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Stocks pull lower at end of record year for markets
Stock markets mostly retreated Wednesday in thin trading, following a year of record gains for key assets as central banks cut interest rates and the tech sector boomed thanks to the growth of artificial intelligence.
Eurostar trains back with delays after power glitch sparks travel chaos
Rail traffic through the Channel tunnel slowly resumed with more cancellations and delays Wednesday after an electricity failure stranded thousands of passengers and trapped some for a night in a powerless train.
Iran government building attacked as top prosecutor responds to protests
A government building in southern Iran was attacked on Wednesday, authorities said, as the country's top prosecutor warned of a "decisive response" to any attempt to create instability after days of economic protests.
Bulgaria takes hesitant step into the eurozone
Bulgaria will become the 21st country to switch to the euro when it enters the New Year on Thursday, amid concerns the move could usher in higher prices and add to political instability rattling the Balkan country.
Xi says China to hit 2025 growth target of 'around 5 percent'
China's economy is expected to have grown "around five percent" in 2025, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, despite "pressure" during a year he described as "very unusual", state media reported.
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.