Business & Economy: As US President Donald Trump’s administration seeks ways to manage rising inflation, oil prices have emerged as a key focus.

Trump’s push for cheap oil faces roadblocks

Despite AI chatbots becoming regulars in customer service, they’re still “waiting” to fully live up to their promise of reducing wait times. According to the servicenow customer experience report, Indian consumers collectively spent a whopping 15 billion hours on hold last year. The report surveyed 5,000 Indian consumers and 204 customer service agents, revealing a big “disconnect” between expectations and reality.

15 billion hours lost in Indian service waits

British consumers are tightening their belts as Labour’s first budget fuels uncertainty. Inflation remains stubborn, and job security fears are mounting. Households are cutting expenses, opting to eat at home rather than dine out. Higher energy and food costs are compounding the strain.

UK households save more, spend less in uncertain times

President Donald Trump’s administration has shuttered the headquarters of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and ordered the watchdog agency to stop nearly all of its work. Watch this report for more details!

CFPB Shutdown: What it means for consumers

US President Donald Trump’s administration ended the section 321 de minimis exemption, which had allowed low-value shipments—under $800—from China to enter the US Duty-free. The sudden removal of this loophole is set to affect millions of shipments from Chinese e-commerce giants, who together account for 30 percent of these direct-to-consumer shipments.

Trump ends de minimis loophole: US consumers brace for rising costs

Chinese officials are moving away from decades of tradition in their preparation for what may be a trade battle with the United States. The Chinese government is appealing to its people to help get the world's second-biggest economy out of its slump.

What will make Chinese consumers open their wallets?

The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against several major banks, accusing them of failing to prevent widespread fraud on the Zelle payment platform. The lawsuit highlights concerns over consumer protection and the responsibility of banks in safeguarding users from fraudulent transactions.



US Consumer Watchdog Sues Banks Over Alleged Widespread Fraud On Zelle

The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against several major banks, accusing them of failing to prevent widespread fraud on the Zelle payment platform. The lawsuit highlights concerns over consumer protection and the responsibility of banks in safeguarding users from fraudulent transactions.

Dhanteras marked a significant uptick in gold sales this year, with approximately 20 to 22 Tonnes sold. This translates to around rupees 16,000 crore or 1.9 billion dollars.

Dhanteras Gold Sales Hit $1.9 BN Amid Strong Festive Demand

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most significant celebrations in India, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. This year, Diwali falls on November 1, 2024, and along with the festivities, a special event known as Muhurat trading takes place. This tradition is rooted in the belief that trading during this auspicious hour can attract prosperity and success for the upcoming year.

Spotlight On India's Muhurat Trading

This report explores India's consumer confidence as the festive season gets busier with some of the country's largest spending spikes expected soon. But can the spending boom support India's growing economy? Watch to know more.

India's Festive Demand Drives New Trends Ahead of Diwali

This story puts the spotlight on the mind over money and why Americans are investing in mental wealth. Can eating out with shared laughter and clinking glasses reduce the stress of an uncertain job market?

Decoding the state of America's young consumers

A wave of consumer boycotts has swept across West Asia, targeting major western brands like Starbucks, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Pepsi. Fueled by anger against perceived US and European bias towards Israel, young consumers, particularly in countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Kuwait, are shunning these brands.

Rise of regional brands in West Asia

Consumer Reports identifies high lead and cadmium levels in chocolate: Report

Indian consumers are exuding a newfound confidence in their financial stability as the holiday season approaches. And this could result in a substantial increase in consumer spending. A recent Deloitte study found that Indian consumer sentiment is rising, with 56% of respondents saying they were prepared to spend money on festivities.

Deloitte reveals India's shopping insights

Deloitte Study: Indian consumers ready to splurge on festivities

Brazil judge imposes fine of $20 million on Apple for selling iPhones without chargers

Greece is taking major steps to curb energy consumption. The country's Prime Minister says that consumers who reduce their consumption over the winter months will be rewarded with larger bill subsidies.

Consumers with low energy consumption to get high rebate in Greece

Beyond Meat Inc on Thursday lowered its revenue forecast for the year and announced job cuts as rising inflation hurt the company's efforts to make its pricier plant-based meat more affordable for consumers.

Beyond Meat cuts sales forecast as consumers shun pricier faux meat

A measure of Australian consumer sentiment fell for a third month in February as higher living costs from petrol to rent undermined finances and overshadowed an easing in coronavirus cases.

Australian consumer sentiment slips in February, higher living costs dent confidence

The protectionist trade policy of President Gotabaya appears to be recoiling. The ban on non-essential consumer goods has resulted in sky-high prices and poor quality. So why is the government sticking to this policy? Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Lankan consumers reel under import ban

The start of winter sales in Paris on Wednesday (January 8) - traditionally a big event for French retailers - is unlikely to make up for a dismal Christmas period, store directors and owners bemoaned as shoppers pushed through the doors of high-end department stores such as the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.

Winter sales offer little relief for retailers in Paris, worried over continuing strikes

U.S. consumers, companies and workers will pay the biggest price for proposed 100% tariffs on French Champagne and other sparkling wines, cheese, porcelain, enamel cookware and handbags, witnesses told the U.S. government on Tuesday (January 7).

Sour grapes as U.S. wine sellers fear looming luxury tariffs on France

Argentine soy farmers and crushers expect a boost in demand next year after the South American grains giant won long-sought approval from China to export soymeal to the world's biggest consumer of the livestock feed.

Crushing it: Argentine farmers cheer China soymeal deal while U.S. growers fret

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