The latest developments in Venezuela are interpreted as part of a broader US strategy to secure access to major oil resources. They are much more than that: the US raid signals a transformation in the global economy wherein a country’s power is increasingly determined not by its political actions, but by its capacity to embed resource wealth within a self-sustaining production system. These deeper processes did not begin today, but rather around 2008-2009 when, according to an integrated...

Big chains accused of masquerading as independent restaurants on delivery apps

Justina John says independent restaurants are "small fish trying to swim with the sharks".

Trump tariff threat over Greenland 'unacceptable', European leaders say

The US president says several European allies opposed to his plans to buy Greenland will face 10% tariffs from February.

'Warm hub has saved me from loneliness'

An 84-year-old Blackpool pensioner says she found herself in fuel poverty when her husband died.

Chinese electric vehicle makers set to ‘crack open’ Western markets as trade barriers fall

This year is likely to be a watershed one for the global drive by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, as more Western countries open up their markets to high-performance made-in-China models. Despite low expectations for a hefty jump in overseas sales, EV assemblers like BYD and Geely are expected to get off to a strong start in some of their untapped markets, honing their image as world leaders in terms of production and technology before establishing a long-term foothold, according to...

Faisal Islam: Trump's Greenland threats to allies are without parallel

The US president's latest threats will baffle the leaders of allied nations, writes the BBC's economics editor.

Trump Announces New Tariffs on Some European Countries in Greenland Standoff

The president escalated his drive to take charge of the Danish territory, targeting Denmark and seven other European countries with a 10 percent rate.

British Gas took 15 months to refund me £1,500. It's absurd

Beth Kojder said it was frustrating it took so long to get her money back, given the ombudsman had ruled in her favour nearly a year ago.

White House Warns CBS: Air Trump Interview in Full, or ‘We’ll Sue’

In previously unreported remarks, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told CBS News that Mr. Trump would “sue” the news outlet if it did not air an interview unedited.

At Least $110,000 Worth of Pokémon Cards Stolen From New York Store

The robbery at the Poké Court on Wednesday was the latest in a string of thefts of high-value Pokémon trading cards.

China’s cosmetics brands, stepping out of K-beauty’s shadow, set sights on global markets

Like many of her classmates, Xie Roumei, a 28-year-old accountant from China’s Fujian province, started using South Korean cosmetics in high school – a preference she carried into her twenties. Most of the eye make-up and beauty products she uses are still Korean, Xie said – a loyalty that has helped turn its cosmetics industry into a global powerhouse, with exports rivalling those of semiconductors and cars. Fuelled by the global appeal of K-pop, K-dramas and the “glass skin” ideal, the...

National Anger Spills Into Target Stores, Again

Videos of immigration officers dragging an employee out of a store near Minneapolis, the retailer’s hometown, set off renewed political debate after years of boycotts.

Big Oil’s Complicated Calculus for Investing in Venezuela

The industry has long prioritized projects with quick and reliable payback. Trump is pushing for a return to risk.

Disney dominated the 2025 box office. Here's how it could keep the crown in 2026

Disney accounted for 27.5% of the domestic box office's overall annual haul. It looks to be a dominant force in 2026, too.

The one measure that can tell us a lot about the state of the UK economy

Consumer confidence levels are rebounding for some in the UK, but older generations look to be immune, writes Faisal Islam.

As Trump urges cap on credit card rates, could China follow suit for online loans?

US President Donald Trump’s call for American credit card interest rates to be capped at 10 per cent for a year has sparked a debate in China about whether Beijing should impose a similar limit on online loans. The discussion comes as many in China – especially younger people – are being enticed by credit offers amid a weak job market and a boom in online loan services. “Apps now keep luring young people into borrowing,” a finance blogger with nearly 500,000 followers wrote in a social media...

Tech Firms Are Persuading Retailers to Put A.I. Everywhere

Stores of all kinds are using artificial intelligence to sell everything from luxury handbags to hay for horses.

‘Punched in the Face’ by a Rail Disaster, an Ohio Town Fights Its Way Back

Residents and officials are still trying to revitalize East Palestine nearly three years after a derailment and chemical burn.

As Office Rents Rise, Doctors Get Creative

Physicians with independent practices are having to cobble together unconventional office arrangements at a time of rising costs and consolidation in the medical field.

Black Women Turn to One Another as Their Career Paths Suddenly Recede

Black female professionals have seen a steep drop in employment over the last year. They are turning to each other for pep talks and résumé advice.

Cafe offers free breakfasts for vulnerable people

Hummingbird Cafe wants to support people who may not be able to afford a hot meal.

Scam and corruption cases spark debate in China over cryptocurrencies’ future

The seizure of enormous cryptocurrency caches in two high-profile criminal cases in China – a former head of the central bank’s digital currency research institute accused of corruption, and an alleged scam centre kingpin linked to about US$15 billion in bitcoin – have sparked questions in the country about the safety and future of virtual money. But analysts said the long-term trend for the assets, especially bitcoin, depended on institutional capital, interest rate expectations and the...

Chinese banks lure investors with gold-linked deposits amid soaring prices

An increasing number of Chinese and foreign banks are launching gold-linked structured deposits to attract investors seeking higher returns tied to gold prices, which analysts say provide an alternative to poor returns from time deposits. Rising gold prices, which continue to hit new highs this year, are fuelling renewed enthusiasm in gold as an investment in mainland China. While gold has increased 6 per cent this year to over US$4,620 an ounce, a Goldman Sachs forecast last month projected...

