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☆ Singapore is once again the world's most expensive city to live in, EIU says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSingapore is once again the world's most expensive city to live in, EIU saysSyetarn Hansakul of the Economist Intelligence Unit explains the factors behind Singapore's position, including "demand-pull inflation" in housing and other resources.

Persons: EIU, Syetarn Organizations: Singapore, Economist Intelligence

☆ New report says the IDF's elite intelligence unit saw signs Hamas was preparing a terror attack
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A new report says an elite IDF intelligence unit warned that Hamas was practicing for a big attack. AdvertisementAn elite intelligence unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) saw signs that Hamas was preparing for a massive terror attack, but early warnings ultimately went ignored, according to a new report. Unit 8200 is part of the IDF's decades-old Military Intelligence Directorate, which is responsible for collecting and processing intelligence from enemy groups like Hamas. Chris McGrath/Getty ImagesAccording to Channel 12's reporting, the NCO's colleagues did not ignore the warnings, and they even collected intelligence on additional Hamas training a few days later. For example, Israeli intelligence was focused on other threats, like Hezbollah in Lebanon, and downplayed the dangers of Hamas.

Persons: —, Chris McGrath, Paul, didn't, Benjamin Netanyahu, Haim Zach, Handout, it's, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Hamas might've, Alisa Kaff Organizations: Service, Israel Defense Forces, Military Intelligence Directorate, Hamas, IDF, West Bank, Quincy Institute, Responsible, Government Press Office, REUTERS Locations: Israel, Gaza, Palestinian, Bani Suheila, Gaza City, Kibbutz Be'eri, Lebanon, Washington, Tze'elim, what's

☆ Here are the most expensive cities to live in — and Singapore tops the list again
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Charmaine Jacob | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Singapore, along with Zurich, is the most expensive city to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. SINGAPORE — Singapore has yet again been ranked as the most expensive city to live in, sharing the top spot with Zurich this year, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. This is the ninth time in 11 years that Singapore topped the list, while Zurich jumped from its sixth place ranking last year. The research firm said Singapore clinched its top spot due to the high cost of groceries, alcohol, clothing, and owning a private vehicle. A strong currency and high prices for household items and recreational activities drove Zurich's climb to No.1.

Persons: Syetarn Hansakul, Hansakul, CNBC's, EIU, decelerate Organizations: Economist Intelligence Unit, SINGAPORE — Locations: Singapore, Zurich, SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE — Singapore, New York, Geneva, Hong Kong, Asia, U.S, Europe, Israel

☆ Australia walks a tight rope on trade with China as security concerns mount
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Clement Tan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 6, 2023. While trade compulsions have forced the Asia-Pacific nation to reach out to China, security concerns over Beijing's South China Sea claims have prevented a reset in ties. Trade talksPart of Beijing's calculus is rooted in Australia economic dependence on China. According to the Australian government, China is its largest trading partner, accounting for nearly a third of the country's total trade with the world. Australia is already closely watching potential flashpoints in the South China Sea, and in regard to Taiwan," Economist Intelligence Unit analysts said in a note.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Anthony Albanese, Ding Haitao, coronavirus, Darren Lim, Lee McLean, McLean, we've, Albanese, We've Organizations: Australian, of, People, Getty Images, Xinhua, Agency, Xinhua News Agency, Getty, Australian National University, Labor, Australia, U.S ., China Hub . Trade, CNBC, Sky News Australia, Economist Intelligence, U.S Locations: Beijing, China, Xinhua, Australia, Asia, Pacific, Canberra, U.S, South China, Taiwan, The Hague, Philippines

☆ China's industrial profits extend gains as outlook improves
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Siyi Liu/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Profits at China's industrial firms extended gains for a third month in October, adding to signs of a stabilising economy following a run of mostly upbeat data suggesting Beijing's support measures have helped bolster a tentative comeback. For the first 10 months of 2023, profits slid 7.8% from a year earlier, narrowing from a 9% decline in the first nine months, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday. "However, the volatility of profits is a sign enterprises remain highly sensitive to input costs," he added. "The sharp slowdown of year-on-year profit growth was partly driven by a rebound in energy prices." Industrial profits data covers firms with annual revenues of at least 20 million yuan ($2.74 million) from their main operations.

