U.S. markets finish in the green for a second day running with earnings in full swing. Up to 88 per cent of S&P 500 companies having already beat Q2 expectations. Bitcoin is buoyed by comments from Tesla CEO Elon Musk who has suggested that the electric car maker is likely to reinstate the cryptocurrency for payments. The U.S. and Germany have agreed on the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline but the move has been slammed by Ukraine which fears Russia could weaponise the deal. And in corporate news, Swiss-Swedish robotics manufacturer ABB has seen orders rise by 32 per cent in Q2 but warns of supply chain bottlenecks and rising raw material costs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. markets rebound from Monday’s plunge with the Dow posting its biggest session jump in a month. Small caps also surge while treasury yields calm. Meanwhile, streaming giant Netflix falls short on Q2 expectations as disappointing post-lockdown customer growth weighed on its outlook. In aviation news, a domestic U.S. resurgence buoys United Airlines which expects to log profits for the rest of the year, despite a sixth-straight quarter of losses. And we have a slew of European earnings including SAP, AkzoNobel and Software AG.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Dow posts its worst session since October, while the 10-year Treasury yield hits a five-month low amid continued Covid concerns. UBS beats Q2 forecasts with a $2bn net profit on the back of favourable market conditions and client activity. The U.S. State Department raises a travel advisory for the UK over increasing Covid cases but Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the time for the country to reopen was right. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman tells CNBC exclusively that the SEC drove a ‘dagger in the heart’ of Pershing’s attempted SPAC of Vivendi’s Universal Music Group unit.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The UK drops almost all Covid-related restrictions despite rising infection rates. In Asia, renewed virus fears force equities into the red as global infections near 200 million. Up to 180 people have died and hundreds more remain missing across western Germany and Belgium following last week’s deadly flash floods. In energy news, Opec+ nations end their stalemate over supply, sending crude prices down.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen tells CNBC that price pressures are likely to remain in the short term, sending Treasury yields lower and the S&P 500 into the red. Morgan Stanley beats Q2 earnings forecasts on strong results in its investment bank arm, capping off a good week for U.S. banks. There are more than 50 people dead and at least a thousand missing as devastating flash floods hit Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia state and the Benelux region. This, as German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with U.S. President Joe Biden to agree a united front against alleged Russian aggression. The pair, however, admitted to differences on the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chinese economic growth cools in Q2 at 7.9 per cent, however, retail sales and manufacturing still outperform forecasts for the quarter. U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell insists to Congress that inflation remains transitory but that the central bank is ready to act should this change significantly. U.S. banks continue to beat earnings expectations with Bank of America, Citi and Wells Fargo in the spotlight but low rate concerns and inflation weigh on shares. In autos, Daimler has offset soaring semi-conductor costs by hiking prices. It has beaten estimates with a Q2 profit margin just short of €5.5bn. And Brussels unveils sweeping new plans to cut back emissions by more than 50 per cent by the end of the 2020s. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

US markets are jittery after inflation rises 5.4 percent – its fastest pace since 2008. San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Day tells CNBC that history suggests the current price hikes will be temporary. JPMorgan sees quarterly profit double, prompting the lender to release provisions, while Goldman Sachs enjoys its second-highest quarterly revenue ever. In Germany, VW has launched plans to transition to 50 percent EV sales by 2030. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chinese exports in June surge on increased global demand and import data is also higher than expected. EU nations agree to suspend plans for a digital services tax and the Eurogroup is joined by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as part of her continuing global corporate tax campaign. In commodities news, lumber gains are pared back while oil is up as U.S. inventories fall, outweighing fears the Covid Delta variant may upset the global recovery. The UK moves to reopen on Monday 19th July while restrictions in France increase once more.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

