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New round of US-China trade talks kicks off in Madrid
New round of US-China trade talks kicks off in Madrid
by  AFP

China and the United States kicked off the latest round of trade talks on Sunday in Madrid, where they are set to thrash out their TikTok dispute and President Donald Trump's promised hefty tariffs. Top leaders from both countries will also discuss their dispute over the TikTok social media platform during the meetings in Madrid.

Lab-grown diamonds robbing southern Africa of riches
Lab-grown diamonds robbing southern Africa of riches
by  AFP

Botswana and southern African peers that built much of their prosperity on diamonds are scrambling for alternatives as cheaper, lab-grown stones threaten their economies. Just steps away, a lab-grown diamond valued at $115 was unguarded.

US Fed poised for first rate cut of 2025 as political tension mounts
US Fed poised for first rate cut of 2025 as political tension mounts
by  AFP

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to make its first interest rate cut of the year at its policy meeting this week, spurred by a weakening jobs market -- but political tension looms over the gathering. Analysts now broadly expect a 25 basis points rate cut at the end of its two-day meeting on Wednesday, as hiring slows.

US to stop collecting emissions data from polluters
US to stop collecting emissions data from polluters
by  AFP

The United States moved on Friday to dismantle a "burdensome" federal program that tracks greenhouse gas emissions across the US economy, the latest step by President Donald Trump's administration to undercut efforts against climate change. Democrats had anticipated the move after they obtained documents in the spring that indicated the change was planned.

Boeing defense workers reject deal to end strike
Boeing defense workers reject deal to end strike
by  AFP

Boeing workers at its St. Louis area defense factories will stay on strike after union members voted Friday to reject a new contract offer from the US aviation giant. "We're disappointed our employees have rejected a five-year offer, including 45 percent average wage growth," said Dan Gillian, a senior St. Louis site executive with Boeing.