Highlights

The United States plans to sanction Russian oligarchs this week under a law targeting Moscow for meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, in what could be the most aggressive move so far against Russia’s business elite. The action, which could affect people close to President Vladimir Putin, reflects Washington’s desire to hold Russia to account for allegedly interfering in the election - which Moscow denies.

President Donald Trump, unable to get the U.S. Congress or Mexico to fully fund his border wall, will post National Guard troops along the Mexican frontier, officials said, in a move that was likely to escalate tensions with a key U.S. ally.

Exclusive: Janet Yellen visited Wall Street for a paid appearance two months after stepping down as Fed chair, discussing the economy and interest rates at an event hosted by investment bank Jefferies that included a sit-down dinner for forty. Cashing in after years in public service is a well-trodden path for policymakers and regulators, highlighting the demand among investors for any exclusive insights they can offer.

World

Brazil’s Supreme Court early rejected former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s plea to avoid prison while he appeals a corruption conviction, in a vote that likely ends his political career and deepens divisions in the country.

Italy’s center-left Democratic Party plans to remain part of the opposition in the new parliament and not join any coalition government, the party's acting secretary Maurizio Martina said. “The negative election result does not allow us to formulate government solutions that include us,” Martina said after meeting President Sergio Mattarella, who is trying to stitch together a new government after an inconclusive March 4 vote.

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Commentary: Russia launched the largest ballistic missile in history – the Sarmat, dubbed “Satan 2” by Western analysts. It’s the latest sign that Moscow and Beijing are investing in a new generation of weapons, focused on missiles that can cross continents, writes Peter Apps.

US and Macau-based #casino operators jockeying to win #Japan's 1st licenses told @TomWilson1983 at @Reuters they're largely satisfied with deal. But it looks tough to enact laws by June 20 end of Diet session, potentially further delaying 1st openings. https://reut.rs/2ElPBHe

6:19 AM - APR 5, 2018