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Asian markets build on Trump rally, yen steady ahead of BoJ

Asian markets rose Friday after a record day on Wall Street in response to Donald Trump's tax-cut pledge, while the yen weakened slightly ahead of an expected interest rate hike by the Bank of Japan later in the day.

Fear in US border city as Trump launches immigration overhaul

Venezuelan Josnexcy Martinez, who is staying at a shelter in a Texas border city, said she's afraid of getting swept up in a raid targeting migrants even though she entered the country legally.

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Chinese firms take on EV truck challenges

Dominant in the electric car sector, Chinese companies have been quietly consolidating their position in the lesser-watched trucking scene -- but foreign tariffs and a perceived quality gap could signal roadblocks ahead, experts warn.

Oldest Miss France clinches crown, aged 34

A 34-year-old flight attendant from the French Caribbean island of Martinique on Saturday became the oldest contestant to win the Miss France pageant.

Rare foreign-born CEO says Japan needs immigration to thrive

The Indian-born head of one of Japan's most famous snack brands has warned that the country must change its mindset and admit more immigrants to get the economy back to the glory of its boom years.

France fears heavy toll as Cyclone Chido batters Mayotte

Cyclone Chido obliterated shantytowns on the French island territory of Mayotte on Saturday, with French ministers fearing a "heavy" death toll from the destruction, which has already claimed two lives.

Founder of Spain's Mango clothing chain dies in accident

Isak Andic, the founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, with nearly 2,800 stores worldwide, died Saturday in an accident, the company said.

Olympic champions Papadakis, Hubbell to perform as same-sex ice dancers in gala

Olympic ice dancing champions Gabriella Papadakis and Madison Hubbell announced Saturday they will team up as a same-sex couple at a figure skating gala early next year.

Athletics Australia 'profoundly sorry' for alleged abuse by top coach

Athletics Australia said it was "profoundly sorry" on Saturday over allegations that celebrated pole vault coach Alex Parnov groomed, sexually harassed and inappropriately touched multiple young women in his care.

'Fighting spirit': Disabled French boxer yearns for glory

Boxer Pierre-Mickael Hugues trains in New York like any other able-bodied athlete -- but has prosthetic legs from below the knee.

McKinsey to pay $650 mn to settle US criminal case on opioids

Consulting giant McKinsey & Company will pay $650 million to settle US criminal charges that it collaborated with Purdue Pharma to intentionally misbrand opioids, worsening a public health crisis, officials announced Friday.

Lawyers make final pleas at rape trial of France's 'monster' husband

A lawyer urged judges to acquit her clients Friday as defence pleas wrap up at a massive rape trial in France, arguing the main victim's "monster" husband had manipulated them into assaulting her.

Staff at UK luxury store Harrods vote to strike

Hundreds of staff at London's luxury department store Harrods will walk out just days before Christmas, a union said Friday, in a row over pay and working conditions.

Global stocks pull lower on US rate concerns

A push higher by global stocks ran out of steam Friday as US bond yields rose in a signal that investors see the US Federal Reserve pausing after an expected interest rate cut next week.

Chanel looks to the future with new artistic director Blazy

French luxury brand Chanel has opted for 40-year-old Matthieu Blazy as its new creative director instead of one of the industry's established celebrity designers.

IAEA says Iran agrees to more monitoring at Fordo enrichment plant

Iran has agreed to increased monitoring by the UN nuclear watchdog at its Fordo enrichment plant, following its plans to ramp up production of highly enriched uranium at the site, the agency said in a report seen by AFP on Friday.

Moldova declares emergency ahead of expected Russia gas cuts

Moldova's parliament approved Friday a 60-day state of emergency as an expected cut of Russian gas to the power station that supplies a majority of its electricity could trigger blackouts.

German central bank cuts growth forecasts as headwinds intensify

Germany's central bank on Friday sharply downgraded its growth forecasts for next year and 2026, predicting a prolonged period of weakness for Europe's biggest economy as it battles multiple headwinds.

Markets diverge as China economic pledges disappoint

Stock markets diverged Friday as traders were disappointed by China's latest boosts to its beleaguered economy and looked ahead to a key US Federal Reserve meeting next week.

'Lives at risk': Women's medical training ban threatens Afghan health sector

From her private hospital in Afghanistan's capital, doctor Najmussama Shefajo predicts a rise in maternal mortality rates "within three or four years", following the latest restrictions on women's education.

Markets retreat as China pledges fail to spark excitement

Markets fell Friday as China's latest vows to boost the beleaguered economy failed to stir much excitement, while traders looked ahead to a key Federal Reserve policy meeting next week.

Asian markets retreat as China pledges fail to spark excitement

Asian markets fell Friday as China's latest vows to boost the beleaguered economy failed to stir much excitement, while traders looked ahead to a key Federal Reserve policy meeting next week.

Slovakia protests against minister who tests culture, LGBT limits

Thousands of people took to the streets of the Slovakia capital Thursday to protest against Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova who has dismissed several heads of major cultural institutions and halted projects steered by LGBT+ associations under the pretext of promoting "Slovak culture".

Chanel names Matthieu Blazy to enter new artistic era

French luxury brand Chanel on Thursday named former Bottega Veneta creative boss Matthieu Blazy as its new artistic director, one of the biggest jobs in fashion tasked with finally turning the page on the Karl Lagerfeld era.

Four face trial for online targeting of Brigitte Macron

Four men will appear in court next year in Paris over allegations they harassed French First Lady Brigitte Macron online, the public prosecutor said Thursday.

Man City's Walker calls for action after online racist abuse

Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has called for tough action to tackle online abuse after he received a "vile, racist and threatening" message following Wednesday's 2-0 loss at Juventus.

ECB cuts rates again, Lagarde says eurozone 'losing momentum'

The European Central Bank cut interest rates again Thursday and hinted at more to come, with President Christine Lagarde saying the beleaguered eurozone economy was "losing momentum" as EU and US politics fuelled uncertainty.

ECB cuts rates again as eurozone hit by economic, political woes

The European Central Bank cut interest rates again Thursday, citing a worsening growth outlook and slowing inflation, with political turmoil in the eurozone adding to the troubled picture.

'No longer of this time': Miss Netherlands pageant scrapped

The Miss Netherlands beauty pageant is being scrapped after 35 years, organisers said on Thursday, transforming into a new platform dealing with mental health and sharing positive stories.

Swiss central bank announces big rate cut to boost economy

The Swiss central bank announced an unexpectedly large interest-rate cut on Thursday, citing rising "uncertainty" about the economic outlook due to the potential impact of Donald Trump's policies and political turmoil in Europe.

European stocks rise after surprise Swiss rate cut

European stock markets rose Thursday as the Swiss central bank made a bigger-than-forecast interest rate cut before eurozone policymakers are expected to trim the bloc's own borrowing costs again.

Russians suffer rising costs of Ukraine conflict

In the small town of Dedovsk, just outside Moscow, pensioner Zinaida Kudriavtseva is struggling to pay the bills.

'Taste of love': Donkey milk cheese meets success in Albania

"Donkey milk has the taste of love," said Fatiko Basha as she caressed her favourite, Liza, before collecting the animal's milk. It also makes what is reputed to be one of the most expensive cheeses in the world.

Fears for the future as drug deaths among young Finns soar

At a popular meeting spot for substance abusers near central Helsinki, even the addicts warn that Finland has a spiralling drug problem, particularly among young people.

The Japan Times - Economy (English)