Business and Economy



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

AFP - 33m ago

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

Middle East war: global economic fallout

AFP - 39m ago

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

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

AFP - 2h ago

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

Oil tops $100 as Iran vows to keep Hormuz closed

AFP - 2h ago

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

AFP - 50m ago

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

AFP - 5h ago

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

AFP - 2h ago

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

AFP - 5h ago

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

AFP - 3h ago

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

AFP - 2h ago

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

AFP - 1h ago

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

AFP - 7h ago

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

AFP - 8h ago

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

AFP - 52m ago

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

AFP - 2h ago

Here are the latest events in the Middle East war:

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

AFP - 3h ago

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

AFP - 35m ago

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

AFP - 9h ago

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

AFP - 10h ago

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

AFP - 4h ago

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

AFP - 11h ago

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

AFP - 1h ago

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

AFP - 11h ago

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

AFP - 4h ago

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

AFP - 7h ago

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

AFP - 4h ago

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

AFP - 7h ago

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

AFP - 3h ago

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

AFP - 8h ago

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

AFP - 44m ago

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

AFP - 7h ago

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

AFP - 2h ago

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

AFP - 7h ago

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 …

Louis Vuitton takes Paris fashion week on mountain ride

Mar 10 2026

Models wore mountain capes, shepherds' hats and carried bags with bells attached to them as Louis Vuitton brought the …

Mideast tanker escort: high-risk mission for US Navy

Mar 10 2026

US Navy escorts could help increase the flow of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, but American warships accompanying …

Oil prices dive as IEA eyes emergency release with Hormuz Strait in focus

Mar 10 2026

Crude prices sank and equities mostly rose Tuesday as oil-importing countries discussed a possible stockpile release …

White House says US Navy has not escorted tanker through Strait of Hormuz

Mar 10 2026

The United States has not escorted any oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, the White House said Tuesday, after the …

Iran not seeking ceasefire as Trump steps up threats

Mar 10 2026

Iran remained defiant as fresh explosions thundered out in Tehran on Tuesday, insisting it was not seeking a ceasefire …

US satellite firm extends Middle East image delay

Mar 10 2026

American firm Planet Labs PBC on Tuesday said it now imposes a two-week delay for access to its satellite images of the …

Oil plunges, stocks mostly rise as Trump says Iran war over 'very soon'

Mar 10 2026

Oil prices sank and equities mostly rose Tuesday following a volatile session that came after President Donald Trump …

Blasts rock Tehran as US says strikes to intensify

Mar 10 2026

Explosions thundered out in Tehran on Tuesday after the Pentagon chief warned US strikes on Iran would reach their …

Global energy body discusses releasing strategic oil reserves

Mar 10 2026

Member states of the International Energy Agency (IEA) met on Tuesday for crisis talks to assess security of supply and …

Musk, already world's richest person, eyes $1 trillion fortune

Mar 10 2026

Elon Musk's estimated $839 billion net worth has made him the wealthiest individual ever recorded, Forbes said Tuesday, …

US energy secretary's post saying US escorted tanker in Hormuz deleted

Mar 10 2026

A post by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright saying that the US Navy had escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of …

UN warns Hormuz standstill will hit world's most vulnerable

Mar 10 2026

The standstill in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the Middle East war could hammer some of the world's most vulnerable …

Oil crisis: Is world better placed than in 1973?

Mar 10 2026

Ten days after the first American and Israeli strikes against Iran, oil prices have cooled slightly after soaring above …

Expats cling to Dubai's allure despite Iran's missiles

Mar 10 2026

While tourists and non-essential diplomats scramble to leave the Gulf as Iran retaliates across the region for US and …

Oil plunges, stocks rise as Trump says Iran war over 'very soon'

Mar 10 2026

Oil prices sank and equities pushed higher Tuesday following a wild day of swings that came after President Donald Trump …

UAE closes biggest oil refinery as Iran vows to choke off crude exports

Mar 10 2026

The UAE's largest oil refinery closed on Tuesday after a drone attack, as Iran defiantly vowed that no crude exports …

Vietnam to tap emergency fund to cool surging fuel prices 

Mar 10 2026

Vietnam moved Tuesday to tap an emergency fund to cool surging fuel prices, as the Middle East war has disrupted …

UK trial opens against Sony over PlayStation video game prices

Mar 10 2026

A trial opened in London on Tuesday over a £2 billion ($2.7 billion) class action lawsuit that accuses Japanese …

Middle East war : global economic fallout

Mar 10 2026

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

Oil plunges, stocks steady as Trump says Iran war over 'very soon'

Mar 10 2026

Oil prices sank and equities steadied Tuesday following a wild day of swings that came after President Donald Trump …

Citing 'strategic mistake' EU pivots back to nuclear energy

Mar 10 2026

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday said Europe's turn away from nuclear power had been a "strategic mistake", as …

Defiant Iran vows to block Gulf oil until US-Israel bombing stops

Mar 10 2026

Iran vowed on Tuesday that not one litre of oil would be exported from the Gulf while the United States and Israel …

Iran war sends prices in next door Turkmenistan soaring

Mar 10 2026

At a market in Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat, pensioner Shemshat Kurbanova always used to pick the "juiciest" Iranian …

EU chief, Macron say Mideast war exposes Europe energy vulnerability

Mar 10 2026

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday called on European countries to boost the …

Volkswagen says to cut 50,000 jobs as profit slides

Mar 10 2026

Germany's automotive giant Volkswagen said Tuesday it would cut 50,000 jobs at home by 2030 as its profit slid to its …

Oil plunges, stocks rally as Trump says Iran war over 'very soon'

Mar 10 2026

Oil prices sank and equities rallied Tuesday following a wild day of swings that came after President Donald Trump …

Iran vows to fight on and block all Gulf oil

Mar 10 2026

Iran vowed on Tuesday that not one litre of oil would be exported from the Gulf while its war with the United States and …

Lego posts record profit despite geopolitical turmoil: CEO to AFP

Mar 10 2026

Denmark's Lego, the world’s number one toy maker, on Tuesday posted record sales and profits for its 2025 financial …