Business news - live: Chinese economy slumps to slowest growth in 27 years
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China's economy grew at its slowest pace in almost three decades during the third quarter, official figures have revealed.
The world's second-largest economy expanded 6 per cent, having been hit by a protracted trade war with the US and falling demand at home.
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EasyHotel shares jump despite 'challenging' second half
(Press Association) Shares in easyHotel have jumped after the business delivered a surge in annual revenues despite a "challenging" second half.
The group, which has been embroiled in a recent takeover battle, posted a 56 per cent rise in revenue to £17.6m in the year to 30 September.
Chief executive Guy Parsons said the company outperformed its rivals despite a "challenging" hotels market in the UK due to "dampened consumer confidence" amid political and economic uncertainty.
Despite hailing its performance, Mr Parsons said easyHotel has "not been immune to the weaker regional hotel market", while trading across its franchised business has been "subdued".
What sort of home can $225m get you?
It is a Californian mansion that comes complete with 60 rooms, a pool house, cinema, tennis courts and an impeccable history that has seen it host both Hollywood royalty and US presidents.
Now this 40,000 sq ft home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, could become the world’s most expensive residential property ever after it was listed for sale at a cool $225m (£175m).
The luxurious property – known as Casa Encantada and built in 1938 – would eclipse the £160m paid for the One Hyde Park penthouse, in London’s Knightsbridge, last year.
Among the mansion’s selling points are its eight acres of land, ocean panoramas, an 18 ft high entrance hall, basketball court, Koi ponds and a number of guest houses. It was designed by famed architect James E Dolena.
China stops couriers from shipping black clothing to Hong Kong amid protests
(Reuters) - China has banned the bulk shipment to Hong Kong of black clothing and other gear used by pro-democracy protesters, staff at Chinese courier firms said, amid four months of often violent unrest in the city.
Customer services staff at some of China’s major couriers, including STO Express, ZTO Express and YTO Express, told Reuters that the curbs were put in place around August.
One staff member from STO said that single pieces of black clothing could be sent to Chinese-ruled Hong Kong, but shipments of more than five pieces would be stopped. They were also not allowed to ship masks, bulk orders of umbrellas or sticks.
“Any items that can be used by mobs,” he said.
A Hong Kong-based customer service employee at S.F. Express said it had not been informed of the new measures.
Chancellor refuses to publish analysis of economic damage from Brexit deal before MPs vote
The chancellor is refusing to publish an analysis of the likely economic damage from the new Brexit deal ahead of Saturday’s crunch vote, amid suspicions it would reveal a £130bn hit.
Senior MPs have condemned as “unacceptable” a failure to publish the information, when the Commons is being asked to make its most momentous decision in decades.
They suspect “the existing analysis stands” – pointing to Treasury data, last year, that said the limited free trade deal Mr Johnson now plans with the EU will strip 6.7 per cent from GDP over 15 years.
No 10 denies that and suggested a fresh analysis would be published, but not until after the Brexit agreement is put before MPs in the rush to seal the deal.
Qatar now so hot it has started air-conditioning the outdoors
Temperatures in Qatar – one of the hottest places on Earth – have risen so much that authorities have installed air conditioning in the open air including in streets and outdoor markets.
The country, where summer temperatures now reach up to 46C, has already started air-conditioning its football stadiums in preparation for
November’s World Cup – itself delayed because of the extreme heat.
Giant coolers have also been installed along pavements and even in outdoor shopping malls so a cool breeze allows life to go on as before.
But the outdoor air conditioning is part of an accelerating vicious cycle, as the electricity that powers them is from fossil fuels – which emit even more of the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that is causing the climate emergency.
Johnson & Johnson recalls baby powder contaminated with asbestos
Johnson & Johnson is recalling a shipment of baby powder in the US after it was found to contain traces of asbestos.
The Food and Drug Administration discovered small amounts of chrystolite asbestos in a bottle of baby powder bought online, J&J said.
The company's shares have dropped almost 4 per cent this afternoon following the announcement.
Around 33,000 bottles in lot #22318RB are subject to the recall.
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