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[1/2] The entry to the Home Capital Group's headquarters is seen at an office tower in the financial district of Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 1, 2017. REUTERS/Chris HelgrenTORONTO, April 4 (Reuters) - Canada's antitrust regulator said on Tuesday it is reviewing the potential acquisition of Canadian lender Home Capital Group Inc (HCG.TO) by privately held peer Smith Financial Corp."I can confirm that the Competition Bureau is reviewing the potential acquisition of Home Capital Group by Smith Financial Corporation," a spokesperson for the regulator said in an email to Reuters. Home Capital and Smith Financial were unavailable to immediately provide comment. Home Capital, rescued by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N) five years ago, announced in November it would be taken private by Smith Financial in a C$1.7 billion ($1.27 billion) deal. Smith Financial is controlled by Stephen Smith, the co-founder of Home Capital's larger rival First National Financial Corp (FN.TO) and a top shareholder of lender EQB Inc (EQB.TO).

[1/2] Ethernet cables are seen in front of Rogers and Shaw Communications logos in this illustration taken, July 8, 2022. Rogers' deal for Shaw was politically sensitive due to the sky-high wireless bills Canadians pay, which are among the highest in the world. Yet, the competition bureau failed to block the merger, losing their protracted battle when a federal court dismissed the case. Now, dealmakers worry the government could intervene in other politically sensitive M&A. "There are not a lot of things people in competition law disagree on.

☆ 3 tips on scaling your business during an economic downturn, according to a tech CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Matt Wursta | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Matt Wursta is the founder and CEO of Wursta, a tech consultancy. I started Wursta, a tech consultancy, nearly 10 years ago, but as a business owner, I hadn't seen the market rise and fall so acutely until last year. Building a new business is by nature an uncertain endeavor, but unpredictable economic times can create the best environments for building a thriving business. Here are three tips for capitalizing on the downtimes to make the most for your business. Without sufficient cash (or cash alternatives) on hand, it becomes much more difficult to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves.

☆ Evercore ISI upgrades says it's time to buy this retail giant on improving traffic trends
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Evercore ISI thinks it's time for investors to consider scooping up shares of Walmart . Analyst Greg Melich upgraded the retail stock to outperform from in-line, citing normalizing inventory and improving traffic trends. "The traffic turn appears to be building, and with consumers across the demographic spectrum making wallet allocation choices after several years of record nominal retail spending, Walmart is poised to regain share." "We might be early, as the April analyst day could pose a risk if management tries to bludgeon the Street to their guidance range," Melich wrote. "That said, with traffic momentum and margin expansion likely amidst a decelerating Retail world we like Walmart's scale, balance sheet and stability."

☆ Adani shares tumble on report group seeking time to pay ACC, Ambuja debt
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BENGALURU, March 28 (Reuters) - Shares of Adani Group companies tumbled on Tuesday after a report said the conglomerate was seeking to renegotiate terms of outstanding loans worth $4 billion taken last year to buy cement firms ACC (ACC.NS) and Ambuja Cements (ABUJ.NS). The group's flagship firm, Adani Enterprises (ADEL.NS), slid nearly 8% to a near four-week low, while Adani Ports (APSE.NS) tumbled 9.2%. The Adani Group and lenders Standard Chartered, Barclays and Deutsche Bank did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. Whatever expansion plans announced by Adani Ports, Adani Enterprises, and even Adani Total, for the next two years will undergo delays," said Avinash Gorakshakar, head - research of Profitmart Securities. Since the Hindenburg report, Adani Group stocks have lost between 22% and 80%.

☆ Cargo theft, led by food and beverage, is surging across the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Lori Ann Larocco | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

1 on the list of products being targeted by freight thieves who are increasing their criminal activity across the national supply chain. While household goods and electronics are still high on the list of cargo thieves, "Now, we're starting to see food and beverage commodities pull up front," Cornell said. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwardsAccording to CargoNet's latest theft report through February, there was an almost 50% increase year over year in beverage and food cargo theft. According to the FBI, cargo theft is estimated to cost trucking companies and retailers at least $15 billion to $30 billion a year. Cities that are seeing a spike in freight theft include Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, Savannah, Newark, New Jersey, Memphis and Chicago.

