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Germany's booze-free beer boom
Germany's booze-free beer boom
Business and Economy
by  AFP

All the fun of the Oktoberfest, without the hangover: Germans are swapping traditional beer for non-alcoholic brews, driven by health concerns and the increasing quality of booze-free options. This is partly down to improved brewing techniques that have led to an increase in quality -- something that had previously held non-alcoholic beer back from breaking into the mass market.

China-based 'Flax Typhoon' hackers targeting Taiwan govt: Microsoft
China-based 'Flax Typhoon' hackers targeting Taiwan govt: Microsoft
Business and Economy
by  AFP

A China-based hacking group named "Flax Typhoon" has targeted dozens of Taiwanese government agencies with the likely aim of spying on them, Microsoft has revealed. Microsoft said Thursday that Flax Typhoon, "a nation-state actor based out of China", has since mid-2021 mainly "targeted government agencies and education, critical manufacturing, and information technology organizations in Taiwan".

Asian investors resume selloff on rate fears as Powell speech looms
Asian investors resume selloff on rate fears as Powell speech looms
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Asian markets sank Friday as a mini rally came to a juddering halt ahead of a keenly awaited speech by Federal Reserve boss Jerome Powell later in the day, with traders increasingly worried the bank will hike interest rates further. Analysts said Powell must tread a fine line in his Friday speech at the annual symposium of central bankers and business leaders in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Central bankers head to Wyoming retreat seeking clarity on US interest rates
Central bankers head to Wyoming retreat seeking clarity on US interest rates
Business and Economy
by  AFP

Central bankers and academics from around the world have descended upon the town of Jackson, Wyoming searching for clues on the US Federal Reserve's interest rate policy. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will address the symposium on Friday afternoon, while senior central bankers from the United Kingdom and Japan will take part in a panel discussion on Saturday.

Possible US auto strike as unions flex muscle in 'Hot Labor Summer'
Possible US auto strike as unions flex muscle in 'Hot Labor Summer'
Business and Economy
by  AFP

With the clock ticking down to a possible strike, Detroit carmakers are staring at tough contract negotiations with an emboldened auto workers union led by a fiery new president. Shawn Fain, who was sworn in as president of the United Auto Workers five months ago, is laying the foundation to potentially strike if there is no agreement by September 14.