News

JD Wetherspoon's shares plunged after the pub chain reported lower-than-expected profits despite solid sales growth, blaming higher labor and utility costs for the dip in performance. The company remains optimistic about its future prospects but faces challenges from rising costs and a competitive market.

The BBC, ITV, BT, and IMG have been fined a total of £4.2 million for colluding on pay rates for freelance sports broadcasting staff, impacting workers behind the scenes of major sporting events. The companies have admitted their involvement and committed to improving compliance measures and ensuring fair pay for freelancers in the future.

The UK is on track to deliver full-fibre broadband to nearly every household by 2027, marking a major milestone in its digital infrastructure ambitions. This will provide faster, better broadband for people and businesses across the country, fueling economic growth and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence to benefit everyone.

Tesla faces global challenges with falling share prices and boycotts, while its Chinese rival BYD gains traction with groundbreaking battery technology. Meanwhile, other global news includes a Japanese startup enabling auto loans for drivers without credit, a fraud scandal in Singapore, the rise of vanadium batteries in China, increasing Chinese migration to Japan, and the growing role of female chefs in India's fine dining scene.

Asia's real estate booms in urban hubs, attracting investors and driving business expansion, while Southeast Asia sees luxury brands invest in residential projects for the affluent. However, concerns about oversupply and overdevelopment emerge, particularly in Indonesia and China, where ambitious affordable housing projects and a property downturn impact the market.