Economy

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China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
by  AFP

China's economy grew far more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, data showed Tuesday, even as it is buffeted by a property-sector crisis and flagging consumer activity. It reflects "the fundamental policy shift from a focus on (the) consumer market and service sector to... industrial growth", she added.

Swiss watch brands making time for India
Swiss watch brands making time for India
by  AFP

Swiss watchmakers are increasingly turning their sights towards India thanks to a new free trade agreement that is due to gradually open the doors for luxury timepiece exports.

Cheap Chinese steel threatens jobs in Latin America
Cheap Chinese steel threatens jobs in Latin America
by  AFP

Latin American metal workers are clamoring for higher import tariffs as cheap Chinese steel floods the region, threatening hundreds of thousands of jobs linked to the industry. As the pressure increases, steel plant bosses and workers in countries like Chile and Brazil -- the top producer in the region and number nine in the world -- are pressing governments for higher import tariffs.

Drought-hit Panama Canal to ease traffic restrictions
Drought-hit Panama Canal to ease traffic restrictions
by  AFP

The number of ships allowed through the drought-hit Panama Canal each day will be increased thanks to signs of an improvement in water levels, authorities said Monday. The Panama Canal Authority said Monday that it had informed clients it would gradually allow up to 32 ships through per day, compared with a limit of 27 announced a month ago.

Pro-Palestinian protest blocks San Francisco's Golden Gate bridge
Pro-Palestinian protest blocks San Francisco's Golden Gate bridge
by  AFP

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge on Monday, completely halting traffic for hours as part of what appeared to be a coordinated day of action against Israel's war in Gaza. Demonstrators who were blocking traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge held a banner reading "Stop the world for Gaza."

Lufthansa reports loss, cuts outlook after strikes
Lufthansa reports loss, cuts outlook after strikes
by  AFP

German airline giant Lufthansa reported a hefty first-quarter loss Monday and downgraded its 2024 outlook due to recent strikes, while warning of risks from conflict in the Middle East. Lufthansa also warned that the "recent escalation of the Middle East conflict and further geopolitical uncertainties pose risks to the group's full year financial outlook".

Hong Kong conditionally approves first bitcoin and ether ETFs
Hong Kong conditionally approves first bitcoin and ether ETFs
by  AFP

Hong Kong's securities regulator on Monday granted conditional approval to start the city's first spot-bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), firms involved said, positioning it as a leader in Asia for the use of cryptocurrencies as investment tools. The company is "actively deploying resources in the development of spot Bitcoin ETF and spot Ethereum ETF", it said.

US retail sales up more than expected in March
US retail sales up more than expected in March
by  AFP

Retail sales in the United States grew more than anticipated last month, government data showed on Monday, defying predictions of weaker consumer demand. While resilience in consumer spending has helped US economic growth in the last year, analysts expect demand to cool this year amid cost fatigue and high interest rates.