Business and Economy



Airport workers miss pay as US government shutdown hits one month

AFP - 30m ago

US airport security officers missed their first full paycheck Friday as a partial funding shutdown of the government …

Senegal to take back assets of phosphate giant ICS

AFP - 1h ago

Senegal's government said on Friday it would take back all the assets of ICS -- one of Africa's biggest phosphate …

Global shipping industry caught in storm of war

AFP - 1h ago

For anyone in the import business, the economic risks from the war in the Middle East arrive by sea -- and that goes for …

Iran defiant, US vows even heavier bombing

AFP - 20m ago

Iranian officials led a pro-government rally as explosions rocked Tehran on Friday, while the US vowed to intensify its …

Why is the dollar profiting from Middle East war?

AFP - 1h ago

The surge in energy prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East has significantly strengthened the dollar, …

US economic growth sharply lower than estimated in fourth quarter

AFP - 2h ago

The US economy grew at a significantly slower pace than initially estimated for the final months of 2025, government …

Mideast war plunges Germany's energy-hungry industry into crisis

AFP - 2h ago

Germany's energy-hungry industries are sounding the alarm about the devastating impacts of the Middle East war as …

Dubai's low-paid workers on edge as Mideast war hits tourism

AFP - 2h ago

For thousands of workers in Dubai's tourism sector, the Middle East war has brought business to a standstill -- leaving …

Oil dips under $100, stocks back in green tracking Mideast war

AFP - 16m ago

Oil dipped under $100 Friday, but remained far above pre-Mideast war levels with no end in sight to the disruption in …

US Fed's preferred inflation gauge edges down

AFP - 3h ago

The US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge came in slightly lower than expected in January, registering 2.8 …

Middle East war: global economic fallout

AFP - 2h ago

Here are the latest economic events in the Middle East war on Friday:

Deadly blast rocks Iran as leaders rally in show of defiance

AFP - 2h ago

Deadly explosions rocked Tehran close to a pro-government rally attended by top officials Friday, as Israel and Iran …

Oil dips under $100, stocks fall tracking Mideast war developments

AFP - 2h ago

Oil dipped under $100 Friday, but remained far above pre-Mideast war levels with no end in sight to disrupted crude …

Deadly blast rocks Iran as leaders attend rally in show of defiance

AFP - 1h ago

Deadly explosions rocked Tehran close to a pro-government rally attended by top officials on Friday, as Israel and Iran …

Moscow pushes US to ease more oil sanctions

AFP - 0m ago

Moscow on Friday urged the United States to lift more sanctions on its oil exports to stabilise the global energy …

Oil holds above $100, stocks fall as Khamenei targets Hormuz

AFP - 2h ago

Oil prices held gains above $100 Friday and most equity markets dropped after Iran's leader called for the blocking of …

South Sudan models dominate global catwalks but visas a problem

AFP - 10h ago

Heels click on cracked paving stones as fantastically long-limbed men and women practice moves they hope will whisk them …

China says vice premier to leave Saturday for US economic talks in France

AFP - 10h ago

China's top economic official will leave on Saturday for talks with his US counterpart in France, Beijing said, less …

South Africa's livestock farmers reel from foot-and-mouth disaster

AFP - 10h ago

Pointing at a calf lying motionless in a green field in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, farmer Igsahn Felix let …

Moscow piles pressure on US over oil sanctions

AFP - 5h ago

Moscow said on Friday that the global energy market "cannot remain stable" without its oil, piling pressure on …

Singapore turns tide in evolving fight against scams

AFP - 11h ago

Building his cryptocurrency holdings over eight years and helping out defrauded traders, Singaporean investor Mark Koh …

Takaichi to be 'candid' with Trump as war hurts Japan

AFP - 10h ago

Japan is hurting from the Iran war ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Washington next week. She has …

Oil holds above $100 and stocks fall as Khamenei targets Hormuz

AFP - 4h ago

Oil prices held around $100 Friday and most equity markets dropped after Iran's leader called for the blocking of the …

With new ships, Canada aims to be 'icebreaking superpower'

AFP - 12h ago

At a massive shipyard in North Vancouver, Canadian workers grind metal beams for a powerful new icebreaker crucial to …

AI offers hope for young filmmakers dreaming of an Oscar

AFP - 12h ago

Studying at the film school where Oscar-nominated "Sinners" director Ryan Coogler honed his craft, SiJia Zheng dreams of …

US jury to begin deliberations in social media addiction trial

Mar 12 2026

Jury deliberations are set to begin Friday in a landmark social media addiction trial accusing Meta and YouTube of …

