FIFA to impose tougher sanctions for racism

FIFA's Congress in Mauritius on Friday adopted a resolution that will lead to tougher sanctions in cases of racism, including points deductions and ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36984

Legco rejects no confidence motion

Lawmakers have rejected a bid by radical legislator Wong Yuk-man to move a motion of no confidence in Legco's President, Jasper Tsang Yok-Shing, by 34...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36983

1.2 million boozing Brits end up in hospitals

More than 1 million Britons were admitted to hospitals in 2011-2012 as a result of drinking too much alcohol, according to admissions figures. This r...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36982

China fans fire volley at Li Na’s attitude

China's only grand slam winner Li Na was the object of widespread media and online criticism at home after a graceless response to her French Open de...



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China probes perchlorethylene from Europe, America

The Chinese government initiated anti-dumping probes into perchlorethylene imported from the European Union and the United States on Friday, the Minis...



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Eurozone inflation rises in May

Inflation across the 17-nation eurozone rose to 1.4 percent in May from 1.2 percent in April, the first time in months that the reading has increased,...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36979

Eurozone jobless rate hits new high in April

The eurozone unemployment rate hit a fresh record of 12.2 percent in April, with 19.2 million people on the dole as recession continued to sap the ec...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36978

Disputed June 4 slogan dropped

The organisers of the annual June 4 candlelight vigil in Hong Kong have decided to drop a controversial slogan which promotes patriotism. The Hong Ko...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36977

Defiant Japanese thumb nose at global shark fin trade rules

The Japanese government has decided to reject landmark rules on the trade in sharks, an official said, opting for status quo despite a global push t...



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Suspect in child acid attack arrested

A man who allegedly poured acid on a boy and disfigured him surrendered to police in Jiangsu Province early Friday morning. A man surnamed Cai turned...



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9 arson suspects arrested in Guangdong

Nine people suspected of committing arson were arrested in south China's Guangdong Province Thursday evening, local police said Friday. A fire broke ...



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New HIV cases hit record high in Philippines last month

New cases of HIV infections in the Philippines was highest in April at 388, the Department of Health said Friday. In its HIV and AIDS registry, the D...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36973

Gory pictures of Pistorius crime scene leaked

Images of the bloody bathroom where South African Oscar Pistorius shot his model girlfriend in February have been leaked to Sky News, just days befo...



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1,000 protestors rally at ECB against capitalism

More than a thousand people rallied in front of the European Central Bank in the pouring rain on Friday to protest austerity policies across different...



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French families spend less in April

French consumers cut back on their budgets for food in April, causing overall household consumption to fall by 0.3 percent from the level in March, o...



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Hang Seng ends lower

Hong Kong stocks closed down 0.41 percent Friday ahead of key Chinese manufacturing data due to be released on Saturday. The benchmark Hang Seng Ind...



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Democratic Party urges ICAC to investigate Barry Cheung

The Democratic Party has written to the ICAC urging it to investigate whether former Executive Councillor, Barry Cheung, abused his public posts to bo...



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2 dozens of bids after two plots under scheme of land for locals

The first two plots under the scheme of "Hong Kong land for Hong Kong people" have drawn more than 20 bids. Major developers, such as Cheung Kong Hol...



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Lawmakers oppose double stamp duty

Legislators at a bills committee have passed a non-binding motion asking the government to withdraw a measure that doubled the stamp duty on property ...



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HKMEx defendant refused bail

Kowloon City Court has rejected bail for a man charged with possessing a false document in relation to the failed Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange. The ...



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Panting British “Lions’’ sick before HK game, two water breaks and plenty of ice packs ready

The British and Irish Lions game against the Barbarians in Hong Kong tomorrow will include two water breaks per half due to the prevailing heat and h...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36964

China shares set for best month in 2013, outshining Hong Kong

China shares were ending their best month this year on a down note, with Hong Kong markets also weak on Friday as investors took profit on outperformers, bracing for fresh Chinese economic data over the weekend.

A slew of mixed US data overnight eased jitters in Hong Kong about an early end to the Federal Reserve’s quantitative easing, which earlier this week triggered a selloff in high yielding counters.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/stock-talk/article/1250473/china-shares-set-best-month-2013-outshining-hong-kong

Nikkei rebounds

Stocks in Tokyo advanced 1.37 percent, as a weakening yen helped the benchmark index rebound from the previous day's plunge of more than five percen...



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Ex-SAC Hong Kong trader readies hedge fund to bet on price swings

Miaodan Wu, a former portfolio manager at billionaire Steven A. Cohen’s hedge fund SAC Capital Advisors, is preparing to launch his own hedge fund in Hong Kong to bet on price swings in financial securities, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Wu was among at least seven SAC Capital staff who left Hong Kong this year, at a time when Cohen and his firm are drawing increased scrutiny in the US government’s long-running investigation into insider trading.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/investment-products/article/1250456/ex-sac-hong-kong-trader-readies-hedge-fund-bet

Running out of cash, Australian miners get creative to survive

From pooling office space to paying bills with company stock, small and mid-sized Australian miners are finding new ways to stay afloat during one of the sector’s worst downturns.

China’s slowdown has helped cool a decade-long commodities boom that pushed gold, copper, iron ore and coal prices to record highs, leaving Australian miners facing a painful transition to lower margins and weak investment interest.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250455/running-out-cash-australian-miners-get-creative-survive

IMF backs Japan’s ’Abenomics’, but warns of risks

The International Monetary Fund on Friday gave a cautious thumbs up to Japan’s economy-boosting efforts, but warned there are “considerable downside risks” if Tokyo doesn’t chop its huge national debt.

The Washington-based IMF, which expects the world’s third-largest economy to grow 1.6 per cent this year, said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his hand-picked team at the Bank of Japan were on the right track in their bid -- dubbed “Abenomics” -- to reverse years of falling prices.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1250447/imf-backs-japans-abenomics-warns-risks

Singapore dengue explosion propels infection tally to 7,700 in six months

Singapore is bracing itself for its worst ever dengue epidemic with infections this year already exceeding the total for all of 2012, official stati...



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Australia mineral quality falling

Mining exploration in Australia is becoming more expensive, while rates of discovery are falling, making the country less attractive to foreign firm...



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Tesla readies smaller, cheaper crossover, sedan by 2017

Tesla Motors is working on a small crossover vehicle that will share its basic underpinnings with a new compact sedan that is expected to reach dealers “in the next three to four years,” chief executive Elon Musk said.

The new models will be smaller and less expensive than Tesla’s US$70,000 (HK$543,450) Model S sedan, which went on sale last summer, and the upcoming Model X crossover that’s due next year, he said.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250433/tesla-readies-smaller-cheaper-crossover-sedan-2017

India growth slumps to 10-year low

India's economy grew at its slowest rate in a decade in the last financial year, expanding by 5 percent, official data showed today. In the final q...



