Chinese carmakers, saddled with excess capacity and weak demand at home, are taking a new approach to global expansion: utilising idled facilities abandoned by international marques. By adopting an asset-light strategy, companies from Geely Auto to Great Wall Motor (GWM) can assemble their cars overseas at lower costs, broadening their influence on the global automotive sector, according to analysts. “Mindful of profitability as well as geopolitical and operating risks, Chinese carmakers are...

It Was Going to Be Magic City Night at the Atlanta Hawks. Then the Outrage Poured In.

The famous strip club is a symbol of the authentic city to many people in Atlanta. But others wondered whether the N.B.A. should be promoting it.

We will intervene on energy bills if necessary, says Miliband

Oil and gas prices have surged due to the US-Israel war in Iran, with fears over the cost of living.

How the Iran war may affect your money and bills

The conflict in the Middle East could raise the cost of petrol, household energy bills and even food.

War in Iran Has Grounded Gulf Airlines Like Emirates

Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have become some of the world’s largest and most profitable thanks to their location at the center of busy travel routes.

Waymo Co-CEO Tries to Make a Case for the Safety of Driverless Cars

Waymo’s co-chief executive, Tekedra Mawakana, knows she needs to earn the public’s trust. It won’t be easy.

It’s Good to Be a Billionaire, Even at Tax Time

Paying taxes would feel better if the truly rich were bearing a fair share, our columnist says.

The $500 Million Mystery Will, Signed by Ghosts

A seven-page document, mailed by an elusive figure, has set off a court battle over the estate of Tony Hsieh, the former chief executive of Zappos.

How to Watch the Oscars 2026: Time, Date and Streaming

Conan O’Brien is back for a second year as the host of the annual awards, which will again be available to stream on Hulu.

The Tax Bill Haunting Your 401(k) and I.R.A.

Most people have piled their savings into tax-deferred accounts, delaying taxes until they retire. Using Roth options can help ease your tax bite.

Trump Administration Turns to Migrant Workers to Help Farm Labor Shortage

As the president’s immigration policies squeeze an already tight supply of farm labor, the Trump administration is making it cheaper to hire foreign farmworkers.

The Billionaire Backlash Against a Philanthropic Dream

The Giving Pledge, once trendy among the world’s richest, has come upon hard times.

Tariffs, stockpiles, distrust: the EU’s messy bid to ditch China hits capacity problems

Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states will huddle in Brussels this week to thrash out a memorandum on critical minerals with the United States. Underpinning the debate will be a tension that girds many elements of the bloc’s dealings in 2026: capacity versus trust. Envoys will negotiate in the shadow of a new trade threat from US President Donald Trump, who last week shocked Brussels with a tariff investigation linked to overcapacity and forced labour of 60 economies, including China, the...

What Makes ‘Good TV’ on the Internet? Piers Morgan Has Thoughts.

The provocative broadcaster broke with Fox to build his own company on YouTube. Now he has hired a former head of MSNBC.

China and US begin fresh round of trade talks in Paris

Senior officials from China and the United States have started a new round of trade talks in Paris, as the two sides seek to pave the way for US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to Beijing later this month. The delegations – led by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent – arrived at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on Sunday. Talks began at 10.05am local time, according to a source familiar with the...

Chinese bubble tea chain Mixue straps in for theme park project

A budget bubble tea chain from China best known for its cheap ice creams and drinks may soon be adding roller coasters and immersive shows to its menu. Mixue, boasting more stores than McDonald’s and growing rapidly outside China, is planning to build a theme park at its headquarters in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China’s Henan province. The park will be based on its Snow King mascot, a singing snowman that has become one of Chinese retailing’s most recognisable intellectual properties...

For Trump, a Promised Economic Boom Collides With the Costs of War

President Trump had envisioned a growing economy and improving fortunes for American families in 2026. That appears at risk in his war with Iran.

Banknotes, beavers and a very British backlash

Politicians are furious Churchill will be replaced on banknotes. The RSPCA wants rats and pigeons to feature.

'Gruesome' war bets fuel calls for crackdown on prediction markets

Predictions markets have hosted millions of dollars of bets related to the war in Iran.

Trump urges UK and other nations to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

The US president says he hopes China, France, Japan and South Korea will also send ships to defend the key oil shipping route.

When Your Apple Watch Becomes an Office Taskmaster

A proliferation of data from wearable technology is telling people how to optimize their job performance. Is that a good thing?

Lewis E. Lehrman, Store Chain Heir Who Ran for N.Y. Governor, Dies at 87

After helping his family’s Rite-Aid drugstore empire flourish, he waged a surprisingly close but losing race as a Reagan Republican against Mario Cuomo in 1982.

China’s Edge in an Oil Shock: Electric Cars and Renewables

Beijing’s decades-long push to reduce its dependence on foreign oil with huge investments in clean energy sources like electric vehicles is now paying off.

Justice Dept. Legal Threat Complicates Trump’s Pick for Fed Chair

An investigation of the Federal Reserve was thwarted on Friday, but a department appeal could reimpose an obstacle in Kevin Warsh’s path.

Heating oil support 'needs to be delivered now'

Rachel Reeves says the Treasury is also looking at "different options" to help households most vulnerable to soaring energy bills.

How Jeff Bezos Upended The Washington Post

The billionaire newspaper owner, dissatisfied by years of losses, wants the newsroom to double productivity with half its budget.

