Analysis: Push to end pandemic benefits may not be panacea for U.S. labor shortage

The 25 U.S. states calling an early halt to pandemic-related federal unemployment benefits have recovered more of the jobs lost during the crisis than other states, possibly limiting how much of a dent ending the weekly $300 payments will make in the national battle to fill record job vacancies.
Aon’s $30 bln Willis bid set for EU okay in late June, early July – sources

Insurance broker Aon’s (AON.N) $30 billion bid for Willis Towers Watson (WLTW.O), the biggest ever in the sector, is expected to get the EU antitrust green light later this month or in early July, people familiar with the matter said.
G7 eyes allocating $100 bln from IMF funds to COVID-ravaged nations-US

The United States and other Group of Seven nations are considering reallocating $100 billion from the International Monetary Fund’s warchest to help countries struggling most to cope with the COVID-19 crisis, the White House said.
Analysis: As EU preps debut recovery bond, a reality check for “safe asset” hopes

As the European Union readies bond sales for its pioneering COVID-19 recovery fund, the scale and duration of the borrowing programme may disappoint those who had visualised last year’s deal for pooled debt as Europe’s Hamiltonian moment.
UK recovery quickens in April as economy posts record annual jump

Britain’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic sped up in April as lockdown measures eased, with the fastest monthly growth since July leaving output a record 27.6% higher than a year earlier, when the virus was rampant and lockdown tightest.
SoftBank’s PayPay surges ahead in Japan’s digital payments race

For six decades, shoppers at Mikawaya, a rice dealer in eastern Tokyo, paid in cash – until sales staff from payments app PayPay swept through the low-lying district, persuading the store to give their product a try.
U.S. household wealth jumps to record $136.9 trillion, Fed says

U.S. household wealth jumped to a record $136.9 trillion at the end of March, a report from the Federal Reserve showed on Thursday, suggesting plenty of dry tinder for economic growth as the coronavirus pandemic recedes and the nation reopens.
Analysis: Bank of America leaves Wall Street wondering about next CEO

When Brian Moynihan took the reins at Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) in 2010, the U.S. bank was reeling.
Japan’s wholesale prices rise at fastest pace in 13 years on commodities surge

Japan’s wholesale prices rose at their fastest annual pace in 13 years reflecting higher commodity costs, data showed on Thursday, a sign global inflationary pressures are pinching firms already struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Airbus, Air France want EU green funds used for jet incentives – documents

Airbus (AIR.PA) and Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA) have urged policymakers to use EU-backed green stimulus funds to support aircraft sales, according to documents released on Thursday by InfluenceMap, an investor-led climate lobbying watchdog.