Rio Tinto and Glencore have confirmed they are in preliminary discussions over a potential deal that could create the world’s largest mining company, with a combined market value exceeding $200 billion. The talks mark a renewed attempt at consolidation in a sector being reshaped by surging demand for copper and…
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, reported stronger-than-expected revenue for the fourth quarter, showing the continued strength of global demand for artificial intelligence-related chips and easing concerns that investment in AI infrastructure may be running ahead of actual adoption.AI replaces fading consumer demandTSMC said revenue for…
China’s market for new-energy vehicles is entering a more restrained phase after several years of rapid expansion. Retail sales of pure-electric and plug-in hybrid cars are still expected to grow, but at a slower pace as government-backed trade-in subsidies are gradually withdrawn.These incentives have been a major driver of demand…
Gold prices fell on Thursday as a stronger dollar weighed on demand among overseas buyers.Silver prices also fell sharply, mirroring the drop in gold. A stronger dollar makes commodities priced in the greenback more expensive for overseas buyers.Meanwhile, crude oil prices advanced on Thursday, recovering from two consecutive days of…
US jobless claims edged only slightly higher in the first week of 2026, offering fresh evidence that layoffs remain limited even as the labour market shows signs of cooling.About 208,000 Americans filed new claims for unemployment benefits in the week ended Jan. 3, up from 200,000 a week earlier, according…
India’s Reliance Industries Ltd said on Thursday it would consider purchasing Venezuelan crude oil if access is opened to non-US buyers, signalling a potential shift in sourcing strategy amid fast-changing geopolitics in the global energy market.The company, which operates the world’s largest refining complex, said it was waiting for clarity…
European markets and politics were in focus as investors weighed shifting economic signals and mounting social pressures across the region.London stocks edged lower as weakness in energy shares offset a fresh defence rally, while signs of easing wage expectations offered cautious optimism for UK inflation watchers.On the continent, French farmers…
US stock indexes edged higher on Thursday after shaking off early morning weakness tied to mixed labor market signals and cautious investor positioning ahead of Friday’s employment report.The S&P 500 recovered from small opening losses to trade just barely positive, while the Dow led the session with a 0.6% gain,…
Tonight’s top headlines span geopolitics and global tech tensions.In Washington, the US Senate is moving to curb President Trump’s war powers by advancing a resolution that would require congressional approval before further military action in Venezuela.Meanwhile, Trump’s administration is entertaining an unusual proposal to pay Greenlanders to consider independence.China has…
The government plans to modify their business rate increase schedule for pubs through upcoming announcements, which will establish rate increase boundaries.The Treasury officials understand how venues face financial challenges because rateable value assessments have resulted in significant increases, which they are working to reduce.The policy change occurred because of continuous…