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☆ Hyundai Motor's fourth-quarter net profit rises 31%, misses forecasts
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Hyundai Motor, the world's No.3 automaker by sales with its affiliate Kia Corp, reported a net profit of 2.2 trillion won ($1.65 billion) for the October-December period versus a profit of 1.7 trillion won a year earlier. That compared with a 2.9 trillion won average forecast by LSEG SmartEstimate, which is weighted towards estimates from analysts who are more consistently accurate. It expects a 4.9% jump in North American vehicle sales but a 3.7% drop and 0.6% fall in vehicle sales in China and Europe, respectively. "Hyundai Motor expects the business environment will remain difficult to predict, due to macro uncertainties centered on emerging markets and a downturn in the real economy," Hyundai Motor said in a statement. Shares in Hyundai Motor were trading up 2.0% after it reported its earnings, outperforming 0.1 rise for the benchmark Kospi.

Persons: Hyundai, LSEG SmartEstimate, Lee Jae, Lee Organizations: Hyundai, Hyundai Motor, Kia Corp, Eugene Investment, Securities Locations: San, San Leandro , California, South, Russia, China, Europe

☆ China tries to halt stock market rout by boosting lending and wooing foreign investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Hong Kong CNN —China has vowed to pump more money into the economy and further open its $64 trillion financial industry to international investors, as Beijing scrambles to restore confidence following a massive stock market rout. The astonishing losses, reminiscent of the last Chinese stock market crash of 2015-2016, highlight a crisis of confidence among investors concerned about the country’s future. It will allow Hong Kong banks to expand their businesses in mainland China and reduce the barriers to investing in mainland insurers. Last month, China Reform Holdings, a state-owned investment fund, announced it had bought tech-focused index funds to support the market. The brutal sell-off in Chinese stock markets has even forced some hedge fund managers to apologize for making wrong bets.

Persons: Li Yunze, “, Pan Gongsheng, Goldman Sachs, Li, ”, Lam, Li Qiang, Wang Zhao, Premier Li Qiang, Stringer, Li Bei Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Administration of Financial, People’s Bank of, Buildings, New Champions, Getty, Premier, Xinhua, Reuters, Securities Daily, Social Security Fund, China Reform Holdings, Central Huijin Investment, Shanghai Banxia Investment Management Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, People’s Bank of China, Victoria Harbour, British, Tianjin, AFP, Central, Fuyang, China's, Anhui

☆ China’s economy grew by about 5.2% in 2023, Premier Li tells Davos meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Hong Kong CNN —China’s economy grew by about 5.2% in 2023, slightly better than the official target Beijing had set, Premier Li Qiang said Tuesday at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. “In the past year of 2023, China’s economy has generally rebounded and improved,” the country’s second highest official told the meeting of global business and political leaders. While this expansion would mark a significant pick-up over 2022, when China’s economy grew by just 3%, it is still one of the country’s economic worst performances in over three decades. “Even if there are twists and turns in China’s economic operation, its overall long-term positive trend will not change,” said Li. The premier is the most senior Chinese leader to attend the Davos forum in person since President Xi Jinping in 2017.

Persons: Li Qiang, Hong, Seng, ”, Li, Xi Jinping, Viola Amherd, Joe Biden, BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, Xi Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Beijing, Swiss, Economic Cooperation, APEC, Getty Locations: Hong Kong, Davos, Switzerland, “, China, Beijing, Asia, Woodside , California, AFP, United States

☆ Why the U.S. may extend its run as the world's leading economy
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Carlos Waters | In Carloswaters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The U.S., China and India may take turns leading the global economy this century, according to an analysis from the Centre for Economics and Business Research. The CEBR forecast suggests China could potentially take the top spot as the world's largest economy by gross domestic product as early as 2037. "The ranking of which is the largest economy in the world — that doesn't take into account things like living standards. Around the world, policymakers are spending large sums of public funds to prepare for social and environmental challenges that may be ahead. Watch the video above to learn more about the race to be the world's largest economy.

