The pressure’s on Shell to beat once again

This report is from this week’s CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. The dispatch It is just over three years since Wael Sawan succeeded Ben van Beurden as chief executive of Shell. While there has been much background noise, not least about a possible takeover bid for BP, a less…

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Hang Seng Index, CSI 300, gold, silver

A study of affluent Chinese released this month by consulting firm Oliver Wyman found that 22% of respondents were negative about the economy when surveyed in May. It just exceeds the 21% seen in October 2022, just before Beijing announced plans to ease its stringent zero-Covid policy. Dukai Photographer | Moment | Getty Images Asia-Pacific…

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China’s new plan to get consumers spending again

BEIJING, CHINA – NOVEMBER 6: Women wearing Qing Dynasty-style costumes take photos inside the Forbidden City on November 6, 2025, in Beijing, China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News As Chinese households remain reluctant to spend on big-ticket goods, Beijing is leaning on a new lever to revive consumption: experiences and everyday services. China’s cabinet…

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ASML Q4 2025 earnings report

onathan Raa | Nurphoto | Getty Images ASML reported on Wednesday orders that smashed past expectations while 2026 sales guidance was also ahead of estimates as AI demand continues to support the Dutch chip giant’s business. Bookings, one of the most closely-watched metrics from investors, came in at 13.2 billion euros ($15.8 billion) in the…

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Asia markets mixed after S&P 500 hits record, South Korea pushes fresh highs

Melbourne, Australia Kieran Stone | Moment | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Wednesday, breaking ranks with Wall Street after the S&P 500 closed at a record high. The broad market index gained 0.41% to finish at 6,978.60, supported by gains in Apple and Microsoft. Asian markets mostly extended Tuesday’s gains, with Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 reversed gains and…

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