2 February 2015

February 1st, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Greece

CBR – Defends Its Independence After Surprise Rate Cut
Uber – NY converts used cars to yellow cabs to counter exodus
TPP – US trade chief sees prize within reach


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – Jan: HSBC factory output contracts for second month; 49.7 from 49.6 / R / WSJ / AP

China – Jan: Factory sector unexpectedly shrinks; 49.8 from 50.1 / R / WSJ / FT *

EZ – Jan: Markit Manufacturing Stays Close to Stagnation; 51.0 from 50.6 / WSJ

US – Dec: Consumer spending weakest since 2009; -0.3% from +0.5% / R / WSJ / AP

US – Jan: Markit manufacturing growth holds steady; 53.9 from 53.9 / R

US – Jan: ISM manufacturing sector growth slows; 53.5 from 55.1 / R / AP / WSJ / cr *

US – Dec: Construction spending rose; +0.4%, +2.2% yr / AP / cr *


MARKETS

Bonds – Asia Junk Market Struggles to Rebound WSJ *

Bonds – Eurozone QE weighs on German yields FT *

Bonds – Caught in a debt trap FT * * * *


ECONOMICS

US – Economy Hits Speed Bumps WSJ * *

US – Philly Fed State Coincident Indexes increased in 46 states / cr *

US – Savings at the Pump Are Staying in Wallets WSJ *

US – A Two-Tier Economy Is Reshaping the Marketplace WSJ * *

US – Benefits of Infrastructure Spending Not So Clear-Cut WSJ *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Greece – Will no longer deal with ‘troika’ Varoufakis says FT / AP

Greece – Feisty Finance Minister Tries a More Moderate Message NYT

Greece – Tries to Mend Ties Ahead of New Meetings WSJ / FT / AFP / R / WSJ

Greece – Starts drive to sell new debt deal to doubting Europe R *

Greece – Germany Sees No Need to Scrap Troika WSJ / WSJ / r *

Greece – ‘It’s Time To Compromise’ S *

Greece – ‘Merkel’s Unintended Creation’ S * *

Greece – ‘Beware Greeks voting for gifts’ E * *


FINANCE

Greece – Banks May Lose ECB Credit WSJ / R / AP / NYT / B


MONETARY POLICY

CBR – Cuts Interest Rates WSJ / FT / AP / R / NYT / B * *

CBR – Defends Its Independence After Surprise Rate Cut WSJ / r *


REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Uber – NY converts used cars to yellow cabs to counter exodus FT

Uber – Hard-Driving Service Gives Compromise a Try WSJ / NYT *

Uber – Job creator? A * *


MANUFACTURING

Ships – Maersk in Talks Over $1.5b Order WSJ

Ships – Japan’s leading builder to invest in new dock N * *


TECH



TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

TTIP – German automakers lobby for trade deal AP

TTIP – German fear of tribunals threatens trade deal FT

TTP – Japan ready to meet US halfway on beef and pork tariffs N * *

TPP – Drug Patents Pose a Major Hurdle to Deal WSJ

TPP – US trade chief sees prize within reach FT


COMMODITIES

Water – US: California Drought Intensified in January WSJ

Water – US: Colorado River’s Future Is Threatened WSJ *

Water – Brazil: Crops still at risk a year after epic drought R

Water – China: Poor provinces forced to export to wealthier regions q * *

Water – Australia: Beef exports seen missing as drought eases R * *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Coal – US crisis deepens as gas prices fall FT / FT * *

Coal – China moves to limit glut FT *

Coal – Fire Hasn’t Gone Out of India’s Furnace WSJ

Coal – Glencore considers closing S.Africa mines R *

Coal – Cost curves / FT *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

Manhattan Taxi Dropoffs by Time reddit *


30 January 2015

January 29th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Telecoms

Canada – Growth is shifting away from the oil-producing west
Gold – Russia buys record amounts
Oil – US Shale Boom Warps Production Cost Curve


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Japan – Dec: Core inflation slows further; +0.5% / FT / B / AFP *