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Major Hollywood studio joins hands with China to produce big-budget hits

Legendary Entertainment, the Hollywood studio behind “The Hangover’’ franchise, is teaming with state-owned China Film Group to make more global block...



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UK regulators told to crack down on predatory payday lenders

Britain’s consumer watchdog must get tough on unscrupulous short-term lenders that target the financially vulnerable and lend them money they can’t afford to repay, a British parliamentary committee said on Friday.

Britain’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said bad practices by some of these firms were costing already hard-pressed borrowers at least 450 million pounds (HK$5.3 billion) a year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1250430/uk-regulators-told-crack-down-predatory-payday-lenders

Frankfurt ’Blockupy’ protesters to target ECB and banks

Thousands of demonstrators from the anti-capitalist Blockupy movement will seek to cut off access to the European Central Bank and other financial institutions in Frankfurt on Friday, to protest their handling of Europe’s debt crisis.

The demonstrations in Germany’s financial capital come ahead of Europe-wide gatherings planned for June 1 and roughly a year after police detained hundreds of people for defying a temporary ban on protests at a similar four-day event in Frankfurt.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250429/frankfurt-blockupy-protesters-target-ecb-and-banks

Sharks worth more for tourism than in soup - study

Sharks swimming free in the oceans may soon become more valuable as tourist attractions than when caught, sliced up and served in soup, a global study showed on Friday.

It urged better protection for the fish, from Australia to the Caribbean, to reduce catches of an estimated 38 million a year to meet demand for shark fin soup, mainly in China.

“We are hoping that people will recognise that sharks are not only valuable on the plate,” lead author Andres Cisneros-Montemayor of the University of British Columbia in Canada said.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/commodities/article/1250425/sharks-worth-more-tourism-soup-study

China launches its biggest OTC board to aid SME financing

China has launched its biggest over-the-counter equity trading platform in Shenzhen, aimed at increasing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and offering much looser listing requirements than the country’s main exchanges.

The move is part of a series of policies to ease financing difficulties for SMEs, which authorities see as key to transforming China’s growth model away from reliance on capital investment and promoting growth in technology and service industries.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/investment-products/article/1250420/china-launches-its-biggest-otc-board-aid-sme

Chicago Sun-Times axes photo staff

The Chicago Sun-Times has laid off its entire photography department, its parent firm said, in the latest blow to the long-struggling US newspaper industry.

Sun-Times Media will ask its text reporters to shoot photos and videos to accompany their articles and plans to also hire freelancer photographers for major stories, a source familiar with the situation told AFP.

It will also increase its reliance on newswires and eliminate staff photographers at its suburban newspapers.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250416/chicago-sun-times-axes-photo-staff

Sundance to conclude iron ore partnership talks by June

Australia’s Sundance Resources will conclude discussions with potential partners on its US$4.7 billion (HK$36.5 billion) Africa iron ore project by June and announce a chosen partner three months later, the firm’s chief operations officer told Reuters.

Sundance’s Mbalam-Nabeba project, straddling Cameroon and the Republic of Congo in the central Africa region was thrown in doubt after the collapse of a US$1.4 billion (HK$10.9 billion) takeover by China’s Hanlong Group in April this year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250415/sundance-conclude-iron-ore-partnership-talks-june

Roiled by mystery GMO wheat, US races to reassure buyers

US officials raced to quell global alarm over the first-ever discovery of an unapproved strain of genetically modified wheat, working to figure out how the rogue grain escaped from a field trial a decade ago.

In the wake of news that a strain developed by biotech giant Monsanto had been found in an Oregon field late last month, major buyer Japan cancelled plans to buy US wheat while the Europe Union said it would step up testing. Worried US farmers wondered if their own fields had been contaminated.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250407/roiled-mystery-gmo-wheat-us-races-reassure-buyers

Russia proposes exporting power to Japan: Nikkei

Russia has offered to export electricity from the island of Sakhalin to the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, using undersea cables, the Nikkei business daily said on Friday, in what would be Japan’s first imports of electric power.

The proposal calls for a total transmission capacity of 4 gigawatts by 2025 at a project cost of US$5.68 billion (HK$44.1 billion), the paper said, citing an interview with Alexey Kaplun, deputy general director of Russia’s RAO Energy System of East, the biggest power utility in the Russian Far East.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1250401/russia-proposes-exporting-power-japan-nikkei

Intel scores major win in new Samsung Galaxy tablet: source

Samsung Electronics has chosen an Intel processor to power a new version of one of its top-tier Android tablets, a source with knowledge of the plans told Reuters, in a major victory for the US chipmaker, which is struggling to find its footing in the mobile market.

Samsung has chosen Intel’s Clover Trail+ mobile chip for at least one version of its Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, which competes with Apple’s iPad, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the specifications have not been announced.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250393/intel-scores-major-win-new-samsung-galaxy-tablet-source

Intel scores major win in new Samsung Galaxy tablet: source

Samsung Electronics has chosen an Intel processor to power a new version of one of its top-tier Android tablets, a source with knowledge of the plans told Reuters, in a major victory for the US chipmaker, which is struggling to find its footing in the mobile market.

Samsung has chosen Intel’s Clover Trail+ mobile chip for at least one version of its Galaxy Tab 3 10.1, which competes with Apple’s iPad, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the specifications have not been announced.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1250391/intel-scores-major-win-new-samsung-galaxy-tablet-source

Germans irked as Hollande says EU cannot dictate French reforms

President Francois Hollande has pledged to carry out long overdue reforms of France’s pension system and labour markets but said it was up to Paris, not the European Commission, to determine how they are implemented.

At a joint news conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hollande defended his comment that the EU executive cannot “dictate” reforms to member states - a defiant, nationalist tone that angered Germany’s ruling conservatives.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1250382/germans-irked-hollande-says-eu-cannot-dictate-french-reforms

Hang Seng dips by break

Hong Kong stocks were down 0.11 percent by the break Friday ahead of key Chinese manufacturing data due to be released on Saturday. The benchmark H...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36958

French jobless total hits new record, in blow to Hollande

French President Francois Hollande said he was sticking to a target of cutting down unemployment by year-end, after fresh data showed that the number of jobless hit a new all-time high in April.

In a stark illustration of the challenge facing the Socialist president, the 3,264,400 registered job seekers in April marked two uninterrupted years of monthly rises and a 1.2 per cent increase on March.

Nearly 337,000 more people are out of work in mainland France than there were when Hollande was elected in May last year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1250381/french-jobless-total-hits-new-record-blow-hollande

Tiananmen Mothers slams Xi for failing in push for reforms

A group of families demanding justice for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have denounced President Xi Jinping for failing to launch pol...



