SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ” Google is teaming up with Johnson & Johnson to build robots that can help surgeons in the operating room.The alliance announced this week dovetails with two of Google’s initiatives beyond its main business of…
US oil and natural gas rig count drops by 21 to 1,048
HOUSTON (AP) ” Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. declined by 21 this week to 1,048 amid falling oil prices.Houston-based Baker Hughes said Friday 813…
Apple CEO Tim Cook plans to give away most of his fortune
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ” Apple CEO Tim Cook is joining a long list of magnates promising to give away most of the wealth that they amass during their careers.Cook mentioned his intentions in a story about him published Thursday by Fortune…
German airline could face 'unlimited' damages for Alps crash
STOCKHOLM (AP) ” Lufthansa could face “unlimited” compensation claims for the crash that killed 150 people in the French alps and it would be difficult, even counterproductive, for the German carrier to try to avoid liability, experts…
Airbnb becomes sponsor of 2016 Olympics in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) ” Rio de Janeiro’s hotel bed shortage was eased on Friday, as online home share startup Airbnb inked a deal to be the official “alternative accommodations” sponsor of the 2016 Olympic games.The deal, which saw…
US stock indexes are mostly higher at end of a tough week
NEW YORK (AP) ” U.S. stocks are mostly higher in midday trading after four straight days of losses.The price of oil fell for the first time in a week Friday. It jumped the day before on worries that conflict in the Middle East would…
Fonterra move hits prices
NZX dairy futures prices have fallen sharply after Fonterra said it would put more product up for sale on the GlobalDairyTrade auction platform.The futures market, which gives an indication of where physical prices are heading,…
Viaduct zoning battle draws big guns
Owners of four luxury Auckland waterfront apartment blocks are fighting a land rezoning proposal which could drive them out of their places.Bianca Tree, a lawyer specialising in resource management and environmental law at Heimsmath…
Japan inflation cools, household spending, incomes soften
TOKYO (AP) ” Japan reported lackluster inflation and wages data for February that suggested Friday that its economic recovery remains in the doldrums.Core inflation excluding volatile food prices was 2.0 percent in February, down…
Hallenstein lifts profit 40pc as it claws back market share
Hallenstein Glasson, the fast-fashion clothing chain, lifted first-half profit 40 per cent, beating its guidance, as it clawed back market share in a competitive retail environment.Profit rose to $8.6 million in the six months ended…