☆ Adani Group suspends work on $4.2 bln project in India's Gujarat - PTI
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 19 (Reuters) - Adani Group has suspended work on a 349 billion rupee ($4.2 billion) petrochemical project at Mundra in India's western Gujarat state as it focuses on consolidating operations and addressing investor concerns after the Hindenburg shortseller report, according to the Press Trust of India. Adani Group did not immediately respond to a Reuters' request for a comment. On Jan. 24, Hindenburg Research alleged stock manipulation and improper use of tax havens, and flagged concerns over debt levels at the company, which Adani has denied. India's top court has since asked market regulator SEBI to investigate Adani Group for any lapses related to public shareholding norms or regulatory disclosures. read more($1 = 82.5200 Indian rupees)Reporting by Jahnavi Nidumolu in Bengaluru; Editing by Jacqueline WongOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Italy's Treasury sets up new department for state-run companies
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ROME, March 16 (Reuters) - Italy approved on Thursday a decree to create a new department at the economy ministry in charge of managing state-controlling companies such as energy groups Enel (ENEI.MI) and Eni . Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti announced the scheme in January as part of efforts to tighten the government's grip on key companies dealing with some of the most delicate corporate issues facing Italy. Under the scheme, the influential Treasury department within the ministry, led by veteran economist Riccardo Barbieri, will continue to supervise public debt management, macroeconomic policies, European and international relations as well as financial regulation. The newly created "economic department" will have its own director general and will handle the decision-making process regarding state-controlled firms, public assets and public guarantees on banking loans. Rome is expected to decide on the chairperson and CEO positions of these firms by the end of next week, government sources said.

☆ Tech stocks emerge as haven in sell-off fueled by bank worries
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Lewis Krauskopf | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Among the big tech stocks, Apple Inc (AAPL.O) has fallen 1.5% over that time, while Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) climbed 3.4% and Intel Corp (INTC.O) rose over 7%. Large tech stocks generally screen well on "quality" metrics, such as balance sheet strength and profit margins, heightening their allure when economic uncertainty arises, said Matthew Miskin, co-chief investment strategist at John Hancock Investment Management. Reuters GraphicsA swift tumble in Treasury yields is also helping boost tech stocks. Tech shares were pummeled in 2022 as the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes drove up Treasury yields, hurting "long duration" assets such as tech stocks. The utilities sector (.SPLRCU) has climbed 1% since last Wednesday, consumer staples (.SPLRCS) has slipped 0.5%, while healthcare (.SPXHC) has dipped 1%.

☆ The tech layoff contagion is hitting automakers — but it's not like what's happening at Google, Meta, and Microsoft
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But the downsizing wave hitting the automotive industry isn't quite the same as the one plaguing tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft. Silicon Valley takes a lesson from DetroitLayoffs and buyouts are nothing new to the automotive industry, especially in the last few years. In French's view, the tech industry is taking a page from Detroit's playbook as it trims its ranks this year. He's skeptical of claims that tech companies are already victims of an economic downturn, and instead believes these companies are bracing for the worst before a true "bloodbath." "Tech companies are taking the lead from what automotive companies have done in the past and trying to brace for that downturn before it really hits."

☆ Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's additional jobs cuts will lead to more sustainable growth, reinforcing why we're shareholders
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Tuesday's announcement comes about a week after reports started surfacing that the Facebook and Instagram parent would potentially slash thousands more jobs . Jim Cramer on Tuesday said Zuckerberg's "flatter is faster" and "leaner is better" approach is another positive step toward focusing on profitability. META 1Y mountain Meta Platforms (META) 1-year performance In November, Meta announced it was letting go of 11,000 employees , or about 13% of its workforce at that time, after overhiring during the Covid pandemic. Jim said in Tuesday's Morning Meeting that Meta is "rapidly becoming my favorite stock in the portfolio." As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade.

☆ Britain's Sunak boosts defence spending to try to silence critics
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Elizabeth Piper | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

With his government unveiling the update to Britain's national security and international policy, Sunak, on a visit to the U.S., will also set out an "ambition" to increase defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product in the longer term. He said his previous increases to defence spending showed he was a man of his word, and described the new commitments as a "strong and positive statement". COUNTERING CHINAMeeting U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Sunak will want to underline that the increase in spending will only bolster the AUKUS pact. Instead, Britain will seek to engage China and be robust in defending the things it cares about, he said. The island, increasingly concerned about the threat from China, was left out of the earlier document which was published in 2021.

