Japan Oct retail sales boosted by fuel-price spike, broad trend still soft
Japan’s retail sales rose for the first time in three months in October, though less than expected, and the underlying private consumption trend pointed to persistent strains on a fragile economic recovery despite an easing of COVID-19 curbs.
Currencies recover from Omicron chaos but analysts warn more volatility ahead
Currency markets calmed on Monday in Asia after the initial shock of the discovery of the Omicron coronavirus variant sent investors scurrying for cover last week, but analysts warned of more volatility with little still known about the new strain.
It’s raining dividends, hallelujah! Canadian banks set to post strong results
Canada’s top six banks are expected to resume raising dividends and share buybacks after nearly a two-year hiatus and report strong quarterly earnings this week, which could boost the sector’s appeal to yield-hungry investors even as stocks trade close to all-time highs.
EXCLUSIVE Europe’s telcos want U.S. tech giants to help fund network costs
U.S. tech giants should bear some of the costs of developing Europe’s telecoms networks because they use them so heavily, chief executives of Deutsche Telekom (DTEGn.DE), Vodafone (VOD.L) and 11 other major European telecoms companies said on Monday.
Japan joins Israel in barring foreigners as Omicron worries spread
Japan said on Monday it would close its borders to foreigners, as the world’s third-largest economy joined Israel in taking the toughest measures against the new coronavirus variant Omicron, which also cast a cloud over Australia’s re-opening plans.
Stocks slip, havens rally as new COVID-19 variant spooks investors
Asian stocks suffered their sharpest drop in two months on Friday after the detection of a new and possibly vaccine-resistant coronavirus variant sent investors scurrying toward the safety of bonds, the yen, and the dollar. MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) fell 1.3%, its sharpest drop since September. Casino and beverage shares sold off […]
UK sets out plans to boost global digital trade
Improving digital trade would provide huge opportunities for British businesses and help boost economic growth, the government’s Board of Trade said, setting out how it aims to become a world leader in modern services and online goods.
Analysis: In Japan, a weaker yen may not be the blessing it once was
A weak yen, once seen as favourable for Japan’s exports-focused economy, has now become a pain point as it eats into household finances and confounds policymakers.
Analysis: EU adds more pieces to its ‘elusive’ capital market jigsaw
The European Union has moved a step closer to its vision of creating a single capital market across the bloc, a slow moving process but one that is chipping further away at Britain’s status as Europe’s investment banker.
Stocks lurch lower, bonds jump as virus variant spooks investors
Stocks suffered their sharpest drop in three months in Asia on Friday and oil tumbled after the detection of a new and possibly vaccine-resistant coronavirus variant sent investors scurrying toward the safety of bonds, the yen and the dollar.
