Business and Economy



British business group hits out at Labour's tax hikes

AFP - 1h ago

British business lobby group, the CBI, on Monday hit out over the Labour government's tax hikes on firms, saying the …

Deep divisions on display at plastic pollution treaty talks

AFP - 2h ago

A final round of talks on a treaty to curb plastic pollution opened on Monday, with deep differences between nations …

Equity markets mostly on front foot, as bitcoin rally stutters

AFP - 3h ago

Major stock markets mostly rose Monday as traders welcomed Donald Trump's pick for Treasury secretary, while bitcoin's …

DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania, killing one

AFP - 3h ago

A DHL cargo plane crashed early Monday near the airport in Lithuania's capital, killing one person, authorities said as …

'Existential challenge': plastic pollution treaty talks begin

AFP - 3h ago

A final round of talks on a treaty to curb plastic pollution opened on Monday, with deep differences between nations …

Equity markets mostly on front foot, bitcoin rally stutters

AFP - 2h ago

Most markets rose Monday following a record close on Wall Street as traders welcomed Donald Trump's pick for Treasury …

Asian markets mostly on front foot, bitcoin rally stutters

AFP - 54m ago

Most Asian markets rose Monday following a record close on Wall Street as traders welcomed Donald Trump's pick for …

Asian markets begin week on front foot, bitcoin rally stutters

AFP - 4h ago

Asian markets rose Monday following a record close on Wall Street as traders welcomed Donald Trump's pick for Treasury …

Closing arguments coming in US-Google antitrust trial on ad tech

AFP - 12h ago

Google and the US government will face off in a federal court on Monday, as each side delivers its closing arguments in …

Petrol industry embraces plastics while navigating energy shift

AFP - 12h ago

Amid the inexorable shift toward more electric vehicles, oil and gas producers are looking increasingly to plastics to …

'Crucial week': make-or-break plastic pollution treaty talks begin

Nov 24 2024

A final round of talks on a treaty to end plastic pollution opens on Monday, with the diplomat chairing the difficult …

Climate finance's 'new era' shows new political realities

Nov 24 2024

Rich countries' promise of $300 billion a year in climate finance brought fury at talks in Baku from poor nations that …

Germany goes nuts for viral pistachio chocolate

Nov 24 2024

When Ali Fakhro lays out a row of pistachio-filled chocolate bars in the morning at his bakery in Berlin, he knows they …

Afghan women turn to entrepreneurship under Taliban

Nov 24 2024

When Zainab Ferozi saw Afghan women struggling to feed their families after Taliban authorities took power, she took …

Mounting economic costs of India's killer smog

Nov 24 2024

Noxious smog smothering the plains of north India is not only choking the lungs of residents and killing millions, but …

Trump's mass deportation plan could end up hurting economic growth

Nov 24 2024

President-elect Donald Trump's hardline immigration proposals -- including a controversial mass deportation plan -- …

US consumers to bargain hunt in annual 'Black Friday' spree

Nov 24 2024

US shoppers are coming out in force this holiday season, but the festiveness is being tempered by inflationary pressures …

Cheers, angst as US nuclear plant Three Mile Island to reopen

Nov 24 2024

The planned reopening of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant is praised as a boon for Pennsylvania and a boost for AI, …

Thousands demand lower rents at Barcelona demo

Nov 23 2024

Thousands of protesters marched through Barcelona on Saturday demanding lower rents in Spain's second city.

Scott Bessent a credible, safe pick for Treasury: experts

Nov 23 2024

Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent is a credible, safe choice for US Treasury secretary -- and one that is likely positive …

Nvidia CEO says will balance compliance and tech advances under Trump

Nov 23 2024

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Saturday that his company will balance legal compliance and technological advances under …

What forcing Google to sell Chrome could mean

Nov 23 2024

US antitrust lawyers are calling on a judge to force the sale of Google's Chrome browser to limit the company's market …

Budget, debt: Trump's Treasury chief faces urgent challenges

Nov 23 2024

President-elect Donald Trump's new Treasury chief needs to hit the ground running once he takes office, tasked with …

Trump names hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury chief

Nov 23 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump on Friday named billionaire Scott Bessent as his Treasury secretary, choosing the hedge …

Trump to name hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury chief: US media

Nov 22 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to pick billionaire Scott Bessent as his Treasury secretary, media outlets …

Dow ends at fresh record as weak eurozone data hits euro

Nov 22 2024

The Dow rocketed to a fresh record Friday, extending a post-election US equity rally while the euro retreated against …