☆ Here’s our fourth-quarter earnings report card for all the stocks in our portfolio
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-10 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +20 min

Fourth-quarter earnings season is in the rearview mirror and most Club stocks reported results ahead of, or in line with, analysts' forecasts. Moreover, excluding foreign exchange fluctuations, this marked the ninth quarter in a row of 20% or better annual earnings growth. Nvidia (NVDA) reported a very strong quarter and better-than-expected guidance for the current quarter . Eli Lilly 's (LLY) fourth-quarter results came up a bit short on revenue but delivered a strong bottom line. Despite missing on top-line expectations, Wells Fargo 's (WFC) earnings came in better-than-expected, as the bank realized the benefits of higher interest rates .

The way you're saving and investing money should change as you get close to retirement. Here's what I think you should be doing with your money right now if retirement is on your horizon. Even if you're getting close to retirement, don't panic — it's never too late to make a plan. Increase your savingsIf you're nearing retirement and haven't been able to save enough already, it's a smart move to start increasing your retirement savings contributions now. But there's no one-size-fits-all retirement savings strategy.

☆ Overworking can be contagious. Here are 3 tips for keeping up with a workaholic colleague without burning out, according to a careers expert.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Overworking is contagious, according to Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author. Having a workaholic as a colleague can make employees feel like it is impossible to keep up. Here are three tips for working with a workaholic colleague without becoming one yourself. "Setting these expectations is really important with the workaholic because it's about not feeling pressure to keep up," she said. Find out what's important for youAttempting to keep up with a workaholic is a losing battle, Wilding said.

☆ Biden's funding wish list quickly runs into headwinds as Republicans slam it as 'completely unserious' and 'a roadmap to fiscal ruin'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

President Joe Biden released his budget proposal for fiscal year 2024 on Thursday. The budget, which amounts to more of a wish list of priorities than viable policy, has already sparked pushback. "President Biden just delivered his budget to Congress, and it is completely unserious," he wrote on Twitter. "Let's be clear – the budget put forward by President Biden today will not be enacted," Capito said. "I want to make it clear, I'm willing to meet with the Speaker anytime, tomorrow if he has his budget," Biden said.

☆ A recession indicator just flashed its loudest warning ever as Fed chief Powell sees higher rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A key recession indicator flashed its loudest warning ever on Tuesday. That came after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said rates will likely go higher than anticipated. The inversion between the 2-year and 10-year Treasury yields hit a record 103.5 basis points on Tuesday, according to Refinitiv data. But for months, the 2- and 10-year yields have been inverted amid growing recession fears, as the Fed continues to tighten policy to rein in inflation. The 2-year yield currently sits at 4.992% while the 10-year yield is 3.968%.

☆ Consumers keep spending. That might not be good news for them or the Fed
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

And by November and December, those predictions appeared to be materializing, when data showed consumers had pulled back during the holiday shopping season. During a month chock full of suprisingly strong economic data, the Commerce Department’s retail sales and consumer spending reports far surpassed expectations. “It’s not sustainable to keep spending above their means.”Eyes on the FedHearty consumer spending at a time like this is a double-edged sword, said Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. “The resilience of consumer spending is probably the biggest thing that’s pushed this recession timetable out,” Rossman said. The Home Depot (HD) warned of flat sales for 2023 as consumers continue shift spending from goods to services.

☆ Airtel would be a complex saviour for Paytm
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Shritama Bose | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

An investment from tycoon Sunil Bharti Mittal would deliver a timely vote of confidence in the loss-making Indian financial technology darling whose Chinese investors are exiting. Currently it only has a payments bank licence, so it can accept deposits but not lend. New shareholders might also help ease an ongoing regulatory freeze on Paytm accepting deposits from new customers. He is seeking a stake in Paytm by merging his financial services unit – Airtel Payments Bank – into Paytm’s comparable unit, and wants to buy shares in its parent too from other holders, per Bloomberg. Mittal seeks to fold Airtel Payments Bank into Paytm Payments Bank in a stock deal and is also seeking to buy Paytm shares from other holders, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing private information.