Trump's proposed credit card cap spotlights Americans' debt. Would it help?

President Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% - an idea with bipartisan support - received swift backlash from bank executives.

Why Banks Are So Worried About a 10% Credit Card Rate Cap

President Trump revived a campaign promise to cap interest rates, but it is unclear how he would make that a reality.

Edison Files Claims Against Los Angeles County and Others on Eaton Fire

Southern California Edison said its equipment most likely started the Eaton fire but asserted that government agencies and other businesses shared liability for the devastation.

Your Tax Refund Could Be Taken if You’ve Defaulted on Student Loans: What to Know

The Education Department reversed course and announced on Friday that it would delay aggressive efforts to collect what was owed on student loans.

WestJet Backpedals on Economy Seats That Don’t Recline

WestJet, Canada’s second-largest carrier, backpedaled on a new seating plan after videos of crammed travelers went viral on social media.

F.A.A. Urges ‘Caution’ Over Oceans in Latin America, Warning of Military Activity

The Federal Aviation Administration released seven advisories warning pilots to stay away from parts of the Pacific Ocean near Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.

Trump to unveil home buying plan involving retirement funds

The housing proposal will let Americans use their 401(k)s for down payments, a Trump economic adviser said.

Coinbase, the Biggest U.S. Crypto Company, Asserts Its Power in Washington

The top executive of the crypto exchange Coinbase scuttled a planned Senate committee vote on a major cryptocurrency bill after voicing his concerns, a sign of the company’s clout.

Novo Nordisk shares rise 8% after Wegovy obesity pill has 'solid' launch

The early data is a boost to the Danish drugmaker's hopes of winning back more market share from Eli Lilly in the obesity drug space.

Trump and States Aim to Stop A.I. From Inflating Energy Bills

Demand from centers that power artificial intelligence has driven up electricity bills, frustrating consumers.

What’s Next for Cuba, Now That Its Main Oil Supplier Is Gone?

The Soviet Union was Cuba’s benefactor for decades. Venezuela took up the slack, and Mexico has supplied “humanitarian aid.” But the world is changing rapidly, our columnist says.

Hassett pivots to possible 'Trump cards' amid credit card interest rate battle with banks

Trump called for banks to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, an idea that has been roundly rejected by industry executives and their lobbyists this week.

Powell, an Unlikely Foil, Takes On Trump

Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, this week tapped a groundswell of support that has been years in the making.

Stock Investors’ Strategy for 2026: ‘Don’t Fight the White House’

From oil drillers to credit card companies, President Trump has been a market mover this year.

Battles Over Truth Rage Online Amid Iran’s Internet Blackout

The shutdown of online discourse within Iran has allowed both the government and its critics to flood social media outside the country with disinformation campaigns and fake images.

ChatGPT to carry adverts for some users

OpenAI is also expanding its cheaper subscription tier, ChatGPT Go, to all countries where it operates.

Trump Praises Hassett, but Casts Doubt on Making Him Fed Chair

The blowback set off by the Justice Department’s criminal investigation into Jerome H. Powell, the chair of the central bank, has shaken up the race to replace him.

Stellantis CEO: 2026 is the ‘year of execution’ as Wall Street awaits turnaround strategy

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa views 2026 as an execution year for the embattled automaker following years of sales declines in the U.S.

Michael Saylor’s Creative Bitcoin Strategy Isn’t Working

Michael Saylor’s financial alchemy thrust an ordinary software company, Strategy, into the center of the crypto frenzy. It all worked spectacularly, until now.

Mother of Elon Musk's child sues xAI over Grok deepfakes

The parent company of X and Grok, xAI, launched a counter-suit saying she had violated its terms of service.

CIA director had two-hour meeting with new Venezuelan leader in Caracas

The pair discussed economic opportunities and preventing Venezuela becoming a place for "America's adversaries", a US official said.

China and Canada announce tariffs relief after a high-stakes meeting between Carney and Xi

Canola oil and electric cars are at the centre of the deal agreed by Mark Carney and Xi Jinping after years of strained ties.

China dumps more US debt, buys other assets as Trump targets Powell

China trimmed its holdings of US Treasuries in November to the lowest level since 2008, diverging from a global trend that saw total foreign ownership of the debt instruments hit a record high. Analysts say the prospect of a politicised Federal Reserve chairmanship under Donald Trump’s presidency has deepened Beijing’s concerns over its exposure to American debt, with more cuts expected. Beijing’s stockpile fell to US$682.6 billion in November, down from US$688.7 billion in October, according to...

Larry Fink, the New Mayor of Davos

Larry Fink, BlackRock’s chief executive, led an effort to elevate the World Economic Forum next week, the first without the event’s founder, Klaus Schwab.

Italian Court Closes Fraud Case Against Influencer Chiara Ferragni

A judge dropped a case against Chiara Ferragni tied to her promotion of a Christmas pandoro marketed as supporting cancer treatment.

Trump's proposed ban on buying single-family homes introduces uncertainty for family offices

Wall Street landlords are the primary target of Trump's proposed ban, but investment firms of the ultra rich could get caught in the crosshairs.

