Business and Economy



Stocks sink on fears of Ukraine-Russia escalation

AFP - 4m ago

Stock markets fell across the board in Europe and the United States on Tuesday as fears of further escalation of …

French farmers threaten 'chaos' over proposed EU-Mercosur deal

AFP - 57m ago

French farmers stepped up their protests Tuesday against a proposed trade pact between the European Union and four South …

China's Xi urges 'strategic' ties in talks with Germany's Scholz

AFP - 1h ago

Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for Beijing and Berlin to develop ties with a "strategic" and "long-term" perspective …

COP29 negotiators strive for deal after G20 'marching orders'

AFP - 1h ago

Negotiators toiled Tuesday to break a deadlock at UN climate talks after G20 leaders acknowledged the need for trillions …

Walmart lifts full-year forecast after strong Q3

AFP - 1h ago

Walmart reported a jump in third-quarter profits Tuesday behind solid US sales and gains in its e-commerce business as …

British farmers protest in London over inheritance tax change

AFP - 2h ago

British farmers massed in London on Tuesday, calling on the Labour government to scrap plans to change inheritance tax …

Crisis-hit Thyssenkrupp books another hefty annual loss

AFP - 2h ago

German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp on Tuesday reported a massive annual loss for the second year running, as it …

European stocks slide on fears of Russia-Ukraine escalation

AFP - 3h ago

European stock markets slid Tuesday on fears of escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war after President Vladimir Putin …

Farmers descend on London to overturn inheritance tax change

AFP - 2h ago

British farmers massed in London on Tuesday for protests against controversial government plans to change inheritance …

French farmers step up protests against EU-Mercosur deal

AFP - 4h ago

French farmers planned on Tuesday to step up their protests against a proposed trade pact between the European Union and …

Negotiators seek to break COP29 impasse after G20 'marching orders'

AFP - 4h ago

Negotiators sought Tuesday to break a deadlock at UN climate talks after G20 leaders backed the need for "trillions" of …

Markets rally after US bounce as Nvidia comes into focus

AFP - 3h ago

Markets rose Tuesday after a broadly positive day on Wall Street, with focus turning to the upcoming release of tech …

Asian markets rally after US bounce as Nvidia comes into focus

AFP - 1h ago

Asian markets rose Tuesday after a broadly positive day on Wall Street, with focus turning to the upcoming release of …

Urban mosquito sparks malaria surge in East Africa

AFP - 5h ago

The spread of a mosquito in East Africa that thrives in urban areas and is immune to insecticide is fuelling a surge in …

S.Africa offers a lesson on how not to shut down a coal plant

AFP - 13h ago

The cold corridors of South Africa's once-mighty Komati coal-fired power plant have been quiet since its shutdown in …

Spanish resort to ban new holiday flats in 43 neighbourhoods

AFP - 13h ago

Malaga moved Monday to ban new short-term apartment rentals to tourists in 43 neighbourhoods of the southern Spanish …

Japan, UK to hold regular economic security talks

AFP - 9h ago

Japan and Britain have agreed to hold regular high-level talks on economic security, Tokyo said Tuesday after the two …

Divided G20 fails to agree on climate, Ukraine

AFP - 2h ago

G20 leaders failed on Monday to break a deadlock in UN climate talks at a summit in Rio that was dominated by …

G20 wrestles with wars, 'turbulence' in run-up to Trump

AFP - 15m ago

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Monday the world faces "turbulence," as G20 leaders met in Brazil two months before …

US to call for Google to sell Chrome browser: report

AFP - 11h ago

The US will urge a judge to make Google-parent company Alphabet sell its widely used Chrome browser in a major antitrust …

Trump expected to attend next Starship rocket launch: reports

Nov 18 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to attend Tuesday's launch of SpaceX's massive Starship rocket, US media …

China's Xi urges G20 to help 'cool' Ukraine crisis

Nov 18 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged G20 leaders Monday to support efforts to de-escalate the war in Ukraine and reach a …

Stocks, dollar hesitant as traders brace for Nvidia earnings

Nov 18 2024

Global markets were mixed on Monday as traders largely treaded water after a busy period that saw a post-election …

Germany, Finland warn of 'hybrid warfare' after sea cable cut

Nov 18 2024

Germany and Finland launched a probe Monday after an undersea cable linking the countries was severed, warning of the …

Stocks, dollar hesitant as traders eye US rate outlook, Nvidia

Nov 18 2024

Stock markets were mixed from Asia to the United States on Monday as cautious traders reassessed the outlook for …

