Leaders of the European Union and Japan have launched an alliance aimed at boosting economic cooperation, defending free trade and countering unfair trade practices as the two sides face growing challenges from the United States and China.

While the announcement was cause for optimism ahead of Aug. 1, analysts remained concerned about the steep tariffs still looming for key trading partners such as Brazil and the EU.

(Reuters) -Businesses making everything from chips to steel reported downbeat results on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war inflicting damage even as Japan's deal lifted stocks and hopes that Europe can clinch a similar agreement.

Plus, legal advocates and family members of detainees call for the closing of Florida's Alligator Alcatraz immigrant detention center, alleging inhumane conditions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has again denied reports that he plans to resign after his party's historic election defeat