wiar 08-05-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

August 05 (Friday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary:  Emerging Markets, Oil Refiners & Nuclear Power Plants
Today, Jackie takes us on a quick world tour focusing on emerging economies. Many are ailing, but a few offer a safe haven from geopolitical storms. So does the US with its strong dollar, huge economy, and relatively calm body politic. … Also: Oil refiners had a stellar Q2 operating at near maximum capacity to meet surging demand. The industry is on track for another year of eye-popping revenues and earnings growth. … And in the disruptive technologies department, we highlight the potential of SMRs—small modular (nuclear) reactors.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on August 1.

Markets
Stocks Close Mixed as Earnings Roll In | W
What this ‘play the recovery’ strategy says about hot bond demand | C
Oil languishes on recession fears; unconcerned stocks climb on | R

US
U.S. Jobless Claims Rose Last Week to Near High for Year | W
Job growth was likely strong in July, but it could slow soon | C
Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5% for First Time Since April | W
The inflation and price increases that broke us, from groceries to gas | Vox
Cost of Democrats’ Corporate-Tax Increase Skews to Wealthy, Reaches Middle Class | W
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema signs off on Democrats’ big agenda bill, paving the way for Senate passage | C
Democrats Revise Climate Package to Strike Deal With Sen. Kyrsten Sinema | W

Geopolitics & trade
China’s Drills Around Taiwan Give Hint About Its Strategy | W
U.S. Delays Minuteman III Missile Test Amid Tensions Over Taiwan | W
Biden orders aircraft carrier to stay in South China Sea, but delays ICBM test | C
Three grain ships set to leave Ukraine; NATO chief says Russia must not win | R
Winter in Europe May Be Springtime for Putin | W
North Korea ‘paves the way’ for more nuclear tests, U.N. report says | R
 
Industries & companies
Airlines: Airlines cancel, reroute flights during Chinese military drills near Taiwan | R
Materials: The world’s top coal trader is cashing in on the Ukraine war — Quartz (qz.com)

Corporate finance
Companies From Google to Pepsi Are Boosting Capital Spending | W

Beyond markets
What Remote Work Debate? They’ve Been Back at the Office for a While. | N
U.S. declares monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency | R
Great Barrier Reef areas show highest coral cover seen in 36 years | C

wiar 08-04-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

August 04 (Thursday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: US Earnings & European Gas
Industry analysts finally have begun reining in their high earnings, revenues, and profit margin expectations. Their moves suggest that analysts collectively expect inflation to moderate but don’t anticipate a recession. … Also: Europe may face a cold, dark winter—literally and economically—if Russia doesn’t restore the natural gas flows to Europe that the EU depends on. Melissa presents a timeline of Russia’s gas-depriving moves and the responses from government and gas futures markets. … And: Soaring energy prices are dampening European consumer and business sentiment, boding ill for GDP growth and corporate earnings prospects. The only EMU MSCI sector with unscathed earnings growth expectations is Energy.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on August 1.

Markets
Stocks End Higher on Earnings, Services Data | W

Energy
Gas Prices Have Fallen for 50 Straight Days, Approach $4 a Gallon | W
Russian Oil Cap Push Faces Doubts From Energy, Finance Industry | W
Nuclear Power Plants Could Stay Open, Says Germany | W

Central banks
Federal Reserve rate hikes could be worse than inflation for the economy | MSNBC
Fed Officials Signal Additional Rate Rises Warranted to Slow Economy | W

US
Consumer debt tops $16 trillion as inflation fuels credit card surge | NN
Tech companies, banks overstaffed, while airlines, hotels need workers | C
Cost of Democrats’ Corporate-Tax Increase Skews to Wealthy, Reaches Middle Class | W
Manchin-Schumer Bill Gets CBO Nod for $102 Billion Deficit Cut | B
Manchin Deal Tosses $30 Billion Lifeline to US Nuclear | B

China
China Real Estate Market: Mortgage Boycott May Spur Multi-Billion Dollar Rescue | B
China’s Property Crisis Threatens to Drag Down Steel Industry | yahoo.com

