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German economy shrinks again amid political crisis
German economy shrinks again amid political crisis
by  AFP

Germany's economy shrank for a second straight year in 2024, official figures showed Wednesday, with little hope of a speedy recovery as Europe's traditional powerhouse is also mired in political crisis. Fears are growing that the economy will struggle to get back on its feet this year, due in part to the political crisis at home.

Spain hosted record 94 mn foreign tourists in 2024
Spain hosted record 94 mn foreign tourists in 2024
by  AFP

A record 94 million foreign tourists craving for sun, sand and culture flocked to Spain in 2024 as the sector drives the country's bullish economy, the tourism minister said on Wednesday. Spain therefore continues to break records," Industry and Tourism Minister Jordi Hereu said in Madrid.

BP nears deals for oil fields, curbs on gas flaring in Iraq
BP nears deals for oil fields, curbs on gas flaring in Iraq
by  AFP

Iraq and British oil giant BP are set to finalise a deal by early February to develop four oil fields in Kirkuk and curb gas flaring, Iraqi authorities announced Wednesday. BP is one of the biggest foreign players in Iraq's oil sector, with a history of producing oil in the country dating back to the 1920s when it was still under British mandate.

UK inflation dips, easing some pressure on government
UK inflation dips, easing some pressure on government
by  AFP

Britain's annual inflation rate unexpectedly fell to 2.5 percent last month, official data showed Wednesday, easing some pressure on the Labour government faced with economic unrest. - Bank of England - Despite falling, Britain's annual inflation rate remains above the Bank of England's 2.0-percent target rate, slowing the pace of its interest-rate cuts.

German bourse banks on Trump-fuelled crypto boom
German bourse banks on Trump-fuelled crypto boom
by  AFP

As Donald Trump's looming return to the White House promises to boost cryptocurrencies, a German stock exchange is on a mission to anchor them firmly in the staid world of traditional finance. - Trump support - The exchange says it has managed to win more than a million clients in crypto trading, both professionals and private individuals, mostly in the German-speaking world.

Record 36.8 million tourists visited Japan in 2024
Record 36.8 million tourists visited Japan in 2024
by  AFP

Record numbers of tourists flocked to Japan last year, figures showed Wednesday, as the weak yen bolstered the appeal of the "bucket list" destination despite overcrowding complaints in hotspots like Kyoto. Japan has long been a "bucket list" destination for many people, said Naomi Mano, president of hospitality and events company Luxurique.