World Bank slashes GDP growth forecasts for the Philippines

The World Bank has slashed its Philippine growth projection for this year due to a deeper-than-expected contraction in the first quarter and the reimposition of stricter quarantine measures in the capital region to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases.
Singapore says will make needed changes to corporate tax once consensus on G7 plan

Singapore, a regional hub for technology firms, will change its tax system as needed once there is a global consensus, its finance minister said on Tuesday, after the world’s rich nations agreed there should be a minimum corporate tax rate of 15%.
Australia business activity climbs to fresh highs in May-survey

A measure of Australian business conditions extended its blistering run to reach all-time highs in May with sales, profits and employment all up strongly, a sign the economy has the momentum to cope with a coronavirus lockdown in Victoria.
S&P closes nominally lower as investors wait for a catalyst

The S&P 500 (.SPX) ended a languid session slightly in the red on Monday, with investors standing by on news of a global minimum corporate tax rate, lingering inflation fears, and a lack of market-moving economic news.
Apple adds virtual IDs on iPhone, video plans that rival Zoom, Teams

Apple Inc (AAPL.O), facing accusations from rivals that it has too much control over its App Store, on Monday outlined plans to increase user privacy and keep consumer data out of other companies’ hands, laying out features including expanded video conferencing and storing virtual government IDs on iPhones.
Dollar subdued as investors look to key U.S. inflation gauge

The U.S. dollar was subdued on Tuesday as investors looked to U.S. inflation data due later in the week after softer-than-expected jobs data quelled expectations of an early tapering in the Federal Reserve’s stimulus.
EXCLUSIVE Cuba and wealthy creditors hope to save landmark accord

Cuba’s top debt negotiator is in France for a critical meeting on Thursday aimed at renegotiating a deal with 14 wealthy nations grouped together within the Paris Club, according to diplomats from four of the countries involved.
Oil prices retreat but outlook remains positive

Oil prices extended losses on Tuesday on profit taking and a stronger U.S. dollar, but overall optimism about strong demand recovery kept a floor under prices.
Big Biogen boost on Alzheimer’s news could win back biotech investors

The approval by U.S. regulators on Monday of a Biogen Inc (BIIB.O) drug to treat Alzheimer’s disease could reinvigorate investor interest more broadly in biotech and pharmaceutical shares that have struggled in 2021.
Wall Street body proposes new rules on short positions, stock loans

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Wall Street’s self-regulatory body, has proposed changes to its short-interest reporting requirements in a bid to make information more useful.