Biden says inflation temporary; Fed should do what it deems necessary for recovery

U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday said an increase in prices was expected to be temporary, but his administration understood that unchecked inflation over the longer term would pose a “real challenge” to the economy and would remain vigilant.
Wall Street ends sharply lower as Delta variant sparks new lockdown fears

A surge in Delta variant infections sparked a broad sell-off on Wall Street on Monday as investors feared renewed COVID-19 shutdowns and a protracted economic recovery.
Bill Ackman rejigs Universal deal after regulators probe SPAC plan

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman will buy up to 10% of Vivendi’s (VIV.PA) Universal Music Group through his main hedge fund, rather than a special purpose acquisition company, after investors and regulators questioned his use of a SPAC.
BlackRock profit beats as assets grow to a record $9.5 trillion

BlackRock Inc (BLK.N), the world’s largest asset manager, reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit on Wednesday as investors poured more money into the company’s funds, driving robust fee growth and boosting its assets under management to a record high.
U.S. CEO-to-worker pay ratio rose to 299:1 last year -union

The average S&P 500 .SPX chief executive made $15.5 million last year, 299 times the pay of the median worker and a higher ratio than in 2019, the top American labor union said on Wednesday, as the COVID-19 pandemic drove layoffs while executive compensation grew.
U.S. producer prices post biggest annual gain in more than 10-1/2 years

U.S. producer prices accelerated in June, leading to the largest annual increase in more than 10-1/2 years, suggesting inflation could remain high as robust demand fueled by the economy’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic strains the supply chain.
Big banks seek to curb “speculative” planned UK forex class action

A proposed multi-billion pound claim against powerful banks over alleged foreign exchange (forex) rigging is too weak and speculative to be allowed to proceed as a U.S.-style class action, the banks’ lawyer told a London court on Wednesday.
Asian shares lower on U.S. inflation jitters

Asian shares fell on Wednesday after data showing the biggest jump in U.S. inflation in 13 years fuelled some market expectations that the Federal Reserve could exit pandemic-era stimulus earlier than previously thought.
U.S. consumer prices post largest gain in 13 years; inflation has likely peaked

U.S. consumer prices increased by the most in 13 years in June amid supply constraints and a continued rebound in the costs of travel-related services from pandemic-depressed levels as the economic recovery gathered momentum.
Italy’s Ali Group hungry for bigger slice of U.S. fast-food market

Italian family business Ali Group expects its planned takeover of U.S. catering equipment rival Welbilt to boost sales as Americans’ appetite for takeaways and meal delivery drives a resurgent U.S. fast-food market, the company told Reuters.