Economy

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Taylor Swift buys back rights to her old music
Taylor Swift buys back rights to her old music
by  AFP

Pop sensation Taylor Swift, locked in a feud with record executives since 2019 over ownership of her music, has bought back the rights to her entire back catalog, she said Friday. Thos records included the award-winning "Reputation" and "Taylor Swift."

Canada growth up but Trump tariffs starting to hurt
Canada growth up but Trump tariffs starting to hurt
by  AFP

Canada's latest growth figures, released Friday, were better than expected, but also highlighted weaknesses in the economy as the effects of a trade war launched by US President Donald Trump began to take hold. Most analysts had expected only modest growth.

Germany considers 10% tax on internet giants
Germany considers 10% tax on internet giants
by  AFP

Germany is weighing plans for a 10 percent digital tax for internet giants such as Alphabet and Meta, a senior official said Friday, despite the risk of stoking further trade tensions with the United States. This could be based on the model in Austria, which has a five percent tax, he said, adding that in Germany "we consider a 10 percent tax rate to be moderate and legitimate".

Trump signals fresh trade tensions with China
Trump signals fresh trade tensions with China
by  AFP

US President Donald Trump signaled renewed trade tensions with China on Friday, arguing that Beijing had "violated" a deal to de-escalate tariffs, at a time when both sides appeared deadlocked in negotiations. But on Friday, Trump wrote that: "China, perhaps not surprisingly to some, HAS TOTALLY VIOLATED ITS AGREEMENT WITH US," without providing further details.

Britain's hard-right Reform UK to accept crypto donations
Britain's hard-right Reform UK to accept crypto donations
by  AFP

Britain's hard-right Reform UK has become the first political party in the country to accept donations through bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, raising fresh concerns over transparency. "As of now, provided you are an eligible UK donor ... we are the first political party in Britain that can accept donations in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies," he said.

New to South Africa, saffron holds promise
New to South Africa, saffron holds promise
by  AFP

Livestock farmer Joe Kroon turned to saffron in desperation when drought threatened his livelihood and, as this season's harvest winds down, he is encouraged by the potential of a new entry into South Africa's farming catalogue.