Martin Lewis on why you should check your tax code now

Millions of people could be on the wrong tax code.

How Activists in Iran Are Using Starlink to Stay Online

Activists spent years preparing for a communications blackout in Iran, smuggling in Starlink satellite internet systems and making digital shutdowns harder for the authorities to enforce.

'We're in survival mode': The milk price crisis draining dairy farms

Adam and Lucy Johnstone have seen the money they receive for their milk tumble over the last three months.

Taiwan Reaches Trade Deal With Trump and Pledges More U.S. Chip Factories

The Trump administration agreed to lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods, while Taiwan said it would invest more in U.S. manufacturing.

Ted Sarandos Says Critics Just Misunderstand Netflix

The company’s co-chief executive sat down for an extensive interview for the first time since announcing plans to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s film and TV business.

Weight loss jabs are 'opportunity' for Leon, boss says

John Vincent says the chain could benefit from the weight loss trend, and sets out his plans to revive the business.

Canada, China hit reset button on relations with tariff agreement

China and Canada have agreed to remove the triple-digit tariffs imposed on each other’s imports – a major thaw in relations after years of icy diplomatic and trade ties – as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrapped up his state visit in Beijing. Canada will remove the additional 100 per cent in tariffs it had levied on Chinese electric vehicle (EV) imports – imposed in 2024 following a similar move from the United States – while China will lower its tariffs on Canadian canola, Carney said on...

China’s ‘trillion-yuan districts’ reveal gains and gaps of its hi-tech push

The anticipated rise of Shenzhen’s Nanshan district to a “trillion-yuan district” marks a monumental milestone, placing it alongside Shanghai’s Pudong and Beijing’s Haidian as the only districts to reach such a GDP threshold. Beyond a mere numerical benchmark, the “trillion-yuan” label signifies China’s transition into a technology-powered economic era. This achievement underscores more than local success – it amplifies the resilience of China’s economy, increasingly driven by hi-tech...

The threat to the US economy from Trump’s fight with the Fed

Donald Trump's stand-off with the US central bank has recalled episodes in other countries - which ended badly for the economy.

Uber’s Quest to Crack Japan Leads Through a Rural Hot-Springs Town

The ride-hailing giant’s chief executive has made a bet on how it can finally grab a bigger piece of one of the world’s largest taxi markets.

Star Wars boss departs after leading franchise reboot

She oversaw the expansion of the franchise, including five feature films and new TV shows.

China’s slowing growth, bilateral tensions top American business concerns in 2026

Concerns about China’s slowing economic growth and “strained” Beijing-Washington relations rank as the top two concerns among members of the American Chamber of Commerce in China this year, according to a chamber survey released on Friday. The growth concern was raised by 64 per cent of the 368 respondents, making it the leading issue, the annual China Business Climate Survey found. Fifty-two per cent of respondents reported being profitable or very profitable last year, 6 percentage points more...

From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade

As US-China tensions increasingly reshape global business, an old dynamic is re-emerging with the return of the middleman. Multinational firms that once prized direct control are again turning to local partners to navigate political rifts and commercial barriers. The pattern echoes an older era: the same reliance on middlemen that once moved tea and porcelain through old Canton now underpins how TikTok, McDonald’s and Starbucks navigate a divided global economy. Under the Canton system, overseas...

State and Federal Lawmakers Want Data Centers to Pay More for Energy

Despite many proposals, there is little consensus among governors, lawmakers and tech executives about exactly how much the companies behind data centers should pay for electricity.

How realistic is India's quest for magnets made of rare earths

India has a $800m plan to make rare earth magnets, aiming to reduce dependence on Chinese imports - but can it work?

China pushes slow bull run with tightened margin financing rules to fight overheating

China’s move to raise margin requirements for leveraged stock trading signalled regulators’ push to steer clear of boom-and-bust cycles, while strengthening the stock market’s role in funding the country’s tech self-sufficiency efforts, according to analysts. “The signal from regulators was crystal-clear: guide the market towards a stable transition to a slow bull run,” said Wang Jun, a strategist at BOC International in Shanghai. “Investors should reduce their leverage levels to guard against...

Leonard D. Jacoby, 83, Dies; Brought Legal Services to the Masses

He and Steven Z. Meyers opened their first low-cost legal clinic in 1972. Within a decade, they had revolutionized the legal industry, and Jacoby & Meyers had become a widely known brand.

'They are essential': How smoke detectors are evolving

AI trained to recognise fire is among the latest developments in fire alarm tech.

Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis

The replacement for the Household Support Fund aims to help people facing sudden difficulties.

Kathleen Kennedy, Lucasfilm President and ‘Star Wars’ Boss, Steps Down

Kathleen Kennedy stepped down as Lucasfilm’s president and returned to producing. Two studio veterans took over.

Trump Outlines Health Care Proposals as Prices and Premiums Rise

The long-awaited plan would leave much to Congress and calls for payments to health savings accounts rather than insurance subsidies, among other broad proposals.

China’s Zhejiang targets 3- to 7-nanometre AI chip breakthroughs to counter US chokehold

China’s eastern tech powerhouse Zhejiang, home to giants like Alibaba and the humanoid robotics start-up Unitree, has set clear targets to develop cutting-chips and chipmaking equipment over the next five years. The province is the latest locality to prioritise innovation under its new five-year plan. It joins other hubs, including Shenzhen and Shanghai, that have thrown their weight behind Beijing’s nationwide strategy to develop indigenous technologies amid an intensifying rivalry with the...

