UK mortgage lending booms but consumers stay wary about debt
British mortgage lending showed a record surge in June as home-buyers rushed to qualify for a tax break before it was scaled back, but other data added to signs that a rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks slowed the broader economic recovery from lockdown.
Airbus challenges Boeing cargo dominance with A350 freighter
Europe’s Airbus (AIR.PA) took aim at one of Boeing’s (BA.N) most profitable strongholds on Thursday with plans for a freighter version of its A350 passenger jet, gambling that a pandemic boom in Internet shopping will outlast the global health crisis.
Australian CPI blows hot in Q2, core inflation far cooler
Australia’s consumer prices rose at the fastest annual pace in almost 13 years last quarter as petrol jumped and government subsidies unwound, but a far tamer reading for core inflation suggested the spike would be fleeting.
Mattel expects strong holiday season as Barbie demand swells
Mattel Inc (MAT.O) raised its full-year sales forecast on Tuesday, expecting sustained robust demand for its Barbie and Hot Wheels brands into the holiday season despite upcoming price hikes.
Amazon eyes potential stake in Indian film, media businesses; Inox denies report
Amazon.com Inc’s (AMZN.O) India arm is in talks with several domestic players in film and media distribution including cinema chain Inox Leisure Ltd (INOL.NS) for a potential stake, the Indian Express newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing sources.
Urban legend: Why Alibaba’s John Caplan is bullish on cities
When it comes to cities in a global pandemic, reports of their demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to John Caplan.
June slump in Australia’s retail sales clouds Q3 growth outlook
Australian retail sales slumped in June as coronavirus lockdowns and mobility restrictions in much of the country hit demand, casting a shadow over the outlook for growth in the third quarter as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Australian central bank’s policy optimism tested by lockdowns
Australia’s central bank was counting on the economy to keep surprising with its strength when trimming stimulus earlier this month, but might now be forced to reconsider as coronavirus lockdowns spread across the country.
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.
UK’s post-lockdown hiring boom hits record pace – REC
Britain’s post-lockdown hiring boom roared on in June as employers signed up the most permanent staff since at least the late 1990s and a shortage of candidates hit unprecedented levels, driving up starting pay, a survey showed on Thursday.