Japan – Dec: Industrial production rose; +1.0% / WSJ *

Taiwan – Q4: Growth Slows; +1.17%, +3.17% yr / WSJ / B / AFP

EZ – Jan: Falls deeper into deflation; -0.6% from -0.2% / FT / WSJ / NYT / AP / AFP *

Spain – Q4: Grows at fastest rate in seven years; +0.7% from +0.5% / WSJ / FT *

Canada – Nov: GDP shrank; -0.2%, +1.9% yr / CBC / G&M / B / R

US – Q4: Economic Growth Slows; +2.6% from +5.0% / WSJ / FT / AP / R / NYT / B *

US – Q4: Personal consumption spending rose; +4.3% from +3.2% / ft *

US – Q4: Labor Costs Inch Up; +0.6% from +0.7% / WSJ / R / AP / B

US – Jan: UMich consumer sentiment rises to best since 2004; 98.1 from 93.6 / R / WSJ / cr *


MARKETS

Currencies – Tumult Stokes Big Bets WSJ *

Currencies – Renminbi not immune from emerging market outflows FT * *

Currencies – Google Revenue Hurt by Rising Dollar WSJ *


ECONOMICS

Canada – Growth is shifting away from the oil-producing west E *

Canada – Diversifying Alberta’s economy away from oil won’t be easy CBC * *

Canada – Will oil’s big drop pop housing bubble? b * * * *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY



FINANCE



REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Prisons – Grapple With Aging Population WSJ *

Prisons – Serco demonstrates the perils of doing governments’ dirty work E *

Prisons – What To Expect Now That California Passed Prop 47 538 *

Prisons – Institutionalisation in the US ft *

Prisons – Profit by stopping family visits E *


MANUFACTURING



TECH

Telecoms – Comcast-TWC $45b deal faces new hurdle FT * *

Telecoms – US spectrum auction raises record $45b FT / WSJ / WSJ / E *

Telecoms – Give the Government an Unexpected Gift: $44b BW *

Telecoms – Google Lobbies for Cheaper Airwaves WSJ *

Telecoms – Industry Readies for a Net-Neutrality Fight WSJ / WSJ / WSJ / WSJ

Telecoms – Europe’s heavyweights call for lighter net neutrality rules R

Telecoms – Net Neutrality: To be continued E *

Telecoms – Google on a gambit to raise US internet speeds FT / WSJ *

Telecoms – Hit by Cellphone Cost Worries WSJ *

Telecoms – AT&T losing war on mobile battleground FT / FT / WSJ * *

Telecoms – AT&T and Verizon’s appeal to value investors at risk FT *

Telecoms – Thailand’s industry racked by politics, legal battles N *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Gold – Russia buys record amounts FT

Gold – Tarnishes as US Economy Strengthens WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Oil – Plunge Sours Big-Budget Energy Projects WSJ / WSJ *

Oil – Smaller explorers’ borrowing costs soar as crude prices fall FT * *

Oil – Price Slide Hits LNG Markets WSJ *

Oil – US Shale Boom Warps Production Cost Curve / bi *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH

Data – Cerner, Athenahealth And Veeva Chase Cloud-Based EHR IBD

Data – Doctors Find Barriers to Sharing Digital Medical Records NYT

Data – Diagnoses fraud FT / FT * *


ENDNOTE

The religious beliefs of Europe’s leaders q *


29 January 2015

January 28th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Venezuela

Chips – Samsung business helping limit pain of smartphone swoon
Pipeline – Plan to bring Western gas to Balkans seen closer
NatGas – After half a decade apart, prices converge


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Germany – Jan YTD: Oil’s fall pushes into deflation; -0.5% / FT / B *

Spain – Dec: Retail sales see largest rise in 11 years; +6.5% / B *

US – Dec: NAR pending home sales drop more than expected; -3.7% / R / B /

US – Week: Jobless Claims Plunge to 15-Year Low in Holiday Week; -43k to 265k / B / WSJ / R *


MARKETS

Currencies – Central Bankers Ramp Up Wars WSJ *

Currencies – Renminbi joins top five most-used currencies FT / WSJ *


ECONOMICS

Venezuela – Currency woes an increasing threat to US corporate profits R / B

Venezuela – In a bind as Maduro faces default dilemma FT * * *

Venezuela – Empty shelves and rhetoric E *

Venezuela – Oil price rout forces rethink of petro-diplomacy FT *

LatAm – South American nations struggle to find new economic model FT * *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Greece – Markets hammered as fears grow over new government FT / NYT *

