Top Japan Bank Builds Startup Fund as Policy Push Lures Lenders
Japan’s largest bank is growing its pipeline of investments for a startup fund that it jointly owns, as
1970-01-01 08:00
Investors Flock to Bank Indonesia’s Dollar Securities Debut
Bank Indonesia’s first auction of its dollar securities, meant to attract foreign inflows that would support the rupiah,
1970-01-01 08:00
Wales must take the long road to Euro 2024 after automatic qualification hopes extinguished
In the end, Wales’ destiny was decided not in Cardiff, but 1,200 miles away in Zagreb. For 35 minutes, they dared to dream. They could imagine the virtual table, showing them ahead of Croatia, propelling them to Euro 2024. Yet by the end of the night, Wales had lost a lead against Turkey and, more pertinently, Croatia had gained one against Armenia. Ante Budimir’s goal for Croatia condemned Wales to the play-offs, regardless of their own result. Which, as it happened, was a draw. It probably ought to have been a victory, both in terms of Wales’ performance and the manner in which Turkey levelled, with a distinctly dubious penalty. But in a sense, it was an irrelevant one: Wales’ fate was not in their own hands. They had required a favour, needing an Armenia side ranked 95th in the world to get a result against the World Cup semi-finalists. And while Armenia have exerted a huge impact on Group D, it was only as Wales’ nemesis, by holding them in Yerevan on Saturday and, crucially, winning in Cardiff in June. A draw against Turkey was far more forgivable: if Wales had played with this verve throughout a decidedly mixed campaign, they would surely have secured one of the top two spots. Salvation – courtesy of Uefa and the byzantine workings of their baffling formula – could come from failure, with a play-off place that stems from a Nations League group where Wales drew one and lost five of six games. If that defies logic, they now have Finland, Iceland or Ukraine in a semi-final in March, with a final then to negotiate. If they are to get to Germany for Euro 2024, they will have taken the long route and done it the hard way. That, some would say, is the Welsh way: few things have come easily to them over the years. Their tales of misfortune have been pockmarked by infamous decisions and the Slovenian referee Matej Jug awarded Turkey the most generous of penalties, Yusuf Yazici rolling it in after Ben Davies was adjudged to have nudged the substitute Kenan Yildiz over. Wales could feel doubly aggrieved: Jug had been rather less receptive to their own penalty appeals, including a clumsy push by Samet Akaydin on Brennan Johnson. The same defender’s challenge on the Tottenham forward did not yield a spot kick either. Ultimately, Yazici’s leveller only altered the equation for Turkey, the point meaning they won the group, but it left a sour taste for Wales. Because they were terrific. Neco Williams was a worthy scorer, a dynamic force on the left as Wales forever looked to switch play to him. Harry Wilson was influential and impressive. Johnson had one of his best games in a Wales shirt: twice denied a penalty, he twice came close to a goal, with a shot that Altay Bayindir tipped wide and a dinked finish that was chalked off because he was offside. But Wales required a performance and got one. A side who were subdued on Saturday were roused. There was a spine-tingling Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau before kick-off. Suitably inspired, a stirring display followed. There was a boldness to Wales’ start. Turkey had beaten Germany in Berlin but Wales attacked them from the off. Slow starters in Yerevan, they brimmed with speed on home soil. Page had added energy to his attack, bringing in Johnson and Nathan Broadhead. The Ipswich winger came close to a fourth-minute opener. Wales instead led after seven. Wilson’s perceptive pass allowed Williams the chance to burst forward. The wing-back cut inside, placed a shot past Ugurcan Cakir and Wales believed. This, it seemed, could be a worthy sequel to October’s win over Croatia. Johnson’s eager bursts into the channels showed what he offers, and the dropped and totemic Kieffer Moore cannot. Ethan Ampadu, who could have doubled the lead with a header when unmarked, was another to flourish. Their qualification already assured, Turkey had less need to excel. Yet they were initially insipid in the face of the Welsh verve. By the start of the second half, Vincenzo Montella had made three changes, only one seemingly enforced by injury. That effected an improvement: one replacement won the penalty and another scored it. Yusuf San, one of the starters, then clipped the bar from long range and belatedly, Turkey showed their quality. Their fractiousness, too: a total of nine yellow cards and a melee after the final whistle were indications of a certain needless niggly streak. But Montella can argue his side, who have won in Croatia and Germany, have steel. The Italian extended his unbeaten start as Turkey manager, but only after surviving a Welsh onslaught. They had to hope that it would be combined with an Armenia equaliser. Ultimately, Wales got neither of the goals they needed: not in Cardiff and not in Zagreb. And now, for the first time since Euro 2012, there may be a European Championships without them. Read More Is Wales vs Turkey on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Euros qualifier Wales relying on a Croatia slip-up after only drawing in Armenia What do Wales need to qualify for Euro 2024?
