climb

China Stocks Climb Ahead of Trump-Xi Trade Talks

Chinese shares rose on Wednesday as investors grew optimistic ahead of a key meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, where the two are expected to discuss a trade framework aimed at easing tariffs and tackling fentanyl exports. Hong Kong markets remained closed for a local holiday.

Market Overview:

The blue-chip CSI300 Index gained 0.5%, while the Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.4% by midday. The meeting, expected to take place in South Korea on Thursday, has fuelled hopes of progress toward a more stable U.S.-China trade relationship.

Policy Context:

Beijing on Tuesday unveiled a detailed proposal for its five-year development plan, signaling its intention to keep growth within a “reasonable range.” Economists at UBS interpreted that as a 4.5%-5% target for economic expansion. However, markets reacted mildly as the country had just wrapped up its high-level plenum, pledging to stimulate consumption and technological innovation.

Sector Highlights:

The CSI New Energy Index jumped over 3%, despite electric vehicles being excluded from China’s list of strategic industries for the first time in more than a decade. Semiconductor-related shares rallied, led by Guochuang Software, which surged 13%, tracking a strong overnight performance by Nvidia. Meanwhile, non-ferrous metal stocks rose 3%, supported by stronger commodity sentiment.

Why It Matters:

Investor optimism reflects renewed confidence in U.S.-China economic engagement and China’s efforts to stabilize growth amid slowing domestic demand. The Trump-Xi meeting could shape the next phase of tariff policy and tech trade relations, while China’s new economic blueprint signals a pivot toward steady, innovation-led growth.

What’s Next:

Markets will be watching Thursday’s Trump-Xi talks for signals on tariff reductions and potential agreements on fentanyl exports. Any positive outcome could further boost risk sentiment and extend the rally in Chinese equities, though investors remain cautious amid global economic uncertainty.

With information from Reuters.

Source link

Brit couple in Tenerife try to climb plastic elephant but it goes horribly wrong

Laura and Ste Knowles, from St Helens in Merseyside, were left red-faced after a hilarious incident was caught on camera during their holiday in Tenerife, Spain

A couple were left in stitches after one of them was caught on camera face-planting onto the pavement while attempting to ride a plastic elephant at a Spanish holiday resort.

Most people will have recollections of doing something daft and amusing after having had a tipple too many. For one pair, from St Helens in Merseyside, this recently occurred during their getaway in Tenerife in Spain, which resulted in them face-planting on the street. Laura and Ste Knowles had indulged in “a few champagne cocktails” before the comical accident, which was recorded and subsequently posted on social media. After finding the bright yellow elephant outside a shop, 42-year-old Laura challenged her partner Ste, 44, to clamber on top for an amusing snap.

If you’ve previously visited Tenerife, you might recognise the yellow elephant, as it’s the renowned logo of the Fund Grube department store chain, which sells an extensive range of cosmetics, perfumes, and jewellery at prices frequently lower than in other European nations, and can be discovered in numerous locations throughout Tenerife.

However, the pair’s boozy dare rapidly transformed into a catastrophe as Ste lost his footing and tumbled forwards, causing both him and the elephant to crash to the pavement.

The tumble left the furious shop owner absolutely livid, as Laura remembered: “She chased us up the street a bit.”

The duo, from St Helens, Merseyside, had been wandering along the Veronicas strip in Playa de las Américas, Tenerife, Spain, when they encountered the plastic creature. Laura went onto reveal it was her idea for Ste to climb onto the elephant.

“We’d had a few champagne cocktails and I stupidly suggested to Ste to climb on the elephant for a photo,” Laura explained. “I thought it was like the Superlambanana sculpture in Liverpool.

“But it wasn’t held down and it was as light as a feather. So he fell and hit the deck, taking it with him,” Laura added. “The shop owner was livid.”

She continued to say: “It had a few bumps on it so obviously it had happened before, but she chased us up the street a bit.”

The pair’s clip became an internet sensation on TikTok, amassing more than 370,000 views and hundreds of responses from entertained followers.

“It didn’t gone so well,” one viewer commented, while another jokingly penned: “Us Brits just love to say sorry! Now was he saying sorry to the elephant for knocking it over?”

“Darling hold my hand… Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday,” another person quipped.

Nevertheless, not everyone was amused, as some grumbled it was ‘typical’ holidaymaker behaviour that residents usually detest, which has recently sparked demonstrations across numerous popular holiday spots in Europe, including Tenerife.

“Quality tourism,” one person moaned, while someone else added: “Tourist Go Home.”

Source link

Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Australia’s record win over India leaves captain Alyssa Healy one mountain left to climb

That it took until Sunday’s three-wicket win over India for them to complete their first ODI chase over 300, taking back their record for the highest in the women’s 50-over format, is, in truth, a compliment to the bowlers that have worn canary yellow (OK, Australia gold) over the past 50 years.

It is hard for their batters to hold a record if never given the chance.

Ultimately, the result of Australia conceding 330 was captain Alyssa Healy being given an opportunity to produce her latest masterpiece.

Then best known as the 19-year-old niece of renowned former Aussie wicketkeeper Ian, she debuted in 2010 after her nation failed to win either of the 20 or 50-over World Cups held the previous year and has seen it all through 15 trophy-laden years since.

A T20 World Cup win came three months after her bow and seven world titles have followed from 10 attempts across formats.

The gritty keeper was also there in Derby in 2017 when a semi-final defeat by India briefly halted the run of success.

That loss “drove us to rethink our standards,” Healy said this week.

At the next 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, Healy made 170 against England in the final and was named player of the tournament. She ensured her country would not fall short again.

Whether this latest epic knock topped that previous effort can be debated.

Some will argue the case for the pressure of a final. Others can counter with the challenge that comes when facing a record target and a raucous India-supporting crowd of 20,000.

What is certain is this century was far harder to see coming.

The Christchurch carnage in 2022 came as she topped the run-scoring charts, but this knock followed six innings in India since the start of last month in which she had failed to pass 30.

“If you’ve been watching me in the nets, it’s been a frustrating experience because I feel like I’ve had no rhythm whatsoever,” said Healy.

“But once you step out on the field, your competitive instincts kick in and you just lock into the contest.”

Source link