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Santander posts record profit in 2023 after rate hikes
Santander posts record profit in 2023 after rate hikes
Economy
by  AFP

Spanish banking giant Santander posted a record 11.1-billion-euro ($12 billion) net profit for 2023 on Wednesday as higher interest rates and a rise in global clients helped to cushion the impact of a windfall tax. Also Tuesday, Spain's second-largest bank BBVA posted profits of eight billion euros in 2023, in a figure 22 higher than a year earlier, which was also a record.

China quietly expanding influence in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
China quietly expanding influence in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
Economy
by  AFP

While most of the world treats Afghanistan's Taliban government as a pariah, China is growing diplomatic and economic links -- and Kabul is happy for the attention. While Beijing has played down the formality of these growing links, it is steadily increasing investment and exposure -- a relationship that could benefit both parties, analysts and diplomats say.