Amazon invests another $4 bn in AI firm Anthropic

Nov 22 2024

Amazon is doubling its investment in Anthropic to $8 billion in a deepened collaboration on artificial intelligence, the …

'Primitive' beers draw crowds at Belgian brewery

Nov 22 2024

Winding between copper vats and oak barrels, a cluster of early-morning visitors filed through a cavernous Brussels …

Spain fines 'abusive' budget airlines 179 mn euros

Nov 22 2024

Spain's leftist government said Friday it has fined five budget airlines including Ryanair and EasyJet 179 million euros …

Dollar gains amid escalating geopolitical tensions

Nov 22 2024

The dollar and gold gained Friday amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, while stocks got a boost from …

Russian ruble hits lowest level against dollar since March 2022

Nov 22 2024

The Russian ruble slumped on Friday to its lowest level against the US dollar since March 2022, a day after Moscow fired …

Investors seek 750 mn euros in damages over Wirecard collapse

Nov 22 2024

A lawsuit by Wirecard investors claiming 750 million euros ($780 million) in compensation over the German payment …

Stock markets diverge, dollar gains amid escalating geopolitical tensions

Nov 22 2024

Global stocks diverged and the dollar gained Friday following a bounce on Wall Street as traders weighed weak European …

Japan government approves $140bn stimulus

Nov 22 2024

Japan's minority government signed off Friday on a $140-billion stimulus drive aimed at putting more money in consumers' …

German GDP downgraded in new blow for struggling economy

Nov 22 2024

German third-quarter growth was downgraded Friday with official data showing it expanded even more weakly than …

Most markets track Wall St gains, bitcoin closes on $100,000

Nov 22 2024

Most markets gained Friday after a bounce on Wall Street, while bitcoin continued its march higher to move within …

Japan government to approve $140bn stimulus

Nov 22 2024

Japan's minority government was set Friday to sign off on a $140-billion stimulus drive aimed at putting more money in …

Most Asian markets track Wall St gains, bitcoin closes on $100,000

Nov 22 2024

Most Asian markets gained Friday after a bounce on Wall Street, while bitcoin continued its march higher to move within …

Irish economy faces the test of Trump's protectionism

Nov 22 2024

With a general election next week, Ireland and its 5.4 million inhabitants fear finding themselves in the eye of a …

'Moment of truth' for world-first plastic pollution treaty

Nov 22 2024

Plastic pollution litters our seas, our air and even our bodies, but negotiators face an uphill battle next week to …

Global stocks mostly cheer Nvidia results as bitcoin gains

Nov 21 2024

Global stocks mostly rose Thursday following strong earnings from artificial intelligence leader Nvidia as bitcoin …

Top US securities regulator to exit, clearing way for Trump pick

Nov 21 2024

The top US securities regulator, a skeptic towards cryptocurrency who was appointed by President Joe Biden, announced …

Indian PM Modi highlights interest in Guyana's oil

Nov 21 2024

Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday his country is interested in oil from Guyana, the small South …

Stock markets push higher but Ukraine tensions urge caution

Nov 21 2024

Stock markets mostly rose in Europe and on Wall Street on Thursday, recovering from recent selling but with investors …

IMF sees 'limited' impact of floods on Spain GDP growth

Nov 21 2024

Last month's deadly floods in Spain, the country's worst natural disaster in decades, will have a "limited" impact on …

Volkswagen workers head towards strikes from December

Nov 21 2024

Volkswagen workers in Germany took a step closer to strike action on Thursday, after unions and management met for the …

UK sanctions Angola's Isabel dos Santos in graft crackdown

Nov 21 2024

The UK government on Thursday announced sanctions on Angola's Isabel dos Santos, the billionaire businesswoman and …

Sales of existing US homes rise in October

Nov 21 2024

Sales of previously owned homes in the United States picked up in October, industry data showed Thursday, fueling hopes …

India's Adani says US charges 'baseless', opposition demand arrest

Nov 21 2024

India's Adani Group on Thursday called US charges that their billionaire founder Gautam Adani had paid more than $250 …

South Sudan rejects 'malicious' report on Kiir family businesses

Nov 21 2024

South Sudan on Thursday rejected claims by a US-based watchdog that President Salva Kiir's family had built up a vast …

Stock markets waver as Nvidia, Ukraine tensions urge caution

Nov 21 2024

Stock markets were little changed in Europe and on Wall Street Thursday after Ukraine claimed that Moscow fired an …