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ESF appoints new chief executive

The English Schools Foundation has appointed a new chief executive from Britain. Belinda Greer will take over in September from Heather Du Quesnay, wh...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36956

(NBA playoffs) Heat take 3-2 series lead over Pacers

The Miami Heat used a dominant third quarter to turn the game around and beat the Indiana Pacers 90-79 on Thursday, taking a 3-2 lead in the NBA Easte...



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Assad comes back fighting after Syria forces take key town

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad threatened Israel with renewed fighting in the Golan Heights and said Russia was committed to supplying him with ad...



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China Railway plans to issue up to 20 billion yuan in bonds

China Railway Corp, the new commercial arm of the former Ministry of Railways, plans to issue up to 20 billion yuan (HK$25.1 billion) of fixed-rate enterprise bonds in June, according to three sources familiar with the situation, IFR Asia reported on Friday.

The deal, the debut enterprise bond offering from the newly created entity, has a planned tenor of 10 years, it said.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1250369/china-railway-plans-issue-20-billion-yuan-bonds

Cuban rat poison makes headway in Vietnam

His wares banned in much of the world, the Vietnamese salesman hawking a rat poison laced with salmonella sought to prove the bait was as safe as clai...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36904

Singapore says Internet licencing rules necessary

Singapore's media regulator on Thursday sought to allay fears that a controversial new rule requiring news websites to obtain licenses was aimed at st...



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Russia deplores anti-Assad forces tactics

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused the Syrian opposition of seeking to disrupt plans to hold a peace conference on Syria. “It appears th...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36902

Mexican climber records rare Everest milestone

Mountaineering officials have recognized a Mexican climber as the first person to scale Mount Everest from both the north and south sides in the same ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36901

More gloom for Spanish economy

Spain's economy shrank 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2013, official data showed Thursday, a day after Brussels recommended giving the recessio...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36900

Christchurch to mark 1,000 days since quake

New Zealand's second largest city of Christchurch will on Friday mark a thousand days since it was struck by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake on September 4...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36899

Evaporating water supply poses costly risk for miners

High in Chile’s bone-dry Atacama desert, mining engineer Enrique Miranda surveys a metal structure filled with a pungent mix of earthworms and woodchips. Sprinklers inside the enclosure snap to life, shooting waste water from the nearby mining camp into the wriggling mass, which serves as a natural filter.

“That’s lunch for the worms,” says Miranda, an environmental supervisor who has worked at Barrick Gold Corp’s Zaldivar copper mine for 18 years.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1249700/evaporating-water-supply-poses-costly-risk-miners

(Rugby Union) Lions choose lock to lead

Lock Paul O'Connell will return to captain the British and Irish Lions against the Barbarians after Sam Warburton was ruled out of the tour opener w...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36898

Scotland’s Dull finds Bland Aussie friends

Fed up with people ridiculing its name, Bland Shire in Australia wants to cash in on it by hooking up with Dull in Scotland and the American town of...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36897

Rattled Tokyo officials plead for sanity following Nikkei rout

Stocks in Tokyo plunged more than 5 percent today as jittery investors dumped shares and economy minister called for calm. The benchmark Nikkei 225 i...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36896

Manila comic skewered for rape dig

The most popular comedian in Philippines has drawn anger instead of laughs by joking about rape. Vice Ganda was speaking to a packed arena audience ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36895

Japan mayor facing censure over sex slave remarks

The mayor of the Japanese city of Osaka is facing a censure motion over inflammatory comments he made about Japan's wartime sex slaves, remarks that s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36894

US banks report Q1 record earnings of US$40.3b

US banks earned more from January through March than during any quarter on record, buoyed by greater income from fees and fewer losses from bad loans.

The largest banks are increasingly driving the industry’s profits, while many smaller institutions continue to struggle.

The industry earned US$40.3 billion (HK$312.9 billion) in the first quarter, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said Wednesday. That’s the highest figure ever for a single quarter. And it’s up 15.8 per cent from the first quarter of last year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1249686/us-banks-report-q1-record-earnings-us403b

Taliban terrorist killed in US strike buried

Pakistani intelligence officials say the Pakistani Taliban's deputy leader has been buried after his death in a US drone strike. The killing of Waliu...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36893

Mexico hurricane kills two, 12 missing

Hurricane Barbara made landfall in Mexico's southern Pacific coast, leaving at least two dead, authorities said. Twelve Mexican fishermen who went ou...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36892

Driver gets 4-year in jail for fatal crash

A drink-driver who asked his wife to take the blame after he ran over and killed an elderly woman, has been jailed for four years. Yeung Shiu-lung was...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36891

Govt slammed over divided flats

A pro-government legislator has accused the administration of adopting the wrong approach to help residents of partitioned flats. A government-commis...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36890

Student protesters file complain against police to watchdog

Students who were forcibly removed from a school during a recent demonstration against Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying have complained to the Independ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36889

Nikkei plunges 5pc by close

Stocks in Tokyo plunged more than 5 percent as jittery investors dumped shares following an overnight fall on Wall Street on the back of concerns ove...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36888

Intolerant Japanese silence the children

As Japan's population declines, intolerance of children and the noise they make is increasing in a society getting less accustomed to hearing them, c...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36887

Greek neo-Nazis send chilling message in Athens

Hundreds of Greek neo-Nazis marched with torches through the streets of Athens late yesterday to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the fall of Co...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36886

Nikkei plunges 5pc in afternoon rout

Stocks in Tokyo tumbled more than 5 percent in the afternoon as jittery investors dumped shares following an overnight fall on Wall Street on the bac...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36885

Hong Kong shares at one-month low as utilities slide

Hong Kong shares sank to their lowest in a month on Thursday, with the utilities sector joining a downward spiral in high yielding counters on fears that the US Federal Reserve may soon begin tapering back its monetary stimulus.

At midday, the Hang Seng Index was down 0.5 per cent, while the China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong slid 1 per cent. Both indexes are now hovering at their lowest levels since late April.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/stock-talk/article/1249654/hong-kong-shares-one-month-low-utilities-slide

Nasdaq to pay US$10m to settle SEC charges from Facebook snafu

Nasdaq OMX has agreed to pay US$10 million, the largest penalty ever levied against a stock exchange, to settle civil charges stemming from mistakes made during Facebook’s initial public offering last year, US securities regulators said on Wednesday.

In its administrative proceeding against the stock exchange operator, the US Securities and Exchange Commission said Nasdaq’s “ill-fated decisions” on the day of the IPO led to a series of regulatory violations.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1249645/nasdaq-pay-us10m-settle-sec-charges-facebook-snafu

Switzerland frees banks to settle US tax evasion cases

Switzerland aims to save its banks from heavier punishment in the United States for helping wealthy tax cheats by sidestepping its own famed secrecy laws to let bankers disclose data to US prosecutors.