Does Iran have a yuan-for-Hormuz oil trade plan? Why analysts in China are urging caution

Observers in China have reacted cautiously to reports that Iran may allow oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if the trade is conducted in Chinese yuan, citing operational feasibility limits and security risks. While the plan could symbolically advance the use of the Chinese currency, its implementation would face security and feasibility challenges and could strain China-US ties, they warned. The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes, has been largely shut...

'I was charged double for oil I already paid for'

Customers say they are facing inflated prices due to "unfair" practices from suppliers.

California’s Billionaire Tax Battle

Wealthy residents of the state have put millions of dollars toward stopping a proposed 5 percent tax on their assets.

A Paramount-Warner Bros. movie slate could rule the 2027 box office, but is it sustainable?

Paramount CEO David Ellison has said he wants to make 30 movies a year and has franchises like Godzilla-Kong, Superman and Sonic the Hedgehog to lean on.

Surge in Oil Prices Shakes Pakistan’s Already Fragile Economy

Families preparing for Eid al-Fitr and farmers ready for harvest are being squeezed in a country that gets nearly all its oil through the Persian Gulf.

Iran war fuel price hikes 'put our firm at risk'

Drivers and businesses say the rising price of fuel is putting their livelihoods at risk.

When Changing Your Address Leads to Losing Your Medicare Coverage

Using a post office box shouldn’t cost you your health insurance. But in one woman’s case, it sure seemed to.

Why Little Was Done to Head Off Oil’s Strait of Hormuz Problem

Geography and regional rivalries have prevented Gulf countries from finding a true alternative to the strait, which the war with Iran has effectively shut down.

Fears of ‘Cockroaches’ in the Private Credit Market

Wall Street figures are turning to colorful metaphors, including invoking the hated insect, to express caution about the $3 trillion risky-lending market.

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

China announced visa-free entry for Canadian and British nationals on February 17, allowing citizens of the two countries to cross the border and stay for up to 30 days with no more than a passport. The move was just the latest expansion of China’s visa-free policies, which have eased entry rules for citizens of dozens of nations over the past few years as part of an effort to boost tourism. Immigration officials now allow travellers from dozens of countries to stay without a visa for up to 10...

Top Chinese entrepreneurs commit to Middle East expansion despite Iran war

Two prominent Chinese business leaders have pledged to double down on outbound investment – including in the Middle East and Latin America – even as geopolitical risks intensify following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran and Washington’s increasing interventions in the western hemisphere. Li Dongsheng, founder and chairman of Chinese electronics giant TCL, said the recent crisis in the Middle East had only a temporary impact on the company’s operations there and that the overall...

Chancellor to offer support over rising heating oil costs

Rachel Reeves says the Treasury is also looking at "different options" to help households most vulnerable to soaring energy bills.

TikTok Investors Set to Pay $10 Billion Fee to Trump Administration

The large fee is the latest example of the White House’s inserting itself into corporate deal making in unusual and aggressive ways.

Chemical Smell at Control Center Halts Traffic at Washington and Baltimore Airports

The ground delays, which also affected the airport serving Richmond, Va., were expected to last until at least midnight, according to the F.A.A., which said the smell had affected air traffic controllers.

Jared Kushner Solicits Funds for His Firm While Working as Mideast Envoy

President Trump’s son-in-law is trying to raise $5 billion or more from foreign governments and others for his private equity firm.

The Fall of Noma’s René Redzepi Reverberates in the Restaurant World

In the industry where René Redzepi reigned, fellow chefs are debating how, and how much, restaurant kitchens can change.

Oil Rises, Bringing Gains to 40% Since the Start of the War

After surging about 10 percent on Thursday, oil prices had little reaction to the decision by President Trump to waive sanctions on the sale of some Russian crude.

She spent 16 hours on Instagram in a day. It's up to a jury to decide if Meta is to blame

A landmark lawsuit will set the stage for thousands of people who say social media platforms are intentionally addictive.

We're not profiteering on fuel. But my staff still face abuse

Independent retailer Goran Raven says the higher oil price is "horrific" for him as well as his customers.

Mortgage rates surge to highest since September, hitting spring housing market

Mortgage rates jumped to a seven-month high Friday as war in Iran pushed bond yields higher.

U.S. Vows to Block Iran’s Attempt to Shut Down Strait of Hormuz

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz were “something we are dealing with.” And about 2,500 Marines were headed to the Middle East to bolster the war effort.

Judge Quashes Justice Dept.’s Subpoenas of Fed, Crippling Its Pursuit of Trump’s Rivals

Judge James E. Boasberg derided the U.S. attorney’s office in Washington for pursuing a case against Jerome H. Powell that appeared to be motivated by President Trump’s desire for vengeance.

Overlooked No More: Eleanor Abbott, the Creator of Candy Land

She invented the game nearly 80 years ago to distract children who were suffering in the hospital during a polio outbreak.

NFL, Paramount discussing media deal that could mean CBS pays an extra $1 billion or more

The NFL is discussing getting rid of its 2029-30 opt-out clause in exchange for an increase on TV rights that could push CBS to pay more than $3 billion a year.

Judge says 'no evidence' to justify Federal Reserve probe

Jeanine Pirro said she would appeal the ruling, which blocks the subpoenas she issued to the central bank.

