Seven people including two children were killed in a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a light aircraft over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-sends-warship-to-pick-up-migrants-off-italys-coast-244491">Spain</a>'s Mallorca island on Sunday, authorities said.

The two aircraft crashed over the central town of Inca at 1:35 pm (1135 GMT), the regional Balearic Islands government said on its Twitter account.

Everyone aboard the two aircraft two on the plane and five on the helicopter perished in the crash, a police spokesman said.

A couple and their two children were aboard the helicopter along with the pilot, the spokesman told AFP.

The helicopter was registered in Germany, "which doesn't necessarily mean the occupants were of this nationality," he said, stressing that an investigation into the victims' nationalities was still underway.

Police said the two aircraft crashed into a field.

Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands are popular with both Spanish and foreign tourists, especially in the summer season.

Spanish <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-pedro-sanchez-to-seek-second-term-as-prime-minister-in-july-23-parliament-vote-232361">Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez</a> expressed condolences to the victims' families and said in a tweet that he was "following the news from... Mallorca with concern."

Seven people including two children were killed in a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a light aircraft over Spain's Mallorca island on Sunday, authorities said.

Seven people including two children were killed in a mid-air collision between a helicopter and a light aircraft over Spain's Mallorca island on Sunday, authorities said. The two aircraft crashed over the central town of Inca at 1:35 pm (1135 GMT), the regional Balearic Islands government said on its Twitter account. Everyone aboard the two aircraft two on the plane and five on the helicopter perished in the crash, a police spokesman said. A couple and their two children were aboard the helicopter along with the pilot, the spokesman told AFP. The helicopter was registered in Germany, "which doesn't necessarily mean the occupants were of this nationality," he said, stressing that an investigation into the victims' nationalities was still underway. Police said the two aircraft crashed into a field. Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands are popular with both Spanish and foreign tourists, especially in the summer season. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to the victims' families and said in a tweet that he was "following the news from... Mallorca with concern."

Spain: Seven dead in mid-air collision in Mallorca

Germany&nbsp;has for the first time allowed&nbsp;children&nbsp;whose parents were suspected members of the Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;to return to&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;from&nbsp;northern&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../mobile-cinema-brings-movie-magic-to-syria- kurd-children-244341">Syria</a>.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Heiko Maas said it will push for more such&nbsp;children&nbsp;to come to the country.

Like other western countries,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;faces a tricky decision on how to deal with citizens who went to the Middle East to join groups like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-wedding-suicide-attack-in-kabul-243841">Islamic&nbsp;State</a>, which was driven out of its last territorial enclave in March by US-backed forces.

Three of the&nbsp;four&nbsp;repatriated German&nbsp;children&nbsp;are orphans, according to German media, but no further details were available.

"We will push for more&nbsp;children&nbsp;to leave&nbsp;Syria," Maas said on Monday. "These are mostly young&nbsp;children&nbsp;... they cannot be made responsible for the actions of their parents and we want to do something to help," he added.

Thousands of&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;members, including foreigners, women and&nbsp;children, are being held by Kurdish-led authorities in northern&nbsp;Syria.

German intelligence officials say more than 1,000 Germans went to fight in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;and Iraq where&nbsp;Islamic&nbsp;State&nbsp;once controlled swathes of territory in a self-declared caliphate.

Around a third have returned to&nbsp;Germany, another third are believed to have died and the rest are believed to be still in Iraq and&nbsp;Syria.

Other western countries including Britain and France are facing decisions on how to handle their citizens who went to join the Islamic&nbsp;State. The British government was heavily criticized after it decided to strip a 19-year-old woman of her citizenship in February, leaving her in a refugee camp in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;where her baby died.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Germany has for the first time allowed children whose parents were suspected members of the Islamic State to return to Germany from northern Syria. Foreign minister Heiko Maas said it will push for more such children to come to the country.

Germany has for the first time allowed children whose parents were suspected members of the Islamic State to return to Germany from northern Syria. Foreign minister Heiko Maas said it will push for more such children to come to the country. Like other western countries, Germany faces a tricky decision on how to deal with citizens who went to the Middle East to join groups like Islamic State, which was driven out of its last territorial enclave in March by US-backed forces. Three of the four repatriated German children are orphans, according to German media, but no further details were available. "We will push for more children to leave Syria," Maas said on Monday. "These are mostly young children ... they cannot be made responsible for the actions of their parents and we want to do something to help," he added. Thousands of Islamic State members, including foreigners, women and children, are being held by Kurdish-led authorities in northern Syria. German intelligence officials say more than 1,000 Germans went to fight in Syria and Iraq where Islamic State once controlled swathes of territory in a self-declared caliphate. Around a third have returned to Germany, another third are believed to have died and the rest are believed to be still in Iraq and Syria. Other western countries including Britain and France are facing decisions on how to handle their citizens who went to join the Islamic State. The British government was heavily criticized after it decided to strip a 19-year-old woman of her citizenship in February, leaving her in a refugee camp in Syria where her baby died.

Germany takes back four Islamic State children from Syria

The&nbsp;majority&nbsp;of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a&nbsp;draft&nbsp;law&nbsp;seen by Reuters.

The government, comprising Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats, in their 2018 coalition agreement laid down plans to help citizens on small and medium incomes.

The&nbsp;draft&nbsp;law&nbsp;says that around 90 per cent&nbsp;of taxpayers should no longer pay the tax, which adds 5.5 per cent&nbsp;to income taxes,&nbsp;from&nbsp;2021, calling it the most comprehensive tax reduction in over 10 years.

Others who would still have to pay some&nbsp;solidarity tax&nbsp;would see lower tax increases overall through a cushioning mechanism applied to personal allowances, resulting in 96.5 per cent&nbsp;of all taxpayers benefitting&nbsp;from&nbsp;reductions.

Changing the tax, that was first levied in 1995, in this way would imply around 10 billion euros ($11.20 billion) less income for the general budget&nbsp;from&nbsp;2021&nbsp;through the tax, with this sum rising to 12 billion by 2024.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has managed to raise public spending without incurring new debt since 2014 thanks to an unusually long growth cycle, record-high employment, buoyant tax revenues and the European Central Bank's bond-buying plan.

But as Germany's borrowing costs sink to new lows almost daily and its economy cools in light of weaker foreign demand and bruising trade disputes, domestic and international calls to provide extra fiscal stimulus by running a small deficit again are becoming louder.

The majority of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a draft law seen by Reuters.

The majority of German taxpayers will no longer have to pay a "solidarity tax" introduced after the reunification of the country almost quarter of a century ago to support poorer eastern states, according to a draft law seen by Reuters. The government, comprising Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats, in their 2018 coalition agreement laid down plans to help citizens on small and medium incomes. The draft law says that around 90 per cent of taxpayers should no longer pay the tax, which adds 5.5 per cent to income taxes, from 2021, calling it the most comprehensive tax reduction in over 10 years. Others who would still have to pay some solidarity tax would see lower tax increases overall through a cushioning mechanism applied to personal allowances, resulting in 96.5 per cent of all taxpayers benefitting from reductions. Changing the tax, that was first levied in 1995, in this way would imply around 10 billion euros ($11.20 billion) less income for the general budget from 2021 through the tax, with this sum rising to 12 billion by 2024. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government has managed to raise public spending without incurring new debt since 2014 thanks to an unusually long growth cycle, record-high employment, buoyant tax revenues and the European Central Bank's bond-buying plan. But as Germany's borrowing costs sink to new lows almost daily and its economy cools in light of weaker foreign demand and bruising trade disputes, domestic and international calls to provide extra fiscal stimulus by running a small deficit again are becoming louder.

Majority of Germans to stop paying 'solidarity tax' from 2021: Draft law

Adidas said supply shortages for North America will be fixed by the end of the year and the European market should return to growth after the German sportswear company reported weaker than expected second-quarter sales and profits.

Adidas said supply shortages for North America will be fixed by the end of the year and the European market should return to growth after the German sportswear company reported weaker than expected second-quarter sales and profits. Chief Executive Kasper Rorsted said he was more worried about the prospects for a currency war between the United States and China than about tariffs on Chinese-made shoes after Washington branded Beijing a currency manipulator on Monday. "There is no winner in a currency war, eventually everybody will lose as it will lead to a slowdown in the world economy," Rorsted told journalists, noting that a fall in currencies of its two top markets would be tough as the firm reports in euros. Adidas shares fell 1.6 per cent by 1000 GMT. The stock had rallied in recent weeks on hopes Adidas might lift its outlook after German rival Puma raised its sales and profit forecasts following a strong second quarter. "Given the recent rerating in the shares since April and narrowing valuation gap versus peers, the lack of a sales or earnings beat is unusual, and brand momentum remains concerning," Credit Suisse analysts wrote of Adidas. Second-quarter sales rose a currency-adjusted 4 per cent to 5.51 billion euros ($6.18 billion), shy of average analyst forecasts for 5.54 billion as the company saw a strong decline in the soccer category a year on from the World Cup. Operating profit rose 9 per cent to 643 million euros, also lagging average analyst forecasts for 651 million. Adidas warned in March that supply chain issues would hit sales growth in the first half, citing particular problems meeting North America demand for mid-market clothing. The shortages should be over by the end of the year, and have no impact in 2020, Rorsted said, noting that Adidas has built up capacity and accelerated the transfer of goods by air freight, but managed to make up for the higher costs elsewhere. He said the supply problems were unrelated to U.S.-China trade tensions, with few Adidas products for the U.S. market still produced in China. Adidas makes about 25 per cent of its sales in China, which accounts for about 20 per cent of manufacturing. EUROPE TO RETURN TO GROWTH Adidas quarterly sales were flat in Europe, recovering from a 3 per cent fall in the first quarter after the firm took steps to reduce its reliance on its Originals fashion line and boost sales of sports performance gear, with new product launches. Rorsted said Europe should return to growth by the end of the year, saying new shoe launches had been well received, such as 1980s-style Nite Jogger sneakers, Pulseboost running shoes and movie collaborations with Marvel and Toy Story. The company is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Friday and opening a new building at a glitzy ceremony in its small German hometown of Herzogenaurach. Athletes and celebrities including Pharrell Williams and rappers Run DMC are due to attend. Adidas has eroded Nike's dominance of the U.S. market in recent years, pushing retro styles and teaming up with singers such as Williams, Kanye West, and Beyonce. Nike has responded by ramping up spending on marketing, with its sales rising a currency-adjusted 10 per cent in the quarter ended May 31, as it grew faster than Adidas in China and Europe. Adidas said it was confident sales would accelerate in the second half, allowing it to confirm a full-year outlook for currency-neutral sales growth of 5-8 per cent and net income from continuing operations of between 1.88 and 1.95 billion euros. Sales of its long-struggling Reebok brand rose 3 per cent, driven by the popularity of retro styles. But Rorsted dismissed interest in the brand from former basketballer Shaquille O'Neal, saying Adidas was not in talks to sell it.