Persons: Siyi Liu, Xu Tianchen, Joe Cash, Liz Lee, Qiaoyi Li, Sam Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, National Bureau of Statistics, Economist Intelligence Unit, Green Energy Technology Co, Thomson Locations: Dezhou, Shandong province, China, Rights BEIJING

Labor union leaders said Thursday they are paying close attention to what the libertarian president-elect says and what they are hearing is in opposition to their interests. “In the moment they move forward with reforms related to labor rights, both individual and collective, and when the labor organizations affected by these adjustments request it, the CGT will take a stance,” Dear said. “We expect absolutely nothing from Javier Milei.”Catalano was one of the representatives of labor unions and social organizations who joined the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo in their weekly march in downtown Buenos Aires Thursday. There’s also concern among human rights organizations about a potential setback in policies that allowed for the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against humanity during the dictatorship. Leaders of leftist social organizations also held a meeting Thursday to discuss their response to Milei’s policies and “a plan for struggle against austerity” that will involve street protests.

Persons: Javier Milei, ” Héctor, Pablo Biró, Milei, ”, ” Daniel Catalano, ” Catalano, There’s, “ it’s, Nicolás Saldías, ” Sadias, —, Débora Rey Organizations: Labor, Confederation, Airline Pilots Association, Aerolineas Argentinas, Milei, State Workers ’ Association, de Mayo, Economist Intelligence, Latin, Associated Press Locations: BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, “, Buenos Aires, Latin America, Caribbean, ” Argentina

☆ New Ecuador president Noboa pledges reforms to reduce violence, create jobs
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Alexandra Valencia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa signs first decrees to appoint ministers, at the Presidential Palace (Palacio de Carondelet) on the day of his swearing-in ceremony, in Quito, Ecuador November 23, 2023. REUTERS/Karen Toro Acquire Licensing RightsQUITO, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Business heir and former legislator Daniel Noboa was sworn in as Ecuador's new president on Thursday, pledging to reduce violence and create jobs via urgent legislative reforms. Noboa will serve as president for just 17 months, finishing predecessor Guillermo Lasso's term after Lasso brought forward elections to avoid likely impeachment. DEBT AND SECURITYThough most of Noboa's cabinet was sworn in later on Thursday, the young president did not appoint a minister of economy and finance, leaving the position vacant. Noboa is the son of Alvaro Noboa, a powerful banana baron billionaire who repeatedly failed to win Ecuador's presidency.

Persons: Daniel Noboa, Karen Toro, Fernando Villavicencio, Noboa, Guillermo Lasso's, Lasso, Sariha Moya, Rafael Correa, Alvaro Noboa, Lavinia Valbonesi, Alexandra Valencia, Julia Symmes Cobb, Oliver Griffin, Marguerita Choy, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Carondelet, REUTERS, Rights, National Assembly, El, Social Christian Party, Citizens, Ecuador's, Thomson Locations: Quito, Ecuador, Rights QUITO, American, Noboa, Europe

☆ Exclusive: This pizza box-sized equipment could be key to Ukraine keeping the lights on this winter
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Sean Lyngaas | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Officials from multiple US agencies played a quiet role in getting the Cisco equipment into Ukraine, sources say. In this undated photo, an employee at Ukraine’s state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo, works on the power grid. As the world’s largest maker of computer networking equipment, Cisco had resources to spare. The switch allows an electric substation – which has the crucial task of converting power from high to low voltage – to communicate with other parts of a power grid. Years of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s gridBehind the scenes, US officials are often coordinating the delivery of key technology to Ukraine.

