Economy

Economy Latest News

Japan's Fuji TV faces heat over sex allegations
Japan's Fuji TV faces heat over sex allegations
by  AFP

Pressure grew Monday on Fuji Television over an alleged sexual assault by a celebrity presenter, with the Japanese broadcaster set to address media as criticism mounts from advertisers and the public. They have shocked the nation although most other Japanese media more cautiously refer to sexual "trouble" or misconduct.

Weak yuan, Trump tariff threats confound Beijing's economic puzzle
Weak yuan, Trump tariff threats confound Beijing's economic puzzle
by  AFP

Higher US tariffs under President Donald Trump could accelerate a slump in the value of China's currency, complicating recent efforts by Beijing to kickstart a rebound in its struggling economy, analysts warn. But such moves may come into conflict with Beijing's efforts elsewhere to boost an economy that is struggling to regain momentum.

Asian stocks mixed as tariff fears return, new AI programme emerges
Asian stocks mixed as tariff fears return, new AI programme emerges
by  AFP

Asian markets fluctuated Monday on fresh trade fears after Donald Trump's decision to impose huge tariffs on Colombia, in retaliation for its refusal to accept deportation flights from the United States. The move came after President Gustavo Petro blocked deportation flights from the United States.

ECB to cut rates again, with a nervous eye on Trump
ECB to cut rates again, with a nervous eye on Trump
by  AFP

Eurozone rate-setters are set to cut borrowing costs again this week, confident their efforts to lower inflation will remain on track despite the threat from US President Donald Trump's protectionist agenda. "We are confident of seeing inflation at target in the course" of this year, President Christine Lagarde said last week in an interview with CNBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

With Trump win, Silicon Valley's right flank takes on Washington
With Trump win, Silicon Valley's right flank takes on Washington
by  AFP

One week into his second administration, Donald Trump has put technology at the forefront, featuring tech billionaires prominently at his inauguration and announcing major AI infrastructure deals from the White House. - Palmer Luckey - Palmer Luckey, while not directly involved in the White House, carries weight as a self-made tech billionaire who challenged Silicon Valley's liberal bent.

Universal, Spotify ink multi-year deal
Universal, Spotify ink multi-year deal
by  AFP

Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company, and streaming behemoth Spotify on Sunday announced a multi-year direct deal that will affect both recording and publishing royalty rates. The deal notably "establishes a direct license between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group across Spotify's current product portfolio in the US and several other countries," the companies said.

Undersea cable between Sweden and Latvia damaged: Swedish PM
Undersea cable between Sweden and Latvia damaged: Swedish PM
by  AFP

Latvia said it had dispatched a warship on Sunday after damage to a fibre optic cable to Sweden that may have been "due to external factors". The statement added: "Based on current findings, it is presumed that the cable is significantly damaged due to external factors.

US Fed prepares to pause in first rate decision since Trump's inauguration
US Fed prepares to pause in first rate decision since Trump's inauguration
by  AFP

The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce a pause in rate cuts on Wednesday, as policymakers look to continue tackling inflation under close and vocal scrutiny from President Donald Trump. - Trump's 'demands' lower rates - Trump has frequently criticized the Fed, which has a dual mandate from Congress to act independently to tackle inflation and unemployment.