Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China’s plan to boost birth rates
Chinese people pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services are exempt. Read More
Bottled water from Waitrose recalled over risk it contains glass
The food safety watchdog said people should return affected Deeside water bottles to stores. Read More
Eurostar services return to normal after major Channel Tunnel disruption
The high-speed rail firm urged passengers to check before they travel as last-minute delays and cancellations are still possible. Read More
Gold and silver see rollercoaster end to blockbuster year
The price of gold soared by more than 60% this year to hit a record high of more than $4,549. Read More
US stock market ends 2025 on a high note after volatile year
It’s been a roller coaster year for the stock market, but the S&P 500 is set to end 2025 up about 17%, the third straight year of double-digit gains. Read More
Female artists (and Oasis) drove UK music sales in 2025
Taylor Swift was the biggest-seller, with Olivia Dean and Sabrina Carpenter also topping the charts. Read More
Octopus Energy to spin off $8.65bn tech arm Kraken
The energy firm sells a $1bn stake in its technology arm Kraken, paving the way for its demerger. Read More
Oldest Post Office scandal victim made OBE
Betty Brown says she is accepting the honour on behalf of all the victims of the scandal. Read More
Passengers stuck on Eurostar trains overnight as delays continue
One man stuck on a train to Paris says staff told him there was a “50% chance we go to Paris, 50% chance we go back to London”. Read More
Beyoncé declared a billionaire by Forbes
The star joins Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen and her husband Jay-Z with 10-figure fortunes. Read More