Russian President Putin said former German chancellor Gerhard Schroder would be hard to replace as a mediator in Russia‑Europe negotiations, but added Schroder is not his friend and is merely a German official.

Uber (UBER.N) has committed nearly $500m in total financing to autonomous-vehicle startup Nuro, market sources say.

US mortgage rates edged down last week as sellers struggled to find buyers, Freddie Mac data showed. The average 30-year fixed rate fell to 6.48% from 6.53% the prior week and 6.85% a year earlier. Uncertainty from the Iran conflict has lifted inf expectations and kept borrowing costs elevated, putting the peak selling season under pressure. Nationwide inventory growth is outpacing demand, leaving many sellers unable to attract bids, and high fuel and living costs are dampening buyers’ willingness to push prices, Redfin said.