Persons: CNN —, Illia Vitiuk, Biden, Palantir, Ukrenergo, Joe Marshall, intently, Marshall, he’d, ”, ” Marshall, Taras Vasyliv, ” Vasyliv, Andrew Kravchenko, Vasyliv, Ukraine “, ” NERC Organizations: CNN, Engineers, Cisco, US Air Force, Washington, SpaceX, Microsoft, Pentagon, Department of Energy, Department of Commerce, Stanford University, GPS, Cisco’s, Ukrenergo, Bloomberg, Getty, GRU, US Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Locations: Austin , Texas, Ukraine, Russian, Stanford, Russia, Ukrainian, Denver, Ukraine’s, Kyiv, Silicon Valley, Alabama, East Coast, Germany, Rzeszów, Poland, California, ”, North America

A deal for a temporary cease fire was inching into view in Israel's war against Hamas, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tempered expectations by vowing that the war would continue even if a deal is reached. “We are at war, and we will continue the war,” he said. Israel has vowed to continue the war until it destroys Hamas’ military capabilities and returns all hostages. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government maintains ties with Hamas officials, said Turkey’s foreign minister and intelligence chief were working with Qatari officials to negotiate releases. Hamas has released four hostages, Israel has rescued one, and the bodies of two were found near Shifa.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Israel, Gaza — Israel, NETANYAHU, ”, “, Mostafa Madbouly, ” Madbouly, Israel —, Hadas Kalderon, Kalderon, John Kirby, Kirby, “ We’ve, ” NETANYAHU, ‘, ” Netanhayu, Khalil al, Hayya, Valdis Dombrovskis, ” BIDEN, WASHINGTON, Joe Biden, ” “, ” Biden, Biden's, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Erdogan, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Tebboune, ” Tebboune, ” Erdogan, Israel’s, Asad, Assad, Qassim Abdul, Bassem, Tara Copp, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Sergey Lavrov, Lavrov, ” Lavrov, Ziad Makary, Farah Omar, Rabih Maamari, Kfar Kila, Laiqa Serhan, Reuters videojournalist, Abduallah, Qatar’s Al, Izzat, Ismail Haniyeh, Goren, Tal Chaimi, ” Netanyahu, Mosab Abu Toha, Hamza Abu Toha, Mosab, Hamza, ” Mosab Abu Toha, Abu, Abu Toha Organizations: Hamas, Senior, Palestinian, Troops, Health Ministry, West Bank, WAR, JERUSALEM, CAIRO —, Israel, White, National Security, Israel —, European Union, ” EU, HIT ISRAEL, Algerian, International Criminal, Hezbollah, Cabinet, MUSLIM, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations Security Council, Lebanese, National News Agency, Reuters, Agence France, Jazeera, SEA DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Galaxy Leader, U.S . Navy, OFFICIAL, PEN, Yorker Locations: Israel, United States, Qatar, Gaza, Gaza City, Gaza —, Iran, Yemen, Egypt, Cyprus, israel, Israeli, EGYPT, CAIRO, TEL AVIV, HAIFA, Beirut, EU, STRASBOURG, France, TURKEY, ALGERIA, GAZA ALGIERS, Algeria, Turkey, Turkish, BAGHDAD, Iraq, U.S, al, Baghdad, Anbar, Syria, Zahra, Bassem Mroue, Washington, JERUSALEM, “, Russian, Moscow, Russia, LEBANON, ISRAEL, BEIRUT, Lebanon, Kibbutz Manara, Kfar, IRAN, YEMEN, United Arab, Tehran, American, Red, Persian, Hormuz, Shifa

☆ The same guys who helped Trump's campaign investigate Hunter Biden were paid off by Russians, Ukrainian prosecutors allege
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Paul Squire | Sebastian Cahill | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Three Ukrainian men have been charged with treason in their home country. The trio helped Rudy Giuliani and the Trump campaign investigate Hunter Biden for the 2020 election. AdvertisementThree Ukrainian men — including a sitting politician — helped the Trump campaign investigate Hunter Biden before the 2020 election. The prosecution effort marks another key consequence of Trump's years-long quest to attack Hunter Biden — and, as a result, discredit his father. Additionally, Trump's call to Zelenskyy asking for help investigating Hunter Biden and other Democrats was a key factor in his first impeachment in 2019.