Persons: Nina Skero, Mariana Mazzucato, we're, China that's, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Yasheng Huang, Rajiv Biswas Organizations: U.S, Centre for Economics, Business Research, University College London, Washington, MIT Sloan School of Management, P Global Market Intelligence, CNBC Locations: China, India, U.S, Japan, South Korea, Asia, Pacific

☆ ASML forced to suspend some China exports after US escalates tech battle
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-02 | by ( Diksha Madhok | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Editor’s Note: Sign up for CNN’s Meanwhile in China newsletter, which explores what you need to know about the country’s rise and how it impacts the world. CNN —ASML has been ordered by the Dutch government to restrict shipment of some of its chip-making equipment to China, the company said on Monday. For several years, the Dutch government has faced pressure from the United States to limit chip-related exports to China. ASML said when the rules were updated that due to “the length and complexity of the regulations, ASML will need to carefully assess any potential implications.”The updated export restrictions would affect between 10% and 15% of the firm’s sales to China, ASML Chief Executive Peter Wennink said during an earnings call in October. China reacted on Tuesday, by calling the US curbs “hegemonic” and “bullying.”These actions will “undermine the global semiconductor landscape,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said.

Persons: CNN — ASML, ASML, Biden, Peter Wennink, ” ASML, Wang Wenbin Organizations: CNN, United, NXT, ASML, Foreign Locations: China, United States, Veldhoven, Netherlands

☆ Deloitte's Kwasi Mitchell on 2024: It's our job to make college students less nervous about the future of work
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-18 | by ( Josée Rose | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

I first spoke to Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte's first chief purpose officer, in March about change in corporate America. For one, his role evolved from broadly touching on sustainability, equity, and social impact to overseeing all DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion — responsibilities at the consulting firm. Mitchell's insights are part of Business Insider's year-end leadership package, "Looking Ahead 2024," which digs into vision, strategy, and challenges across corporate America. I distinctly remember sitting across the table, starting to work with our collaborators on what actually could this be. Having a coalescing force with a few organizations to drive momentum could be really really interesting and impactful in the future.

Persons: Kwasi Mitchell, Deloitte's, Mitchell, there's, He's, we've Organizations: Service, DEI Institute, Deloitte, Economic, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Locations: America, Business, San Francisco, Francisco, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine

☆ China’s Xi Jinping visits financial hub Shanghai as Chinese economy sputters
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Chinese leader Xi Jinping has visited Shanghai for the first time in three years, as his government steps up efforts to prop up the country’s economy and financial markets. The visit, his first since 2020, comes as business confidence wanes in China and foreign companies pull out of the country. “General Secretary Xi Jinping’s visit to Shanghai sends important signals at a critical moment,” an editorial by Xinhua said Thursday. “Shanghai must be a vanguard of the country’s reform and opening up and a pioneer in its tech innovation and development,” Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua. Earlier this month, Xi visited the United States for the first time in more than six years, where he met with President Joe Biden to amend ties between the two countries.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Xi, Lifeng, Cai Qi, Xi Jinping’s, ” Xi, Joe Biden Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Shanghai Futures Exchange, Xinhua News Agency, PMI, Xinhua, “ Finance Locations: Hong Kong, Shanghai, China, Beijing, United States

☆ China says against supply chain decoupling, wants closer ties with all
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/6] Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at the opening ceremony of the first China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, China November 28, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Nov 28 (Reuters) - China opposes the cutting of supply chains and is willing to build closer ties with all, Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday, as a growing number of countries voice concerns at the dependence of their supply chains on China. Speaking at China's first ever China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), Li said that China will continue to create an international and rule of law-based business environment. The expo, organised by the state-run China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, is Beijing's latest bid to increase foreign investment in China, which has dropped to historic lows. Reporting by Eduardo Baptista and Joe Cash; Editing by Jamie Freed and Miral FahmyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Li Qiang, Florence Lo, Li, Eduardo Baptista, Joe Cash, Jamie Freed, Miral Organizations: China International, Chain, REUTERS, Rights, China, China Council, Promotion of International Trade, European Union, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, United States, Ukraine, Taiwan, India, Mexico, Vietnam

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — The Kenyan High Court on Tuesday struck out key clauses of a contentious finance law that has been blamed for significantly raising taxes and the cost of living in East Africa’s largest economy. High court judges David Majanja, Christine Meoli and Lawrence Mugambi said parts of the Finance Act 2023, including a mandatory housing levy, were unconstitutional and couldn't be enforced. The housing levy is a significant agenda of President William Ruto, who has pledged to construct 1 million homes by 2027 under his affordable housing program already underway in parts of the country. It led to mass protests in the capital, Nairobi, and parts of western Kenya where the opposition enjoys big support. “Every day we receive notifications from employers on their intent to declare redundancy,” the federation said.