Greece – New Leaders Act Swiftly to Reverse Austerity WSJ

Greece – Eurozone leaders reject debt relief demands FT / WSJ / FT *

Greece – Alarm bells ring over Syriza’s Russian links FT / WSJ

Greece – EU holds back on tougher Russia sanctions FT / AP


MONETARY POLICY

Fed – Flags Midyear Rate Hike—Or Later WSJ / NYT / FT / B / AP / R / B * * * *

Fed – Reality Show on Rates Doesn’t Convince WSJ *

Fed – A Midsummer Disinflation Nightmare? wsj * *

Fed – Wage rise puzzle tests Yellen FT / R / WSJ


FINANCE



REAL ESTATE



SERVICES



MANUFACTURING



TECH

Chips – China Looks to Prop Up Domestic Makers WSJ *

Chips – Investors Shouldn’t Cash in Just Yet WSJ *

Chips – Samsung business helping limit pain of smartphone swoon N / WSJ *

Mobiles – Samsung, Apple Back in Dead Heat WSJ *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Pipeline – Plan to bring Western gas to Balkans seen closer R *

Pipeline – Russia Presses Ahead With Plan for Gas Project to Turkey NYT / MT / WSJ *


COMMODITIES

Cocoa – Once Hot, Is Facing a Chill WSJ *

Cocoa – Chocolate trade seeks boost as prices fall FT * * *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

NatGas – NY’s Missing Storm Buries Prices WSJ *

NatGas – After half a decade apart, prices converge R *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

Another Plunging Economic Indicator: The Fed Yammering Index wsj *


28 January 2015

January 27th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Asean

Media – E-Books Set to Surpass Print in the US
Ship – Sanctions sap allure of Russia’s Arctic route
Shrimp – Costs crimp Japan’s imports


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Germany – Feb: GfK consumer confidence hits 13-year high; 9.3 from 9.0 / WSJ / AP / AFP


MARKETS



ECONOMICS

Indonesia – Emerging as a new Asian powerhouse G&M *

Indonesia – Land of promise for investors N *

Indonesia – Becomes a base for reaching markets around the rim N * *

Indonesia – Investors set their sights on tech sector FT * *

Indonesia – Government to spend $436b on infrastructure N *

Thailand – Delaying the day of reckoning E / FT *

Thailand – Yingluck’s Troubles May Be Overshadowed by Economy WSJ *

Thailand – Explaining the volatile politics e * * * *

Thailand – Big four profit growth slumps with sluggish economy N *

Thailand – Shares are starting to look overstretched FT *

Thailand – Firms Add Apprentice Programs WSJ *

Philippines – Economy Expanding Like It’s 1950s on Consumption Boom B

Philippines – Why Asia’s higher-wage wave hasn’t reached yet N *

Vietnam – Slow Pace of Privatizations Worries Investors WSJ *

Singapore – Tests its success FT * *

Sri Lanka – Maithripala Sirisena faces task of repairing image FT / WSJ / FT * *

Sri Lanka – Poll Upset a Blow to China’s Indian Ocean Plans WSJ / R / B / WSJ / FT / B * *

Asia – Remittances / r *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY

MAS – Singapore Pulls Trigger in Deflation Fight WSJ / FT / B / b *


FINANCE

Asia – Life Agents Sing to Sell Insurance WSJ *


REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Media – Book sales rise as readers remain true to type FT * *

Media – E-Books Set to Surpass Print in the US statista *

Media – Amazon and publisher bury the hachet FT / FT / FT * * * *


MANUFACTURING

Helicopters – Oil Slump Seen Crimping Near-Term Demand WSJ

Helicopters – Airbus aims to improve product safety after accidents FT *


TECH

Mobiles – Apple Sells 74.5m iPhones Over Holidays WSJ / FT / R / B * *

Mobiles – iPhone Sales in China Bolster Earnings NYT *

Mobiles – Apple’s iPhone Is Closing In on Samsung Smartphone Sales WSJ

Mobiles – Google to Reframe Wearable Glass Device WSJ / FT


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Ship – West Coast Port Snarls Will Take Months to Unwind WSJ

