BUSINESS

The European Union launched a legal challenge against China at the World Trade Organization on Friday, arguing that Chinese courts were preventing European companies from protecting their telecom technology patents.

Chinese food delivery giant slumps on new fee-cut measures

Ukraine and separatists trade claims of new shelling

Six African countries to get own mRNA jab production

Hong Kong foreign domestic workers 'abandoned' in virus crisis

Boy trapped for three days in Afghan well dies after rescue

Indian traders have contracted to import a record 100,000 tonnes of soyoil from the United States because of limited supplies from drought-hit South America, at a time when prices of rival palm oil are scaling record highs, three dealers told Reuters.

British bank NatWest swung to a hefty profit on the back of the country's economic recovery but said rising prices will make it harder to cut overheads, prompting it to lower its cost-cutting target.

British shoppers began to return to stores last month after many stayed away during a wave of COVID-19 cases that peaked at the turn of the year, although fast-rising inflation is curbing their spending power.

British retail sales grew faster than expected in January, recovering about half the losses suffered when a wave of coronavirus cases caused many shoppers to stay at home during December.

French luxury group Hermes said sales grew by 11% in the fourth quarter of 2021, a touch below market expectations, as self-imposed production caps meant the group could not keep up with demand for its prized handbags.

Sales growth at Hermes eased in the final quarter of last year, missing market forecasts and sending its shares down as much as 7%, as self-imposed production caps kept the group from meeting demand for its prized handbags.

Prospects of tighter U.S. monetary policy continue to drive up yields for Japan's super-long government bonds, putting to test the central bank's resolve to defend its key 10-year target.

Car spare parts dealers in Sri Lanka's main city of Colombo are receiving a steady stream of customers looking for what is fast becoming a prized commodity in the island nation - side mirrors for Suzuki's compact Wagon R.

Renault reported its first annual profit in three years on Friday and said finance chief Clotilde Delbos would move to lead its car sharing and data business full time as it steps up the shift to an electric and greener future.

Renault is looking at creating separate divisions for electric and combustion engine cars, an idea other automakers have resisted in case it weakens their ability to use profits from polluting vehicles to fund a cleaner future.

Why crypto creators want to stay anonymous

Rescuers near boy trapped in Afghan well, but rock blocks progress

Germany accuses Russia of 'Cold War demands' before security conference

Australia's New South Wales state ordered employers of freelance delivery drivers such as Amazon.com Inc to pay a minimum rate, a decision hailed by a union as making it the world's first jurisdiction to compel the retailer to follow laws on such payments.

Credit Suisse learned of murders and cocaine smuggling allegedly connected to a Bulgarian gang but continued to manage cash that is now the focus of a criminal trial, a banker accused of money laundering told a Swiss court during the case.

Colombian police interrupt drug kingpin hearing, cite escape plans

Street styles, neon kick off London Fashion Week

Tunisians fear more economic pain as IMF talks loom

Nine incidents of the candles "flaming up, cracking or breaking apart" while being used have been reported.

Indonesia booked a current account surplus for the first time in a decade in 2021, data showed on Friday, but its balance of payments came under pressure in the final quarter due to bond market outflows, as well as higher imports and freight costs.

Japan's core consumer prices rose for a fifth straight month in January but at a slower pace than in the previous month, boosting the likelihood the country's central bank will lag behind other economies in raising interest rates.

Stocks buckle on ongoing Ukraine fears

The online activists helping Myanmar troops desert