1. Hong Kong aims to cut spending by slashing 10,000 civil service jobs in an effort to rein in a rising deficit, and plans a big AI push.

2. Trump floated the idea of replacing a visa program for foreign investors with a so-called "gold card" that could be bought for $5 million as a route to American citizenship.

3. The Kremlin said that preparations were being made for expert-level talks between Russia and the US.

4. China's military held "shooting training" off Taiwan's southwest coast in a move Taipei described as provocative and dangerous.

5. British multinational oil and gas company, BP, said it would increase annual oil and gas investment to $10 billion, returning the focus to fossil fuels.

6. Luxury carmaker Aston Martin announced it will cut about 5% of its global workforce to further reduce costs and drive future investment.