11 June 2014

June 11th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Oil

World – Korea Income to Overtake Japan, France, Moody’s Says
Auto – As German car sales drop, industry bets on sharing
PubEd – US Hurting More in the Recovery Than in the Recession


MAJOR DATA POINTS

UK – Apr: Unemployment Rate Tumbles; 6.6% from 6.8% / WSJ / B m *


MARKETS



ECONOMICS

World – WB Cuts 2014 Global Growth Estimate to 2.8% From 3.2% WSJ / NYT *

World – The recovery of global goods demand ft * *

World – The global movements of remittances / ilc *

World – The cheapest stock markets DT *

World – The shifting balance of US & China power CNBC *

World – MSCI Removes Korea From Developed-Market Consideration WSJ / FT

World – Korea Income to Overtake Japan, France, Moody’s Says wsj *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY



FINANCE



REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

F&B – Global Hunger for Protein Fuels Food-Industry Deals WSJ

F&B – China’s hunger for foreign food groups soars FT * *


MANUFACTURING

Ship – Energy Boom Boosts Tanker Construction WSJ *


TECH

Games – Sony outplays Nintendo in game console sales FT / R

Games – E3 to Put Spotlight on Xbox vs. PlayStation WSJ / NYT / B / WSJ *

Games – The One Thing Mobile Users Can Agree on wsj *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Truck – Headwinds Easing, Road Ahead Looks Good IBD

Auto – States Move to Plug Shortfall as Federal Highway Fund Dwindles WSJ *

Auto – Car, truck crashes cost $871b AP

Auto – As German car sales drop, industry bets on sharing AP

Auto – Vehicles per 1000 people in Europe / motw *

Auto – Older Americans’ Crash Fatality Rate Has Declined WSJ *


COMMODITIES

Palm Oil – Traders face brunt of environmental push FT / B *

Coconuts – Insect Attacks Philippine Crops WSJ

Coffee – Futures Run-Up Makes Way to Store Shelves WSJ / B *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Oil – Iraq unrest puts focus on security of oilfields and key pipeline FT / B

Oil – How Kurdistan gets crude to market despite Baghdad opposition / r *

Oil – Threat to Libyan exports increases FT / R / r *

Oil – OPEC ministers signal output to remain on hold AP / WSJ / B *

Oil – Opec focus switches to supply challenge FT *

Oil – War, strikes, sanctions keep 2.9 mbpd offline / r *

Oil – Nations Put Out Welcome Mat for Western Companies WSJ *

Oil – Reliance turns to African crude in shale boom spin-off R *

Oil – Expanding in Russia Is a Dance Around Sanctions NYT / FT

Oil – US industry finds way around export ban FT / FT *

Oil – WTI vs LLS: A Major Shift In The US Boom IBD

Oil – Investment in US condensate splitters booms FT

Oil – Canada bracing for coming ‘retirement tsunami’ FP **

Oil – Giants Set Their Sights on Arctic Waters WSJ *


LABOR & EDUCATION

PubEd – US Teacher Tenure Dealt Legal Setback WSJ / NYT *

PubEd – US Hurting More in the Recovery Than in the Recession 538 * * * *


HEALTH

Insurance – Taxpayers Face Big Medicare Tab for Unusual Doctor Billings WSJ * * * *

Insurance – How Much Hospitals Charged Medicare for the Same Types of Cases / NYT *


ENDNOTE

Australia, the World Cup’s Unluckiest Country nyt / nyt * *


10 June 2014

June 9th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Cyber Security

TPP – US dairy farmers threaten to oppose Pacific trade deal
Metals – China port probe into financing rattles banks, trade houses
Coal – China’s Clean-Fuel Focus Tests US Export Lifeline


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – May: Inflation Quickens to Fastest Pace in 4 Months on Food; +2.5% from +1.8% / B / WSJ / FT / b *

US – Apr: Job Openings Climb to Highest Level in Seven Years; 4.5m / wsj *

US – Apr: Wholesale inventories post solid rise; +1.1% from +1.1% / R r *


MARKETS

Stocks – Market volatility plummets to multiyear lows FT *

Stocks – Sound of silence sweeps across asset classes FT *

Stocks – Bulls See More Reason for Optimism WSJ *

Stocks – This has been a trophy year for the Greek market FT *


ECONOMICS

Australia – Finds fresh favour with Mrs Watanabe FT

Australia – Feels Chill of Commodity Price Decline WSJ * *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Ukraine – Kiev sees ‘understanding’ with Russia on peace moves R / WSJ / FT

