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A 50-year crisis -- Ecuador's next president faces a stern test
In the throes of a bloody drug war, a shrinking economy and an acute energy crisis, Ecuadorans are remarkably optimistic about their country's future as they prepare to vote in Sunday election.
US stocks slide on tariff fears, inflation expectations
US and European shares fell Friday, with a cooler US jobs report and higher inflation expectations capping the end of a volatile week marked by concerns over a trade war.
Trudeau says Trump's Canada annexation threat 'a real thing'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told an economic summit Friday that President Donald Trump is serious about annexing Canada to access its natural resources, as his government vowed the country's sovereignty was non-negotiable.
US stocks slide as inflation expectations jump
US and European shares fell Friday, with a cooler US jobs report and higher inflation expectations capping the end of a volatile week marked by concerns over a trade war.
US sees slower January job growth, below expectations
The United States added fewer jobs than expected in January although hiring remained healthy, government data showed Friday, marking resilience in the labor market heading into President Donald Trump's new term.
US stocks rise as investors digest US jobs report
US stock markets rose but European shares fell Friday as investors digested a cooler US jobs report at the end of a volatile week marked by concerns over a trade war.
Trump's trade tempest: Week one
In just one week, US President Donald Trump's turbulent trade tussle with rivals and allies triggered tit-for-tat moves, more tariff threats and tense talks, leaving the world bracing for more.
US job growth misses expectations in January
The United States added fewer jobs than expected in January while unemployment ticked down, government data showed Friday, marking resilience in the labor market heading into President Donald Trump's new term.
Putin hails Russia's strong 2024 economic growth
Russia reported strong economic growth for 2024 on Friday as record spending on the military offensive against Ukraine outweighed the impact of Western sanctions.
Papadakis and Hubbell take same-sex ice dancing to new level
Olympic champions Gabriella Papadakis and Madison Hubbell on Thursday took to the ice at a figure skating gala in Zurich trying to "push the limit" of the sport as a first same-sex pair to skate together in an elite event.
Hong Kong to file complaint with WTO over US tariffs
Hong Kong will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization in response to heightened US tariffs on its goods, a government spokesperson said Friday, days after Beijing announced a similar move.
'Lottery ticket': Crypto investors brace for bumpy ride under Trump
Nick was enjoying his Saturday off work in Pennsylvania when he received an unexpected and alarming message: cryptocurrencies, buoyed since Donald Trump's November 5 election win, were in freefall.
Most Asian markets rise ahead of key US jobs data
Most Asian equities advanced Friday as investors head into the weekend awaiting the release of US jobs data, while traders kept a nervous eye on Washington as the Trump administration presses ahead with a hardball trade agenda.
'Social Network' star Eisenberg slams Zuckerberg as 'obsessed with power'
Hollywood star Jesse Eisenberg, who played Mark Zuckerberg in 2010 hit "The Social Network", told AFP the Facebook owner had evolved from having "a sense of righteousness" into "somebody obsessed with power".
Big Tech's AI spending rattles markets
E-commerce giant Amazon reported strong earnings Thursday but, like its big tech peers Microsoft and Google, saw its stock price fall on concerns over high AI investment costs.
Trump trade nominee says universal tariffs worth considering
US President Donald Trump's trade envoy nominee Jamieson Greer told his confirmation hearing Thursday that universal tariffs were worth studying, adding that he would work to restructure global trade ties.
Amazon profits double, but cautious outlook disappoints
E-commerce giant Amazon reported Thursday its fourth-quarter net income nearly doubled to $20 billion, driven by strong holiday sales, but its outlook for the coming quarter came in less than hoped for by analysts.
Trump trade nominee floats universal tariffs
US President Donald Trump's trade envoy nominee Jamieson Greer told his confirmation hearing Thursday that universal tariffs were worth studying, adding that he would work to restructure global trade ties.
Kendrick Lamar promises 'storytelling' at Super Bowl show
Rapper Kendrick Lamar, one of the big success stories of the Grammys last weeks, said Thursday his fans should expect "storytelling" at the Super Bowl halftime show this weekend.
L'Oreal bullish after net profits rise
French cosmetics giant L'Oreal said Thursday its profits rose last year despite the declining Chinese market and it made bullish statements about its hopes for 2025.
Papadakis, Hubbell breaking new ground as same-sex ice dancers
Olympic champions Gabriella Papadakis and Madison Hubbell on Thursday took to the ice at a figure skating gala in Zurich trying to "push the limit" of the sport as a first same-sex couple to skate together.
Global stocks mostly climb as trade fears ease
Stock markets mostly rose Thursday on easing trade tensions and some strong company earnings, with London and Frankfurt hitting record highs.
Volvo Cars anticipates bumpy 2025 as demand slows
Sweden's Volvo Cars, owned by China's Geely Group, said Thursday that annual profits rose in 2024 despite a final quarter slowdown but that the outlook for this year is tougher.
Bank of England slashes UK growth outlook amid Trump tariff threat
The Bank of England on Thursday halved its forecast for UK economic growth this year, blaming global risks amid US tariff threats and deteriorating business confidence in the UK.
EU quizzes Shein over 'illegal' products
The EU on Thursday told online fashion giant Shein to hand over information on risks linked to illegal products on its site, paving the way for a second probe into the Chinese-founded firm.
French parliament finally adopts 2025 budget
The French parliament on Thursday finally adopted the state's 2025 budget following a tumultuous months-long process that saw the previous government toppled and the current administration survive multiple no confidence votes.
Global stocks rise on easing trade fears, company earnings
Stock markets rose Thursday on easing trade tensions and thanks to some strong company earnings, analysts said.
Gucci ousts chief designer De Sarno after sales slump
Luxury giant Gucci announced Thursday it was parting ways with its chief designer Sabato De Sarno following a sales slump, in the latest shakeup at a major European label.
Honda-Nissan merger talks 'basically over': source
Nissan's board is in favour of abandoning merger talks with Honda but calling them off has yet to be officially decided by executives at the two Japanese carmakers, a source close to the matter told AFP on Thursday.
US claims free passage through Panama Canal
The United States said Wednesday that its government vessels would sail for free through the Panama Canal following heavy pressure from President Donald Trump, but authorities at the waterway swiftly issued a denial.
In the English countryside, a pylon war looms
Standing by his winter wheat field on a plot of land where tall electricity pylons are set to be built, John Stacey feels far from bright about the future.
Bank of England set to cut interest rate
The Bank of England was widely expected to cut its key interest rate on Thursday to help support weak British growth even if UK inflation stays elevated.