• Congressional investigations into whether Donald Trump or his associates had improper contact with Russia are heating up, with the probes shifting toward a dramatic, public phase that’s inching closer to the president himself.
Fired FBI Director James Comey may testify in open session as soon as next week in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he will face intense questioning over whether Trump urged him to drop the FBI’s Russia probe.
• U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday withdrawing the country from the Paris climate accord would stave off an economic crisis and protect American jobs - but many American companies seemed to disagree.
Criticism of his decision rolled in from blue-chip companies like Facebook Inc, Apple Inc, Ford Motor Co and Microsoft Corp, while the response from fossil fuel groups with the most to gain from a relaxation of U.S. carbon emissions standards was muted.
• Japan said on Friday the decision by the United States to withdraw from the Paris climate accord was "regrettable" and that climate change required a concerted effort by the whole of the international community.
China's state news agency Xinhua described U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord as a "global setback" and rejected Trump's claim that it would lead to many more jobs in America.
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday categorically ruled out any renegotiation of the Paris climate accord and said U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw would harm American interests and citizens.
British Prime Minister Theresa May told President Donald Trump that she was "disappointed" by his decision to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord, Downing Street said after a call between the leaders on Thursday.
• Oil prices dropped below $50 on Friday amid worries that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to abandon a global climate pact could spark more crude drilling in the United States, stoking a persistent glut in global supply.
Global benchmark Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell to $49.93 a barrel, down 70 cents, or 1.38 percent, by 0630 GMT.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 futures dropped 72 cents, or 1.49 percent, to $47.64 per barrel.
Reference: Reuters
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