World Bank estimates China’s full year growth at 4.9% in 2024
The World Bank's latest China Economic Update raises growth projections slightly for 2024 and 2025 but warns of persistent challenges, including fragile business confidence, high local government debt, and an aging population.
Russia using bitcoin in foreign trade to counter Western sanctions, finance minister says
Sanctions have complicated Russia's trade with its major partners such as China or Turkey
Dubai stock index hits decade high
Other Gulf markets remain subdued as investors anticipate fewer rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve in the coming year
China’s CATL claims new EV chassis withstands 120-km/h frontal impact
CATL forms partnerships with automakers such as Vinfast, BAIC, and Neta to develop models based on this chassis
Taiwan blocks Uber’s $950 million Foodpanda deal over competition concerns
Taiwan's Fair Trade Commission says merger could harm market competition and raise consumer costs
Apple seeks to defend Google’s billion-dollar payments in search case
Apple does not plan to build its own search engine to compete with Alphabet's Google
Toyota marks 10th month of continuous global production decrease
Despite production challenges, global sales rise 1.7% year-on-year to 920,569 vehicles in November, setting a record for the month
Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, state media says
First step in removing internet limitations has been taken, reports IRNA referring to a meeting on the matter headed by President Pezeshkian
Elon Musk’s xAI raises $6 billion to fuel AI expansion
xAI is now targeting a $50 billion valuation, doubling its worth from six months ago
Global hunger crisis worsens as aid falls short amid donor fatigue
UN predicts aid shortfall in 2025, leaving 117 million without critical support
Gold prices edge higher amid quiet holiday trading
Focus shifts to Federal Reserve’s rate strategy and Trump’s upcoming policies
Nike focuses on comeback after tough year
In its latest earnings report, the company plans to focus on innovation, promote sports-focused marketing, and clear old stock with discounts
US Fed faces lawsuit from major banking organizations over annual stress tests
The groups criticize the current system for creating inconsistent and unexplained requirements on bank capital
Microsoft works to add non-OpenAI models into 365 Copilot products
When Microsoft announced 365 Copilot in March 2023, a major selling point was that it used OpenAI's GPT-4 model
China plans $411 billion special treasury bond issuance next year: report
Funds to boost consumption, innovation, recapitalise state banks; Beijing aims to soften economic blow from expected U.S. tariffs