G-20 nations endorse a landmark global corporate tax deal and pledge to support the Covid recovery. Italian central bank governor Ignazio Visco tells CNBC that the ECB’s inflation policy is justified. Asian equities are up after another record-breaking session on Wall Street and new policy support from China. Beijing is also increasing its crackdown on tech companies launching its pre-IPO security checks. Chinese authorities are also blocking Tencent’s $5.3bn merger with video game streaming sites Huya and DouYu citing anti-trust reasons.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wall Street closes firmly to the downside. The 10-year Treasury note slumps to its lowest point for almost 5 months with continued Covid recovery fears weighing heavily. Investors look to safe havens like the Swiss franc and the Japanese yen while gold is set to post its third straight week in the green. The ECB sets out its first strategic policy review in nearly two decades, announcing a 2 per cent inflation target. Airbus enjoys a 52 per cent increase in H1 deliveries and is set to hit its 2021 targets. And in Tokyo, the Olympic flame arrives at an empty stadium as the city announces a state of emergency due to a Covid flare-up and will now ban all spectators from the Games. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Taper talks begin in earnest, but the latest Fed minutes reveal policy-makers the economic recovery is not strong enough yet to take an action. G20 finance ministers meet in Venice ahead of this weekend’s summit. Talks centre on endorsement of the global corporate tax deal. The ECB is set to announce the result of its first strategic review since 2003 where it is expected to redefine its inflation target. And in tech news, Google faces several anti-trust law suits as well as legal action from former U.S. President Trump for banning him from the search engine, as well as from Facebook and Twitter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chinese ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing has sparked a sell-off on its first trading day in New York after Beijing authorities ordered a cyber security review into the company. We hear from French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire who voices confidence that the new global corporate tax deal will be endorsed and welcomed across both Europe and the U.S. The Pentagon annuls a deal with Microsoft secured during the Trump administration. The Jedi Cloud contract, worth $10bn, will now spark a bidding war with Amazon. In energy news, the Opec+ output policy stalemate forces oil prices to slide from their six-year high. Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Abdulaziz Bin Salman tells CNBC that the cartel remains united. And Chinese Tesla rival, Xpeng, has launched its Hong Kong IPO, raising $1.8bn. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oil hits a three-year high as OPEC+ members fail to agree on output hikes. The U.S. has called for a “compromised solution”. Tech fears affect Asian markets after reports suggest that Beijing had asked ride-hailing app Did Chuxing to delay its NYSE IPO. In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces plans his government will end nearly all Covid restrictions by July 19th but does warn that virus cases and hospitalisations continue to grow. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The UAE rebels against an Opec+ supply agreement. We hear from the country’s energy minister Suhail Al Mazrouei who says the current deal on the table “is not good for us.”. Markets in Asia are mixed despite Friday’s strong U.S. jobs data, while PMI numbers reveal a slowdown in Chinese services activity. Beijing suspends ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing over privacy concerns just 4 days after the company lists on the NYSE. In retail news, UK supermarket chain Morrisons agrees to a £6.3bn takeover by Fortress Investment Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Up to 130 nations representing 90 per cent of global GDP have become signatories to a minimum corporate tax rate. The International Monetary Fund has hiked its growth forecast for the U.S. to 7 per cent but has warned that the recovery could be lopsided. Meanwhile, markets await U.S. jobs data with non-farm payrolls expected to rise by 700k and jobless claims set to hit a fresh pandemic low. The labour market could be in for more long-term changes according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, who tells this channel that certain jobs may not return post-Covid. In an IPO-heavy week, retail trading app Robinhood is set to file for its U.S. IPO with an expected valuation in excess of $40bn. And OPEC+ has pushed back a decision on output after the UAE reportedly rebels against the deal to increase production.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

