United States&nbsp;stocks finished lower on Monday, ahead of a new round of trade negotiations between the world's two largest economies.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average erased 95.70 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 26,478.02. The Standard and Poor's 500 decreased 13.22 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 2,938.79. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 26.18 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 7,956.29.

Ten of the 11 primary Standard and Poor's 500 sectors closed lower, with energy down 0.92 per cent, becoming the worst-performing group. Communication services rose a modest 0.04 per cent, the only gainer.

Investors are awaiting the US-China trade talks which are set to begin later this week.

"The effects of the existing trade taxes are seen in investment spending. Companies are less likely to invest when the supply chains that have been built up over thirty years are being threatened," analysts at Swiss investment bank UBS said in a note on Monday.

Wall Street is also expecting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's upcoming speech at the US&nbsp;National Association for Business Economics annual meeting.

Last week, a flurry of weak US&nbsp;data raised hope for easier monetary policy from the Federal Reserve.

Market expectations for a rate cut later this month were more than 70 per cent, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool.

United States stocks finished lower on Monday, ahead of a new round of trade negotiations between the world's two largest economies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average erased 95.

United States stocks finished lower on Monday, ahead of a new round of trade negotiations between the world's two largest economies. The Dow Jones Industrial Average erased 95.70 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 26,478.02. The Standard and Poor's 500 decreased 13.22 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 2,938.79. The Nasdaq Composite Index was down 26.18 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 7,956.29. Ten of the 11 primary Standard and Poor's 500 sectors closed lower, with energy down 0.92 per cent, becoming the worst-performing group. Communication services rose a modest 0.04 per cent, the only gainer. Investors are awaiting the US-China trade talks which are set to begin later this week. "The effects of the existing trade taxes are seen in investment spending. Companies are less likely to invest when the supply chains that have been built up over thirty years are being threatened," analysts at Swiss investment bank UBS said in a note on Monday. Wall Street is also expecting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's upcoming speech at the US National Association for Business Economics annual meeting. Last week, a flurry of weak US data raised hope for easier monetary policy from the Federal Reserve. Market expectations for a rate cut later this month were more than 70 per cent, according to the CME Group's FedWatch tool.

US stocks decline as Wall Street awaits trade talks with China

Strong sales of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/samsung-electronics-ends-mobile-phone-production-in-china-253273">Samsung Electronics</a>'&nbsp;Galaxy Note 10 smartphone series are limiting forecast profit falls at the South Korean tech giant, raising hopes it is getting back on a growth track after years of moribund sales.

Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, is powering ahead with the launch of 5G phones and $2,000 foldable handsets as it heats up the competition with rivals US&nbsp;Apple and China's Huawei following a battery explosion scandal in 2017 that hurt sales.

Analysts said the strategy may be paying off as the company on Tuesday flagged a smaller-than-expected fall in third-quarter operating profit, saying at the same time that sales of the Note 10 both at home and in Europe had been strong since the August&nbsp;23 launch.

There are also early signs that the global memory chip business, a key driver of Samsung's profit, will stabilise next year after prices were eroded by a weak global economy and slower spending by key data centre customers.

"With its foldable smartphone that no other competitors have yet launched, Samsung will likely lead the high-end smartphone market as it would mass-produce foldable smartphones next year," said Song Myung-sup, an analyst at HI Investment &amp; Securities.

"Also, a growing number of data centre customers are ordering more memory chips ... possibly slowing down the drop in prices," Song added.

Samsung said it has sold more than one million of the 5G Note 10 handsets in South Korea, making it the company's fastest-selling flagship model at home, and sales in Europe were also strong.

Analysts credit Samsung with receiving a boost from US&nbsp;sanctions on Huawei that effectively bar US&nbsp;firms from supplying the Chinese competitor.

Huawei's new high-end Mate 30 smartphones are being shipped to Europe this month, but the sanctions mean the product lacks access to a licensed version of US&nbsp;Google’s Android operating system, as well as mobile services that include its Play Store and popular apps like Gmail, Youtube or Maps.

Jene Park, a senior analyst at market tracker Counterpoint Research, said Samsung was also moving in on Huawei at the lower end of the market in Europe and Latin America.

Sales of Huawei's Honor smartphones, which are mainly in the $180-$249 price band and accounted for a large portion of sales outside of China, had dropped significantly since March, allowing Samsung to boost sales volumes of its new A-series, according to Counterpoint.

Chip recovery?

But Huawei's woes also present problems for Samsung as the&nbsp;world's biggest semiconductor firm by revenue, with the Chinese firm a major buyer of its memory chips.

