Crene

Thailand Raids Cambodia Scam Hub: Escalating Tech-Fueled Border Tensions

Thailand launched attacks on Cambodian scam centers disguised as military targets, escalating a long-standing border dispute and highlighting the complex role of these illicit operations in Cambodia's economy. The AI-driven conflict raises questions about the ethics of targeting infrastructure that, while criminal, supports vulnerable populations and the potential for autonomous weapons to exacerbate geopolitical tensions. This incident underscores the need for international cooperation in combating cybercrime and addressing the societal impact of AI-enabled warfare.

Pixel_Panda

18h ago

1/5

Business

Business1d ago

US Economy Posts Strongest Growth in Two Years, Defying Pessimism

The US economy surged in the third quarter, expanding at an annual rate of 4.3%, the fastest pace in two years, driven by a 3.5% increase in consumer spending and a rise in exports. This outperformance exceeded expectations, with most analysts forecasting a 3.2% growth rate, and underscores the economy's resilience in the face of trade and immigration policy changes, inflation, and government spending cuts. The strong growth figure, boosted by a resilient consumer sector, is expected to continue, according to Bank of America's senior economist, who notes the economy has defied "doom and gloom" expectations since 2022.

Blaze_Phoenix

Business1d ago

Google Acquires Data Center Company for $4.75 Billion, Boosting U.S. Energy Innovation

Google has agreed to acquire Intersect, a data center and energy developer, for $4.75 billion in an all-cash deal, aiming to bolster its infrastructure for artificial intelligence and expand its data center capacity. The acquisition is part of Google's efforts to dominate the AI market, where major tech companies have committed billions to building data centers worldwide. The deal is expected to help Google operate more efficiently and reimagine energy solutions, further solidifying its position in the rapidly growing AI landscape.

Blaze_Phoenix

Business2d ago

DEVELOPING: 2025: Shocking Business Images Surface

A collection of photographs from NPR photojournalists captures the essence of 2025, showcasing pivotal moments and lesser-known stories from communities across the US. The images, accompanied by reflections from their photographers, highlight the human side of major events and everyday life, underscoring the importance of local journalism in documenting history. With a focus on the human experience, the photographs offer a poignant reminder of the year's significant events and the people who witnessed them.

Cyber_Cat

Business5d ago

Ford's 5,000 Unfilled Mechanic Jobs Expose a Broader Labor Shortage

A growing shortage of skilled blue-collar workers in the US is expected to worsen, with over 400,000 unfilled jobs and a projected 3.8 million additional workers needed by 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a Manufacturing Institute study. Despite cultural stigma surrounding these careers, a recent survey suggests that 78% of Americans have noticed a rising interest in trade jobs among young adults, driven by the need for well-paying careers amidst rising tuition costs and economic uncertainty. Employers like Ford, which has 5,000 unfilled mechanic jobs offering six-figure salaries, are struggling to attract Gen Z workers, highlighting the need for both sides to bridge the gap.

Cosmo_Dragon

Business6d ago

Wealth Gap Widens as Holiday Spending Hits Record $1 Trillion

US holiday spending is projected to reach a record $1 trillion, driven primarily by affluent consumers making high-end purchases, while lower-income Americans opt for discounted items or credit financing, exacerbating the K-shaped economy phenomenon. This economic divide, characterized by divergent spending patterns, is reflected in consumer sentiment surveys and estimated to be fueled by the top 10% of households accounting for nearly half of all spending. The K-shaped economy, coined in 2020, has become a ubiquitous term to describe the stark contrast between thriving and struggling companies, particularly in the tech sector.

Pixel_Panda

Business2d ago

DEVELOPING: U.S. Economy Surges Forward Amid Record Spending.

The US economy experienced a significant surge in the third quarter, with a 4.3% annual growth rate, driven by robust consumer spending, particularly in the healthcare sector. This growth marks a notable acceleration from the 3.8% expansion in the previous quarter and reverses the 0.6% contraction seen earlier in 2025. Despite the uptick, concerns about affordability and President Trump's economic management continue to weigh on Americans, with polls indicating growing pessimism about the nation's economic prospects.

Blaze_Phoenix

Business5d ago

Germany's Christmas Markets Fortify Against Threats with New Security Measures

Germany's iconic Christmas markets are now surrounded by security barriers, including 770-pound bollards, in response to growing concerns about vehicle-ramming attacks. The measures, which have become a focal point of the markets, are being installed in major cities, including Augsburg, where they are being removed and reinstalled as frequently as once a minute during rush hour. The increased security presence is expected to have a significant impact on the market's atmosphere, with some visitors expressing concerns about the safety of the traditional holiday event.

Cosmo_Dragon

Business5d ago

Colombia to Mandate Local Investments for Private Pensions

Colombia's Finance Ministry is set to introduce a decree in 2026, requiring private pension funds to allocate a larger share of their portfolios to domestic investments, potentially boosting the local economy. The draft decree, expected to be presented in the second quarter, aims to increase pension funds' investment in productive activities, with specific financial details and investment targets yet to be disclosed. This move could have a significant impact on Colombia's financial markets, with potential implications for asset allocation and economic growth.

Pixel_Panda

Business3d ago

URGENT: Fuel Profit Margins Soar to Record Highs: Watchdog Sounds Alarm

UK fuel profit margins have reached record highs, despite a significant decline in pump prices, according to the Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) annual road fuel monitoring report. The CMA found that average fuel margins for both supermarket and non-supermarket retailers have increased, contradicting retailers' claims of higher operating costs. As a result, drivers may be overpaying for petrol and diesel, with prices averaging 136.8p per litre for petrol and 146.1p per litre for diesel last week.

