Newsletter Feb 16, 2023

Scotland's leader Sturgeon announces shock resignation

She departs after facing mounting pressure over her tactics for independence and over transgender rights.

Global stocks rise after strong US retail sales, better UK inflation data

That's still a high level of inflation, but the pound's retreat reflected a shift for the foreign exchange market.

World Bank chief David Malpass to step down early

In recent months, Malpass has come up against calls for his resignation or removal.

Slowdown in UK inflation eases pressure on Bank of England

British inflation fell by more than expected in January and there were signs of cooling price pressure in parts of the economy watched closely by the Bank of England, adding to signs that further hefty interest rate hikes are unlikely.

Stock markets diverge as traders react to inflation numbers

Europe stock markets climbed Wednesday after Asian counterparts finished lower, with traders digesting news of cooler UK and US inflation.

UK inflation retreats further, remains above 10%

British annual inflation dropped further last month on easing transport costs, official data showed Wednesday, but remains above 10 percent, prolonging a cost-of-living crisis that has sparked massive strikes.

Speculation on Northern Ireland protocol deal premature, DUP leader says

Speculation that a long-standing dispute between Britain and the European Union over the Northern Ireland protocol is close to being resolved is a little premature, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party told Reuters on Wednesday.

JPMorgan's top trader sees China as biggest overseas opportunity

JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s head of trading sees China as its largest potential overseas market as the bank aims to expand its international business.

Shopify's revenue forecast fails to impress, shares fall

Shopify Inc on Wednesday forecast slowing revenue growth for the current quarter despite price hikes and new product launches, signaling that macroeconomic challenges were weighing on its merchants' online businesses.

Gucci China, US slump pushes Kering sales down 7%

Sales at French luxury group Kering fell 7% in the fourth quarter, dragged lower by a slump in revenue at its biggest brand Gucci which was hit by COVID lockdowns in China and weaker demand in the United States due to a stronger dollar.

Elon Musk says end-2023 'good timing' to find new Twitter head

Twitter Chief Executive Elon Musk said on Wednesday that towards the end of 2023 would be "good timing" to find someone else to run Twitter, when he expects the social media platform to be stable.

Twitter becomes first social media platform to allow cannabis ads in U.S

Twitter on Wednesday became the first social media platform to allow cannabis companies to market their brands and products in the United States.

Users say Microsoft's Bing chatbot gets defensive and testy

Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene, the technology behind it, known as generative AI, has been stirring up passions, between fascination and concern.

Syrian tribes get quake aid across frontline to northwest

An aid convoy has reached earthquake-hit northwestern Syria from the eastern Deir al-Zor province, an example of assistance making it across a frontline of the country's 11-year-long civil war since the disaster struck more than a week ago.

Residents leave Ukraine's Chasiv Yar to escape Bakhmut fighting

As a Soviet army conscript, Vasil Slabun helped in the clean-up of radioactive material after the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986.

Tesla to open U.S. charging network to rivals in $7.5 billion federal program -White House

Tesla will open part of its U.S. charging network to electric vehicles (EVs) made by rivals as part of a $7.5 billion federal program to electrify the nation's highways to cut carbon emissions, the Biden administration said on Wednesday.

Man City sink Arsenal to seize top spot in title race

Erling Haaland's 26th goal in 22 league appearances for City killed off Arsenal in the closing stages.

Football captain from Thai cave rescue dies in UK

The cause of death has not been revealed but Leicestershire police said it was "not being treated as suspicious".