The War in Iran Is Roiling the World, but Not the U.S. Stock Market

Investors say they are balancing the risks from oil disruptions against the many positives like strong corporate earnings and the likelihood that President Trump will end the war if it threatens markets.

Change in Data Sources Led to Lower Inflation Reading

A methodological change contributed to a better-than-expected inflation report, prompting questions from some economists.

Are You Using A.I. at Work? We Want to Hear From You.

Please tell us how you’re using A.I. tools to fulfill your job responsibilities. We may include your experiences in an article.

Starbucks union sent the company a proposed contract. Here's what baristas want

Discussions between Starbucks and the union representing about 6% of its company-owned U.S. stores hit a wall last year.

Trump’s Move to Seize Oil Tankers Costs the U.S. Tens of Millions of Dollars

Although President Trump said seizing tankers would be a financial boon, the cost of maintaining just one aging ship has already reached $47 million.

Pete Hegseth Says ‘the Sooner David Ellison’ Buys CNN, ‘the Better’

The remarks fueled concerns that CNN’s prospective new owner may shift its coverage in a Trump-friendly direction.

Inside JPMorgan Chase's push to become the startup world’s new Silicon Valley Bank

For JPMorgan Chase, winning the niche of startup banking from rivals is about more than just gaining deposits: It's a bet to future-proof the largest U.S. bank.

Flights are already getting more expensive after a jet fuel spike. When should you book?

Some airlines are already raising fares after a historic surge in jet-fuel costs.

Petrol retailers in row with government over 'rip off' accusations

They briefly threatened to pull out of a government meeting, accusing ministers of using "inflammatory language" over rising fuel prices.

UK economy flatlines in January as people cut back on eating out

Analysts had been expecting 0.2% growth for the UK economy at the beginning of the year.

How This Oil Supply Shock Compares With the Embargo of 1973

Governments have stockpiled oil, and cars are more efficient but the supply shock is global, and there’s no sense of when it’ll end.

U.S. Tech Giants Flocked to the Persian Gulf. Now They Are Targets.

Amazon, Google and others struck deals in the Persian Gulf to foot the bill for A.I. development. Iran has now threatened attacks against the companies’ infrastructure in the region.

New US trade probe targets EU, Canada, UK over forced labour

The US said it would examine whether countries are effectively blocking goods made with "forced labour".

Blackstone is a major seller in January commercial real estate deals

Blackstone appears to be rebalancing its real estate investment trust portfolio, selling off legacy holdings.

Wall Street Bankers Offered Lucrative Access to Join the Pentagon

A presentation from a headhunting firm aimed to recruit Wall Street investors to the Pentagon by offering “unmatched access” to government officials and fund-raising opportunities among foreign sovereigns.

How the Iran war could start to impact U.S. retail prices

The retail industry could soon be taking the next hit from the Iran war's disruption to the global supply chain.

US easing of Russia oil sanctions draws criticism

Leaders in Europe and Canada have pushed back against Washington's move to allow Russia to sell stranded oil.

Why has Trump eased sanctions on Russian oil - and will it help Putin?

The US said easing sanctions on Russian oil would provide only a limited financial boost to Putin.

Why both partners need to be across a couple's money

Martin Lewis explains why both partners in a relationship need to know what financial products they hold.

‘A Lot of Life Years Lost’: How NAFTA Shortened American Life Spans

A study tracks how the North American Free Trade Agreement and trade competition with Mexico led to earlier deaths for American factory workers.

EV maker Lucid reveals plans for robotaxi, positive free cash flow late this decade

The EV company is aiming to hit that target through market expansion into midsize vehicles, robotaxis and new counties, specifically in Europe.

US-China trade talks: what to expect as senior officials meet in Paris

Trade talks between China and the United States in Paris this weekend are likely to focus on setting the scene for the Beijing summit between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump later this month, analysts said, downplaying the prospects of any significant breakthroughs. Vice-Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are expected to discuss potential deals on tariffs, investment, and trade in soybeans and rare earths, which would be presented as deliverables for the...

The War in Iran Is Driving Costs Up. Here Are Some Ways to Save.

The widening war in the Mideast is making life more expensive. Experts shared some simple cost-cutting tips.

Consumer Prices Rose in January, Before Iran War Added Price Pressures

Economic growth at the end of 2025 was revised downward and consumer prices rose at the start of 2026.

How the Iran War Threatens the Global Food, Energy and Other Supplies

Beyond its effects on oil and gas, the unfolding war in the Middle East is roiling shipping and airfreight, threatening the availability of a vast range of goods.

How Recovery Scams Retarget Victims of Fraud

Many cybercrime victims are retargeted by online scammers posing as lawyers or other professionals who promise they can recover stolen money.

What to Do if You’re a Data Breach Victim (and You Probably Are)

Data incidents have become so common that you may be tempted to throw away notification letters. Don’t do that, experts say.

The biggest names missing from the list of America's top philanthropists

MacKenzie Scott and many of America's richest are absent from the latest Philanthropy 50 ranking.

Kevin Warsh’s Dilemma as Fed Chair Nominee Amid Iran War

President Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Reserve could faces a tough road to confirmation if he seeks quick interest rate cuts. The war in Iran doesn’t help.

What on earth is going on with the oil price?

Oil price moves have made headlines since the Iran conflict started - but why have there been such sharp swings?

