Bloomberg Alphabet Inc. is defying political taboos with record stock buybacks as mass unemployment and economic uncertainty boosts scrutiny for the long-controversial practice. S&P 500 companies are set to reduce buybacks by an estimated 50% this year, according to Goldman Sachs. Yet, the Google parent company bought $8.5 billion of its own shares in the first quarter alone. That’s the …

Bloomberg Oil jumped for a second day as global production cuts deepened and signs of a fledgling demand recovery emerged. Futures in New York rose by as much as 18%. Norway said it will participate in oil-output cuts for the first time since 2002, joining other major producers in reining in supply. Data on Wednesday showed a surprise surge in …

ABU DHABI / WAM The United Arab Emirates has affirmed its commitment to achieving a political solution in Libya and called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasised the UAE’s support for a political solution to end the ongoing Libyan crisis in line with the outcomes …