What a £5 coffee (or a £100 Pizza Express) tells us about a changing Britain | Gaby Hinsliff

As prices continue to rise, many people are rethinking their spending habits, particularly when it comes to small luxuries like dining out or enjoying a coffee. Gaby Hinsliff highlights that what used to be ordinary purchases now feel like guilty extravagances for many. This shift in consumer behavior is significant as it reflects broader economic pressures and could impact businesses reliant on discretionary spending.

As prices continue to rise, many people are rethinking their spending habits, particularly when it comes to small luxuries like dining out or enjoying a coffee. Gaby Hinsliff highlights that what used to be ordinary purchases now feel like guilty extravagances for many. This shift in consumer behavior is significant as it reflects broader economic pressures and could impact businesses reliant on discretionary spending.

UBS has adjusted its forecasts for cocoa and coffee prices, lowering the cocoa price outlook due to a narrowing deficit while simultaneously raising its coffee price expectations. This shift reflects changing market dynamics and could impact producers and consumers alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed about commodity trends.

UBS has adjusted its forecasts for cocoa and coffee prices, lowering the cocoa price outlook due to a narrowing deficit while simultaneously raising its coffee price expectations. This shift reflects changing market dynamics and could impact producers and consumers alike, highlighting the importance of staying informed about commodity trends.

In 2025, coffee prices have surged, leaving many Americans frustrated yet unwilling to give up their beloved brew. Despite the rising costs, coffee remains an irreplaceable part of daily life, prompting consumers to vent their frustrations while still indulging in their caffeine fix. This situation highlights the strong emotional connection people have with coffee and raises questions about how far they will go to maintain their routines amidst economic challenges.

In 2025, coffee prices have surged, leaving many Americans frustrated yet unwilling to give up their beloved brew. Despite the rising costs, coffee remains an irreplaceable part of daily life, prompting consumers to vent their frustrations while still indulging in their caffeine fix. This situation highlights the strong emotional connection people have with coffee and raises questions about how far they will go to maintain their routines amidst economic challenges.

A recent report highlights Brazil's potential to become a global leader in robusta coffee farming, thanks to its favorable climate and expanding agricultural practices. This is significant not only for Brazil's economy but also for the global coffee market, as robusta coffee is increasingly in demand for its unique flavor and lower production costs. As Brazil enhances its farming techniques, it could reshape the coffee industry and provide consumers with more options.

A recent report highlights Brazil's potential to become a global leader in robusta coffee farming, thanks to its favorable climate and expanding agricultural practices. This is significant not only for Brazil's economy but also for the global coffee market, as robusta coffee is increasingly in demand for its unique flavor and lower production costs. As Brazil enhances its farming techniques, it could reshape the coffee industry and provide consumers with more options.

Occidental Petroleum has made a significant move by selling its chemicals unit to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion. This strategic decision aims to reduce its debt and strengthen its financial position. Such a deal not only reflects Occidental's commitment to improving its balance sheet but also highlights Berkshire's continued interest in diversifying its investments. This transaction is important as it could pave the way for Occidental to focus more on its core operations and enhance shareholder value.

Occidental Petroleum has made a significant move by selling its chemicals unit to Berkshire Hathaway for $9.7 billion. This strategic decision aims to reduce its debt and strengthen its financial position. Such a deal not only reflects Occidental's commitment to improving its balance sheet but also highlights Berkshire's continued interest in diversifying its investments. This transaction is important as it could pave the way for Occidental to focus more on its core operations and enhance shareholder value.

The mayor of Pohang, South Korea, has taken a bold step by protesting outside the White House against President Trump's tariffs, which have severely impacted the local steel industry. This situation highlights the broader consequences of U.S. trade policies on international markets, particularly for cities like Pohang and Pittsburgh that are deeply rooted in steel production. As these tariffs continue to strain local economies, the mayor's actions underscore the urgent need for dialogue and reconsideration of such policies.

Walmart is offering a stylish Bluetooth speaker that typically retails for $199 at an incredible price of just $28. This multifunctional device not only serves as a speaker but also functions as a clock and a decorative piece, making it a great addition to any home. This deal is significant as it provides consumers with an affordable option to enhance their audio experience without breaking the bank.

The German economy ministry has slightly revised its growth forecast for 2025 to 0.2%, indicating a cautious optimism about the country's economic recovery. This adjustment reflects a more favorable outlook amidst ongoing global economic challenges, suggesting that Germany may be on a path to stability. Such forecasts are crucial as they influence investment decisions and economic policies, impacting the overall economic landscape.

The recent government shutdown has led to a situation where national parks will remain mostly open, but many services will be unavailable. This means visitors can still enjoy the natural beauty, but they should be prepared for limited amenities and potential disruptions. It's important for travelers to plan accordingly, as this could affect their experience in these beloved outdoor spaces.

A senior US senator is advocating for increased pressure on China regarding its stance on Taiwan. This move is significant as it reflects the growing concern in the US about China's assertiveness in the region and aims to support Taiwan's autonomy. By pushing for stronger measures, the senator hopes to deter any aggressive actions from China, ensuring stability in East Asia and reinforcing US commitments to its allies.

A significant number of adults are not having crucial conversations about their long-term care needs with family or healthcare providers. This lack of preparation can lead to serious challenges in accessing appropriate care when it is needed most, highlighting the importance of proactive planning and communication.