US Fed's December rate cut should be its last for now: official

Washington (AFP) – The US Federal Reserve should proceed cautiously before supporting any future rate cuts, a senior bank official said Thursday, adding that she saw December’s rate cut as a final step for now.

US Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman, seen in October, 2019, said the Fed should be 'cautious' when considering further rate cuts

Airbus boosts plane deliveries in 2024

Paris (AFP) – European plane maker Airbus said Thursday it increased aircraft deliveries to 766 even as the company struggles to return to pre-pandemic production levels.

Airbus delivered its first A321XLR extra long range aircraft last year

Rising star Diallo signs new Man Utd contract

London (AFP) – Amad Diallo set his sights on making “history” with Manchester United after the Ivory Coast winger signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2030.

Manchester United's Amad Diallo has signed a new contract

Quintero edges Dakar stage after Al Attiyah penalised

Hail (Saudi Arabia) (AFP) – American driver Seth Quintero won the fifth stage of the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia on Thursday by one second after Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah, who was first across the line, was penalised 10 minutes.

Five-time winner Nasser Al Attiyah was penalised 10 minutes in the Dakar Rally fourth stage

Video game play gets frisky at CES gadget gala

Las Vegas (AFP) – Video game play met romantic intimacy in a corner of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Thursday — but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for sex toys at the Las Vegas gadget extravaganza.

Motorbunny at CES in Las Vegas demonstrates a way to make both video game fanatics and their romantic partners happy - linking on-screen action to the intensity of sex toys

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Las Vegas (AFP) – Following in the footsteps of electric scooters on land and wakeboards at sea, young entrepreneurs are bringing electric power to snow travel with self-propelled skis and all-terrain skates.

Nicola Colombo presents his concept of self-propelled skis, in Las Vegas, January 7, 2024

Leverkusen chase 'perfection' as Bayern hunt resumes

Berlin (AFP) – Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen know they will need to be close to perfect to hunt down leaders Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga returns from a three-week winter break.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso knows his side needs to be close to perfect to win back-to-back titles

What do we know about latest Gaza talks?

Jerusalem (AFP) – Mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States have launched a new push to end the Gaza war and secure the release of dozens of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

Supporters of the Israeli hostages demonstrate in Tel Aviv for a deal to bring them home.