Dharshini David: Economy on shaky ground even before Iran war

The government's hopes that 2026 would be the year when growth picks up are at risk of being scuppered.

'My hotel bill is £12,000': British holidaymakers stranded by Iran war

Flights are restricted due to the conflict leaving people stuck running up bills for rooms and food.

Surging Energy Costs Put German Industry ‘Really in Danger’

Four years after the Russian invasion of Ukraine sent energy prices soaring, the war in Iran is posing another challenge to efforts to revive European factories.

Post Office scandal 'has taken 21 years of my life'

Seema Misra calls for accountability as a report by MPs raises concerns about ongoing delays.

Trade talks, ‘raising lobsters’, tech earnings

United States and Chinese trade negotiators will meet in Paris on Sunday and Monday, seeking to ready a deal ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing at the end of the month. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, according to US and Chinese government statements. Neither side gave specific details about the discussions. The sixth round of Bessent-He trade talks comes amid volatility in oil markets due to...

What to Know About the U.S. Lasers That Could Be Used to Counter Iranian Attacks

High-energy lasers can burn drones in the sky like a blowtorch. But they can be stymied by weather, and making them at scale will be a challenge.

PwC planning to increase the number of graduates it takes on

Last year the consultancy cut its graduate intake, but UK boss Marco Amitrano says it is still worth getting a degree.

China’s AI adoption may limit economic fallout of its rapidly ageing population: analysts

Declining fertility rates have long been viewed as a drag on economic growth, but the outlook may not be entirely bleak for Asian economies such as China, South Korea and Japan, analysts said. Demographic pressure was accelerating investment in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in these rapidly ageing yet technologically advanced countries, helping offset labour shortages and sustain productivity even as populations shrank, they argued. Analysts at Bank of America (BofA) Global Research...

Can Ukraine's war-torn wheatfields be cleansed?

Researchers take 8,000 soil samples from battlefields to see if it is safe to grow crops.

Honda Scraps Plans for E.V.s While Start-Ups Forge Ahead

The Japanese company’s retreat echoes moves by other traditional carmakers as the industry divides between electric vehicle haves and have-nots.

KPop Demon Hunters to return as Netflix announces sequel

The sequel brings back the co-directors of the first film, which was a smash-hit for the streaming service.

The fiscal family: adviser says China’s tax flows should resemble parental ties

The full implementation of taxation reforms pledged in China’s new five-year plan would substantially ease the fiscal strains on local governments, a leading tax policy expert said, while adding that it would not alter the central government’s dominant role in the country’s fiscal landscape. As a unitary state, China’s systematic advantage lay in strong central government finance that could coordinate fiscal resources in a unified manner and redistribute them through transfer payments, in...

Qantas agrees to pay $74m over Covid-19 travel voucher refunds

The case relates to cancelled flights during the pandemic, for which customers were given credits instead of cash.

Can plastic-eating fungi help clean up nappy waste?

Cost and convenience have made disposable nappies dominant - can start-ups compete?

China’s rural pensions in focus as lawmakers fight for farmers’ fair share amid income gap

Some Chinese lawmakers and advisers are pushing to secure higher pensions for elderly farmers, underscoring the persistent income disparity between the country’s urban and rural residents. The latest government work report, approved on Thursday, confirmed a 20-yuan (US$2.91) monthly increase to basic pension payments for a third consecutive year, bringing the national minimum to 163 yuan. However, some deputies from China’s top legislature contend that this level is inadequate. “A pension of...

WNBA players say they’re 'feeling movement' as league, union push toward landmark CBA

The WNBA season is set to kick off Friday, May 8, and the draft is scheduled for April 13.

Oil price back above $100 despite deal to release record amount of reserves

It comes as Iranian attacks on ships intensify in the crucial Strait of Hormuz waterway.

Fabletics launches denim as the athleisure trade loses steam

Fabletics is launching a new denim assortment priced between $79.95 and $174.95 as the athleisure boom starts to slow down.

Dick's Sporting Goods issues weak profit guidance as Foot Locker merger weighs on bottom line

Dick's Sporting Goods' merger with Foot Locker led to a 60% increase in sales but a substantial decline in companywide profits.

Pottery firm Denby to appoint administrators

The famous company said rising costs had "squeezed the business financially".

Why animals will replace historical figures on bank notes

British wildlife will replace historical figures on the next series of Bank of England banknote

Rivian's crucial R2 EV launch to begin with $58,000 model in spring

Rivian will launch sales of its crucial R2 all-electric vehicle this spring with a roughly $58,000 special edition model, the company announced Thursday.

Art and classic car auctions top $600 million despite Iran war

Experts say the global turmoil may have even helped demand for rare collectibles, as the wealthy search for safe, long-term stores of value.

Jo Malone sued for using her own name in collaboration with Zara

The perfumier sold the rights to her name in 1999 but has previously said she regretted the move.

Lloyds, Bank of Scotland and Halifax apps showed customers other users' transactions

The Lloyds Banking Group customers reported being able to view payments and charges from other sources.

Customer sues Costco for tariff refunds

The lawsuit is an indication of the complexities looming over a potential $166bn in tariff refunds.

Amid Middle East conflict and new tax incentives, more family offices look to Hong Kong

Hong Kong's latest proposed incentives for family offices include tax breaks on gold and bitcoin.