Geopolitics & trade
Pelosi lauds Taiwan, says China’s fury cannot stop visits by world leaders | R
As Pelosi Leaves Taiwan, China’s Military Looms Larger | W
To understand China’s Pelosi rage, consider a Civil War analogy | Washington Examiner
Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan makes matters worse for U.S. and China relations | C
Big Tech Is the West’s Surprise Weapon in Competition With Russia, China | W
With eye on Russia, U.S. Senate backs Finland and Sweden’s joining NATO | R

Industries & companies
Autos: Chip makers have a message for car makers: Your turn to pay | R
Autos: EV Maker Lucid Cuts Production Outlook in Half | W
Media: Netflix Is Scrambling to Learn the Ad Business It Long Disdained | W
Retail: Walmart Lays Off Hundreds of Corporate Workers | W

Climate
US West, Already in Drought, Is Facing Dwindling Snowpacks | B

Technology
Battery Streak Aims to Change How Electric Vehicles Run | dot.LA
 
Beyond markets
Richard Clarida Returns to Pimco After Fed Cleared Him in Trading Probe | B
U.S. regulators defend requiring more data on monkeypox drug | R

wiar 08-03-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

August 03 (Wednesday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: US Earnings & European Gas
Industry analysts finally have begun reining in their high earnings, revenues, and profit margin expectations. Their moves suggest that analysts collectively expect inflation to moderate but don’t anticipate a recession. … Also: Europe may face a cold, dark winter—literally and economically—if Russia doesn’t restore the natural gas flows to Europe that the EU depends on. Melissa presents a timeline of Russia’s gas-depriving moves and the responses from government and gas futures markets. … And: Soaring energy prices are dampening European consumer and business sentiment, boding ill for GDP growth and corporate earnings prospects. The only EMU MSCI sector with unscathed earnings growth expectations is Energy.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on August 1.

Markets
OPEC+ Considers Modest Oil-Production Increase, Output Freeze, Say Delegates | W
Japan’s Yen Recovery Cut Short After Biggest Four-Day Advance Since 2020 | B

Central banks
Fed’s Mary Daly says ‘our work is far from done’ in raising rates | C
The Federal Reserve Just Can’t Stop Bond Traders’ Wishful Thinking | B

US
Higher Mortgage Rates Haven’t Slowed Home Price Growth – Yet | Mortgages and Advice | US News
The ‘recession cure’ divides economists | NN
Automakers press U.S. Senator Manchin for changes to EV tax credit proposal | R
Rent prices are soaring in these 5 metros. What to know before moving | C

China
China ratchets up military and economic pressure on Taiwan as Pelosi begins her visit | C

Europe
Europe’s Coal-Buying Frenzy Means Windfall for Producers | W

Geopolitics & trade
Russia accuses U.S. of direct Ukraine war role, grain ship anchors off Turkish coast | R
Ukraine Scrambles to Shift Its Grain Before Storage Runs Out | W
Pelosi arrives in Taiwan vowing U.S. commitment; China enraged | R
Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan Trip Will Encourage China’s Gray-Zone Tactics | B

Industries & companies
Consumer discretionary: Three more Amazon warehouses added to OSHA safety investigation | C
Retail: Snack, Deodorant Makers Target Cost-Conscious Shoppers With New Brands and Sizes | W

wiar 08-02-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

August 02 (Tuesday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: Valuation, M-PMI & Consumers
Yesterday’s M-PMI report jibed with our view that the US economy is in a growth recession with some sources of inflation abating—which is bullish for stocks. … Since we think the S&P 500 might have bottomed on June 16, we’re raising our target ranges for its price index and forward P/E multiple while keeping our earnings expectations unchanged. … Also: The recent consumer spending and saving data paint a challenging picture: The “inflation tax” has sapped consumers’ purchasing power, causing less saving and more borrowing to support essential spending. Consumer sentiment hasn’t been so negative in nine years. Nevertheless, consumers should continue to pivot from buying goods to buying services.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on August 1.