Kenya scraps Adani deals as Ruto attempts to reset presidency

Nov 21 2024

Kenyan President William Ruto sought Thursday to turn the page on a difficult year, cancelling controversial deals with …

S.Africa central bank cuts interest rate to 7.75 percent

Nov 21 2024

South Africa's central bank on Thursday cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent, adopting …

French YouTuber takes on manga after conquering Everest

Nov 21 2024

A French influencer fresh off a smash hit film documenting his ascent to Everest's peak is turning his sights to a new …

'World of Warcraft' still going strong as it celebrates 20 years

Nov 21 2024

As it celebrates its 20th birthday, online video game "World of Warcraft" has demonstrated a rare longevity thanks to …

Stock markets diverge, as bitcoin closes in on $100,000

Nov 21 2024

Major stock markets diverged and the dollar was mixed Thursday as traders weighed escalating tensions in the …

Adani plunges in Mumbai on founder's charges as Asian markets retreat

Nov 21 2024

Shares in Indian conglomerate Adani tanked on Thursday after its industrialist owner Gautam Adani was charged by US …

India's Adani says US charges 'baseless', oppostion demand arrest

Nov 21 2024

India's Adani Group on Thursday called US charges that their billionaire tycoon founder Gautam Adani had paid more than …

Sri Lanka's president makes U-turn on IMF bailout

Nov 21 2024

Sri Lanka's new leader on Thursday backed a controversial IMF bailout, marking a U-turn from his election pledge to …

India opposition leader demands tycoon Adani's arrest after US charges

Nov 21 2024

Billionaire Indian tycoon Gautam Adani should be arrested after US prosecutors charged him with paying more than $250 …

Why is Indian tycoon Gautam Adani facing US bribery charges?

Nov 21 2024

The business empire of Gautam Adani is again in turmoil after the billionaire Indian tycoon was charged in the United …

US govt calls for breakup of Google and Chrome

Nov 21 2024

The US government late Wednesday asked a judge to order the dismantling of Google by selling its widely used Chrome …

Gautam Adani: Billionaire Indian tycoon facing US bribery charges

Nov 21 2024

Billionaire Indian industrialist Gautam Adani, whose business empire has been rocked by US bribery charges against him, …

India's Adani Enterprises tanks after founder's US charges

Nov 21 2024

Shares in India's Adani Enterprises slumped 10 percent at Thursday's open after US prosecutors charged billionaire …

Screen to reality: South Korea targets K-pop, K-drama tourism boom

Nov 21 2024

Deep in South Korea's hinterlands lies a perfect replica of 1900s Seoul: welcome to Sunshine Land, the latest K-drama …

Asian markets mixed as Nvidia falls short of hopes, eyes on Trump

Nov 21 2024

Asian markets were mixed Thursday as another blockbuster earnings from chip titan Nvidia smashed forecasts but still …

Civil war economy hits Myanmar garment workers

Nov 21 2024

As civil war pounds Myanmar's economy and drives up prices, garment worker Wai Wai often starts her shift making clothes …

Archegos founder jailed for 18 years for massive fraud: US media

Nov 20 2024

The founder of US investment firm Archegos, Bill Hwang, was jailed for 18 years on Wednesday for a multibillion-dollar …

Dollar strengthens, stocks mostly flat over lack of triggers

Nov 20 2024

Global stocks were mostly flat or lower Wednesday while the dollar strengthened ahead of an eagerly anticipated report …

Nvidia crushes earnings expectations on AI chip demand

Nov 20 2024

US chipmaking behemoth Nvidia said Wednesday it made a $19 billion profit on record high revenue last quarter as demand …

Arrested son of Norwegian princess suspected of second rape

Nov 20 2024

The eldest son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit is suspected of a second rape, police said Wednesday, two days …

Musk outlines plans for mass cuts as Trump 'efficiency' czar

Nov 20 2024

Elon Musk outlined plans Wednesday for his new role as "efficiency" czar -- signaling an assault on federal spending and …

Macron praises EU-Chile trade agreement on Latin America tour

Nov 20 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday hailed a recently upgraded EU-Chile free trade agreement as he met …

Musk details mass cuts to US federal spending and staff

Nov 20 2024

Elon Musk outlined plans Wednesday for his new role as "efficiency" czar -- signaling an assault on federal spending and …

Awaiting Trump, US auto execs further temper EV push

Nov 20 2024

US auto giants signaled Wednesday they could further slow the ramp-up of electric vehicle production as Detroit awaits …

Ryanair threatens to drop 10 French airports over tax hike

Nov 20 2024

Low-cost airline Ryanair threatened Wednesday to stop serving 10 French regional airports if the government goes forward …

