Thursday , 12 February 2026

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ECB weighs options to limit banks’ gains from crisis loans

The European Central Bank (ECB) is searching for ways to stop lenders from profiting unduly as it raises interest rates to combat record inflation. The issue concerns about €2.1 trillion ($2 trillion) of ultra-cheap loans, known as TLTROs, that were granted at the height of the pandemic to keep credit flowing and stave off deflation. While the initiative was successful, …

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Tech leads gains as China stocks in Hong Kong extend rebound

Chinese stocks in Hong Kong extended their recovery from a rout earlier this week, as investors focused on a slew of earnings and awaited further policy guidance following the Party congress. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, a gauge of Chinese equities trading in Hong Kong, climbed 0.5%. The third day of advance helped pare losses from a historic 7.3% …

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L’Oreal says there are signs shoppers are trading down

L’Oreal SA said there are signs that shoppers are trading down to cheaper skincare products in fresh evidence that soaring inflation is eroding household budgets. The change in consumer behaviour is most pronounced in the UK “where the inflation is the highest,” with trading down affecting the skincare category there but not haircare nor fragrance, said Chief Executive Officer Nicolas …

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Hong Kong Airlines bondholders to oppose $6.2b debt restructuring

Some bondholders of Hong Kong Airlines are seeking to block a $6.2 billion debt restructuring plan, which they say treats them unfavorably compared with the company’s owner and its affiliates. The ad-hoc group, representing some holders of perpetual notes and advised by law firm Allen & Overy, will vote down a proposal to reduce the debt of the embattled carrier …

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Gap pulls Yeezy products from its stores, website

After ending its partnership with Ye’s Yeezy label last month, Gap Inc. is now pulling all remaining Yeezy Gap products from its stores and online after the rapper and designer made antisemitic remarks. In a statement, Gap said it would take immediate steps to remove Yeezy Gap items and shut down e-commerce site YeezyGap.com. It now redirects to Gap.com. Last …

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Digital-currency plan falters as Nigerians defiant on crypto

A year after launching Africa’s first digital currency, Nigeria’s central bank is turning to the nation’s three-wheeler taxi operators to speed the adoption of the eNaira, as regulators across the world scrutinise its every move. It’s offering a 5% discount to drivers and passengers of the motorised rickshaws — known locally as Keke Napep — who use the eNaira. It’s …

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Bank of Canada set for fifth outsized rate hike

The Bank of Canada is set to deliver a fifth — but possibly final — outsized interest-rate hike this week amid signs its inflation-fighting efforts may be dragging the country’s economy into a recession. Markets are pricing in a 75 basis-point increase in the central bank’s rate at its decision in Ottawa. That would bring the benchmark to 4%, a …

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