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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What are the middle powers and can they stop Trump?

(1st row from L to R): Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union Joao Lourenco and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney react as they attend a family photo event during a G20 Leaders’ Summit plenary session…

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China didn’t grab many headlines at Davos, but it’s the elephant in the room

Flags flutter during the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting, in Davos, Switzerland, January 19, 2026. Denis Balibouse | Reuters BEIJING — While high-profile world leaders in Davos last week opined on U.S. claims to Greenland, China’s envoy reiterated calls for cooperation. Businesses and analysts in China said the developments highlighted an opportunity for…

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Nikkei 225, Hang Seng Index, Kospi, gold, Canada

People crossing the street in Shibuya, Tokyo. Maydays | Moment | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday as investors assessed ongoing geopolitical concerns. On Sunday stateside, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that his country has no intention of pursuing a free trade agreement with China, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose…

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