Economy

Man Utd's Ratcliffe unveils electric Ineos car
Man Utd's Ratcliffe unveils electric Ineos car

Manchester United's new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Friday his Ineos group's latest 4x4 vehicle, which will come in two electric versions as the British billionaire criticised range limits on 'green' cars.

Tractors roll into Paris as farmers up pressure on Macron
Tractors roll into Paris as farmers up pressure on Macron

Farmers drove their tractors into central Paris on Friday to raise the pressure on President Emmanuel Macron, who has promised them a meeting at France's coming agriculture fair bonanza to discuss their grievances. Even without the activists, Saturday's debate promised to be "red-blooded", predicted agriculture fair president Jean-Luc Poulain.

Amazon says repays $1.9 mn to workers in Saudi over unlawful fees
Amazon says repays $1.9 mn to workers in Saudi over unlawful fees

Online retailer Amazon said Friday it had paid $1.9 million to more than 700 contracted workers in Saudi Arabia as reimbursements for unlawful recruitment fees, among other alleged violations. As a result, "Amazon paid $1.9 million in reimbursements to over 700 contracted workers", the statement added.

Boeing, Airbus struggle to deliver planes as supply chain woes persist
Boeing, Airbus struggle to deliver planes as supply chain woes persist

Boeing and Airbus struck deals to sell billions of dollars' worth of planes at this week's airshow in Singapore, but supply chain disruptions mean they may struggle to deliver them on time, analysts said. Aviation analyst Shukor Yusof said Boeing and Airbus had already indicated that some of their popular models would be unavailable until 2030.

Shipping insurance rates soar on Red Sea missile attacks
Shipping insurance rates soar on Red Sea missile attacks

Attacks by Yemen's Huthi rebels on commercial ships in the Red Sea have sent insurance premiums surging, exacerbating costs already stretched by soaring freight rates and longer alternative trade routes. The Huthis have carried out relentless attacks since November on shipping transiting the Red Sea, a maritime hub through which 12 percent of global trade usually passes.

Asian markets advance after record rallies
Asian markets advance after record rallies

Asian shares climbed Friday following a day of record highs in Japanese, US and European markets after demand for AI-powering chips drove tech gains. The Nvidia and AI excitement prompted a broader rally in tech shares, with Wall Street and eurozone indices hitting fresh records.

Cheap mini-EVs sparkle in China's smaller, poorer cities
Cheap mini-EVs sparkle in China's smaller, poorer cities

Tiny electric cars weave through traffic in southern China, their cheap and cheerful designs bringing a touch of colour to the EV revolution in the country's overlooked cities. China is the world's largest market for electric vehicles (EVs), with premium models by Tesla and homegrown giant BYD a common sight in the nation's affluent megacities.