China celebrates the centenary of the Communist Party with President Xi Jinping offering a thinly veiled warning to foreign nations about Beijing’s positioning on the global stage. Meanwhile, Hong Kong marks the 24th anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese rule with strict measures in place to curb any potential protests across the city. In IPO news, Chinese ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing soars up to 30 per cent on its New York debut, but then wipes out nearly all those gains to end the session marginally in the green. Curevac shares sell off in extended trade after its final stage Covid vaccine trial shows only 48 per cent efficacy. And we hear exclusively from Credit Suisse CEO Thomas Gottstein who slams excess banking regulation, but admits that ‘green’ stress tests have become a reality in the sector.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s the end of a half that has seen numerous policy changes spurred by uncertainties surrounding the pandemic. We take a look at how the markets have fared during these turbulent times and look ahead to the second half as well. In the U.S., the S&P 500 is set to finish its fifth straight month of gains. Oil has also enjoyed it best H1 since 2009. We hear from the Bank of International Settlement’s Claudio Borio who says that transitory higher inflation should be welcomed. In IPO news, Chinese ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing has reportedly valued its listing at the top of its range - $70bn – ahead of its U.S. debut. However, Chinese grocery delivery tech firm Dingdong has wiped out its double-digit gains on its first day of trade on the NYSE. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturing activity has slowed to a fourth-month low, while Japanese factory output falls by its largest amount in a year. Both have been severely affected by the global car production slowdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Strong tech stocks push the Nasdaq to a fresh record high but Asian markets are in the red over Delta variant concerns in the region. In tech news, Facebook enters the trillion-dollar club, with shares soaring after a U.S. judge slaps down anti-trust suits from the FTC and 48 states against the social media company. Meanwhile, U.S. banks unveil around $2bn in quarterly dividends after passing the Fed stress test. We speak to ECB Vice-President Luis De Guindos who says the central bank will not suddenly end the PEPP as hawks have raised the prospect of winding down emergency measures. And an update on the IPO front as Softbank-backed Chinese grocery app Dingdong cuts its listing target by up to 70 per cent.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National party fails to win in French regional elections but President Macron’s La Republique En Marche party also struggles to gain a single council. In the UK, Sajid Javid replaces disgraced former Health Secretary Matt Hancock and pledges to end all Covid restrictions across the country as a priority. In autos news, Tesla recalls almost 300k vehicles in China due to an online safety issue affecting acceleration. The S&P 500 enjoys its best week in months hitting a new record high. This, as the U.S. Commerce Department’s inflation indicator surges at its fastest rate since the early 1990s.    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden hails a bipartisan deal between senators on his $1.2tn infrastructure deal but he faces criticism from Republicans over further spending plans. The news buoys Wall Street with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting record highs as construction stocks lead the way. In Brussels, there is a rift between the 27 EU nations, with Poland and the Baltic States rejecting France and Germany’s calls for a leaders’ summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And Chinese ride hailing firm Didi Chuxing seeks a New York listing which could be valued in excess of $60bn in what could be the biggest IPO of 2021.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a mixed picture in the U.S. markets as the Nasdaq hits a new record high but the Dow and S&P 500 snap two-day winning streaks on the back of continuing inflation fears. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, however, says that price pressures should abate later in the year. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has begun a European tour, first meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin to discuss strategies on containing China. There are reports that Washington may sanction solar products made in China’s Xinjiang province over alleged human rights abuses in the Muslim-majority region. Hong Kong’s last remaining pro-democracy newspaper, Apple Daily, prints its last ever edition after its assets were frozen by Beijing and a series of journalists’ arrests were made under the SAR’s new National Security Law. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. markets rally continues with investors focusing on growth stocks. The Nasdaq closes on a record high while the S&P 500 nears a new peak and the Dow enjoys its best day since March. Congress hears from Federal Reserve Chairman who says the central bank will not waver by raising rates too soon on fears of surging inflation. Brussels green-lights Rome’s recovery plan with €190bn set to be dispersed. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in Vietnam in a bid to create close trade ties with Pacific nations, accessing the CPTPP bloc.