Adidas promises revival after sluggish quarter

The German government is prepared for all possible scenarios regarding Britain's expected departure from the European Union, a spokeswoman said on Monday, adding that Berlin was still aiming to secure a Brexit deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/heres-how-boris-johnson-can-unite-a-country-mired-in-a-brexit-identity-crisis-239628">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> has promised to lead Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal.

"We still want Britain to have an orderly exit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/divided-european-union-taps-bulgarias-kristalina-georgieva-as-international-monetary-fund-candidate-240499">from the European Union</a>," a spokeswoman told a news conference. "A no deal Brexit would be in nobody's interests."

The German government is prepared for all possible scenarios regarding Britain's expected departure from the European Union, a spokeswoman said on Monday, adding that Berlin was still aiming to secure a Brexit deal.

The German government is prepared for all possible scenarios regarding Britain's expected departure from the European Union, a spokeswoman said on Monday, adding that Berlin was still aiming to secure a Brexit deal. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised to lead Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal. "We still want Britain to have an orderly exit from the European Union," a spokeswoman told a news conference. "A no deal Brexit would be in nobody's interests."

Germany: We are prepared for all Brexit scenarios but want to get a deal

The extreme heat waves that enveloped parts of Western Europe last month were made much more likely and intense by human induced climate change, a study has found.

A recent report from the World Weather Attribution group has suggested that the continuous days of extreme heat that hit countries like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-of-35-employees-trial-of-france-telecom-bosses-nears-the-end-235117">France</a> and Netherlands would have been a once in a millennium occurrence without the climate change but was made up to 100 times more probable as a result of it.

In the UK and Germany, the event is less rare (with estimated return periods of around 10-30 years in the current climate) and the likelihood is about 10 times higher (at least 3 times) due to climate change, the study added.

Though in all these countries, the temperature would have been 1.5 to 3 degrees celsius lower without climate change.

The said group has analyzed all seven heatwaves in the 21st century in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-continue-to-reduce-nuclear-deal-commitments-unless-europe-protects-iran-from-us-sanctions-javad-zarif-239698">Europe</a> (2003, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, and June 2019), and found that each one was made more likely and more intense due to human induced climate change.

"The July 2019 heatwave was so extreme over continental Western Europe that the observed magnitudes would have been extremely unlikely without climate change," the report concluded.&nbsp;

The extreme heat waves that enveloped parts of Western Europe last month were made much more likely and intense by human induced climate change, a study has found.

The extreme heat waves that enveloped parts of Western Europe last month were made much more likely and intense by human induced climate change, a study has found. A recent report from the World Weather Attribution group has suggested that the continuous days of extreme heat that hit countries like France and Netherlands would have been a once in a millennium occurrence without the climate change but was made up to 100 times more probable as a result of it. In the UK and Germany, the event is less rare (with estimated return periods of around 10-30 years in the current climate) and the likelihood is about 10 times higher (at least 3 times) due to climate change, the study added. Though in all these countries, the temperature would have been 1.5 to 3 degrees celsius lower without climate change. The said group has analyzed all seven heatwaves in the 21st century in Europe (2003, 2010, 2015, 2017, 2018, and June 2019), and found that each one was made more likely and more intense due to human induced climate change. "The July 2019 heatwave was so extreme over continental Western Europe that the observed magnitudes would have been extremely unlikely without climate change," the report concluded.

European heatwave fueled by human-induced climate change, study finds

Germany's customs service said Friday it had seized a 4.5-tonne cocaine shipment, the country's largest-ever, with an estimated street value of one billion euros ($1.1 billion).

The illegal drugs were discovered two weeks ago in a Netherlands-bound shipping container from Uruguay during a search in the northern port city of Hamburg, they said.

When customs agents opened the container, which according to the manifesto was loaded with soybeans, they found more than 200 sports bags packed with over 4,200 packages of compressed cocaine.

The 4.5 tonnes surpassed total seizures of 3.8 tonnes made in Hamburg in 2017.

"This enormous quantity represents the largest single seizure of cocaine in Germany," said the customs service in a statement.

"Assuming that this probably very pure cocaine can be diluted to triple the amount for street sale, the 4.5 tonnes have a street value of approximately one billion euros."

The service said that "the cocaine seized has already been destroyed in secret and under extensive security precautions".

Germany's customs service said Friday it had seized a 4.5-tonne cocaine shipment, the country's largest-ever, with an estimated street value of one billion euros ($1.

Germany's customs service said Friday it had seized a 4.5-tonne cocaine shipment, the country's largest-ever, with an estimated street value of one billion euros ($1.1 billion). The illegal drugs were discovered two weeks ago in a Netherlands-bound shipping container from Uruguay during a search in the northern port city of Hamburg, they said. When customs agents opened the container, which according to the manifesto was loaded with soybeans, they found more than 200 sports bags packed with over 4,200 packages of compressed cocaine. The 4.5 tonnes surpassed total seizures of 3.8 tonnes made in Hamburg in 2017. "This enormous quantity represents the largest single seizure of cocaine in Germany," said the customs service in a statement. "Assuming that this probably very pure cocaine can be diluted to triple the amount for street sale, the 4.5 tonnes have a street value of approximately one billion euros." The service said that "the cocaine seized has already been destroyed in secret and under extensive security precautions".

German customs seize record 4.5 tonnes of cocaine

Every once in a while, a photograph of a migrant’s tragic death (usually that of a child) catches the public’s imagination. The 2015 image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, fleeing from the Syrian civil war, dead face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, triggered a wave of sympathy that ended with Germany opening its borders to 900,000 refugees that year; and Hungary building a border fence to keep them out.

And now, here we are again. A picture of 23-month-old Valeria Martinez, tucked into her father Oscar’s T-shirt, both dead face down on the banks of the Rio Grande, has unleashed a similar wave of sympathy in the United States, although it certainly hasn’t reached the White House yet. And once again, most of the migrants are claiming to be refugees.

In fact, few migrants fit the legal definition of refugees in either case. The Arabs and Afghans trying to get into Europe had fled genuine wars, but they were already in Turkey, which is quite safe. They just wanted to move on to somewhere with better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. That’s understandable, but it doesn’t get you the right of asylum as a refugee.

The same applies to migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe, even though thousands of them are drowning in the attempt. They are fleeing poverty, or dictatorial regimes, or even climate change, but they are not fleeing war.

Neither do they have a “well-founded fear” of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. That is the language of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, so they don’t qualify as refugees. You may feel sorry for them, but there is no legal duty to let them in.

The Refugee Convention was incorporated into the US law in the Refugee Act of 1980, so few of the people now seeking entry at the Mexican border qualify either. This matters, because while 20 years ago, 98% of the people crossing the border were Mexican young men seeking work, more than half are now entire families from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras — and most of them claim to be refugees.

They are not, and that is why US courts are rejecting at least three-quarters of the applications for refugee status. You may wish that the law took a more generous and humanitarian view, but it does not. And if you think things are bad now, they will be ten times worse in 20 years’ time.

Global warming is starting to bite. We’re still on the learner slopes, but the onslaught of droughts and floods, and then the crop failures that they cause, are multiplying, especially in the tropics and the sub-tropics where temperatures are already high.

In the worst-hit areas, family farms are failing, some people are going hungry, and the number of people on the move is starting to soar. This is precisely what unpublished, in-house government studies were predicting 20 years ago in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Now it’s here.

As the number of migrants goes up, the willingness of host populations to receive them will inevitably go down. That’s human nature. You may deplore it, but it’s not going to change. And behind uncomfortable considerations of what the politics will permit, lies the even starker reality that they can’t all come.&nbsp;

Twenty years from now there will be far more people who desperately want to move than the destination countries could possibly accommodate.

So, the borders will start slamming shut in the countries, mostly in the temperate zone of the planet, where the climate is still tolerable and there is still enough food to eat. And don’t believe the myth that you cannot really shut a border. You can do so quite easily if you are willing to kill the people who try to cross it illegally, and the governments of the destination countries will probably end up doing just that.&nbsp;

Their military and their civil servants, if not their politicians, were already having grim internal debates about it 15 years ago. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-few-immigrants-fit-the-legal-definition-of-global-refugees-2777770">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Every once in a while, a photograph of a migrant’s tragic death (usually that of a child) catches the public’s imagination. The 2015 image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, fleeing from the Syrian civil war, dead face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, triggered a wave of sympathy that ended with Germany opening its borders to 900,000 refugees that year; and Hungary building a border fence to keep them out.

