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Tech surge helps Hong Kong lead most Asian markets higher
Hong Kong stocks resumed their impressive start to the year on Wednesday as they rocketed more than three percent on the back of a surge in tech firms fuelled by fresh optimism over the sector in China.
Hong Kong to slash public spending, build AI institute
Hong Kong will cut public spending and restore fiscal balance by mid-2027 after a string of huge deficits, the city's finance chief said Wednesday as he unveiled growth plans including an artificial intelligence institute.
Most Asian markets rebound as Hong Kong tech rally resumes
Asian markets mostly rose on Wednesday after a poor start to the week, with Hong Kong boosted by a rebound in tech firms that had taken a hit from US moves to curb Chinese investments in the country.
Under pressure, EU to take axe to green rules
The EU is expected to roll back a slew of environmental rules on Wednesday as it charges ahead with a deregulation drive in a bid to keep up with the United States and China.
BP to unveil strategy shakeup amid energy transition
British energy giant BP is set Wednesday to announce a shakeup to its strategy after a difficult trading year and as countries transition to cleaner energy.
Leading rare earths miner sees profits fall as prices sag
One of the world's largest rare earths producers outside China reported slumping net profits Wednesday, pointing to a "challenging" market for the hard-to-source metals used in renewable energy technologies.
Tesla sinks below $1 tn market value as European auto sales slump
Shares of the US electric vehicle pioneer Tesla plunged Tuesday, leaving its market value below $1 trillion as investors digested disappointing European sales and chief executive Elon Musk's aggressive foray into politics.
Japan's ANA to purchase mega-order of 77 new jets
Japan's biggest airline ANA Holdings announced Tuesday it will purchase 77 new aircraft from Boeing, Airbus and Embraer to replenish its fleet in order to serve growing passenger demand domestically and internationally.
US hardens visa sanctions over Cuba medical program
The United States on Tuesday expanded visa restrictions over Cuba's dispatch of doctors overseas, a program Havana sees as a source of influence and revenue but which has long faced accusations of exploitation.
'A normal family', says son of surgeon in French sex abuse trial
The youngest son of Joel Le Scouarnec, 74, a former surgeon on trial for the alleged assault or rape of 299 patients, told the court Tuesday that he remembered growing up in a "normal family" but in which some things were left "unsaid".
Stocks slide as US consumer confidence tumbles, tech slumps
Global stock indices slid on Tuesday after data showed US consumer confidence slumped, while US tech stocks took a further beating.
Germany's next leader grapples to boost defence spending
Germany's next leader, conservative Friedrich Merz, has raised the alarm over European defence but the clock is ticking for him to muster the funds needed to refurbish the armed forces.
Stock markets shrug off Trump trade war fears but tech sags
European and US stock markets largely shrugged off Tuesday the latest calls by US President Donald Trump for tariff threats, though tech stocks sagged.
UK PM pledges to spend 2.5 percent of GDP on defence by 2027
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged Tuesday to boost defence spending to 2.5 percent of the economy by 2027, as uncertainty reigns over US President Donald Trump's commitment to European security.
German family-run machine maker issues SOS to future government
Facing a slowing German economy, high energy bills, onerous bureaucracy and the threat of US tariffs, a Black Forest-based factory equipment maker is issuing a plea for help to the country's next government.
Stock markets struggle on fears over Trump's China tech curbs
Stock markets struggled on Tuesday as US President Donald Trump reignited trade war fears after he called for fresh curbs on Chinese investments including in the tech sector.
Unilever boss to step down after less than two years at helm
British consumer goods giant Unilever on Tuesday said chief executive Hein Schumacher will step down on March 1 after less than two years in the post.
Kate Bush leads UK musicians in 'silent album' AI fight
Over 1,000 musicians including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox and Damon Albarn on Tuesday released a silent album in protest at proposed changes to UK copyright law around artificial intelligence (AI) which they say will legalise music theft.
Hein Schumacher to step down as Unilever CEO
British consumer goods giant Unilever on Tuesday said chief executive Hein Schumacher will step down on March 1 after less than two years in the post.
Tesla rolls out advanced self-driving functions in China
US electric vehicle giant Tesla has started offering advanced self-driving functions for its cars in China, including autopilot on city streets, the company announced on Tuesday.
Asian markets sink as Trump tariffs, China curbs stunt rally
Asian markets sank Tuesday as fears of US President Donald Trump's trade war returning to the fore and he called for fresh curbs on Chinese investments in strategic sectors including technology.
Trump calls for revival of Keystone XL Pipeline project axed by Biden
US President Donald Trump on Monday called for the revival of the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline project opposed by environmental activists that was blocked under his predecessor Joe Biden.
Latin American classics get the streaming treatment
Six decades after Latin America burst onto the international literary scene with magical tales that held up a mirror to the continent, its masterworks are enjoying a new moment as streaming platforms adapt them for the screen.
Fires, strikes, pandemic and AI: Hollywood workers can't catch a break
Dutch Merrick isn't really in a party mood for this year's Oscars.
Bolivia inaugurates steel plant built with Chinese loan
Short on foreign currency, Bolivia inaugurated a steel plant Monday that it hopes will reduce its reliance on metal imports, thanks to a loan from China.
Bahrain EDB Attracts Over USD 380 Million in Investment Commitments from Singapore
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2025 / The Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) has secured over USD 380 million in investment commitments from Singapore-based companies, since the launch of Bahrain EDB office in Singapore in November 2023, across a number of priority sectors, namely financial services, ICT, manufacturing, and tourism.
'Assassin's Creed Shadows' leaked ahead of release
French video game giant Ubisoft said Monday that players had managed to "access" its hotly awaited new instalment of the popular "Assassin's Creed" series, which is scheduled to be released March 20 after repeated delays.
Spain's Telefonica sells Argentina subsidiary for $1.2 bn
Spanish telecommunications giant Telefonica agreed to sell its Argentine subsidiary to Telecom Argentina for $1.2 billion on Monday, prompting libertarian President Javier Milei's government to announce an investigation over competition concerns.
Frankfurt stocks rise on German vote outcome
Frankfurt equities squeezed out gains Monday after conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won Germany's national election, with investors hoping that Europe's largest economy can emerge from recession.
'Monster Hunter' on prowl for new audiences as latest game drops
With "Monster Hunter Wilds" pitting intrepid players against a menagerie of rampaging beasts on PC and consoles from Friday, the game's creators tell AFP they hope the 20-year-old franchise can still find new audiences.
Apple says to invest $500 bn in US over four years, hire 20,000 staff
Apple said on Monday it will spend more than $500 billion in the United States over the next four years and hire 20,000 staff, with President Donald Trump quickly taking credit for the announcement.
Frankfurt stocks, euro rise on German vote outcome
Frankfurt equities and the euro rose Monday after conservatives led by Friedrich Merz won Germany's national election, with investors hoping that Europe's largest economy can emerge from recession.