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Oxford Street, once considered the crown jewel of Britain's retail sector, suffered a decline in visitors during the pandemic. However, there has been a steady recovery, with the number of visitors bouncing back strongly last year, particularly in the eastern section. The recovery is attributed to improved retail and leisure offerings, as well as the opening of new stores and the introduction of the Elizabeth Line. While footfall remains below pre-Covid levels, investors are showing interest in the area, and retailers are optimistic about the future of Oxford Street. [Extracted from the article]

Treasury yields rose and stocks dipped as traders awaited the release of the jobs report to gain insight into the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts. The Nasdaq 100 experienced a five-day losing streak, with Apple Inc. falling after a downgrade. Ten-year Treasuries saw yields rise to 4% after data showed increased hiring in December. Traders will also be looking at European inflation data to determine if central banks can lower interest rates. Wagers on a March rate cut in the US have decreased, and economists predict an increase in nonfarm payrolls and a slight rise in the unemployment rate for December. [Extracted from the article]

The death of Alexey Navalny, a prominent opponent of President Vladimir Putin, is seen as a clear message about the dangers of challenging Putin's repressive regime. Navalny's rise to international prominence in pro-democracy protests in Russia made it clear that he posed a serious political challenge to Putin. His death, which occurred shortly before the presidential election in which Putin is seeking a fifth term, has led to accusations against the Kremlin and Putin himself. Navalny's death is the latest in a series of incidents involving critics of the Kremlin, and it remains to be seen if there will be concrete penalties against the Russian government. [Extracted from the article]

Despite pledging to scale back operations in Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, Mondelez International Inc., the company that makes Oreos, has actually seen its presence in Russia grow. Market data and company documents show that Mondelez's Russian business has increased its imports of chocolate, biscuits, and candies. The company has also conducted market research in Russia and granted its Russian business more autonomy. While some argue that companies should leave Russia due to the war, others point out the difficulties and financial penalties involved in doing so. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump and his real estate company, the Trump Organization, have been hit with a $365 million fine in a civil fraud suit in New York. The judge ruled that Trump cannot run any business in the state for three years and ordered the penalties, which could exceed $450 million with interest. The ruling is a significant victory for New York Attorney General Letitia James, who accused Trump of inflating asset values to obtain better loan terms. Trump's two eldest sons were also found liable and barred from being officers of a company in New York for two years. Trump is expected to appeal the decision. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump and his real estate company have been hit with a $364 million fraud fine in New York's civil fraud suit over inflated asset valuations. The judge ruled that Trump cannot run any business in the state for three years, and his two eldest sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, are barred from being officers of a company in New York for two years. State Attorney General Letitia James filed the suit, claiming that Trump inflated asset values to deceive lenders into giving him better loan terms. Trump is expected to appeal the ruling. [Extracted from the article]

US President Joe Biden has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of Russian activist Alexey Navalny, joining other Western leaders in holding the Kremlin responsible. Navalny lost consciousness and was unable to be revived after feeling unwell upon returning from a walk. Biden did not announce any new measures to punish Russia but stated that options were being considered. Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, called for Putin and his regime to take responsibility for their actions. Other world leaders expressed their condolences and condemned the Russian government for Navalny's death. The European Union will discuss potential sanctions in response to the incident. [Extracted from the article]

US and European leaders have condemned the death of Russian activist Alexey Navalny, holding the Kremlin responsible for the passing of President Vladimir Putin's most prominent domestic political opponent. Navalny lost consciousness and was unable to be revived after feeling unwell upon returning from a walk. Navalny's wife, Yulia Navalnaya, called for Putin and his regime to take responsibility for the situation. Western leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, expressed their condolences and criticized the Russian government. The European Union will discuss potential sanctions in response to Navalny's death. [Extracted from the article]

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is seeking approval from the US government for a venture to increase the global manufacturing of artificial intelligence (AI) chips. Altman has been meeting with potential investors and partners in the US, Middle East, and Asia, but he requires a green light from Washington to move forward. The plan aims to raise billions of dollars to expand semiconductor production and prevent a shortage that could hinder the deployment of AI. Altman has also considered addressing the supply of green energy for AI chip manufacturing. However, the venture may face national security and antitrust concerns, and Altman is working to collaborate with US officials on the timing and structure of the project. [Extracted from the article]

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has offered a rare opening for Japan by indicating that a meeting of leaders would be possible if Japan does not make the abduction issue a stumbling block. This marks a change in tone from her previous comments, where she accused Japan of being a "sinister" nation. While Japan is taking note of these comments, it still considers the abduction issue unresolved. However, experts believe that a summit is unlikely due to the differences on the abduction issue and North Korea's nuclear weapons program. [Extracted from the article]

