Abu Dhabi's Huge Energy Deal Boosts Ambitions to Shape Gas Giant
The $19 billion offer for Australia's Santos Ltd. by the investment unit of government-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. would give access to production and export of LNG feeding straight into fast-growing Asian markets. The unit — XRG PJSC — would add Santos to a tally of gas and chemicals deals on the US Gulf Coast, Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
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Asian markets mixed as bitcoin surges to new high
Bitcoin hit a new peak during early Asian trading on Thursday, as the yen surged after the US Treasury Secretary said he expects Japan to hike interest rates. The cryptocurrency rose above its previous July record, briefly exceeding $124,500 before retreating. Bitcoin's value has recently soared, fuelled by US regulatory changes under US President Donald Trump, a strong backer of the crypto sector. "The crypto market is enjoying a period of highly favorable fundamentals," said Samer Hasn, senior market analyst at Japan's currency rose significantly against the dollar, climbing to its highest level since late July after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he had told the Bank of Japan (BoJ) governor that it was "behind the curve" in its fight against inflation. "So they're going to be hiking and they need to get their inflation problem under control," Bessent told Bloomberg TV. The Bank of Japan, which has long maintained a negative interest rate policy, began monetary tightening in 2024. However, it left rates unchanged at the end of July and is expected by observers to maintain the status quo at its next monetary policy meeting in September. Bessent "may be trying to weaken the dollar through his comments," according to Hideo Kumano of Dai-Ichi Life Research Institute, as cited by Bloomberg. Bessent and President Donald Trump are pushing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to lower rates as quickly as possible. Hopes of rate cuts following soft inflation data released Tuesday had boosted stock markets, with the broad-based S&P 500 index and the tech-heavy Nasdaq reaching new summits this week. Tokyo's Nikkei hit a record as it closed 1.3 percent higher on Wednesday. - Key figures at around 0400 GMT - Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 1.3 percent at 42,698.81 Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: DOWN 0.1 percent at 25,597.85 Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.2 percent at 3,690.88 Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1706 from $1.1704 on Wednesday Pound/dollar: FLAT at $1.3577 from $1.3577 Dollar/yen: DOWN at 146.43 yen from 147.40 yen Euro/pound: UP at 86.22 pence from 86.21 pence West Texas Intermediate: UP 0.3 percent at $62.86 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: UP 0.4 percent at $65.86 per barrel New York - Dow: UP 1.0 percent at 44,922.27 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 9,165.23 (close) bur-aph/lb Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and Vilebrequin's Exclusive Capsule Collection and Unforgettable Experiences Make Their Greater China Debut This Summer
Elevated getaway with a limited-edition collection of swimwear, accessories, and activities inspired and brought to life by the signature Family Traditions of St. Regis. SHANGHAI, Aug. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, synonymous with the world's most coveted destinations, and Vilebrequin, icon of French Riviera style, recently debuted a limited-edition capsule collection of swimwear, accessories, and games. This summer, the collaboration arrives at select St. Regis properties in Greater China, powered by the St. Regis Family Traditions Program rooted in the spirited legacy of the Astor. Captivating guests of every generation, from the youngest on the family tree to the seasoned traveler, the partnership embodies what it means to truly Live Exquisite: from urban escapades to seaside adventures. With thoughtful touches like playful prints of resort vacation scenes, adventure-ready accessories, and timeless pieces in classic cabana stripes, it's a celebration of family travel at its most joyful. "The St. Regis legacy is built on the spirit of connection and cherished family moments, a tradition we are proud to continue here in Greater China," said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. "Together with Vilebrequin, we are delighted to bring a refined yet playful experience to our guests in Hong Kong and Sanya. This collaboration not only elevates our Family Traditions program, but also creates memorable opportunities for families to gather and celebrate the joy of summer in two of the region's most exceptional destinations." Following the beloved 2023 limited edition collaboration, this 2025 global iteration introduces a new pack of coastal essentials celebrating St. Regis Resorts the world-over, including boys' and girls' swimsuits, men's swim trunks, women's pareos, and a curated selection of beach games and accessories. Each piece is crafted in exclusive, custom-designed patterns and brought to life through one-of-a-kind illustrations and a new co-branded logo. The designs draw inspiration from the spirit of travel and timeless resort memories, featuring "Family Traditions," a nostalgic print celebrating cherished moments from St. Regis Resorts around the world. "Family Stripes" is rendered in King Cole Red, a bespoke hue inspired by the iconic King Cole Bar at The St. Regis New York, birthplace of the legendary Bloody Mary. Thoughtfully designed family momentos are also present, including a wooden beach paddle set crafted from marine-printed plywood and featuring the Family Traditions motif; a beach bucket set adorned with the new Vilebrequin for St. Regis co-branded logo, and a plush cotton towel that serves as an essential complement to the collection's swimwear. The essence of luxury travel lies in unforgettable experiences, and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts are renowned as the setting for crafting moments that transcend the expected. To celebrate the launch, select St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Greater China