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BMW boosts profitability despite China, tariff woes
BMW boosts profitability despite China, tariff woes
by  AFP

German carmaker BMW on Wednesday reported a rise in profitability in the last quarter despite facing challenges from slowing Chinese sales and tariffs. The carmaker, which also makes Mini and Rolls-Royce cars, cut its outlook for 2025 in October due to tariff costs and slowing sales in key market China, where European manufacturers are losing sales to local rivals.

Toyota hikes profit forecasts 'despite US tariffs'
Toyota hikes profit forecasts 'despite US tariffs'
by  AFP

Japanese auto giant Toyota on Wednesday hiked its operating income and net profit forecasts for the current fiscal year despite the impact of US tariffs. The firm said Wednesday that net income in the first half fell 7.0 percent to 1.8 trillion yen while operating income plunged 18.6 percent to 2.0 trillion.

Sri Lanka targets big fish in anti-corruption push
Sri Lanka targets big fish in anti-corruption push
by  AFP

When Sri Lanka's economy collapsed in 2022, politicians and officials were accused of brazenly stealing the island's assets. - 'Economy collapsed' - Sri Lanka's police chief, accused of running a criminal network, was arrested and sacked earlier this year, while the prison commissioner was jailed for releasing convicts in exchange for cash.

Asian markets tumble as tech bubble fears grow
Asian markets tumble as tech bubble fears grow
by  AFP

Tech companies led a sharp sell-off across Asia on Wednesday as investors grow increasingly worried about an AI bubble following a rally this year that has seen valuations hit record highs. Asia took up the baton in the morning, with Seoul and Tokyo the hardest hit, having just hit record highs.

New lawsuit alleges Spotify allows streaming fraud
New lawsuit alleges Spotify allows streaming fraud
by  AFP

A new lawsuit alleges streaming giant Spotify turns a blind eye to vast networks of bots that inflate streaming figures to benefit megastars such as Drake at the expense of lesser-known artists. Inflated streaming figures for high-profile performers would therefore diminish the proportion of money available for other artists.