Persons: Rudy Giuliani, Trump, Hunter Biden, —, Oleksandr Dubinsky, Andriy Derkach, Kostyantyn Kulyk, Prosecutors, Vladimir Alekseyev, Dubinksy, Dubinsky, Volodymyr Zelensky's, Kulyk, Joe Biden, Derkach, Giuliani, Hunter Biden —, baselessly Organizations: Prosecutors, Service, BBC, Russian, European Union, NATO, State, Bureau, Reuters, New York Times, Burisma Holdings Locations: Ukraine, United States, Russian, China

☆ Attacks Intensify on Russian Forces in Occupied Regions of Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Matthew Mpoke Bigg | More About Matthew Mpoke Bigg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Ukrainian military authorities said that partisans had bombed a Russian military headquarters in the occupied city of Melitopol, killing three officers, the latest in a series of attacks aimed at weakening Russia’s grip on the territory it controls even as Kyiv’s counter offensive has effectively stalled. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Unit described the attack, which took place Saturday, as an act of revenge, and said that at least three Russian national guard officers were killed in the explosion. Russia’s Ministry of Defense has not commented on the episode, and it was not possible to verify it independently because it took place behind Russian lines. “The strike caused a panic in Melitopol, as many Russian proxy police officers rushed to the scene with their sirens on,” the intelligence unit said on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday. As such it is also a hotbed of attempted sabotage and assassinations by anti-Russian partisans hoping to disrupt the Kremlin’s control.

Persons: “, Melitopol Organizations: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Unit, Russian, Ministry of Defense Locations: Melitopol, Ukraine, Azov, Russia, Moscow, Russian

☆ Long before rescue talks, Country Garden struggled to build homes, pay bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/3] The company logo of Chinese developer Country Garden is pictured at the Shanghai Country Garden Center in Shanghai, China August 9, 2023. "Nobody believed that Country Garden would fail. Country Garden declined to comment. In July, only weeks before it skipped debt payments, Country Garden launched a campaign on its WeChat channel titled “Beautiful Delivery”, showcasing newly built apartments and happy homeowners. Country Garden did not respond to questions about the payment or delivery disputes.

Persons: Aly, Ping, COVID, Economist Intelligence Unit's Xu Tianchen, EIU’s Xu, it’s, ”, Qiao Jingjing, Qiao, Clare Jim, Liangping Gao, Amy Lv, Laurie Chen, Antoni Slodkowski Organizations: Shanghai Country Garden, REUTERS, Rights, China's, Garden, Ping An, Economist Intelligence, Reuters, Observers, Jujiang, Thomson Locations: Shanghai, China, Rights BEIJING, HONG KONG, Beijing, Chongqing, Xinzheng, Henan Province, Lincoln

☆ Reaction to Reuters report on potential Ping An rescue of Country Garden
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

EUGENE LAW, DIRECTOR OF CHINA GALAXY INTERNATIONAL:"If the central government steps in to help Country Garden, it's for easing the debt crisis and preventing a spillover to financial institutions. But it will not help the China property market, which depends on factors, including employment and consumer confidence. Homebuyers would not rush to buy property just because Country Garden gets out of trouble. For the broader property market, the key is still home sales." Country Garden may have reached a tipping point where it will need more liquidity to fulfill such a policy goal.

Persons: Tyrone Siu, Ping, EUGENE LAW, Homebuyers, MICHAEL WONG, XU TIANCHEN, YAO, homebuyers, GARY NG, Clare Jim, Anne Marie Roantree, Edwina Gibbs, Kim Coghill Organizations: Ping An Insurance, REUTERS, Ping An Insurance Group, HK, Reuters, LU, OF CHINA GALAXY, Garden, Central Financial Work Conference, Thomson Locations: Shenzhen, China, HONG KONG

Of those to set a target, just 37% had one that covered their Scope 3 emissions, or those tied to a company's value chain. "A clear line in the sand on net zero has surfaced. Countless net zero targets are credibility light, but now we can say for certain that most of the world's largest listed companies are on the right side of the line on net zero intent," said John Lang, Project Lead, the Net Zero Tracker. As well as companies, the Net Zero Tracker tracks pledges made by nations, states and regions, and cities using machine and human data analysis. Alongside Oxford Net Zero, the consortium includes The Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU); Data-Driven EnviroLab (UNC) and the NewClimate Institute.

