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blog

FIRST QUARTER MOON - Feb. 23 - March 2

(March 21 to April 19)

The sky is clear of any adversity. This First Quarter Moon pushes you toward goals you thought were out of reach. At the beginning of this week there are already good opportunities at work: All your wishes will come true, all you have to do is ask. It's a special week for those who work in media or caring jobs. A pinch of game-changing knowledge will come on Feb. 25.

TEMPO: prestissimo trionfante



(April 20 to May 20)

I'm not talking about glitz, but this week there will be some money coming in. If nothing else, a point of view. Work brings a good opportunity just around Feb. 24. Unions are strong, and collaborating in this period may be a trump card. Love is unsatisfactory — but anyway, work is on your mind, more than anything else. The weekend will bring a sweet recovery, where singles may have intriguing meetings.

TEMPO: marcia ottimista


(May 21 to June 21)

For lonely hearts, a decidedly more encouraging season begins. Feb. 26 and 27 are the most challenging days, although at this time you'll be probably more into "fast love" than lasting matches. If you have recently discussed anything with your partner, you're now looking to bring the axis on your side. Compromises are OK, but in the end you're always right. A mid-week news or professional proposal may open new scenarios for the future, like a mid/long-term collaboration.

TEMPO: marcia determinato


(June 22 to July 22)

You have clear life goals — at least for the next few months — and this week they are supported by an even more focused awareness. Potential disagreements with some co-workers or your boss will have to be addressed. In love, momentum lacks when it comes to planning, but some fights could trigger second thoughts. For singles in search of fun, the weekend is better.

TEMPO: andante moderato




(July 23 to August 22)

After a few months of hard work, there are now plenty of shining opportunities that can make people look optimistically to the future. It's a week of good energy that brings new allies at work and favors confirmations, engagements or promotions. In love, you're charming and it won't be difficult for you to find exciting new partners. Relationships that start now have the blessing of the stars. Those who are coupled up can begin projects that will continue and take off after the summer.

TEMPO: allegrissimo energico




(August 23 to September 22)


Those who have recently begun relationships are trying to test the waters, to see if the other is the right person. Singles, hyper-engaged in work, do not seem interested in affairs of the heart. Thursday Feb. 26 bears the red mark of arguments. Watch out if your relationship is in danger: There is a risk of making rash moves. Keep calm! At work, recent partnerships are confirmed, though a customer or colleague might get on your nerves. Again: Keep calm!

TEMPO: larghetto litigioso


(September 23 to October 23)

From this week on, a gauntlet will be thrown at anyone or anything in your way. You lose your composure to become a more-combative "you" — you've put up with too much, especially at work, and don't want to waste time or money. You're making revolutionary decisions. Some people think about going abroad. In love, some moments of tensions cloud the sky for days around Feb. 28 — nothing to worry about though.

TEMPO: andantino combattivo





(October 24 to November 20)

Here's a week that feeds some doubt. Couples who want to make decisions are confronted with economic obstructions. In some cases, it's an old issue of a legal or financial nature that is creeping back to create discomfort. If there has been good news recently, it's possible now that something isn't quite right, making you feel uncomfortable. In the professional field, it is not yet time to take the leap. Wait: Early next week, the stars will align again.

TEMPO: adagio perplesso


(November 21 to December 22)

Venus and Mars are pushing on your heart's accelerator pedal — but careful not to skid on dangerous oily spots along the way. There are those who, from this week on, will have intriguing meetings, but something always seems to slam the brakes on. Are they already involved with someone? Something doesn't add up. It's an ideal sky to deal with a question left open, especially at work, where an unexpected compromise or a new collaboration can change the future.

TEMPO: allegro deciso



(December 23 to January 20)

Some discussions with partners, which had seemed resolved, may return to the surface this weekend. Your sky will be a gradual crescendo that ends in a warm and satisfying way. The next few days will be a test, especially for those in crisis. Responsibilities or family problems may worry you and distract you. At work there will be some exertion as you tend to "postpone" some goals. Be consistent with yourself and change will come.

TEMPO: moderato discutendo



(January 21 to February 21)

This is a week of "new beginnings." For example, those who have had a romantic weekend, or exciting encounter, now can begin to wish that something serious will come of it. The beginning of this week will be the most intense for love and planning, but also a good time to rectify any lacking from the previous period. A moment of strength comes at work with new contacts and projects taking off. What you ask for now will come soon.

TEMPO: allegro danzante



(February 22 to March 20)

You've decided to begin again with determination. And it's a good thing, since these days you may feel that the road ahead is not always flat or free of obstacles. Work is the main focus of your energies, between creative impulses and performance anxiety. In love, uncertainties about the future are worrying you, and there is some annoying interference from your family. The weekend looks very attractive for singles — but for little more than casual encounters.

TEMPO: adagetto ansioso

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Economy

How A Xi Jinping Dinner In San Francisco May Have Sealed Mastercard's Arrival In China

The credit giant becomes only the second player after American Express to be allowed to set up a bank card-clearing RMB operation in mainland China.

Photo of a hand holding a phone displaying an Union Pay logo, with a Mastercard VISA logo in the background of the photo.

Mastercard has just been granted a bank card clearing license in China.

Liu Qianshan

-Analysis-

It appears that one of the biggest beneficiaries from Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to San Francisco was Mastercard.

The U.S. credit card giant has since secured eagerly anticipated approval to expand in China's massive financial sector, having finally obtained long sought approval from China's central bank and financial regulatory authorities to initiate a bank card business in China through its joint venture with its new Chinese partner.

For the latest news & views from every corner of the world, Worldcrunch Today is the only truly international newsletter. Sign up here.

Through a joint venture in China between Mastercard and China's NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, dubbed Mastercard NUCC, it has officially entered mainland China as an RMB currency clearing organization. It's only the second foreign business of its kind to do so following American Express in 2020.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the development is linked to Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting on Nov. 15 with U.S. President Joe Biden in San Francisco, part of a two-day visit that also included dinner that Xi had with U.S. business executives.

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