• Associated Press

    UK inflation unexpectedly drops in December, easing pressure in bond markets

    Inflation in the U.K. unexpectedly fell in December, a move that has bolstered expectations that the Bank of England will cut interest rates again next month and relieved some pressure on the U.K. government following the recent turbulence in financial markets. The Office for National Statistics said Wednesday that inflation, as measured by the consumer prices index, was 2.5% in the year to December, largely as a result of easing price pressures in the services sector, which accounts for around 80% of the U.K. economy. In the wake of the inflation numbers, markets have moved to price in a growing likelihood of a cut then, to the likely relief of Treasury chief Rachel Reeves, who has faced a stream of negative headlines in recent days over her handling of the economy since Labour returned to power last July for the first time in 14 years.

  • Associated Press

    Sri Lanka seeks to navigate China-India rivalry and emerge from its economic crisis

    Sri Lanka's Marxist-leaning President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, a month after visiting India on his first overseas trip since winning election in September. The support of the two regional powerhouses — and rivals — is crucial for Sri Lanka to emerge from its worst economic crisis in decades, which led to political upheaval and paved the way for Dissanayake to come to power. China was once seen as having the upper hand in Sri Lanka through its huge loans and infrastructure investments.

  • The Conversation

    Princess of Wales ‘in remission’ from cancer – but what does that mean?

    While it’s a relief to hear the word ‘remission’, it doesn’t necessarily mean cured.