Persons: Wolfgang Rattay, John Lang, Simon Jessop, Mark Potter Organizations: REUTERS, Nations, Dubai LONDON, Oxford University, Dubai, Oxford, The, Climate Intelligence, UNC, NewClimate Institute, Thomson Locations: Niederaussem, Germany, Dubai

☆ Netanyahu is focused on his own political 'survival,' not the war in Gaza, says ex-IDF intelligence chief
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Charles R. Davis | Talia Lakritz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A former IDF intelligence chief harshly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Retired Maj. Gen. Amos Malka told an Israeli radio station that Netanyahu only looks out for himself. Netanyahu "is not focused on the management of the fighting, but on survival," Malka said. AdvertisementAdvertisementA 30-year veteran of the Israel Defense Forces — and former head of the country's military intelligence unit — accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of caring more about his own political "survival" than the actual war he's waging in Gaza. If he has time to worry about that, Malka charged, "I can see that he is not focused on managing the war, but on survival."

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Amos Malka, Netanyahu, Malka, —, Israel Defense Forces —, — Malka, he'd, propping, they're, Monica Levy Organizations: Service, Israel Defense Forces, Islamic, Hamas, West Bank Locations: Israeli, Gaza, Iran, Israel

☆ China factory activity unexpectedly shrinks in Oct, dents recovery momentum
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

China Daily via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Oct 31 (Reuters) - China's manufacturing activity unexpectedly contracted in October, an official factory survey showed on Tuesday, underlining the challenge facing policymakers trying to engineer a durable economic recovery. Recent indicators pointed to encouraging signs of stabilising in the world's second-largest economy, supported by a flurry of policy support measures, although a protracted property crisis and soft global demand remain major headwinds. "Although there are signs of exports bottoming out, a strong recovery in external demand is probably elusive," he added. But analysts say more policy support may be needed to ensure the economy reaches Beijing's annual growth target of about 5%. "The additional 1 trillion yuan will help in November and December," Economist Intelligence Unit's Xu said.

Persons: Xu Tianchen, Dan Wang, Nomura, Unit's Xu, Joe Cash, Sam Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, National Bureau, Statistics, PMI, Economist Intelligence Unit, Hang Seng Bank China, JPMorgan, Moody's, Thomson Locations: Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, Rights BEIJING

☆ Economists fear major disruption if the Israel-Hamas conflict is not contained
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

ReutersAny possible escalation of the Israel-Hamas war poses a major risk to the global economy, driving up energy prices and disrupting key trade routes, economists have warned. Israel's subsequent bombardment of Gaza in a bid to eliminate Hamas has increased the risk of a spillover to the wider Middle East region. The events in recent days have deepened the greatest fear among economists, that the conflict engulfs the region and begins to pose a long-term threat to global energy and trade infrastructure. Back then oil prices gained 30% in a matter of two weeks before settling at around 15% above pre-war levels," said J. Safra Sarasin Equity Strategist Wolf von Rotberg. "You choke off those points and you create major disruption not just to oil prices, but the whole supply chain of the world for energy and other goods as well."

Persons: Israel's, Isaac Herzog, Pat Thaker, Thaker, Brent, J . Safra Sarasin, J, Wolf von Rotberg, Elijah Oliveros, Rosen, Oliveros, Paul Gruenwald, Gruenwald Organizations: Hamas, Reuters, Palestinian, Lebanese, Hezbollah, Economist Intelligence Unit, CNBC, Fed, ECB, West Texas, J ., Safra Sarasin Equity Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, Lebanon, East, Africa, Saudi, Ukraine, Europe, Iran, Tehran, Saudi Arabia, Suez, Persian, Hormuz, U.S, Chile, Turkey, Thailand, Philippines, India, Egypt

☆ Ukraine ally Poland is moving to the political center. And that's bad news for Russia's Putin
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Jenni Reid | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

It has taken in more than a million refugees from its close ally Ukraine since the start of the war, with many more millions passing through it. Its relations with Ukraine have soured in recent months, partly because of a dispute over the impact of Ukrainian grain imports on local farmers. Tian also expects the result to "reposition Poland as a staunch supporter of Ukraine" and for Tusk to push for EU accession for Ukraine. "The big thing to bear in mind when looking at Poland and Ukraine is they have an overarching strategic common interest [challenging Russian aggression], and this supersedes everything. So it will be difficult to restore relations to how they were in the first 18 months of the war, regardless of what Poland does."

