Merck KGaA raises outlook after forecast-beating Q2 profit
Merck KGaA (MRCG.DE) raised its outlook after posting forecast-beating second quarter profits on Thursday, boosted by demand for its lab gear and supplies from pharma companies making treatments and vaccines against the coronavirus.
China’s factory activity in July grows at slowest pace since Feb 2020
China’s factory activity expanded in July at the slowest pace in 17 months as higher raw material costs, equipment maintenance and extreme weather weighed on business activity, adding to concerns about a slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy.
UK mortgage lending booms but consumers stay wary about debt
British mortgage lending showed a record surge in June as home-buyers rushed to qualify for a tax break before it was scaled back, but other data added to signs that a rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks slowed the broader economic recovery from lockdown.
Airbus challenges Boeing cargo dominance with A350 freighter
Europe’s Airbus (AIR.PA) took aim at one of Boeing’s (BA.N) most profitable strongholds on Thursday with plans for a freighter version of its A350 passenger jet, gambling that a pandemic boom in Internet shopping will outlast the global health crisis.
Samsung Elec sees strong chip demand, mobile recovery as Q2 profit jumps
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (005930.KS) on Thursday forecast strong demand for memory chips in the second half and a recovery in the mobile market to 2019 levels, in a sign the global economy is getting back on track from the coronavirus pandemic.
Australian CPI blows hot in Q2, core inflation far cooler
Australia’s consumer prices rose at the fastest annual pace in almost 13 years last quarter as petrol jumped and government subsidies unwound, but a far tamer reading for core inflation suggested the spike would be fleeting.
Mattel expects strong holiday season as Barbie demand swells
Mattel Inc (MAT.O) raised its full-year sales forecast on Tuesday, expecting sustained robust demand for its Barbie and Hot Wheels brands into the holiday season despite upcoming price hikes.
Amazon eyes potential stake in Indian film, media businesses; Inox denies report
Amazon.com Inc’s (AMZN.O) India arm is in talks with several domestic players in film and media distribution including cinema chain Inox Leisure Ltd (INOL.NS) for a potential stake, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing sources.
Monopoly-maker Hasbro revenue surges as TV, film business bounces back
Toymaker Hasbro Inc (HAS.O) posted a better-than-expected 54% jump in quarterly revenue, helped by rising demand for its “Dungeons & Dragons” tabletop game, while its film and television production unit rebounded after a year of pandemic-led shutdowns.
Urban legend: Why Alibaba’s John Caplan is bullish on cities
When it comes to cities in a global pandemic, reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to John Caplan.
