This aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 10, 2024 shows a container terminal of Lianyungang Port, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Photo by Wang Chun/Xinhua) BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- China will reduce import tariffs on a large number of goods next year in its latest move to expand domestic demand and advance high-standard opening up, authorities announced Saturday. Provisional import tariffs, lower than the most-favored-nation rates, will be applied to 935 commodities as part of an annual tariff adjustment plan effective on Jan. 1, 2025. This plan "will help increase the imports of quality products," according to a statement from the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council. This tariff reduction aligns with the need to foster new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation, enhance people's well-being, and promote green and low-carbon development, the commission said. For instance, lower provisional tariffs will be implemented for some raw materials, including ethane, cycloolefin polymers and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, which are important basic materials for the petrochemical industry. "These tariff cuts will effectively reduce the production costs of enterprises, promote their technological innovation and facilitate the green development of the petrochemical industry," said Fan Min, deputy head of the information and market department at China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation. Some recycled copper and aluminium raw materials will also see their import tariffs reduced, according to the commission. In addition, automatic transmissions for special-purpose vehicles such as fire trucks and repair vehicles will enjoy lower import tariffs, which analysts say will better guarantee the production of such vehicles and improve their competitiveness. While continuing to apply zero tariffs on some drugs and raw materials to treat cancer and rare diseases, the country will cut tariffs on sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, viral vectors for CAR-T tumor therapy, and nickel-titanium alloy wires for surgical implants. By continuously reducing import tariffs on the pharmaceutical raw materials and medical equipment in high demand, China will better ensure people's access to medical services, said Gao Yuning, vice dean of the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University. China has been bringing down the import tariffs for drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients since 2018. Under 24 free trade and preferential trade arrangements, conventional tariff rates will be applied to certain products from 34 countries or regions next year as part of China's efforts to expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas, according to the commission. Among these, lower tariffs under the China-Maldives free trade agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2025, will eventually lead to zero tariffs on nearly 96 percent of tariff lines between the two sides. China will also continue to offer zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines next year to the 43 least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations in a bid to support their development and foster mutual benefits, according to the commission. These measures demonstrate China's determination to advance high-standard opening up and its sense of duty as a responsible major country, said Gao Lingyun, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Despite global headwinds against globalization and rising geopolitical risks, China has acted to open its doors wider. The tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference held earlier this month vowed to expand voluntary and unilateral opening up in an orderly manner. Specified tariff items will be introduced for products such as pure electric passenger vehicles to support industrial development and sci-tech advancement, while import tariffs will be increased on goods including battery diaphragms, in light of domestic industrial development and market supply and demand, and in accordance with its commitments to the World Trade Organization, according to the commission.On the night of Sunday, December 15, Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government emerged stronger from the three-day debate on the 2025 state budget proposal. The prime minister dominated the parliamentary debate and was able to focus on his policy in support of citizens on middle and lower incomes. Also, the proposal was supported by more voters than those who belong to New Democracy. The following day, in Berlin, Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence, opening the way for federal elections on February 23. For Scholz, the defeat was expected and welcome, as early elections had been announced soon after the chancellor expelled the liberal Free Democratic Party (FDP) from his coalition. Both leaders were satisfied by very different outcomes in the vote of confidence in their governments, as each had different expectations and fears. For Mitsotakis, the vote’s outcome was a welcome development after the European Parliament result (where he himself had placed the bar high, for no apparent reason), and after the expulsion of Antonis Samaras from New Democracy. The former prime minister was absent for the vote, and the political space to the right of ND does not seem to be expanding at the government’s cost. ND is recovering in the polls – but not to the extent that it could hope for a one-party government if elections were held today. The prime minister has two and a half years at his disposal to apply the policy which he believes will strengthen his party. The general indifference towards the fate of Samaras (as recorded in a recent Pulse poll for Skai Television) strengthens the impression that the most fertile ground for ND to regain its electoral strength is the center – where most of the voters who have moved away from the government seem to belong. The person that Mitsotakis will nominate for president of the republic, and policy on issues such as high prices, justice, education and protection of the environment, will determine whether ND can hope for a clear win at the end of its four-year term. Till then, Mitsotakis has the privilege of leading a country that is stable and part of the discussion on the evolution of Europe, and which for the next two years will be a member of the UN Security Council. In Germany, the FDP’s persistence with monetary dogma, in conjunction with the constitutionally mandated “debt brake” (since the time of Angela Merkel), highlights the system’s inertia in the face of a rising tide of challenges. Without investment in infrastructure and education, without support for growth, without social programs in favor of the weak, Germany will face an ever stronger challenge from extremist political forces. Today the conservative CDU is ahead in the polls, followed by the extreme-right AfD, and then Scholz’s SPD. The AfD, which expresses Putin’s views, has lately