Japan’s private-sector activity hit by COVID-19 surge – PMI

TOKYO, Aug 23 (Reuters) – Japan’s factory activity growth slowed in August, while that of the services sector shrank at the fastest pace since May last year, highlighting the increasingly heavy toll a recent wave of COVID-19 infections is taking on the economy.

Daimler reports Q2 preliminary adjusted EBIT of $6.42 bln

Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler AG (DAIGn.DE) on Thursday reported preliminary adjusted group earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of 5.42 billion euros ($6.42 billion) for the second quarter, with car and truck divisions beating analyst targets.

U.S. stocks end lower ahead of inflation report

Wall Street ended a see-saw session lower on Wednesday as market participants awaited inflation data for clues as to when the U.S. Federal Reserve might tighten its dovish monetary policy.