Slow food for thought

Insights and research on global events shaping the markets

Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estée Lauder Companies and creator of the “Lipstick Index,” passed away on 14 June 2025. As the beauty industry reflects on his legacy, is his famous theory still relevant today?

With over eight years in development and an estimated $2 billion budget, GTA VI may be the most ambitious cultural product ever made, and for Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of the game's publisher Rockstar Games, the investment seems justified. However, news that the game won’t hit shelves until 26 May 2026 sent Take-Two’s shares tumbling.

The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global AI hub, driven by large-scale infrastructure investments, strategic partnerships with leading US tech firms, and an ambitious national agenda to embed artificial intelligence across government, education, healthcare, and security.

Earlier this month, a historic blackout hit Spain and Portugal, leaving 55 million in the dark for over 12 hours. Power’s back—but Europe’s energy system just got exposed.

While the recent Geneva trade agreement signalled an ease in US-China trade tensions, Beijing continues to quietly pursue a deeper strategic shift, building gold reserves and promoting the yuan to reduce dollar dependence and reshape the global monetary landscape on its own terms.

In May 2025, Trump’s Gulf tour secured major deals in defence, energy, AI, and more—marking a new era in US–Middle East strategic partnership.

Since Berkshire Hathaway's launch, the conglomerate is up over 5,500%. How did Warren Buffet do it?

In 2024, Chinese automaker BYD dethroned Tesla for the first time to become the world's leading manufacturer of electric cars. BYD is now conquering Europe and Switzerland.

Ten years after its debut, the Apple Watch has evolved from an iPhone accessory into a globally recognised leader in wearable technology, blending health tracking, digital utility, and brand identity. With over 100 million users and billions in annual revenue, its impact is undeniable.

Once the stuff of science fiction, space tourism is fast becoming a reality—reserved for few, watched by millions, and sparking profound questions about the future of our planet.

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