FRANCE 24’s analyses of the economic events and technological innovations shaping our world, including economic trends, energy markets, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and space exploration.
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Global travel sector grows despite headwinds
05 November 2026The global tourism sector is growing, despite conflicts and economic uncertainty. That's the finding of a new report by World Travel Market, which says the number of international arrivals is set to hit a record 1.57 billion in 2026. -
Musk-backed candidates lose US midterms despite financial backing
04 November 2026Shares of Tesla and SpaceX dropped after the Democratic party swept to power in America's midterm elections. Their founder, tech titan Elon Musk, poured over $440 million into Republican candidates and causes, the single biggest campaign donor in the election cycle. But his investment fell flat, as his preferred candidates lost races in Texas, where he has put down roots. We take a closer look. -
Markets react with caution to Democrats' victory in US midterms
04 November 2026Investors shunned AI stocks and turned to government bonds on Wednesday in the wake of the Democratic Party's takeover of Congress in the US midterm elections. Oil prices meanwhile ticked slightly higher, as uncertainty remains over the direction of US President Donald Trump's war against Iran. Also in this edition, we focus on the central issue of this midterm campaign: the rise in the cost of living. -
Trump's tariffs hitting US small businesses
03 November 2026As US voters cast their ballots in the midterm elections, the economy remains their top concern. Despite robust headline macroeconomic data, middle-class Americans are growing increasingly frustrated with the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's tariffs have hit small businesses hard, leading to a significant rise in bankruptcies. Our reporter Cristobal Vasquez met with some business owners. -
Californians vote on ballot initiative to impose one-time tax on billionaires
03 November 2026This Tuesday, Californians are voting on a landmark plan to impose a one-time tax on billionaires to fund the state's healthcare system. We take a closer look. Also on the show: global oil prices fell sharply on the eve of the US midterm elections. This came after Iran said it was holding intensive talks through mediators towards negotiating peace and signalled that it was ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US accepted its conditions. Both Brent and WTI fell by around 8 percent. -
Despite attacks, Saudi Aramco posts 34% rise in net profits in latest quarter
03 November 2026Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil giant saw its profits rise to $36.25 billion in the third quarter, despite seeing its infrastructure and even headquarters targeted by Houthi rebels. Elevated oil prices have offset the supply disruption caused by the Iran war. Also in this edition: North Korea denies any involvement in the largest-ever crypto heist and we take a look at how Russia's strikes against Ukraine are destroying what's left of its economy. -
Binance users withdraw $3.4 billion after record crypto heist
02 November 2026Customers of cryptocurrency trading platform Binance withdrew some $3.4 billion of their funds on Sunday after Binance reopened trading. The company had suspended all operations after a cyberattack that compromised over $6 billion in digital assets. Also in this edition: the Wall Street Journal reports on a new US plan to restore Russian gas sales to Europe, and we look at Argentina's efforts to capitalise on Patagonia's wide open spaces to attract data centre investment. -
Data centres on the ballot: Could AI infrastructure shape the US midterms?
01 November 2026US voters from Ohio to Illinois will decide on dozens of local measures on Tuesday, as opposition to the giant buildings powering artificial intelligence cuts across party lines. FRANCE 24's Charlotte Lam tell us more in Tech 24. -
Binance resumes crypto withdrawals after major hack blamed on North Korea
01 November 2026Binance, the world’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange, on Sunday said it would resume withdrawals after a suspension due to a major hack, which the FBI has tied to North Korea. The exchange said it covered 95% of the $6.3 billion in tokens stolen from its platform in the world's largest digital heist. -
French economy 'headed for a wall' as GDP shrinks, finance minister warns
30 October 2026France's economy unexpectedly shrank in the third quarter while inflation rose more than anticipated, piling pressure on the government ahead of further nationwide protests this weekend that are making it more difficult to cut spending. Finance Minister Roland Lescure warned that the economy could be "headed for a wall" if parliament fails to approve a deficit-reducing budget soon.