AFP
19879 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
19879 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
Inflation in the eurozone remained unchanged in April, staying higher than analysts expected, official data showed on Friday, but was unlikely to sway the European Central Bank from its interest rate-cutting cycle. With inflation close to the two-percent target, the ECB shifted to cutting interest rates to boost the eurozone's sluggish economy.
TikTok was hit with a massive EU fine of 530 million euros ($600 million) Friday, accused of sending personal data of Europeans to China and failing to guarantee it was shielded from access by Chinese authorities.
Hong Kong's economy grew by 3.1 percent in the first quarter of the year, the city's government said Friday, though it warned US tariffs had heightened "downside risks" in the global economy. But officials warned that with the sharp increase in global tensions "the downside risks surrounding the global economy have heightened visibly".
German chemicals giant BASF stuck to its 2025 earnings outlook on Friday, despite the turmoil unleashed by hardline US trade policies, but warned of high levels of uncertainty.
British energy giant Shell on Friday reported a sharp drop in first-quarter net profit as it was hit by weaker oil prices but pushed ahead with shareholder returns. BP this week reported that its net profit dropped 70 percent in the first quarter to $687 million, driven by weaker gas sales and lower refining margins. ajb/yad
Asian markets largely rose Friday, tracking Wall Street gains, as China said it was considering a US offer to negotiate steep tariffs. On Friday, China's commerce ministry said it was evaluating a US offer for negotiations on tariffs, but wanted Washington to show "sincerity" and be ready to scrap levies that have roiled global markets and supply chains.
With their sleek curves and chrome grilles, the classic American cars on sale at Yosuke Fukuda's yard ooze Californian cool but on Japanese roads new US vehicles are a rare sight -- much to President Donald Trump's annoyance. "To be honest I think the problem is the size of the roads," as well as an impression that US cars break down more often, which is likely unfounded, Fukuda said.
Stung by the rocketing price of eggs -- and US supermarkets rationing a basic breakfast staple -- Yong-mi Kim decided to get some chickens to secure her own supply in southern California. Kim, whose son is an athlete who eats a lot of eggs, says although the supply crisis prompted her to rent the chickens, it's "bigger than that."
China said Friday it is evaluating a US offer for negotiations on tariffs but wanted Washington to show "sincerity" and be ready to scrap levies that have roiled global markets and supply chains. Beijing's commerce ministry on Friday confirmed the US had reached out and that it was "currently evaluating" the offer.
AFP
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