Every once in a while, a photograph of a migrant’s tragic death (usually that of a child) catches the public’s imagination. The 2015 image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, fleeing from the Syrian civil war, dead face down in the surf on a Turkish beach, triggered a wave of sympathy that ended with Germany opening its borders to 900,000 refugees that year; and Hungary building a border fence to keep them out. And now, here we are again. A picture of 23-month-old Valeria Martinez, tucked into her father Oscar’s T-shirt, both dead face down on the banks of the Rio Grande, has unleashed a similar wave of sympathy in the United States, although it certainly hasn’t reached the White House yet. And once again, most of the migrants are claiming to be refugees. In fact, few migrants fit the legal definition of refugees in either case. The Arabs and Afghans trying to get into Europe had fled genuine wars, but they were already in Turkey, which is quite safe. They just wanted to move on to somewhere with better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. That’s understandable, but it doesn’t get you the right of asylum as a refugee. The same applies to migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Africa to Europe, even though thousands of them are drowning in the attempt. They are fleeing poverty, or dictatorial regimes, or even climate change, but they are not fleeing war. Neither do they have a “well-founded fear” of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. That is the language of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees of 1951, so they don’t qualify as refugees. You may feel sorry for them, but there is no legal duty to let them in. The Refugee Convention was incorporated into the US law in the Refugee Act of 1980, so few of the people now seeking entry at the Mexican border qualify either. This matters, because while 20 years ago, 98% of the people crossing the border were Mexican young men seeking work, more than half are now entire families from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras — and most of them claim to be refugees. They are not, and that is why US courts are rejecting at least three-quarters of the applications for refugee status. You may wish that the law took a more generous and humanitarian view, but it does not. And if you think things are bad now, they will be ten times worse in 20 years’ time. Global warming is starting to bite. We’re still on the learner slopes, but the onslaught of droughts and floods, and then the crop failures that they cause, are multiplying, especially in the tropics and the sub-tropics where temperatures are already high. In the worst-hit areas, family farms are failing, some people are going hungry, and the number of people on the move is starting to soar. This is precisely what unpublished, in-house government studies were predicting 20 years ago in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. Now it’s here. As the number of migrants goes up, the willingness of host populations to receive them will inevitably go down. That’s human nature. You may deplore it, but it’s not going to change. And behind uncomfortable considerations of what the politics will permit, lies the even starker reality that they can’t all come. Twenty years from now there will be far more people who desperately want to move than the destination countries could possibly accommodate. So, the borders will start slamming shut in the countries, mostly in the temperate zone of the planet, where the climate is still tolerable and there is still enough food to eat. And don’t believe the myth that you cannot really shut a border. You can do so quite easily if you are willing to kill the people who try to cross it illegally, and the governments of the destination countries will probably end up doing just that. Their military and their civil servants, if not their politicians, were already having grim internal debates about it 15 years ago. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Few immigrants fit the legal definition of global refugees

&nbsp;A 40-year-old Eritrean man killed an eight-year-old boy on Monday by pushing him in front of an oncoming train at Frankfurt's main train station in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uber-freight-launches-in-germany-taking-on-local-competition-238153">Germany</a>, police said.

The man also pushed the boy's mother but she survived. Police were unaware of any connection between the man and the victims and his motive was unclear, a police spokeswoman said.

"According to witness reports, a 40-year-old man pushed the boy and his mother onto the track just as the ICE (high-speed train) was arriving. The mother, thank God, was able to save herself," the spokeswoman, Isabell Neumann, told reporters.

"Unfortunately, the eight-year-old boy was run over by the ICE. He suffered fatal injuries," she added. "The man concerned ... fled the station after the crime. Passers-by took up the chase and the man was detained near the station."

Neumann said the suspect was being questioned. The boy's mother was taken to the hospital and would also be questioned. Frankfurt police said on Twitter the suspected perpetrator was an Eritrean citizen.

Several platforms at Frankfurt station, a major rail hub in Germany, were closed after the incident.

The police spokeswoman said the man tried to push a third person onto the track but the woman managed to defend herself.

Interior Minister Horst Seehofer strongly condemned the "horrific act" and warned against jumping to any conclusions as police were still investigating.

Seehofer said he would cut short his holidays to discuss the security situation with senior officials on Tuesday and inform the public afterwards.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A 40-year-old Eritrean man killed an eight-year-old boy on Monday by pushing him in front of an oncoming train at Frankfurt's main train station in Germany, police said.

A 40-year-old Eritrean man killed an eight-year-old boy on Monday by pushing him in front of an oncoming train at Frankfurt's main train station in Germany, police said. The man also pushed the boy's mother but she survived. Police were unaware of any connection between the man and the victims and his motive was unclear, a police spokeswoman said. "According to witness reports, a 40-year-old man pushed the boy and his mother onto the track just as the ICE (high-speed train) was arriving. The mother, thank God, was able to save herself," the spokeswoman, Isabell Neumann, told reporters. "Unfortunately, the eight-year-old boy was run over by the ICE. He suffered fatal injuries," she added. "The man concerned ... fled the station after the crime. Passers-by took up the chase and the man was detained near the station." Neumann said the suspect was being questioned. The boy's mother was taken to the hospital and would also be questioned. Frankfurt police said on Twitter the suspected perpetrator was an Eritrean citizen. Several platforms at Frankfurt station, a major rail hub in Germany, were closed after the incident. The police spokeswoman said the man tried to push a third person onto the track but the woman managed to defend herself. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer strongly condemned the "horrific act" and warned against jumping to any conclusions as police were still investigating. Seehofer said he would cut short his holidays to discuss the security situation with senior officials on Tuesday and inform the public afterwards.

Man pushes boy in front of train in Germany, killing him

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday.

The married father-of-three, identified by German media only as 40-year-old Habte A., had also undergone psychiatric treatment this year, said police in the Swiss canton of Zurich where he lived.

Last Thursday, he had flown into a rage and threatened a neighbour with a knife and locked her up, and also trapped his wife and their children, aged one, three and four, in their flat before running away.

Spiegel Online reported that the asylum seeker who had lived in Switzerland for 13 years had worked in tram maintenance for the Zurich Transport Authority since early last year.

German federal police chief Dieter Romann said it appeared the suspect had not been listed as wanted in European police databases and had been able to cross borders freely.&nbsp;

German prosecutors laid murder and attempted murder charges against the man over the attack Monday that left eye-witnesses in need of trauma counselling and shocked the nation.

He allegedly also pushed the boy's mother onto the tracks at Frankfurt's main station, and tried but failed to do the same to a 78-year-old woman.

"While the mother could roll off after the fall and move herself onto a narrow footpath between two tracks, her child was caught by the arriving train and died, on the spot, of his injuries," said a statement by Frankfurt prosecutors.

Psychiatric examination&nbsp;

The man ran down a platform and across tracks but was followed by passers-by including an off-duty officer, and overpowered by police two blocks from the station.

The suspect did not previously know the victims and showed no signs of alcohol or drug use, prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said.

"The crime suggests a psychiatric disorder," she told a press conference, adding that an examination would ascertain the level of his criminal culpability.

The horrific crime has dominated newspaper front-pages and TV news bulletins, and led politicians to call for heightened security, more camera surveillance and tighter border controls.&nbsp;

Citizens have laid flower wreaths, candles and stuffed toys at the site of the killing and a memorial service was scheduled at the station in the evening.

German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer cut short his summer holiday to meet the heads of major security agencies in Berlin.

Niesen said the man in custody had not yet spoken about a motive.

If formally charged, tried and then found guilty, he would face a likely term of life in prison, she said.

In a similar case earlier this month, a 34-year-old mother died after being pushed in front of a train, allegedly by a Serbian man.&nbsp;

Germany's far-right has seized on both killings to once more criticise would it regards as the flawed immigration policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday.

An Eritrean man accused of killing an eight-year-old boy by pushing him under a train in Germany had been on the run from Swiss police after a violent incident last week, authorities said Tuesday. The married father-of-three, identified by German media only as 40-year-old Habte A., had also undergone psychiatric treatment this year, said police in the Swiss canton of Zurich where he lived. Last Thursday, he had flown into a rage and threatened a neighbour with a knife and locked her up, and also trapped his wife and their children, aged one, three and four, in their flat before running away. Spiegel Online reported that the asylum seeker who had lived in Switzerland for 13 years had worked in tram maintenance for the Zurich Transport Authority since early last year. German federal police chief Dieter Romann said it appeared the suspect had not been listed as wanted in European police databases and had been able to cross borders freely. German prosecutors laid murder and attempted murder charges against the man over the attack Monday that left eye-witnesses in need of trauma counselling and shocked the nation. He allegedly also pushed the boy's mother onto the tracks at Frankfurt's main station, and tried but failed to do the same to a 78-year-old woman. "While the mother could roll off after the fall and move herself onto a narrow footpath between two tracks, her child was caught by the arriving train and died, on the spot, of his injuries," said a statement by Frankfurt prosecutors. Psychiatric examination The man ran down a platform and across tracks but was followed by passers-by including an off-duty officer, and overpowered by police two blocks from the station. The suspect did not previously know the victims and showed no signs of alcohol or drug use, prosecutors spokeswoman Nadja Niesen said. "The crime suggests a psychiatric disorder," she told a press conference, adding that an examination would ascertain the level of his criminal culpability. The horrific crime has dominated newspaper front-pages and TV news bulletins, and led politicians to call for heightened security, more camera surveillance and tighter border controls. Citizens have laid flower wreaths, candles and stuffed toys at the site of the killing and a memorial service was scheduled at the station in the evening. German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer cut short his summer holiday to meet the heads of major security agencies in Berlin. Niesen said the man in custody had not yet spoken about a motive. If formally charged, tried and then found guilty, he would face a likely term of life in prison, she said. In a similar case earlier this month, a 34-year-old mother died after being pushed in front of a train, allegedly by a Serbian man. Germany's far-right has seized on both killings to once more criticise would it regards as the flawed immigration policies of Chancellor Angela Merkel's government

Man who pushed German boy under train was on run from Swiss police

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-had-become-a-serious-possibility-cbi-chief-carolyn-fairbairn-239206&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xcXFitrjAhVO7mEKHQlcAkYQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07JQut3Vw9Gy2-8QTnDxFn">no-deal Brexit</a> because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre.