Ship – Industry warns of work stoppage at US ports FT / N / cr *

Ship – Sanctions sap allure of Russia’s Arctic route R *


COMMODITIES

Beef – Prices bounce back to record highs CBC / B * *

Beef – Irish farmers eye stake in lucrative US market FT *

Pork – Prices Drop as Hog Herds Recover WSJ *

Shrimp – Costs crimp Japan’s imports N *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Oil – Companies Face Time of Reckoning WSJ *

Oil – Battered energy groups brace for spending cuts FT * *

Oil – Opec Has No Easy Cure for Shale WSJ *

Oil – Obama aims to ease some drilling curbs FT / WSJ / NYT *

Oil – Glut feeling FT * * * * *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

Most consumed meat/fish around the world am *


27 January 2015

January 26th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Solar Energy

Currencies – IMF to debate adding yuan to SDR basket
US – Will the US soon have a budget surplus?
TTIP – Europeans Fear Wave of Litigation from US Firms


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – Dec: Industrial Profits Fall Most Since 2011; -8.0% from -4.2% / B / FT / b *

UK – Q4: Economy Slowed More Than Expected; +0.5% from +0.7% / WSJ / FT / B / AP / AFP *

US – Dec: Durable Goods Falter For Fourth Month; -3.4% from -2.1% / AP / B / R / WSJ

US – Nov: Home price gains slow; +4.3% from +4.5% / B / AP *

US – Dec: New home sales surge; +11.6% / R / WSJ *

US – Jan: ConfBd Consumer Confidence Highest Since 2007; 102.9 from 93.1 / WSJ / B / R *


MARKETS

Currencies – China’s Yuan Falls to Seven-Month Low WSJ *

Currencies – IMF to debate adding yuan to SDR basket R *

Currencies – EM boost seen as euro weakens FT *


ECONOMICS

US – CBO: Deficit to Narrow, Then Widen in ’18 WSJ / FT *

US – Will the US soon have a budget surplus? ft *

US – CBO: Visions of the 3rd Longest Expansion wsj * *

US – Only 2% Of Counties Have Fully Recovered From The Recession / wsj / bi *

US – Finance, Real Estate and Mining Drive Q3 Growth wsj * *

US – Oil States’ Budgets Face Crude Awakening WSJ *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Russia – Downgraded to ‘junk’ by S&P FT / WSJ / R / AP / NYT / B / WSJ

Russia – Obama threatens more sanctions FT / WSJ

Russia – EU leaders warn of more sanctions FT / WSJ


MONETARY POLICY



FINANCE

EU – Regulators Pressure Big Banks to Increase Capital WSJ *

EU – Banks warns capital rules will blunt QE FT


REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Media – Download slide shows digital music shift FT / WSJ / a *

Media – Era of Free Digital Music Wanes WSJ *

Media – Music-Discovery Company Shazam Valued at Roughly $1b WSJ / FT *


MANUFACTURING



TECH



TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

TTIP – Europeans Fear Wave of Litigation from US Firms S

TPP – Currency Fight Hinders Talks on Trade Deal WSJ *


COMMODITIES

China – Iron ore falls to lowest since May 2009 on weak demand FT

China – Steel output slows FT / FT

China – Rest of world discipline has tamed aluminum supply R / CD *

China – Has base metals import appetite peaked? r * *

China – As Commodities Fall, Some Investors See Reasons to Buy WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Alt – Solar: Worry for Projects After End of Tax Credits NYT

