In June, South Africa's private sector experienced a marginal return to growth, driven by easing inflation and resilient hiring, according to the S&P Global PMI. The index rose to 50.5 from 49.6 in May, indicating a shift from contraction to expansion.

Although output and new orders continued to decline for the second month, the rate of decrease slowed, with firms citing subdued consumer spending, economic uncertainty, and elevated prices as the main challenges. Employment levels maintained a steady growth pace despite a slight slowdown in job creation, with companies hiring both permanent and temporary staff to boost capacity.

Importantly, input price inflation decelerated sharply from a 46-month high, and output price increases also cooled, helping businesses pass on higher costs while managing slower supply chain deliveries. Notably, export orders improved slightly, and the services sector saw growth in new work, signaling some positive momentum amid ongoing economic challenges.

Over the past decade, rents in Germany's 40 largest cities have soared by 51%, reflecting a significant shift in the housing market. Berlin, the country's largest city, experienced a dramatic 76.9% increase in median asking rents, rising from €8.93 to €15.80 per square meter.

Hamburg and Munich also saw substantial hikes, with rents climbing 54.2% to €16.18 and 51.6% to €23.26 per square meter, respectively. Northern cities like Rostock and Lübeck recorded some of the steepest percentage increases, with Rostock experiencing an 83% rise and Lübeck a 71.3% jump.

This rapid rent growth has prompted calls for stronger government intervention. Stefan Körzell, deputy chairman of the German Trade Union Confederation, urged policymakers to invest more in social and public housing and to implement stricter regulations against rent hikes.

He criticized the current government for potentially favoring cuts to housing benefits, warning that such policies favor the wealthy while neglecting vulnerable populations. The issue becomes even more urgent ahead of upcoming nationwide rent-freeze action days, highlighting the need for sustainable housing solutions across Germany.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently addressed key financial topics involving former President Donald Trump, including his cryptocurrency earnings, the status of his Trump Accounts, and broader issues impacting the U.S. economy.

The comments highlight ongoing debates over Trump’s financial activities and economic recovery efforts amid current struggles.

In an exclusive CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed President Trump's recent disclosure of earning approximately $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures, including his meme coin $TRUMP and holdings via World Liberty Financial. Bessent defended the earnings, stating there is no appearance problem and emphasizing the administration's focus on technological innovation.

The White House also highlighted that there are no conflicts of interest related to these crypto gains. Bessent further shared optimistic forecasts for the U.S. economy amid ongoing challenges stemming from the Iran war, which has affected oil prices and contributed to inflation.

He noted that gas prices are expected to decline further, potentially reaching $3 per gallon by Labor Day. Additionally, Bessent discussed recent economic indicators, including job creation and wage growth, suggesting improvements are imminent.

He also highlighted the launch of Trump Accounts, a federal program helping children and families invest in the stock market, with over 6 million accounts already opened and significant philanthropic contributions expected to bolster participation among lower-income families.

In an exclusive CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset addressed President Trump's substantial cryptocurrency earnings, revealing estimates of around $1.4 billion from ventures including meme coin $TRUMP and his family's involvement with World Liberty Financial. Besset dismissed concerns about conflicts of interest, characterizing these innovations as part of an 'innovation presidency' aimed at digital progress.

Besset also shared optimistic views on the U.S. economy amid ongoing global tensions. He highlighted efforts to control inflation, noting gas prices have decreased from over $4.50 to around $3.83 per gallon, with expectations of dropping further by Labor Day.

Despite a sluggish June job report, Besset anticipates real wage gains soon and believes the stock market's performance reflects a positive future trajectory. Additionally, he discussed new Trump Accounts—federal savings tools for children—set to launch on July 4, aiming to promote financial literacy and long-term wealth building among American youth.

Besset emphasized that economic policies and innovation are positioned to help Americans navigate recent uncertainties, including effects from the Iran war and inflation, fostering a resilient economic outlook and encouraging investment from philanthropists and institutions to expand access to financial growth opportunities for families across the country.