Markets
Stocks Edge Lower to Start Month | W

Commodities
Oil prices slip as weak manufacturing data stokes recession fears | R
Coal consumption is expected to return to 2013′s record levels: IEA | C

US I
Number of Americans employed and hours worked falls in July, data show | R
U.S. Factory Growth Slowed in July on Decline in Orders | W
Home prices cooled at record pace in June, according to housing data firm | C
Dollar-Store Dinners and Vats of Shampoo Help Families Cope With Inflation | W

US II
The answer to high energy prices isn’t new taxes, but new supplies | The Hill
Gen Z Knows What It Wants From Employers. And Employers Want Them. | N
Fleeing families will leave New York without a future | P

Geopolitics & trade
Biden says drone strike killed al-Qaeda leader al-Zawahiri, warns terrorists we will ‘take you out’ | C
‘Glimmer of hope’ as Ukraine grain ship leaves Odesa port | R
Biden, Putin strike conciliatory tones as nuclear arms talks start at U.N. | R

Industries & companies
Autos: Ford stock posts best month since the Great Recession | C
Consumer Discretionary: Amazon says carbon emissions rose 18% in 2021 as Covid drove upsurge | C
Biotech: Amgen Fights IRS Over $10.7 Billion Tax Bill | W
 
Corporate finance
Estée Lauder in Talks to Buy Luxury Brand Tom Ford | W

Technology
S.Korea develops nanotech tattoo as health monitoring device | R

Beyond markets
Monkeypox: California, New York, Illinois declare outbreak an emergency | C

wiar 08-01-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

August 01 (Monday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: Switching Planets: Investors Now From Venus, Analysts From Mars
We’ve been making the case that the latest bear market might have bottomed on June 16. So far, so good. … Just a few weeks back, industry analysts’ earnings estimates suggested they were oblivious to investors’ recession fears, and we quipped that the former was from Venus, the latter from Mars. Now it’s investors interpreting news with a rosy bias as analysts shave their estimates. … The stock market now appears to be discounting investors’ recent hopes of peak inflation, peak Fed hawkishness, and a mild recession. … Also: We examine Powell’s suggestion that monetary policy is nearly restrictive. … And: The Bond Vigilantes are from Venus now too.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on July 25.

Markets
The Power of Positive Thinking Returns to Markets | W
Individual Investors Ramp Up Bets on Tech Stocks | W

Central banks
How the Fed’s Response to Inflation Now Can Avert a 1970s-Style Crisis | BR
Neel Kashkari: Rising inflation larger threat than potential recession | C

Commodities
Oil prices slip ahead of OPEC+ meeting | R
U.S. Eyes Sanctions Against Global Network It Believes Is Shipping Iranian Oil | W
The World Food Shortage Is Getting Worse. These Companies Have Solutions. | BR
Farm Giants Expect Continued Food-Supply Problems Despite Ukraine Grain Deal | W
Falling Food Prices Ease Upward Pressure on Global Inflation | W

US I
Lower Inflation Likely Requires Higher Unemployment; How High Is the Question | W
Consumers Have Powered Through the Pandemic and Inflation—Until Now | W
U.S. Consumers are ‘Trading Down.’ How to Play It With Options. | BR

US II
How Pessimistic Americans Could Worry the Economy Into Recession | BR
Recession another victim of Democrats’ rewriting of the English language | P
Bidenflation has become Bidencession | Washington Examiner
Manchin touts inflation reduction bill, says ‘I’m not getting involved’ in upcoming elections | C
Federal emergency savings proposals may also boost retirement funding | C
Senate Tax-and-Climate Plan Hinges on Streamlining Energy Projects | W

Emerging
China’s Stumbling Manufacturing, Property Sectors Show Long Road to Recovery | W
The Putin Show | E
MBS: despot in the desert | E

Geopolitics & trade
The Ukraine war may ring the knell for nuclear arms control | E
Pelosi Travels With Delegation to Asia Amid Chinese Warnings Not to Visit Taiwan | W

Technology
Shenzhen accelerates China’s driverless car dreams | R
The U.S. Is Investing Big in Chips. So Is the Rest of the World. | W

Beyond markets
How the Covid-19 Pandemic Changed Americans’ Health for the Worse | W

wiar 07-30-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

July 30 (Saturday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: The Fed, Earnings, Chips & AI
Investors cheered the Fed’s no-surprises announcement of another 75bps hike in the federal funds rate yesterday. Moreover, Q2 earnings reports have been confirming our soft-landing scenario for the economy, and S&P 500 companies’ earnings are expected to hold up respectably this year and next. … But Q2 reports revealed pain points for certain industries—e.g., retailers that cater to lower-income consumers felt the brunt of inflation-strained consumer budgets. … Semiconductor makers on Q2 calls addressed worries about customers’ inventory buildups. … And: What won’t AI be transforming? Today, we look at how AI is facilitating new drug development.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on July 25.

