The shopping volume during the US holiday season registered an overall growth of 2.4 percent during 31 October 2015 to 4 January 2016. However, physical sales at malls were not equally rosy as online sales rose 4.6 percent. It's estimated that restaurants and travel segments recorded good business this holiday season as US consumers prefer to spend more.

Chinese phonemaker Xiaomi introduces its new Redmi 3 on Monday. With its full-metal body, the Redmi 3 is a beautiful phone with unexpectedly lower price.

Ted Anthony, AP’s Director of Asia- Pacific news has named Gillian Wong as the News Director for Greater China. Wong, a career journalist is famed for her vast knowledge over China following his coverage over this territory since 2008. The charismatic journalist is going to serve AP from Beijing in its 2nd phase after fist one ended in 2008.

After rising over three percent recently, Japanese Yen eased after the strong guidance on Yuan by China's central bank. The Greenback against Japanese currency fell to its lowest level since August 2015. Several emerging economies' currencies were reeling under pressure.

David Marcus, VP of Messaging Products has written a blog post outlining how their Messaging app will eventually end the need for phone numbers. The app has grown in its user base and Marcus sees only more growth in the future.

Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies still increase its drugs price in U.S. despite criticism. Mounting objection from politicans and lawmakers is unable to stop market power of companies in the multi-billion dollar phamaceutical industry.

Morgan Stanley, the America based Global financial services firm has described Cincinnati based Kroger as a potential business competitor to Amazon, Walmart followed by a study. The new ecommerce platform has got momentum and enormous popularity due its unique offerings. However, another study has depicted Kroger as a threat to Publix, still remaining away from Amazon or Walmart.

The most wanted drug lord, El Chapo Guzman will be extradited to U.S. following his arrest by Mexican authorities. Prior to his arrest, actor Sean Penn interviewed the drug lord in his hideout.

Brooks’ Place, a barbeque joint in Houston, Texas, welcomes the gun carrying customers through a sign placed at its entrance. The smokehouse also offers a 10% discount for the handgun. Some business places have still continue to bar carrying guns in public, while some others remain hesitant in choosing a stunt.

The ban on south Indian bull sport ‘Jallikattu’ has been lifted ahead of Assembly elections in Tamilnadu state. Jallikattu has been in practice in Tamilnadu for thousands of years and is being held during Sankranti festival season in January. Majority of Tamil people and politicians are thanking Narendra Modi-led NDA government for lifting the ban on Jallikattu, while animal welfare activists are opposing it.