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AI a 'game changer' but company execs not ready: survey
A majority of corporate executives across leading economies believe artificial intelligence will be a "game changer" for their industry but admit their leadership teams lack the knowledge to understand AI's risks and rewards, a study showed Friday.
Equities sink on Middle East woes, US rate cut doubts
Global stocks mostly sank Friday after oil prices topped $91 a barrel, as worries intensified that Israel's war with Hamas could spiral into a broader conflict with major crude producer Iran.
'Rabbit Girls': Thai football's last women promoters
At a rowdy Bangkok stadium, BG Pathum United's "Rabbit Girls" dance to a drumbeat and cheer their team on -- the Thai football league's last band of women promoters.
Yellen in China calls for 'level playing field' for US firms
US Treasury Chief Janet Yellen called on Friday for a "level playing field" between American and Chinese companies, telling officials during a visit to southern China that Beijing's industrial subsidies threatened that balance.
Muhammad Ali's 'Thrilla in Manila' shorts up for auction
The shorts worn by Muhammad Ali in his legendary "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match are up for grabs at Sotheby's in New York, part of a growing sports memorabilia market eyed by auction houses.
US stocks fall, oil prices jump on Middle East tensions
Wall Street equities tumbled while Brent oil prices finished above $90 a barrel for the first time since late October as markets took stock of rising political tensions in the Middle East.
Tottenham mogul Lewis spared prison for insider trading
Billionaire Tottenham Hotspur mogul Joe Lewis has avoided prison in an insider trading case, with a New York judge on Thursday instead giving him three years' probation and a $5 million fine.
X gives free blue check to big follower accounts
Users with big followings will receive a free subscription to X, formerly Twitter -- and the platform's famous blue check, the company said in another policy U-turn.
Almost impossible to deliver aid in Gaza, say top charities
Major international aid groups warned Thursday it was now almost impossible to work in Gaza, as one accused countries supplying arms to Israel of being complicit in what "amounts to genocide".
EU chief plunged into controversy over top job pick
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen is facing calls from senior officials and lawmakers to justify her choice of candidate to staff a top new EU role, according to a letter seen by AFP on Thursday.
Stocks rise on eve of US payrolls; gold shines
US and European stock markets rose Thursday on the eve of key US data, while gold set another record peak on the back of geopolitical tensions and hopes of interest-rate cuts.
US trade gap grows in February to highest level since April 2023
The US trade deficit expanded in February by more than analysts expected to reach its highest level since April 2023, as imports once again exceeded exports, according to government data published Thursday.
Yellen in China to press officials on tech industry subsidies
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in China's Guangzhou on Thursday for meetings to press Beijing over fears the country's industrial subsidies for green energy, cars and batteries could flood global markets with cheap goods.
Swedish firm acquires rock legends KISS' catalogue
A Swedish entertainment group co-founded by ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus has acquired the music catalogue, name and likeness of KISS and plans to produce a movie about the legendary rock band, the company said Thursday.
Asian markets mixed after US data, eyes on jobs report
Asian markets were mixed Thursday after US data provided a fresh indicator that inflation was easing and Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell soothed worries around the bank's plans to cut interest rates this year.
Asian markets lifted by US data and fresh rate cut hopes
Asian markets rose Thursday after US data provided a fresh indicator that inflation was easing and Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell soothed worries about the bank's plans to cut interest rates this year.
Oil prices hit fresh five-month high
Oil prices scored fresh five-month peaks Wednesday on unrest in the crude-rich Middle East and an OPEC+ call for its members to maintain its strategy of reducing output.
Cutting rates too soon could be 'quite disruptive': Fed's Powell
The US Federal Reserve's high benchmark rate is "doing its job" against elevated inflation, chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday, warning that lowering it too soon could be "quite disruptive" for the American economy.
Uganda court throws out challenge to harsh anti-gay law
Uganda's Constitutional Court on Wednesday rejected a bid to scrap a controversial anti-gay law that is considered one of the toughest in the world.
US Fed should avoid climate change 'mission creep': Powell
The Federal Reserve should avoid tackling politically-charged issues like climate change without Congressional approval if it is to maintain public trust in the institution, the head of the US central bank said Wednesday.
Stocks fluctuate on rates outlook, Taiwan quake
Eurozone stocks rose but Wall Street indices wavered Wednesday on the possibility that the European Central Bank might cut interest rates before the US Federal Reserve.
US private sector hiring picks up again in March
US private sector hiring came in well above expectations last month, payroll firm ADP said Wednesday, with construction, financial services and manufacturing all contributing to the increase.
Turks left scrimping after inflation stokes rebuke to Erdogan
As the euphoria of a municipal election drubbing for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ebbs, Turks are left watching their wallets with inflation that has sapped the longtime leader's appeal driving up costs for everyday basics.
Eurozone inflation falls faster than expected in March
The eurozone's annual rate of inflation dipped further than predicted in March, official data showed Wednesday, spurring hope that the European Central Bank will cut interest rates in June.
German family businesses desperately seeking buyers
The Scharringhausen deli has been selling fine foods and wines in northern Germany for 160 years, but its future is in doubt as it struggles to find a buyer to take over the business.
Malnutrition threatens future Afghan generations
Roya carefully spoon-feeds her daughter fortified milk in a ward for malnourished children, praying the tiny infant will avoid a condition that stalks one in ten young children in Afghanistan after decades of conflict.
Asian markets hit by dimming US rate hopes, Taiwan quake
Asian markets tumbled Wednesday as investors grow increasingly sceptical that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as much as hoped this year, while a massive earthquake in Taiwan added to the sense of gloom.
'Rock bottom': Colombia's Medellin acts against sex tourism
The mayor of the Colombian city of Medellin has issued two decrees in a bid to crack down on sex tourism, after an American traveler was found with two underage girls in his hotel room.
US Fed official predicts higher long-term interest rates
A senior Federal Reserve official confirmed Tuesday that she recently raised her prediction for interest rates over the longer term due to the enduring strength of the US economy.
Heathrow exec appointed new head of Britain's Royal Mail
Logistics and mail group International Distributions Services on Tuesday said it had appointed Emma Gilthorpe as chief executive of its subsidiary Royal Mail.
Tesla Q1 auto deliveries fall 8.5 pct, shares drop sharply
Tesla reported an 8.5 percent drop in first-quarter auto deliveries, missing estimates from leading analysts and weighing on shares.
Gold hits record peak, oil rises on geopolitical tensions
Gold prices nailed another historic peak Tuesday and oil extended gains over rising tensions in the Middle East, while stocks wilted as traders worried whether the rally has run its course.