The pound, which was trading at $1.50 on the day of the 2016 referendum, dropped 0.4% to $1.2325, the lowest level since March 2017.

Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed to last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament.

The 27 other EU members, though, say publicly and privately that the divorce settlement - including the Irish border backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say an election is highly likely.

"There must be some change from the EU and if the EU is not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-should-respect-international-laws-britains-foreign-minister-239218">Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab</a> said, adding that London was "turbo-charging" no-deal preparations.

Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as "stubborn". Asked if he was threatening the EU - whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom's - Raab said: "I am not doing any threatening."

Hedge funds increased their net short sterling positions to the highest level in nearly a year. And in a sign investors are scrambling for protection against currency swings around the time of the October 31 exit, three-month implied volatility surged to a four-month high.

Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said on Monday.

Our&nbsp;Union

Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave.

The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said.

Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland's place in the United Kingdom.

Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit.

"Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit.

"So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom."

Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson.

Gordon Brown, a Scot and a former prime minister, said this month that Johnson could be the United Kingdom's last prime minister as he could be on a collision course with Scottish nationalists.

Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce.

Sterling hit a two-year low on Monday as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said it now assumed there would be a no-deal Brexit because a "stubborn" European Union was refusing to renegotiate their divorce. Many investors say a no-deal Brexit would send shock waves through the world economy, tip Britain's economy into a recession, roil financial markets and weaken London's position as the pre-eminent international financial centre. The pound, which was trading at $1.50 on the day of the 2016 referendum, dropped 0.4% to $1.2325, the lowest level since March 2017. Johnson bets that the threat of a no-deal Brexit will persuade the EU's biggest powers - Germany and France - to agree to revise the divorce deal that Theresa May agreed to last November but failed three times to push through the British parliament. The 27 other EU members, though, say publicly and privately that the divorce settlement - including the Irish border backstop - is not up for barter. Many EU diplomats say an election is highly likely. "There must be some change from the EU and if the EU is not willing to move at all we must be ready to give the country some finality," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said, adding that London was "turbo-charging" no-deal preparations. Raab said the United Kingdom wanted a deal but repeatedly cast the bloc as "stubborn". Asked if he was threatening the EU - whose $15.9 trillion economy is nearly six times that of the United Kingdom's - Raab said: "I am not doing any threatening." Hedge funds increased their net short sterling positions to the highest level in nearly a year. And in a sign investors are scrambling for protection against currency swings around the time of the October 31 exit, three-month implied volatility surged to a four-month high. Johnson has told EU leaders he will sit down for Brexit talks when they indicate they are ready to shift on the divorce deal, otherwise Britain will prepare for leaving without a deal, his spokeswoman said on Monday. Our Union Differences over Brexit have strained the bonds that tie the United Kingdom. While the country voted 52-48 to leave in 2016, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU while Wales and England vote to leave. The question of the unification of Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will inevitably arise if Britain leaves the European Union without a divorce deal on October 31, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said. Varadkar also suggested that a so-called hard Brexit could undermine Scotland's place in the United Kingdom. Johnson makes his first visit to Scotland as prime minister on Monday, as his Conservative Party's leader there said she would refuse to support a no-deal Brexit. "Our Union is the most successful political and economic union in history. We are a global brand and together we are safer, stronger and more prosperous," Johnson said in a statement ahead of the visit. "So as we prepare for our bright future after Brexit, it's vital we renew the ties that bind our United Kingdom." Johnson's promise to deliver Brexit, with or without a deal, has put him at odds with some in his party who oppose a "no-deal" exit - including its Scottish leader Ruth Davidson. Gordon Brown, a Scot and a former prime minister, said this month that Johnson could be the United Kingdom's last prime minister as he could be on a collision course with Scottish nationalists. Last week, Scotland's nationalist leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote to Johnson telling him his Brexit plans would hurt the Scottish economy and that she would continue preparations for a second independence referendum.

UK plays hardball with 'stubborn' European Union, pound tumbles to a 28-month low on Brexit woes

Ryanair Holdings Plc on Monday warned fares would fall by 6 per cent&nbsp;in its key summer season this year, in part due to overcapacity in Germany and Brexit fears in the United Kingdom, but kept its profit target for the year.

Shares of Europe's largest low-cost carrier have almost halved in value in two years as the company grappled with overcapacity in Europe, Britain's plans to leave the European Union and, most recently, delays in delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX.

Ryanair earlier this month halved its growth targets for next year due to delays in deliveries of the 737 MAX. On Monday, it said it expected the first deliveries in January at the earliest.

The airline reported a profit after tax of 243 million euros for the three months to June 30, down from 309 million a year earlier. A poll of analysts published by Ryanair ahead of the results had forecast a profit of 232 million euros.

It retained its profit forecast for the year to March 31, 2020 of between 750 million euros and 950 million euros, compared to a forecast of 832 million euros in the analyst poll.

Ryanair said its fares in the three months to the end of June declined 6% from a year earlier and said it expected a similar fall for the remainder of the summer. Average fares for the year to end-March 2020 will be towards the lower end of its guidance range of -2% to +1%, it added.

Ryanair's shares closed on Friday at 10.02 euros, almost half their peak of 19.39 euros hit two years ago.

Ryanair is one of Boeing's biggest customers and was due to have 58 737 MAX jets in time for its 2020 summer season. But it now expects to receive just 30 by then in that period.

Ryanair's chief financial officer, Niall Sorohan, said the timing of plans by its pilots in the United Kingdom and Ireland to ballot for possible industrial action in August was "unusual", given concerns around the MAX and Brexit, but said the airline was open to talks.

Ryanair Holdings Plc on Monday warned fares would fall by 6 per cent in its key summer season this year, in part due to overcapacity in Germany and Brexit fears in the United Kingdom, but kept its profit target for the year.

Ryanair Holdings Plc on Monday warned fares would fall by 6 per cent in its key summer season this year, in part due to overcapacity in Germany and Brexit fears in the United Kingdom, but kept its profit target for the year. Shares of Europe's largest low-cost carrier have almost halved in value in two years as the company grappled with overcapacity in Europe, Britain's plans to leave the European Union and, most recently, delays in delivery of the Boeing 737 MAX. Ryanair earlier this month halved its growth targets for next year due to delays in deliveries of the 737 MAX. On Monday, it said it expected the first deliveries in January at the earliest. The airline reported a profit after tax of 243 million euros for the three months to June 30, down from 309 million a year earlier. A poll of analysts published by Ryanair ahead of the results had forecast a profit of 232 million euros. It retained its profit forecast for the year to March 31, 2020 of between 750 million euros and 950 million euros, compared to a forecast of 832 million euros in the analyst poll. Ryanair said its fares in the three months to the end of June declined 6% from a year earlier and said it expected a similar fall for the remainder of the summer. Average fares for the year to end-March 2020 will be towards the lower end of its guidance range of -2% to +1%, it added. Ryanair's shares closed on Friday at 10.02 euros, almost half their peak of 19.39 euros hit two years ago. Ryanair is one of Boeing's biggest customers and was due to have 58 737 MAX jets in time for its 2020 summer season. But it now expects to receive just 30 by then in that period. Ryanair's chief financial officer, Niall Sorohan, said the timing of plans by its pilots in the United Kingdom and Ireland to ballot for possible industrial action in August was "unusual", given concerns around the MAX and Brexit, but said the airline was open to talks.

Ryanair expects average fares to fall 6% in key summer season

Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China met Iran in Vienna on Sunday (July 28) for talks to save the 2015 nuclear deal. The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the deal's formal name, is chaired by the EU foreign policy service's Secretary General Helga Schmid. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of an international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme last year and stepped up sanctions on Tehran. He said the nuclear deal was flawed because it did not include curbs on Iran's development of ballistic missiles or its support for proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Iran has ruled out talks with Washington over its military capabilities, particularly the missile programme that it says is defensive. It denies the missiles are capable of being tipped with nuclear warheads and says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

Europeans, China, Russia meet Iran in Vienna to save nuclear deal

Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up.

As a cauldron of hot air from the Sahara desert moved across the continent, drawn northwards by high pressure, Paris saw its highest temperature since records began and Britain reported its hottest weather for the month of July.

An all-time high was measured in Germany for a second day running, at 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the northwestern town of Lingen - similar temperatures to those in some Gulf Arab capitals on Thursday.

