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Stocks drop at end of record year for markets
Stock markets mostly fell Wednesday in thin trading, following a year of record gains for key assets as central banks cut interest rates and the tech sector boomed on growth of artificial intelligence.
Berlin says decision postponed on European fighter jet
Efforts to break a deadlock in 2025 over plans for a new European fighter jet have been unsuccessful, a German government spokesman told AFP on Wednesday.
China says to impose extra 55% tariffs on some beef imports
China said on Wednesday it will impose additional 55 percent tariffs on some beef imports from countries including Brazil, Australia and the United States that exceed a certain quantity from January 1.
Tiny tech, big AI power: what are 2-nanometre chips?
Taiwan's world-leading microchip manufacturer TSMC says it has started mass producing next-generation "2-nanometre" chips.
Bulgaria readies to adopt the euro, nearly 20 years after joining EU
Bulgaria was preparing to switch to the euro on Wednesday night to become the 21st eurozone member, amid concerns the move could usher in higher prices and add to political instability rattling the Balkan country.
Trump v 'Obamacare': US health costs set to soar for millions in 2026
Iowa farmer Aaron Lehman was already paying a hefty price for health insurance, but his premium is set to skyrocket in January when major government subsidies expire, after US President Donald Trump's Republican party declined to extend them.
SoftBank lifts OpenAI stake to 11% with $41bln investment
Japanese tech investor SoftBank said Wednesday that its stake in OpenAI is now around 11 percent after completing the second stage of a $41-billion investment in the maker of ChatGPT.
TSMC says started mass production of 'most advanced' 2nm chips
Taiwanese tech titan TSMC has started mass producing its cutting-edge 2-nanometre semiconductor chips, the company said in a statement seen by AFP on Wednesday.
Drones dive into aviation's deepest enigma as MH370 hunt restarts
Nearly 12 years after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished with 239 people on board, the search for answers to one of aviation's most haunting riddles resumed Tuesday in the remote southern Indian Ocean.
Stocks higher, silver rebounds as 2025 trading winds down
Stocks markets mostly moved higher on Tuesday while silver prices rebounded amid volatile trading in precious metals.
Students join Iran demonstrations after shopkeepers protest
Iranian students staged street protests in Tehran on Tuesday, a day after the capital's shopkeepers demonstrated against economic hardship and won a message of understanding from the president.
Chinese leasing firm CALC orders 30 Airbus A320neo planes
China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings (CALC) and Airbus said Tuesday that the Hong Kong-listed firm had placed an order for 30 A320neo family aircraft.
Germany bank heist nets about 30mn euros in cash, valuables: police
Robbers used a large drill to break into a German savings bank's vault room and steal cash, gold and jewelry worth some 30 million euros ($35 million), police said Tuesday.
Students join demonstrations after Iran shopkeepers protest
Iranian students staged street protests in Tehran on Tuesday, a day after the capital's shopkeepers demonstrated against economic hardship and won a message of understanding from the president himself.
French ban on 'forever chemicals' in cosmetics, clothing to enter force
A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening "forever chemicals" goes into force on Thursday.
I.Coast ruling party's dominance leaves opposition on brink
Ivory Coast's ruling party has further cemented its power after another crushing victory in parliamentary elections at the weekend, two months after President Alassane Ouattara won re-election for a fourth term.
Eurostar urges passengers to postpone journeys due to 'major disruption'
Eurostar advised passengers to postpone their journeys on Tuesday to a later date, citing "major disruption" including severe delays and cancellations.
Iran president urges officials to address protestors' complaints
Iran's president urged his government to listen to the "legitimate demands" of protesters, state media reported on Tuesday, a day after demonstrations by shopkeepers in Tehran over economic hardship.
Russia to re-privatise airport that it seized
The Russian government plans to sell Moscow's Domodedovo airport early next year, several months after taking ownership of the asset over allegations it had come under foreign control, Russia's finance minister said Tuesday.
K-pop label ADOR files damages suit against ex-NewJeans member
K-pop label ADOR has filed a compensation suit against a former member of megaband NewJeans, the firm said Tuesday, a day after announcing Danielle's removal following a year-long dispute that stalled the group's careers.
Iran president urges government to heed economic protests
Iran's president urged his government to listen to the "legitimate demands" of protesters, state media reported Tuesday, after demonstrations by shopkeepers in Tehran over economic hardship.
Precious metals fall again, stocks mixed as traders wind down
Precious metals extended losses Tuesday on profit-taking after hitting recent records, while equities fluctuated in quiet trade as investors wound down ahead of the New Year break.
Precious metals fall again, Asian stocks swing as traders wind down
Precious metals extended losses Tuesday on profit-taking after hitting recent records, while equities fluctuated in quiet trade as investors wound down ahead of the New Year break.
North Korea's Kim touts new rocket launchers that could target South
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has toured a factory making new multiple rocket launchers that could target the South, touting their ability to "annihilate the enemy" in a concentrated attack, state media reported Tuesday.
Meat-loving Argentines shun beef as inflation bites
As New Year's festivities draw near, meat-loving Argentines are readying their famous "asado" grills -- traditionally laden with steaks, ribs and sausages.
Brigitte Bardot's funeral to be held next week in Saint-Tropez
Cinema icon Brigitte Bardot's funeral will take place next week in her hometown of Saint-Tropez, her foundation said Monday, as France wrestles with how to pay tribute to a cultural legend who in later years championed far-right views.
Stocks mixed, as precious metals drop
European stock markets steadied after a mixed Asian showing Monday, as investors awaited fresh clues on the outlook for US interest rates.
India's navy sails back to the future with historic voyage
India's navy boasts aircraft carriers, submarines, warships and frontline vessels of steel as it spreads its maritime power worldwide.
Emirates mining company challenges Guinea licence withdrawal
Mining company Axis International said Monday it was seeking World Bank arbitration against Guinea for withdrawing its right to operate a major bauxite mine in the west African country.
Third 'Avatar' film stays atop N. American box office rankings
"Avatar: Fire and Ash" retained the top spot at the North American box office after it debuted the week before, reeling in $64 million during the weekend after Christmas, industry estimates showed Sunday.
Brigitte Bardot on Muslims, men and 'horrible' humanity
Brigitte Bardot, France's outspoken sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s, who has died at the age of 91, tended to shoot from the hip.
Multicultural UK town bids to turn page on troubled past
One of Britain's most multicultural towns, long tarnished by extremist links, is increasingly seeking to celebrate its identity, despite a bitter immigration debate and US President Donald Trump's warning that Europe risks "civilisational erasure" from migrants.