Year: 2024

Asia-Pacific markets were mostly positive on Thursday, with major Japanese and Taiwanese indices hitting record highs. The Topix rose 0.85%, surpassing its all-time high of 2,886.50 reached in December 1989. The Nikkei 225 index rose 0.8%, surpassing its all-time high of 40,888.43 reached in March this year. Shares of SoftBank Group hit another all-time high, extending their winning streak to seven days, with a 2.5% gain. Japanese companies have seen their biggest wage increases in three decades this year, according to Japan’s largest labor union. A survey conducted by labor group Rengo since March shows that monthly pay for union-supported…

In a significant shift from global trends, Greece has introduced a six-day workweek for some companies, aiming to improve productivity and employment. The new rule, effective July 1, is part of a broader labor law reform passed last year. The policy allows employees of private companies that offer 24-hour services to extend their work week from the traditional 40 hours to 48 hours. However, sectors such as hospitality and tourism are excluded from this change. The pro-business administration of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defends the measure as "worker-friendly" and "growth-oriented." The government argues it will help workers receive adequate overtime…