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☆ China’s messy options for ending zero-Covid: podcast
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Aimee Donnellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, Dec 1 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Protests broke out across the People’s Republic this week as authorities tightened lockdowns to contain the virus. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the difficulties of walking back a policy that leader Xi Jinping has convinced the country is necessary. Listen to the podcastFollow @aimeedonnellan on TwitterloadingEditing by Thomas Shum and Katrina HamlinOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ Ireland picks cheeky moment to lift bank bonus cap
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Nov 30 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Ireland’s plan to lift a cap on bankers’ bonuses looks ill-timed. On Tuesday, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said Dublin will lift a 500,000 euro crisis-era cap on annual executive salaries and allow bonuses of up to 20,000 euros for bank workers. However, Irish bank bosses have long argued salary constraints made it difficult to retain top talent. The remaining big bank duopoly of AIB (AIBG.I) and Bank of Ireland (BIRG.I) means a customer backlash is unlikely as there is little alternative. Still, championing higher pay for bankers is a gutsy move in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

☆ Defying forecasts, crude oil prices have wiped out most of this year's gains and could head lower
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Patti Domm | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Aimee Dilger | ReutersOil prices are defying expectations and are barely higher on the year, as the outlook for oil demand continues to deteriorate for now. Higher oil prices next year? Analysts expect oil prices to increase next year. Morse said market dynamics have changed and oil demand growth will be smaller as a percentage of gross domestic product. "We are also looking for the peak of oil demand in this decade.

☆ A match like no other. When the US played Iran at the 1998 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

The US had qualified for the 1998 World Cup in France with ease. “Instantly, it was less about Germany, less about Yugoslavia, more about Iran,” Sampson told CNN Sport. “That was a bit of a distraction.”Over two decades later, the USMNT again faces Iran in the group stages of a World Cup. Gael Cornier/APThe USMNT had to face Germany, then the reigning European champion in its opening match, yet the Iran match, the second group game, was everyone else’s focus. “We had 150 armed police, which was unprecedented for a World Cup match.

☆ Big Pharma will muscle in on obesity gold rush
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Aimee Donnellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Obesity drugs are a modern day gold rush for drugmakers. By then, the obesity market could total $50 billion, according to Morgan Stanley. But a plausible 50% price cut would lower annual sales to $25 billion. Reuters GraphicsFollow @aimeedonnellan on TwitterCONTEXT NEWSSales of Novo Nordisk’s obesity drugs Wegovy and Saxenda reached nearly $1.2 billion in 2021, up 50% versus the previous year. Morgan Stanley analysts expect the obesity market to grow to $50 billion in annual sales by 2030.

☆ Iran beats 10-man Wales to keep World Cup qualification hopes alive
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Two late goals secured Iran a sensational 2-0 win against Wales to maintain its hopes of qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages. Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesAfter the heavy 6-2 defeat by England, Iran played much better in its second match. Elsewhere, World Cup host Qatar is on the brink of exiting the tournament after a second successive loss, losing 3-1 to Senegal. Qatar was much improved from its opening day loss to Ecuador, but it was overpowered by a Senegal team that finally arrived at the World Cup. The game ended in sombre fashion for the host team as thousands of Qataris headed towards to the exits after the third Senegal goal, their hopes of a fairy tale World Cup all but vanished.

The gratitude I feel now is genuine — but it is not for being chosen to be adopted. But the worst thing people said was: Your mother wanted what was best for you. Wasn’t the best possible life a child could have the one they had with the mother who gave birth to them? I could mourn my now-deceased birth mother and love my adoptive mother, who shares a Thanksgiving table with my family today. The gratitude I feel now is genuine — but it is not for being chosen to be adopted.

☆ Dr. Martens exposes fashion’s squeezed middle
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Nov 24 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Dr. Martens (DOCS.L) revealed a weak spot in Britain’s already ailing retail sector. It also warned that it will have to spend more to hit its existing revenue target of “high teens” percent growth for the full year. That means its EBITDA margin will be 1 percentage point to 2.5 percentage points lower than last year’s 29%. Dr. Martens straddles the high street and luxury retail sectors. Chief Executive Kenny Wilson revealed growth in its direct-to-consumer offering was also slower than expected in the first half.

