Trump-Xi Reach Truce Extension; Iran Defiant at UN

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.

On today's podcast:

1) The US and China have sealed a two-month extension to their trade truce, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Xi Jinping is visiting the US for the first time in eleven years, and has stated he is "confident" the trip would produce "fruitful results." The truce extension ensures stability until 2027, but expectations for major breakthroughs have been low, with the US yet to be satisfied with China's offer on rare earths and possibly other issues.

2) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country won’t allow freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while sanctions and a US blockade remain in place. Pezeshkian’s address laid out conditions before any meaningful talks with the US can resume, including the US immediately lifting a naval blockade and unfreezing Iranian assets. Iran is ready to resume talks about ending the conflict with the US but will not respond to threats, and will not give up the right to develop nuclear technology for economic purposes.

3) Yields on the US government’s longest-dated bonds climbed to the highest level in more than two decades, the latest milestone notched in an extended bond selloff driven by inflation and fiscal concerns. The rate on 30-year Treasuries rose as much as four basis points on Thursday to 5.44%, the highest since 2004, after Brent crude oil prices jumped. It follows a surge this week that left yields across maturities around the highest levels since 2007. Pressure on long-dated bonds has mounted as economic growth, elevated energy prices as well as inflation and heavier government borrowing prompt investors to demand more compensation for locking up money for decades.

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