U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: February 04, 2026
Today: February 04, 2026

Economy

Business|Economy|Finance|World

UK's Reeves raises tax burden to post-war high to shore up finances

British finance minister Rachel Reeves announced a big tax-raising budget on Wednesday that will take more money from workers, people saving for a

UK's Reeves raises tax burden to post-war high to shore up finances
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Political|US|World

Taiwan says it has discussed with US arms purchases for extra defence budget

Taiwan has already held preliminary talks with the United States about what weapons it wants to buy as part of a $40 billion supplementary defence

Taiwan says it has discussed with US arms purchases for extra defence budget
Business|Economy|Finance|World

Bank of Japan's Noguchi advocates gradual interest rate hikes

The Bank of Japan can resume interest rate hikes as risks from U.S. tariffs subside but must do so at a "measured, step-by-step" pace,

Bank of Japan's Noguchi advocates gradual interest rate hikes
Business|Crime|Economy|Technology|World

Super Dry maker Asahi aims to restore logistics by February following cyberattack

Japan's Asahi

Super Dry maker Asahi aims to restore logistics by February following cyberattack
Business|Economy|World

UK tax hikes to placate bond markets likely to be costly for Reeves

Rachel Reeves may have placated the bond market with her budget on Wednesday but higher taxes for Britons on everything from milkshakes to

UK tax hikes to placate bond markets likely to be costly for Reeves
Business|Economy|Finance|Political|World

Savers and the wealthy count the costs of UK tax-raising budget

British money managers hit out at a raft of tax increases on pensions, savers and investors in Wednesday's budget, saying it risked

Savers and the wealthy count the costs of UK tax-raising budget
Business|Economy|Technology|US|World

Black Friday arrives with solid momentum despite tariffs and economic uncertainty

Black Friday may no longer be the retail bacchanalia of years past, but the event still has enough enthusiasts to make it the biggest single shopping day in the U.S.

Black Friday arrives with solid momentum despite tariffs and economic uncertainty
Australia|Business|Economy|World

New Zealand business confidence jumps in November to highest in a decade

New Zealand's business confidence jumped in November to its highest level in 11 years, suggesting an economic recovery was underway, an ANZ Bank survey showed on Thursday.

New Zealand business confidence jumps in November to highest in a decade
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

NZ's housing funk sows doubts on reliable investment strategy, drags on economy

A dramatic boom-bust cycle in New Zealand's housing market has left many Kiwis and investors scarred and an economy struggling to fire, turning what was once a

NZ's housing funk sows doubts on reliable investment strategy, drags on economy
Business|Economy|World

South Korea holds rates as expected

South Korea's central bank kept policy interest rates unchanged as widely expected on Thursday as a tumbling won reduced the scope for further easing and policymakers waited to see

South Korea holds rates as expected
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

South Korea exports seen rising in November on tech demand, US trade deal: Reuters poll

South Korean exports likely grew in November as technology demand remained robust and uncertainty was cleared following a trade deal with the U.S., a Reuters poll showed

South Korea exports seen rising in November on tech demand, US trade deal: Reuters poll
Australia|Business|Economy|Finance|World

Australia to cap high debt-to-income home loans from February to curb housing risks

Australia's banking regulator will impose its first cap on high debt-to-income home loans from February, moving to curb housing risks as property prices surge and credit

Australia to cap high debt-to-income home loans from February to curb housing risks
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

South Korea signals end to rate cuts as FX, price risks grow

South Korea's central bank kept interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight meeting on Thursday as a tumbling won reduced scope for further easing,

South Korea signals end to rate cuts as FX, price risks grow
Business|Economy|Finance|Health|Political

Trump administration says lower prices for 15 Medicare drugs will save taxpayers billions

The Trump administration says pharmaceutical companies have agreed to slash the Medicare prices for 15 prescription drugs after months of negotiations and that it's expected to produce billions in savings for older adults

Trump administration says lower prices for 15 Medicare drugs will save taxpayers billions
Business|Economy|Environment|Europe|Science|Technology

Ambitious plan to store CO2 beneath the North Sea set to start operations

INEOS plans to transform the Nini oil field in the North Sea into a carbon storage site

Ambitious plan to store CO2 beneath the North Sea set to start operations
Business|Economy|Finance|Sports

