N0S.Tech Market & Investing News Digest — April 21, 2026
Your daily curated roundup of investing, AI, fintech, and market news — brought to you by N0S News.
1. Oil prices fluctuate as status of US-Iran peace talks remains unclear
US President Donald Trump said he will extend a ceasefire with Iran until peace talks have progressed.
2. From Epstein to sock puppets: Key takeaways from Kevin Warsh’s Fed confirmation hearing
He denied making a deal with Donald Trump on interest rates and backed “policy regime change” at the central bank.
3. I was left with an £8,000 vet bill when my insurer cancelled my pet policy
Thousands of people have got in touch with BBC Your Voice over concerns about rising pet insurance costs and poor cover.
4. Meta to track workers’ clicks and keystrokes to train AI
The firm will take data from the way employees work for its artificial intelligence models.
5. Hotpot, bubble tea and sportswear: China’s new exports take on the world
Made in China used to mean cheap, mass-produced goods but a new wave of Chinese brands is emerging.
6. The ‘dumb machine’ promising a clean energy breakthrough
A stellarator is difficult to build, but could it be the best way to make fusion energy work?
7. OpenAI faces criminal probe over role of ChatGPT in shooting
The firm, co-founded by Sam Altman, said it is “not responsible” for the attack at Florida State University
8. Unemployment rate unexpectedly falls as fewer students look for work
The drop has been largely driven by a rise in the number of people not actively seeking work.
9. Royal Mail to ask part-time posties to work more to meet letter targets
Royal Mail has faced a chorus of criticism for failing to meet its targets on letter delivery.
10. Air fares soar by nearly 25% as Iran war forces flights to re-route
Airspace restrictions caused by the conflict sent plane ticket prices higher, research shows.
11. New era as Apple names new boss to replace Tim Cook after 15 years
Ternus will take over running the technology giant in September as Cook steps up to become executive chairman.
12. Petrol thefts surge as Iran war pushes up fuel costs
One petrol retailer says he is experiencing about five drive-offs a week at each forecourt, costing him thousands.
13. Electricity bills targeted in planned shakeup to energy pricing
The war in the Middle East has brought renewed attention to Britain’s vulnerability to energy price shocks.
14. The 20-somethings juggling three jobs to make ends meet
While the UK unemployment rate stands at 4.9%, increasing numbers of those in work have more than one job.
15. Collapsed law firm at centre of £39.5m fraud probe
Sheffield-based PM Law Ltd, which had 25 offices across England, closed suddenly on 2 February.
16. ‘Supercharger’ call for threatened ceramics firm
A petition is calling for struggling Denby Pottery to be added to a government support scheme.
17. The insider trading suspicions looming over Trump’s presidency
The BBC has found a pattern of spikes in trades ahead of public announcements by the US president.
18. Trump tariff refunds begin but consumers likely to miss out
Businesses can apply online through a portal for refunds expected to total $160bn.
19. Blue Origin rocket grounded after satellite ‘mishap’
The firm founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos is investigating the failed launch.
20. Another flight leaves passengers behind due to border delays
New European border rules have caused delays at airports across the continent, affecting flights.
21. Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert
Old garments from around the world are being discarded in the South American country.
22. Could a digital twin make you into a ‘superworker’?
Firms say digital twins make staff more productive, but are they a potential legal minefield?
23. Back to books - Sweden’s schools cutting back on digital learning
Swedish classrooms swap laptops for books, pens and paper, raising concerns from the tech sector.
24. Quantum computing: A tech race Europe could win?
With some promising computing companies in the field, could Europe be a leader in quantum tech?
25. The Dutch village at risk of being demolished
Moerdijk has been earmarked for removal, to make way for a vast electricity substation.
26. ‘Every drop of water counts’: Fear for the future of Argentina’s glaciers
A controversial law to ease protections for the glaciers has passed, opening the doors for mining.
27. TV for dogs booms but are they watching?
TV channels for dogs are multiplying but research is mixed on whether dogs are watching.
28. The construction boss who built a new life after three years in prison
Traci Quinn, who was jailed for a drugs offence, has transformed herself and set up a successful firm.
29. The US refinery now processing Venezuelan oil
Chevron is now importing 250,000 barrels of crude per day from Venezuela.
30. Water charges and rates increase could help Stormont ‘raise £3bn a year’
Stormont would have £3bn a year extra if they cut jobs, increased rates and introduced water charges.
31. Uni staff strike for cost of living ‘weighting’
Library, museum, finance and IT staff are among members of Unite taking action over pay.
32. What is happening to gas and electricity prices?
Typical household bills fell by 7% when the new energy cap took effect on 1 April 2026.
33. Pop-up shop helps families cope with rising costs
Customers receive tokens to claim up to 10 free items, from clothing to everyday home essentials.
34. Charity offers ‘stigma-free’ food poverty service
The Devon charity shop lets food bank users select items rather than be given pre-prepared parcels.
35. Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like
Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?
36. The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high
Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why
37. Prepare for turbulence - how a prolonged Middle East conflict could reshape how we fly
The Gulf’s hub airports made long-distance travel cheaper - but now their future looks unclear.
38. Sir John Curtice: Why Labour’s Brexit focus has shifted from Leavers to Remainers
Will the pursuit of a closer relationship with the EU risk courting electoral disaster by alienating Brexit-backing voters?
39. The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they’re set to get worse
There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?
40. Are insider traders making millions from the Iran war?
The BBC has found suspicious trading patterns that correlate with some of the president’s most market-moving statements.
41. New media space opens in Hull to help city’s creatives
Hull’s creative scene has a new home, with green screens, cameras and a mini radio studio.
42. Are insider traders making millions from the Iran war?
The BBC has found significant spikes in activity shortly before the US president made some announcements.
43. Car recall warning: could yours be at risk of fire?
Car recall warning: could yours be at risk of fire? Consumer expert Louise Minchin shares the details.
44. How to know if you’re on an energy price cap tariff
Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn’t know if they were on an energy price cap.
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