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What to watch for today
China’s trade numbers add to optimism. On the eve of signing a phase one trade deal with the US, China releases its December import and export figures, which are expected to show stronger growth in anticipation of smoother relations between the two countries.
Boeing releases catastrophic delivery numbers. The 2019 figures are expected to show plummeting orders and deliveries as Boeing loses its place as the world’s top planemaker. Delta, which does not fly the 737-MAX, will likely post solid earnings. Analysts expect JPMorgan to ride high, and Wells Fargo will likely show a turnaround under new CEO Charlie Scharf.
Men’s Fashion Week hits the runway. The eyes of the fashion world turn to France as top designers like Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior show off their upcoming collections alongside newer names like Craig Green and Alyx, despite recent worker strikes posing obstacles.
While you were sleeping
Netflix has taken over the Oscars. The streaming service’s 24 nominations were two more than Disney’s total, even when combining all of the nominations earned by Disney’s various studios into a single number. Times may be changing, but one thing has stayed traditional—men still have a stranglehold on the industry.
Queen Elizabeth agreed to a “period of transition.” The British monarch said in a statement that she is “entirely supportive” of the wishes of her grandson Prince Harry and his wife, actress Meghan Markle, to become financially independent and move to Canada, but “would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family.”
India ordered an investigation into Amazon and Walmart’s Flipkart. The probe will look into allegations that the online retailers are benefitting affiliated sellers, and hurting smaller businesses. Both firms told Reuters that they comply with regulations.
The White House will drop currency manipulation charges against China. Ahead of the expected trade deal, US president Donald Trump’s administration reportedly will roll back its long-standing argument that China has deliberately undervalued its currency to skew international trade in its favor.
The Panama Canal introduced a surcharge after years of dryness. After announcing it experienced its fifth driest year in seven decades, the watershed’s authority said climate change is affecting the ship route. The $10,000 surcharge for ships over 125ft (38m) will start mid-February and last until water levels get back to normal.
Quartz membership
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Accounting is at a crossroads. The Big Four accounting firms “are under more scrutiny than at any time since the Enron scandal,” writes Quartz contributor Michael Rapoport. This week’s state of play explains what’s wrong with how public companies are audited and how the industry is trying to course correct.
Quartz daily obsession
Are you doing something else while you’re reading this? Researchers say that’s probably a bad idea. Even though many of us believe we’re exceptional multitaskers, only about 2-3% of us can actually do two things at once without bungling them both. Still, toggling our attention between tasks is a crucial survival skill hardwired into our brains. Focus for a moment with the Quartz Daily Obsession.
Matters of debate
Aerospace companies are bilking NASA. Boeing and Northrop Grumman make more money the more they delay fulfilling their contracts.
Don’t do the easy stuff first. It may feel good to cross simple things off the to-do list, but putting off hard tasks hurts your long-term productivity.
A “microbiata vault” could preserve humanity’s health. Much of our ancestral microbiome is becoming extinct.
Surprising discoveries
A researcher discovered a 14th-century drawing of Venice. It’s the oldest illustration of the the rapidly disappearing city ever found.
Thailand’s king has a solution for congestion he’s caused in Bangkok. Police will stop shutting down roads for royal motorcades.
South Koreans are learning to outsmart recruitment bots. Career consultants are teaching job-seekers to do things like “smile with your eyes.”
A Japanese billionaire wants a date for the moon. Yusaku Maezawa has an extra ticket for SpaceX’s first private passenger flight, and no one to go with.
Researchers are scrambling to preserve smells. Olfactory archivists say they’re an important part of our cultural heritage.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, lunar love letters, and career-ready smizes to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our app on iOS or Android, and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Susan Howson and Nicolás Rivero.