Persons: David Majanja, Christine Meoli, Lawrence Mugambi, couldn't, William Ruto, Herman Manyora Organizations: Kenyan High Court, Monetary Fund, Federation of Kenyan Employers Locations: NAIROBI, Kenya, East Africa’s, Nairobi

☆ China Says Against Supply Chain Decoupling, Wants Closer Ties With All
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING (Reuters) - China opposes the cutting of supply chains and is willing to build closer ties with all, Premier Li Qiang said on Tuesday, as a growing number of countries voice concerns at the dependence of their supply chains on China. Speaking at China's first ever China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), Li said that China will continue to create an international and rule of law-based business environment. The expo, organised by the state-run China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, is Beijing's latest bid to increase foreign investment in China, which has dropped to historic lows. Li's speech comes amid calls over the past year from the United States and the European Union to "de-risk" their supply chains and reduce overdependence on China in certain sectors, as well as efforts to cut off Chinese enterprises from some advanced semiconductors. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista and Joe Cash; Editing by Jamie Freed and Miral Fahmy)

Persons: Li Qiang, Li, Eduardo Baptista, Joe Cash, Jamie Freed, Miral Organizations: China, Chain, China Council, Promotion of International Trade, European Union Locations: BEIJING, China, United States, Ukraine, Taiwan, India, Mexico, Vietnam

☆ China tells Japan to reaffirm strategic relations in rare leader talks
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

China and Japan should reaffirm their "strategic relationship of mutual benefit and give it new meaning", he added. In brief remarks at the start of the meeting, Kishida told Xi: "Japan and China coexist and prosper as neighbors and have a responsibility to contribute to world peace and prosperity." Kishida also met Biden at the summit where they discussed issues including "common challenges" that they share with China. China's push to reaffirm relations with Japan could be partly driven by Tokyo's close ties with its arch-rival Washington, said Rumi Aoyama, an expert on Japan-China relations. On the sidelines of the APEC summit, Kishida has also met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in their seventh meeting this year.

Persons: Noushad Thekkayil, Xi Jinping, Fumio Kishida, Xi, Kishida, Joe Biden, Biden, Washington, Rumi Aoyama, Aoyama, Yoon Suk, Yoon Organizations: Asian, Hangzhou, Olympic Sports Centre, Getty Images, Japanese, APEC, China, ., Waseda Institute of Contemporary Chinese, South, Economic Cooperation Locations: Japan, Aichi, Nagoya, Hangzhou, China's, Zhejiang, San Francisco, China, Taiwan, Beijing, Gaza, U.S, United States, Asia

☆ U.S. Executives Get No Reassurance From Xi on Tougher China Business Environment
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Lingling Wei | Charles Hutzler | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

A day after meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, President Biden said during a speech at the APEC CEO Summit that the U.S. is ‘de-risking and diversifying’ its economic relationship with China, but ‘not decoupling.’ Photo: Kevin Lamarque/ReutersSAN FRANCISCO—Foreign capital is fleeing China. Yet on his first trip to the U.S. in six years, Chinese leader Xi Jinping didn’t make a pitch to win back American businesses and investors. Instead, at a Wednesday evening dinner with U.S. corporate chiefs and other guests, Xi sought to enlist American corporations’ help in easing bilateral tensions, emphasizing the room for both nations to work together—a theme of his meeting with President Biden earlier in the day.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Biden, Kevin Lamarque, Xi Organizations: APEC, Summit, Reuters, FRANCISCO Locations: China

The two leaders, who will meet on the sidelines of a summit of Asian-Pacific leaders, last spoke a year ago. Both men are seeking to show the world that while the U.S. and China are economic competitors, they are not locked in a winner-take-all faceoff with global implications. Their relationship has been increasingly defined by differences over export controls, Taiwan and the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe. Xi, meanwhile, is looking for assurances from Biden that the U.S. will not support Taiwan independence, start a new cold war or suppress China’s economic growth. “It is reported he’s very worried about the negative opinion of China in the United States,” Schumer said.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi, Biden, John Kirby, “, We’re, ” Kirby, He's, Chuck Schumer, ” Schumer, Sagar Meghani Organizations: FRANCISCO, U.S, Economic Cooperation, White, Tuesday, National, State Department, APEC, Monetary Fund, Labor Department, Biden, Associated Press Locations: China, U.S, Iran, Taiwan, California, Asia, San Francisco, East, Europe, Tehran, Israel, Washington, Beijing, “, United States

