What to watch for today
Jamie Dimon is expected to speak publicly for the first time since he announced his throat cancer diagnosis. JPMorgan Chase, like other big US banks, is expected to report dismal second-quarter earnings. Investors are also listening for an update on the CEO’s health and any interim management changes during his treatment. Goldman Sachs reports earnings today as well.
Yahoo and Intel kick off a big tech earnings week. Analysts are forecasting a 9% jump in profits for Yahoo, and are looking for any updated read-through on the performance of Alibaba ahead of its IPO. (Yahoo owns a 23% stake in the Chinese e-commerce giant.) Intel is expected to report benefiting from growth in the PC market.
Chile ponders further economic stimulus. The country’s central bank policy makers, who meet today, have reduced Chile’s benchmark interest rate four times since October. But falling growth forecasts, because of weakened domestic demand, have raised expectations for further drops.
While you were sleeping
Nadine Gordimer died. The South African writer, known for her strong anti-apartheid literary activism, died in her home in Johannesburg at 90. Gordimer received the 1991 Nobel Prize in literature for her writings that captured life under apartheid.
Citigroup’s earnings were surprisingly alright. Despite the announcement of the bank’s $7 billion agreement to resolve a US investigation into shady mortgage securities, Citigroup’s earnings beat expectations and provided a boost for the entire US financial sector.
A missile shot down a Ukrainian military transport plane near the border with Russia. Although pro-Russian separatists took responsibility, Ukrainian officials are saying the powerful missile belongs to Russian forces.
Lindt placed its bet on America. The Swiss chocolate maker agreed to buy Russell Stover Candies, a US boxed-chocolate brand. With this deal, Lindt becomes the third-largest chocolate maker in the US.
The Church of England is allowing its first women bishops. An overwhelming majority of the national assembly General Synod voted in favor, and the first woman bishop could be appointed by the end of the year.
The UK foreign secretary resigned. William Hague announced he would become leader of the lower house of parliament, as the broader reshuffling of prime minister David Cameron’s cabinet is expected to usher in more women and younger men.
Quartz obsession interlude
David Yanofsky on Airbus’s attempt to patent a new kind of airplane seating that would guarantee you less legroom. “The European airplane maker filed the application–officially named ‘Seating device comprising a forward-foldable backrest’—with the USPTO on June 12, 2014. Among the application’s claims is the seat’s ability to “avoid providing an excessive necessary distance” between seats—AKA legroom. Among the application’s omissions is a tray table (or even a cup holder).” Read more here.
Matters of debate
The US and Vietnam are perfect allies against China. It’s what Ho Chi Minh wanted all along.
Amazon employees are the most attractive. And Apple staff are the least attractive among big tech company workforces, according to data from a social-networking app.
Germany is a world champion beyond soccer. The country’s World Cup win is a symbol of its reunification and strength as a world power.
Hermione is the real literary role model. Harry Potter’s smart female confidant should be the star of the series.
Surprising discoveries
You can see political favoritism from space. Leaders’ hometowns literally shine brighter.
Researchers have developed a material virtually too dark to see. A UK company produced a material that absorbs almost all visual light.
Alzheimer’s can be diagnosed by putting a cream on your eye. Scientists have created an ointment that fluoresces in the presence of protein clumps linked to Alzheimer’s and found on the lens of the eye.
In Venezuela, you have to pay $20 to breathe. The country’s largest airport is charging outbound passengers to cover the cost of an advanced air purifier.
In 10 years, there won’t be cars in Helinski. An overhaul of the transportation system makes it less likely for future residents of the Finnish capital to own cars.
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