☆ SoftBank, Ant discuss to sell Paytm stake via block deal - ET
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] The interface of Indian payments app Paytm is seen in front of its logo displayed in this illustration picture taken July 7, 2021. REUTERS/Florence Lo/IllustrationFeb 27 (Reuters) - China's Ant Group and Japan's SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) have discussed selling stake in One 97 Communications, which operatesIndian digital payments firm Paytm (PAYT.NS), through a block deal, the Economic Times newspaper reported on Monday. SoftBank, Ant Group, Paytm and Bharti Airtel did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comments. Ant and SoftBank are likely to offload shares gradually in the market as part of their plan to exit Paytm, the report said. China's Alibaba Group (9988.HK) earlier this month sold its remaining stake in Paytm for about 13.78 billion rupees.

☆ India's Bajaj Auto falls after report on planned production cuts
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Bajaj Auto did not respond immediately to Reuters' request for comment on the Economic Times (ET) report, which said that the cut would reflect pressure in Nigeria, its largest export market. Bajaj Auto is likely to produce 250,000-270,000 units in March, ET reported, citing multiple people aware of the production plans. That's lower than its average monthly production of 338,000 units in the first nine months of FY 2023, the report added. The report did not specify how many units each of the two- and three-wheelers Bajaj Auto was likely to produce. They had risen 11.3% in 2022, against a 15.31% rise in the Nifty auto index (.NIFTYAUTO).

☆ Adani in talks for $400 mln debt against Australian coal port assets - ET
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 27 (Reuters) - India's Adani Group is in talks with global credit funds to raise up to $400 million in debt against a key Australian coal port assets that make up a large portion of its exports of the fossil fuel from Carmichael mine, the Economic Times reported. Adani Group and Farallon Capital did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comments. Reuters recently reported Australia's corporate regulator said it would review a short-seller report that had flagged a wide range of concerns about the Adani Group. In Australia, the conglomerate operates the Carmichael coal mine and a related rail line, the North Queensland Export Terminal, which is a major port for Queensland coal exports, as well as a solar farm. Reporting by Sneha Bhowmik in Bengaluru; Editing by Eileen Soreng and Rashmi AichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ P&G, Constellation Brands see solid U.S. demand, even as prices rise — a key reason we're shareholders
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Constellation Brands "Consumer demand for our products remains strong even in a challenging macro environment," Newlands said. Procter & Gamble Inflation continues to weigh on consumers and impact global sales volumes at P & G, CFO Andre Schulten said Thursday. P & G last month delivered solid fiscal second-quarter results , in part through raising prices by as much as 10% on some products. Constellation Brands, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate sustained demand for its leading beer brands. Trucks with Constellation Brands Inc. Corona and Modelo beer sit during a delivery in the Zona Rosa neighborhood in Mexico City, Mexico.

☆ Uber says Delhi's plans to allow only electric bike taxis to impact millions
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Companies Uber Technologies Inc FollowBENGALURU, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc (UBER.N) said on Friday plans by the local government in India's Delhi city to only allow electric vehicles to function as bike taxis would risk "finishing off the sector" and impact the mobility needs of millions. Uber, in a blogpost, said any such move would put at risk the livelihood of over 100,000 drivers in the city. Uber has set a 2040 target for 100% of its rides to be in zero-emission vehicles, public transport or with micro-mobility, including in India. Earlier this month, Uber announced plans to introduce 25,000 EVs over three years in India. Uber, which offers bike rides in Delhi and many other states in India, did not respond to a Reuters request for a comment on the advertisement.

☆ India's Tata Motors in talks to raise $1 bln via stake sale in EV business - Report
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The company plans to sell a significant minority stake, the newspaper report added, eyeing a valuation of about $10.5 billion. The funds and investors include the UAE-based Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Mubadala Investment Company, the Saudi Arabia-headquartered Public Investment Fund, Singapore's Temasek Holdings, and KKR and General Atlantic. Tata Motors and some of the companies did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Tata Motors plans to use the bulk of the proceeds to retire a part of its outstanding debt and infuse a small portion as primary equity in the EV business, the report said. Tata Motors has outlined plans to expand its electric car portfolio with new models and higher price points.

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