Economy

Economy Latest News

Novartis first half net profits up 29 percent
Novartis first half net profits up 29 percent
by  AFP

Swiss pharmaceuticals giant Novartis posted Thursday a 29 percent increase in first-half net income, at $7.6 billion -- and unveiled its new chief financial officer. The Basel-based firm's net sales increased 12 percent to nearly $27.3 billion between January and June, it said in a statement.

Swatch profits plunge on weak China sales
Swatch profits plunge on weak China sales
by  AFP

Swatch Group said Thursday that weak sales in China wiped out growth elsewhere in the first half of the year for the world's top watch company, leaving it barely profitable. Besides its eponymous Swatch watches, the company owns high-end brands such as Omega, Longines and Tissot, and like other luxury firms the demand of Chinese consumers for Western goods has made it a top market.

EasyJet boss hits out over French air traffic walkouts
EasyJet boss hits out over French air traffic walkouts
by  AFP

The boss of British no-frills airline EasyJet on Thursday bemoaned "unacceptable challenges" for staff and passengers resulting from strike action by air traffic controllers in France earlier this month. Strikes by French air traffic controllers in early July brought chaos to European skies, with flights for hundreds of thousands of people cancelled as the summer holiday season gathered pace.

Volvo Cars swings into loss on electric vehicles, tariffs
Volvo Cars swings into loss on electric vehicles, tariffs
by  AFP

Volvo Cars announced on Thursday it had swung into loss in the second quarter, after it took an impairment charge for its electric cars, booked restructuring charges and dealt with a slower, tariff-troubled market. Volvo Cars announced in April an 18-billion-kronor cost-cutting plan, part of efforts to navigate a car market buffeted by US tariffs and a costly switch to electric vehicles.

Dairy giant New Zealand endures butter price shock
Dairy giant New Zealand endures butter price shock
by  AFP

Butter prices have soared in dairy export giant New Zealand, latest figures showed Thursday, with local supplies cut short as the industry chases fatter profits overseas. But while New Zealand consumers were feeling the price pinch, the overall economy was benefiting as exporters creamed off larger profits from sales overseas.

Taiwan's TSMC says second quarter profit up 60%
Taiwan's TSMC says second quarter profit up 60%
by  AFP

Taiwanese chipmaking giant TSMC reported Thursday a forecast-beating 60 percent rise in net profit for the second quarter on sustained demand for artificial intelligence technology. Second quarter revenue was up 39 percent on-year, also beating forecasts.

Page was generated in 0.082297086715698