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Mexico cuts interest rate for first time in three years
Mexico cuts interest rate for first time in three years
by  AFP

Mexico's central bank on Thursday reduced its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three years following a slowing of inflation in Latin America's second-largest economy. The key interest rate was reduced by 0.25 percentage points to 11.00 percent, the central bank, also known as Banxico, said in a statement.

Bank of England freezes interest rate at 16-year high
Bank of England freezes interest rate at 16-year high
by  AFP

The Bank of England on Thursday held its key interest rate at a 16-year high, opting against a reduction as inflation remains elevated despite recent slowdowns. High interest rates have worsened the squeeze for individuals and businesses alike, as commercial lenders put up their own interest rates on loans including mortgages.

Germany football teams to swap Adidas for Nike kit from 2027
Germany football teams to swap Adidas for Nike kit from 2027
by  AFP

Germany's national football teams will wear jerseys made by US sportswear giant Nike from 2027, the German Football Association (DFB) said Thursday, ending a decades-long kit partnership with domestic outfitter Adidas. Adidas had been paying approximately 50 million euros ($54 million) a year to kit out the German national football teams, according to German daily Bild. sea/hmn/gj

EU-Canada trade deal stumbles in French Senate
EU-Canada trade deal stumbles in French Senate
by  AFP

The French Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly voted against a free-trade agreement between the EU and Canada, dealing a stinging blow to the government of President Emmanuel Macron. The trade deal's backers say French exports to Canada increased by 33 percent between 2017 and 2023, while imports rose 35 percent, thanks to the agreement.

US lawmakers race to avert weekend government shutdown
US lawmakers race to avert weekend government shutdown
by  AFP

US lawmakers released a $1.2 trillion package in the early hours of Thursday to complete the 2024 federal budget -- teeing off a race to sign it into law before a government shutdown looming at the weekend.

US home sales rise in February by most in a year
US home sales rise in February by most in a year
by  AFP

Sales of existing homes made the biggest jump in a year last month on improved housing supply, according to industry data released Thursday, as mortgage rates held at slightly lower levels. Compared with February last year, however, home sales last month were still 3.3 percent down, NAR data showed.

Global music biz sees 10.2% growth in 2023: industry
Global music biz sees 10.2% growth in 2023: industry
by  AFP

Global music revenues were up 10.2 percent last year to $28.6 billion, according figures released Thursday, but record firms are concerned over how to maintain growth in the streaming era. The music industry grew for the ninth consecutive year, thanks largely to the continued growth of streaming (up 11.2 percent), which now accounts for more than two-thirds (67.3 percent) of global revenues.

Leaders tout nuclear power as climate tool at Brussels summit
Leaders tout nuclear power as climate tool at Brussels summit
by  AFP

More than 30 countries -- including European nations, the United States, Brazil and China -- took part on Thursday in the first-ever summit held by the United Nations' atomic energy agency to promote nuclear as a "clean and reliable source of energy".