Italian prosecutors seek trial for Amazon over tax evasion

Mar 12 2026

Milan prosecutors have requested a criminal trial for Amazon and four of its executives over alleged tax fraud worth …

Oil surges, stocks retreat on fears of prolonged Iran war

Mar 12 2026

Oil prices jumped Thursday with Brent crude settling above $100 a barrel for the first time since August 2022, as Iran …

Dating app Tinder dabbles with AI matchmaking

Mar 12 2026

Tinder said Thursday that it is testing a "Chemistry" option that uses artificial intelligence to help with matchmaking …

Top US, China economy officials to meet for talks in Paris

Mar 12 2026

Top economic officials from the United States and China are set to convene in Paris, the Treasury Department said …

The Chinese cable that could trip up Chile's new leader

Mar 12 2026

Chile's new president Jose Antonio Kast faces a tough choice in his first weeks in office.

Oil tops $100 as Iran vows to keep Hormuz closed

Mar 12 2026

Oil prices soared above $100 and stock markets extended losses as Iran's new supreme leader ordered the Strait of Hormuz …

New Iranian leader vows revenge, keeps oil shipping route shut

Mar 12 2026

Iran's new supreme leader ordered his forces to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane shut on Thursday, as …

US military 'not ready' to escort tankers through Hormuz Strait: energy secretary

Mar 12 2026

The US military is currently "not ready" to escort tankers through the critical Strait of Hormuz because all its assets …

New Iranian supreme leader calls for defiance, keeps key waterway shut

Mar 12 2026

Iran's new supreme leader ordered the vital Strait of Hormuz oil shipping lane to remain closed on Thursday, while US …

Lufthansa flights axed as pilots walk out

Mar 12 2026

Lufthansa said about half its flights were cancelled Thursday as pilots from the German airline kicked off a two-day …

Oil tops $100 as fresh Iran attacks offset stockpiles release

Mar 12 2026

Oil prices soared Thursday, briefly trading above $100, and stock markets extended losses as fresh attacks against Gulf …

BMW profit holds up despite Trump tariffs, China woes

Mar 12 2026

German carmaker BMW reported solid profit Thursday despite US tariffs and tough competition in China -- delivering a far …

WWII leader Churchill to be removed from UK banknotes

Mar 12 2026

World War II leader Winston Churchill is to be dropped from the UK £5 banknote in favour of a nature scene, sparking …

EU vows to 'respond firmly' to any trade pact breach by US

Mar 12 2026

The EU executive on Thursday vowed to "respond firmly" to any violation of a key tariff deal by the United States after …

Mideast war to brake German recovery: institute

Mar 12 2026

The surge in energy prices triggered by the Middle East war will slow the struggling German economy's recovery, an …

BMW sees tariffs easing and China stabilising in 2026

Mar 12 2026

German carmaker BMW said Thursday it expected tariff wars to ease in 2026 saw a tentative turnaround in China after …

War in the Middle East: latest developments

Mar 12 2026

Here are the latest events in the Middle East war:

War creating 'largest' oil shock in history as Iran hits new Gulf targets

Mar 12 2026

The Middle East war is creating the biggest oil supply shock in history, the International Energy Agency warned …

Mideast oil shock 'largest' in history as Iran hits new Gulf targets

Mar 12 2026

The Middle East war has caused the biggest oil supply shock in history, the International Energy Agency warned Thursday, …

China's leaders project stability despite Middle East war

Mar 12 2026

China's leaders wrapped up nine days of annual legislative meetings in Beijing on Thursday, projecting an image of …

Businessman or politician? Billionaire Czech PM under fire again

Mar 12 2026

Since entering politics in 2011, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has been grappling with a conflict of interest as a …

Mideast war lands India restaurants in soup

Mar 12 2026

Indian restaurant MadCo took the tough call this week to remove some menu favourites, including bone marrow -- a beef …

Cathay Pacific roughly doubles fuel surcharge on most routes

Mar 12 2026

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific announced new fuel surcharges for most routes Thursday that are roughly double …

Oil tops $100 as Iran attacks offset IEA stockpile release

Mar 12 2026

Oil soared above $100 and stocks sank Thursday as Iran's fresh attempts to hit supplies in the Middle East and threats …

Electric vehicle rethink to cost Honda almost $16 billion

Mar 12 2026

Japan's Honda said Thursday it expected to book nearly $16 billion in expenses and losses related to a major …

