Global markets have been rattled by newly imposed duties on goods, with businesses warning of higher costs, possible economic slowdowns, and heightened uncertainty in international trade.

A collaborative financial framework is being proposed by the UK to boost defence stockpiles, provide favourable borrowing rates through state guarantees, and strengthen industrial capacity across supportive European partners.

Investors are increasingly turning to gold as a defensive move against anticipated tariff measures from the US, pushing prices to notable highs amid widespread economic anxiety.

Marine Le Pen, barred from running for office for five years after a verdict of financial misconduct, faces political upheaval as her party calls for widespread protests amid uncertainty over the national leadership.