Blackstone makes sweetened $6.2 bln play for Australia’s Crown

Investment giant Blackstone Group Inc (BX.N) made a $6.2 billion approach for troubled Australian casino firm Crown Resorts Ltd (CWN.AX), sweetening an earlier offer as its main rival bidder is beset by regulatory problems.
Asia sits out equities rally as Alibaba slides

Asian shares sat out a global rally on Friday as disappointing earnings from Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba reinforced worry about slowing growth in the world’s second-largest economy, even as European and U.S. share futures indicated gains.
Shipping rate surge threatens global economy recovery, UNCTAD says

A surge in container shipping rates poses a threat to the global economic recovery, with small countries dependent on deliveries by sea expected to be hardest hit by a spike in import prices, U.N. agency UNCTAD said on Thursday.
Thyssenkrupp’s profit to double in 2022, flags hydrogen IPO

Thyssenkrupp’s (TKAG.DE) operating profit could more than double next year, the submarines-to-steel group said on Thursday, boosted by an economic recovery and turnaround that will likely include listings of its hydrogen and steel divisions.
Dollar stands tall after firm U.S. data, Asian stocks wobble

The dollar reached a four-and-a-half-year high against the yen on Wednesday after better-than-expected U.S. retail data, which also boosted Wall Street equities, although Asian shares failed to follow suit.
Metaverse: a $50 bln revenue opportunity for luxury – MS

Digital demand for fashion and luxury brands is expected to grow from current low levels and result in extra sales for the industry that could reach $50 billion by 2030, according to Morgan Stanley.
Insurers plan to up ramp up private market investments, BlackRock says

Insurers plan to increase their allocations to private markets to 14% from 11% over the next two years in the hunt for yield, as they add more money to environmentally focused investment funds, BlackRock Inc (BLK.N) officials said. (BLK.N)
Column: Funds pause record selling of 10-year Treasuries

Hedge funds paused their relentless selling of 10-year Treasuries futures ahead of last week’s U.S. consumer price data, but the spike in annual inflation to its highest in more than three decades suggests the hiatus could be a short one.
Bitcoin falls more than 4% to near $60,000

Bitcoin, the world’s biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, fell more than 4% on Tuesday as it extended a decline through a week that also included an upgrade to its blockchain.
Analysis: China’s real estate woes sap property investment products

Chinese investors are abandoning an age-old attachment to property investment products and seeking returns in equities and other corners of the capital markets, as the authorities crack down on the debt-fuelled property sector.