A government bill put to parliament on Wednesday would let Swiss banks hand over internal information to US authorities in the hope of avoiding threatened criminal charges - though the banks still face fines likely to total billions of dollars.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1249639/switzerland-frees-banks-settle-us-tax-evasion-cases

Liberty Reserve a money hub for crooks: Feds

When an undercover agent posing as a new client sought to register at the currency transfer firm Liberty Reserve as “Joe Bogus” from “123 Fake Main Street” in “Completely Made Up City,” no one at the company based in Costa Rica objected.

The same client recording digital currency transactions as “ATM skimming work” and “for the cocaine”? Still no problem.

In fact, federal prosecutors in Manhattan say anonymity and criminality were what Liberty Reserve was all about.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/technology/article/1249637/liberty-reserve-money-hub-crooks-feds

Buffett pays US$5.6b for Vegas utility

A Berkshire Hathaway unit will pay US$5.6 billion (HK$43.5 billion) for NV Energy, the electric utility serving Las Vegas and its power-hungry casinos, in yet another large energy deal for Warren Buffett in the western United States.

Berkshire’s MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co said it will buy NV Energy for US$23.75 per share, a 23 per cent premium to NV’s Wednesday closing price. NV Energy shares rose to US$23.90 in after-hours trading on Wednesday.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1249610/buffett-pays-us56b-vegas-utility

Europeans shelve travel plans for holiday: study

Fewer Europeans are planning to go away for a summer holiday as economic austerity bites, a new study shows, with levels of foreign vacation travel a...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36884

Dozen injured in Shatin bus crash

Two buses crashes at the intersection of Tate's Cairn Highway and Siu Lek Yuen Road. At least 18 people -- 7 male and 11 female -- were injured, RTHK ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36883

Seven Malaysians held over American pastor’s murder

Seven Malaysians have been arrested over the murder of an American pastor who was found strangled with a mobile phone cord at his home in Kuala Lumpu...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36882

Seven arrested in Malaysia over US pastor death

Malaysian police have arrested seven men over the murder of a US pastor who was found strangled with a mobile phone cord at his home in Kuala Lumpur, ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36881

Hang Seng retreats by break

Stocks in Hong Kong were down 0.49 percent by the break after fresh economic data highlighted global growth concerns and a sluggish recovery in Chin...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36880

Another sandwich attack on unpopular Aussie PM Gillard – this time it’s salami

Australia’s highly unpopular Prime Minister Julia Gillard was forced to dodge a flying sandwich for the second time this month today when someone's s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36879

Britain’s Daily Mail condemned for lewd reports on transgender teacher who killed self

A coroner in London has criticized the press for “salacious'' coverage of a transgender teacher who later killed herself. Coroner Michael Singleton s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36878

Mother of baby in sewer avoids charges

Authorities have concluded that a newborn rescued from a sewer pipe in eastern China became trapped because of an accident. They say there will be no ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36877

Refugee agency staffer dumped for digging into UN rapist in Sri Lanka wins damages

After nine years of legal wrangling, former UN investigator Caroline Hunt-Matthes has won a judgment that she was unfairly punished for documenting a ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36876

(NHL playoffs) Seabrook leads Chicago past Detroit to advance

Brent Seabrook sent a wrist shot past goalie Jimmy Howard's glove 3:35 into overtime to give the Chicago Blackhawks a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36875

Motorola to reveal US-made smartphone

Cellphone pioneer Motorola is opening a Texas manufacturing facility that will produce the first smartphone ever assembled in the US. Motorola Mobili...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36873

American charged with Facebook trap that killed teenage girl

An American man used a fake Facebook account to lure a teenage girl out of her house in an attempt to stage her kidnapping and rescue so he could look...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36872

Eight guards opened fire, investigators find

Teams from Taiwan and the Philippines continued on parallel investigations into the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman. Investigators from Taiwa...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36874

Tokyo stocks down 2.75% by morning break

Tokyo stocks tumbled almost three per cent on Thursday morning as jittery investors dumped shares following a sharp fall on Wall Street on the back of concerns over global growth.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index, which slumped over three per cent at the open, was down 393.54 points, to 13,932.92 by the break, while the Topix index of all first-section shares lost 2.10 per cent, or 24.80 points, to 1,154.07.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.69 per cent to 15,302.80 on Wednesday due to concern over the global economy and the recent surges in US bond yields.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1249583/tokyo-stocks-down-275-morning-break

Larry King returns – on Russian TV

Aging American talk show host Larry King said he is joining Russia Today, a Kremlin-funded English-language TV station that primarily broadcasts Mosc...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36871

China, Laos send back NKorean defectors: report

Nine North Korean defectors have been forced to return to their country from China after being captured in Laos, a South Korean news report says. Lao...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36870

Finland’s Swedish-speakers face death threats

Prominent members of Finland's Swedish-speaking minority revealed they have received death threats, sparking a protest and shaking the image of harm...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36869

Peugeot may need to raise funds as burns cash -sources

PSA Peugeot Citroen may have to raise funds through a share sale as the loss-making French carmaker burns through cash in a weak market, two sources familiar with the situation said.

Peugeot, which has been running losses of up to 200 million euros (HK$2.0 billion) a month and does not expect a return to profit until 2015, said a capital hike was not on the agenda, as it started talks with unions about turning around the firm.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1249568/peugeot-may-need-raise-funds-burns-cash-sources

Disneyland staff arrested over dry-ice blast

Police arrested a Disneyland employee on suspicion of putting a so-called dry ice bomb in a theme park trash can where it exploded, authorities said W...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36868

Hezbollah deals blow to anti-Assad forces in key town

Hezbollah fighters spearheaded an assault that cut off Syrian rebel fighters in the central town of Qusayr yesterday drawing condemnation from the U...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36866

Rita Fan says 'Plan B' not likely

National People's Congress deputy Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai said she never heard that Beijing has a plan to replace Leung Chun-ying as Chief Executive. She...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36867

Facebook cowards told to ‘put your name’ on distasteful postings

A top Facebook executive said authors of misogynist posts on the social network will now have to “put your name on your sexism'' instead of being ano...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36865

Langham trading below listing price

Langham Hospitality Investments (1270) fell as much as 8 percent below its listing price to HK$4.58 on debut. The spin-off of Great Eagle (0041) open...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36864

Pope greets crowds in heavy rain

The rain hasn't stopped Pope Francis. The 76-year-old pontiff, who lost part of a lung during his youth to an infection, got soaked Wednesday as he b...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36830

UK prisons on alert: reports

British newspapers say that UK prisons are on the alert after a hostage-taking attack blamed on extremist Muslim inmates came days after an off-duty s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36829

German jobless rate eases in May

A traditional spring pickup in job creation helped reduce Germany's unemployment rate to 6.8 percent in May from 7.1 percent the previous month. In t...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36828