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. equities surge back into the green following last week’s post-Fed sell-off, with the Dow posting its best day since March. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell warns of a continued threat to the economy from the pandemic but says price pressures remain transitory. In France, media giant Vivendi comes under activist investor scrutiny as it attempts to spin off its Universal Music arm. We speak to LVMH CFO Jean-Jacques Guiony who says the luxury brand is finally overcoming the stuttering restart of global tourism, just as the iconic Parisian department store La Samaritaine reopens to much fanfare after a 16-year closure. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Nikkei leads sharp declines across Asia after Wall Street posts its worst week since October, with markets continuing their post-Fed slump amid a more hawkish shift. Morrisons braces for a bidding war as a US private equity firm reportedly continues its pursuit of the British grocer, after the group rejects a 5 and a half billion dollar takeover attempt. Bill Ackman's SPAC buys a 10 percent stake in Vivendi's Universal Music Group for 4 billion dollars, as shareholders prepare to vote on the spin-off and listing set for September. And HSBC posts its worst day in 9 months after taking a 2 point 3 billion dollar hit on the sale of its French retail bank, as Europe's largest lender sells the troubled unit for just 1 euro.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

'The recovery is just beginning'. As European finance ministers hail the economic turnaround ahead of today's talks on tax and growth, we hear from the Finance Minister of Luxembourg. In markets, the Dow struggles for the second straight day as markets digest a more hawkish Fed, while formerly red-hot commodity plays lose some steam, weighing on industrial stocks. Core inflation rises for the first time in a year in Japan -- while the BOJ joins the list of central banks keeping rates on hold and policy steady -- warning the economy remains in a "severe state". And Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday in the US, commemorating the end of slavery in AmericaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The U.S. Federal Reserve speeds up its timeline for hiking rates and also increases its inflation guidance. Wall Street plunges into the red as a result. We hear from Man Group CEO Luke Ellis who warns that there are more ‘scary’ price prints to come over the summer. In Geneva, Presidents Biden and Putin hold ‘constructive’ talks and agree to continue the dialogue on cyber warfare and arms control. Meanwhile, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan tells CNBC that future pandemics are a certainty but says the Covid outbreak has taught the world some valuable lessons about preparedness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The EU has excluded 10 banking giants from participating in its Covid recovery fund bond sale. Big names such as JP Morgan, Natwest and Bank of America have reportedly been blocked over previous involvement in market-rigging scandals. Meanwhile, Brussels and Washington end their 17-year feud over aircraft subsidies. European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen has welcomed the ‘new chapter’ but warned that work remained to be done. In Washington, the Federal Reserve is not expected to make any sudden rate moves during its two-day policy meeting, sending markets lower as investors hunt for signs of a rate hike timeline. Presidents Biden and Putin are to meet in Geneva today. The Kremlin warns that common ground on a host of issues may be sparse. And CNBC hosts its inaugural Evolve Global Summit, bringing together leaders and innovators for a new era of business.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NATO members meet in Brussels and double down on criticism of Chinese expansionism. Moscow is also labelled a security threat. U.S. President Joe Biden fired a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the welfare of jailed opposition politician Alexei Navalny. The U.S. and the EU are reportedly set to end a 17-year feud over aircraft subsidies. In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson delays ‘Freedom Day’, keeping the country locked down by up to a month to combat the spread of the Indian variant. And in M&A news, Third Point’s Daniel Loeb and Pershing Square’s Bill Ackman vie for French media group Vivendi as it looks to spin off Universal Music Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