From Kyiv to UK, Ukrainian drone production spans Europe

Mar 12 2026

In an inconspicuous building near the UK's Mildenhall air base, drone manufacturer Ukrspecsystems is opening a new …

Three crew 'believed trapped' aboard Thai ship attacked in Gulf: firm

Mar 12 2026

Three crew members believed to be trapped aboard a Thai bulk carrier hit by projectiles while travelling through the …

Fear, boredom for Philippine sailors stuck in Hormuz strait

Mar 12 2026

Filipino sailor George Miranda was racing to help a stricken vessel aboard the tugboat Mussafah 2 when he last spoke to …

Australia to change fuel quality standards to boost supply

Mar 12 2026

Australia will adjust fuel quality standards to allow higher sulfur levels for around two months in a move that will …

Uber plans Tokyo robotaxi trial with Nissan and Britain's Wayve

Mar 12 2026

Uber announced Thursday its first robotaxi partnership in Japan, teaming up with Nissan and British artificial …

War forces lengthy detours for Iranian truck drivers to Iraq

Mar 12 2026

Rubbing his hands together to warm them, Iranian truck driver Reza curses the more than 300-kilometre detour he was …

Oil prices surge as supply fears offset IEA's record stockpile release

Mar 12 2026

Oil prices soared Thursday and stocks sank as Iran struck two tankers in Iraq and threatened to bring down the global …

With Middle East in flames, Texan bunker maker sees business boom

Mar 12 2026

Since the war in the Middle East began nearly two weeks ago, the phone at Ron Hubbard's bomb shelter company in Texas …

Iran threatens prolonged war as Trump says it is near defeat

Mar 12 2026

Iran warned it could wage a prolonged war with the United States and Israel that would "destroy" the world economy, even …

War disrupts fertiliser supplies, puts food security at risk

Mar 12 2026

With production in the Gulf countries at a standstill and gas prices rising, the war in the Middle East is disrupting …

US takes first steps towards new global trade penalties

Mar 11 2026

The United States announced new investigations Wednesday into what it considers unfair trade practices by dozens of …

Iran says war could destroy global economy, Trump vows to 'finish' job

Mar 11 2026

Iran warned it could wage a prolonged war with the United States and Israel that would "destroy" the world economy, even …

Iran warns of long war that would 'destroy' world economy

Mar 11 2026

Iran warned Wednesday it could wage a long war with the US and Israel that would "destroy" the world economy, as it …

US, India still at odds with majority on WTO reform

Mar 11 2026

The United States and India still have reservations about a plan to overhaul the World Trade Organization, even though …

Mexico considering social media restriction for minors: minister to AFP

Mar 11 2026

Mexico is considering implementing an Australia-style social media restriction for minors, Public Education Secretary …

Strategic oil reserves, a crisis cushion

Mar 11 2026

The 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) decided on Wednesday to unlock 400 million barrels of …

German defence giant Rheinmetall sees business boost from Mideast war

Mar 11 2026

German arms maker Rheinmetall said Wednesday the Middle East war offered new business opportunities, especially for its …

Oil prices jump despite strategic reserve release

Mar 11 2026

A record release of oil from strategic reserves by IEA nations failed to ease concerns about the impact from the Middle …

German central bank abandons controversial overhaul

Mar 11 2026

Germany's central bank said Wednesday it was abandoning a project to renovate its historic Frankfurt headquarters after …

US consumer inflation unchanged but price shocks from Iran war loom

Mar 11 2026

Consumer inflation in the United States remained stable at 2.4 percent in February, official data showed Wednesday, with …

IEA to launch largest-ever release of oil reserves

Mar 11 2026

The International Energy Agency said on Wednesday its member countries would unlock 400 million barrels of oil from …

Iran warns ready for long war that would 'destroy' world economy

Mar 11 2026

Iran said Wednesday it was ready for a long war of attrition that would "destroy" the world economy, after firing on two …

British fintech Revolut gets full UK banking licence

Mar 11 2026

British fintech company Revolut on Wednesday said it had obtained a full UK banking licence from regulators, lifting …

IEA says members to release 400 mn barrels from oil reserves

Mar 11 2026

The International Energy Agency said Wednesday its member countries would unlock 400 million barrels of oil from their …

Oil jumps, stocks drop as Mideast war prolongs market volatility

Mar 11 2026

Oil prices rallied and equities largely dropped Wednesday as traders assessed the latest impact for global markets from …

Iran hits ships in Gulf chokepoint as G7 dips into oil reserves

Mar 11 2026

Iran fired on two commercial ships in the Gulf on Wednesday, setting at least one vessel on fire, as it pressed its …

