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Dr Martens seeks more stability after new profit slide
British iconic bootmaker Dr Martens on Thursday announced another sharp drop in annual profits, as it looks to build on recent stability under its new chief executive.

Restaurants strike on popular Greek tourist island over beach clampdown
Restaurant owners on the Greek tourist island of Paros staged a 24-hour shutdown Thursday to protest against zoning regulations blocking them from using part of the island harbour's beachfront.

ECB cuts rate again facing growth, tariff woes
The European Central Bank's easing cycle reached the one-year mark Thursday when policymakers delivered another interest rate cut as concerns mount about the struggling eurozone economy and global trade tensions.

First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July
The first Birkin bag that was designed by French luxury brand Hermes for actress Jane Birkin in 1984, will be auctioned in Paris on July 10, auction house Sotheby's said Thursday.

Eurozone stocks climb before ECB rate decision
Eurozone stock markets climbed Thursday as the European Central Bank prepared to announce another cut to interest rates in the face of US tariffs.

Equities on front foot as US data feeds rate-cut hopes
Shares enjoyed a healthy run Thursday after soft US economic data boosted expectations the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates and put the focus on key jobs figures coming at the end of the week.

New eurozone rate cut expected as Trump trade war weighs
US President Donald Trump's tariff blitz, persistent growth worries and slowing inflation are expected to prompt eurozone rate-setters to lower borrowing costs again on Thursday.

Gamers get hold of Nintendo's hotly awaited Switch 2
Gamers on Thursday finally got their hands on Nintendo's new Switch 2 console, which could score record early sales for the Japanese "Super Mario" creator.

Most Asian markets rise as US data feeds rate-cut hopes
Asian shares mostly rose Thursday after soft US economic data boosted expectations the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates and put the focus on key jobs figures coming at the end of the week.

Canada steelworkers urge Ottawa to counter Trump
Steelworkers in the Canadian city of Hamilton see President Donald Trump's latest trade war escalation as a wake-up call, insisting US efforts to protect struggling metal producers demand an equivalent national response.

Bulgaria on course to become 21st EU member to adopt euro
The European Commission gave the green light on Wednesday for Bulgaria to adopt the euro from next year, putting the Balkan country on course to become the 21st member of the single currency area.
US-China at trade impasse as Trump's steel tariff hike strains ties
US President Donald Trump said Wednesday it is "extremely hard" to reach a deal with China as a trade impasse persisted, while his doubling of metal tariffs fueled tensions with key partners.

Nintendo fans stoked for Switch 2 'mega launch'
With shops planning midnight launch parties after a run on pre-orders, Nintendo releases the Switch 2 on Thursday, hoping to score record early sales for a games console.

US novelist Edmund White, chronicler of gay life, dead at 85
Edmund White, the influential American novelist who chronicled gay life and his own sexual odyssey through his work, including dozens of books, several short stories and countless articles and essays, has died, his agent said Wednesday. He was 85.

Stocks rise despite weak US jobs data
Stock markets advanced Wednesday despite data showing US private sector job growth nearly dried up last month, reviving fears about the economy.

Thirteen on trial in France over 'racist' stunt targeting singer Aya Nakamura
Thirteen people went on trial in Paris on Wednesday over a "racist" insult targeting Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura, who faced criticism from the far right and harassment over her performance at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony.

Czechs sign nuclear deal with S.Korea firm KHNP: PM
A Czech state-run company signed Wednesday a deal with South Korea's KHNP to build two nuclear reactors in the EU country after a court dismissed a bid by France's EDF to block the deal.

Pioneering US novelist Edmund White put gay life on the page
US novelist Edmund White, who died Tuesday aged 85, established himself as a leading chronicler of gay emancipation through a trailblazing, largely autobiographical body of work.

US private sector hiring sharply slows, drawing Trump ire
US private sector hiring hit its slowest pace since 2023 in May, according to data Wednesday from payroll firm ADP, significantly missing expectations in a month where all eyes are on the effects of President Donald Trump's trade war.

'Why this hatred': French town reels over killing of Tunisian man
The murder of a Tunisian man by his French neighbour in southern France, which is being investigated as a terror crime, has horrified the local community and raised alarm over rising racism in the country.

EU antiques import clampdown could gut trade, warn dealers
New European rules designed to crack down on the trafficking of stolen antiques and art are causing alarm among gallery owners, with some dealers warning of suffocating red tape that will affect trade.

EVs boost German auto sales, Tesla falls again
A jump in electric car sales helped give a slight boost to Germany's troubled auto market last month, official data showed Wednesday, although Elon Musk's Tesla fared poorly again.

Stocks extend gains despite US steel tariffs
Stock markets extended gains Wednesday as investors shrugged off US President Donald Trump's tough words on China and doubling of tariffs on global steel and aluminium.

EU gives Bulgaria green light to adopt euro in 2026
The EU gave the green light on Wednesday for Bulgaria to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, in a "historic" step for the southeastern European country set to become the 21st member of the single currency area.

US-backed group suspends Gaza aid operations
A US and Israeli-backed group operating aid sites in the Gaza Strip announced the temporary closure of the facilities on Wednesday, with the Israeli army warning that roads leading to distribution centres were "considered combat zones".

Trump says deal with Xi 'extremely hard' as steel tariffs double
Donald Trump said Wednesday it was "extremely hard" to reach a deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, as the EU claimed momentum in its own trade talks with Washington even as the US president doubled global metal tariffs.

Scientists long ago envisioned the end of climate cooperation
They warned it could happen: a world of surging nationalism, stalling economic development and the unravelling of decades of international cooperation on climate change and other global challenges.

Japan births in 2024 fell below 700,000 for first time
The number of births in Japan last year fell below 700,000 for the first time on record, government data showed Wednesday.

US-backed Gaza aid centres to close temporarily after 27 killed
Aid centres in hunger-wracked Gaza will temporarily close on Wednesday, a controversial US-backed agency said, with the Israeli army warning roads leading to distribution stations "are considered combat zones".

US doubles steel, aluminum tariffs as OECD ministers gather
The United States doubled steel and aluminum tariffs Wednesday, casting a pall on a gathering of OECD ministers as President Donald Trump's intensifying trade war weighs on the world economy.

Between freedom and restrictions, Syrians navigate new reality
Syrian singer Ishtar halted concerts when Islamist-led forces seized power nearly six months ago. She's now back on stage, but lingering fears have reshaped Damascus's nightlife scene.

Asian stocks track Wall St up after jobs data, Seoul surges on Lee win
Asian shares extended a global rise Wednesday following data indicating the US economy remained resilient, with South Korean equities and the won standing out as the election of a new president ended months of political paralysis.