US to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods after investment pledge

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the deal would help boost semiconductor production in the US.

Amazon threatens 'drastic' action after Saks bankruptcy, says $475M stake is now worthless

Amazon invested $475 million into Saks' acquisition of Neiman Marcus. It wants a federal judge to reject Saks' bankruptcy plan because it harms creditors.

Big Plan for Fannie and Freddie I.P.O. in Flux as Trump Pushes Affordability

Six months after President Trump told Wall Street banks to prepare a swift stock offering, there is no firm plan for how to take the giant mortgage firms public.

Goldman Sachs tops profit estimates as equities, asset and wealth management outperform

Goldman's revenue dipped 3% in Q4, which the company said was the result of off-loading the Apple Card loan portfolio to JPMorgan Chase.

Earnings Fall Short at Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo

This week, Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo released fraught earnings reports as President Trump’s threatened cap on credit card rates loomed large.

College students and teens could be fueling the prediction markets boom

Where sports betting is legal, it's often limited to those 21 years or older. Kalshi and Polymarket are open to anyone 18 or older, with some exceptions.

Trump unveils health-care plan outline as Congress wrestles over Obamacare subsidies

Trump urged Congress, which is grappling over an extension of key ACA tax credits, to pass "The Great Healthcare Plan" without delay.

How the Buffett family plans to give away more than $150 billion

In a rare interview, the three Buffett heirs said their world view, priorities and approach to philanthropy began in the Buffett household.

Trump Vows to Make Venezuela Rich. It Will Take More Than U.S. Cash.

History suggests that the price of oil and a wider distribution of wealth are as important as foreign investment.

NBCUniversal strategically leans into sports as it prepares for 'Legendary February'

NBCUniversal's calling card used to be "Must See TV," but the modern media world has pushed the company in a new direction, led by live sports.

Billionaire Rams owner Stan Kroenke becomes America's biggest private landowner

Kroenke represents a growing wave of ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs investing in long-held ranches and farmland.

How Saks' acquisition of Neiman Marcus plunged the company into bankruptcy: 'Recipe for disaster'

Saks used $2.2 billion in junk bonds to buy Neiman Marcus, but didn't have enough money left over to pay vendors, which led the company to declare bankruptcy.

Coinbase and the Crypto Revolt Against a Crypto Bill

Legislation to establish a regulatory framework for digital tokens has been thrown into turmoil — by one of its biggest champions.

Elon Musk’s X Restricts Ability to Create Explicit Images With Grok

Bowing to pressure, the company said it would restrict X users from generating explicit images of real people in jurisdictions where such content is illegal.

Under threat from Trump, Wall Street banks wager they can fend off credit card price controls

Five days after Trump's demand to cap credit card rates, bankers and lobbyists told CNBC they have yet to receive any formal or written guidance on the policy.

Commercial real estate deal-making slows again in November

The multifamily sector saw the majority of November deals, recording 20 transactions, followed by office with 11 and industrial with eight.

China targets wealthy influencers with audits, fines as fiscal pressures rise

China has ramped up audits involving online influencers and high-wage earners, as part of broader efforts to expand tax revenue and refine the taxation system. The State Taxation Administration on Wednesday spotlighted two fresh cases involving influencers in the centrally administered city of Chongqing and in Gansu province. In Chongqing, authorities ordered an influencer surnamed Peng – who has 30 million followers and works in online video production and commercial advertising – to pay 4.15...

Leading Prediction Firms Share a Commonality: Donald Trump Jr.

Traders in companies with ties to the president’s eldest son can bet on the outcome of events the president affects.

China to cut relending rates, widen credit support for private sector and tech

China’s central bank is looking to pump 900 billion yuan (US$129.2 billion) worth of additional funds into private and technology firms, alongside slashing key policy relending rates by a quarter of a percentage point, in a fresh round of monetary easing designed to shore up the economy. The new plan includes an extra 500 billion yuan for agriculture and small businesses, said Zou Lan, a deputy governor of the bank, at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. The bank will also expand its...

Nexperia and Chinese owner fight for control of chipmaker in Dutch court

The battle for control of Dutch chipmaker Nexperia entered a new phase on Wednesday, as lawyers representing the firm and its Chinese parent Wingtech Technology traded blows during a seven-hour court hearing in the Netherlands. The Enterprise Chamber – a special Dutch court handling corporate disputes – scheduled the hearing to determine whether it should order a formal investigation into alleged mismanagement at Nexperia or overturn its earlier ruling, with a verdict set to be issued by...

Verizon Outage Cuts Off Tens of Thousands of Users

The outage cut off tens of thousands of users and lasted more than six hours. The cause was not immediately clear.

China’s C919 airliner put through paces by test pilots from European aviation regulator

European aviation evaluators have begun test flights of China’s home-grown C919 airliner in Shanghai, the Post has learned, as the manufacturer of the narrowbody jet presses ahead with its bid to secure Western safety certification – a crucial step in the journey to global adoption and being able to compete with industry leaders Boeing and Airbus. Two test pilots from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have conducted verification flights, according to a source with knowledge of the...

