield University is collaborating on an Emira GT4 race car project.
Matt Sanger of Zenos Cars, which is already producing vehicles at the site, said the relationship was complementary rather than combative. “We don’t clash with Lotus Cars, it’s a very complimentary relationship,” he said. “The skills and the facilities on site mean we can benefit from that without having to spend huge amounts of investment.”
That access matters in a low-volume sector where the cost of designers, engineering talent and a private test track can be prohibitive for smaller specialist marques. Paul Abercrombie, group chief executive of Charge Holdings, called the move “a defining moment”, describing Hethel as offering “something genuinely unique: a live, integrated environment where engineering, manufacturing and motorsport capability sit side by side”.
The launch lands at a delicate moment for Lotus. The firm, which built a record 2,200 sports cars in the first half of 2023 at its former wartime bomber factory near Wymondham, announced last summer that it would axe up to 550 jobs to secure a sustainable future in what it called a rapidly evolving and uncertain automotive environment. Speculation has since swirled about the long-term future of the plant, although the company has repeatedly denied any plan to close Hethel.
Nice was keen to draw a line under further cuts. “The production rate is on target, we have very stable, efficient production, the staff here are doing a fantastic job to deliver that,” he said. “There are no plans to reduce that further and we remain very comfortable with the workforce and head count we have here at Hethel.”
During the official launch, McDonald unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured the facilities, where a display traced Hethel’s heritage in specialist vehicle development, from the Lotus 100T Formula 1 car and the Vauxhall VX220 to the all-electric Evija hypercar. The minister also took the wheel of the 2,011hp Evija, which is handbuilt alongside the award-winning Emira at the Norfolk headquarters, and viewed exhibits from Charge Cars, Zenos and the Cranfield GT4 project.
For ministers, the hub is a useful showcase at a bruising time for the wider industry. UK vehicle production fell 15.5 per cent in 2025 to 764,715 units, the lowest level since 1952, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, dragged down by the JLR cyber-attack, the closure of Vauxhall’s Luton plant and the drag of US tariffs.
McDonald used the visit to press a more optimistic case, pointing to the £4bn of government support pledged to the sector through the DRIVE35 programme and a longer-term ambition to lift annual output back towards 1.3 million vehicles. “The UK has been a leader in performance automotive and this centre will really be at the heart of that for the future,” he said.
“There is £4bn of investment in research and innovation for the automotive industry as well, and all that is available to Lotus and the rest of the UK manufacturers to really underpin our supply chain, give them the confidence to invest and make sure we get lots of British cars like this around the world,” the minister added.
The hub forms part of a wider programme of investment around Hethel, underpinned by road infrastructure improvements delivered by South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council that are unlocking development land for further engineering and manufacturing growth. The neighbouring Hethel Engineering Centre is supporting the project as a local ecosystem partner, while Cllr Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk Council and chair of the Greater Norwich Growth Board, said the next phase of development would “cement its role as a cornerstone of regional growth”.
Nice said the growth potential of the hub was “directly linked” to those road improvements, which he argued would help keep Hethel “one of the most iconic and innovation-led places in the automotive world”. For a site best known to the wider public as the home of James Bond’s submersible Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me, the next chapter is less about a single marque and more about whether shared infrastructure can keep specialist British car-making on the road.
Business
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