1970-01-01 08:00
Singapore’s GDP Expansion Beats, Sees 2024 Growth of 1%-3%
Singapore’s economy fared better than initially thought in the third quarter as the government forecasts that growth may
1970-01-01 08:00
Investors With $11 Trillion Back Plan to Reform Mining Industry
Some of the world’s biggest investors are throwing their weight behind a plan to reform the mining industry
1970-01-01 08:00
The UK Banned a Toyota Truck Ad for Promoting Off-Road Driving
Two advertisements that show an army of trucks careening through the wilderness have been banned by a UK
1970-01-01 08:00
ESG Targets of Europe’s 20 Biggest Banks Slammed in New Report
The green finance targets of European banks are falling well short of what is needed, according to a
1970-01-01 08:00
McKinsey and Its Peers Are Facing the Wildest Headwinds in Years
It was a feast of glitz and glamor when McKinsey & Co.’s senior partners descended on Seoul last
1970-01-01 08:00
Hong Kong Bankers Have Lots of Free Time, Anxiety as Deals Slump
Eighty-hour weeks. Multi-billion dollar deals. Huge bonuses. Until recently, life as an investment banker in Hong Kong was
1970-01-01 08:00
Premier League fails in bid to block loans between associated clubs
The Premier League has been defeated in its bid to ban loan transfers between associated party clubs in January. The move was designed to prevent a club like Newcastle loaning a player from another club owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – they have been linked with a temporary switch for Ruben Neves from Saudi club Al-Hilal. The Premier League needed 14 out of 20 clubs to vote for the ban at the shareholders’ meeting in London on Tuesday afternoon. But the PA news agency understands the vote finished 13-7 in favour of a ban, short of the threshold to push the motion through. Injury-hit Newcastle will now, if they wish, be able to bring in former Wolves midfielder Neves on loan to replace Sandro Tonali following his 10-month ban for breaking rules on gambling. Similarly, Manchester City would be able to loan players from other clubs owned by the City Football Group. In another blow to the Premier League, the clubs were unable to approve the terms of the so-called ‘New Deal’, a £900million settlement between it and clubs in the English Football League. The Premier League had hoped to confirm the package at Tuesday’s meeting, but it is understood no vote took place. Despite a three-hour discussion there remains a sticking point surrounding new cost control measures for both Premier League and EFL clubs. The Premier League wants the matter resolved before the new independent regulator in English football is put in place. Read More Man Utd takeover reaches one-year mark with Ratcliffe set for stake Saracens issue Ben Earl Six Nations injury update Gareth Southgate reveals what he learned from England’s November double-header
1970-01-01 08:00
Inflation Slows in Canada, Cracking Door Open to Rate Cuts
Consumer prices in Canada rose at the slowest pace since June, a reassuring sign for central bank policymakers
1970-01-01 08:00
Son Heung-min hits brace as South Korea win again in World Cup qualifying
Son Heung-min scored two goals and set up another to help South Korea win its second straight game in World Cup qualifying, a 3-0 victory over China on Tuesday. The Tottenham striker got his first from the penalty spot in the 11th minute at Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre after Hwang Hee-chan was fouled in the area. Son scored his second just before halftime with a header near the post. Jung Seung-hyun added the third with a header off a free kick from Son.“China also had scoring opportunities,” said South Korea coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who was appointed in February. “If we had conceded in front of 40,000 fans, it would have been really difficult. Scoring a goal lifted the atmosphere for us.” South Korea is looking to qualify for the World Cup for the 11th straight time, while China is aiming to reach the tournament for only the second time. The South Koreans lead Group C in Asian qualifying with six points, while China and Thailand have three points each. The Thais beat Singapore 3-1. Singapore has zero points. The top two teams in each of the nine groups of four progress to the final group stage. Asia has eight automatic places at the expanded 2026 World Cup tournament, an increase of four from 2022. Iran was held to a 2-2 draw by Uzbekistan in Tashkent, giving both teams four points in Group E.Iran, which has appeared at six World Cups, led 2-0 on goals from Mehdi Taremi and Ramin Rezaeian. But Oston Urunov and Igor Sergeev earned a point for Uzbekistan. Qatar, the host of last year’s World Cup, won its second game by beating India 3-0 in Group A. Also, North Korea beat Myanmar 6-1, the Philippines drew 1-1 with Indonesia, and Iraq defeated Vietnam 1-0. Read More Man Utd takeover reaches one-year mark with Ratcliffe set for stake Can Brazil turn turmoil into opportunity as Argentina visit the Maracana? Lionel Messi World Cup shirt collection set to smash sports auction record
1970-01-01 08:00