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Holiday-hit Asian markets mixed, Wall St record fails to inspire
Holiday-hit Asian markets mixed, Wall St record fails to inspire
by  AFP

Asian markets were mixed in holiday-thinned trade Friday as investors struggled to build on another record-setting day on Wall Street, with focus on the upcoming release of key US inflation data. He said the healthy run of data on the economy -- particularly the labour market -- had given the bank time to become confident that the slowdown in inflation is assured.

US banking system 'well-capitalized' despite risks: Yellen
US banking system 'well-capitalized' despite risks: Yellen
by  AFP

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Thursday that the country's banking system is "well-capitalized" even as some banks face stresses stemming from the commercial real estate sector. "There are some risks, and there are some institutions that will face stresses from commercial real estate," she said.

French navy enforces fishing ban to protect dolphins
French navy enforces fishing ban to protect dolphins
by  AFP

"They see us, and we see them," said French Navy Lieutenant Dany, board commander of a nimble Falcon 50 surveillance plane flying over the vast Bay of Biscay. The Falcon, which Dany said is "very fast", flies over vast zones several times per week.

ArcelorMittal profit falls after Kazakhstan mine disaster
ArcelorMittal profit falls after Kazakhstan mine disaster
by  AFP

Global steel giant ArcelorMittal Thursday posted a tenfold drop in net profit in 2023, taking hits from a withdrawal from Kazakhstan following a fatal mining accident and from its faltering Italian operations. ArcelorMittal said its withdrawal from Kazakhstan cost the company $2.4 billion.

Gucci owner Kering profits slump in 'trying year'
Gucci owner Kering profits slump in 'trying year'
by  AFP

French luxury giant Kering on Thursday reported a drop in 2023 earnings but vowed to press on with its investment strategy to put flagship brand Gucci "back on track". "Our priority is to get Gucci back on track," Pinault said, warning that this "won't happen overnight".

Unions join Spanish farmer protests on third day
Unions join Spanish farmer protests on third day
by  AFP

Spanish farmers blocked roads across Spain on Thursday for the third day running to protest against heavy regulation and cheaper imports, with the country's main farmers' unions joining the demonstrations for the first time.

Gaza war paralyses Israeli tourism for third year
Gaza war paralyses Israeli tourism for third year
by  AFP

In Israel's biblical city of Nazareth, the basilica is empty, restaurants and shops that usually thrive on Christian pilgrims are closed, and many hotels have been shut for months. The economy of Nazareth, set in the hills of northern Israel, is heavily dependent on Christian pilgrims, making it a bellwether for Israel's tourism industry on the whole.

Germany sends frigate to help secure Red Sea shipping
Germany sends frigate to help secure Red Sea shipping
by  AFP

A German navy frigate set sail for the Red Sea on Thursday with the aim of protecting commercial ships from attacks by Yemeni rebels, as part of a planned European Union mission. The frigate's mission still needs to be confirmed by the German parliament and the European Union, however.