G20 wrestles with wars, climate in run-up to Trump

Nov 18 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Monday the world faces "a new period of major changes" as G20 leaders met in Brazil …

'Agriculture is dying': French farmers protest EU-Mercosur deal

Nov 18 2024

French farmers launched Monday a new wave of action to protest a proposed trade pact between the European Union and four …

Stocks, dollar hesitant as traders scale back US rate cut bets

Nov 18 2024

European and Asian stock markets moved mostly lower Monday after a pre-weekend retreat on Wall Street as investors …

G20 leaders gather to discuss wars, climate, Trump comeback

Nov 18 2024

G20 leaders began arriving for a summit in Brazil on Monday to try reignite deadlocked climate talks and overcome their …

Stocks, dollar mixed as traders scale back US rate cut bets

Nov 18 2024

European and Asian stock markets traded mixed Monday following a pre-weekend retreat on Wall Street as investors scaled …

Tractor-driving French farmers protest EU-Mercosur deal

Nov 18 2024

French farmers launched Monday a new wave of action to protest the adoption of a trade pact between the European Union …

Markets mixed after Wall St losses as traders weigh US rates outlook

Nov 18 2024

Asian markets were mixed Monday following a sell-off on Wall Street as investors scale back their bets on Federal …

Disgraced Singapore oil tycoon sentenced to nearly 18 years for fraud

Nov 18 2024

The founder of a failed Singapore oil trading company was sentenced Monday to nearly 18 years in jail for cheating …

Markets swing after Wall St losses as traders weigh US rates outlook

Nov 18 2024

Asian markets were mixed Monday following a sell-off on Wall Street as investors scale back their bets on Federal …

G20 leaders to grapple with climate, taxes, Trump comeback

Nov 18 2024

G20 leaders gather in Brazil on Monday to discuss fighting poverty, boosting climate financing and other multilateral …

Woman-owned cafe in Indonesia's Sharia stronghold shakes stigma

Nov 18 2024

In what claims to be the only woman-run cafe in the capital of Indonesia's most conservative province, owner Qurrata …

Disgraced Singapore oil tycoon to be sentenced for fraud

Nov 18 2024

The founder of a failed Singapore oil trading company will be sentenced Monday for cheating banking giant HSBC out of …

China's Xi says to 'enhance' ties with Brazil as arrives for G20: state media

Nov 18 2024

Chinese leader Xi Jinping said he was seeking to "further enhance" ties with Brazil as he arrived Sunday for a state …

'Devil is in the details,' EU chief says of S.America trade deal

Nov 17 2024

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday "the devil is always in the details" as she spoke of a budding South America …

Macron defends French farmers in talks with Argentina's Milei

Nov 17 2024

President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday defended France's resistance to a much-touted trade deal between the European Union …

Debt-saddled Laos struggles to tame rampant inflation

Nov 17 2024

Suffocating under a mountain of debt to China, communist Laos is struggling to tame rampant inflation, with food prices …

Xi tells Biden ready for 'smooth transition' to Trump

Nov 17 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday he was ready to work with Donald Trump's new administration for a "smooth …

Climate finance can be hard sell, says aide to banks and PMs

Nov 17 2024

Trillions of dollars are needed to make poorer nations more resilient to climate change, and studies have estimated that …

Egypt's middle class cuts costs as IMF-backed reforms take hold

Nov 17 2024

Egypt's economy has been in crisis for years, but as the latest round of International Monetary Fund-backed reforms …

Beirut businesses struggle to stay afloat under Israeli raids

Nov 17 2024

Lina al-Khalil has fled her south Beirut home to escape escalating Israeli attacks on Hezbollah, but she still returns …

Trump taps fracking magnate and climate skeptic as energy chief

Nov 17 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated fracking magnate and climate change skeptic Chris Wright as energy secretary …

Trump nominates fracking magnate and climate skeptic as energy secretary

Nov 16 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated fracking magnate and climate change skeptic Chris Wright as energy secretary …

Xi tells Biden will seek 'smooth transition' in US-China ties

Nov 16 2024

China is ready to work with the new US administration to ensure a "smooth transition" in bilateral ties, President Xi …

Biden arrives for final talks with Xi as Trump return looms

Nov 16 2024

US President Joe Biden arrived at a Lima hotel Saturday for his final encounter with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, a …

Xi, Biden to meet as Trump return looms

Nov 16 2024

US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will hold their last meeting Saturday, a day after both …

China's Xi urges APEC unity in face of 'protectionism'