Ukraine – Kiev, Moscow Near Gas-Price Truce WSJ / NYT / WSJ *

Ukraine – Russia stocks rebound from Ukraine crisis lows FT *

Ukraine – Eurasian Economic Union raises concerns about growing isolation from the west FT * *

Ukraine – Bulgaria deals Russia setback over gas pipeline FT / AP / WSJ / MT


MONETARY POLICY

PBOC – Price rises present dilemma for China easing strategy FT

PBOC – Unveils Reserve-Ratio Cuts for Some Banks WSJ / FT / B / WSJ / b *

PBOC – Guides Yuan to Stronger Level WSJ / FT / B

PBOC – Prevails in Policy Battles Over Economic Future WSJ *

PBOC – Corporate bond yield spread falls to 3 year low on quiet easing / b *


FINANCE



REAL ESTATE

US – Lost Generation Casts Shadow Over Housing Market WSJ *

US – Banks Move Away From Home WSJ *


SERVICES

Pot – Uncertainty dominates new hemp market AP

Pot – Colorado law sets up marijuana banks AP

Pot – Hershey’s Is Suing A Maker Of Edible Marijuana bi *


MANUFACTURING

Robots – Makers turn to technology industry as next world to conquer FT / FT / FT *


TECH

Security – Upsurge in hacking makes customer data a corporate time bomb R

Security – Cyber crime costs global economy $445b a year R / wsj

Security – New bugs found in software that caused ‘Heartbleed’ threat R

Security – Second Chinese Army Unit Implicated in Cyberattacks NYT / FT / B / wsj

Security – American Businesses in China Feel Heat of a Cyberdispute NYT

Security – Windows 8 Faces New Criticism in China WSJ

Security – China state media calls for ‘severe punishment’ for US tech firms R / FT

Security – Internet Giants Erect Barriers to Spy Agencies NYT / R


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

TTIP – Transatlantic trade: Hard sell FT *

TPP – US dairy farmers threaten to oppose Pacific trade deal R *


COMMODITIES

Metals – Banks Cut Credit to Chinese Traders WSJ *

Metals – China port probe into financing rattles banks, trade houses R *

Metals – Traders scramble to secure stocks amid China port probe FT


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Coal – China’s Clean-Fuel Focus Tests US Export Lifeline B

Coal – China City Crash-Lands to Zero Growth on Bust B

Coal – Under fire, Australian miners look to repair their image FT *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

Which Countries Call It ‘Football’ vs ‘Soccer’ (Philippines is Both) bi *


9 June 2014

June 8th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: US Labor

EU – Lagarde Ponders Beijing-Based IMF
Livestock – Virus Killing 8m Pigs
Carbon – Chinese official plays down emission cut expectations


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Japan – Q1: Economy Grew More Than Initially Estimated; +6.7% was +5.9% / B / WSJ / AP / R / b *

China – May: Exports Up; +7.0% from +0.9% / WSJ / B / FT / AP / R / b *


MARKETS

Euro – Withstands ECB’s easing onslaught FT *


ECONOMICS

EU – The Challenge of Measuring the Shadow Economy WSJ *

EU – German Central Bank Lifts Economic Growth Projection WSJ *

EU – Private-Sector Oriented Countries Delivering Strongest Growth WSJ *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

EU – Juncker row reveals Germany’s frustration with UK FT / FT / FT

EU – Berlin Divided in Spat over Commmission S *

EU – Lagarde Ponders Beijing-Based IMF B


MONETARY POLICY

ECB – €400b in cheap bank loans ‘star of show’ FT / WSJ / AP / R / WSJ *


FINANCE

EU – Litigation risk is increasing r *

EU – Weak banks are squeezing the life out of Italian economy E *


REAL ESTATE



SERVICES



MANUFACTURING



TECH

Uber – Gets an Uber-Valuation WSJ / FT / R / B * * *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Air – United Continental Struggles to Stabilize WSJ *

Air – Low-Cost Carriers Threaten Long-Haul Business of Big Rivals WSJ

Air – US Proposes Requiring Airlines to Disclose More Fees WSJ / NYT *

Air – Mergers have resulted in service cuts *


COMMODITIES

Livestock – Virus Killing 8m Pigs B / R / R / r *

Livestock – Young-Cattle Futures Surge in Sign of Higher Beef Prices Ahead WSJ *

Livestock – ‘Pink Slime’ Makes Comeback as Beef Prices Spike WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Carbon – Cost of US cuts likely to be modest, analysts say FT

