Business

Image copyright Getty Images One frosty winter morning, at the start of 1637, a sailor presented himself at the counting house of a wealthy Dutch merchant and was offered a hearty breakfast of fine red herring. The sailor noticed an onion – or so he thought – lying on the counter. According to Charles Mackay, […]

Image copyright Getty Images Facebook is reportedly rethinking its plans for its own digital currency after resistance from regulators. It is now considering a system with digital versions of established currencies, including the dollar and the Euro, according to Bloomberg and tech site The Information. The Libra Association, which Facebook founded to create the currency,

Image copyright AFP Image caption Some stores have run out of hand sanitisers as people prepare for the virus spreading Hand sanitiser sales are being limited at pharmacy chains as fears over the coronavirus have boosted demand. Boots and LloydsPharmacy both said they are restricting the products – which can help to prevent the spread

Image copyright AFP Image caption World Bank President David Malpass The World Bank has committed $12bn (£9.4bn) in aid for lower income countries grappling with the spread of the coronavirus. The emergency package includes low-cost loans, grants and technical assistance. The action comes as leaders around the world pledge action to shield their countries from

Image copyright Sirius Minerals The future of a huge fertiliser mine in North Yorkshire will be decided later on Tuesday as shareholders decide whether to back a rescue takeover. Many shareholders in Sirius Minerals are small investors who oppose the deal, saying it undervalues the firm. But Sirius has warned it will fall into administration

Image caption TV naturalist and Springwatch presenter Chris Packham is launching a new legal challenge to HS2 TV naturalist Chris Packham has launched a legal challenge to HS2 high-speed rail link. The Springwatch presenter said the government’s approval of the controversial project fails to take carbon emissions targets into account. Mr Packham said: “In regard

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell The US central bank has slashed interest rates in response to mounting concerns about the economic impact of the coronavirus. The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark rate by 50 basis points to a range of 1% to 1.25%. The emergency move comes after the

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin led a conference call with finance chiefs from other major economies Finance ministers from the G7 group of nations have said they will use “all appropriate policy tools” to tackle the economic impact of coronavirus. The group of major economies said in a joint

Image copyright Reuters Image caption The bulk of British Steel’s staff work at the Scunthorpe plant A Chinese firm has finally confirmed plans to invest £1.2bn in British Steel. Jingye Group said it would save 3,200 jobs in Scunthorpe and Teesside and modernise the towns’ steelworks. The company, which is reported to have offered £50m

Image copyright EPA Image caption Journalists and other staff from Australian outlets protested in support of AAP The Australian Associated Press news agency is closing after 85 years. During a briefing at AAP’s office in Sydney, about 180 staff were told that a drop in subscribers and an increase in free online competitors meant the