☆ FTX collapse consigns crypto to fringes of finance: podcast
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Aimee Donnellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, Nov 24 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Sam Bankman-Fried’s failed crypto exchange is a huge blow to the ailing sector. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how firewalls helped protect banks, how the saga will embolden regulators, and what the future looks like for digital currencies. Listen to the podcastFollow @aimeedonnellan on TwitterEditing by Oliver TaslicOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ 'It's not safe and it's not right.' Qatar says all are welcome to the World Cup but some LGBTQ fans are staying away
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-19 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Visitors gather at the FIFA World Cup countdown clock in Doha on October 30, 2022. But Minden told CNN: “It’s not safe and it’s not right.”‘Everyone is welcome to Qatar’A Qatar government official told CNN in a statement that the World Cup host was an inclusive country. It doesn’t sit right with me.”Qatar isn’t the first controversial host of a big sporting event, or even a FIFA World Cup. Wales is one of eight participating European countries at the World Cup supporting the initiative. The World Cup, like the Olympics, puts the host country under a global spotlight.

☆ John Leguizamo says food is a 'bait and a lure' in 'The Menu' horror-comedy movie
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Arturo Conde | Arturo Conde Is An Editor | A Bilingual Freelance Journalist. He Writes For La Opinión A Coruña | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

The new horror-comedy “The Menu,” uses that allure to trap privileged diners at a high-end banquet, the actor John Leguizamo said in an interview with NBC News. “I loved the clever writing, the beautiful poetry about food, and then obviously the beautiful execution of the food,” he said. Beyond these ruling class stereotypes, however, Leguizamo said he’s proud that “The Menu” puts the spotlight on Latino actors in a different way. Outside of the film, food is nurturing and empowering, Leguizamo said. Lately Leguizamo has been busy traveling across the country and doing a deep dive into the culture — including the iconic foods and restaurants — of several U.S. cities as part of his upcoming documentary series, "Leguizamo Does America."

☆ 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.

☆ COP28 may make up for COP27’s shortcomings: podcast
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Aimee Donnellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, Nov 17 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The global climate meeting has mostly failed to lure the same corporate big hitters as Glasgow did last year. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss how even if the gathering in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh yields little progress, 2023 in the UAE could be better. Listen to the podcastFollow @aimeedonnellan on TwitterEditing by Oliver TaslicOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ Jay Leno recovering from burn injuries
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Sandra Gonzalez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Jay Leno is recovering from burn injuries following a gasoline fire, according to a statement from the hospital where he is getting treatment. “He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in ‘the best burn center in the United States.’”CNN has reached out to representatives for Leno for comment. Leno, an avid car collector, was working on one of his vehicles in his garage when it reportedly burst into flames. I am ok. Just need a week or two to get back on my feet,” the former “The Tonight Show” host told Variety. Leno, 72, canceled an appearance at The Financial Brand Forum conference in Las Vegas on Sunday, according to a report by People, citing organizers.

☆ Roche reminds investors big drug bets have risks
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Nov 14 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Shareholders in Swiss drug giant Roche (ROG.S) are learning the downside of making big bets on new drugs. Credit Suisse analysts reckoned the drug could eventually generate around $10 billion of sales. If shareholders had valued that revenue at the same 4 times multiple at which Roche currently trades, the drug could have added nearly $40 billion of value to the company. That suggests investors were attaching a less than one-in-three chance of the drug being a success. Roche investors should brace for more big bets.

☆ Gallagher, watermelon smashing comedian, dead at 76
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-11 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Comedian Gallagher, best known for his watermelon-smashing comedy routine and many popular specials in the 1980s, died Friday morning, according his manager Craig Marquardo. Gallagher’s most famous bit involved a hand-made sledgehammer he called the “Sledge-O-Matic,” which he would use to smash food on stage, spraying the audience. Comedian Gallagher circa 1970s. Bill Johnson/Denver Post/Getty Images“That was something else he liked to claim credit for, which was physically engaging the audience in that manner,” the obituary said. “While his counterparts went on to do sitcoms, host talk shows and star in movies, Gallagher stayed on the road touring America for decades,” the obituary said.

☆ How Credit Suisse’s turnaround could work: podcast
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-10 | by ( Aimee Donnellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, Nov 10 (Reuters Breakingviews) - CEO Ulrich Körner is raising $4 bln of fresh equity and shrinking the Zurich-based group’s trading business to put it on a steadier footing. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists debate the merits of the plan and what’s at stake if it fails. Listen to the podcastFollow @aimeedonnellan on TwitterEditing by Amanda Gomez and Oliver TaslicOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

The first was Democrat Wes Moore, who beat Republican Dan Cox, becoming Maryland’s first Black governor, and only the third Black governor in the country. Black female candidates hoped to make history across gender and racial lines in several states, from Rep. Val Demings and Aramis Ayala in Florida to Chelsea Clark in Ohio and several women bidding to be the country’s first Black female governor. Although many of these key races ended in upsets for the Black female Democratic candidates, some states have ushered in new progressive representation. And in Massachusetts, Democrat Andrea Campbell beat out Republican Jay McMahon to become the state’s first Black female attorney general. “What we just saw in the midterms is that these Black women were able to inspire multiracial coalitions that enabled their wins.

