Trump Calls Iran Talks Offer a 'Last Chance' | The Pulse 8/4/2026

President Donald Trump said his latest offer of talks is a “last chance” for Iran after he called off what he said was a major attack on the Islamic Republic. Iran denied it was negotiating with the US, but said talks with Oman to get more ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz are making progress.

HSBC announced a fresh stock buyback and raised its cost-cutting target as it reported second-quarter earnings that beat estimates despite China’s crackdown on cross-border wealth flows.

SpaceX is set to report its first-ever quarterly results today following the company’s blockbuster initial public offering this summer that raised roughly $86 billion.

Today's guests: Wei Li, BlackRock Global Chief Investment Strategist; Greg Sharenow, PIMCO Commodities Portfolio Manager


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"The Pulse With Francine Lacqua" is all about conversations with high profile guests in the beating heart of global business, economics, finance and politics. Based in London, we go wherever the story is, bringing you exclusive interviews and market-moving scoops.

Chapters:
00:00:00 - The Pulse with Francine Lacqua
00:00:28 - HSBC announces $1 billion buyback after profit beats
00:01:17 - HSBC raised cost-cutting target
00:02:36 - Wei Li, BlackRock Global Chief Investment Strategist
00:16:28 - Bessent's Yen rescue to boost US pressure on Japan trade, rates
00:19:56 - Spain says "vast majority" of Ceuta migrants have returned
00:21:41 - Rhine falls to lowest to lowest since 1880
00:23:37 - Tuesday headlines
00:24:01 - HSBC announces $1 billion buyback after profit beats
00:28:41 - Greg Sharenow, PIMCO Commodities Portfolio Manager
00:36:30 - BP profit surges as oil trading, refining boom amid Iran war
00:40:01 - Aramco profit jumps as Iran war boosts prices
00:40:42 - Trump slams Exxon, Chevron for profit amid war
00:41:57 - Amazon Web Services CEO: Broad ecosystem important to innovation
00:45:07 - Tech earnings in focus