Some analysts are more cautious about the outlook for the global memory chip business, which remains clouded by US-Sino trade conflict and provides two-thirds of Samsung's profit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priced-at-2000-samsung-to-launch-galaxy-fold-in-south-korea-on-september-6-247663">Samsung's profit has been slumping every quarter</a> since the year-end holiday quarter last year and is expected to fall again in the current quarter year-on-year.

In a limited trading update ahead of full earnings later this month, Samsung on Tuesday said operating profit for the July to September quarter would likely tumble 56 per cent&nbsp;to&nbsp;$6.44 billion.

"The strong smartphone sales has limited ability to fix all Samsung's issues," said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at Cape Investment &amp; Securities. "Data centre customers, a major driver for memory chip business, are pursuing conservative investment for the time being, not particularly uplifting news for Samsung."

Shares in Samsung were up about 1.5 per cent, just slightly ahead of an 0.8 per cent&nbsp;rise in the wider market in afternoon trade.

Strong sales of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 10 smartphone series are limiting forecast profit falls at the South Korean tech giant, raising hopes it is getting back on a growth track after years of moribund sales.

Strong sales of Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Note 10 smartphone series are limiting forecast profit falls at the South Korean tech giant, raising hopes it is getting back on a growth track after years of moribund sales. Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, is powering ahead with the launch of 5G phones and $2,000 foldable handsets as it heats up the competition with rivals US Apple and China's Huawei following a battery explosion scandal in 2017 that hurt sales. Analysts said the strategy may be paying off as the company on Tuesday flagged a smaller-than-expected fall in third-quarter operating profit, saying at the same time that sales of the Note 10 both at home and in Europe had been strong since the August 23 launch. There are also early signs that the global memory chip business, a key driver of Samsung's profit, will stabilise next year after prices were eroded by a weak global economy and slower spending by key data centre customers. "With its foldable smartphone that no other competitors have yet launched, Samsung will likely lead the high-end smartphone market as it would mass-produce foldable smartphones next year," said Song Myung-sup, an analyst at HI Investment & Securities. "Also, a growing number of data centre customers are ordering more memory chips ... possibly slowing down the drop in prices," Song added. Samsung said it has sold more than one million of the 5G Note 10 handsets in South Korea, making it the company's fastest-selling flagship model at home, and sales in Europe were also strong. Analysts credit Samsung with receiving a boost from US sanctions on Huawei that effectively bar US firms from supplying the Chinese competitor. Huawei's new high-end Mate 30 smartphones are being shipped to Europe this month, but the sanctions mean the product lacks access to a licensed version of US Google’s Android operating system, as well as mobile services that include its Play Store and popular apps like Gmail, Youtube or Maps. Jene Park, a senior analyst at market tracker Counterpoint Research, said Samsung was also moving in on Huawei at the lower end of the market in Europe and Latin America. Sales of Huawei's Honor smartphones, which are mainly in the $180-$249 price band and accounted for a large portion of sales outside of China, had dropped significantly since March, allowing Samsung to boost sales volumes of its new A-series, according to Counterpoint. Chip recovery? But Huawei's woes also present problems for Samsung as the world's biggest semiconductor firm by revenue, with the Chinese firm a major buyer of its memory chips. Some analysts are more cautious about the outlook for the global memory chip business, which remains clouded by US-Sino trade conflict and provides two-thirds of Samsung's profit. Samsung's profit has been slumping every quarter since the year-end holiday quarter last year and is expected to fall again in the current quarter year-on-year. In a limited trading update ahead of full earnings later this month, Samsung on Tuesday said operating profit for the July to September quarter would likely tumble 56 per cent to $6.44 billion. "The strong smartphone sales has limited ability to fix all Samsung's issues," said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at Cape Investment & Securities. "Data centre customers, a major driver for memory chip business, are pursuing conservative investment for the time being, not particularly uplifting news for Samsung." Shares in Samsung were up about 1.5 per cent, just slightly ahead of an 0.8 per cent rise in the wider market in afternoon trade.

Strong smartphone sales raise hopes of Samsung turnaround

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

But US&nbsp;President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region.

The US&nbsp;move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey.

"The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday.

"It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said.

Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday.

A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria.

US&nbsp;forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US&nbsp;official said.

Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

'Red flag'

His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics.

"Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag."

"The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added.

The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back".

Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon".

"Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters.

The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said.

The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey.

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria.

"Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement.

Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria.

President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US&nbsp;troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria.

Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure.

Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington.