Alt – Solar: Ivanpah Project Struggles WSJ / AP / AP

Alt – Solar: China Criticizes Steep US Tariffs NYT / B / FT

Alt – Solar: Rises in Malaysia During Trade Wars Over Panels NYT *

Alt – Solar: Boom Driving First Global Panel Shortage Since 2006 B

Alt – Solar: Panels Gain Momentum in Con Ed Territory WSJ *

Alt – Solar: Perovskite Offers Shot at Cheaper Energy WSJ / B *

Alt – Solar: Investors Start to See Some Light and Heat WSJ *

Alt – Solar: Home Builders Tap the Sun WSJ *

Alt – Solar: Why Homeowners Are Leasing Panels IBD *

Alt – Solar: How Grid Efficiency Went South NYT

Alt – Solar: Investors still wary of getting burnt FT

Alt – Solar: Britain Is Hot Spot WSJ *

Alt – Solar: China demand in doubt as rooftop installations lag target R *

Alt – Solar: Future grows darker in Japan R / R / N * *

Alt – Solar: India Plans an Upgrade of Its Infrastructure WSJ / WSJ


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

People Don’t Go To Movies This Time Of Year 538 *

Movies Have Bad Ratings This Time Of Year slate *


26 January 2015

January 25th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Greece

Delivery – Uber Tests a Cargo Delivery Service in HK
Ships – China’s yards brace for leaner rig building
Mobiles – Samsung’s Tizen smartphone makes poor first impression in India


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Japan – Jan: Exports grow most in year; +12.9% yr / WSJ / R / B / FT / AP *

Germany – Jan: Ifo Business Confidence Exceeds Expectations; 106.7 from 105.5 / WSJ / AP / AFP *


MARKETS

Euro – Strategists Cut Forecasts WSJ / FT *

Euro – Big Drop Puts US Economy, Federal Reserve to the Test WSJ *

Dollar – Rise Squeezes US Firms WSJ / NYT *

Dollar – Presses Asian Borrowers WSJ *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Greece – Syriza Rides Anti-Austerity Wave to Decisive Victory WSJ / FT / AP / R / B / NYT

Greece – Syriza Roils European Debate Over Austerity WSJ / FT / NYT / B *

Greece – Must Repay Debt, Europe Officials Say WSJ *

Greece – Syriza’s Rise Fueled by Professors-Turned-Politicians WSJ / FT *

Greece – Taxes go unpaid in expectation of Syriza victory FT / WSJ *

Greece – Debt pile: is it really unsustainable? FT * *

Greece – Eurozone Cohesion Put to the Test WSJ / FTWSJ *

Greece – Europe’s Long-Simmering Crisis Back to a Boil WSJ *


ECONOMICS

SK – Government Holding Firm on Growth Forecast as BOK Cuts B

SK – Households pile up debt FT * *

SK – Looks to Prosper in China While Staying Close to US WSJ * *

SK – Sparks fly over the chaebol FT * * *


MONETARY POLICY

BOK – Unease Focuses on Low Inflation B *


FINANCE

Mobile – Inroads Made by Apple Pay Propel Idea WSJ / cnet

Mobile – Big Banks Can Survive Ice Age WSJ *

Mobile – Rise Poses a Riddle for Banks WSJ *

Mobile – Small Transfers Fuel Micro-Business in Africa WSJ


REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Delivery – UPS miscues again during Christmas FT / WSJ

Delivery – Free service creates boon for consumers at high cost R

Delivery – Uber Tests a Cargo Delivery Service in HK nyt


MANUFACTURING

Ships – Rousseff’s dream of Brazilian titan in deep water FT * *

Ships – China’s yards brace for leaner rig building R

Ships – Superyachts Bring New Life to French Port NYT

Ships – Mitsui Engineering to spend big on domestic yards N *


TECH

Mobiles – Samsung’s Tizen smartphone makes poor first impression in India R

Mobiles – iPhone 6 hands Apple record share of Samsung’s home market R *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Gold – Gains lustre on haven status FT * *

Gold – Buyers Take a Shine to Precious Metals Again WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Coal – Thermal pick-up creates a stir FT

Coal – Production drops in China for 1st time in 14 years AP / X

Coal – Tumbling Russian ruble pulls European prices with it R *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH

Measles – School Officials Working to Stem Spread WSJ / WSJ *

Measles – Vaccine Skeptics on the Rise WSJ *


ENDNOTE

The tribes of Davos ft *


23 January 2015

January 22nd, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Tobacco

China – As PBOC pushes cash through front door, capital escapes out the back
Oil – US drivers put market on road to recovery
Demog – China: Fewer than expected apply to have second child


