Zoom forecasts upbeat revenue, expects boost from hybrid work

Zoom Video Communications Inc (ZM.O) on Tuesday forecast current-quarter revenue above estimates, as increased adoption of hybrid work models by companies is expected to drive steady demand for its video conferencing tools.
Monde Nissin bets on meat alternatives following record $1 bln Philippine IPO

Philippine food maker Monde Nissin Corp (MONDE.PS) is pinning its future on the fast-growing alternative meats business on the back of a 48.6 billion pesos ($1 billion) initial public offering (IPO), which marked the country’s largest-ever listing.
Australian banks, led by CBA, set to return record $15 bln cash to investors

Australia’s big banks are likely to return a record $15 billion or more of cash to investors over the next two years, with investors betting Commonwealth Bank (CBA.AX) will move first and helping drive shares of the top lender to all-time highs.
Europe’s bourse share trading claims inaccurate, says industry body

The bulk of share trading in the European Union takes place on exchanges with relatively little inside banks, an industry body said on Tuesday in a bid to stop what it called bourses seeking to “perpetuate their dominance”.
Asian stocks extend global rally to 7th day, U.S. stimulus in focus

Asian stocks put global equities on course for a seventh day of gains on Friday as investors bet the U.S. will lead the world out of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the focus turning to a multi-trillion dollar spending boost by the Biden administration.
Salesforce raises annual revenue, profit outlook

Salesforce.com Inc (CRM.N) raised its full-year forecast for revenue as well as profit, and reported quarterly revenue that beat analysts’ estimates, following increased demand for its cloud-based software due to a pandemic-led shift to remote work.
Asian shares step back from 2-wk highs, dollar firm

Asian shares retreated from two-week highs on Thursday and China started on the backfoot on fears central banks were closer to considering winding back their emergency stimulus while the dollar held at a one-week top.
Analysis: Early or late cycle? Fast-running bull market unnerves investors

Will history’s longest-ever bull market be followed by one of the shortest?
Tech M&A in Asia at record high, main deal driver in the region -industry data

Mergers and acquisitions targeting technology companies have hit a record high in Asia Pacific, Dealogic data shows, and dealmakers expect this M&A pace to continue as the pandemic spurs a shift toward virtual activities in the economy.
Total, Chevron suspend payments to Myanmar junta from gas project

French oil and gas group Total (TOTF.PA) and U.S. energy company Chevron (CVX.N) have suspended some payments from a gas joint venture that would have reached Myanmar’s junta, earning praise from pro-democracy activists for taking an important first step.