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Japan hikes interest rates to 30-year-high
Japan hikes interest rates to 30-year-high
Economy
by  AFP

The Bank of Japan hiked interest rates to a 30-year high of 0.75 percent on Friday, the first increase since January, as it said the economy had shown signs of improvement. However, with worries about the global outlook and US tariffs growing, it paused at the start of 2025, with the last increase in January taking rates to their highest level in 17 years.

TikTok: key things to know
TikTok: key things to know
Economy
by  AFP

TikTok boasts over a billion users worldwide, including more than 170 million in the United States, it says -- nearly half the country's population. The platform has faced scrutiny from governments worldwide, particularly in the United States, over data privacy and potential ties to the Chinese government, including accusations of spying and propaganda.

Trump signs $900 bn defense policy bill into law
Trump signs $900 bn defense policy bill into law
Economy
by  AFP

President Donald Trump signed a sweeping defense policy bill into law Thursday that signaled strong bipartisan support for Europe and defied the US leader's increasingly hostile posture toward NATO and America's closest allies.