German news agency dpa on the 4th published a YouGov-commissioned poll of 2,072 German adults showing 48% said former chancellor Angela Merkel would handle Germany’s current problems better than incumbent chancellor Friedrich Merz; 29% said both are equally capable, 8% preferred Merz, and 15% were undecided or gave no answer.

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Uchida said AI has lifted equity prices, easing financial conditions, while heavy bond issuance by AI-related firms is putting upward pressure on long-term interest rates.

President Trump announced a Superintelligence Task Force (SIF) to coordinate federal work and ensure US leadership in superintelligence. Major global tech firms committed to responsibilities to US citizens. SIF will coordinate government engagement with consumers, public-interest groups, religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers and superintelligence companies. It will be led by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton; FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson; DoD R&E Deputy Under Secretary and CTO Emile Michael; and OPM Director Scott Cooper, reporting to the President and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wells.