OECD cuts growth forecasts for rich economies, except Japan

The OECD on Wednesday slashed its growth forecast for the world's most advanced economies, except Japan, but said growth should pick up later this yea...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36827

Dutch teens, father on trial over linesman death

Seven Dutch teens and a father went on trial Wednesday charged with kicking to death an amateur football linesman last year, a killing that sent shock...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36826

Singapore new media rule angers Singapore online community

Singapore's feisty online community reacted angrily Wednesday to an announcement that news websites including one operated by Yahoo! will have to obt...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36825

Hang Seng slumps on weaker China outlook

Hong Kong stocks closed down 1.61 percent Wednesday as a downgrade of China's growth outlook by the International Monetary Fund raised concerns about ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36824

Six arrested over robbery plan

Police arrested six men who planned to rob a warehouse in Kwun Tong. The six arrested are also believed to be related to another robbery on April 12. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36823

Wal-Mart admits tossing dangerous waste

Wal-Mart Stores will pay US$81.6 million after pleading guilty in the US to criminal charges of improperly disposing of fertilizer, pesticides and oth...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36822

Govt slammed for slow political reforms

The Civic Party leader, Alan Leong Kah-kit, has strongly criticised the government for failing to come up with proposals for political reform. Leong s...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36821

Australian reviews university red tape

Australia's Tertiary Education Minister Craig Emerson on Wednesday announced an independent review of regulatory compliance and reporting before the S...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36820

European stocks down at open

Europe's main stock markets fell at the start of trading on Wednesday, with London's benchmark FTSE 100 index down 0.47 percent to 6,729.95 points. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36819

French 'Most Wanted' captured six weeks after prison break

French police said Wednesday they had captured the country's most-wanted man in a hotel outside Paris six weeks after he dynamited his way out of a ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36818

China shares set for fourth straight daily gain, outshine Hong Kong

China shares are headed for a fourth-straight daily gain in robust bourse volumes on Wednesday, powered by strength in the real estate and auto sectors that is helping mainland markets outperform Hong Kong.

At midday, the Hang Seng Index was down 0.7 per cent at 22,767.4 points, while the China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong shed 0.8 per cent. Both are set for their first loss in three days.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/stock-talk/article/1248956/china-shares-set-fourth-straight-daily-gain-outshine-hong

Paul Chan faces libel trial

A libel case against the Development Secretary, Paul Chan Mo-po and his wife, Frieda, will be heard by a jury in the High Court next year. The lawsui...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36817

Handling of CY's building case criticized

A number of legislators have accused the government of preferential treatment towards Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying over the Buildings Department's ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36816

Govt refuses to give details on Barry Cheung case

The government has refused to disclose whether it knew about the financial difficulties faced by the failed Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange. The Secret...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36815

Sister of Italian journo shot in back by Thais demands punishment for military killing

An Italian photographer killed while covering the military's crackdown on anti-government protesters in Thailand's capital three years ago was shot by...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36814

Nikkei closes flat

Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended flat after a choppy trading session with investor sentiment brightened by upbeat US economic data while a st...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36812

(NHL playoffs) Kings outs Sharks, advance to conference finals

Reigning playoff MVP Jonathan Quick made 25 saves as the defending champion Los Angeles Kings advanced to the NHL playoff semi-finals Tuesday with a ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36813

(NBA playoffs) Pacers knot series at 2-2 with Heat

Centre Roy Hibbert scored 23 points as the Indiana Pacers went on a 13-3 run to close the game and beat the Miami Heat 99-92 in game four of their NBA...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36811

Man on US$1M bail for baby-freezer case

Bail was set at US$1 million Tuesday for a 25-year-old Washington state man accused of putting his 6-week-old daughter in a minus 12-degree Celsius fr...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36810

Japan’s Suntory set for key unit listing in Tokyo: reports

Japanese drinks giant Suntory is to offer shares in its food-and-beverage unit in July, marking what could be the year’s biggest listing on the booming Tokyo Stock Exchange, reports said on Wednesday.

Privately-held Suntory was likely to receive the stock exchange’s approval later on Wednesday for a flotation of its Suntory Beverage & Food unit, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported.

Separate stories from the leading Nikkei business daily and Jiji Press news agency pegged the initial public offering as being worth as much as 500 billion yen (HK$38.1 billion).

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/markets-investing/article/1248917/japans-suntory-set-key-unit-listing-tokyo-reports

France nabs ‘radical’ youth over stabbing

Police investigating the stabbing of a French soldier in Paris arrested a suspect sources described as an adherent of “radical Islam.'' “The suspec...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36809

Egyptian man mountain rises through Sumo ranks

The first professional sumo wrestler from either Africa or the Arab world was given a boost today, winning promotion to the sport's second highest d...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36808

Murdoch aims to defy naysayers with new News Corp

Rupert Murdoch tried to convince Wall Street on Tuesday that there is still money to be made in newspapers, reminding investors that he had defied sceptics over the past 60 years to build one of the world’s biggest media empires.

As News Corp prepares to separate its publishing business from its entertainment assets, Murdoch said that while some brands face individual challenges, as a whole the publishing portfolio is “undervalued and underdeveloped.”

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248908/murdoch-aims-defy-naysayers-new-news-corp

IMF cuts China growth outlook, urges cap on social financing

The International Monetary Fund cut its growth forecast for China this year to 7.75 per cent from 8 per cent, citing a weak world economy and exports, adding to concerns that the world’s second-largest economy is losing momentum.

The IMF move follows a series of lowered this year growth estimates for China by private economists after soft factory output and investment performance data for April and weak factory activity in May.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1248902/imf-cuts-china-growth-outlook-urges-cap-social-financing

23 feared dead in Borneo boat tragedy

Divers will search for 23 people missing after a boat capsized in churning rapids on a remote Borneo river, police said. The accident occurred yest...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36807

Singapore draws red line for Malaysian protesters

Singapore issued a stern warning to foreigners to abide by its laws, after Malaysians arrested for staging an illegal protest had appealed for lenie...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36806

Apple chief ‘frustrated’ by tumbling share price, admits interest in wearable computing gadgets

Apple chief Tim Cook said he sees promise in computers shrunk down and worn like watches or other accessories, but drew the line at internet-linked ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36805

Telefonica-Unicom: is a divorce imminent?

Telefonica could soon sell its remaining stake in China Unicom, ending an unsuccessful relationship that benefited neither side

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1248876/telefonica-unicom-divorce-imminent

Police stumble on Chinese 'Obama' active online

US President Barack Obama appears to be a regular customer of a Chinese internet cafe, reports said, after the manager forged an identity card in the...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36804

Harvard dean to resign over email search claims

Harvard's undergraduate dean will step down in July, months after she was criticized for approving secret searches of junior faculty members' emails. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36803

Police arrests three LSD members

Three members of the League of Social Democrats have been arrested, the party's lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung confirmed, adding that they have yet been cha...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36802

Google goes Hollywood with 'The Internship'

When The Internship, a comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, hits movie theatres on June 7, Google will be taking more than a little interest in how the film is received.

