Asian shares pressured by fears over Delta virus variant, U.S. data in focus
Asian shares edged lower on Tuesday on concerns new coronavirus outbreaks in the region could undercut an economic recovery even as robust momentum in the United States prompts the Federal Reserve to contemplate a quicker exit from accommodative policy.
Japan’s retail sales rise for 3rd month, but overall trend still soft
Japanese retail sales beat expectations in May as households loosened their purse strings, but underlying trends in consumption remain hostage to COVID-19-linked pressures and suggest the economic recovery will take time to gather steam.
Wall Street banks hike shareholder payouts after Fed gives the green light
Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo said on Monday they were hiking their capital payouts after the U.S. Federal Reserve gave them a clean bill of health following their annual “stress tests” last week.
Disney delays test cruise on ‘inconsistent’ COVID-19 test results
Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) cruise division said on Monday it had postponed its first test cruise since the onset of the pandemic after a few volunteers showed inconsistent COVID-19 test results.
Tech stock rally sends S&P 500 and Nasdaq to record highs
The Nasdaq and S&P 500 hit all-time highs on Monday, fueled by tech stocks as investors expect a robust earnings season while interest rates remain low.
U.S. biofuel groups urge EPA to curb oil refinery waivers despite ruling
U.S. biofuel and corn industry groups said on Monday they are urging the Environmental Protection Agency to use restraint in its use of waivers exempting refiners from their biofuel blending obligations after the Supreme Court last week upheld the controversial program.
S&P Global cuts India’s growth forecasts, trims EM overall
S&P Global cut its growth forecasts for some of Asia’s top economies including India, the Philippines and Malaysia on Monday, offsetting upgrades to China and South Africa and much of Latin America.
EU airlines, airports warn digital COVID-19 certificate roll-out risks chaos
Groups representing Europe’s largest airlines and airports have warned of chaos and hours-long queues unless countries better coordinate the roll-out of the EU’s digital COVID-19 certificate and ensure passengers are processed before arriving at airports.
Swiss bank UBS to let most staff adopt hybrid working
UBS Group (UBSG.S) will allow most staff to mix remote working with time spent in the office, Switzerland’s biggest bank said on Monday, taking a more relaxed approach than some of its Wall Street rivals.
Analysis: Chinese flock to home-grown brands in golden opportunity for investors
He Shuang, a student at a U.S. university stranded in her home city of Chongqing in southwest China during the pandemic, has added more than 300 domestic brands to her list of favourites on Alibaba’s (9988.HK) Taobao online mall.