Turkey said on Tuesday it had completed preparations for a military operation in northeast Syria after the United States began pulling back troops, opening the way for a Turkish attack on Kurdish-led forces long allied to Washington. But US President Donald Trump warned he would "obliterate" the NATO ally's economy if it took action in Syria that he considered "off-limits" following his decision on Sunday to pull 50 American special forces troops from the border region. The US move will leave its Kurdish-led partner forces in Syria vulnerable to an incursion by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), which brands them terrorists because of their links to Kurdish militants who have waged a long insurgency in Turkey. "The TSK will never tolerate the establishment of a terror corridor on our borders. All preparations for the operation have been completed," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter early on Tuesday. "It is essential to establish a safe zone/peace corridor to contribute to our region's peace and stability, and for Syrians to achieve a safe life," it said. Turkey does not appear "as of now" to have begun its expected incursion into northern Syria, a senior Trump administration official said on Monday. A Reuters witness said there was no sign of military activity on Tuesday near the Turkish border town of Akcakale, across from Syria's Tel Abyad. Howitzers were positioned behind earth embankments on the Turkish side of the border, pointed towards Syria. US forces evacuated two observation posts at Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain on Monday, a US official said. Trump's warning on Turkey's economy appeared aimed at placating critics who accused him of abandoning the Syrian Kurds by pulling out US forces. The decision drew criticism from Democrats and a rebuke from some of Trump's fellow Republicans in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. 'Red flag' His remarks met an angry response in Turkey, including from opposition party politicians such as Iyi Party leader Meral Aksener who said it was a day to put aside domestic politics. "Threatening Turkey's economy is a diplomatic catastrophe," she told her party's lawmakers in a speech in parliament. "Today there is only one party and that is our red (Turkish) flag." "The best response to this insolence is to go into the east of the Euphrates and break the terror corridor," she added. The Kurdish-led forces, who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria, have denounced the major shift in U.S. policy as "stab in the back". Mustafa Bali, an official with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said the continued Turkish military buildup on the border, together with information about further mobilisation of Turkey-backed Syrian rebels, indicated that "an attack is imminent and we expect it soon". "Naturally our preparations are along the length of the border with Turkey and our forces are in a state of readiness," Bali told Reuters. The United States expects Turkey to take responsibility for captive Islamic State fighters in northeastern Syria if Ankara's planned incursion seizes areas where the detained militants are held, a senior State Department official said. The captives are held in SDF facilities south of a safe zone initially proposed by Turkey. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said overnight it was Turkey's fundamental right to take necessary measures for its national security against terrorist threats from Syria. "Turkey is determined to clear terrorists from the east of the Euphrates and protect its own security and survival while implementing a secure zone in order to achieve peace and stability," Aksoy said in a written statement. Iran, President Bashar al-Assad's main regional ally, said it opposed any Turkish military operation in Syria. President Tayyip Erdogan has said Turkey plans to resettle two million refugees in northern Syria and Turkish media has said the draft resettlement plan involves a $26 billion construction project. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees. The Trump administration official, briefing reporters on a conference call, said 50 US troops in the region that Turkey has targeted would be redeployed elsewhere in Syria "where they aren't in the crossfire." The United States has about 1,000 troops in Syria. Turkey's lira lost 2 per cent of its value against the dollar to hit its weakest level since early September but edged off its lows to 5.8195 on Tuesday. Turkey's sovereign dollar bonds also came under fresh pressure. Ties between Ankara and Washington have long been tense over a range of issues including Syria policy and Turkey's purchase of a Russian missile defence system.

Turkey says Syria attack plans complete, Trump delivers threat

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-johnson-tells-eu-brexit-ball-is-in-your-court-now-254283">With just 23 days to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU</a>, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain and both London and Brussels are positioning themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

EU leaders reacted coolly to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's last-ditch proposals to bridge the impasse, and while negotiations are ongoing, many diplomats say the chances of a swift deal before October 31 are low.

A source from Johnson's Downing Street office said Merkel spoke to the British leader on Tuesday morning and she made clear that a deal was "overwhelmingly unlikely".

Merkel said that for a deal, Northern Ireland would have to stay in the EU's customs union and full alignment with the EU forever, the source said.

"If this represents a newly established position then it means a deal is essentially impossible not just now but ever," the Downing Street source said. "It also made clear that they are willing to torpedo the Good Friday Agreement."

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday.

