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Iran-Saudi vow to bring Mideast 'security, stability'
Iran-Saudi vow to bring Mideast 'security, stability'
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Top diplomats from Middle East rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia met in Beijing on Thursday, pledging to work together to bring "security and stability" to their turbulent region following a surprise China-brokered deal. China's success in bringing Iran and Saudi Arabia together has challenged the United States' long standing role as the main outside power broker in the Middle East.

Russian economic prospects 'foggy' as sanctions cut deep
Russian economic prospects 'foggy' as sanctions cut deep
Business and Economy
by  AFP

The resilience of Russia's economy has over the past year surprised many observers as Moscow adjusts to unprecedented Western sanctions over its assault on Ukraine. Putin, observers say, has a vital interest in seeing high energy revenue if he wants to finance Moscow's assault on Ukraine and keep dissent at home at bay.

Historic drought adds to Argentina's economic woes
Historic drought adds to Argentina's economic woes
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Argentina's already fragile economy is now taking a beating from nature, as the worst drought in almost 100 years decimates critical soy, wheat and corn production. Soy and wheat crops were halved this year, while corn yield was cut by more than a third, according to official projections, slashing Argentina's exports in a sector crucial for the public purse.

Asian markets drop as recession talk builds
Asian markets drop as recession talk builds
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Growing fears of a US recession weighed on equities Thursday as traders gear up for the release of key jobs data that could determine the Federal Reserve's next interest rate decision. The prospect of a recession weighed on US markets with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq in the red, while traders also shifted into safe-haven Treasuries.

France braces for new protests after pensions deadlock
France braces for new protests after pensions deadlock
Business and Economy
by  AFP

France on Thursday braced for another day of protests and strikes to denounce President Emmanuel Macron's pension reform after talks between the government and unions ended in deadlock. "We have to continue mobilising until the end, until the government understands there is no way out other than withdrawing this reform," she said.