1. FTSE 100 ends downbeat week firmly in the red
London’s blue-chip benchmark closed off the week, finishing Friday down 47 points marked at 7,262.
2. Energy prices to fall for second time this year
Ofgem will likely announce a drop in the energy price cap next Friday, ahead of the change being implemented in October, meaning consumer bills will fall for the second time this year.
3. Evergrande files for US bankruptcy protection as China property crisis deepens
Evergrande’s shares have been suspended since last year after it defaulted on payments of its debts of reportedly more than US$300 billion.
4. UK government backs early pints for Lionesses’ World Cup final
Ahead of England’s World Cup final on Sunday, the UK government is urging local councils to facilitate earlier pub opening hours, having listened to calls from hospitality bodies to receive support for the historic sporting event.
5. SpaceX sends Bitcoin plummeting as it dumps holdings
The world's largest cryptocurrency dropped below US$25,000 after the sale was revealed, causing a ripple effect across the crypto community and leading to declines in Bitcoin-related stocks like Coinbase, Marathon Digital and Riot Platforms.