A Brexit deal is essentially impossible as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has told Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson that to do one Northern Ireland must stay in the European Union's customs union, a Downing Street source said on Tuesday. With just 23 days to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain and both London and Brussels are positioning themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit. EU leaders reacted coolly to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's last-ditch proposals to bridge the impasse, and while negotiations are ongoing, many diplomats say the chances of a swift deal before October 31 are low. A source from Johnson's Downing Street office said Merkel spoke to the British leader on Tuesday morning and she made clear that a deal was "overwhelmingly unlikely". Merkel said that for a deal, Northern Ireland would have to stay in the EU's customs union and full alignment with the EU forever, the source said. "If this represents a newly established position then it means a deal is essentially impossible not just now but ever," the Downing Street source said. "It also made clear that they are willing to torpedo the Good Friday Agreement."

Brexit deal is essentially impossible ever: Downing Street source

Scientists James Peebles, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz won the 2019 Nobel Prize for Physics for ground-breaking work in astronomy, the award-giving body said on Tuesday.

Peebles was awarded half the prize while Mayor and Queloz shared the other half.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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BREAKING NEWS: 
The 2019 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NobelPrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NobelPrize</a> in Physics has been awarded with one half to James Peebles “for theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology” and the other half jointly to Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz “for the discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star.” <a href="https://t.co/BwwMTwtRFv">pic.twitter.com/BwwMTwtRFv</a>
— The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) <a href="https://twitter.com/NobelPrize/status/1181507664582467585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"This year's Laureates have transformed our ideas about the cosmos," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on awarding the 9 million Swedish crown ($910,000) prize.

"While James Peebles' theoretical discoveries contributed to our understanding of how the universe evolved after the Big Bang, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz explored our cosmic neighbourhoods on the hunt for unknown planets. Their discoveries have forever changed our conceptions of the world."

Scientists James Peebles, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz won the 2019 Nobel Prize for Physics for ground-breaking work in astronomy, the award-giving body said on Tuesday.

Scientists James Peebles, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz won the 2019 Nobel Prize for Physics for ground-breaking work in astronomy, the award-giving body said on Tuesday. Peebles was awarded half the prize while Mayor and Queloz shared the other half. BREAKING NEWS: The 2019 #NobelPrize in Physics has been awarded with one half to James Peebles “for theoretical discoveries in physical cosmology” and the other half jointly to Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz “for the discovery of an exoplanet orbiting a solar-type star.” pic.twitter.com/BwwMTwtRFv — The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 8, 2019 × "This year's Laureates have transformed our ideas about the cosmos," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on awarding the 9 million Swedish crown ($910,000) prize. "While James Peebles' theoretical discoveries contributed to our understanding of how the universe evolved after the Big Bang, Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz explored our cosmic neighbourhoods on the hunt for unknown planets. Their discoveries have forever changed our conceptions of the world."

Peebles, Mayor and Queloz win 2019 Nobel Prize for physics

Barcelona&nbsp;paid out $101 million (92&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros) in collective&nbsp;bonuses&nbsp;to its&nbsp;players&nbsp;for winning the Spanish league and Super Cup titles&nbsp;last&nbsp;season, the club's annual report showed.

The bonus was two&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros less than the amount that was paid out in 2018. The figure was three&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros more than what the&nbsp;players&nbsp;received when the club won the treble in 2015.

The report revealed that the club spent a total of 541&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros on staff costs across all its sports teams, with 311.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;spent on first-team coaches and&nbsp;players.

While Barca won La Liga at a canter and lifted the Super Cup&nbsp;last&nbsp;season, they lost the Copa del Rey final to Valencia and were beaten by Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals.

Barca paid&nbsp;players&nbsp;89&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros for the 2014-15 campaign when they won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

They&nbsp;handed&nbsp;out 94&nbsp;million&nbsp;euros for the 2017-2018&nbsp;season when they won the Copa del Rey and La Liga titles.

Barcelona paid out $101 million (92 million euros) in collective bonuses to its players for winning the Spanish league and Super Cup titles last season, the club's annual report showed.

Barcelona paid out $101 million (92 million euros) in collective bonuses to its players for winning the Spanish league and Super Cup titles last season, the club's annual report showed. The bonus was two million euros less than the amount that was paid out in 2018. The figure was three million euros more than what the players received when the club won the treble in 2015. The report revealed that the club spent a total of 541 million euros on staff costs across all its sports teams, with 311.9 million spent on first-team coaches and players. While Barca won La Liga at a canter and lifted the Super Cup last season, they lost the Copa del Rey final to Valencia and were beaten by Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals. Barca paid players 89 million euros for the 2014-15 campaign when they won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. They handed out 94 million euros for the 2017-2018 season when they won the Copa del Rey and La Liga titles.

Barcelona players handed 92 million euros in bonuses last season

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's&nbsp;tourist&nbsp;arrivals&nbsp;in&nbsp;September&nbsp;were down 27.2 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday.