Chinese firms should focus on investing in politically stable regions: entrepreneur

Chinese firms should prioritise regional political stability when they make overseas investment decisions, as mounting geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations increase the risks of doing business abroad, a prominent Chinese entrepreneur has warned. “The current unrest in the Middle East, fluctuations of the US dollar and international complexities serve as a reminder for firms expanding abroad: we must go to locations that offer relative stability,” said Liu Yonghao, founder and chairman...

How Iran war laid bare the world's reliance on Gulf oil and gas

Countries around the world are feeling the impact of the conflict and the resulting energy price shock.

Trump’s tariff investigation ‘bluff’ will not work on China, analysts warn

The United States’ decision to launch Section 301 investigations into alleged unfair trade practices by China and several other economies – which could allow Washington to reimpose higher tariffs – is a “bluff” designed to give US President Donald Trump some perceived leverage ahead of his expected trip to China, analysts said. But the threat is unlikely to work on Beijing, which has grown used to the president’s “art of the deal” tactics, they added. “Trump’s move before his China trip is...

Amid OpenClaw frenzy, China’s central bank adds to cybersecurity warnings

China’s central bank has called for heightened cybersecurity awareness and caution in the use of artificial intelligence in the financial sector, adding to a chorus of warnings over security risks amid the nationwide buzz surrounding the OpenClaw AI agent. At its annual technology conference in Beijing on Wednesday, the People’s Bank of China called for further efforts to “enhance the resilience of cybersecurity and data security”, according to a readout of the meeting posted on its website. The...

OpenClaw frenzy shows hurdles in rewiring China economy

China has issued public guidance on using OpenClaw, and reportedly restricted its use in government agencies, as regulators push back against surging use of the artificial intelligence (AI) agent. Best practices include minimising internet exposure and regularly checking for security updates, China’s top software regulator said on Wednesday. The notice followed two earlier official warnings about OpenClaw, an autonomous AI agent used for tasks such as stock picking, sorting emails and creating...

John Lewis to pay first staff bonus for four years

The department store and Waitrose supermarket owner will give workers a bonus equivalent to an extra week's pay.

The Inquiry

How Poland’s economy became one of Europe’s fastest-growing success stories

China targets record food-security push in shadow of US-Israeli war with Iran

China has pledged to raise grain output to record levels over the next five years, as part of efforts to guarantee food security for its vast population amid geopolitical shocks and supply-chain uncertainties. Under the nation’s 15th five-year plan unveiled during the “two sessions” parliamentary meetings, Beijing set a target to raise annual grain production capacity to 725 million tonnes by 2030, driven by wider use of high-end agricultural machinery and advanced breeding technologies. As in...

China’s 5-year jet goals target C919 output, a new engine and reduced reliance

Beijing aims to accelerate the rise of China’s home-grown airliner fleet, including the C909 regional plane, C919 narrowbody and C929 widebody, through 2030. This push to challenge the duopoly of Boeing and Airbus comes as a national five-year plan calls for aircraft production, development and the roll-out of a domestically developed engine. The next five years will prove vital to the success of the three aircraft models and the continued localisation of critical parts such as engines,...

A small US grocer is calling out the lower prices at big chains

It is 'impossible for us to compete', says the boss of a New York grocery store.

The pivot: how China turbocharged its industrial policy and remade the global economy

Huang Yiping, a veteran Chinese economist, has attended countless policy forums and high-level summits over his long career. But one event at Peking University a decade ago stands out. Academic debates are often niche, sparsely attended affairs, but that afternoon in November 2016 was different. Seats in the auditorium were snatched up in minutes as people piled in to witness a showdown that had attracted nationwide attention. The public frenzy centred on a rare face-to-face clash between two...

More abundance, less prosperity: why 2 Chinas are emerging

For observers accustomed to a market economy, China’s can look like a contradiction. On the one hand, it is an unstoppable juggernaut, a manufacturing superpower with a US$1 trillion-plus trade surplus demonstrating its prowess and leverage across supply chains. China is also moving up the value chain, producing steel and widgets while also leading the world in solar panels, electric vehicles and the batteries that power them, industrial robots and more. China is even close behind or on par with...

Food prices could rise as Iran conflict disrupts fertilizer supply chain

The Iran conflict is disrupting fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, raising supply concerns and potentially increasing global food inflation.

As Iran war hits trade hubs, China’s logistics firms scramble for alternatives

Logistics companies in China are feeling the strain from the US-Israeli war on Iran, as volatile crude prices and disrupted transport routes ripple through global supply chains. With e-commerce cargo stranded in the Middle East and freight rates skyrocketing, industry insiders said they expect the fallout to last months, even as US President Donald Trump signalled the war could end soon. While some saw opportunities in alternative Central Asian corridors, Chinese businesses reliant on the region...

JPMorgan Chase reins in lending to private credit firms after marking down software loans

JPMorgan's move shows that the biggest U.S. bank by assets wants to get ahead of potential turbulence involving private credit loans to software companies.

Demand for AI talent in China outpaces job postings in other ‘new-economy’ sectors

China’s spring hiring season is revealing a sharp surge in demand for artificial intelligence talent as companies speed up the deployment of related technologies, turning it into one of the country’s hottest professional fields. The number of AI-related job postings in China in the first two months of the year grew about 12-fold year on year, far outpacing growth in other “new-economy” industries such as healthcare, renewable energy and semiconductors, People’s Daily reported on Tuesday, citing...

