ECB cuts rates for third time this year as Europe braces for Trump tariffs

The cost of borrowing has fallen across the 20-member euro area for the third time this year after the European Central Bank cut its main interest rate to 2.25% in response to slowing growth and Donald Trump’s tariffs.The Frankfurt-based bank cut its benchmark deposit rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Thursday, in line with economist expectations, to tackle a slowdown in the bloc and the impact from the border taxes imposed earlier this month on all EU imports into the US.The ECB president, Christine Lagarde, said US tariffs on EU goods, which had increased from an average of 3% to 13%, were already harming the outlook for the European economy.“The major escalation in global trade tensions and the associated uncertainty will likely lower euro area growth by dampening exports,” she said, adding that they may “drag down investment and consumption”

Global economic growth will slow amid Trump tariffs, IMF warns – as it happened

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that it expects much slower global growth – but not a recession – because of trade tensions amid Donald Trump’s tariff war.Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF’s managing director, said that the latest world economic outlook forecasts will include “notable markdowns, but not recession”, in a speech in Washington before its annual meeting starting on Monday.The forecasts will be closely scrutinised for judgments of Trump’s economic policy, after a fortnight of financial market chaos since his “liberation day” tariffs. Stock markets plunged after Trump raised tariffs on all goods imports, only to recover somewhat when he imposed a 90-day “pause” when turbulence spread to the bond market.The deep uncertainty over Trump’s plans have made it difficult for economists

Opt out: how to protect your data and privacy if you own a Tesla

Data via trackers and sensors can paint an intricate picture of your life – here’s what to know about privacy in your carWelcome to Opt Out, a semi-regular column in which we help you navigate your online privacy and show you how to say no to surveillance. The last column covered how to protect your phone and data privacy at the US border. If you’d like to skip to a section about a particular tip, click the “Jump to” menu at the top of this article.At the press of a button, your Tesla pulls itself out of parking spot with no one behind the wheel using a feature called Summon. It drives itself on highways using Autopilot

Apple iPad Air M3 review: the premium tablet to beat

Apple’s iPad Air continues to be the premium tablet to beat, with the latest version featuring a chip upgrade to keep it ahead of the pack.The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.The new iPad Air M3 costs from £599 (€699/$599/A$999) – the same as its predecessor – and comes in two sizes with either an 11in or 13in screen

Aaron Rodgers keeping options open: ‘Dealing with a lot off the field’

Aaron Rodgers isn’t in a hurry: not to retire, not to return and not to sign with another team.The 41-year-old quarterback, released by the New York Jets last month, said Thursday he’s not ready to make a commitment for the upcoming NFL season. Appearing on the Pat McAfee Show, the four-time MVP stressed that his current focus is on matters off the field, including a serious relationship and close friends facing personal challenges.“I’m in a different phase of my life,” Rodgers said. “To make a commitment to a team is a big thing

Max Verstappen insists he is happy at Red Bull despite concern over car

Max Verstappen played down concerns that he may leave Red Bull after the world champion was left frustrated and disappointed at the last round in Bahrain but reiterated that he was unhappy with the car and that as things stand it will be hard to defend his title this season.Verstappen finished sixth in ­Bahrain, unable to make any impression against the frontrunners McLaren, Mercedes and ­Ferrari. The car struggles with balance problems and is proving a handful to drive, with the team identifying a disconnect between their data from the wind tunnel and its real-world performance.After the race, Red Bull’s motorsport adviser Helmut Marko called the performance “very alarming” and warned that “the concern is great” Verstappen, who has a performance-related escape clause in his ­contract, could leave. Senior ­personnel, including Marko and the team ­principal, Christian Horner, held crisis talks after the race to consider how to address the car’s problems