Asian shares lower on U.S. inflation jitters

Asian shares fell on Wednesday after data showing the biggest jump in U.S. inflation in 13 years fuelled some market expectations that the Federal Reserve could exit pandemic-era stimulus earlier than previously thought.
U.S. consumer prices post largest gain in 13 years; inflation has likely peaked

U.S. consumer prices increased by the most in 13 years in June amid supply constraints and a continued rebound in the costs of travel-related services from pandemic-depressed levels as the economic recovery gathered momentum.
Japan’s Q3 growth forecast cut as new pandemic curbs hit: Reuters poll

Japan’s economy will grow at a slower pace than initially expected in the third quarter, as fresh coronavirus emergency curbs in Tokyo, extending through the Olympic Games, weigh on consumption, a Reuters poll found.
Italy’s Ali Group hungry for bigger slice of U.S. fast-food market

Italian family business Ali Group expects its planned takeover of U.S. catering equipment rival Welbilt to boost sales as Americans’ appetite for takeaways and meal delivery drives a resurgent U.S. fast-food market, the company told Reuters.
American Airlines forecasts first positive cash flow since pandemic began

American Airlines (AAL.O) said on Tuesday it expects positive cash flow in the second quarter for the first time since the pandemic began, reversing a trend of cash burn of about $100 million a day when global travel had ground to a halt.
Singapore economy to get back on track after Q2 stumble

Singapore’s economy contracted in the second quarter after battling new outbreaks of COVID-19 but economists expect it to get back on track quickly as global growth picks up and vaccination rates rise.
BOJ aimed to work with govt in regional bank scheme, minutes show

The Bank of Japan’s scheme to incentivise consolidation among regional banks was meant to show it was working alongside the government to tackle problems in the country’s banking system, minutes of the deliberations showed.
Analysis: Investors pivot to Powell after more hot U.S. inflation data

The biggest rise in U.S. consumer prices in 13 years has intensified investor focus on messaging from the Federal Reserve, with the central bank’s chairman set to speak before Congress on Wednesday.
Smithfield Foods stops slaughtering pigs at U.S. hometown plant

Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork processor, has stopped slaughtering pigs in the United States’ so-called ham capital, where the company was founded 85 years ago.
JPMorgan profit soars on recovery but questions linger over lending outlook, competition

JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) second-quarter profits jumped 155% as the U.S. economy continued to rebound, but executives warned on Tuesday that the sunny outlook would not make for blockbuster revenues in the short term due to low interest rates, weak loan demand and a slowdown in trading.