China CPI: Inflation rises 0.2% after months of stagnation in October; property and spending pressures persist

China saw a mild increase in consumer prices in October, breaking a stretch of stagnation and decline as the world’s second-largest economy continues to fight a series of economic setbacks. Official figures released on Sunday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that the consumer price index (CPI) edged up 0.2% year-on-year last month….

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US shutdown: More than 2,500 flights cancelled over weekend; passengers left confused amid Thanksgiving season

Flight schedules across the United States were thrown off course this weekend, after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to scale back operations due to the ongoing government shutdown, a move that has already led to more than 2,500 cancellations by Saturday evening.The FAA’s directive, issued because staffing levels have dropped at radar centres…

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Thanksgiving on budget: US retailers push cheaper private-label meals; here’s what Walmart, Target & more are doing

This Thanksgiving, retailers in the United States are leaning heavily on private-label products to promote what they say are the most affordable meal deals in years. Walmart, Target and Aldi are each highlighting cost savings ahead of the holiday, but the reductions come with trimmed menus and more store-brand substitutes.At Walmart, this year’s meal bundle…

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US Shutdown: Trump demands ACA payments go straight to Americans; hits at ‘fat cat’ insurers and Obamacare

US President Donald Trump has escalated his attack on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), urging Republicans to divert federal healthcare payments directly to Americans instead of insurance companies, as the ongoing government shutdown marks its longest stretch in US history.In a new post on Sunday, Trump repeated his demand that Republicans stop sending what he…

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Shutdown strain: US economy reels under layoffs and lost pay; food banks, small firms struggle to cope

Washington’s economy is facing deepening distress as the longest-ever US government shutdown, mass layoffs of federal workers, and cuts to food assistance converge to hit households and small businesses across the capital region, AP reported.The Capital Area Food Bank, which supports more than 400 pantries and aid organisations across the District of Columbia, northern Virginia,…

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Investor alert: Sebi flags digital gold risks; should you trust unregulated platforms?

Markets regulator Sebi has warned investors against putting money into digital or e-gold products, cautioning that such instruments fall outside its regulatory framework and carry significant risks, PTI reported.The advisory follows Sebi’s observation that several online platforms have been promoting “digital gold” or “e-gold” as a convenient alternative to physical gold, without disclosing that these…

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Trade ties: India, Australia review CECA talks; reaffirm push for early deal to boost economic partnership

India and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to conclude the second phase of their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) at the earliest, as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held talks with his Australian counterpart Don Farrell to review the progress of negotiations, PTI reported.According to an official statement, both sides agreed to work “constructively…

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Gold market trends: Prices drop for third week as dollar stays firm; Fed tone and China move weigh on sentiment

Gold prices extended their decline for the third straight week, pressured by a stronger US dollar and cautious remarks from Federal Reserve officials that curbed investor appetite for safe-haven assets, analysts said.The sustained firmness in the greenback and the US central bank’s wait-and-watch stance have kept bullion trading in a narrow range through the holiday-shortened…

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Pharma takeover: Pfizer set to acquire Metsera in $10 bn deal; wins board backing after Novo Nordisk exits bidding war

Pfizer is poised to acquire US-based biotechnology firm Metsera in a $10 billion deal, after winning a heated bidding battle against Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which has now withdrawn from the race, AFP reported.Metsera, which specialises in obesity treatments, said in a statement that Pfizer’s improved offer of $86.25 per share had been unanimously approved…

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