☆ Orsted's finance and operations chiefs out after big losses
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The offshore wind industry has found itself in a perfect storm of rising inflation, interest rate hikes and delays in the supply chain struggling to cope with growing demand. Orsted, the world's largest offshore wind developer, on Nov. 1 scrapped two U.S. offshore wind projects, flagging $5.6 billion in related impairments after delays, partly due to vessel availability, meant costs soared. "Together with the finance team and the group executive team, Rasmus Errboe will lead the work on supporting Orsted's capital structure and long-term commitment to its credit rating," the company said. Board member Andrew Brown, who has executive experience from Shell and Portugal's Galp, was appointed interim COO, Orsted said. The company said contracts it had signed for its U.S. offshore wind projects were secured recently and were therefore more reflective of current costs.

Persons: Tom Little, Rasmus Errboe, Andrew Brown, Daniel Lerup, Richard Hunter, Orsted, Mads Nipper, Nipper, Essi Lehto, Susanna Twidale, Louise Rasmussen, Mark Potter Organizations: REUTERS, Shell, RWE, Thomson Locations: Nysted, Denmark, HELSINKI

☆ GPU tech supplier Imagination Technologies lays off 20% of staff -sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Max A. Cherney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The headquarters of technology company Imagination Technologies is seen on the outskirts of London, Britain, June 22, 2017. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 13 (Reuters) - Chip technology design maker Imagination Technologies plans to lay off 20% of the company’s staff, according to sources familiar with the matter. The cuts are company-wide and every unit will be affected, according to one of the sources. Imagination Tech is owned by the private equity firm Canyon Bridge, which is backed by the Chinese state-owned China Reform holdings. For last year, Imagination reported profit before tax of £17 million ($20.9 million) on revenue of £120.3 million, according to filings.

Persons: Hannah McKay, Imagination, Max A, Chris Reese, Stephen Coates Organizations: Imagination Technologies, REUTERS, Apple, Reuters, Arm Holdings, Imagination Tech, China Reform, Imagination, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, China, San Francisco

☆ Detained, missing or under investigation: Business leaders in China face an ‘aggressive’ crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —Business leaders in China are under immense pressure, as the country’s leader Xi Jinping intensifies a regulatory crackdown on companies and strengthens its control of the economy. They face rising risks, including the possibility of police raids and detentions of staff, in the world’s second largest economy. A former banker, he has invested in a series of Chinese companies since 2000 and brought their shares to the public markets in mainland China and Hong Kong. No end in sightThe crackdown this year has spooked the business community in China, but it is not unfamiliar. Xi launched a sweeping regulatory crackdown on the private sector in 2020, which wiped trillions of dollars off the market value of Chinese companies worldwide.

Persons: Xi Jinping, ”, Doug Guthrie, ” Guthrie, Tencent, Chen, Zhao Bingxian, “ China’s Warren Buffett, Zhao, Guthrie, “, Zhou Zheng, Zhou, watchdogs, Zhang Hongli, Bao Fan, Bao, Xi, Kevin Frayer, Mauro Guillen, ” Guillen Organizations: Hong Kong CNN — Business, China Initiatives, Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School of Global Management, CNN, Cyberspace Administration of China, Wohua Pharmaceutical, Central Commission, National Supervisory Commission, COFCO, Industrial, Commercial Bank of, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania Locations: China, Hong Kong, Communist, Beijing, Arizona, Shenzhen, “ Beijing, DouYu, Shandong, Commercial Bank of China

☆ Biden-Xi summit could be last chance to stabilize U.S.-China relationship: Op-ed
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Dewardric L. Mcneal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Presently, this relationship faces more challenges than it has encountered in the past two decades. They must also rebuild the essential habits of cooperation to address the existential challenges that have arisen. However, this deep-rooted reliance underscores their vulnerability to disruptions and uncertainties in the ever-shifting landscape of U.S.-China relations. Such a shift toward stability isn't just beneficial for these corporations but stands to bolster the overall bilateral relationship between the two nations. The summit could be the final chance to stabilize the relationship, demonstrating to domestic audiences in both countries and global stakeholders that a workable, if not entirely ideal, management framework for China-U.S. relations is possible.

