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Time:2026-07-15T07:07:01Z

China's GDP growth missed its target for the first time since the pandemic, falling to 4.7% in the first half of 2026, driven by a property slump, weak investment, and global trade disruptions from Iran turmoil. A T. rex fossil nicknamed 'Gus' sold for a record $50 million at auction. Warren Buffett dropped the Gates Foundation from his annual donations for the first time in 20 years after Epstein ties were disclosed. AI agents are entering real-world work, prompting economists and regulators to warn about job displacement risks and the need for new standards.

China GDP misses target amid Iran turmoil and weak investment

China GDP misses target amid Iran turmoil and weak investmentChina's economy grew at its slowest pace since 2022, missing the government's annual growth target for the first time since the Covid era. GDP data showed the economy expanded 4.7% in the first half of 2026, dragged down by a prolonged property slump and declining investment. Global trade disruptions stemming from turmoil in Iran added further pressure on exports. The disappointing figures have intensified calls for fresh stimulus measures from Beijing.

Sources:
China misses growth target for first time since Covid as Iran turmoil roils global trade (CNN)
China posts slowest GDP growth since 2022 as investment slumps, fanning stimulus calls (CNBC)
China economic growth falls sharply, missing target (BBC)
China’s Economy Grows at Slowest Pace in Years (NYT)

China's H1 GDP grows 4.7%, per capita income up 5.2%

China's H1 GDP grows 4.7%, per capita income up 5.2%China's National Bureau of Statistics reported that the economy grew 4.7% in the first half of 2026, with total GDP reaching 69.57 trillion yuan. Per capita disposable income rose 5.2% during the same period, suggesting some resilience in household earnings despite the broader slowdown. The official data provides a more granular look at the economic landscape amid global headwinds.

Sources:
China records 4.7% GDP growth in H1 2026 (China Daily)
China's gross domestic product expanded by 4.7 percent to reach 69.57 trillion yuan in the first half of 2026, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday. (China Daily)
China's per capita disposable income up 5.2% in H1 (China Daily)

T. rex fossil 'Gus' sells for record $50 million at auction

T. rex fossil 'Gus' sells for record $50 million at auctionA Tyrannosaurus rex fossil nicknamed 'Gus' sold for $50 million at auction, setting a new record for the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever sold. The specimen, billed as one of the world's largest and most complete T. rex fossils, was purchased by a mystery bidder. The sale highlights the escalating value of high-profile paleontological specimens in the private market.

Sources:
T. rex sells for $50 million, becoming the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever auctioned (CNBC)
Mystery bidder buys T. rex nicknamed 'Gus' for a record $50 million (NPR)
July 15, 2026 •A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil billed as one of the world's largest and most complete specimens was sold for a record $50.1 million Tuesday to a mystery bidder. (NPR)

Buffett drops Gates Foundation from annual donations after Epstein ties

Buffett drops Gates Foundation from annual donations after Epstein tiesWarren Buffett omitted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from his nearly $6 billion in annual charitable donations for the first time in 20 years. The decision comes after disclosures about Bill Gates' ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Buffett's move marks a significant shift in one of the world's most prominent philanthropic relationships.

Sources:
Warren Buffett drops Gates Foundation from his annual donations (CNN)
Buffett omits gift to Bill Gates’ foundation after Microsoft cofounder’s Epstein ties disclosed (AP News)
Billionaire Warren Buffett stops donations to Bill Gates charity (BBC)
Warren Buffett Drops Gates Foundation From Nearly $6B In Donations—First Time In 20 Years (Forbes)
In a Change, Warren Buffett Omits His Annual Gift to the Gates Foundation (NYT)

AI agents enter real work, economists warn of job displacement risks

AI agents enter real work, economists warn of job displacement risksAI agents are moving from experimental use into real business operations, raising questions about how software companies will charge for autonomous services. Hundreds of economists have signed a joint statement urging immediate action on AI's economic impact, including potential mass job displacement. Australia has unveiled new AI standards to guide the rollout of the technology, while Forbes warns that CEOs are unprepared for the risks AI poses to their businesses.

Sources:
AI agents are moving into real work. That could change how software companies get paid (CNBC)
Hundreds of economists say ‘we must act now’ on AI’s economic impact and job displacement risks (AP News)
The AI Risks CEOs Didn’t Budget For (Forbes)
Australia unveils AI standards to shape roll out of technology (Nikkei Asia)