1. US President Donald Trump received the royal treatment on his trip to the United Kingdom on Wednesday. He is the only American president to be hosted for two state visits in modern history. Trump and First Lady Melania were welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The king hosted a lavish state banquet for Trump at the ancient castle outside London.
2. Policymakers at the US Federal Reserve have cut their benchmark interest rate for the first time this year. They approved a cut of 0.25 percentage points on Wednesday following their two-day policy meeting. The Fed’s target rate range is now between 4 and 4.25 percent. It is the first time policymakers have lowered rates in President Donald Trump’s current term, and the decision comes after steady pressure from Trump for a cut.
3. Higher stock prices are driving up financial assets held by individuals in Japan. The Bank of Japan says the total value hit an all-time high at the end of June.