Persons: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, John Kerry, Paul J, Richards, Xi, Biden, Antony Blinken's, Janet Yellen, Gina Raimondo, Chuck Schumer, Gavin Newsom's, Yellen, Dewardric McNeal Organizations: China, Department of State, AFP, Getty, Biden, Asia Pacific Economic Conference, U.S, APEC Summit, Apple, Nike, Caterpillar, Longview Global, CNBC Locations: Washington ,, United States, China, U.S, Taiwan, Bali ., California, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, South China, San Francisco, China's, Francisco

☆ China pledges to expand market access at annual trade fair amid foreign criticism
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( Brenda Goh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SHANGHAI, China (Reuters) -China will further expand market access and increase imports, its premier told a trade fair in Shanghai on Sunday, amid criticism from European firms who said they wanted to see more tangible improvement in the country’s business environment. China will promote coordinated development of trade in goods and services, protect an international business environment, and relax market access including lifting restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, he said. The import expo was launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018 to promote China’s free trade credentials and counter criticism of its trade surplus with many countries. China’s imports have slumped this year amid a slowdown in the world’s second largest economy, although data released last month indicated that the downtrend could be starting to ease. China will “actively promote” its application to join the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Li also said in his speech on Sunday.

Persons: Li Qiang, Tingshu Wang, ” Li, Xi Jinping, Li, Anthony Albanese, “ Organizations: Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, China, European Chamber of Commerce, Micron Technology, Nestle, Burberry, Australian, Pacific Locations: SHANGHAI, China, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Afghan, Australia, United States, Taiwan, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ecuador, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, Britain

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday pledged to continue deepening reforms, expand free trade zones and relax market access for foreign investment while seeking to generate excitement around a largely lackluster economy. China's economy expanded at a 4.9% annual pace between July-September, beating analysts’ forecasts of about 4.5%, official data show. The expo being held through Friday is an annual event launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018 with the theme of promoting China’s image as being in favor of free trade. This year’s expo brought Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, currently paying an official visit to China which is largely focused on restoring trade links blocked for years due to economic and political tensions. Despite that, Li said China would continue to “actively pursue the accession to the CPTPP and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement and negotiate for the conclusion of more high standard free trade agreements.”

Persons: Li Qiang, Li, Xi Jinping, ” Li, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, ” Albanese, Yang Hengjun, “ Organizations: 6th China, Sunday, Trans, Pacific Partnership, Digital Locations: TAIPEI, Taiwan, Shanghai, China, Beijing, Australia, Australian

REUTERS/Andrew Galbraith/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSHANGHAI, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The European Union Chamber of Commerce on Friday criticised an upcoming trade fair in China as being more of a "political showcase" than about doing business and pushed for more tangible measures to restore confidence among European companies. "It's more a government affairs event, more a marketing event and there's been really little said on business. You can say CIIE has become more of a political showcase rather than a business event," Carlo D'Andrea, the chamber's vice president, told reporters at a briefing in Shanghai. "European businesses are becoming disillusioned as symbolic gestures take the place of tangible results needed to restore business confidence," he said. The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, visited last month, as have several other top EU officials in recent months.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Andrew Galbraith, Li Qiang, Anthony Albanese, there's, Carlo D'Andrea, Josep Borrell, Brenda Goh, Sonali Paul Organizations: China, REUTERS, Rights, European Union Chamber of Commerce, Australian, European Union, Micron, Nestle, Burberry, Thomson Locations: Shanghai, China, Europe, EU

☆ EU to help Western Balkans reforms with 6 billion euro package - von der Leyen
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SARAJEVO, Oct 30 (Reuters) - The European Union plans to help the countries of the Western Balkans pursue reforms needed for integration with the wealthy bloc with an investment of 6 billion euros ($6.4 billion), the EU executive's president, Ursula von der Leyen, said in Skopje on Monday. North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina all need to seize the "window of opportunity" for the enlargement of the EU and work to align their standards to those in the bloc, von der Leyen said. Von der Leyen said the EU's new growth plan for the region would include the opening of its common market to the Western Balkan countries in areas such as free movement of goods and services, transport and energy. It also urged the countries to open a common regional market, and pursue it with necessary reforms. "These reforms will come with investment," von der Leyen said during a press conference with North Macedonia Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski at the start of her Western Balkans tour.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, von der Leyen, Von der Leyen, Dimitar Kovacevski, Daria Sito, Fatos Bytyci, Alison Williams, Ed Osmond, Mark Porter Organizations: European Union, EU, ., North Macedonia, Brussels, Thomson Locations: SARAJEVO, Balkans, Skopje, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria, EU, North Macedonia, Pristina