In an exclusive CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed President Trump's recent disclosure of earning approximately $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures, including meme coins and investments in World Liberty Financial. While congressional Democrats criticized these crypto gains as potential conflicts of interest, Bessent dismissed concerns, describing Trump's approach as part of an 'innovation presidency' focused on technological advancements.

Bessent also highlighted progress on the Trump Accounts program, a federal initiative allowing children under 18 to invest in the stock market, with over 6 million accounts opened so far. The government will contribute $1,000 to eligible children's accounts starting July 4, aiming to boost financial literacy and long-term savings.

Meanwhile, Bessent expressed optimism about the U.S. economy, noting declining gasoline prices and hope for wage increases, even as recent employment data showed modest job growth amid inflation concerns.

He emphasized the stock market's predictive power and the nation's resilience despite geopolitical tensions and recent inflation spikes.

In an exclusive CBS interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset stated that President Trump's reported $1.4 billion earnings from cryptocurrency ventures, including meme coins and a crypto-backed financial firm, do not pose an appearance problem, dismissing concerns from critics. Besset emphasized that these activities reflect an innovative approach to technology and finance, aligning with broader digital and AI advancements benefiting Americans.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy amid geopolitical tensions, including the Iran war and rising inflation driven by oil disruptions. Besset expressed optimism about easing gas prices and wage growth, suggesting that recent market performance indicates a positive economic outlook.

Additionally, he discussed new initiatives like Trump Accounts, a federal program encouraging children's investment in stocks, supported by significant philanthropic contributions, aiming to improve financial literacy and promote long-term wealth-building.

In an exclusive CBS interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset expressed confidence that President Trump's recent disclosure of earning approximately $1.4 billion through cryptocurrency ventures, including meme coins and his own crypto firm, does not pose an appearance of conflict of interest. Despite criticism from congressional Democrats, Besset labeled the situation as part of an 'innovation presidency,' emphasizing the benefits of digital technology and the evolving financial landscape.

Besset also addressed broader economic issues, signaling optimism about inflation control and economic recovery amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. He highlighted recent declines in fuel prices and a steady jobs market, projecting that Americans will see wage gains soon and that the stock market’s optimism could indicate positive upcoming economic trends.

Additionally, Besset discussed the launch of Trump Accounts—a new federal savings initiative aimed at boosting financial literacy and investment among children—hoping these programs will broaden economic participation and understanding across diverse American households.

In an exclusive CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset stated that President Trump's recent disclosure of earning approximately $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures does not pose an appearance problem, dismissing critics' concerns about conflicts of interest. The earnings include gains from the meme coin $TRUMP and investments in World Liberty Financial, a crypto firm backed by Trump and his family.

Besset highlighted that the administration considers itself progressive in digital innovation, emphasizing benefits from advancements in technology and finance. Besset also discussed economic outlooks amid geopolitical tensions, noting that relief is underway for American families impacted by rising fuel and inflation costs due to the Iran war, which has disrupted oil supplies.

He expressed optimism about gas prices decreasing to around $3 per gallon by Labor Day and mentioned continued efforts to stabilize energy markets. Additionally, Besset outlined the launch of Trump Accounts, a federal program promoting financial literacy and investment among children, with over 6 million accounts opened so far, supported by philanthropy and federal contributions aimed at fostering long-term capital growth and economic participation.

In an exclusive CBS interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset defended President Trump's recent disclosure of earning approximately $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures, including meme coin $TRUMP and World Liberty Financial. Besset stated he doesn't see these earnings as creating an appearance of conflict, emphasizing that the administration’s focus on digital innovation benefits the broader economy.

