Economy

No 'spring revival' for Germany as unemployment rises
No 'spring revival' for Germany as unemployment rises

Germany's unemployment rate unexpectedly rose in March after holding steady for two months, data showed Friday, with economists lamenting no "spring revival" was in sight for Europe's ailing top economy. The latest weak data highlights the huge challenge for Germany's next government, which is expected to be led by conservative election winner Friedrich Merz, when it comes to reviving the economy.

Japan PM says Trump's tariff views hard to understand
Japan PM says Trump's tariff views hard to understand

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Friday that Donald Trump's views on tariffs were "difficult to understand" after the US president announced 25 percent levies on imported cars and parts. This is very difficult to understand," Ishiba said during a legislative committee session.

Asian markets mixed as autos suffer more tariff-fuelled losses
Asian markets mixed as autos suffer more tariff-fuelled losses

Asian markets were mixed Friday as traders brace for next week's expected wave of US tariffs, while auto firms extended their painful losses following President Donald Trump's announcement of steep levies on vehicle imports. After another down day on Wall Street, equity markets in Asia were mixed Friday, with auto firms again taking the brunt.

Clean energy giant Goldwind leads China's global sector push
Clean energy giant Goldwind leads China's global sector push

China has rushed ahead in recent years as the world's forerunner in wind energy, propelled by explosive local demand as Beijing aggressively pursues strategic and environmental targets. - Gold rush - Goldwind's origin lies in the vast, arid stretches of western China, where in the 1980s a company named Xinjiang Wind Energy built its first turbine farm.

The UK car loan scandal that could cost banks billions
The UK car loan scandal that could cost banks billions

Banks may have to pay out tens of billions of pounds if the British Supreme Court upholds a judgment ruling controversial car loans are unlawful, in a case beginning in April. Now, the Supreme Court will hear his case on April 1, along with another similar case against FirstRand and one against British bank Close Brothers.

Regulator clears Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia alliance
Regulator clears Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia alliance

Australia's competition regulator gave the go-ahead Friday for Qatar Airways to launch an alliance with Virgin Australia. Under the pact, Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia plan to launch 28 new weekly services between Doha and the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.