Blue Jays and free-agent pitcher Dylan Cease agree to $210 million, 7-year deal, AP source says

Free-agent pitcher Dylan Cease and the Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a $210 million, seven-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press

Blue Jays and free-agent pitcher Dylan Cease agree to $210 million, 7-year deal, AP source says
Business|Economy|Environment|Travel|World

Dominican Republic authorizes more flights for tourists rerouted by Hurricane Melissa

The Dominican Republic has authorized the arrival of 800 new flights to accommodate a surge in tourists who were originally planning to vacation in Jamaica and other nearby islands but were rerouted following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa

Dominican Republic authorizes more flights for tourists rerouted by Hurricane Melissa
Crime|Economy|Education

A mother was taken into custody by ICE. Then the public learned of her family tie to the White House

A mother was taken into custody by ICE. Then the public learned of her family tie to the White House

A mother was taken into custody by ICE. Then the public learned of her family tie to the White House
Business|Economy|Environment|World

Brazil prosecutors sue agencies over Haidar shipwreck, environmental risk

Brazilian federal prosecutors in Para state have filed a lawsuit to demand the removal of the hull and oily residues from the Haidar ship, which sank 10 years ago near

Brazil prosecutors sue agencies over Haidar shipwreck, environmental risk
Business|Economy|Technology|World

Apple contests India's antitrust penalty law with risk of $38 billion fine, filing shows

Apple is challenging India's new antitrust penalty law under which the U.S. company could potentially face a fine of up to $38 billion, a

Apple contests India's antitrust penalty law with risk of $38 billion fine, filing shows
Economy|Finance|Political|US|World

Trump's Ukraine plan triggers outrage from Republican lawmakers

Several congressional Republicans are harshly criticizing President Donald Trump's White House over its handling of a proposed Ukraine peace plan they say

Trump's Ukraine plan triggers outrage from Republican lawmakers
Africa|Economy|Political|World

Trump will not invite South Africa to G20 in US

Trump will not invite South Africa to G20 in US

Trump will not invite South Africa to G20 in US
Economy|World

China protests US move to restrict visas for Central Americans with Beijing ties

China on Wednesday accused the United States of violating the United Nations Charter after Washington announced a visa policy that targeted people from Central

China protests US move to restrict visas for Central Americans with Beijing ties
Business|Economy|Food|World

Cargill says it does not plan to close US beef processing plants

Cargill Inc has no immediate plans to close its U.S. beef processing plants, the company said on Wednesday, days after meatpacker Tyson Foods announced it would

Cargill says it does not plan to close US beef processing plants
Business|Economy|Finance|World

Flutter says UK gambling duties to hit EBITDA by $320 million in 2026

FanDuel-owner Flutter Entertainment said on Wednesday the UK government's plans to raise online gaming taxes will hit its adjusted EBITDA by about $320 million in fiscal 2026 and $540

Flutter says UK gambling duties to hit EBITDA by $320 million in 2026
Americas|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US|World

Trading Day: Bulls in charge ahead of Turkey Day

Making sense of the forces driving global markets By Saqib Iqbal Ahmed, Correspondent, Americas Finance and Markets Jamie is enjoying some well-deserved time

Trading Day: Bulls in charge ahead of Turkey Day
Business|Economy|World

New Zealand central bank says economic recovery picking up

Early indicators suggest the economy had been expanding during the second half of this year and demand had stabilised, Reserve Bank of New Zealand

New Zealand central bank says economic recovery picking up
Business|Crime|Economy|Finance|Technology

Ex-CFO of 'smart window' maker View settles with US SEC

The former chief financial officer of View settled a U.S.

