Featured
Last news
'We are not Fed-dependent,' ECB chief says on rate cuts
European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde suggested Tuesday that the regulator could lower interest rates before a similar move by the US Federal Reserve, saying "we are not Fed-dependent."
Bill to phase out smoking advances in UK parliament
A contentious bill that aims to eventually phase out smoking in Britain advanced in parliament on Tuesday, as the House of Commons voted in favour of the controversial measure.
Dubai airport diverts flights as 'exceptional weather' hits Gulf
Dubai's major international airport diverted scores of incoming flights on Tuesday as heavy rains lashed the United Arab Emirates, causing widespread flooding around the desert country.
US Fed's Powell says inflation fight may take 'longer than expected'
The US Federal Reserve's ongoing fight against inflation could take "longer than expected," the head of the US central bank said Tuesday, further paring back the chances of early rate cuts.
Yellen says US set to tighten sanctions on Iran soon
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Tuesday of further sanctions targeting Iran following its unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend, saying she expects Washington will take added action "in the coming days."
Behind the growth, Ivory Coast's debt fuels debate
Abidjan's soaring Alassane Ouattara bridge lit up at night in the colours of the national flag is Ivory Coast's jewel in the crown after years of investment.
Drought-hit Colombia halts export of electricity to Ecuador
Colombia has halted electricity exports to neighboring Ecuador as its hydropower plants reach near-critical levels due to a biting drought, the government said late Monday.
Global ocean summit nets $10 bn in pledges: Greek PM
An international summit on saving the oceans netted $10 billion in pledges, the prime minister of host country Greece said on Tuesday.
IMF ups global growth forecast but signals medium-term pessimism
The IMF has raised its outlook for the global economy this year, while maintaining a gloomy forecast over the medium term, according to fresh data published Tuesday.
Biopic series of French first lady in the works
Brigitte Macron's "fairytale journey" from schoolteacher to first lady is to be recounted in a French TV series, the producers said Tuesday.
Shareholders approve pay package of Stellantis CEO
Stellantis shareholders on Tuesday approved a controversial 36.5-million-euro ($38.75 million) pay package for chief executive Carlos Tavares.
Spain's tourism revenue seen hitting new record in 2024
Spain's tourism sector is expected to post record revenues again in 2024, the Exceltur tourism association said Tuesday, adding it was concerned at growing anger in the country against overtourism.
Mideast-related oil price spike threatens 'relatively good' economic outlook: IMF chief economist
The recent oil price spike fueled by rising Middle East tensions has the potential to derail the IMF's "relatively good" outlook for the world economy, its chief economist told AFP.
Milan design fair opens with sustainability and David Lynch
One of the world's leading design events, the Salone del Mobile, opened in Milan on Tuesday, marked by sustainability, craftsmanship and two "thinking rooms" from David Lynch.
Global equities extend selloff on Iran-Israel conflict fears
Asian and European stock markets sank Tuesday after Israel's army chief vowed a response to Iran's attack on his country, with sentiment also dented by diminishing US interest-rate cut hopes and mixed earnings.
Meta 'supreme court' takes on cases of deepfake porn
Meta's oversight board said Tuesday it is scrutinizing the social media titan's deepfake porn policies, through the lens of two cases.
UK parliament to debate law phasing out smoking
The UK parliament will on Tuesday kick off its first debate on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's planned legislation to prevent young people from ever smoking, despite opposition from many in his own Conservative Party.
Stellantis boss Tavares defends pay rise ahead of shareholders' vote
Stellantis chief executive Carlos Tavares has defended his 36.5 million euro ($38.75 million) pay package ahead of a vote Tuesday by the car giant's shareholders.
Free Willie: Amsterdam naked gay bar tackles intolerance
In an Amsterdam bar, six men cluster around the pool table arguing good-naturedly about how to rack the balls. Everyone is stark naked from the ankle up: welcome to Free Willie.