gained the approval of Elon Musk. It will keep growing stronger as elections approach. In other words, while Germany stuck to outdated dogma, the “unorthodox” forces of the extreme-right and extreme-left have been gaining in power. Many SPD members were relieved by the jettisoning of the FDP, even though this brought down the government. But now, even the CDU is no longer subservient to the debt brake. After the election, this new pragmatism may benefit Germany and, in turn, the European Union. A stable Greece with a strong center, and a Germany determined to evolve to deal with the time’s challenges, may find themselves to be invaluable partners on their common course in Europe.Looking for ASX 200 stocks to buy? Then look no further! That's because Goldman Sachs has put buy ratings on these stocks this morning. Here's what the broker is saying about them: ( ) This first ASX 200 stock that Goldman is tipping as a buy is drinks giant Endeavour Group. The broker highlights that Endeavour has its sales impact estimate in relation to the ( ) distribution centre strike. Based on available data, Goldman suspects that there could be an earnings impact of $6 million to $15 million. It explains: For the Low Case, we assume EDV's disclosed sales impact of ~A$25mn to date and GPM of 24.3% (1H25 GSe) drop-through to EBIT with no CODB savings, implying A$6mn EBIT hit or 1.0%/0.6% 1H25e/FY25e Group EBIT. For High Case, we expect sales impact of ~A$50mn with same GPM drop-through though also attributing higher transportation cost as the company leverages wider distribution network to maximize stock availability and assume no CODB cost savings. i.e. EBIT impact of ~A$15mn. This would represent 2.4%/1.5% reduction to 1H25e/FY25e Group EBIT. In light of this minimal impact, Goldman has held firm with its buy rating and $5.50 price target. Based on its current share price of $4.28, this implies potential upside of 29% for investors. In addition, a 4.6% is forecast for FY 2025. ( ) Another ASX 200 stock that is rated as a buy by Goldman Sachs is health imaging technology company Pro Medicus. The broker has been impressed with recent contract wins and believes there's more to come. In fact, it boldly stated its belief that "further Visage adoption a matter of when, not if." It then adds: We remain positive on the PME equity story as one of Australia's best global growth companies, highlighted once again through Trinity Health, driving FY27E EBITDA revisions of +8% (GSe +5% vs. Visible Alpha Consensus Data). We forecast a strong increase in the value and cadence of contract wins over time; however, outsized contracts (i.e. >A$100mn), where visibility is limited in terms of size and timing, could provide material upside. And while the company's shares are not cheap and trade on sky high multiples, Goldman believes this is justified. It explains: PME is not cheap, trading on 114x FY26E EV/EBITDA, but we highlight its revenue/margin outlook, unique cloud offering, and significant long-term opportunity. Additionally, with a focus on the US regulatory outlook, we believe MedTech is increasingly being evaluated as a safe haven within healthcare as it is generally more insulated from impending policy volatility. Goldman has retained its buy rating and lifted its price target by 26% to $278.00. Based on the current Pro Medicus share price of $247.18, this implies potential upside of 12.5%.

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Harry Souttar will be out of action for up to a year after suffering an Achilles tendon injury, leaving the Socceroos without their star defender for remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Souttar, on loan at Sheffield United from Premier League club Leicester City, suffered the injury in the Boxing Day loss to Burnley. United manager Chris Wilder confirmed the injury on Monday morning (AEDT) after their 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today “He is absolutely gutted,” Wilder told BBC Radio Sheffield. “Devastated for him, he loved it here. “Big disappointment to lose the big fella because he has been incredible.” It is a massive blow for Tony Popovic’s Socceroos ahead of their next March’s World Cup qualifying match against Indonesia in Sydney. With only four games left, Australia are second on seven points in a chaotic Group C, nine points behind leaders Japan and a point ahead of Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and China. Souttar is an essential cog in defence for the Socceroos and had just rediscovered his best self after sealing a loan move to United in the off-season. Frozen out by the Foxes last year, the 26-year-old was a central figure across 21 league matches as the Blades fought for promotion from the second-tier Championship. “Unfortunately that’s me out for a while but I wish everyone at the club all the best for the rest of the season and beyond,” Souttar posted on Instagram. “Thanks to everyone at Sheffield United, amazing club with great people.” Souttar found himself in similar circumstances in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a 0-0 qualifying draw against Saudi Arabia at CommBank Stadium almost exactly three years ago. He was able to return in time to help Australia in Qatar, playing a starring role under Graham Arnold as the side reached the round of 16, where they lost 2-1 to eventual champions Argentina.Trump cabinet picks demonise people with a ‘good education’, says Bill ClintonPacifying Sinaloa won’t be quick, Sheinbaum says, as security minister visits the troubled state

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Five takeaways from the Miami Heat’s 104-100 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night at Toyota Center to close its three-game trip at 2-1 and reach the 30-game mark at 16-14. The Heat now returns to Miami to begin a three-game homestand on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans: The Heat, short-handed and playing on the second night of a back-to-back, earned a gutsy road win over a quality Rockets team behind another excellent performance from Tyler Herro. But the game ended with an unfortunate moment for both teams. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Wingstop Logo (PRNewsfoto/Wingstop Restaurants Inc.) DALLAS , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) today announced that its board of directors approved the purchase of up to an additional $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock under its existing share repurchase program, effective immediately. This repurchase program follows the substantial completion of purchases of common stock under the inaugural $250 million repurchase authorization from August 2023 . With this additional repurchase authorization, the Company anticipates executing a $250 million accelerated share repurchase ("ASR") program that will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Stock market today: Wall Street mixed at the start of a holiday-shortened weekSouth Korea Industrial Output Growth below forecasts (-0.4%) in November: Actual (-0.7%)Detroit Mercy defeats Purdue Fort Wayne 79-78