Skip to main content

Featured

AI Surge Lifts Markets as Investors Shrug Off U.S. Shutdown Fears

  U.S. stock futures climbed Thursday morning, buoyed by a wave of optimism surrounding artificial intelligence that overshadowed concerns about the ongoing government shutdown. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.3% and 0.5% respectively, with the S&P 500 closing above 6,700 for the first time ever. Driving the rally was OpenAI’s meteoric rise in valuation to $500 billion following a $6.6 billion employee share sale, making it the world’s most valuable startup and surpassing SpaceX. The company also inked major chip supply deals with Samsung and SK Hynix, sparking a global rally in semiconductor stocks. Despite the shutdown halting nonessential government functions and delaying key economic data like the September jobs report, investors remained focused on tech gains and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Weak private payroll data and signs of a softening labor market have further fueled expectations for monetary easing. While the Dow Jones futures remained flat...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Greece Grinds to a Halt as Workers Strike Against 13-Hour Workday Plan

 

Greece came to a standstill on Wednesday as ferries, trains, taxis, and much of the public transport network were halted during a nationwide strike against proposed labour reforms. Thousands of workers, including teachers, seafarers, and civil servants, marched through central Athens to denounce a government bill that would allow employers to extend working hours up to 13 hours a day.

Unions argue the measure threatens workers’ rights, calling it “modern slavery” and warning it will worsen exploitation in a country still recovering from years of austerity. Protest banners read “No to slavery” and “We are not machines,” as demonstrators demanded higher wages instead of longer hours.

The government insists the reform is optional, limited to 37 days a year, and offers 40% overtime pay, framing it as a step toward a more flexible labour market. But critics say the plan risks undermining work-life balance and endangering health and safety.

With ferries tied up in ports, trains suspended, and public services disrupted, the strike highlighted the deep divide between Greece’s conservative government and its workforce over the future of labour rights in the country.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment