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Champagne makers cut harvest as global outlook fizzles out
Champagne makers cut harvest as global outlook fizzles out
by  AFP

France's champagne producers said Wednesday they were cutting the amount of grapes to be made into the region's celebrated fizz by 10 percent due to an uncertain economic outlook. Although champagne sales "are relatively stable," the economic uncertainty "is prompting the industry to exercise caution", said the association, which represents 16,000 winegrowers and 350 champagne houses.

US existing home sales dip to 9-month low on high costs
US existing home sales dip to 9-month low on high costs
by  AFP

Sales of previously-owned homes in the United States hit their lowest rate in nine months, according to industry data released Wednesday, as high home prices and mortgage rates weighed on the market. High mortgage rates were also fueling the gloom in home sales, he said.

India's Infosys narrows revenue forecast as profits beat expectations
India's Infosys narrows revenue forecast as profits beat expectations
by  AFP

Indian IT giant Infosys on Wednesday increased the lower end of its annual growth forecast for the current fiscal year after reporting better-than-expected results for the June quarter. The Bengaluru-headquartered firm also reported a 8.6 on-year increase in net profit to hit 69.2 billion rupees ($801 million) for the April-June quarter.

Canal+ clears final hurdle to acquire S.Africa's MultiChoice
Canal+ clears final hurdle to acquire S.Africa's MultiChoice
by  AFP

France's Canal+ said Wednesday it had cleared the final regulatory hurdle for the buyout of Africa's largest pay TV enterprise MultiChoice and further expand its footprint on the continent. The approval "clears the way for us to conclude the transaction in line with our previously communicated timeline" by October 8 at the latest, Canal+ chief executive Maxime Saada said in a statement.

EU, Japan vow joint push for 'fair' global trade
EU, Japan vow joint push for 'fair' global trade
by  AFP

The EU and Japan pledged on Wednesday to work together on championing a "free and fair" trade global system, as US tariffs and disputes with China rattle their economies. Facing a swirl of speculation over his future following a weekend election debacle, Ishiba said the EU and Japan concurred to work together to strengthen a "stable and predictable rules-based free and fair economic order".

'So Trump-like': relief but no surprise in Japan as US cuts tariffs
'So Trump-like': relief but no surprise in Japan as US cuts tariffs
by  AFP

In the Japanese city of Seki, famed for its razor-sharp artisan knives, news that incoming US tariffs will be lowered is welcome but not entirely unexpected. Japanese knives make food taste better, "have unique 'wabi-sabi' aesthetics" -- meaning beauty in imperfection -- "and when it comes to sharpness, they're second to none", Sumikama said.