Former President Donald Trump has been banned from doing business in New York for three years and ordered to pay $354 million for lying about his wealth. However, a judge's order did not include the earlier requirement to dissolve all of Trump's companies in the state. Instead, the judge stated that any decision about forced sales would depend on the findings of two appointed monitors. Legal experts have called the original order "draconian" and predict that Trump would have solid grounds for an appeal. While Trump's businesses will be allowed to continue operating, there is still a risk of forced asset sales in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Shares in Asia are expected to have a mixed opening after selling pressure weakened US stocks and bonds. Australian equities opened slightly higher, while Japan share futures rose slightly. Hong Kong benchmarks slipped, while US contracts inched higher. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both declined, pushing global equities down for a third day. Treasuries dipped as investors recalibrated Federal Reserve rate cut forecasts on strong jobs data. The yen declined against the dollar, and oil prices retreated after a rally. In corporate news, Apple Inc and Endeavour Mining Plc saw declines in their stock prices. [Extracted from the article]

Tech stocks are experiencing a losing streak as Treasury yields rise and investors take profits on last year's winning tech stocks. Apple Inc. saw a decline after a second downgrade this week. The S&P 500 fluctuated between gains and losses. The yield on 10-year Treasuries reached 4% after data showed increased hiring in December and lower-than-expected jobless claims. Traders are now less confident in a rate cut by the Federal Reserve in March. The monthly US jobs report and European inflation data will provide further insight into the possibility of interest rate cuts. [Extracted from the article]

Global equities experienced a third consecutive decline, while Treasuries also fell, as strong signals from the US labor market dampened expectations for interest rate cuts. Asian equities futures were mixed, with Japan contracts slightly higher and Australian stock futures rising, while those for Hong Kong slipped. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both declined, with the latter experiencing its worst showing since December 2022. Treasuries dipped as investors adjusted their rate cut forecasts based on strong jobs data, and the 10-year yield reached 4%. Swaps traders now see a 65% chance of a rate cut by the Fed's March meeting, down from 85% a week ago. The yen also declined against the dollar, nearing 145 per dollar, due to speculation that the Bank of Japan will struggle to dissolve negative interest rate policy following an earthquake. In terms of upcoming data releases, consumer confidence in Japan, inflation for Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines, and India's 2024 growth forecast will be closely watched in Asia. Eurozone inflation and producer prices data will also be released, shaping expectations for European Central Bank policy. Oil prices retreated after a Wednesday rally, with West Texas Intermediate falling 0.7% and Brent crude dropping 0.6%. Apple Inc. experienced a decline after a second downgrade, Endeavour Mining Plc fell after firing its CEO for misconduct, and McDonald's Corp. stock weakened due to boycotts in the Middle East. [Extracted from the article]

The release of documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case provided some new insights into his lifestyle and the people associated with him. The unredacted information included the names of two former presidents, a member of the UK royal family, and celebrities, although this information was largely known to those familiar with the scandal. The documents revealed details about Epstein's victims' encounters with magician David Copperfield, pop star Michael Jackson, and Prince Andrew. They also shed light on former President Bill Clinton's connection to Epstein, with one victim mentioning having dinner with Clinton at Epstein's villa. Hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin and his wife, Eva Andersson-Dubin, who were friends with Epstein, denied any knowledge of his crimes. The documents also provided information about Ghislaine Maxwell's involvement in recruiting Epstein's victims and her efforts to distance herself from him. Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking conspiracy in 2021. [Extracted from the article]

Tech stocks experienced their longest losing streak in a year as traders awaited the release of the jobs report to determine the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate cuts. The Nasdaq 100 fell 0.5% over five days, with Apple Inc. seeing a decline after a second downgrade. Treasury yields rose, reaching 4%, following data showing increased hiring and lower jobless claims. Traders are now looking to the US jobs report and European inflation data to assess the possibility of interest rate reductions. [Extracted from the article]

Stocks and Treasury yields were mixed as investors awaited the release of the US jobs report and European inflation data. The Nasdaq 100 experienced its longest losing streak since December 2022, while the S&P 500 edged higher after a three-day selloff. Ten-year Treasury yields rose to 4% after strong hiring data and lower-than-expected jobless claims, leading to reduced bets on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The market is closely watching these economic indicators to determine if central banks will lower interest rates. Additionally, West Texas Intermediate oil prices fell due to rising stockpiles in Cushing and geopolitical tensions in Libya and Iran. The yen weakened on speculation that the Bank of Japan may struggle to abolish negative interest rates following a recent earthquake. [Extracted from the article]

Treasury yields increased and stocks rebounded after strong jobs data raised doubts about the timing and extent of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The Nasdaq 100 fluctuated, while Apple Inc. experienced a dip after a downgrade due to concerns about iPhone inventory levels. The S&P 500 rose slightly after a three-day selloff. Ten-year Treasuries continued to decline as the yield approached 4% following data showing increased hiring by US companies in December and lower-than-expected jobless claims. Traders adjusted their bets on Fed easing in response to the data. [Extracted from the article]

