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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.

US to grant Samsung up to $6.4 bn for chip plants
US to grant Samsung up to $6.4 bn for chip plants
by  AFP

The United States on Monday announced grants of up to $6.4 billion to South Korean semiconductor giant Samsung to produce cutting-edge chips in Texas. Under the latest agreement, Samsung will not only build a new facility to produce advanced chips, but also expand its existing facility in Texas, according to the Department of Commerce.

China set to post slowing growth on housing, consumption woes
China set to post slowing growth on housing, consumption woes
by  AFP

China's economy is expected to have slowed in the first three months of the year as it continues to be buffeted by a debilitating property sector crisis and flagging consumer activity. And analysts say state pledges of support for the property sector are yet to sway the market or consumers.

Stocks hit by Iran's Israel strike, hopes for containment stem losses
Stocks hit by Iran's Israel strike, hopes for containment stem losses
by  AFP

Equities tumbled Monday in Asia after Iran ramped up Middle East tensions by launching a barrage of rockets at Israel over the weekend, fuelling fears of a wider conflict in the volatile region. Still, Saxo's Redmond Wong said: "All eyes remain on whether there will be any response from Israel and markets will likely be volatile in the day ahead to any geopolitical headlines."

Market correction: Trump stock tumbles after buoyant debut
Market correction: Trump stock tumbles after buoyant debut
by  AFP

After a winning debut on Wall Street last month, Donald Trump's media group has suffered a bruising retreat, denting the Republican candidate's wealth as he faces legal challenges. Since entering public markets on March 26, Trump Media and Technology Group has seen its market value plummet from around $11 billion to under $4.5 billion.

IMF confirms Kristalina Georgieva for second 5-year term
IMF confirms Kristalina Georgieva for second 5-year term
by  AFP

The IMF executive board confirmed Friday that it had reappointed Kristalina Georgieva to serve for a second five-year term at the helm of the international financial institution. Georgieva, a 70-year-old Bulgarian, has run the IMF since 2019, and told AFP last month that she was making herself "available to serve, if people want me to serve."