Headlines

Americas

Bank Of America Revenue Exceeding Expectations

Bank of America reported strong second-quarter results, with revenue and profit exceeding expectations, driven by growth in investment banking and asset management fees. The bank's earnings per share reached 83 cents, surpassing the LSEG estimate of 80 cents, while revenue climbed to $25.54 billion, beating the projected $25.22 billion. Despite a 6.9%...

Crystal Ball Not Required

Company directors owe several fiduciary duties, one of which is to act in the best interest of shareholders. But to what extent does that duty to shareholders apply in the context of the financial health of the company? The award-winning commercial and litigation lawyers at ParrisWhittaker are experienced in advising company directors on their duties,...

Home to Portugal's "mountain of stars".

Home to Portugal's "mountain of stars" and some of Europe's least light-polluted skies, the Alentejo region is best seen at night.A long twisting road leads up Portugal's highest mountain, and here, unlike many other European summits, visitors can drive right to the top. The peak rises 1,993m above sea level, and although its actual name is Torre (tower),...

America Inc is on the hook for Joe Biden’s splurge on infrastructure

UNLIKE HIS $1.9trn covid-19 relief bill, which was almost entirely deficit-financed, President Joe Biden would like his recently unveiled $2trn infrastructure plan to be paid for with taxes. Individual taxes have been left for later. Unluckily for American companies, the White House has set its sights on them to pony up. This is hardly unexpected. Mr...

The bumps ahead for Joe Biden’s plan to decarbonise America

IN 2020 LOCKDOWNS caused the largest single-year drop in America’s greenhouse-gas emissions on record: some 10%. Even then, for every American 16 metric tons of carbon dioxide were released into the atmosphere. By 2050 President Joe Biden would like that number to be net zero. Getting there within three decades seems daunting. Every sector, not just...

Asia Pacific

Trade Tensions Hamper Chip Production

Investors in the semiconductor sector have been cautious due to Washington's increasingly protective policies towards the U.S. chip manufacturing industry, which is seen as crucial for competing with China. Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the U.S. has informed its allies of potential severe trade restrictions if companies continue to provide China...

Mixed Performance in Asia-Pacific Markets

Asia-Pacific markets showed a mixed performance on Tuesday as investors digested Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's dovish remarks on potential interest rate cuts, which had propelled Wall Street higher in the previous session. Japan's Nikkei 225 Index edged up following a holiday break, with traders closely monitoring yen movements. Chinese markets...

7 Techniques To Enhance Your Marketing Email Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Do you suspect your email marketing strategy is ineffective? If your email click-through rate is disappointing, you are most likely correct. Let's face it: if your subscribers don't click your links, you'll have fewer leads and sales, which will reduce your income. That is why enticing more subscribers to click is critical. When we talk about email...

Making access to climate finance a priority

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is calling for a sharper financial focus on putting climate actions at the centre of development and recovery for the region. Read More

TRENDSETTERS at-a-glance: Korean, Indian regulators sharpen ESG focus; and more

Korean watchdog cracks down on ESG compliance; India to enhance ESG reporting; Singapore fintechs to drive green finance; and StashAway expands to Hong Kong. Read More

Europe

Sainsbury's CEO Calls for Reform of Outdated Business Rates System

In a bold statement, Simon Roberts, the Chief Executive of Sainsbury's, has declared that the current business rates system is "no longer fit for purpose." Roberts' comments highlight the growing burden that traditional retailers face in the face of increasing competition from online competitors.The Disproportionate Impact on Retailers Sainsbury's,...

McDonald's UK Celebrates 50 Years: A Legacy of Innovation and Supply Chain Excellence Crowned by ACQFive & Gamechangers™ UK Company of the Year and International Food Services Company of the Year Awards

As McDonald's marks its 50th anniversary in the UK, the fast-food giant reflects on half a century of innovation, supply chain mastery, and cultural impact. Since opening its first UK restaurant in Woolwich, London, in 1974, McDonald's has become an integral part of British life, serving millions of customers and creating countless memories. This milestone...

Ocado Tech Boost Benefits Share Price

Ocado, the British online grocer and technology company, has significantly boosted investor confidence by upgrading its annual guidance for its crucial warehouse technology division. This announcement in July 2024 led to a dramatic surge in the company's share price, with stocks jumping by nearly a fifth, marking one of the most substantial single-day...