Arrivals&nbsp;fell to 108,575 from 149,087 a year earlier and marked a sixth consecutive&nbsp;monthly&nbsp;fall.

Since the Easter Sunday attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-maithripala-sirisena-to-not-contest-sri-lanka-polls-next-month-report-254239">the number of foreign visitors has&nbsp;fallen </a>to the lowest level since the end of the country's civil war a decade ago.

Arrivals&nbsp;in the five&nbsp;months from May to&nbsp;September&nbsp;were down 44.4 per cent&nbsp;to 468,737 from 843,569 a year earlier.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in September were down 27.2 per cent from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday.

Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals in September were down 27.2 per cent from a year earlier as foreign visitors shunned the Indian Ocean island after attacks on Easter Sunday in April, tourism bureau data showed on Monday. Arrivals fell to 108,575 from 149,087 a year earlier and marked a sixth consecutive monthly fall. Since the Easter Sunday attacks, the number of foreign visitors has fallen to the lowest level since the end of the country's civil war a decade ago. Arrivals in the five months from May to September were down 44.4 per cent to 468,737 from 843,569 a year earlier.

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals in September fall for sixth month

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-trade-war-to-knock-05-points-off-global-growth-french-finance-minister-247859">High-level US-China trade negotiations</a> will resume this week in Washington, the White House announced Monday, a hopeful sign after a summer of deteriorating relations.

With eight days to go before the next round of punitive tariffs is due to hit, Beijing's top trade envoy Liu He will meet with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin beginning Thursday, the White House said in a statement.

Lower-level talks have been underway since last month.

The discussions will focus on areas where Washington has made far-reaching demands since last year: intellectual property rights, the forced transfer of proprietary technologies, agriculture and enforcement, the statement said.

US President Donald Trump said Friday there was a "very good chance" the two sides will strike a deal.

"We have had good moments with China and bad moments with China," he said. "What we're doing is we're negotiating a very tough deal. If the deal is not going to be 100 per cent for us we aren't going to make it."

However, Washington and Beijing are continuing to raise tariffs, with the next round of increases set to take effect October 15, as US tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods rise to 30 per cent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-talks-seen-as-unlikely-to-mend-us-china-divide-250119">Trump has claimed China's weakening economy puts Beijing under pressure to make a deal</a>.&nbsp;

But he also has said Chinese officials are dragging their feet in hopes of continuing negotiations with another administration should Trump fail to win reelection in 2020.

White House economic aide Larry Kudlow Monday denied that recent economic data showed the lingering trade war has damaged the US economy, saying the effect had been "minimum," a position most economists dispute.

Unemployment in September fell to its lowest level in 50 years but US manufacturing has fallen into recession, and GDP growth is forecast to slow considerably.

Trump is now the subject of an impeachment inquiry by congressional Democrats after pressuring Ukrainian authorities earlier this year to investigate his Democratic rival Joe Biden and son Hunter, whom Trump accuses of financial wrongdoing.

Trump last week raised the stakes openly calling on Beijing to do likewise.

But Kudlow&nbsp;told reporters there was no connection between the trade talks and Trump's call for China to investigate Biden.

"There'll be no linkage," he said. "I guarantee it."

High-level US-China trade negotiations will resume this week in Washington, the White House announced Monday, a hopeful sign after a summer of deteriorating relations.

High-level US-China trade negotiations will resume this week in Washington, the White House announced Monday, a hopeful sign after a summer of deteriorating relations. With eight days to go before the next round of punitive tariffs is due to hit, Beijing's top trade envoy Liu He will meet with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin beginning Thursday, the White House said in a statement. Lower-level talks have been underway since last month. The discussions will focus on areas where Washington has made far-reaching demands since last year: intellectual property rights, the forced transfer of proprietary technologies, agriculture and enforcement, the statement said. US President Donald Trump said Friday there was a "very good chance" the two sides will strike a deal. "We have had good moments with China and bad moments with China," he said. "What we're doing is we're negotiating a very tough deal. If the deal is not going to be 100 per cent for us we aren't going to make it." However, Washington and Beijing are continuing to raise tariffs, with the next round of increases set to take effect October 15, as US tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods rise to 30 per cent. Trump has claimed China's weakening economy puts Beijing under pressure to make a deal. But he also has said Chinese officials are dragging their feet in hopes of continuing negotiations with another administration should Trump fail to win reelection in 2020. White House economic aide Larry Kudlow Monday denied that recent economic data showed the lingering trade war has damaged the US economy, saying the effect had been "minimum," a position most economists dispute. Unemployment in September fell to its lowest level in 50 years but US manufacturing has fallen into recession, and GDP growth is forecast to slow considerably. Trump is now the subject of an impeachment inquiry by congressional Democrats after pressuring Ukrainian authorities earlier this year to investigate his Democratic rival Joe Biden and son Hunter, whom Trump accuses of financial wrongdoing. Trump last week raised the stakes openly calling on Beijing to do likewise. But Kudlow told reporters there was no connection between the trade talks and Trump's call for China to investigate Biden. "There'll be no linkage," he said. "I guarantee it."

