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US consumer inflation accelerates in March, dampening rate cut hopes
US consumer inflation continued to accelerate last month, according to US government data published Wednesday, reducing the chances of an early interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve.
Markets mainly rise as traders jockey before US inflation data
Equities mostly rose Wednesday as traders awaited key US inflation data that could have a bearing on Federal Reserve interest rates, and on the eve of a European Central Bank's latest monetary policy decision.
China's Xi tells ex-Taiwan leader 'external interference' cannot block unification
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that "external interference" would not stop Beijing from unifying with Taiwan, as he met the self-ruled island's former leader in a rare display of cross-strait dialogue.
Spain says Israel's 'disproportionate response' in Gaza a global threat
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned Wednesday that Israel's "disproportionate response" in the Gaza war with Hamas risks "destabilising the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world".
Gazans mark 'saddest' Eid with little to celebrate or eat
Gazans did their best to celebrate the end of Ramadan in the driving rain on Wednesday, as the war raged on with 14 killed, including children, in a strike on their home, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry said.
South Korea opposition set for landslide in parliamentary election
South Korea's opposition was set to triumph in parliamentary elections on Wednesday, with exit polls suggesting it increased its majority in a major blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Biden treats Japan PM to state visit with eye on China
US President Joe Biden hosts a lavish state visit for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Wednesday, featuring a major upgrade in defense ties against China -- and music by Paul Simon.
Too busy for politics? S. Korea's young voters on what motivates them
High youth unemployment, feuding politicians and a cost of living crisis: young South Korean voters told AFP what was on their minds as they voted -- some for the first time -- in elections Wednesday.
Most markets rise as traders jockey ahead of US inflation data
Equities mostly rose on Wednesday following a tepid day on Wall Street, with investors lasering in on the release of crucial US inflation data that could have a huge bearing on the outlook for interest rates.
How the EU wants to reshape its asylum system
The European Parliament votes Wednesday on a landmark reform of EU laws on asylum-seekers and irregular migrants.
After Mideast tour, Spain PM to address MPs on Gaza
Spain's Pedro Sanchez, whose criticism of the Gaza war has raised tensions with Israel, on Wednesday addresses parliament on the conflict in remarks expected to clarify plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
Biden says Israel making 'mistake' in handling of Gaza war
US President Joe Biden issued some of his sternest criticism yet of Israel's war on Hamas, calling its approach a "mistake" as the country faces a Wednesday court deadline to prove it is not throttling aid to hunger-stricken Gaza.
Yoon faces rebuke in slugfest South Korea vote
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced a reckoning from voters Wednesday in parliamentary elections seen as a referendum on his rule following a campaign that skirted many of the country's real problems.
India's influencers rally millions to vote for Modi
Indian folk singer Maithili Thakur thought she was successful, with millions following her Hindu devotional tunes on social media -- but then Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent her popularity into the stratosphere.
Record remittances provide lifeline in Central America
Money sent home by migrants in the United States to Central America has risen to record levels, providing a lifeline for many of their relatives like Salvadoran mother of three Marta Alvarado.
Biden welcomes Japan PM for state visit with eye on China
US President Joe Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the White House Tuesday, kicking off a state visit featuring a major upgrade in defense ties against a resurgent China.
Ecuador's ex-VP back in prison after hospitalization
Ecuador's ex-vice president Jorge Glas, whose capture in a dramatic raid on Mexico's embassy in Quito sparked a global outcry, was back in prison Tuesday after a short hospital stay, officials said.
Biden says Netanyahu making 'mistake' on Gaza
US President Joe Biden said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza policy was a "mistake" and urged Israel to call for a ceasefire, in an interview aired Tuesday.
EBU slams 'unacceptable' harassment of Eurovision artists
The Eurovision Song Contest organisers on Tuesday hit out at "targeted social media campaigns" against competitors amid reports of threats against the singer for Israel.
Yoon faces rebuke in divisive South Korea vote
South Koreans head to the polls Wednesday in parliamentary elections seen as a referendum on President Yoon Suk Yeol after a polarising campaign focused largely on resentment, personalities -- and onions.
Israel strikes Gaza as US says Rafah attack 'not imminent'
Israel bombed targets in Gaza on Tuesday as mediators in Cairo sought progress towards a truce and hostage deal and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israeli troops would launch a ground invasion of Rafah.
Colombia charges ex-president Uribe with witness tampering
Colombia's prosecutor's office said Tuesday it would try influential ex-president Alvaro Uribe for alleged witness tampering in what will be the first trial of a former head of state in the country's history.
Humanity lost 'moral compass' on Gaza: top UN official
The international community has lost its "moral compass" on war-ravaged Gaza, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said Tuesday.
UK's Cameron pleads for Ukraine aid as he meets Trump
British Foreign Secretary David Cameron pleaded Tuesday for US Republicans to approve billions of dollars in military support for Ukraine as he made his case directly to Donald Trump.
Simon Harris becomes Ireland's youngest prime minister
Simon Harris became Ireland's youngest ever prime minister Tuesday, pledging to bring "new energy" to the role but conceding that time is tight before looming crucial election tests.
Shipwreck off Djibouti leaves 38 migrants dead
The bodies of 38 migrants, including children, have been recovered after a shipwreck off the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, the UN said Tuesday, the latest disaster on the so-called Eastern migration route.
Stocks slide before US inflation, ECB meeting
US and European stocks retreated on Tuesday as investors awaited this week's US inflation data, eurozone central bank meeting and corporate results.
US markets higher, Europe lower before US inflation, ECB meeting
US stocks opened higher and European stocks were mostly lower on Tuesday, as markets remained in a holding pattern ahead of this week's US inflation data, eurozone central bank meeting and corporate results.
Hundreds of Kenya doctors protest in support of strike
Hundreds of hospital doctors joined a demonstration in the streets of the Kenyan capital Nairobi on Tuesday as a nationwide strike by medics neared its fourth week.
US sent seized Iran weapons, ammo to Ukraine
Washington has given Ukraine small arms and ammunition that were seized while being sent from Iranian forces to Tehran-backed rebels in Yemen, the US military said Tuesday.
Israel blocking more food than other aid in hunger-stalked Gaza: UN
Israel is blocking far more convoys carrying food aid within Gaza, where famine is looming, than convoys carrying other kinds of aid, the UN said Tuesday.
Gaza war rages as Hamas studies truce proposal
Israel bombed targets in Gaza on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the army will destroy Hamas despite ongoing Cairo talks towards a ceasefire and hostage deal.