A new high-speed train service linking Paris to Berlin is set to launch in December, running between Berlin Hauptbahnhof and Paris Gare de L’Est with stops in Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Frankfurt Süd. The service, delayed due to logistical issues, will take about eight hours, cutting down on travel time compared to current options.
Meanwhile, Boeing workers continue to strike at the airplane factory in Renton, Washington, with uncertainty over when the strike will end. The strike, the largest in the US, was prompted by a pay dispute, with workers rejecting Boeing’s latest offer of a 30% increase in wages. Amid negotiations and protests, workers remain hopeful for a resolution that meets their demands.
In the UK, the Co-op Group has returned to profit in the first half of the year, driven by growth in membership and its quick commerce business. The group, which owns supermarkets and funeral services, saw revenues rise by £100m to £5.6bn and a profit before tax of £58m. The Co-op plans to open new stores and expand its offerings, aiming to reach 8 million members by 2030.
On the global economic front, the OECD has upgraded its growth forecast for the UK, citing a robust economic recovery following a mild recession. The organization also notes that the global economy is “turning a corner,” with lower inflation and central bank interventions supporting economic momentum. However, challenges remain, particularly in inflation rates and interest rate adjustments.
Despite positive economic indicators, the markets show mixed reactions to Chinese stimulus measures, with Chinese stocks rallying for a second day while other Asian markets display a more varied response. Investors remain cautious about the long-term impact of the stimulus and are closely monitoring economic data and market trends.
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