US-China trade talks to resume Thursday: White House

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-trump-to-produce-tax-returns-president-appeals-254340">United States&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> on Monday threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.

The withdrawal, announced by the White House late on Sunday, was swiftly condemned by a bipartisan group of lawmakers over concerns that it could open the way for a Turkish strike on Kurdish-led forces long allied with Washington.

"As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted.

The United States began pulling troops back from the northeast Syrian border on Monday.

The major policy shift was denounced as a "stab in the back" by Kurdish-led forces who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-discuss-proposed-safe-zone-in-northeastern-syria-over-phone-call-254137">The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accused Washington of reneging on an ally</a>, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the militants.

The White House statement on Sunday appeared to hand Turkey responsibility for Islamic State captives who are held in SDF facilities south of Turkey's initially proposed safe zone

United States President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria.

United States President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to "totally destroy and obliterate" Turkey's economy if it took any action he considered "off-limits" following his decision to withdraw American forces from northeastern Syria. The withdrawal, announced by the White House late on Sunday, was swiftly condemned by a bipartisan group of lawmakers over concerns that it could open the way for a Turkish strike on Kurdish-led forces long allied with Washington. "As I have stated strongly before, and just to reiterate, if Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off-limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the Economy of Turkey (I've done before!)" Trump tweeted. The United States began pulling troops back from the northeast Syrian border on Monday. The major policy shift was denounced as a "stab in the back" by Kurdish-led forces who have been Washington's most capable partners in fighting Islamic State in Syria. The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), accused Washington of reneging on an ally, warning it would have a "great negative" impact on the war against the militants. The White House statement on Sunday appeared to hand Turkey responsibility for Islamic State captives who are held in SDF facilities south of Turkey's initially proposed safe zone

US President Trump threatens to 'obliterate' Turkey's economy over Syria

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-turkey-raises-pitch-india-reaffirms-support-for-cyprus-territorial-integrity-252329">Cyprus has acquired four Israeli-made drones</a>, according to the defence ministry, amid tensions with Turkey over gas exploration in the island's waters.

Kathimerini Cyprus website said the drones, bought at a cost of $13 million in a first for the country, will be used to monitor its exclusive economic zone where international energy companies are searching for natural gas despite opposition from Turkey.

Israel's Aeronautics that makes the Aerostar Tactical UAS (TUAS), a drone with a wingspan of 8.7 metres, contacted by AFP, would not confirm the sale, citing company policy to not divulge the identity of clients.

EU member Cyprus last week accused Turkey of defying the bloc by sending another drilling ship to operate inside its waters.

Nicosia said Turkey has sent the drillship Yavuz inside block 7 of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, a zone licensed to Italy’s Eni and France’s Total in an agreement signed last month.

According to the Cyprus government, the area where the Turkish vessel is operating is clearly defined under international law as Cypriot territorial waters.

Washington and Brussels have urged Turkey to withdraw the vessels from Cypriot waters, with the EU imposing sanctions on Ankara.

Turkey, which has now sent three drillships off Cyprus, is opposed to Nicosia’s energy exploration plans and wants a say in the development of hydrocarbons in the region.

Ankara also demands Turkish Cypriots on the divided island have their share of the profits from natural gas but argues a Cyprus solution must be found first.

Turkey has had troops stationed in the country since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.

Cyprus has acquired four Israeli-made drones, according to the defence ministry, amid tensions with Turkey over gas exploration in the island's waters. Kathimerini Cyprus website said the drones, bought at a cost of $13 million in a first for the country, will be used to monitor its exclusive economic zone where international energy companies are searching for natural gas despite opposition from Turkey.