Nov 16 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called for Asia-Pacific economies to "unite and cooperate" in the face of …

Macron to press Milei on climate action, multilateralism in Argentina talks

Nov 16 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron will stress the importance of international action on climate change at talks Saturday …

Farmers target PM Starmer in protest against new UK tax rules

Nov 16 2024

Hundreds of farmers, many in tractors, gathered in Wales on Saturday to protest against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer …

US finalizes up to $6.6 bn funding for chip giant TSMC

Nov 15 2024

The United States will award Taiwanese chip giant TSMC up to $6.6 billion in direct funding to help build several plants …

Global stocks struggle after Fed signals slower rate cuts

Nov 15 2024

Global stock markets ended the week on a sour note Friday as traders mulled Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's …

Fitch upgrades Argentina debt rating amid economic pain

Nov 15 2024

Credit ratings agency Fitch upgraded Argentina's sovereign debt rating to "CCC" from "CC" on Friday, citing improved …

At summit under Trump shadow, Xi and Biden signal turbulence ahead

Nov 15 2024

US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Friday warned of turbulent times ahead, in remarks at an …

Xi warns against 'protectionism' at APEC summit under Trump cloud

Nov 15 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping warned Friday the world was entering an era of harmful "protectionism," in remarks to an …

Xi, Biden at Asia-Pacific summit under Trump trade war cloud

Nov 15 2024

US President Joe Biden joined Asia-Pacific leaders for a summit on economic cooperation Friday in Lima, where he is set …

Boeing strike will hurt Ethiopian Airlines growth: CEO

Nov 15 2024

Africa's biggest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, is feeling the effects of a bitter seven-week strike at plane maker …

End of a love affair: news media quit X over 'disinformation'

Nov 15 2024

News outlets have begun quitting X, formerly Twitter, once a favourite of global media but now accused of enabling the …

US retail sales lose steam in October after hurricanes

Nov 15 2024

Retail sales in the United States slowed in October, according to government data released Friday, with analysts noting …

Pompeii rejects 'mass tourism' with daily visitor limit

Nov 15 2024

The world-famous Pompeii archaeological park introduced on Friday a daily limit of 20,000 visitors, the latest Italian …

Jeff Beck guitar collection to go under the hammer in January

Nov 15 2024

A collection of guitars and other musical equipment owned by influential rock guitarist Jeff Beck will go on sale in …

UK economy slows, hitting government growth plans

Nov 15 2024

Britain's economy grew less than expected in the third quarter, official data showed Friday, dealing a blow to the …

Palestinians turn to local soda in boycott of Israel-linked goods

Nov 15 2024

In a red box factory that stands out among the drab hills of the West Bank, Chat Cola's employees race to quench …

UK growth slows in third quarter, dealing blow to Labour government

Nov 15 2024

Britain's economy grew less than expected in the third quarter, official data showed on Friday, dealing a blow to the …

Markets struggle at end of tough week

Nov 15 2024

Asian markets stuttered Friday as data showing a pick-up in Chinese consumption was offset by concerns about US interest …

Asian markets fluctuate at end of tough week

Nov 15 2024

Asian markets were mixed Friday as data showing a pick-up in Chinese consumption offset concerns about US interest rates …

Stiff business: Berlin startup will freeze your corpse for monthly fee

Nov 15 2024

Becca Ziegler is only 24, but she already has her death planned out: her corpse will be deep-frozen to minus 200 degrees …

'Megaquake' warning hits Japan's growth

Nov 15 2024

Japan's growth slowed in the third quarter after warnings of a major earthquake hit activity, official data showed …

Wars, looming Trump reign set to dominate G20 summit

Nov 15 2024

G20 leaders gather in Brazil on Monday for a G20 summit set to be dominated by differences over wars in the Middle East …

Xi, Biden attend Asia-Pacific summit, prepare to meet

Nov 15 2024

US President Joe Biden and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will attend the first day of an Asia-Pacific leaders' summit …

China retail sales pick up speed, beat forecasts in October

Nov 15 2024

China's retail sales last month grew at their fastest clip since the start of the year, official figures showed Friday, …

Japan growth slows as new PM readies stimulus

Nov 15 2024

Japan's growth slowed in the third quarter, official data showed Friday, as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seeks to …

Xi, Biden in Peru for APEC summit, pre-Trump face-to-face

Nov 15 2024

US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping arrived in Peru Thursday for an Asia-Pacific summit where …

Xi inaugurates South America's first Chinese-funded port in Peru

Nov 15 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday inaugurated Latin America's first Beijing-funded port in Chancay, Peru -- a …

