Microsoft skips pay hikes this year amid sharp focus on AI

(Reuters) -Microsoft Corp said on Wednesday it will not raise salaries for full-time employees this year, citing tough economic conditions, but will continue with its bonuses, stock awards and promotions. The company, which is now squarely focused on the lucrative generative AI, had in January decided to let go 10,000 employees, joining other technology companies…

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US airlines thrown a curveball as consumer habits change post-pandemic

By Rajesh Kumar Singh CHICAGO (Reuters) – Shifting travel patterns by consumers in a post-pandemic world are forcing airlines to guess at what is the “new normal” as they seek to adjust by cutting flights, revamping networks and packing even more passengers into planes. Even as the thirst for travel remains strong, the changing trends…

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ECB’s Centeno says interest rates near peak, could ease in 2024

By Sergio Goncalves LISBON (Reuters) -The European Central Bank’s key interest rate is approaching its peak but further adjustments are still necessary, ECB Governing Council member Mario Centeno said on Wednesday, adding he expected rates to start easing at some point during next year. “We must be approaching the terminal rate,” he told a press…

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Analysis-Pakistan’s deepening political crisis douses hopes for IMF relief

By Karin Strohecker, Jorgelina do Rosario and Ariba Shahid LONDON/KARACHI (Reuters) -The political crisis engulfing Pakistan is eroding hopes that the South Asian country can get its much needed programme with the International Monetary Fund back on track soon and escape a full-blown debt crunch, analysts said. Deadly clashes between supporters of Imran Khan and…

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