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Equities sink, oil rallies on fears of Iran-Israel conflict
Equities sink, oil rallies on fears of Iran-Israel conflict
Economy
by  AFP

Asian stocks fell and oil prices climbed Tuesday on growing fears of a wider war in the Middle East after Israel's army chief vowed a response to Iran's unprecedented attack on his country at the weekend. Oil prices rose in Asian trade, having slipped Monday on hopes for a de-escalation following US calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "take the win" and forgo a counterattack.

Even as Olympic costs climb, France says they are quite cheap
Even as Olympic costs climb, France says they are quite cheap
Economy
by  AFP

The final bill for the Paris Olympics is still unknown but, depending on the point of view, are likely to be expensive compared to original estimates or cheap, when set against other recent Games. Oudea-Castera also argued that compared to the other Summer Olympics this millennium, even a final total bill close to 10 billion euros would be cheap.

China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
China posts forecast-beating growth in first quarter
Economy
by  AFP

China's economy grew far more than expected in the first quarter of 2024, data showed Tuesday, even as it is buffeted by a property-sector crisis and flagging consumer activity. It reflects "the fundamental policy shift from a focus on (the) consumer market and service sector to... industrial growth", she added.

Alexandre de Moraes: Brazil judge in feud with Elon Musk
Alexandre de Moraes: Brazil judge in feud with Elon Musk
Technology
by  AFP

With his stern gaze and shiny-bald head, Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes has emerged as one of the most powerful and polarizing people in Brazil by probing far-right ex-president Jair Bolsonaro's alleged attacks on democracy. The immensely powerful judge, who also heads the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE), is hated by the far right, which accuses him of censorship and abuse of office.