Le Journal

China’s top securities regulator has signalled it wants a slower, longer-lasting stock market rally rather than a short-lived speculative surge as it steps up measures to curb excessive trading after activity and margin financing hit fresh highs early this year. The stance, reiterated at a securities watchdog meeting last week, drew renewed attention after regulators moved to cool pockets of overheating in the A-share market following a strong start to 2026. At its January 15 work conference,...

Home prices in mainland China continued to decline at a rapid pace in December, posing challenges for an economy that is struggling to find new growth drivers. New home prices fell 0.4 per cent month on month on average across 70 cities, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday. The fall matched November’s drop and was among the steepest in more than a year. Prices slipped 3 per cent year on year in December, accelerating from a 2.8 per cent drop in November. Only...

China has confirmed that it achieved its annual growth target last year as the economy weathered an unprecedented trade war with the United States, but growth slowed to a three-year low in the final quarter, dragged down by a series of domestic headwinds. Analysts expressed concern about China’s “lopsided” growth – with robust exports contrasting with soft internal demand – but pointed to the services sector as a “bright spot” as Beijing looks to shore up the economy heading into a new five-year...

A chilly afternoon in Madrid proved to be a warm welcome home for Los Rojiblancos, as they secured a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Alavés in their first league game at the Metropolitano in 2026. The victory sees Los Colchoneros go level on points with Villarreal, who have a match in hand. Atleti were not short on chances, finishing with their second-highest shot count of the year, and they appeared firmly in control for most of the match. The lone goal from Alexander Sørloth, three minutes after halftime, ultimately sealed the team’s ninth home win in 10 tries. +3 at home ❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/iPphquN5NM— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 18, 2026 Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings from this afternoon’s match: Player Ratings Jan Oblak: Outside of the opening minutes, Alavés did not trouble Jan Oblak’s net much. 5 Matteo Ruggeri: A very average performance for the Italian. Did he do anything particularly bad? No. Did he do anything particularly good? No. This type of fixture is honestly the perfect setting for Ruggeri. He did just enough to get by. 5 Dávid Hancko: You Shall Not Pass! Hancko once again proved he is the signing of the season. With only one lost tackle the entire match, six clearances, and four recoveries, the Slovakia international refused to let Alavés get close to bothering Oblak’s goal. What a player. 8 Marc Pubill: Another excellent outing for Pubill, who continues to grow in confidence with each appearance. He was composed on the ball, decisive in his challenges, and rarely caught out of position. His reading of the game allowed Atleti to snuff out danger early, and he consistently stepped in to break up play before Alavés could build any momentum. He is starting to form one of Spain’s most formidable defensive partnerships with Hancko. 7 😏 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐋Otro partido donde Pubill estuvo seguro y solvente en defensa.🔘 92% de acierto al pase🔘 74 acciones con balón🔘 9 acciones defensivas🔘 6/7 en duelos ganadosYa no sorprende a nadie 🔝 pic.twitter.com/1pMJwWQPbs— Atlético Stats (@atletico_stats_) January 18, 2026 Marcos Llorente: A solid and disciplined outing for Llorente. He was not overly troubled out of possession and showed good positioning and awareness. When given the opportunity, he was able to drift into advanced areas, adding an extra dimension going forward. He delivered several quality passes in the final third and maintained balance between attack and defense while keeping his flank secure throughout. 7 Thiago Almada: It appears as Simeone gave his compatriot one final chance to prove himself amidst a slew of transfer rumors since the start of the new year. Unfortunately, the Argentine was unable to capitalize with his opportunity. Unlucky to not score at the end of the first half and should have done more with his chance in the 60th minute. As January progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Almada saga develops. 5 Johnny Cardoso: The Ultimate Disrupter. Whether it was a foul or a tackle, Johnny stopped several Alavés attacks well before they could get started. He was aggressive in midfield, closed down space quickly, and consistently made life uncomfortable for Alavés’ ball carriers. His physical presence and willingness to engage set the tone in the center of the pitch. As the American continues to grow and develop in his career, he will hopefully turn those fouls into clean, well-timed challenges. 6 Pablo Barrios: A brilliant cross into Sørloth keyed the game’s only goal. Whether it was tracking back to help with recoveries and blocks, or pushing forward to provide several decisive passes and crosses, Pablito once again showed his class and why he is one of the best midfielders in LaLiga this season. My player of the match and player of the season thus far. 8 📊🌟 Pablo Barrios vs Alavés. ➡️ Pases precisos 52/57 (91%).➡️ Pases en campo rival 36/38 (95%).➡️ Pases en campo propio 16/19 (84%).➡️ Pases largos acertados 1/2 (50%).➡️ 1…