Carbon – Feds could impose air plan on Arizona AP / NYT *

Carbon – Texas Program Lures Climate Skeptics B *

Carbon – Obama’s green gamble E * *

Carbon – Chinese official plays down emission cut expectations R


LABOR & EDUCATION

US – Jobs Return to Peak, but Quality Lags WSJ / FT / AP *

US – Unemployment rate held steady at 6.3% / r *

US – Payrolls and ISM employment index / r *

US – Unemployment rates by race, ethnicity / r *

US – UE duration down, discouraged down, participation rate steady / r *

US – Underemployed / r *

US – New- and re-entrants / r *

US – Recovery Charts / cr / cr * *

US – Taking Longer After Each Recession To Get Back to Normal / wsj *

US – Two Charts / q * *

US – American and European Job Markets Take Different Paths NYT *

US – Labor market participation / r *

US – Labor force participation down while UK’s is up ManInst * *

US – Labor market participation on long-term downward trend cr *

US – For Those Out of Work, Scant Optimism in Finding the Next Job wsj *

US – More Gloom for the Long-Term Unemployed wsj * *

US – Beveridge curve, December 2000–March 2014 BLS*

US – Factory-Job Rebound Produces Winners, Losers WSJ * *

US – Govt Jobs: Slow Hiring + More Retirements = Tepid Recovery wsj * *

US – Weak Wages Pose Threat to Liftoff for Economy WSJ *


HEALTH



ENDNOTE

The league table of attendance at sporting events e *


6 June 2014

June 5th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Oil Sands

Bonds – Households pull back more from muni market
US – US threatened $16b BNP penalty
Ship – Markets eye freight trade boost from El Nino threat


MAJOR DATA POINTS

US – May: Employers add jobs, rate steady; +217k from +282k / AP / NYT / WSJ / B / R / FT / r * *


MARKETS

Bonds – US jobs report key to outlook FT * * *

Bonds – Households pull back more from muni market R *


ECONOMICS

Iran – Rogue trader FT * * *

Iran – Says investors spooked by warnings on sanctions violations FT *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY

ECB – Draghi-Yellen Split Spells More Volatility B / FT / WSJ / NYT / FT / FT * *


FINANCE

US – US threatened $16b BNP penalty R *

US – Credit Unions Ramp Up Risk WSJ *

US – The usage of checks has plummeted q *


REAL ESTATE

US – Mortgage Rates Are Falling, So Where Are the Home Buyers? wsj * * * *

US – Why Americans Moved Last Year: Cheaper Housing, Shorter Commutes wsj *


SERVICES

Retail – US: Weather, Discounts Boost May Sales WSJ

Retail – EZ: Sales Rose in April WSJ / eu *

Retail – China: Shopping-Mall Spree Could Prove Costly WSJ *

Retail – Lux: Outlets Sprout in China WSJ *

Retail – Lux: Consumers Languish in Trap WSJ *


MANUFACTURING



TECH

Telecoms – Dealmaker tests regulators with move for T-Mobile FT / WSJ / NYT / B / WSJ / WSJ * * *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Ship – Markets eye freight trade boost from El Nino threat R * *


COMMODITIES

Oranges – Storms Follow Bugs as Florida Crop at 29-Year Low B

Oranges – Juice Pouring Into South Korea WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Oil Sands – Canada Aims to Sell Its Oil Beyond US WSJ / R * *

Oil Sands – Canada poised to dilute EU rules FT / G&M / FP

Oil Sands – Total shelves $11b Alberta mine G&M / WSJ

Oil Sands – Labor crunch looms as new projects set to come on stream FP

Oil Sands – Accident Leads to Scrutiny of Production NYT

Oil Sands – The promise of steam-assisted gravity drainage FP *

Oil Sands – Thirst for fresh water is falling FP *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

Fans: The Heat Have Already Beaten the Spurs, Even in Parts of Texas nyt *


5 June 2014

June 4th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Alternative Energy

US – Goes From Big to Still Bigger on the New Home Front
Online – Study shows US beats Europe on broadband speed and access
Rare Earths – China preparing to cancel tariffs