Ex-CFO of 'smart window' maker View settles with US SEC
Business|Crime|Economy|Political|US

California labor leader pleads not guilty to misdemeanor over immigration protest

The leader of a major labor union in Southern California who was arrested while protesting an immigration raid earlier this year has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge and will face trial in January

California labor leader pleads not guilty to misdemeanor over immigration protest
Business|Crime|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US|Videos|World

Court transcripts show Border Patrol official Greg Bovino dodging questions about use of force

Newly released transcripts of private interviews with a senior U.S. Border Patrol official and other authorities leading the immigration crackdown in the Chicago area reveal tense exchanges

Court transcripts show Border Patrol official Greg Bovino dodging questions about use of force
Economy|Environment|Travel

Higher fees for foreigners visiting US national parks stokes tourism concerns

A $100-per-person charge for foreigners entering Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and other popular national parks is stoking apprehension among some tourist-oriented businesses

Higher fees for foreigners visiting US national parks stokes tourism concerns
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

U.S. stocks rise as Wall Street's winning streak grows to four days

U.S. stocks rose for a fourth straight day, led by solid gains for technology companies

U.S. stocks rise as Wall Street's winning streak grows to four days
Business|Economy|Europe|World

Turkey central bank to adjust policy to hit target despite disinflation slowdown, chief says

Turkey's central bank will adjust policy to hit its targets despite a recent slowdown in the disinflation process, Governor Fatih Karahan said on Wednesday.

Turkey central bank to adjust policy to hit target despite disinflation slowdown, chief says
Australia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

After blocked Mayne deal, Australia M&As set for higher reverse break fees

Foreign bidders for Australian companies could be liable for higher reverse break fees if regulatory approval is not received, in the wake of the failed $434 million

After blocked Mayne deal, Australia M&As set for higher reverse break fees
Business|Economy|Political|World

Canada unveils more measures to protect tariff-hit steel, lumber sectors

Canada will offer more support to help the steel and lumber industries deal with U.S. tariffs and create a domestic market, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Wednesday.

Canada unveils more measures to protect tariff-hit steel, lumber sectors
Business|Economy|Finance|World

New Zealand names Rodger Finlay as new central bank chair

Former investment banker Rodger Finlay has been appointed chair of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), Finance Minister Nicola Willis said on

New Zealand names Rodger Finlay as new central bank chair
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US|World

Hassett at the Fed helm could pressure the dollar, investors say

Beneath the U.S. bond markets' composure around the prospect of White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett becoming the next Federal Reserve chair lies a

Hassett at the Fed helm could pressure the dollar, investors say
Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|Technology|US

MD-11 fleet grounding after UPS crash unlikely to end before 2026, source says

By David Shepardson, Allison Lampert and Lisa Baertlein -The vast grounding of MD-11 jets after a fiery crash this month involving one of the planes, is unlikely to end before 2026, a source told

MD-11 fleet grounding after UPS crash unlikely to end before 2026, source says
Business|Economy|Environment|World

Proposed Teck-Anglo merger is subject to national security review, Canada says

Canada will submit the proposed merger of Anglo American and Teck Resources to a national security review, Industry Minister Melanie Joly said

Proposed Teck-Anglo merger is subject to national security review, Canada says
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|Technology

SEC must not let crypto companies 'bypass' rules, stock exchanges say

The Securities and Exchange Commission's possible plan to grant crypto companies relief from regulation to sell "tokenised" stocks risks harming

SEC must not let crypto companies 'bypass' rules, stock exchanges say
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Wall St ends higher on growing bets for December Fed rate cut

Wall Street extended its rally on Wednesday as revived tech strength and the increasing probability of a December interest rate cut from the U.S.

Wall St ends higher on growing bets for December Fed rate cut
Asia|Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Stocks buoyed by rate cut expectations, sterling choppy on UK budget surprise

Global stocks rallied for a fourth straight day on Wednesday as expectations for a U.S.

Stocks buoyed by rate cut expectations, sterling choppy on UK budget surprise
Business|Crime|Economy|Environment|Technology|World

US group sues Apple over Congo conflict minerals

A U.S.-based advocacy group has filed a lawsuit in Washington accusing Apple of using minerals linked to conflict and human rights

US group sues Apple over Congo conflict minerals
Economy|Health|Political|World

Democratic-led states sue over Trump's food aid cuts for immigrants

A group of Democratic-led states sued on Wednesday to block U.S.

