Business & Markets — August 20, 2026

Fed minutes hint at rate hike. Minutes from the Federal Reserve's July meeting show multiple officials believe a rate increase may be needed later this year if inflation doesn't cool.

The Hill · Read more →

Trump pauses Canada tariff threat. President Trump delayed threatened 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods by three days after a tentative deal, and suggested reviving the Keystone XL pipeline.

The Guardian World · Read more →

Bitcoin and ether rise on crypto bill push. Bitcoin and ether rose Thursday after President Trump urged Congress to pass the Clarity Act, which would set a regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency sector.

CNBC Top News · Read more →

Evergrande founder sentenced to life. A Chinese court sentenced founder Hui Ka Yan to life in prison, confiscated his assets, and fined Evergrande-related companies billions. The developer collapsed nearly five years ago with over $300 billion in liabilities.

The BBC characterized the ruling as a key moment in the aftermath of the property giant's failure, which rattled China's real estate sector when it unraveled. According to the reporting, the court's decision -- combining imprisonment, asset confiscation and corporate fines -- amounts to a decisive resolution of a saga that has hung over the country's housing market since the company's downfall.

BBC World · Read more →