Trump Imposes Limited Tariffs on Foreign Semiconductors

The tariffs will allow President Trump to take a cut of Nvidia’s chip sales to China while putting off a decision about imposing higher taxes on the chip industry.

Boeing Knew About Flaws in UPS Plane That Crashed in Louisville, N.T.S.B. Says

In a report Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board said fractures that appeared to have led the left engine to separate from the plane’s wing had occurred at least four other times.

China-EU tariff consensus on EVs seen cutting shipments but boosting profitability

A requirement to set minimum prices for their cars in the European Union will reduce sales there for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, but higher profit margins will eventually improve their bottom lines and brand reputations, according to analysts and industry officials. Assemblers of Chinese pure-electric cars from BYD to Leapmotor will avoid a brutal discount war after European authorities accepted price undertakings to replace punitive anti-subsidy tariffs of up to 35.3 per cent. Minimum...

Kaiser Permanente Agrees to Pay $556 Million to Settle Medicare Overbilling Claims

The Justice Department and whistle-blowers accused the major health insurer of overbilling the government for about $1 billion under the private plans.

Food Prices Keep Climbing, Rattling Consumers and Trump

Weather, supply, tariffs, labor and changing consumer habits continue to drive up the cost of groceries. President Trump falsely claims prices are falling.

These Gyms’ Most Intimidating Machine: The Front Door

A new kind of tap-in, tap-out system at gyms has some New Yorkers flustered.

Republicans Advance Stock-Trading Bill With Limited Restrictions

The bill would allow lawmakers to keep their existing stock and continue to sell it if they provide seven to 14 days of notice. Democrats called it a “gift to insider traders.”

Saks Global, the longtime leader of luxury department stores, files for bankruptcy protection

Saks Global, which also owns Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, filed for bankruptcy protection after running out of cash.

Citigroup tops estimates on stronger net interest income, smaller loan loss provision

Under CEO Jane Fraser, Citigroup is in the midst of a restructuring, selling off parts of its overseas operations.

Netflix likely to adjust Warner Bros. Discovery offer to make it all-cash

Netflix is likely to amend its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio business after reaching an earlier agreement in December.

Bank of America tops estimates on better-than-expected net interest income, equities trading

Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. bank by assets, has been a beneficiary of the industry's recent tail winds.

Why mortgage subsidies could be key to getting China’s consumers spending

China’s property downturn and sluggish consumer spending have become twin anchors weighing down the economy over the past few years. Now, scholars at a top Beijing university are proposing a measure they believe could ease both problems: a mortgage subsidy. The Tsinghua University economists have called for the introduction of mortgage interest rate subsidies as part of a wider effort to stabilise the property market, arguing that arresting the decline in housing prices will be critical to...

Beijing launches antitrust investigation into Trip.com ahead of Lunar New Year break

China has opened an antitrust investigation into Trip.com Group, the country’s largest online travel services provider, weeks before hundreds of millions of people on the mainland go away on holiday during the Lunar New Year break. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Wednesday said the group – operator of namesake platform Trip.com, Skyscanner, Ctrip, Qunar and Dutch site Travix – abused its “dominant market position” and engaged in “monopolistic practices”. The...

Tariffs and AI's downside pose top global risks for business, World Economic Forum says

The report captures a shifting landscape where geoeconomic confrontation leaps to the top spot on the list of business worries over the next two years

China set to double down on property market stability

For years, Beijing attempted to trade flats for microchips, a bold effort to rewire the economy. But 2025 showed that a hi-tech superstructure cannot be built on the crumbling foundation of a middle-class balance sheet. Now, in the opening 2026 issue of Qiushi, the Communist Party’s most influential journal, a new signal has emerged, indicating that the leadership is prepared to halt the decline. A key commentary in the journal presents a notable analytical shift. It reaffirms real estate as a...

‘Structurally hurt’: why are Chinese tourists spending less overseas than before?

Chinese tourist numbers are recovering across Asia after a pandemic-era contraction, buoyed by the expansion of visa-free policies and a stronger yuan. But one thing has not returned: the spending sprees that used to boost duty-free retailers around the world. The trend can be clearly seen in South Korea, which relied on Chinese travellers for 70 per cent of its duty-free sales before Covid-19. Around 5 million visitors from China arrived in the country during the first 11 months of 2025, a...

As China’s US exports plunge in 2025, Beijing banks on diversification for 2026 growth

China’s exports soared to record highs in 2025, defying trade tensions with Washington as Beijing’s diversification strategy successfully mitigated a decline in US-bound shipments. However, that resilience could face a new test this year, analysts warned. Full-year exports for 2025 climbed 5.5 per cent from a year earlier to US$3.77 trillion, according to customs data released on Wednesday, higher than the 5 per cent growth projected by financial data provider Wind. Imports for the same period...

Honey, I shrunk the data centres: Is small the new big?

Huge data centres are being built to handle AI computing but some experts say they aren't necessary.

The AI boom needs electricity, but Western grids are strained. Is power China’s power?

Near the end of last year, thousands of European travellers saw their holiday plans unravel after a prolonged power outage in the Eurotunnel – the underwater train passage linking Britain and France – caused by a fault in the overhead supply. For many, this brought back memories of chaotic scenes the previous April, when rolling blackouts struck much of Portugal and Spain. The United States also suffered from multiple power outages last year, including major disruptions in California – most...