Treasury yields increased after strong jobs data raised doubts about the timing and extent of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 futures remained stable, while Nasdaq 100 futures declined for the fifth consecutive day. Apple Inc. experienced a dip in its stock price after a second downgrade due to concerns about iPhone inventory levels. The dollar stabilized after four days of gains. Ten-year Treasuries continued to decline, with the yield rising to 3.99% following positive employment data. The consensus among investors is that a market pullback was overdue after last year's stock market surge. European inflation data and the monthly US jobs report will provide further insight into the potential for interest rate cuts. West Texas Intermediate crude traded above $73 a barrel due to supply disruptions in Libya and Iran's response to attacks in the country. The yen weakened on speculation that the Bank of Japan may struggle to abolish negative interest rates following a recent earthquake. [Extracted from the article]

Iran has stated that the recent blasts in Kerman, which killed nearly 100 people, were likely carried out by suicide bombers. The first blast targeted a crowd commemorating the death of Qassem Soleimani, a powerful Iranian general killed by the US in 2020. The second blast was also likely a suicide attack. Following the blasts, a group of countries led by the US issued a warning to Houthi militants in Yemen, an Iranian proxy force, regarding their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Analysts believe that while a direct US-Iran confrontation is unlikely, there is a risk of escalating proxy attacks in the region. The situation has already caused an increase in oil prices and threatens global commerce. [Extracted from the article]

Technology stocks experienced a decline while Treasury yields rose following the release of strong jobs data, which raised doubts about the timing and extent of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The Nasdaq 100, a tech-heavy benchmark, recorded its fifth consecutive day of declines, its longest losing streak in over a year. Apple Inc. also faced a dip in its stock price after receiving its second downgrade of the week. The S&P 500 remained relatively unchanged after a three-day selloff. Traders are now awaiting the monthly US jobs report and European inflation data to assess the possibility of interest rate reductions by central banks. [Extracted from the article]

On the first trading day of the year, Japan's Nikkei 225 fell the most in two weeks due to concerns that the Federal Reserve will maintain high interest rates, which negatively impacted technology shares. Additionally, a powerful earthquake in the northwest on New Year's Day affected some companies. However, the Topix index saw gains. Tech shares led the decline in the Nikkei 225 index, following the trend of its US counterparts after the Fed meeting minutes did not suggest any immediate easing. Despite this setback, Japan equities had a strong performance in 2023, reaching three-decade highs. The yen's drop supported automakers like Toyota Motor Corp., while shares of companies with operations in the earthquake-affected area declined. Construction companies and shipping firms saw gains due to expectations of increased demand for reconstruction and detours boosting freight costs, respectively. The Nikkei 225's decline on the first trading day is a common occurrence in the past decade, but it does not necessarily predict the market's performance for the rest of the year. The broader Topix index and the MSCI AC Asia Pacific excluding Japan index have shown similar patterns. Overall, the Topix index has risen 26% over the past year, outperforming the MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index. [Extracted from the article]

US Treasury yields increased after strong jobs data raised doubts about the Federal Reserve's rate cut plans. The US dollar stabilized after four consecutive days of gains. The S&P 500 futures remained steady after a three-day decline, while Nasdaq 100 contracts fell due to concerns about iPhone inventory levels. Oil prices continued to rise due to supply disruptions in Libya and conflict in the Middle East. The consensus among investors is that a market pullback was overdue after last year's stock market surge. [Extracted from the article]

Markets took a break from the recent selloff, with US equity futures showing small gains and Treasury yields approaching 4%. The S&P 500 futures fluctuated after a three-day decline, while Apple Inc. saw a dip due to concerns about iPhone inventory levels. Tesla Inc. experienced a climb as Cathie Wood began buying shares after selling them for most of last year. Oil prices continued to rise due to supply disruptions in Libya and conflict in the Middle East. The consensus among investors is that a market pullback was overdue after last year's surge in stocks. The Nasdaq 100 Index saw a 3% decline in two days, and swaps traders have been reducing their bets on rate cuts. European inflation data and the upcoming US jobs report will provide more insight into whether central banks can start lowering interest rates. The recent minutes from the Fed's December meeting suggested that rates could remain at restrictive levels for some time. Brent crude traded near $79 a barrel due to supply disruptions in Libya and attacks in Iran. The Stoxx 600 index in Europe rose 0.2%, driven by oil majors. Next Plc saw a rally after raising its profit forecast, while JD Sports Fashion Plc experienced a 20% drop in early trading due to weak sales. The yen weakened on speculation that it would be harder for the Bank of Japan to abolish negative interest rates after an earthquake hit the country. In currency markets, the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index remained stable, the euro rose, [Extracted from the article]

