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Economy & Finance

UK Economy 

The UK economy shrank unexpectedly in September, with minimal growth of just 0.1% over the third quarter, signaling early challenges for Finance Minister Rachel Reeves' plans to revitalize economic expansion. The decline was driven by stagnation in services and downturns in manufacturing and construction. Despite business investment showing some strength, overall economic output remains sluggish, with GDP per head unchanged from a year ago. Reeves emphasized her commitment to fostering growth through investment and regulatory reforms, while critics argue her economic outlook has dampened confidence. Analysts warn of potential future risks, including higher business taxes and geopolitical tensions.

Technology

Samsung

Samsung Electronics announced a share repurchase plan worth 10 trillion won ($7.17 billion) to improve shareholder value after experiencing a steep decline in stock price, the lowest in over four years. This marks Samsung’s first share buyback since 2017. The company plans to repurchase three trillion won in shares over the next three months, with the remainder to be determined by the board. Analysts believe this move might temporarily uplift stock performance but emphasize the need for strong business strategies to sustain growth. The decision comes amid challenges, including lagging AI chip production compared to competitors and concerns over potential trade impacts. Samsung's stock rebounded by 7.2% after the announcement, although it remains significantly down for the year.

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