Asian markets fluctuated Wednesday as investors tried to figure out the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans, while demand concerns saw oil prices struggling to recover from the previous day's plunge. But Asian investors were more circumspect, with some markets drifting in and out of positive territory.
General Motors reported higher profits Tuesday thanks to continued strength in North America that offset a loss in its China business, enabling the carmaker to lift its forecast. GM's strength in its home market helped offset an operating loss of about $100 million in GM's China operation.
Sales of new homes across the United States increased sharply last month, according to fresh government data published Tuesday, though February's numbers were revised lower. "Home sales surprised to the upside in March," High Frequency Economics chief US economist Rubeela Farooqi wrote in a note to clients, adding: "The data can be volatile month-to-month and subject to revision."
EU lawmakers voted on Tuesday to ban products made using forced labour which supporters hope will be used to block goods from China, at the risk of raising tensions with Beijing. The law does not directly mention China, but many lawmakers hope it will be used to block imports from China involving the region where the Uyghur Muslim minority lives.
Thames Water, the UK's largest water supplier, has been ravaged since privatisation by soaring debts and chronic underinvestment, sinking into a deep financial crisis which has sparked bailout speculation.
Business activity in the eurozone picked up in April thanks to "increasingly robust" growth in the services sector, a closely watched survey showed Tuesday. "Increasingly robust service sector growth was nevertheless accompanied by signs of a further moderation of the manufacturing downturn," S&P Global said.
London's FTSE 100 stocks index hit record highs Tuesday, catching up with major global peers which have struck all-time peaks this year as inflation cools. The FTSE reached 8,076.52 points shortly after the open, surpassing a record 8,047.06 struck in February last year.
Venice will this week begin charging day trippers for entry, a world first aimed at easing pressure on the Italian city drowning under the weight of mass tourism. The aim of the tickets is to persuade day trippers to come during quieter periods, to try to thin out the worst of the crowds.
Asian markets mostly rose Tuesday, with hopes for earnings this week from tech titans helping to offset worries about the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans ahead of the release of key US growth and inflation data.
In the glacial waters of the Lofoten archipelago in Norway's far north, Angelita Eriksen uses a knife to cut a handful of seaweed that will soon end up in a fancy European eatery. "It can be quite cold, as we can stay out for about an hour along the shore", with lower legs and hands submerged in the chilly water.
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