The interview also covered economic issues related to the Iran conflict, with Besset expressing optimism about easing gas prices and inflation, and highlighting ongoing efforts to support American families through initiatives like the Trump Accounts, which aim to promote financial literacy and long-term savings among children. He noted that over 6 million accounts have been opened, with substantial contributions from philanthropists, and expects these efforts will help Americans better participate in the growth of the U.S.

economy. Besset’s remarks highlight a broader strategy framing digital assets and innovation as drivers of economic progress, while encouraging financial literacy and inclusivity to strengthen future economic resilience amid geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset addressed President Trump's significant crypto earnings, stating he doesn't see an appearance problem with the $1.4 billion Trump has earned from ventures like meme coin $TRUMP and his involvement with World Liberty Financial. Despite criticism from Democrats over potential conflicts of interest, Besset emphasized the administration's focus on innovation and technological progress, suggesting that such financial activities align with the broader goals of a technology-driven presidency.

Besset also discussed the ongoing economic challenges stemming from the Iran war, noting that inflation has surged due to disruptions like the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He remains optimistic about easing inflationary pressures and predicts gas prices may fall to around $3 per gallon by Labor Day.

Additionally, Besset highlighted initiatives to promote financial literacy among Americans, including the rollout of Trump Accounts, which aim to encourage youth investment in the stock market, with over 6 million accounts already opened. He pointed to strong market expectations as indicative of economic resilience and stressed confidence in a swift recovery from current global tensions.

In an exclusive CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset addressed President Trump's recent disclosure of billions earned through cryptocurrency ventures, including meme coins and investments in World Liberty Financial. Besset stated he does not see an appearance problem or conflict of interest, emphasizing the administration's embrace of technological innovation and digital assets.

White House officials echoed this view, asserting there are no conflicts of interest regarding Trump's crypto earnings. Besset also discussed the ongoing economic challenges, highlighting recent drops in oil prices and efforts to stabilize gasoline costs ahead of Labor Day.

He expressed optimism about inflation easing and wage gains catching up with price increases, supported by encouraging stock market trends. Additionally, he outlined the new Trump Accounts program aimed at boosting financial literacy among children, with significant philanthropic support expected to expand participation and long-term savings.

In an exclusive CBS News interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset addressed President Trump's recent multi-billion-dollar crypto earnings, asserting there is no appearance of conflict of interest. Besset highlighted the administration's focus on technological innovation and financial literacy, emphasizing that Trump's crypto gains, including $1.4 billion from ventures like meme coin $TRUMP, do not pose a problem for his presidency, despite criticism from Democrats.

Besset also discussed current U.S. economic challenges, including inflation driven by Iran-related tensions impacting oil prices and gas costs. He expressed optimism about future wage gains and a potential decline in fuel prices, projecting gas may drop to $3 per gallon by Labor Day.

Additionally, Besset promoted the Trump Accounts program, a federal initiative to boost financial literacy among children, with over 6 million accounts opened and government contributions starting July 4. The program aims to include low-income families and build long-term wealth and understanding of investment fundamentals.

Throughout the interview, Besset underscored the importance of innovation, market confidence, and economic resilience as key drivers for America's future growth amid global conflicts and economic uncertainties.

In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset addressed the recent public disclosure of President Trump's crypto earnings, asserting there is no appearance of conflict or problem. He highlighted Trump's involvement in the digital economy, including earnings from his meme coin $TRUMP and a cryptocurrency firm backed by his family, totaling approximately $1.4 billion since his second term began.

Besset emphasized that these developments are part of an innovative presidency focused on digital access and technological progress.

In an exclusive interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Besset expressed confidence that President Trump's recent disclosure of earning approximately $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency ventures doesn't pose a conflict of interest. Besset highlighted that the president's crypto activities, including investments in meme coins and a cryptocurrency firm backed by his family, are part of an innovative digital economy benefiting Americans.

Besset also provided insights on the U.S. economy amid global tensions, noting that inflation—rising partly due to Iran-related disruptions in oil supply—is expected to ease, with gas prices projected to fall below $3 per gallon by Labor Day.

He emphasized that stock market trends suggest economic resilience and predicted that wage growth might soon surpass inflation. Additionally, the official discussed the launch of Trump Accounts, a new federal program encouraging savings and investment among children.

Over six million accounts have already been opened, with initial government contributions of $1,000 for eligible children and support from philanthropists like Michael Dell. Besset underscored the importance of financial literacy and long-term investment education for American families.