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France targets cheap Chinese goods with fee on packages
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Amnesty accuses Israel of 'live-streamed genocide' in Gaza
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Japan, Philippines leaders vow to deepen security ties
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Shadman's ton gives Bangladesh lead in 2nd Zimbabwe Test
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Barca's Yamal: I admire Messi but don't compare myself to him
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Pfizer profits dip on lower Paxlovid sales
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French right-wing TV host fans talk of presidential bid
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Two men in court charged with 'moronic' felling of famed UK tree
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Amnesty accuses Israel of 'live-streamed genocide' against Gazans
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Spotify posts record profit in first quarter
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Sciver-Brunt named as England women's cricket captain
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GM profits top estimates, but automaker reviewing outlook due to tariffs
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Stock markets edge up as Trump softens tariff pain for auto firms
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Spain, Portugal rule out cyberattack for massive blackout
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Suryavanshi, 14, dubbed India's next superstar after shattering records
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Power back in Spain, Portugal after massive blackout
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Pakistan says it shot down Indian drone along Kashmir border
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Cardinals run the media gauntlet ahead of conclave
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BP profit drops 70% amid pivot back to oil and gas
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Iran says fire contained after deadly blast at key port
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Irish rappers Kneecap deny support for Hamas, Hezbollah
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Blackout plunges Spain into chaotic night of darkness
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Kashmiris fortify bunkers anticipating India-Pakistan crossfire
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Adidas warns US tariffs to push up prices
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Suryavanshi, 14, dubbed 'next superstar' after batting records tumble
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Australian doubles player Purcell accepts 18-month doping ban
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Kashmir attack unites political foes in India, Pakistan
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Croatia hotel toasts dizzying century of stars, sovereigns and champagne
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Kenya's desperate need for more snake antivenom
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Les Kiss in frame with Wallabies set to name new coach
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Cavaliers scorch Heat, Warriors down Rockets in thriller
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Opposition wins Trinidad and Tobago election, returning Persad-Bissessar as PM
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Study sheds light on origin of Australia's odd echidna
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France tries Syrian Islamist rebel ex-spokesman on war crime charges
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Trump boasts of 'fun' 100 days, but Americans disenchanted
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Elitist no more, caviar is turning casual
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Amnesty accuses Israel of 'live-streamed genocide' against Gaza Palestinians
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Inter slump puts season at risk ahead of daunting Barca trip
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Power returns to most of Spain, Portugal after massive blackout
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'I have hope': Vietnam Babylift survivor's search for birth mother
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US climate assessment thrown into doubt as Trump dismisses authors
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Venezuelan president slams US over little girl's 'abduction'
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Hard-right upstarts eye big gains in local UK polls
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Canada's Carney: political newcomer who says he's best in a crisis
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Cavaliers scorch Heat to seal series sweep

UK economy rebounds but headwinds remain for govt
Britain's economic growth rebounded less than expected in November, official data showed Thursday, dealing a fresh blow to a Labour government that is battling headwinds.
Gross domestic product expanded 0.1 percent in the month after GDP contracted 0.1 percent in October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.
Analysts' consensus forecast had been for growth of 0.2 percent in November.
The data offsets a slight reprieve for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his finance minister Rachel Reeves on Wednesday when official data revealed an unexpected fall to UK inflation in December.
Britain's economy has stagnated since Labour won a general election in July, which saw the party end 14 years of rule by the Conservatives having pledged to drive growth.
But Reeves has faced calls from the main opposition Conservatives to resign following a recent spike in state borrowing costs and a hefty drop in the pound.
"I am determined to go further and faster to kickstart economic growth, which is the number one priority in our plan for change," Reeves said in a statement following the latest GDP data.
"That means generating investment, driving reform and a relentless commitment to root out waste in public spending."
She added: "I will fight every day to deliver that growth and put more money into working people's pockets."
- 'Gloomy business mood' -
The finance minister's maiden budget in October included tax rises for businesses -- a decision blamed for Britain struggling to grow its economy in recent months.
Reeves defended her brief record during a heated exchange in parliament on Tuesday, while Starmer on Wednesday insisted she would remain chancellor of the exchequer "for many, many years".
Following the growth data, yields on UK government bonds steadied after having cooled significantly Wednesday.
The London stock market was up 0.6 percent in early trading and the pound slid against the dollar and euro, as traders reacted also to movements in the wider global economy.
"With inflation easing and sluggish economic growth, a 25 basis points rate cut by the Bank of England in February seems increasingly likely," noted Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
"UK government bond yields have felt an immediate impact, pulling back yesterday from multi-decade highs, offering some relief to risk-on investors and borrowers alike."
Some analysts warned, however, that the UK economy may have contracted overall in the fourth quarter of last year.
Looking at 2025, "tighter financial conditions and a gloomy business mood on the back of higher taxes and a potential escalation in trade conflicts could set back business investment", forecast Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK.
- Services boost -
The ONS said growth to services resulted in the UK economy expanding slightly in November.
Production output dropped 0.4 percent but construction rebounded 0.4 percent in the month.
"Services grew a little, with wholesaling, pubs and restaurants and IT companies all doing well, partially offset by falls in accountancy and business rental and leasing," noted ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown.
She added that production declined further, with "falls across a range of manufacturing industries and oil and gas extraction companies".
P.Mathewson--AMWN