Markets
Stocks rally for a third day to cap a winning week, major averages post best month since 2020 | C
Shock July Stock Rally Was a Monster the Fed May Regret Seeing | B
Fight Runaway Inflation With I Bonds | W
 
Central banks
Fed’s Bostic Says Economy Probably Isn’t in Recession, More Rate Rises Needed | W

US I
If the Economy Is Shaky, Why Are Company Profits Still Strong? | N
White House goes on offense to argue that the U.S. is not in a recession | C
U.S. Economy Transitions to Slower Growth as Inflation Weighs on Consumers | W
Consumer Spending Grew Much Faster in June | W
Inflation figure that the Fed follows closely hits highest level since January 1982 | C
‘Inflation Reduction Act’ Has Little Inflation Help, Study Says | B
Mortgage rates fall sharply after negative GDP report and Fed’s latest hike | C

US II
Yellen’s Global Tax Plan Gets No Love From Manchin-Schumer Deal | B
House Democrats push for Biden’s billionaire minimum income tax | C
U.S. Senate bill could be death blow for Biden anti-drilling pledge | R

China
China Evergrande Breaks Silence on Debt-Restructuring Plan | W

Europe
Eurozone Recovery Picks Up Speed but Ukraine War Threatens Deep Contractions | W
Europe’s Energy Policy Problems Are Self-Inflicted | reason.com

Geopolitics & trade
How HIMARS could change the Ukraine-Russia war | C
U.S., Japan to cooperate on semiconductors as part of new economic dialogue | R

Industries & companies
Airlines: Airplane-Parts Shortage Threatens More Disruptions to Air Travel | W
Energy: Exxon, Chevron, Shell Report Record Profits on High Energy Prices | W
Pharma: Senate reconciliation has ‘once in a generation’ prescription reform | C

Beyond markets
U.S. Reaches $1.74 Billion Deal With Moderna for Updated Covid-19 Shots | W

wiar 07-29-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

July 29 (Friday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: The Fed, Earnings, Chips & AI
Investors cheered the Fed’s no-surprises announcement of another 75bps hike in the federal funds rate yesterday. Moreover, Q2 earnings reports have been confirming our soft-landing scenario for the economy, and S&P 500 companies’ earnings are expected to hold up respectably this year and next. … But Q2 reports revealed pain points for certain industries—e.g., retailers that cater to lower-income consumers felt the brunt of inflation-strained consumer budgets. … Semiconductor makers on Q2 calls addressed worries about customers’ inventory buildups. … And: What won’t AI be transforming? Today, we look at how AI is facilitating new drug development.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on July 25.

Central banks
The U.S. economy is shrinking. The Fed’s rate hikes may have only just begun to bite | R
BOJ policymakers debated chance of Fed-driven U.S. recession | R

US I
GDP Report May Have Showed a Decline, but It’s Not a Recession | Morningstar
U.S. GDP Fell at 0.9% Annual Rate in Second Quarter; Recession Fears Loom Over Economy | W
Recession or Not, the Recovery Has Ended | W
Mortgage Rates Fall to 5.3%, Continuing Volatile Stretch | W
Inflation-exhausted Americans: Let’s just go out for steak | NN
Big cities are where the jobs are — but millennials aren’t moving | Vox
The Crisis Facing Nursing Homes, Assisted Living and Home Care for America’s Elderly | PO
 
US II
Manchin’s climate turnaround: Climate groups react | C
Manchin, Schumer Revived Climate Bill in Secret Talks, Now Seek Democrats’ Support | W
China competitiveness and chip bill passes House, goes to Biden | C