will unveil immersive activations that bring the Vilebrequin for St. Regis lifestyle to life. A Splash of Fun in the Heart of Hong Kong This Asian metropolis comes alive under the summer sun. Nestled in the bustling Wan Chai district, The St. Regis Hong Kong serves as the ideal backdrop for families to spend quality time together. Through this collaboration with Vilebrequin, for a limited-time, guests booking the The Ultimate Family Staycation can enjoy exclusive poolside experiences with co-branded amenities, poolside dining, a curated in-room summer welcome amenity, complimentary rollaway bed, and an in-room kid's tent. The partnership also shines through the hotel's signature Afternoon Tea, where the Vilebrequin collection's vibrant color palette is reflected in a curated selection of 16 pastries, including the Pistachio Cannele, Hojicha Madeleine, Citrus Tart and Smoked Salmon Sphere – a treat to both the eyes and palate. Available until September 30, The Ultimate Family Staycation is priced from HKD $4,200* and can be booked via this booking link or call +852 2138 6888. Afternoon Tea is available until October 5 between 2:30 and 5:30pm, and is priced at HKD $478* per person and HKD $888 for two. For reservations, please visit this link or call +852 2138 6800. *All listed prices are subject to 10% service charge Embrace Coastal Bliss on the Shores of Sanya The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort, nestled along pristine beaches epitome of a tropical getaway. As part of the collaboration with Vilebrequin, the resort presents the Family Tradition Package, featuring a two-night stay at the Royal Seaside Pool Villa, co-branded welcome amenities, and a 60-minute spa session for two at Iridium spa. Guests can also indulge in an array of culinary delights: From starting the day with daily champagne breakfast at Driftwood Seafood Restaurant, to experiencing the St. Regis x Vilebrequin-themed Family set menu at the resort's Central Signature Pool. Throughout the stay, guests can expect unforgettable experiences, all enhanced by the brand's signature anticipatory service. Available from August 25 to December 20, the Family Tradition Package is priced at RMB 19,498* and can be booked by calling +86 0898 8855 5555. The exclusive experiences at The St. Regis Hong Kong and The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort complement collaborative activations at other St. Regis locations worldwide. Along the Indian Ocean, The St. Regis Bali and The St. Regis Langkawi offer tropical serenity, while The St. Regis Mallorca and The St. Regis Tamuda Bay bring coastal charm to the Mediterranean. In the Caribbean, The St. Regis Cap Cana delivers island luxury, and in the Middle East, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche and The St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort showcase modern glamour by the Gulf. The Vilebrequin for St. Regis capsule collection will also be available at select Vilebrequin flagship stores worldwide. Premier destinations include New York, Miami, Mexico City, Cannes, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Riyadh, and Dubai and will also be available for purchase online, exclusively at For guests seeking the ultimate family retreat, St. Regis' collection of suites and multi-bedroom villas across resort destinations offer spacious accommodations, bespoke butler service, and tailored Family Traditions programming for all ages, which can be booked at About St. Regis Hotels & ResortsCombining timeless glamour with a vanguard spirit, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering exquisite experiences at more than 60 luxury hotels and resorts in the best addresses around the world. Beginning with the debut of The St. Regis Hotel in New York by John Jacob Astor IV at the dawn of the twentieth century, the brand has remained committed to an uncompromising level of bespoke and anticipatory service for all of its guests, delivered flawlessly by the signature St. Regis Butler Service. For more information and new openings, visit or follow Instagram and Facebook. St. Regis is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments , and unparalleled benefits including complimentary nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit About Vilebrequin After celebrating 50 years of vacation, the French swimwear icon feels energized to do more. The secrets to the House's longevity? Joy, freedom, and the seductive charm of Saint-Tropez back in 1971. That, and an obsession with durable, high-quality tailoring you can vacation in for a lifetime. With a global presence in more than 62 countries, the House isn't done perfecting the art of living in the sun all year long with a range going from ready-to-wear and accessories to beach games. Driven by innovation, Vilebrequin is focused on developing and implementing sustainable solutions, fabrics, and processes that make an impact on vacation, not on the oceans. This commitment is made even stronger by the launch of the new Foundation Vilebrequin for a better marine heritage. Media contact:Patrick FadenDirector, Luxury Brand PR & Communications, Greater China Marriott View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
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UK growth slows as economy feels effect of higher business costs
UK economic growth slowed as US President Donald Trump's tariffs hit and businesses grappled with higher costs, official figures show. A measure of everything produced in the economy, gross domestic product (GDP), expanded just 0.3% in the three months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It's a slowdown from the first three months of the year when businesses rushed to prepare for Mr Trump's taxes on imports, and GDP rose 0.7%. But it's also a stronger showing than expected. Economists polled by Reuters had only anticipated GDP expansion of 0.1% across April to June. Caution from customers and higher costs for employers, however, led to the lower growth reading the previous quarter. Economic activity in April and May, in particular, was weak as purchases were brought forward ahead of the stamp duty change and tariff changes. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