The unusual conditions brought a reduction in French and German nuclear power output, disrupted rail travel in parts of Britain and sent some Europeans, not habitual users of air conditioning in their homes, out to the shops in search of fans.

Health authorities issued warnings to the elderly, especially vulnerable to spikes in temperature. In cities, children splashed about in water fountains to cool off.

"It's very hot at the moment. I saw 42 degrees (Celsius) is forecast for today," said 19-year-old French tourist Ombeline Massot in the capital's Montmartre district, where visitors drank chilled bottles of water and fanned themselves.

The mercury in Paris touched 42.6 C (108.68 F) in mid-afternoon, above the previous Paris record of 40.4 C (104.72 F) recorded in July 1947.

In Britain, the temperature reached its highest for July, hitting 38.1 C (100.58 F), said the Met Office, the national weather service. The temperature, recorded in Cambridge, beat the previously July record of 36.7 C (98.06°F) in 2015.

This was the second-highest temperature recorded in the country. The hottest day, in August 2003, saw 38.5 C (101.3 F).

In the southern Netherlands, the temperature peaked at 40.4 C (104.7 F), topping 40 C (104 F) for the first time on record, Dutch meteorology institute KNMI said. That broke the national record of 39.3 C set the previous day. Before this week, the national heat record of 38.6 C had stood for 75 years.

The heat is expected to persist until Friday.

Global warming

Climate specialists said such heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions.

Britons faced travel disruption, with trains being forced to slow down to prevent tracks buckling in the heat. Several train operators asked commuters not to travel or set off very early.

A Met Office study found that a heatwave like one that broke records last year was 30 times more likely to occur than in 1750, because of the high amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Since the pre-industrial period the Earth’s surface temperature has risen by 1 degree Celsius.

"There is a 40-50% chance that this will be the warmest July on record. This heatwave is exactly in line with climate change predictions," said Dr Karsten Haustein at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford.

Peter Inness, senior research fellow at the University of Reading, said: "The fact that so many recent years have had very high summer temperatures both globally and across Europe is very much in line with what we expect from man-made global warming."

In northern Poland, toxic algae in the Baltic sea led to the closure of more than 15 beaches this summer, authorities said.

"The Baltic sea isn't the cleanest and when the temperatures are so high, then these organisms multiply at lightning speed and beaches need to be closed," said Jan Bondar, a spokesman for Poland's Chief Sanitary Inspectorate.

Very high temperatures across Europe coupled with prolonged dry weather has cut French nuclear power generation by around 5.2 gigawatts (GW) or 8%, French power grid operator RTE's data showed.

Electricity output was curtailed at six reactors by 0840 GMT on Thursday, while two other reactors were offline, data showed. High water temperatures and sluggish flows limit the ability to use river water to cool reactors.

In Germany, PreussenElektra, the nuclear unit of utility E.ON, said it would take its Grohnde reactor offline on Friday due to high temperatures in the Weser river.

Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up.

Soaring temperatures broke records in Germany, France, Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, as a heatwave gripped Europe for the second time in a month in what scientists said were becoming more frequent events as the planet heats up. As a cauldron of hot air from the Sahara desert moved across the continent, drawn northwards by high pressure, Paris saw its highest temperature since records began and Britain reported its hottest weather for the month of July. An all-time high was measured in Germany for a second day running, at 41.5 degrees Celsius (106.7 degrees Fahrenheit) in the northwestern town of Lingen - similar temperatures to those in some Gulf Arab capitals on Thursday. The unusual conditions brought a reduction in French and German nuclear power output, disrupted rail travel in parts of Britain and sent some Europeans, not habitual users of air conditioning in their homes, out to the shops in search of fans. Health authorities issued warnings to the elderly, especially vulnerable to spikes in temperature. In cities, children splashed about in water fountains to cool off. "It's very hot at the moment. I saw 42 degrees (Celsius) is forecast for today," said 19-year-old French tourist Ombeline Massot in the capital's Montmartre district, where visitors drank chilled bottles of water and fanned themselves. The mercury in Paris touched 42.6 C (108.68 F) in mid-afternoon, above the previous Paris record of 40.4 C (104.72 F) recorded in July 1947. In Britain, the temperature reached its highest for July, hitting 38.1 C (100.58 F), said the Met Office, the national weather service. The temperature, recorded in Cambridge, beat the previously July record of 36.7 C (98.06°F) in 2015. This was the second-highest temperature recorded in the country. The hottest day, in August 2003, saw 38.5 C (101.3 F). In the southern Netherlands, the temperature peaked at 40.4 C (104.7 F), topping 40 C (104 F) for the first time on record, Dutch meteorology institute KNMI said. That broke the national record of 39.3 C set the previous day. Before this week, the national heat record of 38.6 C had stood for 75 years. The heat is expected to persist until Friday. Global warming Climate specialists said such heatwaves are becoming more frequent as a result of global warming from greenhouse gas emissions. Britons faced travel disruption, with trains being forced to slow down to prevent tracks buckling in the heat. Several train operators asked commuters not to travel or set off very early. A Met Office study found that a heatwave like one that broke records last year was 30 times more likely to occur than in 1750, because of the high amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Since the pre-industrial period the Earth’s surface temperature has risen by 1 degree Celsius. "There is a 40-50% chance that this will be the warmest July on record. This heatwave is exactly in line with climate change predictions," said Dr Karsten Haustein at the Environmental Change Institute at the University of Oxford. Peter Inness, senior research fellow at the University of Reading, said: "The fact that so many recent years have had very high summer temperatures both globally and across Europe is very much in line with what we expect from man-made global warming." In northern Poland, toxic algae in the Baltic sea led to the closure of more than 15 beaches this summer, authorities said. "The Baltic sea isn't the cleanest and when the temperatures are so high, then these organisms multiply at lightning speed and beaches need to be closed," said Jan Bondar, a spokesman for Poland's Chief Sanitary Inspectorate. Very high temperatures across Europe coupled with prolonged dry weather has cut French nuclear power generation by around 5.2 gigawatts (GW) or 8%, French power grid operator RTE's data showed. Electricity output was curtailed at six reactors by 0840 GMT on Thursday, while two other reactors were offline, data showed. High water temperatures and sluggish flows limit the ability to use river water to cool reactors. In Germany, PreussenElektra, the nuclear unit of utility E.ON, said it would take its Grohnde reactor offline on Friday due to high temperatures in the Weser river.

Climate records fall as Europe bakes in heatwave

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-war-like-the-one-going-on-between-us-and-china-foolish-thailand-ambassador-at-wion-world-order-238434&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij9_GHsNLjAhUbHo8KHfTpAw0QFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3q6V_pmXlrHO0FOtaqNfXk">US-China trade war</a> capped gains.

Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week.

US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week.

Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait.

However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said.

Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry.

WATCH:&nbsp;Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members

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"Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said.

Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020.

"Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures.

The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year.

Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains.

Oil prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly increase as geopolitical tensions over Iran remained unresolved, although flagging prospects for global economic growth amid the US-China trade war capped gains. Brent crude futures were up 23 cents at $63.62 per barrel at 0922 GMT, equivalent to a weekly rise of around 1.8%. They fell 6% last week. US West Texas Intermediate crude was 25 cents higher at $56.27 a barrel, a weekly gain of 1.1%. It fell to 7.5% last week. Tensions remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil passageway, as Iran refused to release a British-flagged tanker it seized last week in the Gulf. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington had asked Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and other nations to join a maritime security initiative in the Middle East so oil and other products can flow through the strait. However, oil prices' reaction to the strains in the Gulf has been relatively muted. "It appears that the majority of market participants do not expect a military conflict that would hamper oil shipments," Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said. Prices also drew support from a crude inventory draw in the United States, but gains were limited as the fall appeared to have been largely anticipated. The US production in the Gulf of Mexico was still feeling the effects of Hurricane Barry. WATCH: Iran-UK tanker tensions: Iran releases 9 crew members × "Several indicators pointing to a slowdown of global oil demand growth appear to have taken over market sentiment," Jefferies analyst Jason Gammel said. Reuters polls taken July 1-24 showed the growth outlook for nearly 90% of the more than 45 economies surveyed was downgraded or left unchanged. That applied not just to this year but also in 2020. "Growing challenges in the macroeconomic environment have kept bullish bets in check as risk appetites remain soft over potential weakness in global fuel demand," said Benjamin Lu, commodities analyst at Singapore-based Phillip Futures. The slowdown in global manufacturing and trade, and the associated hit to oil consumption, largely stems from a US-China trade war that has rumbled on over the last year. Trade talks between the two countries broke down in May after nearing an agreement. Next week, the top US and Chinese negotiators meet for the first time since then. Any positive outcome of the meeting is expected to boost oil prices.

Oil prices rise as Iran tensions remain unresolved

US ride-hailing company <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-ubers-latest-ai-bid-could-lead-to-some-serious-consequences---144040">Uber</a> is launching a freight platform in Germany, taking on local technology startups in a race to grab a share of Europe's $500 billion trucking market.

Germany will be Uber Freight's second market to go live on the continent after the Netherlands, an executive told Reuters, with further expansion in prospect once operations are running smoothly in Europe's largest economy.

In the United States, Uber Freight already connects 48 states and generates more than $125 million in quarterly revenues.

Under maverick founder Travis Kalanick, Uber's earlier bid to establish its ride-hailing services in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-stick-to-nuclear-commitments-warn-germany-uk-over-enriched-uranium-row-228119">Germany</a> met intractable opposition from taxi companies, politicians and the courts.

