AFP, BEIJING: China's 21 largest brokerage firms announced on Saturday they would invest more than $19 billion in the country's stock markets in order to curb its precipitous fall over the last three weeks. The brokers will spend at least 120 billion yuan ($19.3 billion) on so-called "blue…

The new 2015-16 financial year (FY16) began amid strong trend in major economic indicators, raising the prospect of achieving higher growth and more economic stability in the coming days, reports BSS. The key economic indicators, including per capita income, remittance earnings, reserve, inflation,…

Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon yesterday said the government has taken a number of initiatives on connectivity front that will help boost the tourism industry in the country apart from making Cox’s Bazar a tourism hub in the region, reports UNB. He, however, said the issue…

Mizanur Rahman Shelley has recently been re-elected chairman of Premier Leasing & Finance Limited, says a press release. The decision was made in the150th meeting of the board of directors of the company. The meeting also re-elected SM Shafiqul Islam Mamun as chairman of the executive committee…

Mustafa Khair has been promoted to deputy managing director of First Security Islami Bank Ltd, said a press release yesterday. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as senior executive vice president of the bank. Khair started his banking career at Bangladesh Shilpa Rin Sangstha (Presently Bangladesh…

AFP, TOKYO: Japan yesterday pledged $6.1 billion in financial aid to the "Mekong Five" countries as it pushes infrastructure exports and courts influence in a region where rival China has an increasing presence. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled the pledge at a summit with his counterparts…

AFP, BRASÍLIA: Brazil’s antitrust body announced an unprecedented probe for the country into alleged foreign exchange market rigging by 15 banks including Citigroup and HSBC, which are accused of colluding to form a secret cartel. “There are strong indications of anticompetitive practises…

AFP, WASHINGTON: A wave of Silicon Valley-style disruption is hitting the food industry. Lab-grown meat, vegan cheese and “animal free” milk and eggs are headed for consumers, often with backing from the tech sector and its financial allies. These products could fill an important need while…

AFP, NUREMBERG: When love struck Bettina and Anestis six years ago, they had little idea that their home countries Germany and Greece would be pitted against each other in a crisis with Europe’s future in the balance. Nowadays, their pillow talk sidesteps politics, even if the subject is practically…

Oil prices came under pressure this week from concerns about Greece's future in the eurozone and the possibility of higher Iranian crude supplies. Gold failed to benefit from its status as a haven investment. US markets were shut Friday ahead of the July 4 Independence Day celebrations. OIL: Prices…