MAJOR DATA POINTS

US – Week: Jobless Claims Up, But Still Near 7-Year Low; +8k to 312k / WSJ / B / R / AP / r *


MARKETS

Renminbi – Use surges in home of US dollar ft *


ECONOMICS

US – ‘Widening Trade Gap Dims Growth Views’ WSJ *

US – ‘A wider trade gap is seen as good news’ NYT

US – Can Economists Tell if a Recession is Coming? wsj * *

US – Profit Decline Waves Caution Flag B *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY

ECB – Cuts deposit rate below zero FT / WSJ / NYT / R / AP / B / b * *

BOE – Holds Rates FT / WSJ / R / NYT / B

Fed – Survey: Economy showing improvement across US AP / WSJ / B

Fed – Policy Hawks Express Mix of Views on Timing of Rate Hikes WSJ / FT

Fed – Officials Growing Wary of Market Complacency WSJ *


FINANCE

US – Tussle over BNP escalates FT / WSJ

US – Banks face fines over LBO loans R *

US – Bank Regulators Plan Sweeping Look at Regulations WSJ

US – Jobs Are on the Line as Banks’ Revenue Slides WSJ *


REAL ESTATE

US – CoreLogic: House Prices up 10.5% Year-over-year in April cr *

US – Allure of Homeownership Slumps Amid Worries of Continued Crisis wsj * * *

US – Loans About to Reset Will Mean Higher Bills for Many Borrowers WSJ *

US – Goes From Big to Still Bigger on the New Home Front wsj / wsj * * * *


SERVICES

Online – Airborne Broadband Projected to Expand Sharply WSJ

Online – Study shows US beats Europe on broadband speed and access FT / am / motw * *


MANUFACTURING



TECH

Telecoms – Sprint, T-Mobile Move Closer to a $32b Deal WSJ / B / NYT

Telecoms – AT&T Bulks Up Again BW *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Rare Earths – China preparing to cancel tariffs R

Rare Earths – China’s Toxic Time Bomb to Spur $12b of Mines B

Platinum – South Africa Union Leaders Reject Offer WSJ

Nickel – China Builds Sulawesi Smelters as Ore Ban Cuts Jobs B


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Alt – Solar: US to levy fresh tariffs of up to 35.2% on Chinese panels FT / WSJ / NYT / WSJ / X / CD

Alt – Solar: US panel manufacturers climb on import duty plan FT / AP

Alt – Solar: China Breaking Agreement on Panels, EU Makers Say WSJ

Alt – Ethanol – How ‘Big Corn’ lost the battle to Philadelphia refiners R

Alt – Wave: Experimental Efforts to Harvest the Ocean’s Power Face Cost Setbacks NYT *

Alt – For A Brief Moment Electricity In Germany Dropped Was Free bi *

Alt – Annual increases in energy production, oil and gas vs. solar and wind / cd *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

The Stanley Cup Center of Gravity Has Left Canada 538 *


4 June 2014

June 3rd, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Autos

UK – House Prices Surpass 2007 Peak to Hit New Record
OSs – Few Windows XP Users Have Upgraded
Measles – Cases in the US reach 20-year high


MAJOR DATA POINTS

EZ – Q1: Economy Slows as ECB Prepares to Drive Growth; +0.2% from +0.3% / B / eu *

EZ – May: Markit composite PMI confirms recovery slowed; 53.5 from 54.0 / FT / m *

