Foreign investors cheer China’s stimulus – from a distance

Reuters,

As initial market excitement over China’s biggest stimulus since the pandemic subsides, foreign investors remain cautious. The $114 billion package, which includes sweeping rate cuts and an 800 billion yuan ($114 billion) facility for stock purchases, was designed to revitalize China’s economy and stock market. Despite initial gains, investors express concerns about weak consumer demand. According to Phillip Wool of Rayliant Global Advisors, liquidity alone won’t sustain long-term recovery unless demand improves. Chinese stocks, which have lagged behind global markets, saw a brief surge but may struggle without additional fiscal measures.

Helene’s large size, rapid intensification make it a threat

Axios,

Hurricane Helene is rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico and poses a unique threat due to its unusual size. With tropical storm-force winds extending over 250 miles, nearly all of Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina are expected to experience damaging winds. Voluntary and mandatory evacuations are underway in 20 of Florida’s counties, and over 61 of the state’s 67 counties are in a state of emergency. As the storm moves north, it could result in widespread power outages across multiple states, complicating recovery efforts. Helene is forecast to be one of the five largest storms in the Gulf of Mexico by wind field.

Harris makes scandal-plagued Republican the star of her campaign to win North Carolina
 AP News,

In a surprising turn, Kamala Harris has made Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s embattled Republican gubernatorial candidate, the focus of her campaign in the state. With Democrats pushing back against Trump-Robinson extremism, billboards and advertising campaigns highlight Robinson’s controversial history. Despite North Carolina being a traditionally Republican stronghold, the state has become a key battleground for Harris’ campaign efforts. Polls indicate a competitive race, with Harris leveraging Robinson’s scandals to rally voters.

US prepares $8 billion in arms aid packages for Zelenskiy visit
 Reuters,

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits Washington, the U.S. is preparing over $8 billion in military aid for Ukraine. The package includes a $5.6 billion drawdown from U.S. weapons stocks and $2.4 billion through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative program. This aid will provide munitions, drones, and support for Ukraine’s munitions production. Additionally, the U.S. announced a $375 million aid package that includes precision-guided glide bombs and patrol boats. The new military aid aims to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia as the war intensifies.

World’s longest-serving death row inmate acquitted in Japan
 BBC,

Iwao Hakamada, 88, the world’s longest-serving death row inmate, has been acquitted by a Japanese court after spending 56 years on death row. Convicted in 1968 for the murder of his employer and the employer’s family, Hakamada was sentenced based on evidence later revealed to be fabricated. He was granted a retrial in 2014 but only recently acquitted. Hakamada, who has suffered severe mental health issues due to his imprisonment, did not attend the hearing. His case has become one of Japan’s most notorious legal sagas, attracting widespread public interest.