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Stocks rise at the start of a week chock full of reports on the economy

Stocks rise at the start of a week chock full of reports on the economy

Wall Street is rising at the start of a week full of economic reports that could drive where interest rates, and thus stock prices, go

Hedge funds ditched tech stocks in Japan and Hong Kong last week, says Goldman

Hedge funds ditched tech stocks in Japan and Hong Kong last week, says Goldman

By Nell Mackenzie LONDON, Dec 15 (Reuters) - Hedge funds sold Hong Kong and Japanese stocks last week, Goldman Sachs said in a note, just before the tech-heavy Hang Seng and Nikkei indices fell in the last two trading sessions on worries over over-inflated tech values.

Cosmoprof India 2025 Highlights Strategic Importance for Global Beauty Industry

Cosmoprof India 2025 Highlights Strategic Importance for Global Beauty Industry

The 2025 edition of Cosmoprof India, held from December 4 to 6 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, concluded successfully, reinforcing its role as a strategic hub for the beauty industry. The event saw participation from 12,977 professionals, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. Attendees included representatives from 44 countries, with significant participation from nations such as South Korea, Italy, the UAE, Brazil, the UK, Germany, the USA, France, Sri Lanka, Spain, and Japan. The exhibition featured 359 exhibitors and 800 brands from 23 countries, showcasing innovations across an expanded area of over 24,815 square meters. Italy was highlighted as the Country of Honor, emphasizing its contributions to the beauty sector. The event also launched the Cosmo Academy – EmpowHER in Beauty, a social initiative aimed at providing vocational training to young individuals from underprivileged backgrounds in India.

Foreign inflows into Asian bonds hit six-month high in November

Foreign inflows into Asian bonds hit six-month high in November

Dec 15 (Reuters) - Foreign investors snapped up Asian bonds in November as they sought shelter from an equity market selloff driven by concerns over stretched tech valuations and uncertainty around the U.S. Federal Reserve’s rate outlook.

Myanmar Urges International Repatriation of Detainees from Scam Center Crackdown

Myanmar Urges International Repatriation of Detainees from Scam Center Crackdown

Myanmar's military regime has called on the international community to repatriate hundreds of foreign nationals detained during a crackdown on scam centers in the eastern Kayin state, near the Thai border. The operations, which targeted major scam hubs like KK Park and Shwe Kokko, have resulted in the detention of thousands of foreigners. According to Col. Min Thu Kyaw, who led the crackdown, managing the detainees has been challenging due to their diverse nationalities and backgrounds. As of now, 13,272 foreigners from 47 countries have been detained since January, with 1,655 still awaiting deportation. The largest group of detainees comprises Chinese nationals, followed by individuals from Indonesia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Kenya, and India. The delay in repatriation is partly due to the lack of embassies for some African countries in Myanmar or Thailand, extending the deportation process to up to five months.

India Denies U.S. Accusations of Dumping Basmati Rice Amid Tariff Threats

India Denies U.S. Accusations of Dumping Basmati Rice Amid Tariff Threats

India has rejected U.S. accusations of dumping its rice exports, specifically premium-grade basmati rice, into the American market. President Trump recently suggested that additional tariffs could be imposed on Indian rice, citing concerns over dumping practices. Indian trade secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that there is no prima facie case of dumping and that the U.S. has not initiated any anti-dumping investigations. India, the world's largest rice exporter, shipped 20.2 million metric tons of rice in the 2024/25 financial year, including 335,554 tons to the U.S., of which 274,213 tons were basmati rice. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Indian officials and U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer in Delhi, where bilateral trade and a proposed trade pact were on the agenda.

K+Brown Launches Inclusive K-Beauty Products for Melanin-Rich Skin

K+Brown Launches Inclusive K-Beauty Products for Melanin-Rich Skin

K+Brown Launches Inclusive K-Beauty Products for Melanin-Rich Skin

India Denies U.S. Accusations of Rice Dumping Amid Tariff Threats

India Denies U.S. Accusations of Rice Dumping Amid Tariff Threats

India has rejected accusations from the United States that it is 'dumping' rice into the U.S. market. President Trump recently suggested that additional tariffs could be imposed on Indian rice, claiming that India is exporting rice at prices lower than its normal value. Indian trade secretary Rajesh Agrawal refuted these claims, stating that there is no evidence of dumping and that the U.S. has not initiated any anti-dumping investigations. India, the world's largest rice exporter, shipped over 20 million metric tons of rice in the 2024/25 financial year, with a significant portion being premium-grade basmati rice, which typically commands higher prices. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Indian officials and U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer in Delhi.

Myanmar calls on countries to take back citizens held in crackdown on scam centers

Myanmar calls on countries to take back citizens held in crackdown on scam centers

Myanmar has called on foreign governments to take back their nationals who have been detained in a crackdown on scam hubs in eastern Kayin, state near the Thai border

US National Security Strategy 2025 Emphasizes Self-Interest Over Global Cooperation

US National Security Strategy 2025 Emphasizes Self-Interest Over Global Cooperation

The recently released US National Security Strategy 2025 document outlines a philosophy that prioritizes American self-interest over global cooperation. The strategy dismisses the notion of a shared global destiny and views globalism and globalization as threats to national sovereignty. It emphasizes the importance of securing critical minerals and expanding markets for American goods and services. The document introduces a 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine, suggesting a more assertive US influence in Latin America. It also highlights the need for strategic autonomy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where countries like Japan, South Korea, and India are encouraged to bolster their defense spending. The strategy refrains from naming specific adversaries but expresses wariness of China's influence and intellectual property practices.

Polish Border Guards Discover Tunnel Used for Migrant Smuggling from Belarus

Polish Border Guards Discover Tunnel Used for Migrant Smuggling from Belarus

Polish Border Guard officers have uncovered a tunnel used for smuggling migrants from Belarus into Poland. The tunnel, located near Narewka in the Podlasie region, allowed over 180 foreigners to illegally cross the border. The tunnel is approximately 100 meters long and 1.5 meters high, with its entrance hidden in the forest on the Belarusian side and its exit just 10 meters from the Polish border. Thanks to integrated electronic systems, border guards quickly located the migrants after they emerged, apprehending more than 130 individuals. The group primarily consisted of Afghan and Pakistani nationals, along with individuals from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Two drivers, a 69-year-old Pole and a 49-year-old Lithuanian, were detained on suspicion of smuggling the migrants to Western Europe. This discovery marks the fourth such tunnel found by the Podlaskie Branch of the Border Guard this year.

Iran Seizes Foreign Oil Tanker in Sea of Oman, Detains 18 Crew Members

Iran Seizes Foreign Oil Tanker in Sea of Oman, Detains 18 Crew Members

Iranian judicial authorities have seized a foreign oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, detaining its 18 crew members. The tanker, reportedly carrying 6 million liters of smuggled fuel, was intercepted and inspected off the port city of Jask in Iranian-controlled waters. According to Mojtaba Ghahremani, head of the provincial judiciary in Hormozgan, the tanker ignored orders to stop and attempted to flee. It was also noted that the vessel lacked proper navigational and cargo documents, and its radar was turned off. The crew, consisting of individuals from South Asian countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, is currently being questioned. This incident is part of a pattern where Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has seized ships in the Persian Gulf, often accusing them of smuggling fuel. The seizure follows a recent U.S. action where a Tehran-linked tanker was seized off the coast of Venezuela.