This time, led by Kalanick's successor Dara Khosrowshawi, Uber has consulted German officials and industry to win support for its freight business, said Daniel Buczkowski, Uber Freight's head of European expansion.

"After the change in leadership, we engaged in doing the right thing," Buczkowski, who is German, told Reuters.

Uber will compete with local players, including Berlin-based startup sender, which has raised $70 million from private equity house Lakestar and other investors at a $300 million valuation, and which already has a wider presence in Europe.

Other technology players in the freight forwarding sector include Flexport, a full-service platform based in San Francisco that raised $1 billion earlier this year from investors led by Japan's Softbank Group.

UK-based Zencargo and FreightHub, which like the sender is headquartered in Berlin, have also taken in investments of late.

Buczkowski sees Uber Freight's edge in its worldwide reach and proven technology. "As a global company we have the bandwidth to constantly innovate and create new products and features that support the entire marketplace," he said.

The freight platforms aim to digitalise an industry still dominated by firms running 10 or fewer trucks and to improve efficiency trucks are empty for 21 per cent of the distance they travel.

Other gains can come from real-time tracking of consignments, and the automation of payments in an industry where trucking firms often waste weeks chasing up invoices.

"The key to getting a lot of value out of this industry is understanding how to use those empty kilometres," said Nicolaus Schefenacker, a co-founder of the sender, which was set up in 2016.

He told Reuters that, as its network expanded, it was easier to model and forecast traffic flows to ensure consignments found the right truck at the right price. Although the freight tech sector is crowded, the market is segmented and the sender sees a clear opportunity in the so-called full-truckload market.

"The market is so huge that I think a lot of players are able to coexist. That's also the way we think about Uber Freight," Schefenacker told Reuters.

Unlike Uber's ride-hailing app or its food-delivery service, Uber Freight will operate as a middle-man in a market with an established pricing structure.

It will make money from the margin between the price paid by the shipper and the amount it pays on to the trucker, insulating it from the type of complaints made by many ride-hailing drivers who say they struggle to earn a decent income.

Uber, with a stock market capitalisation of $74 billion, aims to adapt its model used in the United States, where many truck drivers are sole operators, to Europe, where family-run firms predominate.

The apps still face challenges, ranging from environmental issues confronting an industry that runs on diesel to ensuring drivers are not overworked with long hours on the road.

The industry also needs new recruits, with the World Bank estimating two-thirds of German drivers will retire over the next decade, threatening a shortage in capacity for an industry that handles more than 70 per cent of freight.

US ride-hailing company Uber is launching a freight platform in Germany, taking on local technology startups in a race to grab a share of Europe's $500 billion trucking market.

US ride-hailing company Uber is launching a freight platform in Germany, taking on local technology startups in a race to grab a share of Europe's $500 billion trucking market. Germany will be Uber Freight's second market to go live on the continent after the Netherlands, an executive told Reuters, with further expansion in prospect once operations are running smoothly in Europe's largest economy. In the United States, Uber Freight already connects 48 states and generates more than $125 million in quarterly revenues. Under maverick founder Travis Kalanick, Uber's earlier bid to establish its ride-hailing services in Germany met intractable opposition from taxi companies, politicians and the courts. This time, led by Kalanick's successor Dara Khosrowshawi, Uber has consulted German officials and industry to win support for its freight business, said Daniel Buczkowski, Uber Freight's head of European expansion. "After the change in leadership, we engaged in doing the right thing," Buczkowski, who is German, told Reuters. Uber will compete with local players, including Berlin-based startup sender, which has raised $70 million from private equity house Lakestar and other investors at a $300 million valuation, and which already has a wider presence in Europe. Other technology players in the freight forwarding sector include Flexport, a full-service platform based in San Francisco that raised $1 billion earlier this year from investors led by Japan's Softbank Group. UK-based Zencargo and FreightHub, which like the sender is headquartered in Berlin, have also taken in investments of late. Buczkowski sees Uber Freight's edge in its worldwide reach and proven technology. "As a global company we have the bandwidth to constantly innovate and create new products and features that support the entire marketplace," he said. The freight platforms aim to digitalise an industry still dominated by firms running 10 or fewer trucks and to improve efficiency trucks are empty for 21 per cent of the distance they travel. Other gains can come from real-time tracking of consignments, and the automation of payments in an industry where trucking firms often waste weeks chasing up invoices. "The key to getting a lot of value out of this industry is understanding how to use those empty kilometres," said Nicolaus Schefenacker, a co-founder of the sender, which was set up in 2016. He told Reuters that, as its network expanded, it was easier to model and forecast traffic flows to ensure consignments found the right truck at the right price. Although the freight tech sector is crowded, the market is segmented and the sender sees a clear opportunity in the so-called full-truckload market. "The market is so huge that I think a lot of players are able to coexist. That's also the way we think about Uber Freight," Schefenacker told Reuters. Unlike Uber's ride-hailing app or its food-delivery service, Uber Freight will operate as a middle-man in a market with an established pricing structure. It will make money from the margin between the price paid by the shipper and the amount it pays on to the trucker, insulating it from the type of complaints made by many ride-hailing drivers who say they struggle to earn a decent income. Uber, with a stock market capitalisation of $74 billion, aims to adapt its model used in the United States, where many truck drivers are sole operators, to Europe, where family-run firms predominate. The apps still face challenges, ranging from environmental issues confronting an industry that runs on diesel to ensuring drivers are not overworked with long hours on the road. The industry also needs new recruits, with the World Bank estimating two-thirds of German drivers will retire over the next decade, threatening a shortage in capacity for an industry that handles more than 70 per cent of freight.

Uber freight launches in Germany, takes on local competition

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-acquisition-of-us-f-35-fighter-aimed-at-opening-gate-to-invade-north-north-korea-state-media-234830">South Korea</a> protested on Wednesday against a Japanese plan to remove it from a Japanese list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.

Japan's planned revision of the law to take South Korea off its so-called white list comes amid a deepening row over compensation for wartime forced labour, and after Japan tightened curbs this month on exports to South Korea of high-tech materials used for making memory chips and display panels.

South Korea's industry ministry said in a statement Japan's removal of South Korea from the list would be a very grave matter that would undermine their economic and security partnership.

It asked Japan to scrap the plan, flagging concerns over wider disruptions of global supply chains involving South Korean chip and screen makers.

"It is a very grave matter that shakes the foundation of South Korea-Japan economic partnership and Northeast Asian security cooperation that has been maintained and developed for more than 60 years," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/calls-for-boycott-of-japan-grow-in-south-korea-as-diplomatic-row-simmers-233755">Sung Yoon-mo</a>, the South Korean industry minister, told a briefing.

"Removal of South Korea from the white list of countries is against international norms and we are worried about its serious negative impact on global value chains and free trade," Sung said.

Japan is due to decide on a revision of its list after canvassing public opinion, which is due to be done by Wednesday.

Officials at Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment.

Questions over the list come after Japan this month tightened restrictions on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea.

The restrictions came as Japan complained of the erosion of trust with South Korea after a South Korean court ruled last year that Japanese companies had to pay compensation to South Koreans forced to work in Japanese factories during Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945.

Japan believes the compensation issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law.

Japan's top government spokesman said on Wednesday relations with South Korea were in a "very severe" state and Japan would continue to urge South Korea to take appropriate action over a string of issues that have frayed ties.

'Long Term Harm'

US tech industry groups with members including Apple sent an open letter on Tuesday to Japan and South Korea calling for a quick resolution of their dispute.

"Non-transparent and unilateral changes in export control policies can cause supply chain disruptions, delays in shipments, and ultimately long-term harm to the companies that operate within and beyond your borders and the workers they employ," the business groups said in their letter.

Apple is a major customer of South Korean memory chip giants Samsung Elec and SK Hynix.

Japan has threatened to drop South Korea from the list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions under a trade control law, which would require Japanese exporters to seek a licence for certain items they want to sell to South Korea that could be used in manufacturing weapons.

There are 27 countries on Japan's list including Germany, Britain and the United States.

South Korea has stepped up diplomatic efforts to get Japan to scrap its trade controls, asking major ally the United States to help, though it has not rushed to step in.

South Korea officials are expected to raise the matter in talks with US national security adviser John Bolton who is in Seoul.

South Korea protested on Wednesday against a Japanese plan to remove it from a Japanese list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade.