US consumer inflation unchanged at 2.4% year-on-year in February

Mar 11 2026

Consumer inflation in the United States remained stable at 2.4 percent in February, in line with market expectations, …

Trade ships hit as Iran threatens Gulf oil chokepoint

Mar 11 2026

New attacks hit three commercial ships in the Gulf on Wednesday, setting at least one vessel on fire, as Iran pressed …

Germany, Japan to unblock oil reserves as G7 stands 'ready' to act

Mar 11 2026

Japan and Germany said Wednesday they would tap into their oil reserves to tackle the rise in crude prices due to the …

Airlines grapple with impact of Mideast war

Mar 11 2026

Global airlines are grappling with the effects of the war in the Middle East, as fuel prices soar and customers reassess …

G7 inches closer to tapping oil reserves to tackle price rise

Mar 11 2026

The Group of Seven advanced economies inched closer Wednesday to tapping strategic oil reserves to tackle the rise in …

Thai navy says cargo ship attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Mar 11 2026

A Thai bulk carrier travelling in the crucial Strait of Hormuz was attacked Wednesday, with 20 crew members rescued so …

Cathay says surcharge to rise as fuel prices jump during Mideast war

Mar 11 2026

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday that fuel surcharges would rise after prices soared in March …

Airlines in Asia hike fares as Mideast war raises fuel costs

Mar 11 2026

Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including Qantas, Air India and Cathay Pacific, have hiked fares -- or will soon -- …

European football clubs score with stadium rebuilds

Mar 11 2026

On a former derelict dock in the British port city of Liverpool, fans of Everton throng eateries and bars at the …

Asia stocks rise but oil resumes gains amid IEA supply report

Mar 11 2026

Asian equities rose Wednesday while oil resumed its gains as traders weighed growing supply concerns against a report …

Cargo vessels hit as Iran threatens to close Gulf oil chokepoint

Mar 11 2026

Three commercial ships took fire in the Gulf on Wednesday as Iran launched strikes against its oil-exporting neighbours, …

G7 energy ministers 'ready' to take 'necessary measures' on oil reserves

Mar 11 2026

Energy ministers of the G7 said on Wednesday they stood ready to take "all necessary measures" in coordination with the …

German defence giant Rheinmetall sees faster growth as Europe rearms

Mar 11 2026

German defence giant Rheinmetall Wednesday forecast even faster growth this year after record earnings in 2025, with …

Fears of fuel shortage in Pakistan as tankers wait to fill up

Mar 11 2026

Tanker drivers in Pakistan said they were facing long waits at depots due to a shortage of fuel, as the government …

Stocks rise again, oil stabilises as report says IEA considers release

Mar 11 2026

Asian equities extended gains Wednesday while oil stabilised after a report said the International Energy Agency was …

Cathay Pacific expects to carry more passengers in 2026

Mar 11 2026

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday it expected to boost its capacity to carry passengers by around 10 …

New wave of Iran attacks as oil reserve release weighed

Mar 11 2026

Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as …

Kharg Island: Iran's vital oil hub in the crosshairs?

Mar 11 2026

Kharg Island, a scrubby stretch of land in the northern Gulf, handles almost all of Iran's crude exports and any attempt …

'Stealth hit' Pokemon game sends Nintendo shares soaring

Mar 11 2026

Fan buzz around life-simulation game "Pokemon Pokopia" sent Nintendo shares soaring on Wednesday, with some hailing the …

Bangladesh sari weaving tradition hangs by a thread

Mar 11 2026

Bangladesh's Tangail sari is fighting for survival as weavers warn that automation and economic pressures are pushing …

Asian stocks extend gains, oil stabilises after crude release report

Mar 11 2026

Asian equities extended gains Wednesday while oil stabilised after a report said the International Energy Agency was …

New wave of Iran attacks as IEA weighs oil reserve release

Mar 11 2026

Iran unleashed early Wednesday defiant new strikes around the region including drones targeting a Saudi oilfield, as the …

CEO of Brazil's Nubank on pending US market entry, Trump, AI: interview

Mar 11 2026

Nubank CEO David Velez, whose massive Brazil-based digital bank is on the verge of entering the prized US market, hailed …

US targets Iran mine-laying as war causes oil market havoc

Mar 11 2026

The United States said Tuesday it was striking Iranian ships capable of mining the crucial Strait of Hormuz and …

Dassault pitches latest private jet against US, Canadian rivals

Mar 10 2026

France's Dassault on Tuesday unveiled its latest private jet, the Falcon 10X, pitched to rival the flagship planes from …