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Can the EU navigate US tariff threats while building global trade alliances? Check details

European Union asserts it faces no pressure to accept an unfair tariff deal from the United States. Maros Sefcovic states the EU is preparing rebalancing measures if talks fail. The EU aims for a fair agreement but explores trade opportunities with India, Indonesia, and other nations. Many countries are contacting the EU to accelerate free trade negotiations.

'Asian crisis in reverse' as currencies soar on the dollar

A wave of dollar selling in Asia is an ominous sign for the greenback as the world's export powerhouse starts to question a decades-long trend of investing its big trade surpluses in U.S. assets.

Thailand closes scenic viewing spot following clashes at Laos

Armed clashes, suspected to be drug-related, have erupted along the Thai-Laos border, leading to the closure of the Phu Chi Fa viewpoint in Thailand. The violence, occurring in Laos' Bokeo province within the Golden Triangle, involves confrontations between the Lao military and armed groups. Increased security patrols are underway as authorities investigate the situation.

Time to shed the negative bias and look ahead: 6 auto stocks with an upside potential of up to 42%

The headlines about auto sales numbers paint a gloomy picture. Should you be surprised by the low numbers? The answer is no. There is a technical reason why April sales tend to be lower. A lot of frontloading of sales happens in March in order to take advantage of depreciation norms. What many may have missed is that, in some cases, the auto stocks have already priced in this slowdown. In other cases, the stocks have not seen any drop, clearly indicating that there is no selling pressure. Is it because their EV forays are turning out to be better than expected?

Indian bonds could offer better returns than stocks in near term: Bhanu Baweja, UBS Bank

I'm not sure the worst is over for the markets yet, as the base case for tariffs remains a difficult question. It's also possible that reciprocal tariffs could be reinstated on July 2. We assume 10% universal tariffs, with China's tariffs reduced from 145% to 60%, but even this isn't fully priced in.

5 budget foreign trips that offer fun with value for money

More travellers are now taking shorter, more frequent holidays, often with families or friends. Budgets haven’t necessarily increased, but expectations have. People want more from their holidays—more depth, more variety, more flexibility—and they’re making smarter choices to get it.

Global factories struggle to overcome Trump tariffs, uncertainty

Uncertainty surrounding tariffs is causing businesses to delay decisions, leading to a synchronized hit on the world economy. Even potential trade deals may not immediately reverse the damage to supply chains and business confidence.

50 Shades of Silver

The number of pro-age voices,especially among women, is growing. Are brands listening?

Asia Rice: Strong rupee lifts Indian prices despite tepid demand

Indian rice prices have edged up to a near one-month high, influenced by the strengthening rupee despite sluggish demand. The 5% broken parboiled variety is now priced at $390-$397 per ton. Thai rice prices remained steady at $410 per ton.

Charting the Global Economy: US hiring firm even after GDP falls

The stronger-than-expected advance in payrolls partly reflected stepped up hiring of transportation and warehousing workers needed to handle a recent flurry of imported goods.

5 world market themes for the week ahead

Global markets brace for a busy week. The Federal Reserve leads central bank meetings amid economic concerns. China's trade data will reveal tariff impacts. Elections in Australia, Singapore, and Romania could shift political landscapes. UK shows positive trends despite global trade tensions. Brazil considers rate hikes while Poland eyes cuts. All eyes are on economic indicators and political decisions.

Asia’s factories suffer major blow as tariffs dampen demand

Manufacturing activity in Asia contracted in April, impacted by weaker demand and Trump's tariffs, particularly affecting South Korea and Taiwan. While Southeast Asia also experienced a slowdown, India and the Philippines showed expansion.

With U.S trips off the table, thousands of Canadians turn to scenic alternatives as Air Canada axes routes; here are stunning places they are choosing instead

Canadians are increasingly avoiding U.S. vacations due to political tensions, stricter border controls, and flight cancellations. Travel to the U.S. has significantly declined, prompting exploration of alternative destinations. Popular choices include Costa Rica, Mexico, Thailand, and Ecuador for international trips, while Nova Scotia, Yukon, and Haida Gwaii offer appealing local getaways.

US, India fast-track $500 bn trade deal as JD Vance visits amid global tariff unrest

Amidst US-China trade tensions and reciprocal tariffs, Vice President JD Vance's visit to India underscores the urgency of finalizing the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Both nations aim to boost trade to $500 billion by 2030, focusing on energy, defense, and technology.

Cranking it up: Factory activity hits a 10-month high in April

India's manufacturing sector experienced significant growth in April. The HSBC Purchasing Managers Index reached 58.8. Output and sales saw a boost. International orders hit a 14-year high. The US tariff announcement had a limited impact. Cost pressures intensified, leading to higher output prices. Manufacturers expanded their workforce to meet the rising demand.

Canada Resettles 3 Uyghurs After Over a Decade of Detention in Thailand

Travelling to Thailand soon? The government has issued a health alert you must be aware of

Thailand remains a top international destination for Indian tourists due to affordable travel, simplified visas, and diverse attractions. However, travellers are being advised to exercise caution after the country reported its first anthrax death in over three decades, with a second case confirmed.

Kedarnath opens for devotees

Kedarnath temple reopened its doors on Friday. Over 12,000 pilgrims attended the opening ceremony. The temple was decorated with flowers from various countries. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami offered prayers. A grand 'aarti', similar to Ganga Aarti, will be a new attraction. Arrangements are made for devotees to view the 'aarti'. The temple remains closed during winter months.

Canada advises “Where to Travel in 2025” safely as global risks rise, check countries in the list

Best places to visit "safely": Canadians planning their 2025 travels should be aware of heightened risks in several popular destinations. The Canadian government has issued travel advisories for countries like Spain, Mexico, and France due to terrorism and crime. Travelers are urged to exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions to ensure their safety.

IKEA plans to expand next-day deliveries to more Asian markets

IKEA is expanding its next-day ecommerce delivery service to more Asian markets, building on the success of its pilot program in India. The Swedish retailer plans to launch the service in Japan and South Korea soon, with India already achieving a 90-95% next-day delivery rate for online orders.

Tariff war shows Asian nations need new trade partners: ADB Head

The Asian Development Bank's president advises Asian nations to diversify trade partners and strengthen domestic demand to weather the global trade war.

Viral video of Gujarati actor eating khaman on Surat Airport floor triggers fierce discussion on "civic sense"

Gujarati actor Hitesh Thakkar was captured on video enjoying khaman with friends on the floor of Surat Airport before their flight to Pattaya. The video sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising Thakkar for embracing his culture and others criticising the act as a breach of civic etiquette in a public space.

Thailand mandates Digital Arrival Card for all foreign visitors starting May 1

Thailand will implement a mandatory digital arrival card for all foreign visitors starting May 1st to combat human trafficking and cybercrime. The online form, accessible via the Thai Immigration Bureau's website, replaces the paper-based system and links to a biometric database for enhanced screening.