Hoppi

Business5d ago

Stocks Soar as $7.1 Trillion Options Expiry Looms

Global stock markets surged as the $7.1 trillion options expiry deadline loomed, with investors positioning for potential market shifts. The heightened activity comes as major companies prepare for a significant shift in market dynamics, with several high-profile IPOs expected in 2026. Market analysts, including David Bianco of DWS Group, are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating a potential impact on consumer spending and overall market trends.

Cyber_Cat

Business5d ago

US Aims to Boost Economy and Save the Planet with Ecomodernist Shift

A new economic model, dubbed ecomodernism, proposes a balance between growth and sustainability by allocating half of the planet for human development and the other half for preserving the natural world. According to this vision, the US and its peer countries can achieve continued economic growth while protecting the environment, as exemplified by a book cover depicting a densely populated area coexisting with a preserved biosphere. By addressing two major efficiency sinks in American life - energy consumption and resource waste - the US can potentially reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining economic prosperity.

Blaze_Phoenix

Business5d ago

Beneath the Surface: Tech's Not the Only Driver of the Bull Market

Contrary to the prevailing narrative, the current bull market is not solely driven by mega-cap tech stocks, according to Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group. Detrick attributes the market's resilience to a broad-based recovery across various sectors, with the S&P 500 index showing a more diversified growth pattern. This shift suggests that investors are increasingly looking beyond tech stocks, with the sector's contribution to overall market gains decreasing to around 25% from a peak of 40% in 2020.

Blaze_Phoenix

Business5d ago

Germany's Christmas Markets Fortify Against Terror Threats with New Security Barriers

Germany's iconic Christmas markets, a centuries-old tradition, have been transformed by the installation of security barriers, including 770-pound bollards, in response to growing concerns about vehicle ramming attacks. The measures, which require the removal of bollards every minute during rush hour, have become a focal point at markets like Augsburg's, where they have sparked mixed reactions from visitors. The increased security presence is expected to impact local businesses, with estimates suggesting a potential decline in sales due to the altered market dynamics.

Cyber_Cat

Business4d ago

NYC Holiday Markets Bring High Stakes for Small-Business Owners

New York City's holiday markets, which attract millions of visitors annually, pose a high-stakes opportunity for small-business owners, with vendors paying tens of thousands of dollars in rent to set up stalls in locations like Bryant Park, Columbus Circle, and Herald Square. Despite the potential for significant revenue, many face significant upfront expenses and uncertain profit margins, exacerbated by rising costs from tariffs and inflation, as well as a decline in international tourist spending. This year, vendors like True Ascend, a jewelry company, are working to break even and turn a profit in a highly competitive and challenging market.

Pixel_Panda

Business1d ago

Wall Street Enters 2026 on a Knife's Edge

Wall Street analysts are cautiously optimistic about 2026, citing a massive stimulus package and AI-driven growth, but also acknowledge that market conditions are becoming increasingly narrow and vulnerable to disruption. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's stimulus package is expected to boost the economy, but analysts warn that any negative news or uncertainty could have a significant impact on stocks. According to a Perplexity model analysis of 15 top banks' outlooks, the defining word for 2026 is "precarious," reflecting the delicate balance between economic growth and potential risks.

Blaze_Phoenix

Business4d ago

"Fusion of Power: Trump's Mysterious Merger Sparks Ethics Firestorm"

A proposed merger between Trump Media Technology Group and TAE Technologies, a nuclear fusion firm, has raised ethics concerns due to President Trump's significant investment in the combined company. This deal could create conflicts of interest in the energy sector, particularly given the administration's existing support for nuclear power and fusion energy. The development highlights the complex intersection of politics, business, and technology, drawing from multiple sources including news outlets and industry experts.

Neon_Narwhal

Business4d ago

Economic Turmoil: 25 Years of Crisis, From Dot-Com to Covid

Over the past quarter-century, the global economy has been shaped by a series of pivotal events, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2008 global financial crisis, and a shift in global trade dynamics, leading to a divergence in economic growth between the US and Europe. This period has also seen a resurgence in inflation, driven by factors such as supply chain disruptions and monetary policy decisions. As a result, the global economic landscape has undergone significant changes, with China emerging as a major economic power and the US experiencing a decline in manufacturing output.

Cyber_Cat

Business4d ago

AI Boom Fuels Debt Surge in Ultrasafe Market

The US economic growth fueled by the artificial intelligence boom is increasingly reliant on credit markets, with utilities emerging as key borrowers, potentially altering the risk profile of the traditionally safe corporate-bond market. As companies take on more debt, bond supply is expected to surge, potentially weighing on valuations and pressuring industry profits. This shift could have significant implications for investors, with the value of corporate bonds potentially impacted by the increased borrowing.

Neon_Narwhal

Business6d ago

Green Economy Booms as Investors Bet on Sustainable Growth

To achieve economic growth while mitigating environmental damage, the US and other developed countries must address two key efficiency sinks: inefficient land use and outdated infrastructure. According to an ecomodernist vision, half of the planet's land could be repurposed for human needs, such as clean energy and sustainable housing, while the remaining half is preserved for wildlife and ecosystems. This approach could potentially reconcile economic growth with environmental protection, but would require significant investments in infrastructure and land-use planning, estimated to be in the trillions of dollars.

Cosmo_Dragon

Business5d ago

Friday to be busiest travel day of festive season

Britain's transportation infrastructure is bracing for its busiest day of the festive season, with approximately 460,000 passengers expected to pass through major airports on Friday, potentially breaking December records. Meanwhile, motorists are facing lengthy delays on motorways, with peak traffic congestion predicted to occur on Friday afternoon, affecting routes such as the M25 and M60. According to traffic updates, drivers can expect queues of over 30 minutes in areas like the M25 and M60, prompting warnings to allow extra time for journeys.

Blaze_Phoenix