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Chinese smart glasses firms eye overseas conquest
Chinese smart glasses firms eye overseas conquest
by  AFP

In China, AI glasses let the wearer pay in shops with just a glance at a QR code and a voice command, as a growing number of companies look to conquer both growing domestic and overseas markets. China's internet-based infrastructure, such as QR payment codes in shops, is "already more developed than in Europe and the United States", said Zhu.

Most Asian markets rise as traders await key US data
Most Asian markets rise as traders await key US data
by  AFP

Markets mostly rose Wednesday, following a resumption of Wall Street's rally, but gains were muted as investors await the last tranche of US data before next week's Federal Reserve meeting. IG market analyst Fabien Yip wrote: "Friday's core PCE index represents the final major inflation gauge before the Fed's December policy meeting.

Italy's luxury brands shaken by sweatshop probes
Italy's luxury brands shaken by sweatshop probes
by  AFP

A series of investigations into exploitative work conditions within fashion subcontractors has roiled Italy's luxury industry, with the government decrying attacks on "Made in Italy". Italy's government has gone on the offensive, with Industry Minister Adolfo Urso saying the reputation of Italian brands was "under attack".

Women don fake mustaches in LinkedIn 'gender bias' fight
Women don fake mustaches in LinkedIn 'gender bias' fight
by  AFP

Flipping their gender setting to "male" and even posting photos with fake mustaches, a growing number of women on LinkedIn have posed a provocative challenge to what they allege is an algorithmic bias on the platform.

What are 'rare earths' for?
What are 'rare earths' for?
by  AFP

Crucial for making smartphones, fighter jets and electric cars, "rare earth" metals have become a strategic bargaining chip since main producer China this year introduced restrictions on their exports. - Fighter jets, golf clubs - Aviation is a major consumer of rare earths, especially for military plane manufacturing.

San Francisco sues producers over ultra-processed food
San Francisco sues producers over ultra-processed food
by  AFP

San Francisco is suing makers of the ultra-processed food that health experts say has led millions of Americans into obesity during decades of over-consumption, the city said Tuesday. "These companies created a public health crisis with the engineering and marketing of ultra-processed foods," San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said.

Trump hints economic adviser Hassett may be Fed chair pick
Trump hints economic adviser Hassett may be Fed chair pick
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday hinted that he wants to nominate his chief economic adviser Kevin Hassett to replace outgoing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell next year. Hassett, a PhD economist, is currently chair of the National Economic Council, a White House body which advises the president and his cabinet on policymaking.