G-7 leaders in Cornwall claim they have reached consensus on tax, climate change, infrastructure and the vaccine rollout, but they face criticism over a lack of concrete action. Brexit was also in focus with UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson vowing to do whatever it takes to conserve the union while Canadian PM Justin Trudeau tells CNBC that the Irish border was an integral part of his bilateral talks at the summit. We also hear from NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg who says that while China is not an enemy of the alliance, it is a cause for concern. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and U.S. President Joe Biden meet for the first time in St Ives, Cornwall ahead of the G-7 summit and reaffirm the ‘special relationship’ between the two nations. This as G-7 nations pledge to donate 1 billion vaccines to the developing world. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 hits a new record high despite surging inflation. Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing has filed for a U.S. listing which could be one of the biggest IPOs of 2021. And in Frankfurt, ECB President Christine Lagarde says it is still premature to wind up the euro zone’s PEPP.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are live in Falmouth, Cornwall for the G-7 summit where leaders are set to meet. U.S. President Biden and UK Prime Minister Johnson are to re-hash the Atlantic Charter - a WW2-era Churchillian pact between the two countries – to strengthen trade, travel and technology ties. G-7 nations are hoping to use the meeting to pledge a billion Covid vaccines to distribute globally with the U.S. to provide more than half of the doses. We hear exclusively from Goldman Sachs CFO Stephen Scherr who says markets may well feel the heat should rates rise to address inflation. In tech news, President Biden revokes a Trump-era executive order banning Chinese-owned social media apps. He has, however, ordered a security review of the software which could yet bolster the legislation.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chinese factory gate prices surge to their highest level in almost a decade on rising commodity prices. Concerns are now growing about a tide of inflation. The World Bank upgrades its global growth guidance on the fastest recession recovery seen in 80 years, but the group believes that emerging economies may fall behind due to asymmetrical vaccination rates. This, as France further eases travel restrictions and lockdown measures with indoor dining returning. And in autos news, Tesla’s Chinese sales last month almost double but still fall short of the 36k units delivered back in March.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The G7’s planned 15 per cent minimum global corporate tax rate is rejected by several key U.S. Senate Republicans. We hear from EY CEO Carmine Di Sibio who says the agreement may provide a long-awaited framework for international cooperation on taxes, but warned the reality may be quite different. U.S. markets are mixed with investors eyeing Thursday’s inflation data. Meanwhile, Apple launches a new operating system as part of its Worldwide Developers Conference, putting user privacy front and centre. And in crypto news, Bitcoin weekly outflows top out at $140m. This, as American authorities manage to claw back almost all of the ransom attack money paid out by Colonial Pipeline.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

G7 finance ministers reach a historic agreement on a 15 per cent global minimum tax rate but there is already criticism that the deal isn’t comprehensive enough. Chinese export growth slows while imports soar by 50 per cent. In the U.S., jobs grew in May but the data fell short of expectations. And in Germany, Angela Merkel’s CDU avoids defeat to the far-right in a state election in Saxony-Anhalt, boosting Armin Laschet’s chances of becoming Chancellor later this year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. President Joe Biden signs an executive order banning investment in 59 blacklisted Chinese tech and defence companies. Stateside, markets slide weighed down by tech stocks, with all eyes on today’s non-farm payroll report. We hear exclusively from Russian oil minister Alexander Novak who says Moscow could back out of dollar-denominated oil contracts should Washington persist in its sanctions. Meanwhile, UK travel is back in turmoil after the British government takes Portugal off its Covid travel green list while adding seven nations to its red list. The aviation and tourism sectors nosedive on the unexpected move. And a potential blockbuster deal looks to be in the works with billionaire Bill Ackman in talks to take a 10 per cent acquisition of Universal Music Group through his blank-cheque company. The valuation is estimated at $35bn-$40bn ahead of its listing on the Euronext Amsterdam later this year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Washington D.C. is ramping up the pressure on digital tax coming from six nations by slapping tariffs onto $2bn worth of goods. It has, however, immediately suspended the duties for 180 days in order to allow tech tax negotiations to continue. Entertainment giant AMC sees shares soar by 95 per cent as a buying frenzy gathered speed. Meanwhile, Chinese Caixin data for May shows growth slowing on weak foreign demand and rising prices. In Israel, opposition parties reach an eleventh-hour deal to potentially unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We are also live at the first day of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum with a raft of CEO guests.