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→ NewsBritons are using more cash, Nationwide data shows
Nationwide reports ATM withdrawals from its machines rose to £4.2bn in 2025 with nearly 35 million withdrawals, while LINK data shows total withdrawals from its network fell to £76.7bn and transactions declined to 1.27bn.
Euro zone growth slows in December but finishes quarter strongest since 2023
The euro zone composite PMI eased to 51.5 in December, indicating slower monthly growth, while the fourth-quarter average of 52.3 was the strongest since Q2 2023.
India probe finds Tata Steel, JSW Steel and SAIL breached antitrust law.
India's Competition Commission has found Tata Steel, JSW Steel, SAIL and 25 other firms breached antitrust law and held 56 executives liable, according to a confidential October order; the findings will be reviewed before a final public order is issued.
Leading AI expert delays timeline for AI's possible harm to humanity
Daniel Kokotajlo has revised his AI 2027 scenario, moving expectations for autonomous coding from 2027 to the early 2030s and citing 2034 as a possible horizon for superintelligence. Other experts say timelines are being pushed out and that the term 'AGI' is becoming less precise.
Eni and Repsol struggle to recover $6 billion from Venezuela, FT reports
The Financial Times reports Eni and Repsol are having difficulty reclaiming about $6 billion in gas payments from Venezuela, and says U.S. officials have shown limited interest; Reuters could not immediately verify the report.
Snow warnings continue across large parts of UK
Snow and ice warnings remain across much of the UK after an Arctic blast forced hundreds of school closures, with amber alerts in parts of Scotland and many yellow warnings due to expire at 11:00 GMT.
Big Four bank warns Australian mortgage holders of rising rates
A CommBank report predicted an imminent 25 basis-point cash rate rise while the cash rate was reported at 3.6% after three cuts in 2025.
Gold hits one-week high on Fed rate-cut bets and Venezuela tensions.
Gold rose to a one-week high around $4,465 an ounce after dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials lifted expectations of rate cuts and recent developments tied to Venezuela increased safe-haven demand.
Man arrested over alleged Melbourne arson attack on car with Hanukah decorations
A 47-year-old man was arrested after a car displaying Hanukah decorations was set on fire in St Kilda East on Christmas morning; he remains in custody and detectives are expected to interview him.
Asian stocks extend record rally as oil and dollar drift
Asian shares climbed to fresh record highs while oil and the dollar moved modestly, as markets noted a U.S. announcement that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured.
Explosions reported in Venezuelan capital Caracas
Explosions and low-flying aircraft were reported in Caracas early on Jan. 3, with witnesses saying at least seven blasts and some neighbourhoods losing power; reports of U.S. strikes and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro were announced on social media but not independently confirmed.
Air India seeks new CEO amid post-crash scrutiny
Two sources say Air India is scouting for a new chief executive to replace Campbell Wilson, as regulators increased scrutiny after a June crash that killed 260 people.
Driving instructors in Zimbabwe teach students to navigate dangerous roads
Driving instructors in Harare now focus on survival and defensive driving as Zimbabwe records high road-fatality rates; officials say most accidents are caused by human error and police are pursuing licensing and enforcement changes.
Disney World reports sixth death in recent months
Orange County Sheriff's Office said a body was found in the Orange Garage at Disney Springs and the incident is being investigated as a possible suicide; this is the sixth death reported at Walt Disney World in recent months.
Markets show mixed reaction after US capture of Venezuelan leader
Asian benchmarks rose and oil edged higher, while gold and silver jumped, as markets absorbed reports of the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Heavy snowfalls may cut off parts of the UK
The Met Office warned heavy snowfall could leave parts of the UK cut off, with amber and yellow weather warnings in place across Scotland and other regions. Rail routes and some airports are disrupted, and an amber cold-health alert covers England.
Future of cash in Australia may be functionally cashless by 2030
The federal government now requires fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash for in-person purchases up to $500 between 7am and 9pm, and an RMIT finance expert said Australia could be 'functionally cashless' by 2030.
Questions to ask ChatGPT to find cheap flights and reduce jet lag.
An ABTA report says more than two in five people in the UK feel confident booking holidays through AI. Which? recommends using detailed prompts — with dates, airports, budgets and constraints — to get clearer answers on cheap flights, using points and managing jet lag.
American family of seven stranded in Puerto Rico after Venezuela raids
An American family of seven says they were unable to return to Boston after the FAA restricted Caribbean airspace following US operations in Venezuela; airlines have resumed service but seats and schedules remain limited.
Mortgage outlook for Australians as interest rates may rise in 2026
Banks and economists now expect interest rates to rise in 2026, with some forecasting increases before June; October inflation was reported at 3.8% and core inflation at 3.3%, above the Reserve Bank's 2–3% target.
Childcare changes in Australia guarantee three days of subsidised care a week
Australia now guarantees a minimum of three days of subsidised childcare a week for parents regardless of work or study, a change that took effect on January 1 and extends eligibility to about 100,000 more families.
Grandfather pleads for missing man after New Year's Day disappearance
Taylor Stewart, 21, was last seen in Cookstown on January 1 and his grandfather has made a public plea as searches continue.
Yemeni government accuses separatists of restricting access to Aden.
Yemen's Saudi-backed government said southern separatists had cut off movement into the port city of Aden and warned it would take measures; the Southern Transitional Council denied the claim and Saudi Arabia agreed to host a forum to address the southern issue.
Mother-of-two, 28, charged after infant fatally shot at home.
A 28-year-old woman in Sulphur, Louisiana, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after her one-year-old daughter was found dead; the two-year-old sibling is now in state custody and the case remains under investigation.
Paycheck withholdings may have been higher this year under the new tax law
New provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) create deductions for tipped income, overtime and some older adults, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a large wave of refunds is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Venezuela's distressed debt: who is in line to collect?
The toppling of President Nicolas Maduro has focused attention on Venezuela's long-running sovereign default; analysts estimate about $60 billion in defaulted bonds and roughly $150–170 billion in total external liabilities.
Venezuela sees a tense calm after Maduro was deposed
One day after U.S. forces captured and deposed President Nicolás Maduro, Caracas was unusually quiet and some communities reported damage linked to the operation.
Saudi-backed forces advance in Yemen's Hadramawt, officials say
Officials said Saudi-backed forces took control of the main military base in Mukalla and the airport in Seiyun after recent strikes; Saudi Arabia and the UAE called for dialogue.
Gold prospector dies at historic mining site
A 58-year-old gold prospector was reported to have been struck by a displaced rock at a private Mount Britton lease near Nebo, Queensland; police will compile a report for the coroner and Resources Safety and Health Queensland is investigating.
Fish and chip shops may shrink as cod price doubles
Industry leaders say the price of cod has nearly doubled in the past year, and many fish and chip shops are diversifying menus as the number of outlets has fallen to about 11,000.
