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DR Congo accuses Apple of using 'blood minerals' from war-torn east
DR Congo accuses Apple of using 'blood minerals' from war-torn east
by  AFP

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is accusing Apple of using "illegally exploited" minerals extracted from the country's embattled east in its products, lawyers representing the African country said Thursday. Macs, iPhones and other Apple products are "tainted by the blood of the Congolese people", the DRC's lawyers said.

Strong pricing boosts Caterpillar profits
Strong pricing boosts Caterpillar profits
by  AFP

Caterpillar reported a jump in profits Thursday as strong pricing for industrial machinery made up for lower volumes, enabling record shareholder payouts. But profits jumped 47 percent to $2.9 billion.

'Extreme' climate blamed for world's worst wine harvest in 62 years
'Extreme' climate blamed for world's worst wine harvest in 62 years
by  AFP

World wine production dropped 10 percent last year, the biggest fall in more than six decades, because of "extreme" climate changes, the body that monitors the trade said Thursday. France bucked the falling harvest trend, with a four percent rise, making it by far the world's biggest wine producer.

Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
by  AFP

Japanese auto giant Honda announced Thursday the largest automotive investment in Canada's history, worth Can$15 billion (US$11 billion), for a massive new EV battery and vehicle assembly plant. Its new facility in Alliston, Ontario will be the first to tap into Canada's EV supply chain investment tax credit and joins recently announced Volkswagen and Stellantis battery plants in Canada.

American Airlines confirms 2024 forecast despite Q1 loss
American Airlines confirms 2024 forecast despite Q1 loss
by  AFP

American Airlines reported a quarterly loss Thursday on an uptick in labor and other operating costs as the carrier confirmed its full-year financial forecast. American confirmed its full-year profit forecast range of between $2.25 and $3.25 per share.

Nestle sales slump on weak North America demand for frozen food
Nestle sales slump on weak North America demand for frozen food
by  AFP

Swiss food giant Nestle reported slimmer sales than expected in the first quarter on Thursday, weighed down by weak demand for frozen pizza and snacks in North America. "Weakness in the US centered around frozen pizza and snacks, where we saw a combination of soft consumer demand, intense price competition and a reduction in retailer inventories in the quarter," Manz said.

US economic growth slows significantly in first quarter
US economic growth slows significantly in first quarter
by  AFP

The US economy cooled markedly in the first three months this year, expanding less than anticipated as consumer spending and exports decelerated, according to government data released on Thursday. On Thursday, the slowing in growth "primarily reflected decelerations in consumer spending, exports, and state and local government spending," said the Commerce Department.