EU envoy urges U.S. to ease travel restrictions; sees time to resolve metals dispute

The European Union’s top diplomat in Washington said the United States should safely ease COVID-19 travel restrictions on Europeans, calling it a mistake to prevent European business executives from overseeing their U.S. investments.
U.S. tire industry harmed by Korea, Taiwan, Thailand tire imports -trade panel

The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) said on Wednesday that U.S. manufacturers are “materially injured” by imports of passenger vehicle and light truck tires from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
Global companies’ capex to hit decade-high growth this year -Refinitiv data

Global companies are set to ramp up their expansion plans this year, after being bogged down in the last few years, as economies recover from the pandemic and firms start to see higher profits and cashflows.
U.S. Fed reverse repo volume hits record $813.57 bln

The Nasdaq hovered near its all-time high on Wednesday, helped by a boost from Tesla shares, with investors cheering data that showed a record peak for U.S. factory activity in June.
Airlines urged to tighten Airbus A320 checks after COVID storage

Regulators have called for more rigorous checks when pulling some Airbus (AIR.PA) jets out of pandemic storage, following flawed cockpit readings that can suggest blocked sensors.
China’s Ant highlights distinction between NFTs and cryptocurrencies

China’s Ant Group sought to draw a distinction on Wednesday between non-fungible tokens (NFTs) available on its platforms and cryptocurrencies currently subject to a crackdown by Beijing, after users expressed confusion.
Ackman sees path to possible U.S. listing for Universal, working on next deal

William Ackman, whose blank check acquisition company struck a deal to buy 10% of Universal Music Group (UMG) last week, is exploring options to increase his stake in the music label and already pushing ahead with his next deal, he told investors on Wednesday.
Boeing faces rocky path to gaining approval for 737 MAX return in China

Trade power tensions, regulatory hurdles and attempts by the West to counter Chinese competition are delaying a return of the 737 MAX in China, frustrating Boeing Co (BA.N) as a potential rival demonstrates its growing influence.
Central bank digital currencies get full BIS backing

The Bank for International Settlements has given its full backing to the development of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), saying they are needed to modernise finance and ensure ‘Big Tech’ does not take control of money.
Nasdaq hits record high as factory activity scales new peak

The Nasdaq hit an all-time high on Wednesday, helped by a boost from Tesla’s shares, with investors cheering data showing U.S. factory activity climbed to a record peak in June.