Persons: Donald Tusk, Donald Tusk —, —, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, Tusk, Tian, Aleks Szczerbiak, Szczerbiak Organizations: Civic, Getty, EU, Justice, CNBC, NATO, World Trade Organization, Law, Nurphoto, European, Economist Intelligence Unit, University of Sussex, Confederation, Soviet, Russia Locations: Warsaw, Moscow, Ukraine, Europe, Russia, China, India, Poland, Warsaw's, Krakow, Central Europe, Hungary, Slovakia, Berlin

☆ Businessman Noboa to face economic, security hurdles as Ecuador president
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Alexandra Valencia | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

"We do not anticipate the Noboa administration will be in the position to carry out deep structural reforms." Noboa is set to take office in December and complete the current administration's term through May 2025. Noboa will need to ensure some quick security wins during his first 90 days in office to appease social and political pressures, JPMorgan added. Noboa, Ecuador's youngest president in recent history, would be able to run again in the regularly scheduled 2025 contest. Noboa made a special point to woo young people, with some supporters touting his victory as a fresh start for the country's politics.

Persons: Daniel Noboa, Noboa, Luisa Gonzalez, Rafael Correa, Ecuadorean, Goldman Sachs, Fernando Villavicencio, Alvaro, Guillermo Lasso, Lasso, Alexandra Valencia, Rodrigo Campos, Julia Symmes Cobb, Gerry Doyle, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Wall Street, JPMorgan, El, National Democratic Action, Thomson Locations: QUITO, American, Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador's

"There's increasing evidence that the cyclical upturn in the global electronics sector is driving a bottoming-out of global trade and China's trade data is the latest sign," said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. Reuters GraphicsSouth Korean exports to China, a leading indicator of China's imports, fell at their slowest pace in 11 months in September. Semiconductors make up the bulk of their trade, signalling improving appetite among Chinese manufacturers for components to re-export in finished goods. However, Lv Daliang, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs, said at a press conference on Friday that China's trade still faces a complex and severe external environment. Overall, though, total merchandise imports fell at a slower pace, down 6.3%, reflecting a gradual recovery in domestic demand.

Persons: Smart, David Kirton, Xu Tianchen, it's, Julian Evans, Pritchard, Zou Lan, Premier Li Qiang, Li, Robert Carnell, Kevin Yao, Albee Zhang, Shri Navaratnam, Kim Coghill Organizations: Trade, REUTERS, Economist Intelligence Unit, Reuters Graphics South, Semiconductors, Administration of Customs, ASEAN, Federal Reserve, China Economics, Capital Economics, People's Bank of, Premier, Bloomberg, ING, Thomson Locations: Qianhai, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, BEIJING, United States, Europe, Stocks, People's Bank of China, Beijing, Asia, Pacific

"There's increasing evidence that the cyclical upturn in the global electronics sector is driving a bottoming-out of global trade and China's trade data is the latest sign," said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. Reuters GraphicsSouth Korean exports to China, a leading indicator of China's imports, fell at their slowest in 11 months in September. Global trade activities, represented by the Baltic Dry Index, also reported notable growth in September. However, Lv Daliang, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs, said at a press conference earlier on Friday that China's trade still faces a complex and severe external environment. China's crude oil imports in September grew nearly 14% from a year earlier, while copper imports fell 5.8% year-on-year.

Persons: Smart, David Kirton, Xu Tianchen, it's, Robert Carnell, Albee Zhang, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Trade, REUTERS, Economist Intelligence Unit, Reuters Graphics South, Semiconductors, Global, Administration of Customs, ASEAN, Federal Reserve, Bloomberg, ING, Thomson Locations: Qianhai, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, BEIJING, United States, Europe, Stocks, Beijing, Asia, Pacific

☆ China’s narrowing trade slump boosts recovery prospects, but challenges persist
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“There’s increasing evidence that the cyclical upturn in the global electronics sector is driving a bottoming-out of global trade and China’s trade data is the latest sign,” said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. South Korean exports to China, a leading indicator of China’s imports, fell at their slowest pace in 11 months in September. However, Lv Daliang, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs, said at a press conference earlier on Friday that China’s trade still faces a complex and severe external environment. Yet, authorities can take some comfort from recent data including upbeat factory activity and retail sales while the past Golden Week holiday travel edged up 4.1% from pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Most analysts have been reiterating in recent months that policymakers will need to go further than introducing piecemeal measures in order to bolster the economic recovery.