Policymakers defend Fed independence amid concerns about Trump era

Nov 14 2024

Two senior Federal Reserve officials praised the US central bank's independence on Thursday, amid concerns that …

US stocks fall as traders weigh future Fed cuts, Trump moves

Nov 14 2024

US stocks slipped Thursday as investors digested comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, while worries over …

Fed chair calls US the best-performing major economy in the world

Nov 14 2024

The recent performance of the US economy has been "the best of any major economy in the world," Federal Reserve Chair …

China's Xi arrives in Peru for APEC summit, Biden meeting

Nov 14 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Peru Thursday for an Asia-Pacific summit where he will meet US counterpart Joe …

New York to revive driver congestion charge plan, drawing Trump ire

Nov 14 2024

New York said Thursday it will revive a controversial scheme to charge drivers entering parts of the city, a first in …

'Harness the now': British singer Imogen Heap embraces AI

Nov 14 2024

Unlike the bulk of her peers, Grammy-winning British singer Imogen Heap is embracing the use of artificial intelligence …

New York to revive driver congestion charge plan

Nov 14 2024

New York said Thursday it will revive a controversial scheme to charge drivers entering parts of the city, a first in …

Sotheby's to pay $6.25 mln in tax fraud case

Nov 14 2024

The auction house Sotheby's will pay $6.25 million to settle charges that it helped art buyers avoid paying taxes.

US stocks wobble as traders weigh future Fed cuts

Nov 14 2024

US stocks wobbled on Thursday as investors waited for more clues about future interest rate cuts and worries over Donald …

Satirical US outlet The Onion buys conspiracy site Infowars

Nov 14 2024

Satirical news outlet The Onion said Thursday it had acquired Infowars, a conspiracy-laden website whose owner made …

UK government announces ban on new coal mines

Nov 14 2024

The UK announced Thursday that it would introduce legislation to ban new coal mines, as the Labour government ramps up …

Legal migration to OECD reaches new record in 2023

Nov 14 2024

Migration to richer countries reached a record level for the second year running in 2023, the OECD said on Thursday, …

Central bank independence 'fundamental' for good policy: Fed official

Nov 14 2024

An independent central bank is "fundamental" to good economic outcomes, a senior Federal Reserve official said Thursday, …

EU fines Meta $840 million for 'abusive' Facebook ad practices

Nov 14 2024

The EU fined online giant Meta almost 800 million euros on Thursday for breaching antitrust rules by giving users of its …

Stock markets rise as traders weigh future Fed cuts

Nov 14 2024

US and European stocks rose on Thursday as investors waited for more clues about future interest rate cuts, while …

Coach owner Tapestry calls off Capri bid on regulatory blocks

Nov 14 2024

Fashion group Tapestry said Thursday that it was dropping its $8.5 billion bid for Capri, the owner of luxury brands …

Stock markets diverge as traders weigh future Fed cuts

Nov 14 2024

Stock markets diverged on Thursday as investors digested US inflation data that supported the case for another interest …

Burberry launches turnaround plan as posts loss

Nov 14 2024

Troubled British fashion house Burberry on Thursday announced cost-cutting plans after posting a loss, with the global …

Most markets drop as traders weigh Fed; bitcoin eases

Nov 14 2024

Markets mostly fell Thursday as investors digested US inflation data that supported the case for another interest rate …

Most Asian markets drop as traders weigh Fed; bitcoin eases

Nov 14 2024

Asian markets mostly fell Thursday as investors digested US inflation data that supported the case for another interest …

Greece's ambitious 'smart city' by the sea takes shape

Nov 14 2024

High above the sparkling surface of the Athens coastline, the cranes for building the 50-floor luxury tower centrepiece …

Corruption overshadows Ukraine's multi-billion reconstruction progam

Nov 14 2024

When Bart Gruyaert agreed to help rebuild destroyed apartment blocks outside Kyiv, he hoped to be one cog in Ukraine's …

Dating apps move to friend zone in search of profits

Nov 14 2024

Burnt-out love-seekers are shunning dating apps in their millions, but the apps are trying to woo them back with a …

As Trump returns, African exporters torn between hope and horror

Nov 14 2024

Citrus growers in South Africa are among the businesses most nervous that duty-and-quota-free exports to the United …

Asian markets mixed as traders weigh Fed; bitcoin above $90,000

Nov 14 2024

Asian markets diverged Thursday as investors digested US inflation data that supported the case for another interest …