The national water regulator Ofwat has imposed a record £122.7 million penalty on Thames Water following two separate investigations into the company’s operations and dividend practices. The fine, which is the largest ever issued by the regulator, includes £104.5 million for serious failings in the company’s wastewater management and a…
Asia-Pacific stock markets concluded Wednesday’s trading session with a varied performance. Investors weighed the positive implications of US President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the deadline for imposing 50% tariffs on European Union imports against a backdrop of domestic economic data and corporate developments. While some regional bourses advanced, Indian…
Despite government’s attempts at diversification, the trend of increasing market concentration has persisted over the last year.The processing sector demonstrates this trend significantly, with China leading production for 19 of the 20 minerals analysed by the International Energy Agency. China holds a market share exceeding 35% for these minerals, averaging 70%.In…
As of May 2025, UK food inflation has surged to its highest level in a year, placing renewed pressure on households already grappling with the cost-of-living crisis. According to recent industry data by the British Retail Consortium, the annual rate of food price increases has climbed to 2.8%, driven by…
The India Meteorological Department reiterated on Tuesday its April forecast for above-average monsoon rains in 2025, marking a potential second consecutive year of strong monsoons. This outlook raises hopes for increased agricultural production and economic expansion in India.The southwest monsoon season, which runs from June to September, is likely to be…
Business sector representatives in Brazil have jointly released a manifesto calling on the National Congress to overturn a decree from the government increasing the Tax on Financial Transactions (IOF). According to the signatories of the document, the tax increase will impose a new burden of R$ 19.5 billion ($3.82 billion) in…
Australia has granted approval to Woodside Energy’s proposal to extend the operational lifespan of its North West Shelf gas plant until the year 2070. This decision comes after an extensive six-year review process that was marked by considerable delays, multiple appeals, and strong opposition from environmental organisations, Reuters said in a…
Elon Musk has publicly expressed his disapproval of President Donald Trump’s recently passed House tax bill, a sweeping piece of legislation that the billionaire entrepreneur says runs contrary to his own efforts to curtail government spending.Musk’s critique adds a high-profile voice to the growing chorus of concerns surrounding the bill’s…
A fresh wave of volatility in Japan’s government bond market is unsettling investors worldwide, amid signs of weakening demand for long-dated debt and growing concern over the broader implications for global financial markets.For decades, Japan’s $7.8 trillion bond market was viewed as one of the most stable in the world.…
The national water regulator Ofwat has imposed a record £122.7 million penalty on Thames Water following two separate investigations into the company’s operations and dividend practices. The fine, which is the largest ever issued by the regulator, includes £104.5 million for serious failings in the company’s wastewater management and a…