business

ECB President Lagarde signals potential rate hikes to counter energy shock

Lagarde stated that a moderate overshoot of the inflation target could justify measured tightening 

EU and Australia reach trade deal to eliminate up to 99 percent of tariffs, secure critical mineral supplies

Deal grants EU enhanced access to Australian critical minerals like lithium manganese and aluminum

U.S. trade deficit plummets to $54.5 billion as exports surge in January

Trade gap fell from a revised $72.9 billion in December 

South Korea to inject $350 billion into U.S. AI, quantum computing, semiconductors

Legislation completes major portion of trade agreement intended to mitigate U.S. tariff strains on Korean goods 

U.S. stock futures slip following 0.3 percent rise in February Consumer Price Index

CPI rose 2.4 percent annually while investors assessed the Fed outlook 

Central African Republic launches first fully digitalized Ministry

The platform was developed in partnership with the Central African technology firm EDEN TiiiT

Eurozone inflation drops to 1.7 percent in January 2026, lowest level in 12 months

France recorded 0.4 percent annual inflation; Romania registered the highest rate at 8.5 percent

Germany and India sign strategic AI Pact at New Delhi Summit to drive economic growth

The pact fosters joint initiatives in industry energy healthcare and agriculture to integrate AI economically

China’s luxury market shows signs of stabilization after two years of decline

Bain estimates that 65 percent of luxury purchases occurred within mainland China in 2025, compared with 35 percent overseas

U.S. and Taiwan finalize trade deal with 15 percent tariff, $500 billion in semiconductor and AI investments

Agreement exempts more than 2,000 export items from reciprocal tariffs, cutting average duty to 12.33 percent 

Alibaba showcases AI-powered “Intelligent Olympics” Vision at Milano Cortina 2026

AWI transforms one of Milan’s most iconic public spaces into a living showcase of how digital innovation can intersect with culture, commerce, and sport

U.S. job growth likely picked up in January as layoffs ease, but labor market remains sluggish

Economists point to lingering uncertainty over import tariffs as a key factor dampening business confidence and hiring decisions

Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75 percent as inflation relief signals spring pivot

The decision to hold rates comes after a narrow 5-4 vote among the MPC members 

Australia RBA interest rate hike hits households as cash rate reaches 3.85 percent in first tightening since 2023

The December Consumer Price Index showed inflation rising to 3.8 percent, alarming financial markets 

U.S. hits South Korea with 25 percent tariff hike over trade deal delays

New levies target South Korean automobiles and pharmaceuticals

Bank of Japan holds interest rates steady at 0.75 percent, upgrades growth and inflation forecasts

An 8-1 vote reveals divided opinions on potential rate hikes amid Japan's economic recovery efforts

U.S. economy hits strongest growth in two years with 4.4 percent GDP surge

Household consumption and AI investments drove Q3 performance to its highest levels since 2023 

Foreign investors pump $212 billion into U.S. economy as long-term securities demand surges

Net purchases of long-term U.S. securities by foreign residents reached $221.8 billion 

China retains world’s largest online retail market title for 13th consecutive year with $3.39 trillion digital spend

China e-commerce sector emerges as primary economic engine supporting 78 million jobs

U.K. economy rebounds in November with 0.3 percent GDP growth driven by rising car production

British economy defies stagnation warnings with fastest growth since June outpacing forecasts

South Korea’s central bank holds rates at 2.5 percent, signals shift away from further easing

BOK's latest meeting shows a commitment to steady interest rates amidst rising inflation