Boeing outsold Airbus last year for first time since 2018, deliveries rise to 600

Boeing delivered 600 jetliners in 2025 with 63 in December alone, while net orders rose to 1,173 planes.

JPMorgan Chase says banks could fight Trump credit card rate cap: 'Everything's on the table'

Banks say a proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates would result in fewer credit card accounts for Americans and a hit to the U.S. economy.

Fanatics to launch sports media and entertainment studio

Fanatics Studios will create, produce and distribute films, documentaries, live events and digital series.

BNY raises profit target as CEO Robin Vince says 'turnaround' is taking hold

BNY raised a pair of key medium-term performance targets on Tuesday.

Data center REIT CEO says real estate ‘not in an oversupply state’

Andy Power, CEO of Digital Realty says data center real estate is not oversupplied as hyperscalers like Nvidia, Amazon, Google and Meta announce more projects.

JPMorgan Chase tops estimates as trading revenue exceeds expectations

JPMorgan will give investors a view into how consumers and corporations fared toward the end of last year and issue guidance on how 2026 may develop.

Delta CEO sees record earnings in reach again thanks to high-end travel demand

The airline said bookings are strong from both leisure customers and corporate travelers in the first few days of the year.

Fears over China’s trade surplus misplaced as US, Europe also driving trend: analysts

The so-called China Shock 2.0 narrative is incomplete, analysts argued, as they noted that domestic macroeconomic forces in China and the West, particularly the United States, are at play in driving their growing external trade imbalance. The term, coined to describe new global ramifications of China’s manufacturing dominance – a phenomenon echoing the trade shock of the early 2000s – has been under renewed debate, particularly as China recorded a goods trade surplus of more than US$1 trillion...

Will Trump’s Iran tariffs force China to reshape its trade with Tehran?

Washington’s secondary sanctions on countries trading with Iran are likely to push up China’s oil import costs in the short term and send a dire warning to Beijing’s policymakers, who analysts said need to urgently find ways to protect the country’s strategic interests abroad. The shock waves arrived on Monday, when US President Donald Trump said a 25 per cent tariff would be imposed immediately on all goods and services imported from any country that “does business” with Iran, linking the...

UBS conveys upbeat note on Chinese stocks in 2026 as global investors seek diversification

UBS Group conveyed a sanguine outlook on Chinese stocks in 2026, as the world’s second-largest economy proved to be an important alternative for global investors seeking to diversify away from US equities, which face headwinds from stretched valuations to jitters about the independence of the Federal Reserve. Chinese stocks are expected to be energised by the nation’s growing innovation capability, greater adoption of artificial intelligence across traditional industries and potential inflows...

China’s central bank sets onshore yuan fixing at strongest point in nearly 16 months

China’s central bank strengthened the yuan’s daily fixing for a third consecutive session to a nearly 16-month high, as the currency also held firm in offshore markets despite recent US dollar strength. On Tuesday, the People’s Bank of China set the yuan’s midpoint rate, also known as the daily fixing rate, at 7.0103 to the US dollar – the strongest showing since the end of September 2024, when the rate was set at 7.0074. That official midpoint rate, however, was still weaker than that of the...

Why are more bosses sharing the top job?

More bosses are sharing the top job giving them more time for family and breaks.

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

With domestic profits narrowing and production capacity expanding, China’s firms are continuing to widen their overseas footprints in search of new, more lucrative markets. In this series, we examine China Inc.’s next phase of “going global” and the complex, challenging international environment its companies have chosen to enter. In the days since Washington’s ousting and abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro – an event that sent shock waves through global markets – some...

JPMorgan's looming question: What happens when CEO Jamie Dimon leaves?

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon marks 20 years as CEO this month. Insiders say he remains as involved as ever managing the sprawling operations of the megabank.

Trump's credit card rate cap plan has unclear path, 'devastating' risks, bank insiders say

A 10% rate cap would make large swaths of the credit card industry unprofitable, especially tied to customers with less-than-ideal credit, banks say.

Discount grocer Aldi plans to open more than 180 stores in U.S. this year as customers across incomes seek value

Aldi's growth reflects the fiercer competition with traditional players as discounters lure away shoppers and win more of their weekly grocery runs.

Japan firms seen ‘stockpiling’ rare earths as Tokyo looks to G7 in face of China controls

Fears of China choking off exports of critical minerals to Japan amid a deepening political dispute have set off industry alarms and prompted Tokyo to elevate the issue at a G7 gathering of finance ministers this week, despite Beijing’s assurances that civilian trade would be spared. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said last week that she would attend the Group of Seven event in Washington on Monday with the “risk of a rare-earth-supply interruption from China in mind”, the...

DeepSeek founder’s High-Flyer ranks among China’s top hedge-fund firms in 2025

High-Flyer Quant, co-owned by DeepSeek founder and CEO Liang Wenfeng, recorded a return of 56.6 per cent last year to rank second among China’s 10 top-performing large hedge-fund firms. According to the ranking published on Monday by data provider Shenzhen PaiPaiWang Investment & Management, High-Flyer only trailed behind Lingjun Investment, which posted a return of 73.5 per cent in 2025. All the top performers were quantitative hedge funds, underscoring the popularity in China of using complex...

