Browsing: Business

Gold prices surged by 26% in 2024, marking one of the most significant annual gains in over a decade, fueled by monetary policy shifts and geopolitical uncertainties. The precious metal closed the year at $2,626.80 per ounce in Asia on

European stocks declined on Monday as persistent pressure from elevated government bond yields weighed on investor sentiment. The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.3% by mid-morning, led by losses in technology and industrial goods sectors. The decline followed a surge

Japan imported 27.16 million barrels of crude oil from the United Arab Emirates in November 2024, accounting for 38.2 percent of its total oil imports during the month, according to data released by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

French business confidence has declined for the third consecutive month in December, reaching its lowest level since July, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee). The Insee business climate indicator fell two

Germany’s economic contraction persisted in December, marking the sixth consecutive month of declining business activity, according to the HCOB German flash composite Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The latest data highlighted ongoing challenges across key sectors, underscoring sustained weaknesses in Europe’s

The United Kingdom’s retail sector is facing significant challenges following recent budget announcements, with increased financial pressures and a rise in insolvencies among retailers. The October 2024 budget, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, implemented substantial tax increases, including a rise

Japan’s government has approved a record 115.54 trillion yen ($730 billion) draft budget for fiscal year 2025. The new budget, set to begin in April 2025, surpasses the previous record of 114.38 trillion yen established in fiscal 2023. According to

China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported a 4.7 percent decline in the combined profits of major industrial enterprises for the January-to-November period of 2024. The data, released on Friday, highlights ongoing pressures on the country’s industrial sector amid global economic

The United States has launched an investigation into China’s semiconductor industry, citing concerns over anti-competitive practices that could undermine U.S. economic and national security interests. The probe, announced by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), comes just weeks

Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, buoyed by a drop in U.S. crude inventories and an anticipated interest rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve. However, gains were tempered by the Fed’s projection of a slower pace of rate reductions