Analysis: OPEC+ meets quickly, sticks to script, dodges debate on geopolitics
After a month in which oil prices surged 15% and geopolitical tensions seethed around the world, OPEC and its allies took a record-quick 16 minutes to decide that they would stick to their previously planned output increase.
Insurer MetLife’s quarterly profit beats on higher investment gains
MetLife Inc’s (MET.N) fourth-quarter profit rose nearly 7% to surpass Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, as strong investment gains cushioned the hit from higher pandemic-related claims in some parts of its business.
Shell ends 2021 on high note, hikes dividend, buybacks again
Shell (SHEL.L) again boosted its dividend and share repurchases on Thursday after fourth quarter profits hit their highest in eight years, fuelled by higher oil and gas prices and strong gas trading performance.
Omicron restrains U.S. manufacturing; supply bottlenecks slowly easing
A measure of U.S. manufacturing activity fell to a 14-month low in January amid an outbreak of COVID-19 cases, supporting the view that economic growth lost steam at the start of the year.
Video game publisher Electronic Arts lowers annual adjusted sales forecast
Electronic Arts Inc (EA.O) lowered its annual adjusted sales forecast after missing quarterly estimates on Tuesday, as the video game publisher faces the brunt of easing pandemic restrictions and fewer consumers picking up new gaming titles.
Starbucks to hike prices to offset inflation; lowers profit guidance
Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) will raise menu prices in 2022 and reduce some spending to offset soaring costs for labor and goods, as rising COVID-19 cases prompted the coffee chain on Tuesday to lower estimates for profits this year.
Swedbank shares hit by interest income dip
Swedish lender Swedbank (SWEDa.ST) reported slightly worse than expected quarterly earnings on Wednesday, with a drop in interest income disappointing investors and sending its shares down more than 4%.
Telenor Q4 lags forecasts, sees flat to slightly higher 2022 earnings
Norway’s Telenor (TEL.OL) said on Wednesday it expects its earnings to be largely flat or slightly higher in 2022 compared to last year, as it posted quarterly profits below forecasts.
Google propels record Alphabet revenue, driving shares up 8%
Google parent Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) reported record quarterly sales that topped expectations on Tuesday, as its internet advertising business surged on consumers using Google search as they shopped online and advertisers upping their marketing budgets.
Japanese banks sound caution for earnings as Omicron highlights bad loan risks
Japan’s biggest lenders on Wednesday all sounded alarm about the risk the Omicron variant could have on their earnings, reviving concerns that a resurgent pandemic could trigger more bad loans.