Democratic-led states sue over Trump's food aid cuts for immigrants
Business|Economy|Political|World

Canada's prime minister announces supports for lumber, steel sectors hit by U.S. tariffs

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is announcing new supports for the steel and lumber industries hit hard by U.S. tariffs

Canada's prime minister announces supports for lumber, steel sectors hit by U.S. tariffs
Business|Crime|Economy|Entertainment|Lifestyle|Technology

Lawsuit over Burger King's Whopper ads set back by US judge

A federal judge dealt a setback to customers suing Burger King over advertising for its Whopper sandwiches, saying their claims were too disparate to justify certifying

Lawsuit over Burger King's Whopper ads set back by US judge
Business|Economy|Environment|Finance|Stock Markets|US|World

US drillers cut oil rigs to lowest in four years, Baker Hughes says

U.S. energy firms this week cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating for the first time in four weeks, with oil rigs dropping to a four-year low, energy services firm

US drillers cut oil rigs to lowest in four years, Baker Hughes says
Business|Economy|Environment|Science|Technology

Bayer unveils new soy seed for Brazil's farmers

German conglomerate Bayer on Wednesday said it will sell a new soybean product called Intacta 5+ for farmers in Brazil, the world's largest exporter and producer of

Bayer unveils new soy seed for Brazil's farmers
Business|Economy|Finance|World

Bank of Mexico lowers 2025 growth forecast, raises inflation estimates for early 2026

The Bank of Mexico cut its growth forecast for Mexico's economy to close to zero on Wednesday, amid bets by the bank's board that the country's weak economy

Bank of Mexico lowers 2025 growth forecast, raises inflation estimates for early 2026
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Yen dips as rate hike talk fades; sterling lifted by UK budget

The yen weakened against the dollar on Wednesday, after an initial boost from speculation about a possible Bank of Japan rate hike next month faded,

Yen dips as rate hike talk fades; sterling lifted by UK budget
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

US weekly jobless claims at seven-month low amid low layoffs

The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits fell to a seven-month low last week, suggesting layoffs remained low, though the labor

US weekly jobless claims at seven-month low amid low layoffs
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US|World

US economic activity little changed ahead of next Fed meeting, report shows

U.S. economic activity was little changed in recent weeks, though employment was weaker in about half of the Federal Reserve's 12 districts and consumer spending declined, the U.S. central

US economic activity little changed ahead of next Fed meeting, report shows
Business|Economy|Europe|Health

US Medicare price cuts manageable for most drugmakers, analysts say

U.S.

US Medicare price cuts manageable for most drugmakers, analysts say
Business|Economy|Environment|Finance

NYC comptroller's push to drop BlackRock creates test for Mamdani

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is urging city pension fund officials to re-bid $42.3 billion managed by BlackRock, saying the fund manager has deprioritized climate

NYC comptroller's push to drop BlackRock creates test for Mamdani
Africa|Crime|Economy|Education|Political|World

Guinea-Bissau President Embalo's promised stability undermined after army takeover

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo struck a confident note as he kicked off his re-election bid in early November, claiming that "stability has been

Guinea-Bissau President Embalo's promised stability undermined after army takeover
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|World

Oil edges up as investors await clarity on supply, Russia-Ukraine deal

Oil prices settled up on Wednesday, bouncing back from one-month lows in the previous session, as investors assessed prospects of oversupply and talks over a Russia-

Oil edges up as investors await clarity on supply, Russia-Ukraine deal
Business|Economy|Entertainment|Technology

As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they're seen online

Big retailers traditionally spend millions on attracting eyeballs for the holiday season. Now, they're looking to get noticed by something else - AI agents.

As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they're seen online
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US|World

Divided Fed sparks surge in rate options hedging as policy uncertainty lingers

Conflicting signals from the Federal Reserve on the timing and magnitude of U.S. interest rate cuts have accelerated hedging flows into swaptions and

Divided Fed sparks surge in rate options hedging as policy uncertainty lingers
Business|Economy|Environment

BP's Whiting refinery returns to normal operations after October fire

BP's 440,000-barrel-per-day oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana, has returned to normal operations following a planned maintenance turnaround in September and a fire in

BP's Whiting refinery returns to normal operations after October fire
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Broadcaster E.W. Scripps adopts poison pill after $538 million Sinclair bid

U.S. broadcaster E.W. Scripps said on Wednesday it has adopted a shareholder rights plan to give its board time to evaluate a $538 million bid from larger rival Sinclair and other options.