In an unusual collabouration, the Internet giant was closely involved with the film, a US$58 million (HK$450.3 million) Fox production which features two middle-aged watch salesmen who are determined to get a job at Google.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248852/google-goes-hollywood-internship

Hang Seng down by break

Stocks in Hong Kong were down 0.68 by the break despite record gains on Wall Street as upbeat economic data renewed confidence in a US recovery. Th...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36801

Thai nightmare for 100 foreigners on sinking ferry

More than 100 people were rescued from a tourist ferry which began to sink in rough seas near the popular Thai resort island of Phuket, police said....



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36800

Beijing 'has no plan to replace CY'

Beijing has no plans to replace Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and continues to support him, according to local politicians who've met a top mainland...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36799

Money from China? Then “Made in China”, shipowners told

Chinese banks have sharply increased loans to global shipowners as European lenders retreat from the market but some are driving a hard bargain: the finance often comes with the condition that vessels be built in China.

The financing has given China’s shipyards a lifeline after new orders dropped to a seven-year low last year. The government wants Chinese yards to move up the value chain by building higher-quality vessels and to become a player in the offshore energy equipment industry, a lucrative sector in the generally depressed shipbuilding market.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1248838/money-china-then-made-china-shipowners-told

100 saved from sinking ferry in Thailand

More than 100 people were rescued from a tourist ferry which began to sink in rough seas near the popular Thai resort island of Phuket, police said ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36798

Young single mother owns up to sewer pipe baby

A 22-year-old woman who raised the initial alarm about a newborn trapped in a sewer pipe in China kept quiet about being his mother even as she watche...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36797

Suntory sets to list key unit in Tokyo: reports

Japanese drinks giant Suntory is to offer shares in its food-and-beverage unit in July, marking what could be the year's biggest listing on the boom...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36796

Softbank, Sprint merger approved for security: reports

Japan's SoftBank and US-based SprintNextel reached an agreement with the US government aimed at protecting national security as part of their US$20-b...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36795

IMF cuts China growth forecast

The International Monetary Fund expects China's economy to grow "around 7.75 percent'' in 2013, a top fund official said Wednesday, lower than the 8.0...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36794

Apple boss sees more ’game-changers’; hints at wearable devices

Apple chief executive Tim Cook said he expects the iPhone and iPad maker would be responsible for “several more game-changers” and that wearable computers could be the next big thing.

“It’s an area where it’s ripe for exploration,” Cook told an All Things Digital conference, an annual gathering of technology and media executives in the California coastal resort town of Rancho Palos Verdes.

“It’s ripe for us all getting excited about. I think there will be tons of companies playing in this.”

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248835/apple-boss-sees-more-game-changers-hints-wearable-devices

Mainland officials 'worried' about HK

The former head of the Central Policy Unit, Lau Siu-kai, says mainland officials are worried about the current situation in Hong Kong. Lau was respond...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36793

Aussie club chief McGuire likens Aborigine player to gorilla

Prominent television commentator and Collingwood club president Eddie McGuire has been embroiled in a racism controversy only days after a 13-year-old...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36792

(Cricket) Black Caps blame batting collapse for shameful loss

Graeme Swann bowled England to a commanding 247-run win in the second test against New Zealand in Leeds yesterday. The rain could not save the touris...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36791

Justin Bieber under reckless driving probe

Los Angeles County Sheriff's detectives are investigating Justin Bieber for reckless driving after witnesses -- including former National Football Lea...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36790

Disneyland blast possibly caused by dry-ice bottle

A small explosion Tuesday in a Disneyland trash can that appeared to be caused by dry ice in a bottle brought evacuations but no reports of any injuri...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36789

Infant saved from sewer pipe in Zhejiang

Chinese state media say firefighters and medics have rescued a newborn boy from a sewer pipe below a squat toilet. The state-run news site Zhejiang N...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36743

Govt to launch third round of iBonds in June

Secretary for Financial Affairs and the Treasury Ceajar Chan Ka-keung announced today that the government will issue the third iBonds issue totaling n...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36742

Car-makers 'exaggerate' fuel efficiency: study

The gap has widened between the fuel-efficiency that carmakers declare for their models and the reality for drivers, with luxury German vehicles showing the biggest divergence, a study has found.

The research by the non-profit International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found “real-world” carbon emissions for new cars based on fuel consumption are about 25 per cent higher on average than carmakers say, compared with 10 per cent a decade ago.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248132/car-makers-exaggerate-fuel-efficiency-study

Gates frowns at Australia for slashing foreign aid, urges China to pitch in

The world's richest man Bill Gates urged China to become a bigger player in foreign development following its success in lifting millions of its own ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36741

Three die on Himalayan peak

Two climbers, a 67-year-old Japanese woman and a Spanish man, 50, and their Nepalese guide have died on Nepal's rugged Dhaulagiri mountain, expediti...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36740

Hong Kong shares gain, China Taiping soars on restructuring plan

Hong Kong shares rose on Tuesday with heavyweight China Taiping Insurance surging nearly 12 per cent after it announced a US$13.3 billion (HK$103.25 billion) restructuring plan while its rivals slipped on a downgrade.

The Hang Seng Index ended the morning session up 0.1 per cent, while the China Enterprises Index of the leading Chinese listings in Hong Kong rose 0.4 per cent. Hong Kong bourse turnover at midday neared the weakest for the year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/stock-talk/article/1248108/hong-kong-shares-gain-china-taiping-soars-restructuring

Japan, China are world's top creditors

Japan kept its position as the world’s largest creditor nation for the 22nd straight year last year, government data showed Tuesday, as the dollar’s gains helped inflate the value of overseas assets.

Tokyo was followed by mainland China and Germany in third place in the ranking, which reflects the difference between the value of assets held abroad, including foreign debt and property, minus a nation’s liabilities, such as foreign purchases of its own debt and domestic assets.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1248107/japan-china-are-worlds-top-creditors

Two Beijing teens test their vocabulary at US Spelling Bee dominated by South Asian winners

Two youngsters from Beijing are among the 281 contestants from eight countries including China, Jamaica, Ghana and Sri Lanka, testing their vocabulary...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36739

Japan, China are world's top creditors

Japan kept its position as the world’s largest creditor nation for the 22nd straight year last year, government data showed Tuesday, as the dollar’s gains helped inflate the value of overseas assets.

