Crypto News: Trump verdict

Good morning and happy Friday. This is Amy in Melbourne with your Friday newsletter. The verdict in Donald Trump's hush-money trial is in, and we're bringing you a roundup of news from our region.

Today's must-reads:
• Trump convicted
• New Zealand budget
• Aussie beef to China

We begin with breaking news about Donald Trump. The New York jury in Trump's hush-money trial has found him guilty of multiple felonies. He's the first former US president to be convicted of crimes. Follow our live blog.

A vehicle displays the mugshot of former US President Donald Trump. Photographer: Yuki Iwamura/Bloomberg

Australia's inflation isn't budging, coming in faster than expected this week. It's weighing heavily on the finances of some households, Reserve Bank Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter said Thursday.

Rio Tinto will keep its New Zealand aluminum smelter operating until at least 2044 after agreeing new electricity supply agreements. Meanwhile, Japan will loan Woodside Energy $1 billion to develop a natural gas project in Australia.

The BHP-Anglo saga has drawn to a close — for now. And there's a sense of relief among some BHP investors. There's now pressure on Anglo American to deliver a turnaround.

China is relaxing curbs on Australian beef exports. Five major Australian beef producers banned from exporting can resume the trade immediately. It's the latest move by Beijing to normalize economic ties with Canberra.

In New Zealand, the government delivered a tax package worth NZ$14.7 billion over four years as part of its budget, a move targeting low and middle-income households. Take a look at the winners and losers.

New Zealand' Finance Minister Nicola Willis leads colleagues ahead of her budget speech. Photographer: Mark Coote/Bloomberg

In markets news, Wall Street traders sent stocks down and bonds up after the latest round of economic data signaled momentum is slowing. A report showed the US grew at softer pace.

PricewaterhouseCoopers could cop a big fine in China, where the global auditor's local operations over its role in one of the nation's biggest alleged financial fraud cases, according to people familiar with the matter.

Apple plans to overhaul its Siri virtual assistant, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The tech giant will use more advanced artificial intelligence. The upgrade is one piece of the company's larger AI strategy, which will be unveiled in June.

Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/AFP/Getty Images

(All times Sydney)

10:10 a.m. New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins on Bloomberg Television
11:00 a.m.: Australia to Sell A$700 million 2.75% 2029 Bonds

The world of finance has plenty of high-profile stars — but who is shaping the future? Bloomberg has collated a comprehensive list of the established names and rising stars. Whichever turn markets take in the second half of 2024, these leaders will be ones to watch. Have a great weekend.