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Demand optimism drives oil to a two-year high while Opec+ members agree to stick to the policy of gradually increasing production. U.S. markets come off a long weekend with stocks benefitting from pandemic reopening in June. However, Wall Street ended the session flat as investors anticipate this week’s U.S. jobs data. We speak exclusively to Russia’s central bank governor Elvira Nabiullina who says digital currencies represent the future of financial systems. Meanwhile, China’s Sinovac vaccine receives the green light from the WHO, boosting the COVAX program’s capacity to distribute jabs to poorer nations. And in Brussels, the EU signs off on a long-awaited tax transparency bill, but some MEPs remain unconvinced it will do enough to curb tax avoidance.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Asian markets are mixed today as regional manufacturing data is sub-par. Japanese and South Korean growth is moderating but privately owned Chinese factories are still ramping up production. In energy news, Brent breaks the $70-a-barrel marker on a surge in demand optimism ahead of the Opec+ meeting later today. Members are expected to gradually ease supply restrictions. G7 countries could be close to agreeing a global minimum tax rate but Japan’s finance minister Taro Asa warned no details would be revealed during this weekend’s bloc meeting. And EU member nations have agreed on the €750bn Covid recovery fund which is due to launch later this year.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chinese services activity rises as holiday spending grows but factory activity slows. Asian markets trade broadly lower on the back of Chinese manufacturing data. Meanwhile, Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio tells CNBC in an exclusive interview that the yuan will continue to grow as a dominant global currency, if Beijing pushes in that direction. This week, U.S. non-farm payrolls are in focus. The data is due on Friday after weekly jobless claims Stateside fell to their lowest level in more than a year. In France, all adults will become eligible for Covid vaccines starting today as the country aims to climb out of a Q1 double-dip recession. And Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu may be ousted as opposition leaders reach a deal to oust him after 12 years at the helm.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Biden prepares to unveil his first budget. He is reportedly set to ask Congress for as much as $6 trillion in a bid to sustain the recovery. Oil prices nudge higher on the back of strong US economic data - with the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation due later today - and ahead of an OPEC+ meeting next week. But, Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan thinks an imbalance in housing and labour prices mean the US central bank should start to think about tapering. Kaplan told CNBC it may be time to talk about moderating pandemic-induced asset purchases. Meanwhile, lawmakers on Capitol Hill remain poles apart as Republicans come back with an infrastructure bill counter offer. It's only a little over half of what President Biden's looking for at $928 billion. And in IPO news, JD Logistics delivers the goods on its market debut. The stock was up double digits in Hong Kong, after pricing at the lower end of the range to raise 3-point-2-billion dollars.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A win for activist investors and a potential win for climate change as hedge fund Engine No. 1 marks a surprise victory, securing at least two seats on the Exxon Mobil board - promising to push the company beyond oil and more towards ESG goals. Meanwhile, Shell is ordered to slash greenhouse emissions by 45-percent by the end of the decade in a landmark legal case that could have huge ramifications for the industry and other polluters across the world. In Washington, CEO’s from America's biggest banks face a grilling on the Hill. They take fire from both sides of the aisle with Senator Elizabeth Warren and JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon clashing over some of the lender’s actions during the pandemic. And the US and China talk trade for the first time under Biden, even as the White House risks angering Beijing by redoubling efforts to get to the source of the pandemic. An initial report on the matter shows a split in opinion. In the U.K., Boris Johnson's former adviser lays into the Prime Minister and his response to the pandemic - saying he's unfit to hold office. We hear from the country's vaccines minister who defends the PM and the overall vaccine rollout strategy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fed officials move to soothe market concerns ahead of key inflation data this week. San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly tells CNBC to look beyond the short-term metrics. The S&P 500 erases gains to end the day in the red as the market rally stalls, dragged down by weakness in the energy sector. The White House and the Kremlin announce Presidents Biden and Putin will hold face-to-face talks in Geneva in mid-June, as European leaders call for a "Russian reset" after the Belarus flight incident. And US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterates America's 'ironclad' commitment to Israeli security, and vows to repair ties with the Palestinians and help rebuild Gaza.