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☆ Companies want to know how many people are back in the office. They're using water coolers to find out.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Bevi, a Boston startup, makes high-tech water coolers that collect usage data. Some investors and hedge funds are using this data to track America's return to office trends, Bloomberg reported. Bevi, a Boston-based startup that sells high-tech water coolers, collects data about how much water its machines dispense over time. When Bevi's usage data rose from 28% to 44% between January 2021 and 2022, office occupancy data collected by securities firm Kastle Systems rose in tandem. The companies hope to gain insight into office trends, as remote work continues to solidify itself as a standard.

☆ Female entrepreneurs’ glass ceiling is intact
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Lisa Jucca | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

MILAN, March 8 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The glass ceiling that holds back female entrepreneurs remains intact. Yet despite representing 40% of new business founders in the United States, female entrepreneurs capture only a fraction of available venture capital cash. A tendency by venture capital funds to shun female entrepreneurs risks hobbling their contribution to the global economy. Helping female entrepreneurs to rise to the top will be beneficial to women and to the world. In 2021, female entrepreneurs made up 40% of total in the United States, data from the Kauffman Foundation shows.

☆ European shares up as travel stocks shine, Thyssenkrupp slides
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Shreyashi Sanyal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The continent-wide STOXX 600 index (.STOXX) rose 0.4%, while European travel & leisure stocks (.SXTP) advanced 0.8%. TUI's German-listed shares (TUIGn.DE) rose 2.5%, with its shares listed in London adding 2.5% after the company reported more bookings and higher first-quarter revenue. In Europe, a flash reading of fourth quarter GDP is also on the radar on growing hopes that the euro zone economy most likely avoided a recession. The STOXX 600 has risen over 9% so far this year led by better-than-expected earnings and a brighter outlook for the euro zone economy. Reporting by Shreyashi Sanyal in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Dhanya Ann ThoppilOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

PARIS, Feb 14 (Reuters) - LVMH (LVMH.PA) top label Louis Vuitton said on Tuesday it has hired Pharrell Williams to head artistic direction of its menswear designs, tapping a popular figure from the music industry to fill the high-profile position left vacant since the passing of star designer Virgil Abloh over a year ago. "Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome @Pharrell as its new Men’s Creative Director", Louis Vuitton said in a tweet, confirming earlier reports from the Wall Street Journal and the French daily Le Figaro. loadingWilliams' first collection for the label will be shown in June during Men's Fashion Week in Paris, the brand added. Williams rose to fame in the music business as a producer and singer with hits including "Happy" and "Blurred Lines." "Happy," written for the animated movie "Despicable Me 2," earned Williams one of his two Oscar nominations.

☆ Nasdaq futures edge higher as battered megacaps rise
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A fall in Treasury note yields indicate traders expect greater return from investments in risky assets. The major U.S. stock indexes ended the week previous lower, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq (.IXIC) clocking its first weekly loss this year. Investor sentiment was dented by fresh concerns that the Federal Reserve would keep higher interest rates for longer. ET, Dow e-minis were down 18 points, or 0.05%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 4.5 points, or 0.11%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 50.5 points, or 0.41%. Reporting by Johann M Cherian in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju SamuelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Most Gulf markets drop as oil prices fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Md Manzer Hussain | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 13 (Reuters) - Most Gulf stock markets fell in early trade on Monday, in tandem with weaker oil prices and Asian peers as investors were cautious ahead release of crucial U.S. inflation data. Oil, which fuels the region's growth, declined around 1% with Brent crude was down $85.66 a barrel by 0743 GMT. In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark stock index (.FTFADGI) dropped 1.1%, dragged down by a 2.9% loss in Alpha Dhabi (ALPHADHABI.AD) and 1.9% fall in Al Dar Properties, while the largest lender by assets, First Abu Dhabi Bank slid 2.1%. The Qatari Stock index (.QSI) fell 0.2%, weighed down by losses in industry and energy sectors with Industries Qatar losing 2.9% and Qatar Fuel shedding 1.5%. Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index (.TASI) opened on positive note trading 0.6% higher.

☆ U.S. weekly jobless claims increase, labor market remains tight
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The jobs market has remained resilient despite growing economic headwinds from the Federal Reserve's interest rate increases. While labor market strength keeps the U.S. central policy on its monetary policy tightening path, it also suggests that a much anticipated recession is nowhere near. The four-week moving average of claims, considered a better measure of labor market trends as it strips out week-to-week volatility, fell 2,500 to 189,250, the lowest level since last April. "But even so, the job market remains remarkably strong." "There is no sign of easing of labor market tightness here."

☆ Inflation may be falling — but not the cost of your car insurance
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

At least, that is, if you’re paying for car insurance. The average cost of full coverage auto insurance has hit $2,014 a year nationally, up nearly 14% from last year, according to Bankrate’s annual True Cost of Auto Insurance Report, released Monday. It’s a lagging effect of high inflation from the last two years that resulted from labor and parts shortages, which in turn drove up the cost of paying insurance claims on car repairs and related insured expenses. “Car insurance rates are reactionary,” said Cate Deventer, Bankrate’s insurance analyst. “Each geographic area has different risks and costs of living, [so] the cost for car insurance varies across the nation,” Deventer said.