US – May: ADP private sector adds jobs; +179k from +215k / R / AP / WSJ r *

US – May: ISM Non-Manufacturing Index Rises; 56.3 from 55.2 / WSJ / B / r *

US – Apr: Trade Gap Jumps to Two-Year High; +6.9% / B / AP / WSJ / R / r *

US – Q1: Productivity Falters Worst in 6 Years; -3.2% was -1.7% / WSJ / AP / r *


MARKETS



ECONOMICS



POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY



MONETARY POLICY

ECB – Eurozone deflation fears add to pressure on Draghi FT / FT *

ECB – Seen Ready to Tackle Europe’s Weak Inflation Problem WSJ * *

ECB – Action already priced in by investors FT * * *

ECB – Mr. Draghi, Tear Down These Rates! cfr *


FINANCE

EU – ECB Officials Anxious About Impact of US Fines WSJ / FT / NYT

EU – Banks Still unstable FT * * *


REAL ESTATE

UK – House Prices Surpass 2007 Peak to Hit New Record B / WSJ / r *

UK – Housebuilders embrace collaborative spirit to lower risk FT *

UK – RBS and Lloyds retreat from London mortgages FT / FT / FT *

UK – Help to Buy 2 not fuelling southeast boom, data suggest FT * *

UK – Construction sector still struggles to rebuild after recession FT *


SERVICES



MANUFACTURING

Autos – US: Sales hit 9-year high in May AP / WSJ / FT / NYT * *

Autos – US: Cars on the road are still pretty old ft *

Autos – US: ‘Trucks are saving the economy’ q * *

Autos – US: More are leasing cars instead of buying them q * * *

Autos – US: Eight States to Roll Out Electric Vehicle Plan WSJ

Autos – China: Subsidies Stoke Domestic Car Makers WSJ *

Autos – China: Bejing to take 5 million older vehicles off roads AP

Autos – China: Next Big Thing? Used Cars WSJ

Autos – China: Boosts Volkswagen Sales WSJ *

Autos – China: Passenger car sales back in fast lane in April CD *

Autos – China: Indigenous brand policy backfires FT / WSJ

Autos – China: BMW to Build Electric-Car Charging Stations in Shanghai WSJ *

Autos – EU: Capacity Cuts Leave Ford Optimistic WSJ / FT

Autos – EU: Sales Growth Slows WSJ *

Autos – EU: Fiat Chrysler to Challenge Audi, BMW With New Alfa Romeo WSJ / FT *

Autos – EU: VW Wins Battle to Buy Out Scania Minority Shareholders WSJ *

Autos – Thailand: Car Market Sputters WSJ *

Autos – Argentina: Carmakers suspend staff as sales plunge AP


TECH

OSs – Apple’s iOS8 opens door to developers FT / WSJ / NYT / FT *

OSs – Few Windows XP Users Have Upgraded bi *

OSs – One Bright Spot From the End of XP wsj *

OSs – Windows operating systems / r *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Air – Lines Make Just Enough To Pay Their Jet-Fuel Bills WSJ

Air – Mideast Lines, Western Rivals Grow Closer With Problems in Common WSJ / R

Air – World’s busiest airports / r *


COMMODITIES

Palladium – Global Auto Sales Help to Drive Demand WSJ *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Carbon – What’s the Real Cost of the EPA’s Emissions Cap? WSJ / AP / AP

Carbon – States feel unequal burden of carbon reduction targets FT / WSJ *

Carbon – Why Democrats Believe They Can Write-Off Coal Country nyt *

Carbon – Will Developing World Join EPA Push for Carbon Cuts? WSJ / FT / AP


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH

MERS – Saudi Arabia says has 113 more cases than previously thought R

Measles – Cases in the US reach 20-year high CDC *


ENDNOTE

It’s NY vs LA in the NHL. In GDP, NY has already overcome the odds. 538 * *


3 June 2014

June 2nd, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: China Real Estate & Economy

FMs – Investors Rewarded for Trek Into Little Known Markets
Iron – Ore producers plan cuts
Carbon – Democrats From Coal Country Run From EPA


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – May: HSBC Manufacturing Index Rises to Four-Month High; 49.4 from 48.1 / B / R / m *

China – May: Official services PMI hits six-month high; 55.5 from 54.8 / R / WSJ / b *

EZ – May: Inflation falls as ECB poised to act; 0.5% from 0.7% / R / WSJ / AP / NYT / B / FT *

US – Apr: Factory orders increase for third month; +0.7% from +1.5% / R / AP


MARKETS

FMs – Investors Rewarded for Trek Into Little Known Markets wsj * *

FMs – World’s smallest stock markets battle growing pains FT *


ECONOMICS

Australia – RBA Holds Rates at Record Low B / SMH / ABC / Aus

Australia – End of the boom FT * * *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

