Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Tesla launches a mystery product. There is speculation that that Elon Musk will unveil a new car or an update to its “autopilot” software. The launch was postponed to Wednesday because the product needed “a few more days of refinement.”
China releases its third-quarter report card. GDP growth is expected to fall to a seven-year low of 6.6%, despite premier Li Keqiang’s claim that the country’s economic performance exceeded expectations.
Duterte meets with Xi—but not to discuss the South China Sea. The Philippine president will sit down with his Chinese counterpart as he flirts with an alliance with Beijing. His visit comes three months after an international court ruled that Beijing’s claims to a Philippine reef had no legal basis.
While you were sleeping
Goldman Sachs profits surged. The Wall Street bank’s earnings rose 58% in the third quarter, following a recovery in bond trading and improved conditions in mortgage and credit markets. An austerity program, launched earlier this year, kept expenses down.
Leonardo DiCaprio is cooperating with a massive Malaysian corruption probe. The actor has been in contact with US prosecutors over allegations that embezzled government funds were used to make The Wolf of Wall Street. Protesters recently demanded that DiCaprio explain his dealings with the 1MDB fund or relinquish his position as a UN climate ambassador.
A bloody campaign to retake Mosul inched forward. Kurdish forces advanced towards the ISIL-held city, but faced numerous suicide car bombs and human shields deployed by the extremist group. Meanwhile, the EU security chief warned of an influx of ISIL fighters into Europe if the group is evicted from Mosul.
Obama told Trump to stop whining. At a press conference, the US president said the Republican candidate’s inflammatory complaints about the election being rigged were baseless. Obama said Trump should instead “go try to make his case to get votes.”
Samsung set up booths at US airports to exchange its exploding smartphone. The move is part of the company’s effort to recall millions of Galaxy Note 7 phones, which have been catching fire and exploding and have been banned from carry-on and checked baggage. Customers can exchange their phones or get a full refund.
Quartz markets haiku
Like a cormorant
Chasing bluegill, Goldman Sachs
Isn’t down for long.
Quartz obsession interlude
Josh Horwitz on the Shenzhen factories that copy products before they even exist. “Sherman had become a victim of China’s lightning-fast copycats. Before he had even found a factory to make his new product, manufacturers in China had spied his idea online, and beaten him to the punch. When his Kickstarter backers caught on, they were furious: ‘You are charging double the price for what the copycats are charging, yet I seriously doubt the final product will be any better than the copycats.’” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Retirees are suffering from divorce remorse. Formerly married people—especially women—have to work beyond retirement age, have less money, and own fewer assets.
Grief could bring hope for Thailand. The death of King Bhumibol is an opportunity for democracy amidst military rule.
Nigeria has missed its chance for change. Protectionist policies and dependence on oil have crippled the economy, and the rule of law is increasingly illusory.
Surprising discoveries
The Shanghai Ikea banned elderly blind daters. Old people were gathering to flirt over coffee in the store’s cafe.
Australians are feuding over expensive avocado toast. It’s a generational flashpoint in the debate over an overheated housing market.
A diplomat has become a reality TV star in Denmark. The drama-free series “I Am the Ambassador from America” is an unlikely hit.
Italy is running out of exorcists. Young priests find the job too scary, leaving 79-year-old Fr Vincenzo Taraborelli to expel up to 30 demons a day.
Disney is suing a Jedi lightsaber academy. The company’s Lucasfilm film division says the “New York Jedi and Lightsaber Academy” infringes on its copyrights.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, exorcist applications, and avocado toast to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our iPhone app.