Republicans on Capitol Hill are scrutinizing an Energy Department loan program for evidence of mismanagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stocks stabilized after a turbulent start to the year as investors awaited further information on potential interest rate cuts. Oil prices continued to rise due to concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East. US equity futures and Europe's Stoxx 600 both saw gains, supported by oil companies such as TotalEnergies SE and BP Plc. Traders are now focusing on upcoming US non-farm payrolls data for insights into the economy and the possibility of rate cuts. The Nasdaq 100 Index has experienced a decline this year, leading some investors to question the sustainability of last year's surge. However, experts remain positive about the overall outlook for stocks. Bonds fell, with the 10-year Treasury yield increasing to 3.95%. Geopolitical tensions, particularly related to the conflict between Hamas and Israel, are also impacting market sentiment. [Extracted from the article]

Stocks and bonds have stabilized after a two-day selloff, while oil prices have risen due to conflict in the Middle East. European stocks, including Shell and BP, have gained, and US equity futures have also increased. Investors are now focusing on upcoming US jobs data for clues about potential interest-rate cuts. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions in Libya have driven up oil prices, and Chinese stocks have been negatively affected by declining wages for workers. [Extracted from the article]

Stocks and bonds have stabilized after a two-day selloff, while oil prices have risen due to tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions in Libya. European stocks, particularly Next Plc, have seen gains, and futures trading suggests that US stocks may rebound. Investors are now awaiting US jobs data for further insight into potential interest-rate cuts. Chinese stocks continue to decline, and Chinese government bond yields have reached a three-year low. The offshore yuan remains steady, and the People's Bank of China has weakened the currency fixing, indicating a possible shift towards monetary easing. [Extracted from the article]

European stock futures rose after a rebound in Asian shares, despite earlier weakness caused by Federal Reserve meeting minutes indicating that interest rates will remain elevated for longer. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 both experienced declines, while Treasuries steadied in Asia after one of the worst opening days to a year on record. Chinese stocks remained a drag in Asia, and Chinese government bond yields fell to the lowest in over three years. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and supply disruptions in Libya contributed to a rise in oil prices. Bitcoin also advanced after a slump the previous day. [Extracted from the article]

Stocks in Asia fell as China's weakness contributed to a risk-off sentiment following the release of Federal Reserve meeting minutes indicating that interest rates will remain high for a longer period. Regional shares declined in Australia, South Korea, and China, while Japan's Topix Index turned higher after early losses. US stock futures were flat in Asia after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 experienced consecutive daily declines. Attention now turns to upcoming US jobs data, with swaps traders adjusting their rate cut bets after the Fed's December meeting. Chinese stocks were the biggest drag in Asia, despite a private gauge showing an increase in the country's services activity. Chinese government bond yields fell to their lowest in over three years, and the offshore yuan remained steady. The region's semiconductor and technology stocks also declined, tracking the selloff on Wall Street. The Japanese yen weakened against the dollar, and the recent earthquake in Japan is putting pressure on the central bank's plan to abolish negative interest rates. Treasuries steadied in Asian trading after a decline on the worst opening day of the year, and US manufacturing data showed continued contraction. Geopolitical tensions in Iran and disruptions in Libya supported oil prices. Bitcoin and gold saw slight gains. [Extracted from the article]

US unemployment claims in the US, business confidence in Germany, bond yields in Japan. What investors and executives need to be watching in 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woking's skyscraper debt highlights the squeeze on municipal finances [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the upcoming launch of the Vulcan rocket, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, which aims to compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX in the satellite and cargo transportation market. The United Launch Alliance (ULA), the company building the Vulcan rocket, has received a multibillion-dollar bid from Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. ULA, once a dominant player in the US government launch market, is now facing competition from SpaceX and needs to adapt to stay relevant. The success of the Vulcan rocket is crucial for ULA's future, as it aims to gain ground on SpaceX and expand its commercial business. [Extracted from the article]

Russia’s war on Ukraine will likely stretch into next year, Ukraine’s top army commander, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, warned in an article, where he pleaded for allies to send longer-range weapons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union is set to intervene in energy markets to take the pressure off companies that are being squeezed by a liquidity crunch. It will also propose a clawback on excess profits by power and oil companies as it seeks to protect citizens from soaring costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union will pursue radical steps including price caps and a clawback on power and oil companies’ excess profits as it tries to stop its energy crisis from becoming an economic catastrophe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union will pursue radical measures including price caps and a clawback on power and oil companies' excess profits as it tries to stop its energy crisis from becoming an economic catastrophe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the war in Ukraine is "entering a critical phase" and warned of a tough winter ahead for members of the military alliance that could include "energy cuts, disruptions and perhaps even civil unrest." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]