Asian stocks head lower on fears of fresh virus cases
Stocks dip as fears of a surge in COVID-19 cases overshadow hopes of additional US stimulus.
Category Archives: Economy
Is ‘Big Oil’ becoming ‘Big Carbon’? Revenue falls force rethink
Firms such as BP and Shell invest in carbon-offset strategies but environmentalists are divided over such moves.
Japan announces $708bn in fresh stimulus as COVID-19 cases rise
Japan announces a fresh stimulus package worth $708bn even as new COVID-19 cases cast a shadow on better GDP data.
Davos in the tropics: World Economic Forum opts for Singapore
World Economic Forum to hold its next annual meeting in Singapore in May rather than coronavirus-hit Switzerland.
China’s virus-free ‘Hawaii’ sees tourism boom
A tourism boom in Hainan province, China's 'Hawaii', which has been virus-free for six months, is boosting the economy.
UK and EU ‘on a knife edge’ as trade talks near year-end deadline
Many UK cabinet ministers reportedly ready to back PM Johnson over ending transition period without a trade deal.
As water becomes more scarce, new futures trade provides buffer
Starting this week, farmers can hedge against water shortages, while others could make money betting on rising prices.
Iran sends biggest ever fleet of oil tankers to Venezuela
Defying US sanctions, Iran sends flotilla of 10 vessels to help the Latin American nation fight crippling fuel shortage.
Oil prices rise ahead of OPEC+ talks over crude output levels
World's oil producers are struggling to agree on how much crude to pump after global energy demand fell due to pandemic.
Building back better in South Korea with green, digital tech
South Korea wants to become a leader in advanced cars, healthcare and low-emission technologies to grow its economy.
Threat to China firms on US exchanges grows with bill’s progress
While it applies to companies from any country, the bill targets Chinese firms that allegedly flout US audit rules.
Biden will not immediately end phase one China trade deal: NYT
Deal signed in January requires China to increase purchases of US products, services by at least $200bn over 2020-21.
Oil prices fall as OPEC+ delays talks, raising supply alarm
Big oil exporters reportedly delay output level talks amid disagreements as energy demand remains weak.
US Federal Reserve head: ‘Challenging’ months until vaccine comes
Federal Reserve chairman Powell says effects of coronavirus vaccines on the US economy remain difficult to assess.
Big gulp: S&P to add Tesla to key US share index in one shot
Data firm S&P considered adding the electric carmaker's shares to its main index in two tranches but opted for one.
China’s factories crank up output, but jobs, debt remain concerns
Official factory data show output rose to highest level in more than three years in November on strong domestic demand.
UK to hit Google and Facebook with tougher competition rules
Concentration of power in small number of tech firms is curtailing growth and innovation, says UK's digital secretary.
Global shares hit record highs on hopes for COVID vaccines
Formal start of transition from US President Donald Trump to Joe Biden also reassures investors.
US telecoms regulator affirms China’s ZTE is a security threat
Federal Communications Commission ruled in June that Huawei and ZTE are threats, hindering deals with US firms.
China says has given debt relief of $2bn to developing countries
The poorest countries' official bilateral debt to G20 countries reached $178bn in 2019, with 63 percent owed to China.