Cyprus has acquired four Israeli-made drones, according to the defence ministry, amid tensions with Turkey over gas exploration in the island's waters. Kathimerini Cyprus website said the drones, bought at a cost of $13 million in a first for the country, will be used to monitor its exclusive economic zone where international energy companies are searching for natural gas despite opposition from Turkey. Israel's Aeronautics that makes the Aerostar Tactical UAS (TUAS), a drone with a wingspan of 8.7 metres, contacted by AFP, would not confirm the sale, citing company policy to not divulge the identity of clients. EU member Cyprus last week accused Turkey of defying the bloc by sending another drilling ship to operate inside its waters. Nicosia said Turkey has sent the drillship Yavuz inside block 7 of its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf, a zone licensed to Italy’s Eni and France’s Total in an agreement signed last month. According to the Cyprus government, the area where the Turkish vessel is operating is clearly defined under international law as Cypriot territorial waters. Washington and Brussels have urged Turkey to withdraw the vessels from Cypriot waters, with the EU imposing sanctions on Ankara. Turkey, which has now sent three drillships off Cyprus, is opposed to Nicosia’s energy exploration plans and wants a say in the development of hydrocarbons in the region. Ankara also demands Turkish Cypriots on the divided island have their share of the profits from natural gas but argues a Cyprus solution must be found first. Turkey has had troops stationed in the country since 1974 when it invaded and occupied its northern third after a coup sponsored by the military junta then ruling Greece.

Cyprus buys Israel drones to monitor waters amid Turkey tensions

Students in Bangladesh staged protests and blocked major roads Monday after an undergraduate was beaten to death, allegedly by ruling party activists, for criticising the government over a water-sharing deal with India.

Protests broke out at several universities in Dhaka and the northern city of Rajshahi following the killing of Abrar Fahad of the&nbsp;Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

Students chanted slogans demanding "justice" and blocked major roads in the two cities. Teachers joined some of the protests.

Dhaka deputy police commissioner Munstasirul Islam told AFP that Fahad was beaten to death and that ruling party activists were in custody for questioning.

His body was found in his university dorm and media quoted other residents as saying that members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League had interrogated and beaten him.

Ashikul Islam Bitu, a vice-president of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), told NTV that Fahad had been questioned over alleged links to an Islamist party's youth group.

After examining CCTV footage, police detained nine men from the same dorm, at least five of whom were BCL activists, local police chief Sohrab Hossain said.

He added that the victim's father has filed a murder case.

Fahad put up a post on Facebook that went viral hours before his death. In it, he criticised the government for signing an accord that allowed India to take water from a river that lies on the boundary the two countries share.

The BCL has earned notoriety in recent years after some of its members were accused of killing, violence and extortion.

Last year its members allegedly used violence to suppress a major anti-government student protest.&nbsp;

Those protests were sparked by anger over road safety after a student was killed by a speeding bus.&nbsp;

Last month the BCL president and general secretary were sacked over allegations they tried to extort money from the head of a state-run university.

Students in Bangladesh staged protests and blocked major roads Monday after an undergraduate was beaten to death, allegedly by ruling party activists, for criticising the government over a water-sharing deal with India.

Students in Bangladesh staged protests and blocked major roads Monday after an undergraduate was beaten to death, allegedly by ruling party activists, for criticising the government over a water-sharing deal with India. Protests broke out at several universities in Dhaka and the northern city of Rajshahi following the killing of Abrar Fahad of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Students chanted slogans demanding "justice" and blocked major roads in the two cities. Teachers joined some of the protests. Dhaka deputy police commissioner Munstasirul Islam told AFP that Fahad was beaten to death and that ruling party activists were in custody for questioning. His body was found in his university dorm and media quoted other residents as saying that members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League had interrogated and beaten him. Ashikul Islam Bitu, a vice-president of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), told NTV that Fahad had been questioned over alleged links to an Islamist party's youth group. After examining CCTV footage, police detained nine men from the same dorm, at least five of whom were BCL activists, local police chief Sohrab Hossain said. He added that the victim's father has filed a murder case. Fahad put up a post on Facebook that went viral hours before his death. In it, he criticised the government for signing an accord that allowed India to take water from a river that lies on the boundary the two countries share. The BCL has earned notoriety in recent years after some of its members were accused of killing, violence and extortion. Last year its members allegedly used violence to suppress a major anti-government student protest. Those protests were sparked by anger over road safety after a student was killed by a speeding bus. Last month the BCL president and general secretary were sacked over allegations they tried to extort money from the head of a state-run university.

Bangladesh student killing sparks university protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-diplomats-to-testify-about-trump-ukraine-efforts-as-democrats-build-impeachment-case-254216">A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns</a>, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations.

In a 75-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump's argument, saying such vast immunity would "operate to frustrate the administration of justice" by putting the president's personal and professional affairs off-limits.

"This court cannot endorse such a categorical and limitless assertion of presidential immunity from judicial process," Marrero wrote.

"The Court cannot square a vision of presidential immunity that would place the President above the law," added the US District Court judge for the Southern District of New York.