The Aldi-style disruptors who could be about to shake up the vets market

As pet owners complain of rising prices, independent practices want to take on the big chains.

India opens door to more Chinese investment after 6-year freeze

India has relaxed curbs on Chinese investments in certain sectors to attract more foreign capital, as Beijing and New Delhi continue to gradually repair their economic relationship after years of tense relations. In a cabinet statement released on Tuesday, New Delhi introduced a fast-track approval mechanism for investments from land-bordering countries – including China. The move amends a previous restriction that had mandated government scrutiny for all such capital inflows. Under the new...

Geely Auto beats BYD sales in first 2 months of 2026 to become China’s top carmaker

Geely Auto has gained the upper hand in mainland China’s intensifying automotive sector, as its diverse product line-up pays off after electric vehicle (EV) king BYD suffered a setback following partial withdrawal of a tax break. Controlled by Chinese billionaire Li Shufu, Geely overtook BYD in sales during the first two months of the year because of its vehicles’ quality and reliability, even as Beijing intensified efforts to curb price competition among carmakers, according to...

China’s size, strength insulates its energy security amid geopolitical shocks: lawmaker

Despite its heavy reliance on oil and gas imports, China’s “national strength” insulates its energy security from short-term geopolitical shocks, a prominent petroleum geologist said. Jin Zhijun, dean of the Institute of Energy at Peking University, said that China – as a large country – could ensure its energy security amid a volatile international energy trading landscape, with multiple contingency plans in place. They included tapping more domestic resources by increasing oil and gas...

The US-Israeli war on Iran threatens global energy. How is Asia preparing?

US President Donald Trump says the war on Iran may not last much longer. But across Asia, government actions are racing to shield themselves from the fallout – revealing a region gripped by anxiety that an energy shock could revive the spectre of stagflation. Under mounting economic pressure and record oil market volatility, Trump said on Monday that the US-Israeli war on Iran could be over “very soon”, though not within the coming week. The most exposed Asian economies – including South Korea...

Why China’s red-hot tech push is leaving some traditional sectors out in the cold

With its cutting-edge humanoid robots busting moves on the world’s most-watched television programme and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz touring a company factory during a state visit, both within the last month, Unitree Robotics – already a household name in China – has seen its profile move into the stratosphere. And local government officials, eager to burnish their economies by strengthening ties to up-and-coming businesses, have made the domestic start-up’s founder and CEO Wang Xingxing a...

Ford launches new AI to grow multibillion-dollar Pro commercial business

Ford CEO Jim Farley last month said diversifying Pro's revenue — specifically in software — is a crucial growth area for the company.

February home sales see small rebound, but supply growth is 'sluggish'

Home sales made a small gain to start the year, but higher mortgage rates now could throw cold water on the spring season.

Thinking Allowed

Living with debt - and has inequality become ingrained? Laurie Taylor hears new research.

Ryan Serhant of Netflix's 'Owning Manhattan' is leaning hard into commercial real estate

Ryan Serhant said commercial real estate makes up about 10% of his business now but is quickly expanding.

FDA approves leucovorin as first drug for rare genetic disorder, after touting it as autism treatment

The move comes months after the Trump administration touted leucovorin as a potential therapy for a broader group of patients with autism symptoms.

Boaz Weinstein warns of private credit’s 'financial alchemy,' says problems are multiplying by the quarter

Saba, alongside Cox Capital Management, launched a tender offer to purchase shares in one of Blue Owl's non-traded private credit funds at a 34.9% discount.

Spirit Airlines to recall furloughed pilots to combat attrition as carrier eyes bankruptcy exit

Spirit Airlines is reversing course on pilot furloughs after aviators left in high numbers for rival airlines.

Olaplex stock has plunged since its IPO. Here’s how the hair care brand is trying to turn itself around

Olaplex, a prestige hair care brand, has seen its sales and stock price plummet after a lawsuit. Now, the company is trying to turn its business around.

Lego keeps beating the toy industry. Its secret weapon is not what you'd expect

Lego on Tuesday reported a 12% jump in revenue for fiscal year 2025 and reported consumer sales that far outpace the broader toy industry.

Bolstering oil stockpile, China’s import surge seen creating a 120-day shock shield

China’s surge in crude imports early this year has strengthened its stockpiles against a backdrop of rising Middle East tensions and global supply risks. China imported 96.93 million tonnes of crude in January and February, up 15.8 per cent from the same period in 2025, according to customs data released on Tuesday. The value of those imports, meanwhile, fell 5.2 per cent from last year in US dollar terms. “China was accumulating oil and gas stockpiles [earlier this year], with the market...

Stellantis taps Toyota, Bosch suppliers for hybrid technologies for new Jeeps

Jeep maker Stellantis is leaning on technologies from automotive suppliers for its newest hybrid vehicles, CNBC has learned.

China’s energy defences ease sting of Iran war instability

Oil prices tumbled and China stocks rebounded after US President Donald Trump said the war in Iran could be over “very soon” and that he could waive sanctions to ease a global squeeze on crude supply. Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell back down to about US$90 a barrel after surging to almost US$120 on Monday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 2.2 per cent and the mainland CSI 300 Index rose 1.3 per cent. Both stock gauges are still down for the month. The United States was “way ahead of...