Tokyo was followed by mainland China and Germany in third place in the ranking, which reflects the difference between the value of assets held abroad, including foreign debt and property, minus a nation’s liabilities, such as foreign purchases of its own debt and domestic assets.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/1248098/japan-china-are-worlds-top-creditors

Deadly Malaysia holiday for young woman diver

A British tourist died in Malaysia when she was struck by a passing boat's propeller in a diving accident off a group of popular resort islands in t...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36738

China growth will slow: Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard, owner of Absolut vodka, Martell cognac and Jameson whisky, says explosive sales growth in China is slowing but an expanding urban elite still makes the country one of the most promising markets.

Makers of luxury goods from designer clothes to sparkling wine are looking to China as a key growth market. A cooling economy and a crackdown on the lavish spending of Chinese officials have tempered those hopes. But many brands are launching initiatives to attract new customers.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248072/china-growth-will-slow-pernod-ricard

Brooklyn Bridge closed over suspicious vehicle

The New York police shut down traffic in both directions on the Brooklyn Bridge for an hour at the end of a holiday weekend on Monday evening, due to ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36737

Blundering Aussie officials let loose Sri Lankan murder suspect who sought asylum

Australia's border security came under fire after reports an Egyptian asylum-seeker wanted by Interpol was held in minimum security and a Sri Lankan ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36735

(Baseball) Blue Jays beat Braves behind Encarnacion's homers

Edwin Encarnacion, pictured, hit a three-run homer, Colby Rasmus and J.P. Arencibia each had a two-run shot and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36736

(NBA playoffs) Spurs sweep Grizzlies to advance into Finals

San Antonio's Tony Parker scored 37 points in his best game this postseason as the Spurs beat the Memphis Grizzlies 93-86 on Monday to complete a 4-0 ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36734

Hang Seng ekes out gains

Stocks in Hong Kong edged up 0.14 percent by the break as traders brushed aside lingering concerns over China's sluggish economic recovery. The benc...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36733

(NHL playoffs) Blackhawks push series to Game 7

Bryan Bickell scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Chicago Blackhawks won 4-3 at Detroit on Monday to avoid elimination in the N...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36732

Armed ethnic group backed by China raises stakes in Myanmar, demands separate state

Myanmar's most heavily-armed and powerful rebel group has said it is looking to carve out a legitimate state, as experts say it is flexing its muscl...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36731

Rising yuan headache for policymakers

As China's rising currency begins to raise concerns over how it may impact exporter profits, it’s also creating headaches for the country’s financial ...



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Singaporean cops admit shoddy work over American’s death

Singapore police who examined the scene of an American's death admitted on the last day of a coroner's inquest yesterday that they deviated from offic...



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Royal Caribbean ship Grandeur of Seas, hobbling after fire

A fire broke out aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship en route to the Bahamas yesterday, but the ship arrived in Freeport with no injuries reported. ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36728

CY has no plans to replace Barry Cheung

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying says he has no plans to replace Barry Cheung Chun-yuen on the Executive Council following his resignation. Speaking b...



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Manila counts cost of Taipei sanctions

Philippine tourism officials said they stand to lose US$4.5 million monthly in canceled bookings and charter flights from Taiwan as a result of a dipl...



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Nikkei swings back by break

Stocks in Tokyo continued their rollercoaster ride, casting off early losses to end the morning session 0.57 percent higher as a weakening yen helped...



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South Koreans shutter more nuke reactors over forged parts warranty stink

South Korea shut down two nuclear reactors and delayed the scheduled start of operations at two others as part of a widening investigation into a sc...



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Tainted Canadian firm SNC-Lavalin struggles to come clean

Canadian engineering giant SNC-Lavalin, facing mounting bribery allegations, offered amnesty to employees who come forward with knowledge of wrongdo...



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Fosun, Axa bid for Club Med

The two main shareholders in upmarket holiday group Club Mediterranee, including Chinese company Fosun, said they would make a bid for the company, ...



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Eurogroup flexible on Portugal fiscal goals

Portugal could possibly obtain additional time to balance its public finances, but has yet to make such a request, the head of euro zone finance min...



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Palestinians suspicious of Kerry's economic ploy

A US$4 billion US plan to support the Palestinian economy was met with a cool response as Palestinian leaders insisted on a political dimension to th...



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EU says will resist external pressure on China solar panels dispute

The European Commission warned against undue Chinese influence as Germany led growing opposition among EU member states to a planned punitive levy on...



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US F-15 fighter plunges into seas off Okinawa

A US Air Force F-15 fighter crashed off the southern Japan island of Okinawa early today after the aircraft developed problems in flight. The pilot ej...



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‘Incompetent’ Sydney Catholic cleric deplored for providing cover for pedophiles

Victims of child sex abuse by Catholic clergy in Australia and their supporters called for the resignation of the church's top ranking cardinal, say...



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(Cricket) Black Caps tottering on edge once again

Graeme Swann bowled England to the brink of victory against New Zealand in the second and final cricket test at Headingley yesterday. The off-spinn...



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(Tennis) Nadal survives scare, Sharapova in a hurry

Rafael Nadal's bid for an historic eighth French Open title was almost spectacularly derailed yesterday by big-hitting German Daniel Brands. But th...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36714

(Football) Napoli name Benitez coach

Rafael Benitez was appointed coach of Serie A side Napoli, the club president announced. The 53-year-old Spaniard – whose previous experience in Ser...



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Part of Brazilian stadium roof collapses

A small part of the roof of a stadium set to host Confederations Cup matches next month in Brazil collapsed yesterday. A section of the roof of the A...



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(Football) Neymar keeps Barca deal value secret

Brazilian Neymar said he signed a five-year contract with the Spanish club yesterday, two days after announcing that he decided to pick the Catalan cl...



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Premier Li praises Berlin’s objection to EU tariffs on solar panels

Germany told the European Commission that it rejected a proposal to slap tariffs on Chinese solar panel imports, its economy minister said. “There i...



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US senator McCain makes contact with Assad foes on Syrian soil

US Senator John McCain crossed from Turkey into Syria yesterday to meet with rebel leaders in the country, according to a spokesman for the lawmaker...



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Nikkei tumbles 1pc

Stocks in Tokyo opened 1.41 percent lower after skidding more than three percent the previous day on profit-taking and a stronger yen. The Nikkei 225...



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EU approves arms for anti-Assad forces

The European Union finally agreed to lift its embargo against arming Syrian rebels, after tough talks that exposed sharp differences between Britain...



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Australia fingers China hackers for stolen spy agency blueprints

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr insisted that ties with China would not be hurt by a report that Chinese hackers have stolen top secret bluepri...



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Negative opening in Shanghai

Stocks in Shanghai were down 0.25 percent in early trading as shares of smaller companies fell on profit-taking, dealers said. The benchmark Shangha...



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Hang Seng little changed

Stocks in Hong Kong opened flat with no overnight lead from the London and New York markets which were closed for holidays. The benchmark Hang Seng I...



