AFP

Japan’s economy suffers first quarterly contraction in a year

Japan’s economy suffered its first quarterly contraction for a year in January-March, preliminary data showed Friday, and analysts warned Donald Trump’s tariffs could tip it into recession if a deal is not struck.The 0.2 percent on-quarter shrinkage was more than expected and will deal a blow to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba ahead of parliamentary elections …

Japan’s economy suffers first quarterly contraction in a year Read More »

Asian markets stagger into weekend as trade rally runs out of legs

Markets limped into the weekend as investors consolidated gains fed by the China-US trade war hiatus, having enjoyed one of their best weeks since Donald Trump unloaded his “Liberation Day” tariff bazooka last month. The dollar edged down after data showed US wholesale prices rose less than expected last month and retail sales were flat — …

Asian markets stagger into weekend as trade rally runs out of legs Read More »

Independence hero assassin’s calligraphy breaking auction records in Seoul

Calligraphy by a South Korean independence hero, created while awaiting execution for assassinating a Japanese statesman, is breaking new auction records in Seoul, as the country’s ultra-rich seek to bring historic artwork home.Revered in the South for his efforts to defend the country against Japanese encroachment, Ahn Jung-geun is best known for his dramatic, high-stakes …

Independence hero assassin’s calligraphy breaking auction records in Seoul Read More »

Japan’s quarterly GDP shrinks for first time in a year

Japan’s economy contracted 0.2 percent between January and March, the first quarterly drop in a year, according to cabinet office data released Friday.The world’s fourth-largest economy is trying to negotiate relief from punishing US trade tariffs as it seeks to shake off stagnation that has long plagued the country.Friday’s preliminary figure for quarter-on-quarter GDP was …

Japan’s quarterly GDP shrinks for first time in a year Read More »

EU accuses TikTok of violating digital rules over ads

The EU accused TikTok on Thursday of breaking digital rules after concluding that the Chinese-owned social media platform was not transparent enough about advertisements.The European Commission “found that TikTok does not provide the necessary information about the content of the advertisements, the users targeted by the ads, and who paid for the advertisements”, it said in …

EU accuses TikTok of violating digital rules over ads Read More »

China warns Panama ports deal firms to ‘proceed with caution’

China urged parties involved in Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison’s sale of Panama Canal ports to exercise “caution” Thursday, warning of legal consequences should they proceed without clearance from Beijing.The Hong Kong firm’s attempt to sell most of its port operations to a US-led consortium was first announced in March after weeks of pressure from …

China warns Panama ports deal firms to ‘proceed with caution’ Read More »

China’s Alibaba says annual revenue up six percent year-on-year

Internet giant Alibaba posted on Thursday a six percent increase in annual revenue, the latest positive sign for China’s tech sector despite persisting economic uncertainties.The Hangzhou-based company is one of the biggest players in China’s tech industry, with operations spanning retail, digital payment, artificial intelligence and entertainment.This year has seen its share price rollercoaster on …

China’s Alibaba says annual revenue up six percent year-on-year Read More »

‘Unscientific’ Japan megaquake rumours spook Hong Kong tourists

Unfounded online rumours warning that a huge earthquake will soon strike Japan are taking a toll on travel firms and airlines who report less demand from worried Hong Kongers.People from Hong Kong made nearly 2.7 million trips to Japan in 2024.Although it is impossible to know exactly when earthquakes will hit, fear-inducing predictions have spread …

‘Unscientific’ Japan megaquake rumours spook Hong Kong tourists Read More »

Close Bitnami banner
Bitnami