Economy

China says could buy up commercial housing to boost property market
China says could buy up commercial housing to boost property market

A top Chinese economic official said Friday the state could buy up commercial real estate in a bid to boost the country's ailing housing market, currently battling an unprecedented debt crisis. And in a bid to boost the ailing market and ensure millions of unused homes go to those in need of housing, Beijing's State Council met Friday, state news agency Xinhua said.

Putin in trade push on final day of China trip
Putin in trade push on final day of China trip

Russian leader Vladimir Putin was in the northeastern city of Harbin on Friday, the final day of a visit aiming to promote crucial trade with China and win greater support for his war effort in Ukraine. Putin will hold a press conference with Russian media later in the day.

Chinese officials meet to mull support for developers: Bloomberg
Chinese officials meet to mull support for developers: Bloomberg

Chinese leaders are meeting Friday with top housing officials to discuss a possible plan for the government to buy millions of unsold homes in a bid to support the struggling property sector, Bloomberg reported. Among those plans could be a scheme by Beijing to have local governments purchase millions of unsold homes across the country, Bloomberg said.

US ends leasing in its largest coal-producing region
US ends leasing in its largest coal-producing region

President Joe Biden's government on Thursday announced it was ending coal leases in the Powder River Basin, the nation's largest coal-producing region, drawing condemnation from the mining sector and praise from environmentalists. It won't affect current coal leases in the region, which spans southeast Montana and northeast Wyoming.

Exhibition traces Jewish origins of Hollywood
Exhibition traces Jewish origins of Hollywood

A new exhibition opening in California this weekend traces the Jewish origins of Hollywood. The exhibition, which is on permanent display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, takes its name from the original sign that loomed over downtown Hollywood.

Stocks waver after hitting record highs
Stocks waver after hitting record highs

Stock markets wavered Thursday following record-breaking rallies that were fuelled by cooling US inflation, though Wall Street pushed ahead with the Dow topping the 40,000-point mark mid session for the first time.

Walmart profits rise on strong sales from wealthier shoppers
Walmart profits rise on strong sales from wealthier shoppers

Walmart reported higher profits Thursday behind solid gains at US stores as the retail giant pointed to increased purchases by wealthier shoppers and improving e-commerce sales. The improved sales to wealthier shoppers reflect a focus on affordable pricing and convenience, as well as a greater attention to products such as fresh food, company executives said on a conference call.