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EU regulator suspects BASF insecticide of harming bees

The European Union’s food safety regulator has added a BASF insecticide to the list of crop chemicals it suspects of playing a role in declining bee populations.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said in a statement on Monday that BASF’s fipronil poses an “acute risk to honeybees when used as a seed treatment for maize”, citing dust drift in particular.

BASF has until June 14 to file a comment on the report with the European Commission, which will discuss a possible ban with EU government officials in July.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248039/eu-regulator-suspects-basf-insecticide-harming-bees

Germany’s top-selling tabloid to introduce paywall

Europe’s top-selling newspaper said Monday it will introduce a paywall for part of its online offerings starting next month.

Main news stories will remain free of charge online, but a subscription will be required to view features, interviews and other exclusive content, German tabloid Bild said.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248030/germanys-top-selling-tabloid-introduce-paywall

Europe’s austerity-to-growth shift largely semantic

To listen to some European leaders, especially in France, you would think the era of austerity was over and the euro zone was going full steam ahead to revive economic growth.

In a striking change of tone, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said last month that austerity - the policy of cutting public debt by reducing spending and raising taxes - had reached the limits of public acceptance.

In reality, the shift is more in words than deeds. The rhetoric has changed but there has been no policy U-turn.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1248023/europes-austerity-growth-shift-largely-semantic

Uniqlo owner won’t sign Bangladesh safety pact

Fast Retailing, the Japanese operator of the Uniqlo and Theory fashion brands, for now will not sign a legally binding safety pact for factories in Bangladesh, preferring to ramp up its own inspections, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

In April, more than 1,100 garment workers died in the collapse of the eight-story Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh, putting pressure on fashion brands to improve worker safety.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248015/uniqlo-owner-wont-sign-bangladesh-safety-pact

Apple faces EU questions over sales tactics

EU antitrust regulators are seeking information whether Apple’s iPhone distribution deals with mobile telecoms operators may be aimed at shutting out rival smartphones makers, in a move which could lead to a formal investigation into Apple.

In a nine-page questionnaire sent to mobile telecoms companies last Friday and obtained by Reuters, the European Commission said such behaviour may breach EU antitrust rules.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1248009/apple-faces-eu-questions-over-sales-tactics

EU exec to move spotlight from austerity to reforms on Wed

The European Commission will further shift the EU’s policy focus from austerity to structural reforms to revive growth when it presents economic recommendations for each member state on Wednesday, officials said.

In its annual assessment as guardian of the EU’s budget rules, the Commission will say that while fiscal consolidation should continue, its pace can be slower now that a degree of investor confidence in the euro has been restored.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1247997/eu-exec-move-spotlight-austerity-reforms-wed

Seven injured in Bangkok explosion

A bomb hidden near rubbish bins in a busy suburban Bangkok shopping area left seven people wounded, Thai police said on Monday. The homemade device ...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36673

Tata’s Mistry man tightening belts as more frugal era begins

As Ratan Tata strode the halls of the Geneva Motor Show in March, joking with journalists and chatting with auto industry leaders, his successor at the helm of India’s biggest business group stood silently on the sidelines.

Shunning the spotlight since taking charge of the US$100 billion (HK$776.3 billion) Tata group in December, 44-year-old Cyrus Mistry has focused on belt-tightening at a conglomerate left bloated by explosive growth under his predecessor.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1247322/tatas-mistry-man-tightening-belts-more-frugal-era-begins

Robots to drones, Australia eyes high-tech farm help to grow food

Moving carefully along a row of apple trees, two of Australia’s newest agricultural workers check if the fruit is ripe or the soil needs water or fertiliser.

Meet “Mantis” and “Shrimp”, agricultural robots being tested to do these tasks and more in a bid to cut costs and improve productivity in Australia’s economically vital farm sector, which exported A$39.6 billion (HK$296.4 billion) of produce last year.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1247312/robots-drones-australia-eyes-high-tech-farm-help-grow-food

Kuwait oil minister avoids grilling over US$2b payment

Hani Hussein, oil minister of OPEC member Kuwait, has resigned apparently to avoid being questioned in parliament over a US$2.2-billion penalty paym...



via The Standard - Breaking News http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking_news_detail.asp?id=36672

Chill breeze of politics stills Australian renewables

On a line of low hills standing sentinel beside a dry lake bed near Australia’s capital, giant turbines turning slowly in a chill winter breeze give no hint of a multi-billion-dollar storm building around renewable energy.

Infigen Energy’s Capital Windfarm, built five years ago, was a vanguard for wind power as Australia sought to wean itself from cheap fossil-fuel power in the face of climate shift blamed in part for Lake George’s transformation to a vast plain.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/1247301/chill-breeze-politics-stills-australian-renewables

Hong Kong shares in tepid rebound from four-week low, China flat

Hong Kong shares edged up on Monday after a four-day losing streak but mainland markets remained under pressure after new data pointed to an uncertain pace of recovery in the world’s second-largest economy.

A report in the People’s Daily that China may not launch new stimulus amid concerns of a debt buildup and overcapacity from a previous programme added to the negative sentiment.

At midday, the Hang Seng Index rose 0.2 percent from its four-week low to 22,669.37 points. The China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong gained 0.1 per cent.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/money/stock-talk/article/1247297/hong-kong-shares-tepid-rebound-four-week-low-china-flat

Jolie's aunt dies of breast cancer

Angelina Jolie's aunt has died of breast cancer less than two weeks after Jolie had a double mastectomy to avoid the disease. Debbie Martin died at a...



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Toronto mayor denies smoking crack

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford says that a purported video of him smoking crack cocaine does not exist and vowed to seek re-election next year, attacking the ...



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SAT test cheats in South Korea trigger investigation in Gangnam into national shame

South Korean officials launched an inquiry into cram schools, after a cheating scandal that led to the nationwide cancellation of US college entrance...



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Chinese student cornered for defacing Luxor monument

A Chinese tourist who defaced an ancient Egyptian monument was hunted down by Internet users who prompted his parents to apologize, state media said...



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Lawmakers give evidence to ICAC probe

Legislators Claudia Mo Man-ching and Gary Fan Kwok-wai have given evidence to ICAC investigators after the pair made complaints against the anti-graft...



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Australian admits 11 nursing home murders

A man accused of deliberately lighting a deadly blaze that ripped through a Sydney nursing home in 2011 killing 11 elderly residents pleaded guilty ...



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Pyongyang looses grip on worker salaries

A North Korean economist says the government introduced new economic management methods last month that relax state control of workers' salaries. Gov...



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Court hears closing argument in fraud case

The District Court has heard closing arguments in the fraud trial of the former development secretary, Mak Chai-kwong and assistant highways director,...



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Hang Seng swings between gains and losses

Stocks in Hong Kong edged up 0.22 percent by the break, fending off selling pressure after Tokyo saw heavy profit-taking. The benchmark Hang Seng Inde...



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