Euro zone Aug factory growth strong – as were price rises, PMI shows

Euro zone manufacturing growth remained strong in August but supply chain issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic continued to constrain supplies of the raw materials factories need, driving up prices, a survey showed on Wednesday.
S.Korea’s factory activity growth slows as output shrinks for first time in 12 months

South Korea’s factory activity grew at a slower pace in August, as output contracted for the first time in 12 months and demand eased due to surging coronavirus infections across the region and continued supply chain disruptions.
Australia’s housing boom defies Delta, boasts best year since 1989

Australian home prices rose at the fastest annual pace since 1989 in August as coronavirus lockdowns weighed more on supply than demand, though months of blistering gains are increasingly putting housing beyond the reach of many.
Surging COVID-19 cases dampen U.S. consumer confidence, house prices post record gains

U.S. consumer confidence fell to a six-month low in August as worries about soaring COVID-19 infections and higher inflation dimmed the outlook for the economy.
Canada’s Conservatives hammer Trudeau on slowing economy ahead of vote

Canada’s Conservatives hammered Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday after data showed that the country’s economy unexpectedly shrank in the second quarter and again in July, putting the economy at the center of debate three weeks ahead of a national election.
Lufthansa cash-positive this summer, rescue deal on track – CEO

German airline Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) will generate positive cash flow this summer, while it should be possible to fully unwind a COVID-19 rescue package in a year’s time, CEO Carsten Spohr said late on Monday.
Correction in global stocks likely, funds trim equity allocations

A modest correction in global stock markets is likely by the end of this year, according to a slim majority of fund managers polled by Reuters who recommended trimming global exposure to equities in August in favour of bonds.
Canada bank investors fret over pace of lending recovery as deposits surge

Canadian banks started to see a much-awaited improvement in their core lending outside of mortgages in the third quarter, helping offset the impact of falling margins, but the benefits from the recovery are expected to be blunted by deposits growing at faster clip.
Robinhood shares tumble after PayPal news, SEC scrutiny of key revenue stream

Shares of Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD.O), a popular gateway for trading meme stocks, tumbled nearly 7% on Monday on news that PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL.O) may start an online brokerage and a report saying regulators were looking at a possible ban on a practice that accounts for the bulk of the company’s revenue.
Hong Kong’s strict quarantine rules threaten to erode allure of financial hub

Hong Kong’s government is facing growing pressure from business lobby groups to open borders or risk losing executives and investment as it shows no sign of easing one of the world’s strictest quarantine programs.