☆ Elevance Health Revenue Lifted by Higher Premiums
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Dean Seal | Anna Wilde Mathews | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Elevance Health Inc. reported higher revenue but a smaller profit for the fourth quarter as premiums rose in tandem with medical costs. The health insurer and healthcare-services provider, formerly known as Anthem Inc., said Wednesday that total revenue increased 9.2% to $39.93 billion, topping analyst expectations of $39.77 billion, according to FactSet.

The 8.4 trillion yuan ($1.24 trillion) decrease in profits in 2022 followed a 34.3% rise in 2021. Frequent and widespread COVID disruptions hit production at industrial firms, hurting both supply and demand sides and putting huge upward pressure on costs, said Bruce Pang, chief economist at Jones Lang Lasalle. In 2022, profits at foreign firms slumped 9.5%, while those at private-sector firms shrank 7.2%, NBS data showed. Industrial profits data covers firms with annual revenue above 20 million yuan from their main operations. Liabilities at industrial firms rose 8.6% in 2022 from a year earlier, compared with 9.0% growth as of end-November.

☆ U.S. weekly jobless claims unexpectedly fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell last week, suggesting the labor market remains tight despite higher interest rates. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits dropped 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 190,000 for the week ended Jan. 14, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 214,000 claims for the latest week. Outside the technology industry, economists say companies are generally reluctant to send workers home after difficulties finding labor during the pandemic. In the week ending Jan 7, the so-called continuing claims rose 17,000 to 1.647 million, the claims report showed.

☆ When Social Security beneficiaries can expect first checks of 2023 to include 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-11 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Other beneficiaries are scheduled to receive their Social Security benefits on the third of every month if they also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits or if they received Social Security before 1997. Yet there's one thing the record high Social Security COLA still can't beat: persistently high consumer prices prompted by inflation. Because of that, your purchases will probably consume any increase you see in Social Security benefits, noted Joe Elsasser, founder and president of Covisum, a Social Security claiming software company. Medicare premium costs are downThe good news for Social Security beneficiaries is that Medicare Part B premiums are down this year. watch nowAs those monthly premium payments are typically deducted directly from Social Security checks, beneficiaries stand to see more of the COLA.

☆ BOJ considering raising inflation forecasts to near 2% target -Nikkei
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO: A man walks past Bank of Japan's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, June 17, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/(Reuters) -The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is considering raising its inflation forecasts in January to show price growth close to its 2% target in fiscal 2023 and 2024, Nikkei reported on Saturday. Upgrades to the BOJ’s inflation forecast would further fuel such speculation as Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has said the central bank could discuss the exit if achievement of its 2% inflation target in tandem with wage hikes comes into sight. The previous forecasts released in October were around 2.9%, 1.6% and 1.6%, respectively. The BOJ will release the latest quarterly growth and price outlook after its next policy meeting on Jan. 17-18.

☆ Bank of Japan may raise inflation forecasts to near 2% target, report says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

People walk the popular shopping area of Ueno in Tokyo on December 23, 2022. The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is considering raising its inflation forecasts in January to show price growth close to its 2% target in fiscal 2023 and 2024, Nikkei reported on Saturday. Upgrades to the BOJ's inflation forecast would further fuel such speculation as Governor Haruhiko Kuroda has said the central bank could discuss the exit if achievement of its 2% inflation target in tandem with wage hikes comes into sight. The previous forecasts released in October were around 2.9%, 1.6% and 1.6%, respectively. Japan's core consumer prices excluding fresh food items rose 3.7% in November, the highest since 1981, government data showed last week.

☆ Indian shares rise in final session of 2022; IT, metals up
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Francis MascarenhasBENGALURU, Dec 30 (Reuters) - Indian shares opened higher on Friday in the final session of 2022, aided by an uptick in IT stocks, tracking gains in global equities. The Nifty 50 index (.NSEI) was up 0.32% at 18,248.85, as of 09:55 a.m. IST, and the S&P BSE Sensex (.BSESN) rose 0.32% to 61,328.04. Oil prices, which slid on concerns over demand recovery in China, also aided gains in domestic equities. Forty-three of the Nifty 50 constituents rose with Tata Steel (TISC.NS), Bajaj Finserv (BJFS.NS), Tech Mahindra (TEML.NS) gaining over 1%. ($1 = 82.7580 Indian rupees)Reporting by Bharath Rajeswaran in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Janane VenkatramanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Jobless Claims Rose Last Week, but Remain Below Prepandemic Average
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( David Harrison | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com. https://www.wsj.com/articles/jobless-claims-rose-by-2-000-last-week-remain-below-prepandemic-average-11671716760

☆ US stocks drop as signs of a still-tight labor market raise fears the Fed will stay hawkish into 2023
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-22 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