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – Jan: HSBC Manufacturing Sector Still Weak; 49.8 from 49.6 / WSJ / AP / B / AFP *

SK – Q4: Growth lowest in more than two years; +0.4%, +2.7% yr / AP / AFP

EZ – Jan: Markit PMI Shows Pickup in Activity; 52.2 from 51.4 / WSJ / NYT / AFP

US – Jan: Markit factory activity expands at lower rate; 53.7 from 53.9 / R *

US – Dec: ConfBd Leading Indicators Climb for Fourth Month; +0.5% from +0.4% / AP / B

US – Dec: Existing-Home Sales Rose; +2.4%, +3.5% yr / WSJ / B / R *


MARKETS

China – Funds become new force in global commodity trade FT * *

China – Companies, Investors Move Money Back Home WSJ *

China – Shares Fall Most in Six Years on Regulatory Crackdown WSJ / NYT *

China – Shanghai rally faces stress test after market tumble FT * *


ECONOMICS

China – Stimulus Kicks in to Help Keep 2014 Growth Near Target B


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY

ECB – Draghi’s bond-buying plan outstrips expectations FT / R * * * *

ECB – Aggressive Stimulus Ushers in New Era WSJ / NYT / B *


FINANCE

China – Injects $8b Into Banking System WSJ

China – As PBOC pushes cash through front door, capital escapes out the back R *


REAL ESTATE

China – December Housing Prices Fall at Slower Pace WSJ / FT *

China – Property market no longer ‘red hot but deep cold’ AFP / FT

China – Dalian Wanda changes property strategy after IPO FT *

China – Kaisa default risks waking property bears FT / WSJ / B / WSJ * *

China – Outlet Malls Expected to Outperform WSJ *

China – Hunt for Trophy Properties Pushing Up NYC, London Prices B

HK – Embattled leader falls short on housing promises R *


SERVICES

Cigs – UK Plans to Outlaw Branding on Packs WSJ / FT / FT * * * *

Cigs – The Big Easy contemplates banishing smokers to the pavement E *

E-Cigs – NY Joins Regulation Push as Cuomo Backs Bans B

E-Cigs – Lab tests imply formaldehyde risk in some vapor AP / R

E-Cigs – The smoke around the science R

Pot – Growers struggle with glut in Washington state AP

Pot – Sellers Lobby Against Medical Marijuana in Washington State BW *

Pot – Odd Byproduct of Legal Marijuana: Homes That Blow Up NYT

Pot – The American marijuana industry is maturing E *

Pot – Cannabis in the US / e * *

Pot – Cannabis in the World / motw *


MANUFACTURING



TECH



TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES



ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Oil – Saudi: Death of King Unlikely to Alter Policy WSJ / B

Oil – North America: Impact of oil price rout starkly evident FT * * *

Oil – Statoil Tightens Its Belt as Prices Plunge WSJ *

Oil – North Sea: Crude realities E *

Oil – Russia, OPEC Jostle to Meet China Demand WSJ *

Oil – As Gasoline Heads Toward $2, the Benefits Start to Trickle Down WSJ * * * *

Oil – US drivers put market on road to recovery r * *


LABOR & EDUCATION

China – Opaque jobs picture poses hidden threat to ‘new normal’ FT * * *

China – Slower Economy Still Working for Jobs WSJ *


HEALTH

Demog – China: Fewer than expected apply to have second child FT

Demog – China: Tapping ‘Silver Hair Industry’ WSJ *


ENDNOTE

Real-time Air Quality Index Visual Map aqicn *


22 January 2015

January 21st, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Japan

Defense – Asia’s military budgets surge as armies go high-tech
Japan – To Rescue Economy, Abe Turns to Supermom
Demog – Japan: Has been too optimistic


MAJOR DATA POINTS

US – Week: Jobless Claims Flash Some Warning Signs; -10k to 307k / WSJ / R / B / cr *


MARKETS

Japan – Weak Yen Rekindles Hope for Bringing Production Back Home WSJ *

Japan – BOJ’s bond buys dragging yields to record lows N *

Japan – Inventories shrink as BoJ’s bond appetite grows FT * *

Japan – Yield on Five-Year Government Bond Falls to Zero WSJ * *

Japan – French Connection Bodes Ill for Stocks B *


ECONOMICS

Japan – Raises Long-Term Growth View WSJ / B / NYT

Japan – Restructuring costs weigh down companies FT *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY

