Market sources say Blackstone (BX.N) and Apollo are in talks to participate in semiconductor financing.

Despite record income tax receipts, UK government borrowing in July rose year‑on‑year as spending increases outpaced higher receipts, the ONS said. The government budget deficit for July was £1.8 billion, up £0.7 billion from July 2025. Fiscal‑year‑to‑date borrowing stands at £56.7 billion, down £6.0 billion year‑on‑year but £2.3 billion above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast.

PHIVOLCS reported a M5.1 earthquake near Agusan del Norte at about 17:12 on Aug. 21. Hypocenter depth 10 km; shaking was felt in multiple localities. The agency said the quake is not expected to cause damage.