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US new home sales up in 2023, boosted by limited existing supply
US new home sales up in 2023, boosted by limited existing supply
by  AFP

Sales of new US homes jumped in 2023, according to government data released Thursday, supported by a lack of inventory in the existing homes market as mortgage rates remained elevated. Key factors encouraging buyers, according to analysts, were a dip in mortgage rates at the end of last year as well as the continued lack of supply in the existing home market.

US growth picks up in 2023 on jobs and consumer spending
US growth picks up in 2023 on jobs and consumer spending
by  AFP

US economic growth was stronger than expected in the final months of 2023, government data showed Thursday, offering a boost to President Joe Biden as he starts his reelection campaign. At the start of 2023, analysts expected consumer spending to lose steam as households drew down on accumulated savings during the Covid-19 pandemic and as borrowing costs stayed high.

Balletcore, dunes and vamps at Paris couture week
Balletcore, dunes and vamps at Paris couture week
by  AFP

Haute couture week in Paris showcases the fashion world's most elite outfits -- one-off, made-to-measure creations that the labels hope will adorn red carpets and high society events around the world. This time, he was inspired by insects, with huge glittering moths and bees adorning some outfits, and several turbans and maharajah outfits in the collection.

Nokia sees 'challenging' 2024 after profits plunge
Nokia sees 'challenging' 2024 after profits plunge
by  AFP

Finnish telecommunications equipment maker Nokia warned Thursday that it expects another tough economic environment in the first half of this year after its net profit sank in 2023. "We expect the challenging environment of 2023 to continue during the first half of 2024, particularly in the first quarter," he added.

Fuming French farmers pile pressure on Paris
Fuming French farmers pile pressure on Paris
by  AFP

France's government scrambled on Thursday to come up with answers to farmers blocking motorways and demonstrating at public buildings across the country, after a fuel tax rise detonated long-standing resentments.

Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern
Lagos styrofoam, plastics ban brings applause and concern
by  AFP

From trash-strewn pavements to street vendors packing meals in polystyrene containers, plastic waste is a constant menace in the urban landscape of Lagos, Nigeria's economic capital and the continent's most populous city.

Memory chip giant SK Hynix returns to profit on strong AI demand
Memory chip giant SK Hynix returns to profit on strong AI demand
by  AFP

The world's second-largest memory chip maker, South Korea's SK Hynix, said on Thursday it had returned to profit after four consecutive quarters of losses driven by demand for chips used in artificial intelligence. SK Hynix is South Korea's second most valuable company, with market capitalisation of more than 101 trillion won, trailing Samsung Electronics' 443 trillion won.

ECB to stand pat and urge patience on rate cuts
ECB to stand pat and urge patience on rate cuts
by  AFP

The European Central Bank is expected to stand pat Thursday and call for patience in the ongoing battle against inflation, pushing back against market hopes of rapid interest rate cuts. Lagarde has already pushed back against market bets of rate cuts starting as early as April, insisting last week it was too soon to "shout victory".