China summons Maersk, MSC on ‘shipping operations’ amid Panama saga, Iran war shock

China’s Ministry of Transport has summoned two maritime giants – Maersk and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) – for talks on “international shipping operations” amid legal disputes over the Panama Canal, a vital artery for global trade. No further details were provided in the one-sentence statement, which was posted on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. But in China, government summons often serve as a warning and, if ignored, could lead to further action. The move came as mounting...

Trade boom: China’s exports surge 21.8% to start 2026 – biggest gain in 4 years

China’s export growth surged in the first two months of this year, as global demand booms, while experts pointed to the likelihood of strong momentum for the rest of the year as AI-driven tech investments ramp up. Exports jumped 21.8 per cent from a year earlier – the biggest gain in four years – to US$656.58 billion in the combined figures for January and February released by customs authorities on Tuesday. This represented a significant acceleration from the 6.6 per cent growth recorded in...

Why China’s economic reset is a credibility test for Hong Kong

China’s annual parliamentary “two sessions” have been framed as a show of resilience in a turbulent world. That framing is not wrong but it is incomplete. Beijing’s deliberately lower 2026 economic growth target is less an admission of weakness than a signal that the growth playbook is being rewritten. For Hong Kong, this is not background noise. It is a test of whether policy alignment can be converted into institutional credibility. When Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report...

GPS jamming: The invisible battle in the Middle East

GPS jamming has made navigation hazardous in the Gulf, spurring efforts to develop alternatives.

China’s financial superpower ambitions get legal backing at ‘two sessions’

China will develop a new financial law and a dedicated financial stability law this year, as Beijing works to defuse risks and prevent new ones as part of its ambition to become a financial superpower. In its work report delivered on Monday, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the country’s top legislative body, said it would also amend existing laws, including the People’s Bank of China Law and the Banking Supervision and Management Law. The work report outlined a broad...

China-US trade relations may reach a ‘tactical truce’, slowing down economic decoupling

Companies in southern China are feeling growing confidence in the state of US-China relations and are reinvesting cautiously in the country, according to a survey by a US business lobby group. The American Chamber of Commerce in South China (AmCham South China) – a mix of foreign and domestic firms – generally expects bilateral ties to stabilise in the year ahead, but is also adapting to geopolitical friction as China shifts from assembling Western goods to supplying industrial parts to emerging...

Ticketmaster parent Live Nation reaches settlement with Department of Justice over antitrust concerns

Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster, reached a settlement with the Department of Justice over antitrust concerns.

China vows to stabilise oil and gas output in new 5-year plan as global risks mount

Against the backdrop of oil prices surging past US$100 per barrel for the first time since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, China has its sights set on strengthening energy security by stabilising domestic crude production and strategic backups – exemplified by coal-to-oil and gas projects – for the next few years. The nation pledges to maintain annual crude production at 200 million tonnes, ensure a steady rise in natural gas output, and bolster technical readiness for coal-derived...

What crises in Iran, Panama, Venezuela and Greenland have in common

Over the past 12 months, a series of political and military crises has erupted in different parts of the world. Do they have anything in common? On the surface, the dramas in Iran, Panama, Venezuela and Greenland look separate, each with its own cast, excuse and headlines. What links them is not ideology, or the public language used to sell each move. It is the map. Iran sits beside the Strait of Hormuz, the choke point for Gulf energy flows. Panama sits astride one of the world’s trade...

China’s chip industry seeks more state support for AI dominance

Representatives of China’s semiconductor industry are calling for stronger state backing in artificial intelligence chips and critical materials, aiming to fast-track core technology breakthroughs. During last week’s “two sessions” – the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and advisory body – scholars and entrepreneurs in the semiconductor sector urged Beijing to leverage the nation’s advantage in strategic chip raw materials and accelerate the commercial application of AI chips to secure...

More gas from Russia? China flags new pipeline links amid Iran energy crisis

China has included two pipelines transporting natural gas from Russia in the draft of its new five-year plan, raising market debate on whether the Power of Siberia 2 – a closely watched project viewed as symbolic of bilateral relations – could be on the fast track for construction. Along with language on two other pipelines, the draft said China would “advance preparatory work for the central route of the China-Russia natural gas pipeline” in the next five years, which some market observers...

‘Two sessions’ 2026

To see every province-level region’s growth target, view this Quick Digest.

China’s consumer prices keep rising after holiday spending surge

China’s consumer prices rose during the first two months of the year as a longer-than-usual Chinese New Year holiday drove a surge in spending, though analysts cautioned that Beijing might need to implement stronger measures to boost demand to sustain the recovery. The national consumer price index (CPI), a crucial gauge of inflation, rose by 0.8 per cent year on year during the January-February period, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday. Readings for...

Why China’s critical mineral dominance is still disrupting US supply chains

American companies are grappling with a shortage of critical minerals used in daily operations despite China easing some of its export controls, according to industry insiders. After Beijing and Washington agreed to a so-called trade truce last November, the Ministry of Commerce issued a notice suspending a ban on shipments of gallium, germanium and antimony to the US for one year. But China’s dominant position in the global market for these vital raw materials, including heavy rare earths,...

Spain's migrants welcome amnesty: 'It will help us in every way'

Madrid cites humanitarian and economic reasons to give undocumented workers legal status.

