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'Anxious': US farmers see tariffs threaten earnings

As President Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs took effect this weekend, US farmers hoping for a profit this year instead found themselves facing lower crop prices -- and the prospect of ceding more ground in foreign markets.

Nostalgia fuels UK boom in vintage video game repairs

The shelves lining Luke Malpass's home workshop are a gamer's treasure trove stretching back decades, with components of vintage Game Boys, Sega Mega Drives and Nintendos jostling for space and awaiting repair.

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Germany on eve of elections under shadow of US-European rift

German politicians made a final scramble for votes Saturday on the eve of key elections in which conservatives hope to win despite the dramatic rise of the far right targeting a record score.

France still seeking to block EU-Mercosur trade deal: Macron

France is still trying to assemble a "blocking minority" within the European Union to prevent a trade deal with four South American countries from coming into force, President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday.

Ukraine's earth riches are rare and difficult to reach

Ukraine's soils hold some five percent of the world's mineral resources, which is what US President Donald Trump is anxious to secure, but not all of them are yet exploited -- or maybe even exploitable, according to experts.

On $15 a month, Venezuela's teachers live hand to mouth

With a monthly salary of $15, a teacher in Venezuela earns nowhere near enough to cover their basic food necessities, never mind rent or medicine.

'See you in court': Trump, governor spar over trans rights

US President Donald Trump had a heated exchange with the governor of Maine Friday over his order barring transgender athletes from women's sports, with the Democratic state leader telling him: "See you in court."

US stocks tumble on fears of slowdown

Wall Street stocks tumbled Friday on worries about slowing US growth, concluding the week on a downcast note following gains in Asia and a mixed session on European bourses.

German flying taxi start-up's rescue deal collapses

A German flying taxi start-up said on Friday it would halt operations after a deal to rescue it fell through, the latest turbulence to hit the sector.

Stock markets diverge, oil prices slide

Global stock markets diverged on Friday, with Hong Kong leading gains in Asia thanks to a surge in tech stocks led by e-commerce titan Alibaba.

Apple says halting data protection tool for UK users

Apple said on Friday it could no longer offer full end-to-end encryption for British customers and iPhone users, following US media reports the UK government had asked for global data access.

Female chefs condemn sexism in British kitchens

Dozens of female chefs have condemned "pervasive" sexism in British restaurant kitchens, saying in an open letter that the industry needs more women in top roles.

US, China economic leaders raise 'serious concerns' in first call

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Chinese counterpart He Lifeng raised mutual concerns on trade and economic issues in their introductory call Friday, as tensions between the world's two biggest economies simmer under President Donald Trump's second term.

Stock markets rise as Alibaba fuels Hong Kong tech rally

European and Asian markets rose on Friday, with Hong Kong leading the way thanks to a surge in tech stocks led by e-commerce titan Alibaba.

France full-back Jaminet returns to rugby after racist video ban

France full-back Melvyn Jaminet, who has been suspended since the start of the season for racist remarks, returns to rugby this weekend for Toulon against Stade Francais, his coach Pierre Mignoni said on Friday.

Asian markets advance as Alibaba fuels Hong Kong tech rally

Asian markets rose Friday, with Hong Kong leading the way thanks to a surge in tech stocks led by ecommerce titan Alibaba.

Nissan shares jump 11% on reported plan to seek Tesla investment

Nissan shares surged 11 percent Friday after a report said a Japanese group including a former prime minister plans to ask US electric vehicle giant Tesla to invest in the automaker.

Just 17% of Japan citizens hold passport, data shows

Only around one in six Japanese citizens hold valid passports, fresh data has shown, with the number of residents travelling abroad slowly recovering but still below pre-pandemic levels.

Most Asian markets rise as traders pick over week of headlines

Asian markets mostly rose Friday after a negative day on Wall Street as investors weigh the economic outlook in light of Donald Trump's tariffs drive and geopolitical machinations.

Japan's core inflation rate hits 19-month high

Japanese inflation accelerated in January, further pressuring households as prices excluding fresh food rose 3.2 percent on-year, government data showed Friday.

Japan's core inflation rate hits 3.2% in January

Japanese inflation accelerated in January, further pressuring households as prices excluding fresh food rose 3.2 percent on-year, government data showed Friday.

Stocks mostly fall on tepid Walmart outlook, geopolitical worries

Global stock markets mostly fell on Thursday and gold hit a record high as traders fretted over the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariffs and a pivot in Washington's policy on Ukraine.

Bond franchise shake-up moves spy into Amazon stable

In a move that looks set to shake -- and maybe even stir -- one of Hollywood's most bankable franchises, Amazon MGM Studio is to take creative control of James Bond, as the fictional British spy's long-time producers step back.

New York seeks hundreds of millions of dollars in 'vaping epidemic' case

The top law officer in the US state of New York said Thursday she would seek hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties from 13 top e-cigarette makers, distributors and sellers for "fueling the youth vaping epidemic."

Spotify adds more AI-generated audiobooks

Spotify on Thursday began accepting audiobooks narrated by digital voices created by artificial intelligence software firm ElevenLabs, pitching it as a cost-effective option for authors.

Stocks in the red as investors worry about growth and inflation

Global stock markets turned lower on Thursday and gold hit a record high as traders fretted over the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariffs and immigration measures on growth and inflation.

Bond franchise shifts to Amazon as Broccoli family steps back

Amazon MGM Studios will take creative control of the James Bond franchise following a landmark joint venture agreement with longtime producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the parties announced Thursday.

Unfair? Figures belie Trump's claims on EU trade balance

President Donald Trump repeatedly claims that US-EU trade ties are unfair and that Europe is abusing the United States as justification for threatening tariffs.

Stock markets mostly lower on Fed concerns over Trump policies

Global stock markets turned mostly lower on Thursday and gold hit a record high amid Federal Reserve concerns that US President Donald Trump's tariffs and immigration measures could reignite inflation.

France moves to ban marriage for undocumented migrants

France's Senate on Thursday backed a bill to ban undocumented immigrants from getting married in France as the government seeks to clamp down on illegal immigration, in a draft law the left has described as unconstitutional.

Walmart sales rise but shares tumble on forecast

Walmart reported solid fourth-quarter results Thursday behind higher US sales, but shares tumbled after its quarterly and annual projections missed estimates.

Spain court convicts ex-football chief for sexual assualt over forced kiss

A Spanish court on Thursday convicted former football chief Luis Rubiales of sexual assault over the forced kiss he gave star forward Jenni Hermoso and fined him 10,800 euros ($11,300).

Mercedes-Benz flags cost cuts, tough year ahead after torrid 2024

Mercedes-Benz warned of looming cost cuts Thursday and gave a bleak outlook for 2025 after its profits plunged almost a third last year amid a slump in China and slowing electric car sales.

ECB rate hikes result in record loss in 2024

The European Central bank on Thursday reported a record loss in 2024 after it had aggressively hiked eurozone interest rates in response to soaring inflation.

The Japan Times - Economy (English)