Euro zone almost eliminates trade deficit in May

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The euro zone almost eliminated its trade deficit in May, non-adjusted data showed on Friday, as exports of chemicals and machinery picked up and the value of imported energy products, notably from Russia, declined. The European Union statistics office Eurostat said the seasonally unadjusted trade balance of the 20 countries sharing the…

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Australia picks first female central bank head to shepherd through reform

By Wayne Cole SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia has appointed the first female head of its central bank, passing over the current governor to elevate his deputy to the high-profile job amid a public backlash over steeply rising interest rates. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday announced Michele Bullock would head…

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The meds they bought were toxic. Now Gambian parents seek justice

By Edward McAllister DAKAR (Reuters) – Families of 20 Gambian children who died after consuming cough syrups made in India will take their government to court this month for allegedly mishandling drug imports – a rare step in one of Africa’s poorest countries, where few have the means to challenge authorities. The parents’ allegations and…

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US asks appeals court to pause Microsoft deal after lower court refuses

By Diane Bartz and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission on Thursday asked an appeals court to temporarily stop Microsoft from closing its $69 billion purchase of “Call of Duty” maker Activision Blizzard, just hours after a federal judge rejected a similar request. The San Francisco federal court had ruled in favor…

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