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Santander reports record profit for third straight year
Santander reports record profit for third straight year
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Spanish banking giant Santander announced record annual profits for a third consecutive year on Wednesday as a strong commercial performance offset the impact of falling interest rates. But Santander UK chair William Vereker announced that he would leave his post this year, a decision which business media attributed to disagreements with Botin. vab/imm/bc

China holds out hope last-minute deal can avert US trade war
China holds out hope last-minute deal can avert US trade war
Business and Economy
by  AFP

China's new tariffs on US imports like oil, coal and cars are relatively modest in scale, suggesting that Beijing is hoping for a last-minute deal but also giving them the option to inflict more pain if needed, analysts say. Far from inflicting deep pain, analysts say Beijing's goal is to send a message to Washington: that China can and will retaliate to swingeing tariffs.

Toyota announces Lexus EV plant in Shanghai
Toyota announces Lexus EV plant in Shanghai
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Japan's Toyota said Wednesday it will build an electric vehicle plant in Shanghai for its luxury Lexus brand, at a time when many foreign car companies are struggling in China. Toyota said it had "decided to establish a wholly owned company for the development and production of Lexus BEVs (battery electric vehicles) and batteries in Shanghai, China".