US stocks closed lower on Thursday, snapping a win streak of three consecutive gains. Weekly jobless claims rose less than expected, signaling the labor market may still be tight. "Strong economic data, especially strong labor market data, keeps the Fed's foot on the economic brake," Charles Schwab's Liz Ann Sonders said. "Strong economic data, especially strong labor market data, keeps the Fed's foot on the economic brake," Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, told Reuters. Billionaire David Tepper said he is going short on the market into 2023 over the Federal Reserve's continued hawkishness.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Meta, Maxar Technologies, Ford, Goldman Sachs and more
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-16 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Goldman Sachs — Goldman Sachs shares slumped 1% amid news that the Wall Street firm will cut up to 8% of its workforce. The layoffs are slated to come in January and hit all areas of the Wall Street firm, CNBC reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The Wall Street firm cited recent underperformance in net adds as well as growing macro headwinds to advertising revenues. Lincoln National — Shares dropped more than 4% after Lincoln National was downgraded to underperform from hold at Jefferies, according to StreetAccount. JD.com and Alibaba shares rose more than 1% .

Consumer prices data for November, due Tuesday, will provide fresh clues on the central bank's monetary tightening plans. The S&P 500 declined 0.73% to end the session at 3,934.38 points. The Nasdaq declined 0.70% to 11,004.62 points, while Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.90% to 33,476.46 points. Declining stocks outnumbered rising ones within the S&P 500 (.AD.SPX) by a 3.3-to-one ratio. The S&P 500 posted 5 new highs and 1 new lows; the Nasdaq recorded 54 new highs and 213 new lows.

☆ U.S. shoppers alone in boosting Black Friday spend as cost-of-living crisis hits Europe
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Many shoppers say they plan to spend less this Black Friday as the cost-of-living crisis bites. Shoppers in Europe plan to spend almost one-fifth less during this year's annual discount period as inflationary pressures weigh on consumer sentiment, according to research from Boston Consulting Group this month. That could see retailers extend their discounts across the month, increasing buying opportunities for consumers who have the money to spend. Indeed, shopping scams rose by 34% following last year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, according to Barclays research. Davis urged consumers to be extra vigilant when shopping online and avoid making rushed or panicked decisions out of "fear of missing out."

☆ US stocks rise after Fed minutes show most policy makers are in favor of easing up on rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-23 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Most policymakers consider it appropriate to ease back the size of rate hikes, the minutes said. Trading will be closed Thursday for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. A "substantial majority of participants judged that a slowing in the pace of increase would likely soon be appropriate," minutes of this month's Fed meeting released Wednesday afternoon said. The central bank has pushed up the fed funds rate by 75 basis points at four straight meetings. Equity trading will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving Day and end early on Friday, at 1 p.m. Eastern.

CNN —FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s near hour-long speech on the eve of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has been described as “crass” and an “insult” to migrant workers by human rights groups. In an explosive, and sometimes bizarre, monologue, Infantino – the boss of world soccer’s governing body – accused Western critics of Qatar’s human rights record of hypocrisy,“Today I feel Qatari. Infantino’s speech was an insult to the thousands of hard working women and men who have made the World Cup possible. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. All would have been constructed by migrant workers, who – according to Amnesty International – account for 90% of the workforce in a near-three million population.

Sam Bankman-Fried, FTX’s 30-year-old founder, became the face of the company and, to some, crypto at large. The first red flagsNot long after Bankman-Fried started FTX, crypto began to boom. Venture capital money flooded into all things blockchain and crypto, and crypto platforms moved to attract customers beyond the technologists and blockchain evangelists that once fueled its rise. These digital tokens use blockchain technology, in which computers contribute to a shared ledger that can be used to track digital assets. Graeme Sloan / Sipa USA via APThe Wall Street Journal and CNBC, also citing anonymous sources, reported that Alameda had used FTX funds for trading.

☆ U.S. weekly jobless claims fall despite surge in technology layoffs
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The surge in technology layoffs has raised fears that a recession was imminent. They argued that technology job openings remained well above their pre-pandemic level. They also noted technology sector layoffs have not historically been a leading indicator for deterioration in the overall labor market. The claims data covered the week during which the government surveyed business establishments for the nonfarm payrolls component of November's employment report. The so-called continuing claims, a proxy for hiring, increased 13,000 to 1.507 million in the week ending Nov. 5, the claims report showed.

☆ Qatar World Cup: 'Our dreams never came true.' These men helped build Qatar's tournament, now they are struggling to survive.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Aimee Lewis Pramod Acharya Sugam Pokharel | Aimee Lewis | Pramod Acharya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

It will be a historic event, the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East, but one also mired in controversy. He had dreamed of watching World Cup matches from the rooftop of the hotel he had helped build. In Qatar, migrant workers can now change jobs freely without permission from their employer. However, a number of European federations have issued a joint statement saying they would campaign at the tournament on human rights and for a migrant workers center and a compensation fund for migrant workers. The motto for Qatar’s bid team in 2010 was ‘Expect Amazing.’ In many ways, this year’s World Cup has replicated that maxim.

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