South Korea protested on Wednesday against a Japanese plan to remove it from a Japanese list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions, saying it would undermine their decades-old economic and security cooperation and threaten free trade. Japan's planned revision of the law to take South Korea off its so-called white list comes amid a deepening row over compensation for wartime forced labour, and after Japan tightened curbs this month on exports to South Korea of high-tech materials used for making memory chips and display panels. South Korea's industry ministry said in a statement Japan's removal of South Korea from the list would be a very grave matter that would undermine their economic and security partnership. It asked Japan to scrap the plan, flagging concerns over wider disruptions of global supply chains involving South Korean chip and screen makers. "It is a very grave matter that shakes the foundation of South Korea-Japan economic partnership and Northeast Asian security cooperation that has been maintained and developed for more than 60 years," Sung Yoon-mo, the South Korean industry minister, told a briefing. "Removal of South Korea from the white list of countries is against international norms and we are worried about its serious negative impact on global value chains and free trade," Sung said. Japan is due to decide on a revision of its list after canvassing public opinion, which is due to be done by Wednesday. Officials at Japan's trade ministry were not immediately available for comment. Questions over the list come after Japan this month tightened restrictions on exports of high-tech materials to South Korea. The restrictions came as Japan complained of the erosion of trust with South Korea after a South Korean court ruled last year that Japanese companies had to pay compensation to South Koreans forced to work in Japanese factories during Japan's occupation of the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Japan believes the compensation issue was settled under a 1965 treaty and the court ruling violated international law. Japan's top government spokesman said on Wednesday relations with South Korea were in a "very severe" state and Japan would continue to urge South Korea to take appropriate action over a string of issues that have frayed ties. 'Long Term Harm' US tech industry groups with members including Apple sent an open letter on Tuesday to Japan and South Korea calling for a quick resolution of their dispute. "Non-transparent and unilateral changes in export control policies can cause supply chain disruptions, delays in shipments, and ultimately long-term harm to the companies that operate within and beyond your borders and the workers they employ," the business groups said in their letter. Apple is a major customer of South Korean memory chip giants Samsung Elec and SK Hynix. Japan has threatened to drop South Korea from the list of countries that face minimum trade restrictions under a trade control law, which would require Japanese exporters to seek a licence for certain items they want to sell to South Korea that could be used in manufacturing weapons. There are 27 countries on Japan's list including Germany, Britain and the United States. South Korea has stepped up diplomatic efforts to get Japan to scrap its trade controls, asking major ally the United States to help, though it has not rushed to step in. South Korea officials are expected to raise the matter in talks with US national security adviser John Bolton who is in Seoul.

South Korea asks Japan not to drop it from smooth-trade list

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-deal-parties-not-ready-to-launch-dispute-mechanism-against-iran-prefer-more-diplomacy-european-union-236356">2015 nuclear deal</a>, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-blasts-european-union-for-trying-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-236278">Iran's legitimate interests</a> and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website.

"Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said.

In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added.

US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme.

Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout.

In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation.

He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran".

His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA".

He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments -&nbsp;what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable".

Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. "Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise Iran's legitimate interests and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website. "Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said. In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement. "Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added. US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme. Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout. In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation. He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran". His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA". He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments - what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable". Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Accelerate efforts to salvage nuclear deal: Rouhani to Macron in phone call

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 18th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 17th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 16th, 2019

Werner Mueller, the founder of German chemical group Evonik and a former economy minister, has died aged 73, the company said on Tuesday.

Mueller, who also set up the RAG Foundation, stepped down as chairman of RAG and Evonik's supervisory board last year due to ill health.

The foundation is a majority shareholder in Evonik and was set up by Mueller to help deal with the costs of winding down the hard coal mining industry in western Germany and to try to reduce the impact on the Ruhr industrial region.

He also served as economy minister under Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Werner Mueller, the founder of German chemical group Evonik and a former economy minister, has died aged 73, the company said on Tuesday. Mueller, who also set up the RAG Foundation, stepped down as chairman of RAG and Evonik's supervisory board last year due to ill health.

Werner Mueller, the founder of German chemical group Evonik and a former economy minister, has died aged 73, the company said on Tuesday. Mueller, who also set up the RAG Foundation, stepped down as chairman of RAG and Evonik's supervisory board last year due to ill health. The foundation is a majority shareholder in Evonik and was set up by Mueller to help deal with the costs of winding down the hard coal mining industry in western Germany and to try to reduce the impact on the Ruhr industrial region. He also served as economy minister under Social Democrat Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Founder of Germany's Evonik, Werner Mueller, dies aged 73

Amazon workers to strike on Prime day sale 2019. Protests in at least five German cities. Germany is the second biggest market for Amazon. Watch this video to know more.

Germany: Amazon workers strike again

More than 2,000 workers at seven <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-warehouse-workers-in-minnesota-set-walkout-on-prime-day-234450">Amazon</a> sites across Germany have gone <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-warehouse-workers-in-minnesota-set-walkout-on-prime-day-234450">on strike over pay for at least two days</a>, labour union Verdi said on Monday.

The walkouts, under the motto 'No more discount on our incomes", started overnight and coincide with Amazon's Prime Day when the US online retail giant offers its 'Prime' customers discount deals. Germany is its second-biggest market after the United States.

Amazon has faced a long-running battle with unions in Germany over better pay and conditions for logistics workers, who have staged frequent strikes since 2013.

"While Amazon fuels bargain hunting on Prime Day with hefty discounts, employees are being deprived of a living wage," Verdi retail specialist Orhan Akman said in a statement.

Verdi said the strikes had hit Amazon's sites in Werne, Rheinberg, Leipzig, Graben, Koblenz, as well as at Amazon's two sites in Bad Hersfeld.

Amazon did not provide exact numbers for how many employees were striking but said participation was limited and had no impact on customer deliveries.

"The company must finally recognise the collective wage agreements for the retail and mail order sectors," Akman said. "Wages and salaries at Amazon must no longer be determined in the style of a lord of the manor."

Verdi also demanded that collective bargaining agreements be made binding across Germany's retail sector.

"A universally binding collective agreement would then apply for Amazon too," said Akman.

An Amazon spokesman said the company was a fair and responsible employer even without having a collective agreement in place, adding: "In our fulfilment centres, our wages are at the upper end of what is paid in comparable jobs."

Amazon runs 12 warehouses - which it calls fulfilment centres - in Germany. Earlier on Sunday, Amazon said it plans to open a new warehouse in Germany this year and create more than 2,800 jobs with permanent contracts.

More than 2,000 workers at seven Amazon sites across Germany have gone on strike over pay for at least two days, labour union Verdi said on Monday. The walkouts, under the motto 'No more discount on our incomes", started overnight and coincide with Amazon's Prime Day when the US online retail giant offers its 'Prime' customers discount deals.

More than 2,000 workers at seven Amazon sites across Germany have gone on strike over pay for at least two days, labour union Verdi said on Monday. The walkouts, under the motto 'No more discount on our incomes", started overnight and coincide with Amazon's Prime Day when the US online retail giant offers its 'Prime' customers discount deals. Germany is its second-biggest market after the United States. Amazon has faced a long-running battle with unions in Germany over better pay and conditions for logistics workers, who have staged frequent strikes since 2013. "While Amazon fuels bargain hunting on Prime Day with hefty discounts, employees are being deprived of a living wage," Verdi retail specialist Orhan Akman said in a statement. Verdi said the strikes had hit Amazon's sites in Werne, Rheinberg, Leipzig, Graben, Koblenz, as well as at Amazon's two sites in Bad Hersfeld. Amazon did not provide exact numbers for how many employees were striking but said participation was limited and had no impact on customer deliveries. "The company must finally recognise the collective wage agreements for the retail and mail order sectors," Akman said. "Wages and salaries at Amazon must no longer be determined in the style of a lord of the manor." Verdi also demanded that collective bargaining agreements be made binding across Germany's retail sector. "A universally binding collective agreement would then apply for Amazon too," said Akman. An Amazon spokesman said the company was a fair and responsible employer even without having a collective agreement in place, adding: "In our fulfilment centres, our wages are at the upper end of what is paid in comparable jobs." Amazon runs 12 warehouses - which it calls fulfilment centres - in Germany. Earlier on Sunday, Amazon said it plans to open a new warehouse in Germany this year and create more than 2,800 jobs with permanent contracts.

Amazon workers in Germany strike over pay, say 'No more discount on our incomes'

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 12th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 11th, 2019

Angela Merkel remained seated during national anthems at an official ceremony on Thursday, as the German chancellor apparently sought to prevent a repeat of uncontrollable shaking with a rare change of protocol.

With questions swirling about <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/angela-merkel-says-recovered-from-shaking-bout-after-drinking-water-228690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwjtzb8qzjAhUIMY8KHeW9BsUQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2VJfAU9__jstAAJn0bErqY">Merkel's health</a> after she suffered three episodes of shaking in public in less than a month, the veteran leader opted to play safe.&nbsp;

After greeting Denmark's new Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the portico of the chancellery, a smiling Merkel walked her over to a podium where both leaders took their seats.

The unusual move came a day after a similar ceremony when the German chancellor was seen shaking involuntarily for the third time.

On Wednesday, Merkel began trembling as national anthems were being played at the reception of Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne.

Just over an hour later, she attended a press conference as planned and told journalists that her health was no cause for concern.

She explained that she was simply still in a phase of "processing" a previous shaking spell, but that "there has been progress".

"I will have to live with it for a while," added Merkel, who turns 65 next week.

"Just like how it has come, one day it will go away too," she said.

Angela Merkel remained seated during national anthems at an official ceremony on Thursday, as the German chancellor apparently sought to prevent a repeat of uncontrollable shaking with a rare change of protocol.

Angela Merkel remained seated during national anthems at an official ceremony on Thursday, as the German chancellor apparently sought to prevent a repeat of uncontrollable shaking with a rare change of protocol. With questions swirling about Merkel's health after she suffered three episodes of shaking in public in less than a month, the veteran leader opted to play safe. After greeting Denmark's new Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the portico of the chancellery, a smiling Merkel walked her over to a podium where both leaders took their seats. The unusual move came a day after a similar ceremony when the German chancellor was seen shaking involuntarily for the third time. On Wednesday, Merkel began trembling as national anthems were being played at the reception of Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne. Just over an hour later, she attended a press conference as planned and told journalists that her health was no cause for concern. She explained that she was simply still in a phase of "processing" a previous shaking spell, but that "there has been progress". "I will have to live with it for a while," added Merkel, who turns 65 next week. "Just like how it has come, one day it will go away too," she said.