China vows more support for ‘little giant’-like firms amid self-sufficiency push

China’s industry regulator has pledged to provide more fiscal support for small-scale innovative firms in specialised industries – such as the country’s “little giants” – as part of a basket of measures designed to boost the country’s technological self-reliance and upgrade key industries. Li Lecheng, the head of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, told Xinhua that central authorities would implement a fresh round of fiscal support policies for small and medium-sized firms...

China prioritises export controls, supply-chain security to shield economy in 2026

China has made strengthening export control rules and safeguarding supply-chain resilience top priorities this year, as officials move to secure the nation’s economic interests amid rising geopolitical friction. The Ministry of Commerce said it would enhance legal frameworks and risk prevention and tighten the “safety net for opening up” as one of eight core work areas, according to a statement released on Sunday after its annual work conference in Beijing. China has increasingly used export...

China’s solar firms, once deemed too competitive, now face monopoly accusations

China’s efforts to rein in cutthroat price wars in the solar industry have had the unintended result of creating risks of alleged price rigging, highlighting what analysts describe as an “uneasy balance” between the government’s anti-involution campaign and anti-monopoly policies. The photovoltaic industry has been among the hardest hit by vicious price wars – known as involution, or neijuan-style competition – that have affected several sectors in China in recent years, squeezing companies’...

China pledges green-energy push with Global South, signals wider market opening

China has vowed to deepen cooperation in new energy and green minerals with the nations in the Global South, saying the move is in line with their industrial goals and a step towards further advancing Beijing’s economic opening-up, according to the latest front-page commentary in the Communist Party’s official newspaper. “Amid profound changes in the global environment, [China’s commitment to further opening up] underscores our confidence and responsibility in upholding openness and win-win...

As China’s companies expand overseas, entrepreneurs want the passports to match

With domestic profits narrowing and production capacity expanding, China’s firms are continuing to widen their overseas footprints in search of new, more lucrative markets. In this series, we examine China Inc.’s next phase of “going global” and the complex, challenging international environment its companies have chosen to enter. Chinese national Steve Xie has been doing business overseas for years. His latest venture, a new warehouse in Egypt, will supply electric vehicles and auto parts to...

Foreign, Hong Kong retailers close stores in mainland China amid changing dynamics

Mainland China’s retail and retail property sectors have suffered another blow amid a fresh wave of store closures by foreign and Hong Kong brands. “The series of closures come as a combined result of their outdated business models and profound changes in the macroeconomic environment,” said Wang Tianshi, an analyst at Shanghai-based LeadLeo Research Institute. “Compared with emerging mainland retailers, Hong Kong and foreign brands often remain under a ‘selling on the mainland’ phase, rather...

Why luxury carmakers are now building glitzy skyscrapers

Bugatti is the latest auto firm to construct an opulent apartment building for the super rich.

China’s outbound travel set to soar by 10 million trips in 2026 – but halve in Japan

China’s vast outbound travel market is set for further growth in 2026, boosted by the spread of visa-free policies for Chinese nationals and a stronger yuan. But visits to Japan could plummet by nearly 50 per cent amid a political dispute between Beijing and Tokyo, according to analysts and industry insiders. Mainland Chinese travellers are expected to take about 165 million to 175 million cross-border trips in 2026, up from an estimated 155 million last year, the travel marketing and technology...

Changing tastes: China’s new affluent consumers seek quality not extravagance

In a premium supermarket in Shanghai one recent weekend, 33-year-old information technology specialist Zhao Wenyu paused in front of the health food aisle, comparing protein content and ingredient lists on imported granola and organic milk – rather than checking discounts. Zhao now spends around 3,000 yuan (US$420) a month on organic food, nutritional supplements and functional beverages, up from about 1,200 yuan three years ago. “I don’t mind paying more if I am satisfied with the product’s...

'I had no electricity for six months': US families struggle with soaring energy prices

Rising electricity costs have emerged as a key cost-of-living concern, pushing families further into debt.

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?

Goodwill or necessity? Why is China slashing solar and battery subsidies?

China will cut export subsidies for solar panels and batteries in the coming months, a move mainly aimed at curbing domestic overcompetition and consolidating two sectors where China is dominant, said analysts who also expect it will help ease trade tensions with Europe. Authorities will cancel export value-added tax rebates for solar panels and lower rebates for batteries from 9 per cent to 6 per cent from April 1. The rebates for batteries will be cancelled on January 1, 2027, according to the...

Horse power: Chinese brands look to boost sales with Lunar New Year items

As the Chinese zodiac’s Year of the Horse approaches, distiller Kweichow Moutai has released a limited promotional line of its baijiu sorghum liquor commemorating the occasion as it seeks to bounce back from a prolonged sales slump – a marketing strategy being adopted by several brands in China as they look to give their revenues a festive boost. On Tuesday, Moutai launched three limited Year of the Horse editions priced between 1,899 yuan and 3,789 yuan (US$272 to US$542) a bottle. The company...

How China’s global investment model is changing – and what it means for the yuan

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been a crucial pillar of China’s economy since it opened up, drawing in trillions and helping fuel its rise as the “world’s factory”. But outbound direct investment (ODI) has expanded rapidly over the past two decades, transforming the country into a major exporter of capital. Today, China’s outbound investments exceed inflows, and the country has consistently ranked among the top three global investors in recent years. In this explainer, the Post examines the...