Weaponise EU market against China or face manufacturing collapse: official think tank

The European Union has been urged to weaponise its giant market to draw concessions from China, whose economic fragility is making it increasingly reliant on rich export markets. A new report from the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), the EU’s official think tank, said “China’s weakness creates opportunities” for the bloc to use its chokepoints and leverage to bring Beijing to the negotiating table in a credible way. With the United States rapidly narrowing for Chinese...

Iran war hits China’s sulphur imports as economic fallout from conflict grows

The escalating conflict in the Middle East is having a direct impact on China’s access to sulphur – a raw material for producing fertiliser – just as the country enters its vital spring planting season. With China sourcing a large chunk of its sulphur from the Persian Gulf, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already sending prices for the chemical shooting upwards as Chinese buyers complain of tightening supplies. China relies on imports for 47 per cent of its sulphur supply,...

Inside the booming business of wellness third spaces and membership clubs

A growing number of consumers are seeking out third spaces and membership clubs surrounding wellness, to improve their health while also socializing.

FDA vaccine head will step down in April after string of controversial decisions

Vinay Prasad is leaving his post as director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

Innovation plus livelihoods – the twin tracks of China’s 5-year plan

China’s new five-year plan targets both industrial innovation and “people-oriented” livelihoods for all, according to officials with the country’s top economic planner. “The draft outline of the plan … focuses on consolidating and expanding strengths, removing bottlenecks and constraints, and addressing weaknesses and shortcomings,” Zheng Bei, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said in Beijing on the sidelines of the “two sessions” on Saturday. The draft of...

China to launch TCM on global health mission over the next 5 years

Beijing aims to promote traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) around the world, saying it hopes it will help address global health challenges, particularly in developing countries. “We will bring Chinese traditional medicine and its culture more to the international community, while promoting mutual learning among traditional medicines,” Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission, said on the sidelines of the “two sessions” on Saturday. China would expand the global pool of medicinal...

Prime ministers of Singapore, South Korea to attend this month’s Boao Forum for Asia

The prime ministers of South Korea and Singapore will be among the world leaders attending this month’s Boao Forum for Asia, three sources said, adding to a growing string of leaders from developed economies who have visited China this year. The annual conference is scheduled to be held in Boao, Hainan province, from March 24 to 27, its organiser announced earlier. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai’s most recent trip to China was in June, when he met President Xi Jinping and...

In China’s vision for a ‘powerhouse’ stock market, it’s slow and steady over boom and bust

China’s high-level policymakers have reiterated the need to defuse financial risks and root out political corruption, two of President Xi Jinping’s long-term priorities, in the run-up to this year’s ‘two sessions’ – the annual meetings of the country’s top legislature and political advisory body. In this series, we take stock of how those efforts have progressed, and what remains to be done. When the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 50,000 points for the first time in early February, US...

Beijing vows to expand imports amid ‘China shock’ fears

Beijing has pledged to expand imports and use its vast market to help other countries boost exports to the world’s second-largest economy – a move that could help balance global trade at a time when China’s export machine faces growing scrutiny. Beijing also planned to diversify markets and nurture new trade drivers such as artificial intelligence, seeking to stabilise trade as global supply chains come under mounting pressure from geopolitical conflicts, officials said. Commerce Minister Wang...

China’s eastern and southern economic powerhouses vie for innovation leadership

China’s most powerful economic regions – the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area – are racing to meet President Xi Jinping’s call for breakthroughs in core technologies including artificial intelligence, as Beijing maps out priorities for the coming 15th five-year plan during the “two sessions”. As part of the annual meeting on Friday, provincial and municipal leaders of Zhejiang province outlined an ambitious strategy to become a key area of AI development and cement the province’s...

China pledges full support for tech sector with broad range of new policies

China has outlined a basket of measures to support its technology sector, from creating a more flexible and inclusive fundraising ecosystem to boosting demand for hi-tech products. During a high-profile press conference in Beijing, the country’s top economic officials laid out plans to deepen reforms to ChiNext – China’s board for start-ups – and make it easier and quicker for companies to refinance. “Technological innovation requires high investment, long cycles, and carries significant risks,”...

Can snacks help you sleep?

Chocolates, bars, gummies and drinks promise to help you sleep, but is the science behind them sound?

We have more privacy controls yet less privacy than ever

Has online privacy become "a luxury not a right" for us all in 2026?

Know when to fold them: the tech inspired by origami

Origami techniques can add strength to structures without adding bulk.

Deepfake attack: 'Many people could have been cheated'

The boss of the Bombay Stock Exchange was recently targeted in what is a growing global problem.

Why you can't get a signal at festivals and sports matches

Connecting up music and sports events to the internet is a massive undertaking.

The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles

Soft drinks company Twig's Beverage has a loyal following for its old-fashioned approach.

The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse

There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?

Why the railways often seem to be in such chaos over Christmas

Parts of Britain’s rail network will close for engineering work over the festive period - but is that the right time to do it?

Budget 2025: What's the best and worst that could happen for Labour?

Three days in, after a tax U-turn and partial climbdown on workers' rights, Laura Kuenssberg looks at what impact Budget week might have.

Has Britain's budget watchdog become too all-powerful?

Ahead of this week's Budget, some have accused the Office for Budget Responsibility of being a "straitjacket on growth"

The curious case of why Poundland is struggling during a cost-of-living crisis

Why - in an age where so many of us are feeling the financial pinch - are some budget shops on UK high streets having such a tough time?

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