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Stock markets dip as Ukraine worries return
European and US stock markets drifted lower while oil prices rose on Wednesday as investors tracked developments surrounding the Ukraine crisis and awaited fresh clues about the US Federal Reserve's interest rate plans.
Ukraine stages drills as NATO and US see no Russia pullback
Ukraine staged military drills and defiant displays of flag-waving patriotism on Wednesday as Western powers warned Russia is continuing to mass forces for a possible invasion.
US retailers begin 2022 with a big jump in sales
US retailers more than regained ground lost in an unexpected December slump, with a surprise boom in January sales, according to government data released Wednesday.
European stocks steady after Ukraine-induced volatility
European stock markets steadied Wednesday after a volatile start to the trading week, as investors tracked developments surrounding the Ukraine crisis.
Berlinale film fest to award top prizes under Covid shadow
The 72nd Berlinale film festival awards its top prizes on Wednesday including its Golden Bear for best picture and a gender-neutral acting gong after a reduced in-person run under the pandemic.
Poland, Hungary risk funding slashes after EU rule-of-law decision
The EU's top court on Wednesday rejected a challenge by Poland and Hungary to a mechanism allowing Brussels to slash funding to member states that flout democratic standards.
Nigeria begins 24-hour supply to end fuel shortage
Nigeria's state-run oil company said it had started a 24-hour distribution of petrol to service stations to end a week-long scarcity that has caused traffic snarls in major cities.
Metronomy see a 'Small World' emerge from pandemic
As the title of his new album suggests, Metronomy's Joe Mount found an unexpected sense of connection to the rest of the planet in the midst of the pandemic.
UK annual inflation hits fresh 30-year high
UK annual inflation has hit the highest level since 1992, data showed Wednesday, adding pressure to the cost of living and on the Bank of England to keep raising rates.
China govt to help run coal power plants at full capacity
China will help its coal-fired power plants run at full capacity, the government has announced, raising further alarm about the fate of Beijing's climate pledges.
Pirozzi's journey from wedding singer to opera star
Anna Pirozzi was more into Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston growing up -- it never even crossed her mind that she might one day be singing in the world's most illustrious opera halls.
Facebook co-workers now 'Metamates' as image evolves
Meta chief Mark Zuckerberg laid out revamped company values Tuesday, urging workers to be "Metamates" who treat one another with respect and look to the future.
Markets rise, oil holds losses on Russia-Ukraine hopes
Asian markets rebounded and oil held steep losses Wednesday on hopes that Russia will not invade Ukraine after Moscow said some of its troops on the countries' border had started pulling back.
China inflation slows as govt vows to keep prices under control
Inflation in China slowed in January, official data showed Wednesday, as the government pledged to keep prices in check in the world's second-biggest economy.
EU court to deliver key rule-of-law judgement
The EU's highest court will rule Wednesday on whether European Union funds can be slashed for member states flouting democratic standards, a case with major implications for Poland and Hungary.
Ukraine marks 'Day of Unity' as US warns Russian may yet attack
A defiant Ukrainian leader urged citizens to celebrate a "Day of Unity" on Wednesday, as Washington warned once again that Russia remains poised to launch a devastating assault.
As costs jump, Sao Paulo Uber drivers set to launch rival app
The Uber driver's phone bleeps out the signal to pick up a passenger, but he checks the distance and declines: with fuel prices soaring in Brazil, "I've become a mathematician at the wheel," he says.
Biden sees chance for Ukraine diplomacy, keeps pressure on Moscow
US President Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to push for a diplomatic resolution of the Ukraine crisis, but warned that a Russian invasion remained "very much a possibility" and that retaliatory sanctions were primed and ready.
Stocks jump, oil slides on easing Ukraine fears
US and European stock markets rebounded and oil prices tumbled Tuesday on easing fears of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Biden says diplomacy can work but warns Russia against attacking Ukraine
US President Joe Biden said Tuesday that there was still time to resolve the Ukraine crisis through diplomacy but warned that sanctions are "ready to go" if Russian troops attack the country.
US Republicans block vote on Biden's Fed candidates
Republicans in the US Senate on Tuesday boycotted a vote to confirm President Joe Biden's nominees to lead the Federal Reserve, creating a potential roadblock for the central bank as it looks to fight runaway inflation.
Israel PM hails 'new model' of relations on landmark Bahrain visit
Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday his landmark visit to Bahrain offered a "new model" of Israeli-Arab relations, part of a goal of creating a regional "ring of alliances".
Faroe Islands begin review of controversial dolphin hunt
The Faroe Islands, a Danish autonomous territory, said Tuesday it had begun discussions about the future of its controversial dolphin hunt, with a decision expected in the coming weeks.
Pentagon fights defense industry consolidation
The big-spending Pentagon opened a campaign Tuesday against the consolidation of defense contractors, saying competition has dwindled as arms suppliers merge and supersize.
Seven dead, 14 missing as Spain trawler sinks off Canada
At least seven fishermen died and another 14 were missing after a Spanish trawler sank in rough seas off eastern Canada on Tuesday, Spanish and Canadian officials said.
UK gallery offers 'real' masterpieces -- from digital tokens
Want to "own" a Leonardo da Vinci or Amedeo Modigliani? One London gallery is showing digitally re-rendered versions of priceless Italian masterpieces -- although they still don't come cheap.
Musk gives 5 mn Tesla shares to unspecified charities
Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, considered the richest person in the world, has donated 5.04 million shares of his company to unspecified charities, according to a securities filing.
Cambodia delays controversial internet gateway
Cambodia is delaying an internet gateway that had raised concerns around privacy and free speech, halting its planned mid-week implementation due to Covid-19 related disruptions, a government official said Tuesday.
Mining giant Glencore sets aside $1.5 bn for graft probes
Mining and commodities trading giant Glencore said Tuesday it set aside $1.5 billion as it expects to resolve corruption investigations in the United States, Britain and Brazil this year.
Industry execs urge easing of curbs as Singapore airshow opens
Asian governments must ditch tough coronavirus travel restrictions to help beleaguered airlines recover, industry executives urged Tuesday on the opening day of the region's biggest airshow in Singapore.
US offers $1 bn in loan guarantees for Ukraine
The United States is offering up to $1 billion in credit guarantees to help Ukraine weather the threat of war against Russia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday.
Russia says pulling back some forces from Ukraine border
Russia said Tuesday it was pulling back some of its forces near the Ukrainian border to their bases, in what would be the first major step towards de-escalation in weeks of crisis with the West.