Inflation in Europe falls to 2.4%. It shows interest rates are packing a punch

LONDON (AP) — Europeans again saw some relief as inflation dropped to 2.4% in November, the lowest in more than two years, as plummeting energy costs have eased a cost-of-living crisis but higher interest rates squeeze the economy's ability to grow. Inflation for the 20 countries...

Stock market today: World shares mostly higher ahead of US price update, OPEC+ meeting

BANGKOK (AP) — World shares were mostly higher Thursday ahead of an update on U.S. consumer inflation and a meeting of oil producers in Vienna. U.S. futures rose and oil prices also advanced. Germany's DAX edged 0.1% higher to 16,189.89 and the CAC 40 in Paris also...

Inflation falls to 2.4% in November in the 20 countries using the euro currency, offering some relief to Europeans

Stock market today: Asian shares mostly higher ahead of US price update, OPEC+ meeting

BANGKOK (AP) — Asian shares were mostly higher Thursday ahead of an update on U.S. consumer inflation and a meeting of oil producers in Vienna. Benchmarks rose in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Shanghai. They fell in Seoul and Bangkok. U.S. futures rose while oil prices slipped. ...

Maine residents, who pay some of the nation's highest energy costs, to get some relief next year

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Electricity rates are set to drop in Maine, which historically has had some of the nation's highest energy costs. Next year's standard offer rates will drop 35% for Central Maine Power customers and 24% for Versant Power customers, the Maine Public Utilities...

Argentina's libertarian president-elect picks a former Central Bank chief as his economy minister

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina’s president-elect, Javier Milei, announced Wednesday he has chosen Luis Caputo, a former finance minister and Central Bank chief known as an expert in markets, to lead the Economy Ministry when the right-wing leader takes office on Dec. 10. ...

As Airbnb falters, hostels seek to compete

Once a niche market for frugal, globetrotting young people, hostels are becoming a popular form of alternative lodging. No longer just rows of bunk beds, some hostels now offer private rooms and amenities like rooftop pools and spas. Take the Selina Boquete hostel in Panama. Guests...

US economic growth for last quarter is revised up to a 5.2% annual rate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Shrugging off higher interest rates, America's consumers spent enough to help drive the economy to a brisk 5.2% annual pace from July through September, the government reported Wednesday in an upgrade from its previous estimate. The government had previously...

The world economy will slow next year because of inflation, high rates and war, OECD says

WASHINGTON (AP) — The global economy, which has proved surprisingly resilient this year, is expected to falter next year under the strain of wars, still-elevated inflation and continued high interest rates. The Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development...

New Zealand leader plans to ban cellphone use in schools and end tobacco controls in first 100 days

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s new prime minister plans to ban cellphone use in schools and repeal tobacco controls in the ambitious agenda he released Wednesday for his first 100 days in office. Christopher Luxon outlined 49 actions he said his conservative...