Updated Aug 5, 2018

South Sudan signs peace deal with rebel group to end civil war

Zachary Basu

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. Photo: Bullen Chol/AFP/Getty Images

South Sudanese president Salva Kiir has signed a peace deal and power-sharing agreement with rebel leader Riek Machar to bring an end to the country's bloody civil war, reports AFP.

Why it matters: The South Sudanese Civil War has killed thousands and displaced millions since fighting first broke out in 2013. Under the new agreement, the leaders of the two main warring factions will seek to form a unity government with Machar serving as the first of five vice presidents.

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Jonathan Swan

Scoop: Top NSC official reassigned to Energy Department amid "Anonymous" fallout

Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Deputy national security adviser Victoria Coates will be reassigned as a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, the National Security Council said Thursday — and a senior White House official said that the administration "rejects" the rumors that she is "Anonymous."

Why it matters: Coates has battled claims that she is the still-unknown Trump administration official that penned a New York Times op-ed and book critical of President Trump.

Go deeperArrow1 hour ago - Politics & Policy
Dion Rabouin

The Fed may be setting the table for 2020 rate cuts

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The Fed looks to be laying the groundwork to lower U.S. interest rates this year, just as they did in April 2019 before cutting rates in July, September and October.

Why it matters: A Fed rate cut makes taking on debt more attractive for U.S. consumers and businesses, helping to juice the economy, but also puts the central bank in a weaker position to fight off a potential recession.

Go deeperArrow2 hours ago - Economy & Business
Axios

Morgan Stanley to buy E*Trade in a $13 billion deal

Photo: Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Morgan Stanley is planning to buy E*Trade Financial Corp. in a $13 billion all-stock deal, the Wall Street Journal reports, with plans to acquire the company known for helping everyday Americans manage their money.

Why it matters: The deal, which would be the largest by a major American bank since the financial crisis, signals Morgan Stanley‘s desire to bulk up in wealth management.

Go deeperArrow3 hours ago - Economy & Business