Broadcaster E.W. Scripps adopts poison pill after $538 million Sinclair bid
Business|Economy|Entertainment|Technology

Grindr's two top shareholders scrap $3.46 billion take-private bid after board ends talks

Grindr's two largest shareholders said on Wednesday that they had withdrawn their proposed $3.46 billion offer to take the dating app private, shortly after the company

Grindr's two top shareholders scrap $3.46 billion take-private bid after board ends talks
Business|Economy|Education|Health|Lifestyle

Gratitude and doubt: The effects of the shutdown linger as families prepare for Thanksgiving

As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the gratitude many feel is tempered by doubts caused by the disruptions of the recent government shutdown

Gratitude and doubt: The effects of the shutdown linger as families prepare for Thanksgiving
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week as job cuts stay low

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits declined last week in a sign that layoffs remain low, even as several high-profile companies have announced job cuts

Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week as job cuts stay low
Business|Economy|Europe|World

ECB should cut rates only if inflation path points downward without rebound, Vujcic says

The European Central Bank must not try to micromanage monetary policy and should only cut interest rates again if price growth is heading below target without rebounding,

ECB should cut rates only if inflation path points downward without rebound, Vujcic says
Business|Economy|Entertainment|Technology

TelevisaUnivision networks return to YouTube TV under new deal ending two-month blackout

TelevisaUnivision said on Wednesday it signed a multi-year distribution deal with YouTube TV, restoring the Spanish-language media company's networks on the pay-TV service after a nearly

TelevisaUnivision networks return to YouTube TV under new deal ending two-month blackout
Business|Economy|Europe|World

Hungary to boost oil deliveries to Serbia as US sanctions cut supplies

Hungarian oil and gas company MOL will increase crude oil and fuel deliveries to Serbia after supplies to its Russia-owned NIS refinery were cut due to U.S. sanctions, Hungary's

Hungary to boost oil deliveries to Serbia as US sanctions cut supplies
Business|Economy|Finance|Food

Magnum Ice Cream raises $3.5 billion in bond issue, Unilever spinoff nears

The Magnum Ice Cream Company on Wednesday said it had completed a 3 billion euro ($3.48 billion) debut bond issue that was oversubscribed seven times, less than two weeks before the

Magnum Ice Cream raises $3.5 billion in bond issue, Unilever spinoff nears
Business|Economy|Technology|World

S&P cuts Tether stablecoin rating to 'weak' on disclosure gaps

S&P Global downgraded its rating of Tether, the world's largest stablecoin on Wednesday, citing an increase in higher-risk assets in its reserves and "persistent

S&P cuts Tether stablecoin rating to 'weak' on disclosure gaps
Business|Economy|Finance|Stock Markets|US

Tractor maker Deere flags higher 2026 tariff hit, weak profit

Deere & Co on Wednesday flagged a bigger hit from tariffs in 2026 and forecast its annual profit below estimates on the back of weaker margins on large

Tractor maker Deere flags higher 2026 tariff hit, weak profit
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets

STOXX 600 climbs on Fed cut hopes; banks rally post-UK budget announcement

By Anastasiia Kozlova, Purvi Agarwal and Tharuniyaa .

STOXX 600 climbs on Fed cut hopes; banks rally post-UK budget announcement
Business|Economy|Political|Technology|World

Poland picks Sweden's Saab to supply it with three submarines

Poland said on Wednesday it had chosen Sweden's Saab to supply it with three submarines, in a multi-billion-dollar deal that forms a key element

Poland picks Sweden's Saab to supply it with three submarines
Economy|Environment|Political|Travel|World

National Parks to raise fees for international tourists to popular US parks

The National Park Service says it is going to start charging international tourists an extra $100 to enter some of the most popular U.S. parks

National Parks to raise fees for international tourists to popular US parks
Business|Economy|Finance|Health|Sports|Stock Markets|Technology|US

Enhanced Games to offer performance enhancers ... and stock ... to the public

The Enhanced Games is going public in two ways — with a new listing on the Nadsaq stock exchange and also by offering a direct-to-consumer business focused on performance products

Enhanced Games to offer performance enhancers ... and stock ... to the public
Business|Economy|World

UK's unpopular Labour government tries to fight back with a tax-raising budget

Britain’s Labour government is seeking to shift the political narrative with a tax-raising budget aimed at boosting economic growth and reducing child poverty

UK's unpopular Labour government tries to fight back with a tax-raising budget