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Yen gains after hitting 38-year low, traders on intervention watch
The yen edged back slightly Thursday after hitting a 38-year low against the dollar, putting investors on alert for a possible intervention by Japanese authorities, while investors awaited US inflation data that could spark another round of volatility.
Struggles of 'levelling-up' plan epitomise UK Tory decline
The UK Conservatives scored a thumping win in 2019 by promising to "level-up" struggling regions, but for voters in towns like Keighley, the flagship policy has been eclipsed by spiralling costs.
The herders caught in India and China's icy conflict
Lines on a map once meant little to India's Tibetan herders of the high Himalayas, expertly guiding their goats through even the harshest winters to pastures on age-old seasonal routes.
Japanese yen touches 38-year low as global stocks finish mixed
The yen, weakened by the Japanese government's easy monetary policy, hit a 38-year low against the dollar on Wednesday, sparking speculation about a new intervention by authorities.
Sri Lanka seals debt deal with China, others after crash
Sri Lanka said on Wednesday it had clinched a restructuring deal with key bilateral lender China and other nations, covering up to $10 billion in debt, a critical step towards recovery after a 2022 financial crash.
US abortion restrictions have unwanted knock-on effects: studies
Restrictions or outright bans on abortion implemented in some US states can have unexpected consequences like reduced access to contraceptives and higher infant mortality rates, two studies published this week warned.
US new home sales come in below expectations in May
Sales of new homes in the United States were weaker than traders expected last month, according to government data published Wednesday, as mortgage rates remained high.
Yen touches 38-year low, stocks slide
The yen, weakened by the Japanese government's easy monetary policy, hit a 38-year low against the dollar on Wednesday, sparking speculation about a new intervention by authorities.
AI takes centre stage as Mobile World Congress Shanghai kicks off
From phones that can detect deepfake scams to autonomous intelligent vehicles, the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence took centre stage as Mobile World Congress Shanghai kicked off Wednesday.
Sri Lanka seals partial debt deal after financial crash
Cash-strapped Sri Lanka said Wednesday it had clinched a restructuring deal with a majority of bilateral lenders covering up to $5.8 billion in debt, a key step towards recovery after a 2022 financial crash.
Stock markets mostly rise after tech rebound
Asian and European markets mostly rose Wednesday following a tech-led bounce on Wall Street as investors prepared for the release of crucial US inflation data.
Frustration, as Poland's same-sex couples await promised legal rights
Krzysztof Alcer and Grzegorz Lepianka have been waiting for Poland to officially recognise their relationship for 21 years. But as the wait drags on, their anger is growing, their patience wearing thin.
Two employees leave Adidas amid China graft probe
Adidas said Wednesday two employees had left the company as the German sportswear giant investigates bribery allegations in China.
Hong Kong LGBTQ couples seek love, recognition in mass wedding
When 10 Hong Kong LGBTQ couples exchanged vows at a hotel ballroom, the scene could have been mistaken for any other mass wedding -- except the officiant was 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles) away.
Markets rise after Wall St rebound, inflation in view
Asian and European markets mostly rose Wednesday following a tech-led bounce on Wall Street as investors prepared for the release of crucial US inflation data, while the yen fell back towards levels that have stirred intervention warnings from Japanese officials.
Asian markets rise after Wall St rebound, inflation in view
Asian markets mostly rose Wednesday following a tech-led bounce on Wall Street as investors prepared for the release of crucial US inflation data, while the yen fell back towards levels that have stirred intervention warnings from Japanese officials.
Iran picks new president at turbulent time
Iranians vote on Friday to elect a new president from six candidates, including a lone reformist who hopes he can challenge the dominance of conservatives in the Islamic republic.
Asian markets fluctuate after Wall St rebound, inflation in view
Asian markets swung Wednesday following a tech-led bounce on Wall Street as investors prepare for the release of crucial US inflation data, while the yen fell back towards levels that have stirred intervention warnings from Japanese officials.
Waymo robotaxi service opens to all in San Francisco
The Google-owned Waymo robotaxi service on Tuesday became available to anyone in San Francisco interested in hailing a driverless ride.
