Global Business Roundup: Oil Rally, SoftBank’s $2B Intel Lifeline & China’s Big Debt Deal (Aug 18–19, 2025)
S&P Global affirmed the U.S. ‘AA+’ credit rating, citing tariff revenue as offsetting deficit concerns from tax cuts and spending. Mediobanca won ECB approval to acquire Banca Generali, moving to form Italy’s second-largest wealth manager. Japan’s Taro Kono urged the central bank to raise interest rates to address yen weakness and inflation. SoftBank invested $2 billion in Intel, becoming a top shareholder.