Telegraph Takeover Uncertainty

Sir Paul Marshall's potential acquisition of The Daily Telegraph is facing increasing uncertainty as the deadline for bids approaches. The hedge fund tycoon, who holds a significant stake in GB News, has been reconsidering his solo bid for the Telegraph titles in recent weeks. Despite the Friday evening deadline set by RedBird IMI, the Abu Dhabi-backed...

Management change at Burbury as sales slump

Burberry, the renowned British luxury fashion house, has appointed Joshua Schulman as its new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Jonathan Akeroyd in a bid to revitalize the brand amidst declining sales. This leadership change comes as Burberry faces significant challenges in the luxury market, particularly in China. Schulman, a veteran in the luxury...

Mena

Qatar Airways Elevates the Pinnacle of Luxury Travel: A New Era for the World's Best Business Class

Qatar Airways, the Doha-based carrier renowned for its commitment to excellence, has once again raised the bar in luxury air travel. The airline, which has consistently dominated the "World's Best Business Class" category at the prestigious World Airline Awards by Skytrax for the past decade, has unveiled a series of upgrades to its already industry-leading...

Somalia’s President Extends Term by Two Years, Drawing Condemnation

His four-year term expired, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed signed a contentious law that critics fear could plunge the fragile country into renewed, possibly violent, turmoil.NAIROBI, Kenya — In a highly contentious move, Somalia’s president has extended his own term in office by two years, drawing condemnation from the United States and other...

Pentagon Chief Orders New Review of Attack in Kenya That Killed 3 Americans

The unusual review of the conclusions of the initial inquiry comes more than a year after the attack by the Shabab revealed security lapses at the base. #styln-signup { max-width: calc(100% - 40px); width: 600px; margin: 20px auto; border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e2e2; min-height: 50px; } #styln-signup + .live-blog-post::before...

With a New Museum, African Workers Take Control of Their Destiny

A Dutch artist worked with former plantation employees to create a “white cube” that they hope will one day display works returned from European museums.AMSTERDAM — When the Dutch artist Renzo Martens presented his film “Episode III: Enjoy Poverty” at Tate Modern in London in 2010, he couldn’t help but notice the many Unilever logos painted...

‘Everything Is Worth Freedom’: Uganda’s Opposition Leader Faces the Future

Bobi Wine, the pop star who became a presidential candidate, considers rebuilding his anti-government movement after a violent election season that left many aides and supporters imprisoned.KAMPALA, Uganda — Bobi Wine’s eyes were bloodshot from little sleep. When he spoke, his thoughts trailed off, and his sentences sometimes lacked the precision...

International

The Importance of Legal Rankings in 2024 and beyond

Law firm rankings have become an increasingly important tool for law firms to showcase their expertise, attract clients, and recruit top talent in 2024. These rankings, published by respected organisations like Chambers & Partners, ACQFive Legal50, Legal 500, and RollOnFriday, provide valuable insights into a firm's performance, reputation, and areas...

HSBC Strategy Continues With Elhedery CEO Appointment

HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA.L) has named its Chief Financial Officer Georges Elhedery as the next CEO, the bank announced on Wednesday. This selection emphasizes the global lender's focus on continuity as it aims to boost growth. Elhedery, 50, will become HSBC's third chief executive in under a decade, taking over from Noel Quinn on Sept. 2. While external...

Mastering the Art of Post-Merger Integration: Unlocking the True Value of M&A

Mergers and acquisitions are significant events in the corporate world, often seen as a strategic avenue for growth, diversification, and increasing market share. However, the real test of an M&A transaction lies in the post-merger integration (PMI) phase. It is during this critical period that companies have the opportunity to unlock the true value...

Sources and acknowledgments

In addition to those quoted in this report, the author would also like to thank the following people: Daisuke Adachi, Abigail Adams-Prassl, Jeremias Adams-Prassl, Julian Baggini, Erik Brynjolfsson, Tyler Cowen, Richard Freeman, Peter Ganong, Linda Hynes, Niels Johannesen, Arend Kapteyn, Akira Kawamoto, Bridget Loudon, the Independent Workers’ Union...

The decline of established American retailing threatens jobs

IT DOESN’T look like much but Staten Island Mall is optimism in a cement box. Like all such retail spaces the temperature is carefully calibrated. Bland pop music wafts down beige halls. Its biggest tenants are America’s unholy trinity of struggling retailers: Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Sears, all of which are closing stores. This mall, however,...