The Japan Times

Geopolitical tensions buffet markets as gold hits record

Global stocks diverged while gold hit a record high on Tuesday as investors juggled geopolitical concerns with renewed violence in Gaza and a high-stakes US-Russian presidential phone call.

Ecuador battles spreading oil slick, residents without water

Ecuador battled a spreading oil slick Tuesday that has reached several rivers after a spill left thousands without drinking water and triggered the declaration of an environmental emergency.

Germany's Siemens to cut over 6,000 jobs worldwide

German industrial giant Siemens said Tuesday it planned to cut over 6,000 jobs worldwide due to weak demand and increasing competition in China and in its home market.

Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolds on their way out

The sight of Hong Kong's high-rises encased in bamboo scaffolding may soon become a rarity after officials announced plans to replace the ancient technique with metal.

Bessent says nations may avoid US reciprocal tariffs by halting unfair barriers

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said Washington could hold off reciprocal tariffs for countries that halt practices it deems unfair, adding that officials will produce a list of levies on April 2.

Geopolitical tensions buffet markets

Global stocks diverged on Tuesday as investors juggled geopolitical concerns as US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin were set to hold talks.

Google says to buy cybersecurity company Wiz for $32 bn

Google said Tuesday it will acquire cloud security platform Wiz for $32 billion, citing the need for greater cybersecurity capacity as artificial intelligence embeds itself in technology infrastructure.

Huthis announce new attack on American warships, fresh US strikes

Yemen's Huthis said on Tuesday they carried out their third attack on American warships in 48 hours, following US strikes on the Iran-backed rebels that sparked mass protests in areas under their control.

European satellite group ready to step up for Kyiv's military: CEO

European satellite operator Eutelsat is under the spotlight like never before because of fears that Elon Musk's Starlink could pull its crucial service from Ukraine.

Markets track Wall St gains as tech inspires Hong Kong

Asian and European equity markets rallied on Tuesday following another positive day on Wall Street stoked by US data that eased recession fears, while Chinese tech firms helped propel another surge in Hong Kong.

German parliament to vote on huge spending boost for defence, infrastructure

German lawmakers will vote Tuesday on a massive spending boost for defence and infrastructure proposed by chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz amid concern over the United States' commitment to Europe's security.

China EV giant BYD soars after 5-minute charging platform unveiled

Shares in Chinese EV giant BYD surged to a record high Tuesday after it unveiled new battery technology it says can charge a vehicle in the same time it takes to fill up a petrol car.

Asian markets track Wall St gains as tech inspires Hong Kong

Asian markets rallied on Tuesday following another positive day on Wall Street stoked by US data that eased recession fears, while Chinese tech firms helped propel another surge in Hong Kong.

Jury deliberates US pipeline case with free speech implications

A jury in North Dakota began deliberating Monday in a trial that has broad free speech implications, over a US oil pipeline operator's lawsuit seeking millions of dollars from Greenpeace for allegedly orchestrating a campaign of violence and defamation.

New blow to German auto sector as Audi announces job cuts

Premium carmaker Audi said Monday it will cut 7,500 jobs by 2029 in Germany, citing "immense challenges" as the country's auto industry battles slowing electric vehicle demand and rising Chinese competition.

New Canada PM meets King Charles and Macron after Trump threats

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday said his country was seeking to reinforce ties with "reliable" European allies as he met Britain's King Charles III and France's Emmanuel Macron on his first foreign trip since taking office.

Hong Kong property tycoon Lee Shau-kee dies aged 97

Hong Kong's second-richest man Lee Shau-kee has died aged 97, the property tycoon's firm Henderson Land Development announced Monday.

US retail sales weaker than expected as consumer health under scrutiny

US retail sales logged smaller gains than expected in February according to government data released Monday, edging up from an earlier decline with all eyes on consumer spending strength amid growing worries of a recession.

Court upholds £3 bn lifeline for UK's top water supplier

A UK court on Monday upheld an emergency loan granted to Thames Water, allowing Britain's largest such supplier to keep a financial lifeline as it drowns under massive debt.

OECD lowers global growth projections over tariffs, uncertainty

Trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties are weighing on economic perspectives, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said on Monday as it lowered its projections for global growth in 2025.

Stock markets rise as China unveils consumer plan

European and Asian stock markets started the week on the front foot on Monday as investors welcomed China's plans to kickstart consumption in the world's number two economy amid US tariff fears.

Yemen's Huthis claim US aircraft carrier attacks

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels said they attacked an American aircraft carrier group twice within 24 hours as they prepared for huge rallies on Monday after US strikes left dozens dead.

From determination to despair: S.Africa's youth battling for work

In a corner of his mother’s backyard, 30-year-old Thabang Moshoke runs a clipper through a client's hair at a makeshift barbershop that has only a rough roof to shield it from the skies.

Designer Jonathan Anderson leaves Spanish brand Loewe

British designer Jonathan Anderson has left Spanish brand Loewe after more than a decade at the helm, owner LVMH announced Monday, with the 40-year-old tipped to take over at Dior.

Markets start week on front foot as China unveils consumer plan

Markets rose on Monday as investors welcomed Chinese plans to kickstart consumption in the world's number two economy, though worries about Donald Trump's tariffs war continue to cast a shadow over trading floors.

Gauls on tour: Asterix does Portugal for 41st comic

France's favourite magic potion-swigging winged-helmed hero Asterix will take in a spot of Portuguese sun for the comic Gaul's 41st album out in October, his publisher said on Monday.

Yemen's Huthis claim attacks on carrier group after US strikes

Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels claimed on Monday to have twice attacked an American aircraft carrier group within 24 hours, calling it retaliation for deadly US strikes.

Why are proposed deep-sea mining rules so contentious?

After more than a decade of negotiations, a new round of talks to finalize a code to regulate deep-sea mining in international waters begins Monday in Jamaica, with hopes high for adoption this year.

Cuba gradually turning lights back on after island-wide blackout

Power was slowly being restored across most of Cuba on Sunday, after nearly 40 hours without electricity, in the island's fourth major blackout in six months.

US strikes in Yemen kill 31 as Trump vows to end Huthi attacks

The first US strikes against Yemen's Huthis since President Donald Trump took office in January killed at least 31 people, the rebels said Sunday, as Washington warned Iran to stop backing the group.

Mexicans protest for victims of latest mass grave discovery

Protesters gathered across Mexico on Saturday to demand justice following a grisly discovery of charred bones, shoes and clothing at a suspected drug cartel training ground.

China's Baidu releases new, free AI model to compete with DeepSeek

Chinese internet search giant Baidu released a new artificial intelligence reasoning model Sunday and made its AI chatbot services free as ferocious competition grips the sector.

The Japan Times - Economy (English)

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