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Top producer Ivory Coast fears for cocoa output after rains
Top producer Ivory Coast fears for cocoa output after rains
Economy
by  AFP

"Thirty years I've been in cocoa -- and this is the worst season yet," said Siaka Sylla as he contemplated an almost empty warehouse at his cooperative in Ivory Coast, the world's top producer of the bean. Back at the Hermankono cooperative, Siaka Sylla is pinning his hopes on a better intermediate harvest next April.

HMV reopening raises revival hopes for London's Oxford Street
HMV reopening raises revival hopes for London's Oxford Street
Economy
by  AFP

British music retailer HMV returns to the iconic site of its former flagship store in central London on Friday, in a much-needed boost to the flagging fortunes of the capital's premier shopping street. The re-opening of the historic shop comes as authorities fight back against a wave of so-called American candy stores which have plagued central London since the pandemic.

Asian markets struggle, China property help in focus
Asian markets struggle, China property help in focus
Economy
by  AFP

Most Asian markets fell Friday following a broadly healthy week, with traders hoping for fresh Chinese moves to help the country's troubled property sector after officials called on banks to provide support. Investors are keeping tabs on China after authorities called on banks to provide help to the beleaguered property sector, which makes up a huge part of the world's number two economy.

US economic uncertainty means bigger 'Black Friday' discounts
US economic uncertainty means bigger 'Black Friday' discounts
Economy
by  AFP

The retail sector's efforts to entice holiday gift purchases builds to a crescendo this weekend with the annual "Black Friday" shopping day followed by the newer "Cyber Monday." The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts more than 182 million consumers will shop in stores and online over the shopping weekend.