US Fed official warns against cutting rates 'too quickly'

Nov 20 2024

The US Federal Reserve should be careful not to cut rates "too quickly" and risk reigniting stubborn inflation, a senior …

Stock markets retreat ahead of Nvidia earnings

Nov 20 2024

US and European stock markets retreated on Wednesday as investors eagerly awaited results from artificial intelligence …

Johnson & Johnson risks UK lawsuit over talc cancer claim

Nov 20 2024

UK claimants announced Wednesday legal action against US pharmaceutical and cosmetics giant Johnson & Johnson, alleging …

Arnault family to complete Paris FC acquisition "in coming days"

Nov 20 2024

The family of France's richest person, Bernard Arnault, will complete the acquisition of Paris FC "in the coming days", …

Ford to cut 4,000 jobs in Europe

Nov 20 2024

US car giant Ford on Wednesday announced 4,000 more job cuts in Europe, mostly in Germany and Britain, in the latest …

As Trump returns, China seizes chance for climate mantle

Nov 20 2024

With Donald Trump expected to take the United States again out of climate diplomacy, China, the world's largest emitter …

French farmers lift border blockade after talks with PM

Nov 20 2024

French farmers protesting pay and conditions and a prospective EU-Latin America trade deal on Wednesday lifted a …

General strike in Greece against cost of living

Nov 20 2024

Thousands of people demonstrated in Athens and other cities Wednesday as a 24-hour general strike against the rising …

Floods to shave 0.2 percentage points off Spain's growth

Nov 20 2024

The floods which killed 227 people in Spain last month could shave 0.2 percentage points off its economic growth in the …

Stock markets gain, dollar higher before Nvidia earnings

Nov 20 2024

Major European and Asian stock markets mostly gained and the dollar firmed against main rivals Wednesday following a …

Markets fluctuate as traders weigh geopolitical tensions

Nov 20 2024

Stocks fluctuated Wednesday following a positive lead from Wall Street as traders assessed the prospect of an escalation …

Asian markets fluctuate as traders weigh geopolitical tensions

Nov 20 2024

Asian stocks fluctuated Wednesday following a positive lead from Wall Street as traders assessed the prospect of an …

Japan ramps up tech ambitions with $65 bn for AI, chips

Nov 20 2024

Japan is readying a $65-billion push in microchips and artificial intelligence aimed at reclaiming its status as a …

Asian markets struggle as traders weigh geopolitical tensions

Nov 20 2024

Asian investors struggled Wednesday to track a positive lead from Wall Street as they assess the prospect of an …

Strike at French cognac maker Hennessy over measures in China spat

Nov 20 2024

Hundreds of employees of French cognac maker Hennessy, part of the LVMH group luxury empire, went on strike on Tuesday …

European stocks fall on Ukraine-Russia fears, US focused on earnings

Nov 19 2024

Stock markets fell in Europe but finished mostly higher in New York Tuesday as markets weighed worries about escalating …

Trump names China hawk Howard Lutnick as US commerce secretary

Nov 19 2024

US President-elect Donald Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, as his commerce secretary …

Trump names China hawk Howard Lutnick commerce secretary

Nov 19 2024

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Howard Lutnick, the co-chair of his transition team, as his commerce secretary on …

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

Nov 19 2024

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

Top-selling daily French daily Ouest-France stops posting on X

Nov 19 2024

French regional daily Ouest-France, the top-selling paper in the country, announced Tuesday it was joining several other …

Stocks diverge on fears of Ukraine-Russia escalation

Nov 19 2024

Stock markets fell in Europe and were mixed on Wall Street as fears of escalation of Russia's war against Ukraine …

New Botswana leader eyes cannabis, sunshine to lift economy

Nov 19 2024

Botswana will diversify its diamond-dependent economy by launching into the medicinal cannabis market and exploiting its …

Taxing the richest: what the G20 decided

Nov 19 2024

Anti-poverty campaigners have hailed a decision by G20 leaders meeting in Rio to make sure the world's billionaires "are …

'Minecraft' to come to life in UK and US under theme park deal

Nov 19 2024

The best-selling video game "Minecraft" is to become a real-life destination, as part of a multi-million-pound deal …

IMF, Ukraine, reach agreement on $1.1 bn loan disbursement

Nov 19 2024

The IMF said Tuesday that it has reached agreement with Ukraine on a loan program review that paves the way for an …

COP29 negotiators strive for deal after G20 'marching orders'

Nov 19 2024

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