BOJ – Slashes inflation forecast WSJ / FTAFP / R / N / FT / WSJ * *

BOC – Shocks With Rate Cut “Insurance” Against Oil Slump WSJ / FT / NYT / R / NYT / B / R / G&M / CBC / B * * *

BCB – Brazil benchmark rate at three-year high FT / WSJ / B / AFP

ECB – Announces €60b a Month QE FT / WSJ / R / NYT / B *

ECB – Eyes €50b monthly bond purchases WSJ / FT / B / AP / R *

ECB – Four reasons why QE will be different in the EZ FT * * * *

BOE – Unanimous in holding interest rates FT / NYT / FT *

World – Global Monetary Policy Changes in a Map bp *


FINANCE



REAL ESTATE



SERVICES



MANUFACTURING

Defense – Abe boosts Japan spending FT *

Defense – Asia’s military budgets surge as armies go high-tech N / N / N *


TECH

Net Neutrality – Amazon backs White House FT

Net Neutrality – Broadband Industry Backs GOP’s Proposed Bill WSJ


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Sorghum – US Farmers’ Latest Hot Crop WSJ *

Sugar – Is on a High at Year’s Start WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Natural Gas – Takes Unseasonal Plunge WSJ *

Heating Oil – Cheaper Prices Fuel Billions in Savings in Northeast WSJ / AP *


LABOR & EDUCATION

Japan – Government Presses Companies to Raise Wages WSJ * *

Japan – To Rescue Economy, Abe Turns to Supermom NYT

Japan – Female truckers move into the driving seat FT


HEALTH

Demog – Japan: 2014 births fall to lowest on record FT / q / wsj * *

Demog – Japan: Has been too optimistic wapo *


ENDNOTE

Crop that supplies most calories motw *


21 January 2015

January 20th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Streaming

Greece – Tourism Industry Unsettled by Talk in Election Campaign
Oil – Demand weakness persists despite lower prices
Ebola – New cases have somewhat stabilised


MAJOR DATA POINTS

US – Dec: Single-family starts hit 6-1/2-year high; +4.4%, +8.8% yr R / WSJ / B / AP *


MARKETS



ECONOMICS

World – Lagarde warns of ‘lopsided’ global growth FT / R / B *

World – Global Economic Outlook / wsj * * * *

World – Global growth outlook r *

World – Declining Population Could Reduce Economic Growth By 40% wsj * *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Greece – Fitch Revises Long-Term Outlook to Negative WSJ

Greece – Banks Ask ECB for Emergency Aid FT / NYT / WSJ *

Greece – Merkel Said to See Tsipras Ready to Deal on Debt Demands B

Greece – Property tax backlash underpins Syriza’s poll prospects FT / NYT / WSJ * * *

Greece – Tourism Industry Unsettled by Talk in Election Campaign NYT

Greece – Politics Risk Tripping Debt Relief WSJ *

Greece – Size of debt limits scope for solutions FT / B *

Greece – Spain’s politicians keep a nervous watch FT * *

EU – Who votes in 2015? / t *


MONETARY POLICY



FINANCE



REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Streaming – TV Viewing Slips WSJ

Streaming – Cord-cutting is starting to accelerate in the US q *

Streaming – Research Shows Netflix Is Upending TV Business NYT

Streaming – Netflix Steps Up Foreign Expansion WSJ / FT / NYT *

Streaming – Netflix and YouTube Are America’s Biggest Traffic Hogs statista *


MANUFACTURING



TECH

Internet – Europe vs. US Tech Giants: Round Two WSJ / WSJ

Internet – Tech giants at risk of reputation collapse, warn business leaders FT

Internet – US Tech Firms Face Showdown With Russian Censors WSJ

Internet – Beijing spells out control ambition R


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Guar – Rise of synthetic substitutes means the bubble may be over FT

Soybeans – Glut adds to deflation fears FT *

Olive Oil – Demand falls in Europe homelands FT * *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Oil – Demand weakness persists despite lower prices FT * *