For the second time in less than three years, the Bank of England has made an emergency intervention in the market for UK government bonds. Investors rushed to liquidate assets, including money market funds which held UK government bonds. The latest intervention was triggered by excessive leverage in UK pension funds, which had borrowed to boost returns using a strategy known as liability-driven investing (LDI). To prevent future blow-ups, regulators could cap money market funds’ exposure to less liquid assets, reducing the risk of a run by investors. Financial market regulators in European fund centres like Ireland and Luxembourg have stepped up surveillance of LDI strategies used by UK pension funds, the Financial Times reported on Oct. 28.

☆ Primark’s price freeze is risky inflation gambit
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Nov 8 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Primark is breaking with the pack to navigate soaring inflation. Its largest rival Inditex (ITX.MC), owner of Zara, is taking a different approach by hiking prices over the next year. AB Foods Chief Executive George Weston appears to be willing to sacrifice Primark’s near 10% operating margin to keep price-sensitive customers happy. Assume inflation shaves almost 3 percentage points off the retail unit’s operating margin next year, taking it down to 7%. The 4% bump in AB Foods’ share price on Tuesday suggests investors reckon the plan may work.

☆ Man who won gay rights case at Supreme Court agrees to settlement
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

ATLANTA — A Georgia county has agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by a man whose case was one of three that led to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender people from discrimination in employment. The Clayton County Board of Commissioners this week approved an $825,000 settlement for Gerald Lynn Bostock, his lawyer Ed Buckley said Friday. Bostock had sued the county, which sits just south of Atlanta, saying he was fired in 2013 because he is gay. The federal appeals court cited binding precedent that said the 1964 civil rights law doesn’t protect against workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation. Bostock asserted in a 2016 lawsuit that he was fired from his job as a court child welfare services coordinator because he’s gay.

The respective chief executives of $139 billion Philip Morris International (PM.N) and $95 billion Rio Tinto (RIO.L) are attempting takeovers that are central to their strategies. Olczak, who needs 90% of shareholders to accept in order to automatically de-list the company, initially faced opposition to his $16 billion offer. The mining giant asked for the postponement at the request of Quebec’s financial regulator, Turquoise Hill said. Two key investors in Turquoise Hill have agreed to withhold their votes on the bid, with their final deal dependent on Canadian arbitration. Turquoise Hill shares closed at C$41.6 on Nov. 4.

☆ Tom Ford return offers remedy for Gucci fatigue
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( Lisa Jucca | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MILAN, Nov 4 (Reuters Breakingviews) - Tom Ford’s return to the realm of Gucci owner Kering (PRTP.PA) would add some much-needed sparkle. Bringing Tom Ford himself on board could even help revitalise it. Tom Ford offers diversification at a reasonable valuation. Sales of Tom Ford Beauty’s cosmetics and fragrances grew at a double digit rate in the third quarter, according to Vogue Business. In August, the Wall Street Journal reported that beauty giant Estée Lauder was looking to buy Tom Ford for $3 billion.

☆ Elon Musk’s $44 bln Twitter challenge begins: podcast
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Aimee Donnellan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters Breakingviews) - The Tesla boss is now the proud owner of the social media platform. In this Viewsroom podcast, Breakingviews columnists discuss the billionaire’s plans to boost revenue, the implications for the electric carmaker’s shareholders, and what the saga tells us about mega-deals. Listen to the podcastFollow @aimeedonnellan on TwitterEditing by Thomas Shum and Oliver TaslicOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Opinions expressed are those of the author. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

☆ Maersk recession pain could yet get more acute
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Moller Maersk (MAERSKb.CO) is experiencing the dark side of relief in the world’s recovering supply chains. They have now fallen below $4,000, and a recession could drive them down further. Falling freight rates and volumes could encourage Maersk’s clients, who have flexible contracts, to scale back on their shipping orders. The clients can then buy up freight contracts in the open market, which are cheaper than contracts signed months ago. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

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