Merkel sits through anthems after shaking spells

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 10th, 2019

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-commission-could-slap-3-billion-euro-fine-on-italy-for-excessive-debt-deputy-pm-salvini-222359">European Commission</a> lowered its estimates on Wednesday for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/eurozone-inflation-falls-sharply-amid-slowdown-fears-224221">eurozone growth</a> and inflation, saying uncertainty over US trade policy posed a major risk to the bloc.

In its quarterly economic forecasts, the European Union's executive arm said prices would grow less than previously predicted, pushing the inflation rate further off the European Central Bank's target of close to but less than 2 per cent.

The commission confirmed its prediction that economic growth in the euro zone would slow this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.9 per cent in 2018. It also revised down its estimate for next year's growth, which is now seen at 1.4 per cent instead of the 1.5 per cent forecast in May.

Risks for the bloc have increased, the commission said, and mostly come from "the elevated uncertainty" around United States' trade policy, as Washington keeps threatening punitive tariffs on a broad range of EU products.

Fears of increased trade tensions "could also trigger a shift in global risk sentiment at times when valuations appear stretched across many asset classes", the EU economics commissioner Pierre Moscovici told a news conference

"This could lead to rapid tightening of global financial conditions," he added.

The weaker economic outlook contributed to a downward revision of inflation expectations, the commission said, cutting its estimate to 1.3 per cent for this year and next from the 1.4 per cent it previously estimated for both years.

This year's forecast matches the ECB's projection, but for 2020 the commission's estimate is lower than the 1.4 per cent rate forecast by the central bank in its latest projections, released in June. That could give the ECB a reason to push ahead with fresh stimulus.

The commission confirmed the economic slowdown in the euro zone was mostly caused by weaker growth in Germany, the euro zone's largest economy, and Italy, its third largest.

German growth will slow to 0.5 per cent this year, in line with earlier predictions, after reaching 1.4 per cent in 2018. Growth is expected to return to 1.4 per cent next year, less than the 1.5 per cent the commission predicted earlier.

Forecasts for Italy remained unchanged, reiterating its economy will barely grow this year, seeing the worst growth rate in the whole EU. Next year's growth is expected to accelerate to 0.7 per cent but remain the slowest in the bloc.

France's economy will expand 1.3 per cent this year and 1.4 per cent in 2020, the commission estimated, leaving unchanged its forecast for this year but lowering the estimate for the next, earlier seen at 1.5 per cent.

The commission maintained unchanged its forecasts for Britain, whose economy is foreseen growing 1.3 per cent this year and next. However, the projection does not take into account possible trade disruptions caused by a no-deal Brexit.

The European Commission lowered its estimates on Wednesday for eurozone growth and inflation, saying uncertainty over US trade policy posed a major risk to the bloc.

The European Commission lowered its estimates on Wednesday for eurozone growth and inflation, saying uncertainty over US trade policy posed a major risk to the bloc. In its quarterly economic forecasts, the European Union's executive arm said prices would grow less than previously predicted, pushing the inflation rate further off the European Central Bank's target of close to but less than 2 per cent. The commission confirmed its prediction that economic growth in the euro zone would slow this year to 1.2 per cent from 1.9 per cent in 2018. It also revised down its estimate for next year's growth, which is now seen at 1.4 per cent instead of the 1.5 per cent forecast in May. Risks for the bloc have increased, the commission said, and mostly come from "the elevated uncertainty" around United States' trade policy, as Washington keeps threatening punitive tariffs on a broad range of EU products. Fears of increased trade tensions "could also trigger a shift in global risk sentiment at times when valuations appear stretched across many asset classes", the EU economics commissioner Pierre Moscovici told a news conference "This could lead to rapid tightening of global financial conditions," he added. The weaker economic outlook contributed to a downward revision of inflation expectations, the commission said, cutting its estimate to 1.3 per cent for this year and next from the 1.4 per cent it previously estimated for both years. This year's forecast matches the ECB's projection, but for 2020 the commission's estimate is lower than the 1.4 per cent rate forecast by the central bank in its latest projections, released in June. That could give the ECB a reason to push ahead with fresh stimulus. The commission confirmed the economic slowdown in the euro zone was mostly caused by weaker growth in Germany, the euro zone's largest economy, and Italy, its third largest. German growth will slow to 0.5 per cent this year, in line with earlier predictions, after reaching 1.4 per cent in 2018. Growth is expected to return to 1.4 per cent next year, less than the 1.5 per cent the commission predicted earlier. Forecasts for Italy remained unchanged, reiterating its economy will barely grow this year, seeing the worst growth rate in the whole EU. Next year's growth is expected to accelerate to 0.7 per cent but remain the slowest in the bloc. France's economy will expand 1.3 per cent this year and 1.4 per cent in 2020, the commission estimated, leaving unchanged its forecast for this year but lowering the estimate for the next, earlier seen at 1.5 per cent. The commission maintained unchanged its forecasts for Britain, whose economy is foreseen growing 1.3 per cent this year and next. However, the projection does not take into account possible trade disruptions caused by a no-deal Brexit.

Euro zone growth, inflation outlook cut as risks from US trade grow

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month.

With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/herman-cain-withdraws-from-consideration-for-federal-reserve-board-seat-donald-trump-212699">US Federal Reserve</a> chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks.

Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/deutsche-bank-to-cut-18000-jobs-in-74-billion-euro-overhaul-233820">Deutsche Bank</a> tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower.

"Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note.

It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory.

"Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason."

In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks.

US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago.

The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month.

The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June.

"It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets.

"The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced."

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month.

With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks.

Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China.

Deutsche Bank tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower.

"Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note.

It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory.

"Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason."

In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks.

US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago.

The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month.

The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June.

"It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets.

"The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced."

Brexit Factor

Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19.

Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent.

Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months.

In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent.

Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46.

Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce.

Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower.

Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union.

Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19.

Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent.

Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months.

In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent.

Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme.

Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46.

Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce.

Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower.

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month.

World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month. With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks. Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China. Deutsche Bank tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower. "Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note. It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory. "Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason." In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks. US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago. The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month. The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June. "It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets. "The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced." World stocks fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, as a stinging warning came from German chemicals giant BASF about the effects of the global trade war and traders hedged bets on a hefty US interest rate cut later this month. With global macroeconomic clouds looming and critical policy signals due from US Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell on Wednesday, the headlines and mood focused on three individual stocks. Shares in BASF slumped almost 6 per cent in Europe after the German chemicals giant issued what one trader described as a "shocking" profit warning, blaming a global slowdown and trade war between the United States and China. Deutsche Bank tumbled 4 per cent - having already dropped 5.4 per cent the previous day after it axed 18,000 staff - while Apple's overnight drop of more than 2 per cent on Wall Street after a broker downgrade dragged the tech sector lower. "Both from a bottom-up and top-down perspective, equity market valuations appear far too ambitious," analysts at Morgan Stanley wrote in a note. It was particularly stark, they said, as the US business cycle was in a downturn and both forward-looking indicators like global PMIs and global trade are now in contraction territory. "Indeed, companies have begun cutting their 2019 profit forecasts, citing the trade conflict as a reason." In the currency markets, the big question remained the potential reaction to the weaker outlook from the world's top central banks. US Fed chairman Powell gives testimony before Congress on Wednesday. Money market futures are still fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) cut at the Fed's July 30-31 meeting, but have almost priced out a larger 50 bps move that had been seen as a real possibility a couple of weeks ago. The dollar changed hands at 108.78 yen, having risen in the previous session to its highest in more than a month. The dollar index versus a basket of six major currencies was also a touch higher at 97.432, while the euro dropped as low as 1.1204, its weakest level since mid-June. "It would be pretty disruptive at this stage for Powell to rule out a cut in July or dampen expectations of a cut in July," said Michael Metcalfe, head of global macro strategy at State Street Global Markets. "The last few Fed speakers, albeit non-voting speakers, have suggested July is not a done deal... and even now, if you look at economists' forecasts, there is not a consensus that there will be a move, and yet the market is 100 per cent priced." Brexit Factor Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union. Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19. Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent. Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months. In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent. Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46. Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce. Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower. Elsewhere, the pound stood at 1.2485, not far from six-month lows of $1.2481 touched on Friday. Britain's parliament will weigh an amendment later aimed at ensuring it cannot be sidestepped if the next UK prime minister wants to pursue a no-deal Brexit divorce from the European Union. Overnight in Asia, MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan dropped 0.4 per cent but pared earlier losses, having traded at its lowest level since June 19. Chinese blue-chips ended down 0.3 per cent, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell by 0.7 per cent. Japan's Nikkei was the only outlier as gains in a few heavyweights in the index helped it edge up 0.1 per cent. Apple's suppliers, such as Murata Manufacturing and Taiyo Yuden, fell 2 per cent and 4 per cent, however, after Rosenblatt Securities cited a "fundamental deterioration" for the US gadget giant over the next 6-12 months. In Greater China, suppliers from Hon Hai to AAC Tech also lost between 1.4 per cent and 3.1 per cent and in Europe Infineon, ASM and STMicroelectronics slipped about 2 per cent. Among commodities, oil prices were slightly softer as concerns about whether slowing global growth would hit demand eclipsed tensions over Iran's nuclear programme. Brent crude futures fell 0.2 per cent to $64.01 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures shed 0.4 per cent to $57.46. Gold prices also ticked lower, as the dollar scaled its multi-week highs. Spot gold was down 0.2 per cent at $1,393.03 per ounce and US gold futures fell 0.3 per cent to $1,395.70 an ounce. Wall Street futures were 0.4 per cent to 0.6 percent lower.

World stocks drop for third day, BASF warning stings Europe

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