The decision opened a new front in&nbsp;a years-long effort to obtain copies of the president's tax returns, which he promised during the campaign to make public after an audit -&nbsp;but has since refused to share.

Lawyers for Trump immediately appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which issued a temporary stay of the judge's order, Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, said in a statement.

Trump had filed suit against Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr, who had subpoenaed the accounting firm Mazars USA, seeking access to the president's returns dating back to 2011.

Vance is investigating payments made by Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress who claimed to have had a sexual liaison with Trump before he ran for president in 2016.

Cohen is currently serving three years in prison after admitting paying hush money - in violation of campaign finance laws -&nbsp;to Daniels and another woman, tax fraud, and lying to Congress.

Trump has declined to release his tax returns, claiming they were under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, and there have been various attempts to obtain them, including by the Democratic-led House of Representatives.

Trump pushes back

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-amps-up-complaints-says-pelosi-may-be-guilty-of-treason-254144">Trump lashed out on Twitter at the move by Manhattan prosecutors following Judge Marrero's ruling</a>.

"The Radical Left Democrats have failed on all fronts, so now they are pushing local New York City and State Democrat prosecutors to go get President Trump," he tweeted.&nbsp;

"A thing like this has never happened to any President before. Not even close!"

Trump broke with a long-established norm during the 2016 presidential election by refusing to release his tax returns as most presidents have done since the 1970s even though it is not required by law.

California's governor signed a law in July that would prevent Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot unless he discloses his income tax returns.&nbsp;

"These are extraordinary times and states have a legal and moral duty to do everything in their power to ensure leaders seeking the highest offices meet minimal standards," California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said at the time.

"The disclosure required by this bill will shed light on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or influence from domestic and foreign business interest," Newsom said.&nbsp;

The California law means any candidate for president must file five years' worth of returns in order to contest primary elections in the country's most populous state.

The bill was passed by California's heavily Democratic legislature.

The law is being challenged in court by Trump's lawyers and is not expected to seriously impact his bid for the 2020 Republican nomination.

A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations.

A federal judge on Monday dismissed US President Donald Trump's bid to block access to years of his personal and corporate tax returns, saying sitting presidents are not immune from criminal investigations. In a 75-page ruling, US District Judge Victor Marrero rejected Trump's argument, saying such vast immunity would "operate to frustrate the administration of justice" by putting the president's personal and professional affairs off-limits. "This court cannot endorse such a categorical and limitless assertion of presidential immunity from judicial process," Marrero wrote. "The Court cannot square a vision of presidential immunity that would place the President above the law," added the US District Court judge for the Southern District of New York. The decision opened a new front in a years-long effort to obtain copies of the president's tax returns, which he promised during the campaign to make public after an audit - but has since refused to share. Lawyers for Trump immediately appealed to the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, which issued a temporary stay of the judge's order, Jay Sekulow, a lawyer for the president, said in a statement. Trump had filed suit against Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr, who had subpoenaed the accounting firm Mazars USA, seeking access to the president's returns dating back to 2011. Vance is investigating payments made by Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, to Stormy Daniels, an adult film actress who claimed to have had a sexual liaison with Trump before he ran for president in 2016. Cohen is currently serving three years in prison after admitting paying hush money - in violation of campaign finance laws - to Daniels and another woman, tax fraud, and lying to Congress. Trump has declined to release his tax returns, claiming they were under audit by the Internal Revenue Service, and there have been various attempts to obtain them, including by the Democratic-led House of Representatives. Trump pushes back Trump lashed out on Twitter at the move by Manhattan prosecutors following Judge Marrero's ruling. "The Radical Left Democrats have failed on all fronts, so now they are pushing local New York City and State Democrat prosecutors to go get President Trump," he tweeted. "A thing like this has never happened to any President before. Not even close!" Trump broke with a long-established norm during the 2016 presidential election by refusing to release his tax returns as most presidents have done since the 1970s even though it is not required by law. California's governor signed a law in July that would prevent Trump from appearing on the state's primary ballot unless he discloses his income tax returns. "These are extraordinary times and states have a legal and moral duty to do everything in their power to ensure leaders seeking the highest offices meet minimal standards," California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said at the time. "The disclosure required by this bill will shed light on conflicts of interest, self-dealing, or influence from domestic and foreign business interest," Newsom said. The California law means any candidate for president must file five years' worth of returns in order to contest primary elections in the country's most populous state. The bill was passed by California's heavily Democratic legislature. The law is being challenged in court by Trump's lawyers and is not expected to seriously impact his bid for the 2020 Republican nomination.

US judge orders Trump to produce tax returns, president appeals

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