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Switzerland becomes first developed economy to cut interest rate
Switzerland becomes first developed economy to cut interest rate
by  AFP

The Swiss National Bank cut interest rates on Thursday -- the first to do so among the major central banks, saying the battle against inflation was working almost two years after launching its monetary tightening campaign. And the Norwegian central bank on Thursday kept its key interest rate unchanged at 4.5 percent but signalled it could start cutting later this year.

High inflation in Turkey dampens Ramadan's high spirits
High inflation in Turkey dampens Ramadan's high spirits
by  AFP

As the sun sets over the Bosphorus, a long queue forms on a street in Istanbul as people wait for iftar -- the evening meal that breaks Ramadan's daily fast. - Fraternity in hard times - One hour before iftar, several hundred worshippers wait impatiently before the tent where the meals will be served after sunset.

In Spain, hi-tech hops keep beer bitter as climate bites
In Spain, hi-tech hops keep beer bitter as climate bites
by  AFP

Outside the warehouse in northwestern Spain, it's a freezing, foggy morning but inside it's balmy, the warmth and LED lights fooling 360 hop plants to flower as if it were late August. "In this warehouse, we control all the environmental and nutrient parameters and the lighting factors, using LED lights to provide the plant what it needs when it needs it," said Sagrario.

Nuclear's EU comeback on show at Brussels summit
Nuclear's EU comeback on show at Brussels summit
by  AFP

Promoting nuclear power was long taboo in Brussels, but a high-profile international summit Thursday will send loud and clear the message that atomic energy -- now touted by its champions as key to fighting climate change -- is back.

Bank of England to hold rate despite slowing inflation
Bank of England to hold rate despite slowing inflation
by  AFP

The Bank of England is widely expected to keep its main interest rate at a 16-year high Thursday, rejecting a cut as inflation remains well above target despite recent slowing. Britain entered recession in the second half of last year but with inflation remaining well above the BoE's two-percent target, the central bank is widely expected to freeze interest rates for a few months longer.

Hermes faces US lawsuit over 'refusal' to sell Birkin bag
Hermes faces US lawsuit over 'refusal' to sell Birkin bag
by  AFP

Fashionistas desperate to get their hands on an exclusive Birkin handbag are suing Hermes in California on grounds the company won't sell them one unless they buy other luxury products first. One of the plaintiffs, Tina Cavalleri, says she inquired about buying one of the coveted handbags from the French company in 2022.

US Fed holds key rate, pencils in 3 cuts this year
US Fed holds key rate, pencils in 3 cuts this year
by  AFP

The US Federal Reserve voted Wednesday to hold interest rates at a 23-year high for a fifth consecutive meeting, while signaling it still expects to make three cuts this year. - Balance sheet discussions - Fed chair Jerome Powell is set to take questions from reporters later Wednesday, with much of the attention likely to focus on the path of interest rate cuts.

Biden admin unveils strict auto standards to speed electric shift
Biden admin unveils strict auto standards to speed electric shift
by  AFP

President Joe Biden's administration announced Wednesday revised pollution standards for cars and trucks meant to accelerate the US auto industry's shift to electric to mitigate climate change. Those shifts were criticized as a sop to corporations from at least one environmental group, even as the final rule won praise from other leading NGOs focused on climate change.