EU – ‘The Democratic Deficit: Europeans Vote, Merkel Decides’ S / ft *


MONETARY POLICY

BOE – Carney May Need to Play a Fourth Card WSJ *

BOE – Edges towards decision on rate rise FT / WSJ / r / t * *


FINANCE



REAL ESTATE

China – Home Prices Slip in May for First Time in Nearly Two Years WSJ / R / b *

China – Property forecast to drag on growth, now 7.3% vs 7.5% gov target / b *

China – Zero Down Payment? Developers Get Desperate wsj

China – ‘Game of Real-Estate Chicken’ WSJ *

China – Home prices ‘will stay under pressure’ CD *

China – Stretches ‘Mini’ Label for Stimulus as Steps Grow B

China – ‘Needs Credit Growth to Reverse Slowdown’ B *

China – Economy entered ‘manageable slowdown’ – central bank chief R

China – Firms slow payments as unpaid debt weighs on finances R / B *

China – Online Spending Power Unmasked B

China – Online Retailers Gain From Gender Gap WSJ *

China – Non-Performing Loans on the Rise b *

China – Richest City Set to Pass Hong Kong GDP B *

China – Urges Local Governments to Spend WSJ

China – VP meets Keidanren head as Beijing seeks Japanese investment AS *


SERVICES



MANUFACTURING



TECH

Security – NCA and FBI disrupt global malware network FT / R / WSJ *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

Ship – Some Hedge Funds Are Betting Rates Are Set to Soar WSJ *


COMMODITIES

Iron – Ore producers plan cuts SMH *

Iron – U.S. Steel Cites South Korean Imports in Plans to Idle Plants WSJ *

Iron – China steel output continues to rise, prices fall X


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Carbon – Obama proposes biggest ever US push for cuts FT / FT * * * *

Carbon – Utilities Size Up Emission Cap for Power Plants WSJ / NYT / WSJ * * * *

Carbon – Democrats From Coal Country Run From EPA NYT / WSJ * *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH

Hospitals – Prices for Common Services in US on the Rise WSJ / NYT / wapo * *


ENDNOTE

Wisconsin’s bar-to-grocery store ratio puts the rest of the country to shame wapo * * *


2 June 2014

June 1st, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Currencies

Pot – Colorado Sees the Downside of a Legal High
Coffee – Rust reaches new heights in Central America
Pharma – Cancer Researchers Report Longer Survival Rates With Immunotherapy


MAJOR DATA POINTS

China – May: Manufacturing Gauge Rises to Five-Month High; 50.8 from 50.4 / WSJ / AP / B / R / FT / X / b / b * *

India – FY13-14: GDP Disappoints; +4.7% from +4.5% / WSJ *

EZ – May: Markit PMI points to manufacturing slowdown; 52.2 from 53.4 / FT / B / R * *

Germany – May: Inflation is lowest in years, adds to case for ECB action; 0.6% / R *

Brazil – Q1: Economy Slows; +0.2% from +1.9% yr / WSJ *

US – May: ISM Manufacturing Index Falls; 53.2 from 54.9 / B / r *

US – Apr: Construction spending up; +0.2% from +0.6% / AP / r *


MARKETS

Currencies – Death of US dollar is greatly exaggerated FT *

Currencies – Euro Faces Pressure Over Threat of ECB Easing Measures WSJ

Currencies – Falling renminbi raises eyebrows overseas FT

Currencies – Renminbi bulls offered glimmer of hope FT * * *

Currencies – South Korean won at highest in six years FT / B *

Currencies – EMs currencies slip amid easing moves FT / FT

Currencies – Thai military rulers appoint anti-Thaksin advisers R *

Currencies – Chaos in Venezuela Portends Write-Downs WSJ *

Currencies – Unrest Takes Toll on Nigeria’s Naria WSJ *

Currencies – Argentine Peso Comes Back Under Pressure WSJ

Currencies – Silicon Valley’s rush to back Bitcoin services rouses concerns FT

Currencies – Cold War is starting to heat up FT *

Currencies – Swings take toll on consumer groups and manufacturers FT *


ECONOMICS



POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Ukraine – US to Press Financial Weaponry In Talks With European Allies on Russia WSJ

Ukraine – Putin backs moves to improve Russia’s investment climate FT *

Ukraine – Russian Bonds Rally Despite Crisis Rumbling On WSJ *


MONETARY POLICY

ECB – To tackle deflation threat with rate cut FT / R / ft *


FINANCE



REAL ESTATE



SERVICES

Pot – Uruguay Has Big Hopes for Cannabis Industry WSJ

Pot – When Cannabis Goes Corporate NYT *

Pot – Hemp Enters the Mainstream BW *

Pot – Colorado Sees the Downside of a Legal High NYT *


MANUFACTURING

Robots – Are Getting Smarter WSJ / WSJ / WSJ *

Robots – China becomes largest buyer FT / FT / FT / FT *


TECH

PCs – Demise greatly exaggerated, says Intel head FT

PCs – Market Slide Continues But Conditions Improving IBD


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Coffee – Rust reaches new heights in Central America AP

