Barter for a living: Astus co-founder Frances Dickens talks media barter, tackling China and risk aversion August 15, 2016 "I can't think of anything more stupid than setting up my own media barter company,” says Frances Dickens candidly. “But it has worked.” Since 2003, the Astus co-founder and her partner Paul Jackson have grown Astus into the largest barter company in the UK, Ireland and Australia, and with it, the size of the market [...]
Following a raft of unimpressive data, can the Chinese economy avoid a hard landing? August 15, 2016 Craig Botham, emerging markets economist at Schroders, says Yes. Though marking a deceleration and disappointing expectations, the data does not suggest a hard landing is imminent. Rather, it remains commensurate with a soft landing; a gradual deceleration in the growth rate, to be expected after years of enviable growth. The most likely trigger for a hard [...]
After the whistle: Premier League clubs have been busy monetising content this summer which Sky, BT Sport and the BBC would eagerly compete for August 12, 2016 In recent weeks, Sky Sports has had David Beckham running through the streets taking in 10 months of Premier League footballing drama. But the UK’s top flight tournament is no longer seasonal. Over the summer, fans have been assiduously following transfer news and international friendlies with a new level of fervour. And Premier League clubs [...]
US dollar fades as retail sales stagnate and send sterling back above $1.30 August 12, 2016 The US dollar has sunk after fresh economic data showed the recovery stumbled in July. Retail sales flat-lined in the world's largest economy in July and factory prices defied expectations to fall into negative territory. The pound climbed back above $1.30, up 0.5 per cent on the day, reversing some of the losses from earlier this [...]
China’s slowdown intensifies with weak summer spending August 12, 2016 China's economic rebalancing hit another speed bump this morning as fresh data came in below expectations. Growth in both the mighty industrial sector and consumer industries slipped back in July, highlighting the extent of China's struggle to maintain its breakneck expansion while also implementing structural reforms. This morning the National Bureau of Statistics said investment in fixed [...]
Coca-Cola HBC AG’s share price fizzes on popping profits August 11, 2016 A leading Coca-Cola bottler has jumped to the top of the blue chips today as its share price fizzed seven per cent on better-than-expected results. The figures Cost efficiencies and better pricing in established markets drove Coca-Cola HBC AG's operating profit up 10.8 per cent to €220.6m (£188.8m) in the six months to 1 July, from €199.1m in the same period [...]
Alibaba’s shares are on a tear after a huge revenue jump August 11, 2016 Alibaba certainly isn't feeling the effects of the Chinese slowdown just yet. Shares in Alibaba – the world's largest retailer – have climbed by almost six per cent in the US pre-market after it posted revenue far ahead of expectations. Alibaba's shares were already up around seven per cent so far this year. A rise in revenue was bolstered [...]
Before the bell: What you need to know before the US market open August 11, 2016 Oil is falling and Australia's government is taking steps to stop Chinese firms from taking a controlling stake in its largest energy network: here's what you need to know before the market open at 2:30pm. US futures are pointing to a strong open. The S&P is up by 0.21 per cent, the Nasdaq is 0.24 per [...]
City Hall has opened talks with Parisian officials as it seeks a series of bilateral business deals August 10, 2016 City Hall has entered talks with French authorities as it seeks to secure collaborative deals with London's peers to boost business. Sadiq Khan's office has been keen to promote London's openness to trade since June's Brexit vote, and now the Mayor's teams are seeking to strike a series of city-to-city deals. Speaking to City A.M., [...]
As the Chinese ambassador questions the delay, would cancelling Hinkley severely damage UK-China economic ties? August 9, 2016 Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, says Yes. The UK-China relationship will be hurt by the decision to delay and potentially halt Hinkley Point. The “Golden Era” of bilateral relations will suffer a setback, as China will perceive this decision as a loss of face. But while our short-term economic relationship will take [...]