Europe
How the German Economic Machine Broke Down | W

Japan
Japan’s factory output zooms as China eases COVID curbs | R

Emerging
Analysis: S.Korea’s sudden property slump tests world’s most indebted consumers | R
They Flocked to China for Boom Times. Now They’re Thinking Twice. | N
Jack Ma Plans to Cede Control of Ant Group | W
 
Geopolitics & trade
Don’t ‘play with fire’ over Taiwan, China’s Xi warns in call with Biden | R

wiar 07-28-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

July 28 (Thursday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: The Fed, Earnings, Chips & AI
Investors cheered the Fed’s no-surprises announcement of another 75bps hike in the federal funds rate yesterday. Moreover, Q2 earnings reports have been confirming our soft-landing scenario for the economy, and S&P 500 companies’ earnings are expected to hold up respectably this year and next. … But Q2 reports revealed pain points for certain industries—e.g., retailers that cater to lower-income consumers felt the brunt of inflation-strained consumer budgets. … Semiconductor makers on Q2 calls addressed worries about customers’ inventory buildups. … And: What won’t AI be transforming? Today, we look at how AI is facilitating new drug development.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on July 25.

Markets
Dow rallies 400 points as Powell hints Fed could slow pace of rate hikes, Nasdaq jumps 4% | C
OPEC+ Walks a Fine Line on Oil Output: Elements by Julian Lee | B
Nasdaq has biggest one-day jump since 2020 after Fed rate hike, Powell comments | R
Powell says markets have been orderly as Fed has hiked rates | R

Energy
Energy Prices in Europe Surge After Russia Slashes Gas Flows | W

Central banks
Fed decision July 2022: Fed hikes interest rates by 0.75 percentage point | C
Fed raise rates again, says will not relent in inflation fight | R
Fed’s Powell: Another ‘unusually large’ rate increase may be warranted at next meeting | R
Dudley Says Fed Will Hike Interest Rates Much Further Than What Markets Expect | B
Widely Watched Yield Curve at Most Inverted in Decades After Fed | B
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said he does not think the U.S. is currently in a recession | C

US I
U.S. economy probably barely grew last quarter and may have contracted | C
What Is Stagflation? What to Know About the Combination of High Inflation and Stagnating Economic Growth | W
How U.S. Inflation Expectations Are Being Shaped by Consumer Choices | N
Cost of living crisis? Consumers keep spending for now | R

US II
US Budget Deficit to Hit Lowest Since 2018 This Year, CBO Says | B
CBO Expects Significant Rise in Public Debt Burden, Deficit | W
Midterm Elections 2022: The Political Guessing Game Just Got Weirder | B
Boise’s Housing Market Boomed Early in the Pandemic. Now It Is Cooling Fast. | W

China
China’s Wuhan Province Locks Down District With One Million People | W

Geopolitics & trade
Russia cuts gas flows further as Europe urges energy saving | R
U.S., Europe Dig In for Long Economic Standoff With Russia | W
Ukraine Strikes Crucial Bridge in Russian-Occupied South | W
Biden to Speak With Chinese President Xi on Thursday | W
Semiconductor Subsidies, Tariffs Are the Price of Reducing Dependence on China | W

Industries & companies
Hotels: Everybody Into the Hotel Pool! That’ll Be $200. | W
Retail: Walmart Discounts, Falling Gas Prices Could Help Consumers | B
Retail: Best Buy cuts sales forecast as inflation pressures shoppers | C

Corporate finance
Spirit and Frontier End Merger Agreement | W

Beyond markets
A radical vision for reinventing the suburbs | fastcompany.com
The Unsolved Mystery Attack on Internet Cables in Paris | WIRED

wiar 07-27-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

July 27 (Wednesday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: All About Housing
The US housing market is undergoing a reversal of fortune. The scorching hot market conditions of six months ago have reversed, as 40% home appreciation over the past two years plus soaring mortgage rates have priced homeownership beyond many Americans’ grasp. The resultant greater demand for rental units has spurred high rent inflation. Additionally, the pool of would-be homebuyers has shrunk, more deals are falling apart before closing, motivated sellers have begun dropping listing prices, and builders are slashing prices. … Today, we look at all things housing, including how recent demographic and domestic migration trends have affected market conditions and at how market conditions are affecting homebuilders.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on July 25.