Chinese economy beats growth expectations in first quarter
China's economy grew far more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, data showed Tuesday, even as it is buffeted by a property-sector crisis and flagging consumer spending.
Australia's Great Barrier Reef struggles to survive
Australia's famed Great Barrier Reef is suffering one of the most severe coral bleaching events on record, leaving scientists fearful for its survival as the impact of climate change worsens.
Even as Olympic costs climb, France says they are quite cheap
The final bill for the Paris Olympics is still unknown but, depending on the point of view, are likely to be expensive compared to original estimates or cheap, when set against other recent Games.
China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
China's economy grew far more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, data showed Tuesday, even as it is buffeted by a property-sector crisis and flagging consumer activity.
Swiss watch brands making time for India
Swiss watchmakers are increasingly turning their sights towards India thanks to a new free trade agreement that is due to gradually open the doors for luxury timepiece exports.
Cheap Chinese steel threatens jobs in Latin America
Latin American metal workers are clamoring for higher import tariffs as cheap Chinese steel floods the region, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs linked to the industry.
Salman Rushdie recounts stabbing in new memoir 'Knife'
British-American author Salman Rushdie recounts the near-fatal stabbing at a public event in 2022 that left him blind in one eye and his journey to healing in his new memoir "Knife," which hits stores Tuesday.
Drought-hit Panama Canal to ease traffic restrictions
The number of ships allowed through the drought-hit Panama Canal each day will be increased thanks to signs of an improvement in water levels, authorities said Monday.
Samsung returns to top of the smartphone market: industry tracker
Samsung regained its position as the top smartphone seller, wresting back the lead from Apple as Chinese rivals close the gap on both market leaders, industry tracker International Data Corporation (IDC) reported Monday.
Oil sinks on de-escalation hopes following Iran strike
World oil prices sank Monday as traders bet on de-escalation in the Middle East despite a strike on Israel by key crude producer Iran.
Lufthansa reports loss, cuts outlook after strikes
German airline giant Lufthansa reported a hefty first-quarter loss Monday and downgraded its 2024 outlook due to recent strikes, while warning of risks from conflict in the Middle East.
Hong Kong conditionally approves first bitcoin and ether ETFs
Hong Kong's securities regulator on Monday granted conditional approval to start the city's first spot-bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), firms involved said, positioning it as a leader in Asia for the use of cryptocurrencies as investment tools.
US retail sales up more than expected in March
Retail sales in the United States grew more than anticipated last month, government data showed on Monday, defying predictions of weaker consumer demand.
Oil sinks on de-escalation hopes despite Iran strike
World oil prices sank Monday as traders bet on de-escalation in the Middle East despite a strike on Israel by key crude producer Iran.
OpenAI comes to Asia with new office in Tokyo
ChatGPT creator OpenAI opened a new office in Tokyo on Monday, the first Asian outpost for the groundbreaking tech company as it aims to ramp up its global expansion.
China economy seen slowing in first quarter on housing, consumer woes
China's economy is expected to have slowed in the first three months of the year as it continues to be buffeted by a debilitating property sector crisis and flagging consumer activity.
China set to post slowing growth on housing, consumption woes
China's economy is expected to have slowed in the first three months of the year as it continues to be buffeted by a debilitating property sector crisis and flagging consumer activity.
Stocks hit by Iran's Israel strike, hopes for containment stem losses
Equities tumbled Monday in Asia after Iran ramped up Middle East tensions by launching a barrage of rockets at Israel over the weekend, fuelling fears of a wider conflict in the volatile region.
Debt and climate back on IMF, WB spring meetings agenda
The spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are due to open Tuesday, with two clear objectives: help countries combat climate change, and assist the most indebted nations.
Decorated 'Hero of Ukraine' learns to live with bionic arms
Valeriy Kucherenko is a decorated "Hero of Ukraine" but the battle he is currently fighting is learning how to eat and use the toilet alone.