Martin Lewis on 'the most dangerous form of mainstream debt in the UK'

Martin Lewis explains how building up overdraft debt compares to credit card debt.

China cautions against ‘compound errors’ from clashing policies

A mouthpiece for China’s ruling Communist Party has warned against conflicting economic measures, urging officials to better guide market expectations in a front-page commentary highlighting Beijing’s growing focus on policy coordination. “The more policies there are, the greater the risk they will be working at odds,” the People’s Daily editorial said on Friday, pointing to China’s increasingly complex economic environment, “with more and more policy dilemmas emerging and greater demands on...

China’s yuan to strengthen to 6.85 per US dollar in first quarter of 2026: Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley has revised its outlook for the yuan, now forecasting it to strengthen to about 6.85 per US dollar in the first quarter of 2026 from a previous call of 7.05, before weakening slightly to about 7.0 by the end of the year. The bank expects China’s “robust” exports through 2026 to 2027 to provide “a steady tailwind to nominal yuan”, with volumes projected to grow 5 to 6 per cent as the recovery in global demand broadens beyond tech and the country’s price competitiveness improves,...

China to probe food delivery platforms under anti-monopoly law

China has launched a market competition probe and assessment for its food delivery platforms, the State Council announced on Friday, a move analysts said was an affirmation of the country’s determination to continue to combat self-defeating competition. “Recently, issues such as excessive subsidies, price wars and control over traffic flow in the online food delivery platform service industry have become prominent,” according to a statement issued by the Anti-Monopoly and Anti-Unfair Competition...

China’s shipyards still lead the world, but US threats took a toll in 2025

China retained its position as the world’s top shipbuilder in 2025, but its market share declined for the first time in five years as US threats to impose port fees on Chinese-linked vessels sparked market turbulence. Chinese shipyards secured 35.4 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT) of new vessel orders last year, down 35 per cent compared with 2024, the Chinese maritime news outlet eworldship.com reported on Thursday, citing data from shipping consultancy Clarksons. China’s shipbuilders...

China’s consumer prices stay flat in 2025 amid focus on price wars, domestic demand

China’s consumer prices stayed unchanged from the previous year in 2025 while factory-gate prices fell by 2.6 per cent, suggesting lingering deflationary pressures and underscoring the need for further efforts to boost prices in 2026. The flat annual reading of the consumer price index (CPI), a major inflation indicator, missed the official 2 per cent growth target for the metric unveiled in March and slowed from the 0.2 per cent increase in 2024, according to data released by the National...

With US focused on Venezuela, China has window to pressure Japan: analysts

Beijing is leveraging a distracted Washington to ratchet up pressure on Tokyo, launching an anti-dumping investigation into a key semiconductor chemical while the United States is preoccupied with Venezuela, according to analysts. China made moves targeting Japan for two consecutive days. On Tuesday, the Ministry of Commerce banned exports of “dual-use” products to end users linked to the Japanese military. And on Wednesday, it said the anti-dumping investigation into dichlorosilane would last...

Excel: The software that's hard to quit

Companies are trying to wean staff off Excel spreadsheets to centralise control of their data.

China’s oil giants Sinopec, CNAF to undergo consolidation, creating energy powerhouse

Beijing has given the green light to an asset-restructuring deal involving the country’s largest oil refiner and a leading distributor of jet fuel, continuing efforts to streamline operations of major state-owned juggernauts. China Petroleum and Chemical Corp, better known as Sinopec, and China National Aviation Fuel Group (CNAF) will conduct a revamp of their assets after receiving the nod from the State Council, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said in a...

The Inquiry

Can Kenya’s plan for digital outsourcing solve its jobs crisis?

China says US trade war, tech curbs have spurred ‘independent innovation’

China’s economy has successfully weathered mounting shocks, including US tariffs and technology curbs, and continues to innovate despite a challenging environment, according to the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party. “Practice has fully demonstrated that China’s economic fundamentals are solid and its resilience strong, and that it is fully capable of withstanding rough waters and even stormy waves,” the People’s Daily said in an editorial on Thursday, published at the start of the first...

How tariff disruption will continue reshaping the global economy in 2026

Trump's import levies are still changing the patterns of international trade.

How the new road safety measures could affect you

The government is proposing lowering alcohol limits for drivers and regular eye tests for older motorists.

How the defence sector is battling a skills crisis

Attracting younger workers into the defence industry can be challenging.

The Inquiry

How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars?

Swedish workers trial 'friendship hour' to combat loneliness

The pilot project is even giving staff free money to help pay to do activities with their friends.

The showers and baths keeping data centre tech cool

Finding greener ways to keep giant new data centres cool is a challenge.

Why Croatia's capital wants to hold Europe's best Christmas market

The festive events help to put cities on the map and attract millions of tourists.

Will tech trump tradition at bakers and biscuit makers?

Introducing robots and automation to the food industry involves extra hurdles.

Should more be done to tackle 'ghost jobs', vacancies that don't exist?

Companies are advertising vacancies that have already been filled or might not have ever existed.

Why this month's inflation figure may be good news for you

The rate of inflation, which charts the rising cost of living, has slowed - driven partly by essentials.

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?

The £5.30 orange juice that tells the story of why supermarket prices are sky high

Butter, chocolate, coffee and milk have all seen prices rocket. Tracing back through the story of one particular supermarket staple begins to explain why

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