Oil – IEA Slashes 2015 Forecast Increase in Non-Opec Supply WSJ / FT / R

Oil – Opec sees 2015 supply surplus rising R / FT / NYT / AFP / r *

Oil – Iran says industry could withstand $25 crude R

Oil – Output Will Grow Even When Rigs Are Idle B *

Oil – Prices wreaking havoc on the drilling industry wapo *

Oil – Energy bondholders at risk as bank loans ebb FT * *

Oil – North Sea Pays the Price WSJ

Oil – Collapse of 1986 Shows Rebound Could Be Years Away B *

Oil – Tank in price fuels US petrol demand FT * *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH

Ebola – Study of Experimental Drug ZMapp Could Start Next Month WSJ

Ebola – New cases have somewhat stabilised e *

Ebola – Is this the beginning of the end? gp *


ENDNOTE

123456 Again: The Most Popular Passwords Aren’t Changing wsj *


20 January 2015

January 19th, 2015



Today’s Issue Cluster: Western Monetary Policy

Canada – BOC warns economy could be in for a rough ride
Australia – Income recession lays bare fragility in economy
Russia – ‘Putin’s defense fixation deepens budget problems’


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – 2014: GDP growth lowest in 24 years; 7.4% from 7.7% / FT / WSJ / NYT / R / B *

Germany – Jan: ZEW Business Sentiment Rises; 48.4 from 38.9 / WSJ / B / AFP *

US – Jan: NAHB Home-Builder Confidence Ticks Down to Start Year; 57 from 58 / WSJ / B / cr *


MARKETS

EU – Government Bond Yields Turn Negative WSJ

EU – Stocks await ECB’s QE boost FT * *

EU – Euro Share of global forex reserves falling N *

EU – New Year Brings Eurozone Closer to a Lost Decade WSJ / NYT *


ECONOMICS

Canada – BOC warns economy could be in for a rough ride G&M / bi * *

Canada – What’s the matter? WSJ *

Australia – Income recession lays bare fragility in economy FT * *

Australia – Resources Slowdown Hits Regional Airlines WSJ *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Russia – Moody’s Cuts Ratings to Brink of Junk WSJ / B / AFP

Russia – Economy to shrink 5%, says EBRD FT

Russia – Plans Deep Budget Cuts as Revenues Drop WSJ

Russia – Buys Most Gold In Six Months / zh * *

Russia – Putin’s defense fixation deepens budget problems R *

Russia – Eats into foreign reserves N * *

Russia – Strong-arm tactics restore fragile calm to banks FT / WSJ

Russia – To Shift Ukraine Gas Transit to Turkey B / RT *

Russia – The ebb and flow of Federal fortune e *

Russia – EU Has No Plans to Ease Sanctions WSJ / FT

Russia – Dangers of isolation FT * *


MONETARY POLICY

ECB – Nears Crucial Test of Its Powers WSJ / FT * *

ECB – May Deliver €550b to Steer Euro Away From Deflation B / WSJ / WSJ *

ECB – Weighing QE Through National Central Banks B / FT / R

ECB – QE set to arrive, but with conditions FT * * *

ECB – Debate with Germany threatens to lessen the impact of QE FT / FT * *

ECB – Hopes push stocks to seven-year highs FT

ECB – Gold rises amid expectation of move on QE FT

SNB – Could Act on Currency Again, Central Banker Says WSJ / FT

DN – Denmark cuts rates to stave off speculators FT / WSJ / NYT / R / AP / B

NB – Oil Plunge May Draw Norway Stimulus B

Fed – On Track to Raise Short-Term Rates Later in the Year WSJ

World – Central bank interest rates r *


FINANCE

World – Regulators test the universal banking model FT *


REAL ESTATE

East Europe – 46% of Polish home loans are denominated in Swiss francs B / B

East Europe – Swiss Franc Surge Loses Bite B *


SERVICES



MANUFACTURING



TECH



TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Copper – Collapse a fresh blow for many emerging economies R / bi * *

Palladium – More Rare Thanks to Cheap Oil B

Nickel – China Buying Tempted by London Prices B *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT



LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

The most common names of NYC taxi drivers vs *