Global
IMF Again Cuts Global Growth Forecast Amid Inflation, War in Ukraine | W

Central banks
The Fed could surprise markets by sounding even more aggressive as economy teeters | C
Fed to unveil another big rate hike as signs of economic slowdown grow | R
Four Things Markets Are Watching at Today’s Fed Meeting | B
The problem with a persistently late Federal Reserve | The Hill

US
If it looks like a recession and quacks like a recession… | NN
Home-Price Growth Stayed Strong in May | W
Don’t Expect Big Consumer Brands to Lower Prices Soon | W
Low-Cost Cities With Strong Economies Remain Attractive as Housing Market Slows | W

Europe
Putin’s new gas squeeze condemns Europe to recession and winter of rationing | C

China
China’s property sales set for a worse plunge than in 2008, S&P says | C
Column: U.S. disapproval of China’s grain stockpiling full of irony | R
 
Geopolitics & trade
Ukraine Calls for More Sanctions in Response to Russia’s ‘Gas War’ | W
Kremlin: Gazprom is supplying as much gas to Europe as possible | R
With No Work or Money, Ukrainians Return Home to Russian-Controlled Territory | W
Map of ‘Power of Siberia’ gas pipeline that China, Russia are working on | C
China Targeted Fed to Build Informant Network and Access Data, Probe Finds | W

Beyond markets
Penn Station plan is the worst deal since Manhattan was sold for $24 | P
Monkeypox emergency could last months, with window closing to stop spread, experts say | R

wiar 07-26-22

MFwebsite2020researchWhat I Am Reading

July 26 (Tuesday)

Latest Morning Briefing Executive Summary: How Much Rate Hiking Does QT2 Equal?
The Fed may have 100bps less of rate hiking to do thanks to the tightening effects of the strong dollar and QT2, the Fed’s balance-sheet-reduction plan. That means the Fed may be done raising the federal funds rate in September after just two more 75bps increases to 3.00%. … Indeed, the Treasury market appears to be discounting a 3.00% peak, sooner rather than later. … The mortgage market in particular must be discounting QT2, as the Fed’s rate hiking alone can’t account for how high mortgage rates have soared, depressing housing and weakening the economy.
(subscribers’ link)

YRI
Daily Markets Overview
Replay of Dr. Ed’s webinar on July 25.

Markets
Premature rally? It’s too early to talk of central bank ‘peak hawkishness,’ strategist says | C
The Markets and Economy Are Reaching a Fork in the Road | N
Bearish Dennis Gartman Becomes ‘Quietly Neutral’ After Stocks Rebound | B

Central banks
Fed’s united front on interest rates may soon be tested | R
Investors Bet Fed Will Need to Cut Interest Rates Next Year to Bolster the Economy | W

US
The numbers show the U.S. economy is at least teetering on a recession | C
Shallow Recession Calls Are ‘Totally Delusional,’ Roubini Warns | B
This Dallas Fed Economic Survey Is the Perfect Snapshot of the Economy Right Now | B
Americans Driving Less With Pump Prices Still Higher Than a Year Ago | B
Inflation in US: Difficulty Paying Bills Tops Pandemic High in Census Survey | B
Why these ‘unretirees’ went back to work | NN
Nancy and Paul Pelosi are trading large — with a wealth of hypocrisy | P

Europe
Russia to Cut Europe’s Gas Flow via Nord Stream to 20% | W

China
From ‘Lying Flat’ to ‘Let It Rot’ China’s Gen Z Lowers Their Ambitions Even More | B
 
Industries & companies
Energy: U.S. Energy Department set to loan GM battery joint venture $2.5 bln | R
Materials: Redwood Materials Plans $3.5 Billion Battery-Materials Plant in Nevada | W
Retail: Walmart Cuts Profit Outlook as It Lowers Prices to Move Goods | W

Technology
Dreaming up new proteins, AI churns out possible medicines and vaccines | Science | AAAS

Climate
Gov Newsom declared a state of emergency over Oak Fire in California | C