☆ EU to Help Western Balkans Reforms With 6 Billion Euro Package - Von Der Leyen
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-30 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

SARAJEVO (Reuters) - The European Union plans to help the countries of the Western Balkans to pursue reforms needed for integration with the wealthy bloc with 6 billion euros investment, the EU executive's president Ursula von der Leyen said in Skopje on Monday. North Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina all need to seize the "window of opportunity" for the enlargement of the EU and work to align their standards to those in the bloc, von der Leyen said. Von der Leyen said the EU's new growth plan for the region would include the opening of its common market to the Western Balkan countries in areas such as free movement of goods and services, transport and energy. "These reforms will come with investment," von der Leyen said during a news conference with North Macedonia's Prime Minister Dimitar Kovacevski at the start of her Western Balkans tour. "We have proposed a 6 billion euro ($6.34 billion) package for Western Balkan partners," she said.

Persons: Ursula von der Leyen, von der Leyen, Von der Leyen, Dimitar Kovacevski, Daria Sito, Alison Williams, Ed Osmond Organizations: European Union, EU, ., North Macedonia's, Western Balkan, Brussels Locations: SARAJEVO, Balkans, Skopje, Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria, EU, North Macedonia

☆ Korn Ferry to Eliminate 8% of Workforce
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( Denny Jacob | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Korn Ferry said it expects the workforce reduction to cut its annualized cost base in the range of $110 million and $120 million. Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty ImagesKorn Ferry plans to eliminate about 8% of its workforce, according to a regulatory filing Friday. The organizational consulting firm cited the challenging macroeconomic business environment given ongoing inflation, rising interest rates and global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Persons: Korn, Alex Slitz

Third-quarter net profit was 1.031 billion euros ($1.06 billion), above an analyst consensus of quarterly net profit attributable to shareholders of 997 million euros, according to LSEG data. The bank's third-quarter net profit was down 8% on the previous year and up 35% on the quarter, amid ongoing struggles in the lender's investment unit. It also said it had scope to release up to an additional 3 billion euros in capital and would increase and accelerate shareholder distributions. The provision for credit losses was 200 million euros, compared to 350 million in the same quarter of last year. Analysts at UBS said Deutsche Bank had delivered a "major improvement in capital" and "robust operational performance," flagging that pre-tax profit of 1.723 billion euros was 9% above consensus.

Persons: James von Moltke, CNBC's Silvia Amaro, von Moltke Organizations: Deutsche Bank, UBS Locations: London

☆ China's crackdown on Foxconn, one of Apple's biggest suppliers, shows Beijing is willing to sacrifice its economy for political power
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

China has launched investigations into Taiwan's Foxconn over its land use in mainland China. AdvertisementAdvertisementEven Foxconn, China's largest private-sector employer, isn't immune from Beijing's whims. Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, is a huge contributor to China's employment and economic growth. Given how important Foxconn is to China's economy, it's a sign that Beijing is willing to make some sacrifices in its economy for political reasons, Liu said. China's economy is in tattersChina's economy has struggled to recover after nearly three years of on-off COVID-19 lockdowns.

Persons: —, Terry Gou, Foxconn, William Lai, KMT's Hou Yu, Ko Wen, Anna Ashton, Lai, China —, Gabriel Wildau, Zhu Fenglian, Dongshu Liu, Liu, they've, Insider's Linette Lopez, Xi, Lee Miller, Lopez, Liu Pengyu Organizations: Service, Hai Precision Industry, Apple, Democratic Progressive Party, ih, Taiwan People's Party, Eurasia Group, Gzero Media, KMT, Teneo Holdings, Bloomberg, Foxconn, Taiwan Affairs Office, City University of Hong, WPP, DC Locations: China, Beijing, Taiwan —, Taiwan, Taipei, New York, City University of Hong Kong, tatters, Washington, Foxconn

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