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fallout from the forced grounding of a Ryanair flight in Minsk continues, with the EU planning fresh sanctions against Belarus and President Biden indicating he will follow suit. Western nations have nearly unanimously slammed the arrest and interrogation of journalist Raman Pratasevich. A senior advisor to the country's exiled opposition leader tells CNBC the Belarusian KGB 'will not let him go easily', expressing grave concern for the safety of the seized journalist. Meanwhile, inflation fears recede as U.S. markets start the week strong. Tech stocks and reopening plays lead Wall Street higher. Bitcoin gets a boost, bouncing back as much as 20 percent from a likely source: Tesla CEO Elon Musk who tweeted about meeting with crypto miners to discuss sustainability. And, sources tell CNBC that Amazon is nearing a deal to buy MGM Studios for worth a possible 9-billion dollars. An announcement could come as soon as today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Belarus orders the interception of a RyanAir jet flying over the country, forcing it to land in Minsk and detaining a dissident journalist on board, sparking international condemnation. EU commission president Ursula Von Der Leyen calls the move 'outrageous and illegal,' calling for action as the European Council meeting kicks off today. Asia equities start the week mixed, after the Dow posts its fourth negative week in five, and the S&P records its first consecutive weekly declines since February - with inflation fears continuing to unsettle investors. And Bitcoin volatility continues after steep weekend declines, as Beijing cracks down on cryptocurrencies - forcing miners to shut down operations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wall Street snaps a three-day losing streak as big tech bounces back, while initial jobless claims hit a fresh pandemic-era low. The outlook is slightly less upbeat for crypto holders. The US Treasury looks to tighten regulation of digital currencies by forcing trades over 10 thousand dollars to be reported to the IRS. But milk alternatives get a boost as Oatly shares soar 19-percent on its stock market debut, after pricing its Nasdaq listing at the top of the range. In Europe, BMW expects a billion dollar boost to second quarter earnings as it's dealt a milder antitrust fine than expected, for alleged collusion with rivals on emissions. And, we are in the first day of an Egypt-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas - bringing an end to 11 days of fighting that has claimed the lives of more than 240 people.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A volatile session on Wall Street sees major markets close in the red. There are wild swings in the crypto market, as Bitcoin plunges some 30 per cent before prominent bulls jump in to support the price. April Fed minutes reveal that central bank governors are considering adjusting QE if the economy continues to improve. ECB Vice President Luis De Guindos tells CNBC the European Central Bank is also ready to counter any “unwarranted” rise in yields. And we also speak to French finance minister Bruno Le Maire who says that, despite shortfalls in the EU’s Covid response, he is confident the bloc will rebound strongly later this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Global markets follow Wall Street into the red after telco and tech stocks wipe out U.S. gains ahead of Fed minutes being published today. U.S. retail giants, however, beat forecasts. Walmart and Macy’s hike guidance and Home Depot hits record Q1 sales. European car registrations are due out today, while President Biden outlines plans to pump $174bn into American-made EVs, vowing to rival China in the sector. Italian investment banking heavyweight Andrea Orcel is set to appear in court regarding his withdrawn CEO position offer by Santander, albeit with a greatly reduced claim against the Spanish bank. And France begins a tentative reopening of its bars, cafes and restaurants following 6 months of lockdown. Travel and curfew restrictions are also being relaxed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Media deals take the spotlight overnight on both sides of the Atlantic. AT&T and Discovery shares close in the red and rub off on other media stocks as investors inspect how the new mega-merger will affect the streaming landscape. Amazon is also reportedly looking to acquire MGM film studios for $9bn. Meanwhile in France, broadcasters TF1 and M6 Groupe enter into merger discussions. Berkshire Hathaway has scaled back its banking and energy stakes while Big Short investor Michael Burry reveals a $530m bet against Tesla. It’s all change at the top at Danone with Antoine De Saint-Affrique ready to take over as CEO in Q3. In virus news, the U.S. will increase vaccine exports following pressure from around the world while UK Health Secretary warns that the Indian variant will imminently become the dominant strain of Covid around the country.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.