US stocks mixed while Europe slips on renewed French vote fears
European stock markets slid Tuesday as jitters resurfaced over impending French elections, while stocks on Wall Street ended mixed as investor darling Nvidia reversed course, driving the Nasdaq higher.
Major music labels sue AI startups over copyright infringement
Some of the world's major music labels are suing music generation services Suno and Udio, accusing the startups of violating the copyrights of top artists to train their generative AI engines without permission.
Five killed in Kenya anti-tax protests, NGOs say
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded in Kenya on Tuesday in mounting anti-tax hike protests, NGOs said, as police clashed with demonstrators who stormed the parliament compound in Nairobi.
Lufthansa to add environmental charge to fares
German airline giant Lufthansa said Tuesday it would add an environmental charge of up to 72 euros ($77) to fares in Europe to cover the cost of increasing EU climate regulations.
One killed in Kenya rallies as protesters breach parliament
Kenyan police shot dead one protester near parliament Tuesday, a rights group said, with AFP journalists seeing three people lying motionless on the ground as crowds opposed to proposed tax hikes breached barricades to enter the parliamentary complex where a fire erupted.
Europe stocks drop on renewed French vote fears
Europe's stock markets slid Tuesday as jitters resurfaced over impending French elections, with investors also unnerved by Wall Street losses although Asian indices mostly rose.
EU accuses Microsoft of abusing dominant position with Teams
Microsoft violated EU antitrust rules by bundling its Teams communications app with its popular Office suite, Brussels said on Tuesday, as the US tech giant vowed to do what it takes to address competition concerns.
Kenya police fire rubber bullets, tear gas at anti-tax protesters
Kenyan police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse young protesters in the capital Nairobi on Tuesday, AFP reporters saw, escalating tensions as demonstrators rallied across the country against proposed tax hikes.
Chanel at fashion week without sacked designer Viard
Awkward! Chanel was set to hold its haute couture show on Tuesday just three weeks after the very abrupt departure of creative director Virginie Viard after almost 30 years with the brand.
At Paris Olympics, women athletes finally reach parity
Once seen as a "celebration of manly virtue" without women athletes, the modern Olympics will reach gender parity for the first time during this year's Paris Games, 128 years since its first edition.
Kenya police fire tear gas as youth protests kick off
Kenyan police fired tear gas at crowds of young protesters in the capital Nairobi on Tuesday, AFP reporters saw, as demonstrators rallied across the country against the government's proposed tax hikes.
Ghana's cocoa farmers turn to smuggling as currency falls
Ghanaian cocoa farmer Isaac Antwi says he has to smuggle his beans to Ivory Coast to sell them at a decent profit even as international prices for the commodity recently surged.
Hot cocoa prices bring sweet profits, danger to Ecuador producers
Julia Avellan had been tempted to quit the cocoa business before prices unexpectedly exploded on the international market this year, bringing historic profits to Ecuador's farmers.
China premier calls to 'oppose decoupling' at economic forum
China's premier called Tuesday for countries to "oppose decoupling", as economic tensions simmer between Beijing and the European Union, a key trading partner that is preparing to impose new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles next month.
Asian markets rebound on bargain-buying but tech worries linger
Asian equities edged higher Tuesday after recent losses as investors ignored another tough day for tech titans on Wall Street that has raised concerns about a correction in markets following a string of record highs.
Gender gap fuels disputes as Japan gets joint custody
Masaki Kubota's delight at reuniting with his two sons gave way to heartbreak when the younger, two years old, stared at him uncomprehendingly as if to say: "Who are you?"
Kenya youth protesters gear up for nationwide strike
Kenya braced for a nationwide strike Tuesday in response to a call by youth protesters for a countrywide shutdown, as opposition to the government's proposed tax hikes gathers momentum.
Assange's long fight against extradition to US
Jailed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been fighting for years to avoid extradition from Britain in connection with the 2010 publication of thousands of US classified documents.
Premier League sets new mark as European football revenues soar
The Premier League underlined its financial muscle as the European football market grew by 16 percent to 35.3 billion euros ($37.9 billion) in the 2022/23 season, according to Deloitte.
Major Niger uranium mine back in public control: govt
Niger on Monday confirmed one of the world's biggest uranium mines had returned to public control after revoking the operating licence of French nuclear fuel producer Orano.