Democrats Take Congress as Markets Face Uncertainty

That result leaves Trump with less control during his final two years.

Yes. Analysts expect an unpredictable period for the US and other countries.

How did financial markets react first?

Markets fell in Asia early, but later they rose. Investors were studying the election results.

So the first reaction was negative, but it changed later.

That is right. Investors dislike uncertainty and political chaos. Trump's decision to accept the result helped markets.

But his promise to become “Mr Veto” creates another worry.

Yes. He could block more decisions, so the next two years may be difficult. Democrats may also use tougher rules for artificial intelligence and data centres.

That could affect companies and share prices.

It could. The future also depends on the war in the Middle East and the growth of artificial intelligence.

Families are already feeling higher prices, especially for energy.

US inflation reached 3.7%, and diesel prices reached a record high in August. The war and tariffs hurt small businesses and households.

What may happen to prices and oil now?

Oil fell as much as 9% on Wednesday, below 100 dollars a barrel. Investors hope diplomacy may improve the situation, but the outlook is still uncertain.

Thank you, Sophie.

Our second story is about hackers attacking iPhone and Android users.

Jack is LinguaWire's correspondent for technology.

Thanks, Daniel. Researchers say hackers used old weaknesses in phone software.

Which users were at risk?

People became at risk when they visited several websites. The hackers may have been linked to the Kremlin.

So the danger began with a website visit, not a phone call.

Exactly. Hidden JavaScript checked each device and chose software for that phone.

What information did the hackers try to take?

They tried to steal browser cookies. In some cases, they also tried to take Wi-Fi passwords and all the data on a phone.

The attackers copied trusted websites to make the plan less obvious.

Yes. One copied site was america250.org, which celebrates 250 years of American independence.

What other site did they copy?

They also copied the website of Raffles of London OWO, a luxury hotel in London. The hotel is near important British government buildings.

Researchers are not completely certain about the attackers' identity.

That is correct. They said with moderate to high confidence that the group belonged to Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service.

Who did the hackers seem to want to reach?

Some websites had links to Russia's war against Ukraine. Researchers think the attackers may have wanted diplomatic targets.

What should visitors understand from this incident?

A familiar website can still carry hidden harmful code. Researchers found that the phone's software weaknesses had already been fixed.

Thank you, Jack.

Part one: three useful business words.

Inflation means a general rise in prices. In the story, “US inflation reached 3.7%.” Inflation can make everyday shopping more expensive.

Tariff means a tax on goods from another country. In the story, “The war and tariffs hurt small businesses and households.” A tariff can make imported goods cost more.

Household means the people living together in one home. In the story, “The war and tariffs hurt small businesses and households.” Each household plans its spending differently.

Part two: the grammar.

Investors dislike uncertainty and political chaos.

We use the simple present for facts, habits, and things that usually happen. Add the base verb, but add s with he, she, or it.

I dislike, you dislike, he or she dislikes, we dislike, you dislike, they dislike.

“Investors dislike uncertainty and political chaos.”

People often check news before making decisions.

Repeat after me: Investors dislike uncertainty and political chaos.