Money

Concerns for Press Freedoms as Apple Daily announces closure date

Published

5 years ago

June 23, 2021

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily will stop operating on Thursday

The tabloid’s parent company, Next Digital said confirmed the news after national security police arrested another employee of the troubled newspaper.

The recent events bring the 26 year operations of the popular tabloid to a close.

Apple Daily is popular within Hong Kong. The newspaper, which mixes pro-democracy discourse with racy celebrity gossip and investigations of those in power, has escalated alarm over media freedom and other rights in the Chinese-ruled city.

In a statement on its website, Next Digital stated that the decision to close the newspaper, which employs about 600 journalists, was taken “due to the current circumstances prevailing in Hong Kong.”

Last weeek authorities in Hong Kong froze assets of companies linked to the newspaper and arrested five executives.

On Wednesday, it arrested a columnist on suspicion of conspiring to collude with a foreign country or foreign forces.

Authorities have revealed their concern over dozens of Apple Daily pieces that may have violated the security law, the first instance of authorities taking aim at media articles under the legislation.

Police officers escort Cheung Kim-hung, right, CEO and Executive Director of Next Digital Ltd at Apple Daily headquarters in Hong Kong, Thursday, June 17, 2021. Hong Kong police on Thursday morning arrested the chief editor and four other senior executives of Apple Daily under the national security law on suspicion of collusion with a foreign country to endanger national security, according to local media reports. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

There has now been an outcry from rights groups, media organisations and Western governments, who have criticised last week’s raid of the Apple Daily newsroom. Those who state press freedom has been violated.

The Apple Daily has come under increasing pressure following the arrest of its since tycoon owner and Beijing critic, Jimmy Lai.

Money

U.S. stocks falling amid AI worries and weak earnings

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

U.S. stocks are tumbling as investors grow concerned over AI profitability and disappointing earnings. Defensive sectors are attracting attention ahead of the upcoming CPI report, while market participants are carefully watching how tech-heavy AI stocks are influencing broader indices. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX notes that these factors are shaping market sentiment.

For traders, commodities like gold and oil are also playing a role in sentiment, providing hedges amid market uncertainty. The January jobs report and unemployment data are adding further context, with potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

Market expectations for rate cuts are shifting as investors weigh economic indicators against global market dynamics. Traders are also eyeing currency movements, including the Australian Dollar and Japanese yen, for signs of broader economic trends.

Money

Wall Street tumbles as tech stocks face AI disruption fears

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Wall Street took a sharp hit as tech stocks plummeted amid growing investor anxiety over artificial intelligence. Markets reacted strongly to uncertainty about how AI could disrupt major sectors, leaving investors on edge. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com explains why investors are nervous about what’s ahead.

Cisco Systems’ quarterly results added to the market jitters, while defensive sectors gained attention as investors sought safer bets. Analysts describe 2026 as a ‘prove it’ year for AI, with companies needing to demonstrate real returns on their ambitious investments.

The January Consumer Price Index report and rising concerns over AI’s impact on transportation companies further weighed on sentiment. Investors are now closely watching major tech firms for signals on how AI spending will shape future market performance.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#WallStreet #TechStocks #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #Investing #MarketCrash #NASDAQ #FinanceNews

Money

U.S. jobs report, Fed decisions, and Japan’s economic risks explained

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

Published

2 days ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

The January US jobs report shows a mixed picture for the economy, with payroll revisions and steady unemployment leaving analysts questioning the impact on Federal Reserve policy. We break down what the numbers mean for interest rates and market confidence.

US stock markets could face turbulence as investors digest the latest jobs data. David Scutt from StoneX explains how these figures may influence equities and what the outlook is for global markets.

Meanwhile, developments in Japan and a strengthening yen could spark new macroeconomic risks. From carry trades to unexpected shocks, we explore how these factors ripple across the global economy.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#USJobsReport #FederalReserve #StockMarket #MacroRisks #JapanEconomy #GlobalMarkets #CurrencyTrading #EconomicUpdate