Bitcoin Plummets 46% Since October to $67,000

The price of bitcoin continued its monthslong slide Thursday, falling another 11% to $67,000, its lowest level in 15 months. The original cryptocurrency, pitched as “digital gold,” has lost 46% of its value since Oct. 6, when it hit a record high of $126,210.50, according to crypto trading platform Coinbase. As of 10:30 a.m. EST Thursday, its price had dipped to $67,245.

Sony says profit up 11% on strong sensor and games sales

TOKYO (AP) – Sony’s profit in the last quarter surged 11% on healthy global sales, prompting the Japanese entertainment and electronics company to raise its full year profit forecast. Tokyo-based Sony Group Corp. said Thursday that it recorded an October-December net profit of 377.3 billion yen ($2.4 billion), up from 341 billion yen the year before.

EU accuses TikTok of 'addictive design' that harms children

LONDON (AP) – The European Union on Friday accused TikTok of breaching the bloc’s digital rules with “addictive design” features that lead to compulsive use by children, in preliminary charges that strike at the heart of the popular video sharing app’s operating model.

Europe's central bank maintains interest rate with economic growth resilient

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) – The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged Thursday as the economy in the 21 countries that use the euro chugs past the disruption from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs with modest yet resilient growth.

Editorials from New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Facing high Trump tariffs, South Africa negotiates new trade deal with China

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) – China and South Africa signed a framework agreement for a new trade deal on Friday as Africa’s leading economy looks to other options following the high import tariffs imposed on it by the U.S. and its diplomatic fallout with the Trump administration.

Amazon misses 4Q profit estimates despite growth in cloud computing

NEW YORK (AP) – Amazon sales surged 14% during the fourth quarter, helped by strong holiday spending and a better-than-expected growth in its prominent cloud computing unit.

Pizza Hut closing 250 US stores as parent company considers selling the brand

Pizza Hut plans to close 250 U.S. restaurants in the first half of this year as its parent company considers a sale of the chain. Yum Brands said Wednesday it’s targeting underperforming Pizza Hut restaurants in its system. Pizza Hut has more than 6,000 locations in the U.S.

Google's quarterly results paint a picture of an internet powerhouse

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Google’s latest quarterly report provided further evidence that its internet empire is withstanding an artificial intelligence shakeup that’s turning into another potential boon for the company.