Coffee – Africa’s Changing Tastes Put Exports Under Strain WSJ

Wheat – Dry weather threat in key regions FT *

Soybeans – Argentine Farmers Reap Discontent WSJ *

Sugar – Brazil’s woes weigh on market FT *

Cotton – The new aluminum? Warehouse queues rise, along with tempers R *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Carbon – EPA to Seek 30% Cut in Emissions NYT / WSJ / FT / AP / B / R

Carbon – Limits Likely to Drive Up Electricity Prices WSJ

Carbon – EPA may nod to nuclear in carbon rules, as generators fear closures R * *

Carbon – A Price Tag as a Climate Rescue Plan NYT

Carbon – Obama’s Step Forward Undone by China’s Steps Back B *


LABOR & EDUCATION

Japan – Worker Shortages Rattle Recovery WSJ *


HEALTH

Pharma – Cancer Researchers Report Longer Survival Rates With Immunotherapy NYT / WSJ

Pharma – Hopes for cancer cures offer comfort for battered sector FT / FT * * *

Pharma – Hormone Suppressor Seen Helping Some Breast-Cancer Patients WSJ *


ENDNOTE

Generic Terms for Streams in the US motw *


30 May 2014

May 29th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Tech Security

E-Cigs – Quality issues push production to US from China
US – Construction Lending Climbs, Now Sits 66% Below Boom-Era Peak
Gold – With London ‘fix’ under fire, China seeks bigger sway in trade


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Japan – Apr: Inflation Quickens to Fastest Since 1991; 3.2% / R / WSJ / B / AP / b *

US – Apr: Consumer spending down; -0.1% from +1.0% / AP / B / R / WSJ / r *

US – May: UMich consumer sentiment down; 81.9 from 84.1 / R / r *


MARKETS

Bonds – Mom and Pop Investors Return to Munis WSJ * *

Bonds – Investors borrow to boost returns FT *


ECONOMICS

Asia – Companies now need to reform E / E / E / E * * * * *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

Thailand – Military Rulers Make Policy Moves WSJ / R / WSJ * * * * * *

Thailand – Coup won’t drive car firms, but rivals beckon R / r *


MONETARY POLICY



FINANCE



REAL ESTATE

US – Housing on the Mend, Ever So Gradually NYT *

US – Borrowers Tap Their Homes at a Hot Clip WSJ *

US – Housing Investors Settle Into a Holding Pattern WSJ *

US – Housing Recovery’s Missing Link: First-Time Buyers WSJ *

US – Signs of a Suburban Comeback WSJ *

US – Mortgage Probes Shift to Smaller Banks WSJ *

US – The Most Expensive Places bi *

US – Construction Lending Climbs, Now Sits 66% Below Boom-Era Peak wsj *

US – A Growing Number Of American Homes Are Now ‘Obsolete’ bi *


SERVICES

E-Cigs – Lose steam to larger vaporisers FT / WSJ *

E-Cigs – Scientists warn WHO not to classify as tobacco products R / FT / FT *

E-Cigs – Burning Insurance Question: Are ‘Vapers’ Smokers? WSJ

E-Cigs – Quality issues push production to US from China R

E-Cigs – Sweets makers work to keep names off products AP


MANUFACTURING



TECH

Security – China Hacking Is Deep and Diverse, Experts Say WSJ

Security – US to Rev Up Hacking Fight WSJ / FT / R / AP / R

Security – German fears of China cyber spying reinforced by US charges FT

Security – China Says US Also Engages in Hacking WSJ / R

Security – China Suggests US fabricated evidence for cyberattacks R / WSJ *

Security – China Said to Study IBM Servers for Bank Security Risks B

Security – China Pulls Cisco Into Dispute on Cyberspying NYT

Security – China clamps down on US consulting groups FT

Security – Fears drive Palo Alto FT

Security – Tech Giants Try to Prevent Next Heartbleed nyt / r *

Privacy – Google bows to EU ruling FT / R / NYT / FT / WSJ / NYT *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION

US/EU – Elections pose new threat to trade deal FT

US/China – Washington prevails in WTO car case NYT / FT / WSJ / B / X *

World – OECD warns on trade slowdown FT *


COMMODITIES

Palladium – Global Auto Sales Help to Drive Demand WSJ *

Iron – Bulls and bears split by rising supply FT / WSJ *

Gold – With London ‘fix’ under fire, China seeks bigger sway in trade R

Platinum – South Africa’s New Mining Minister Attempts to End Strike WSJ

Platinum – Protracted strike pushes South Africa towards recession R / FT *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Carbon – EPA’s Approach to Spark Court Challenges WSJ / AP *

Carbon – Rules threaten coal plants in West Virginia FT *


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

Google Maps’ impressive attention to detail kottke *


29 May 2014

May 28th, 2014



Today’s Issue Cluster: Mobiles

US – Wal-Mart and Google could take young customers from banks
Ads – Mobiles Eating Global Attention
Milk – NZ’s Fonterra sees milk prices near historical highs next season


MAJOR DATA POINTS

Japan – Apr: Retail sales tumble after tax hike; -4.4% / R / B / FT

US – Q1: Economy Shrinks for First Time Since 2011; -1.0% was +0.1% / WSJ / NYT / R / AP / FT / B / r / b * * *

US – Apr: NAR Pending Home Sales Edge Up Slightly, But Miss Expectations; +0.4% not +2.0% / WSJ / B / R / r / b * *

US – Week: Applications for jobless aid near 7-year low; -27k to 300k / AP / WSJ / R / B / r *


MARKETS

Bonds – EZ wobbles send stability warning FT *

Bonds – Spain dives into linkers FT *

Bonds – EMs Bounce Back WSJ * *

Bonds – Green credentials under scrutiny FT / FT *


ECONOMICS

Brazil – Hope Fades for a World Cup Economic Boost WSJ / B / FT * *

Brazil – Death knell sounds for economic strategy FT / r *

Brazil – Workers are gloriously unproductive E *


POLITICS & FISCAL POLICY

EU – Braced for prolonged tussle over new Commission president FT / q * *


MONETARY POLICY



FINANCE

US – Big Profit Engines for Banks Falter WSJ *

US – Wal-Mart and Google could take young customers from banks wapo * *

US – Banking sector jobs / r *


REAL ESTATE

Spain – Mortgage Lending Rises for First Time in Four Years B

Spain – Sees Embers Glow in Wreckage of Property Crash B / WSJ / r *


SERVICES

Ads – Online Video Blurs Picture for Marketers WSJ *

Ads – Mobiles Eating Global Attention A * * * * *


MANUFACTURING



TECH

Mobiles – Apple buys Beats for $3b FT / WSJ / NYT / B / APR * *

Mobiles – Lenovo Sees Motorola as Weapon in China WSJ

Mobiles – BlackBerry Turns to Indonesia to Make Turnaround Push WSJ * *

Mobiles – Nokia completes €5.4b sale of handsets to Microsoft FT / FT / FT *

Mobiles – Tough decisions still loom for revamped Nokia FT *

Mobiles – Amazon Preparing to Release Smartphone WSJ

Mobiles – The rise of the cheap smartphone E / FT *

Mobiles – Samsung Says New Galaxy S5 Is Off to Strong Start WSJ *

Mobiles – Samsung Unveils wristband that can measure health, fitness R

Mobiles – Samsung Plans to Introduce a Stand-Alone Smartwatch WSJ *

Mobiles – Samsung Is Developing Own Platform, Apps WSJ

Mobiles – Samsung’s Apps Are Ubiquitous but Unloved wsj *

Mobiles – Home screen fight begins as tech giants snap up super-apps FT

Mobiles – Microsoft struggles for footing in tablet market WSJ / R / AP / r *

Mobiles – Google Developing Tablet With Advanced Vision Capabilities WSJ

Mobiles – Tablets Cooled Down in the First Quarter wsj / BW * *

Mobiles – Xiaomi’s tablet aims to challenge Apple’s iPad CD *

Mobiles – The post-PC revolution is still on track q * *


TRADE & TRANSPORTATION



COMMODITIES

Milk – Prices Fall as Competition for China Market Heats Up WSJ *

Milk – NZ’s Fonterra sees milk prices near historical highs next season R *


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Power – Industry braced for US carbon rules FT / R / NYT / FT * *

Power – Price Rise Energizes Utility Shares WSJ *

Power – Auction Foreshadows Possible Increase in Electricity Bills WSJ


LABOR & EDUCATION



HEALTH



ENDNOTE

How America’s source of immigrants changed over a century mf *