Zimbabwe in 2024: A year of crisis, struggle, and fragile hope
Nov 17, 2024 · 2024 was a year of turmoil and survival for Zimbabwe. With inflation soaring to 1024%, a collapsed currency, and devastating droughts, the nation faced economic collapse and human rights challenges.
FT: Musk, Thiel and the shadow of apartheid South Africa
Sep 20, 2024 · The FT’s Simon Kuper highlights the striking parallels between apartheid-era South Africa and modern-day US politics, particularly through figures like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and David Sacks, all of whom spent formative years in southern Africa.
Alphabet’s Q3 earnings surge on cloud growth and AI ... - BizNews
Oct 30, 2024 · The Other Bets division remains unprofitable, losing $1.1 billion in the quarter, but Alphabet has been working to narrow those losses. Ruth Porat, Alphabet’s former longtime CFO who famously instilled a greater spirit of fiscal discipline in the company, recently transitioned into a new role as president and chief investment officer.
The Economist: Why half of America will vote for Donald Trump
Nov 4, 2024 · Donald Trump’s enduring appeal among American voters is a complex phenomenon that defies simple explanations. The Economist explores three key explanations for Trump’s strength: the unique political landscape of the U.S., the economic context favouring anti-incumbent sentiment, and a cultural divide that sees working-class voters aligning with him against an elite establishment.
China unveils major stimulus package to revive slowing economy
Sep 24, 2024 · Details of Pan’s Package: The seven-day reverse repurchase rate will be lowered to 1.5% from 1.7%RRR lowered by 0.5 percentage points, unleashing 1 trillion yuan in liquidityPBOC didn’t specify when RRR cut takes effectMLF expected to be cut by 0.3 percentage pointsMinimum down-payment ratio cut to 15% for second-home buyers, from 25%China may cut the RRR further this year by another 0.25 ...
China's tech decline sparks national innovation shift - BizNews
Oct 2, 2024 · Despite a severe government crackdown that shrunk China’s tech sector, Beijing’s innovation ambitions remain strong. While Western observers view the decline of companies like Alibaba and Tencent as a loss, China’s focus has shifted towards national security and global dominance in areas like AI, electric vehicles, and green industries.
FT: PwC to parachute in UK partner to run scandal-hit ... - BizNews
Sep 10, 2024 · The company was China’s largest property developer but Beijing found that it overstated its mainland revenues by almost $80bn in the years before defaulting on its debts in 2021.
South Africa’s MTI Bitcoin scam leaders face jail, massive fines
Jan 10, 2024 · Masterminds of South Africa’s biggest pyramid scheme in history could lose millions, face jailtime. By Jan Vermeulen. The promoters and directors of Mirror Trading International could face criminal prosecution and significant civil penalties, Barnard Incorporated Attorneys senior associate Pieter Walters has told MyBroadband.
The Economist: Why Microsoft’s Excel won’t die - BizNews
Oct 16, 2024 · Microsoft Excel, the go-to tool for financial analysts and consultants, turns 40 this month. Known for its versatility in everything from pricing assets to analyzing company data, it has remained a staple despite the rise of competitors like Google Sheets.
Volkswagen to close factories, cut wages as auto crisis deepens
Oct 29, 2024 · Volkswagen faces an unprecedented crisis, planning factory closures, job cuts, and wage reductions to stabilize operations. Europe’s largest automaker proposes a 10% wage cut for around 140,000 German workers, fueling unrest.