Persons: ”, Xu Tianchen, Headwinds, it’s, Robert Carnell, “ Organizations: Beijing Reuters —, Economist Intelligence Unit, Semiconductors, Global, Administration of Customs, Bloomberg, ING Locations: Beijing, China, Asia, Pacific

☆ Ecuador Banana Heir Daniel Noboa Hopes to Fulfill Father's Presidential Dreams
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

Gonzalez won an August first round with 34%, while Noboa came a surprising second with 23%. Noboa has also promised job creation, particularly for young people, and spent significant time campaigning at universities. He would boost employment through investment in strategic sectors and vocational training for job hunters, Noboa has pledged. Noboa resigned from a management position at his family's corporation to enter politics, winning a legislature seat in 2021. Noboa, a married father of two, frequently appears in videos on social media dancing and singing or DJ-ing music at his political rallies.

Persons: Alexandra Valencia, Daniel Noboa, Alvaro Noboa's, Luisa Gonzalez, Rafael Correa, Gonzalez, Noboa, Fernando Villavicencio, Guillermo Lasso, Janeth Tayo, Oliver Griffin, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Alexandra Valencia QUITO Locations: Ecuador, Guayaquil, Sangolqui, Quito

☆ Cocoa farmers face mounting challenges as El Nino rages on
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Quek Jie Ann | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Frequent extreme weather events caused by El Nino and climate change hurts cocoa production. According to the the latest El Nino-Southern Oscillation Outlook, El Nino is expected to last through January to March 2024, with a 71% chance it will intensify from November to January. An intensified and frequent El Nino effect could significantly reduce the amount of arable land for cocoa cultivation. watch nowAccording to a report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, a high intensity El Nino may result in severe economic disruption across Africa. The financial cost of El Nino and climate change remains unquantified for Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana.

Persons: Cristina Aldehuela, El, El Nino, Nino, Jonathan Haines, it's, Kerry Daroci, Daroci, That's, Steffany Bermudez, Bermudez Organizations: Afp, Getty, El, El Nino, Southern Oscillation, Gro Intelligence, CNBC, Cocoa, Rainforest Alliance, International Cocoa Organization ., West Africa's Cote d'Ivoire, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Economist Intelligence Unit, Cote d'Ivoire, West, Rainforest, International Cocoa Organization, Environmental Protection Agency, International Institute for Sustainable Development Locations: Asikasu, Ghana, El Nino, West, West Africa, Kerry, Brazil, Ecuador, International Cocoa Organization . Asia, Pacific, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, West Africa's Cote, Ivory, Ivory Coast, Africa, London, New York

☆ Hamas deployed specialised units to attack Israel, says source
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Oct 9 (Reuters) - Palestinian Islamist group Hamas deployed a force of about 1,000 fighters to stage the most devastating attack on Israel in decades, organising them into specialised units, a source close to the group told Reuters. Some of the operations or training by the units were caught on videos released by Hamas and its armed wing the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades. Videos released by Hamas showed the unit, with badges carrying the name Air Force Falcon Squadron, in what appeared to be training for the assault. Videos issued by Hamas showed the fighters breaching the security fences, with the dim light and low sun suggesting it was at around the time as the rocket barrage. Hamas released a video showing what it described as drones called Zouari, saying they were the ones used to pave the way for the infiltration.

Persons: Deen al, paragliders, Samia Nakhoul, William Maclean, Edmund Blair Organizations: Hamas, Reuters, Brigades, AIRBORNE UNIT, Air Force Falcon Squadron, COMMANDO, UNIT, Thomson Locations: Israel, Israeli, Gaza, Dubai

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