Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Economic report cards for Germany and the UK. Germany’s third-quarter GDP is expected to rise by only 0.3%, from 0.4% the previous quarter. Bank of England governor Mark Carney will testify in Parliament, and inflation data is expected to show rising prices in October.
Malaysia’s prime minister visits Japan. On a three-day stop Najib Razak will meet with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, who may announce the transfer of two naval patrol ships to Malaysia. The Southeast Asian nation is also strengthening military ties with China.
The US commerce department releases October retail sales data. Economists predict a rise of 0.6% from September, matching that month’s increase from August. A gain would bode well for the US economy and holiday shopping. Quarterly results from Home Depot should also provide insights into the mood of US shoppers.
While you were sleeping
US regulators told electric cars to make some noise. With quiet vehicles posing a danger to pedestrians, the government finalized new rules requiring that electric and hybrid models beep when moving at low speeds. Authorities expect fewer pedestrian injuries once the rules are implemented.
Google and Facebook took on fake news. The search giant said it would prevent usage of its online advertising service by websites that peddle fake news. Facebook updated the language in its ad policy on misleading or illegal content to include fake news sites. The moves come amid criticism that fake news might have influenced the US election.
Critics assailed Trump’s selection of a far-right chief strategist… Democrats and even some Republicans denounced Stephen Bannon, the former Breitbart publisher who ran the president-elect’s campaign, for promoting racist and anti-Semitic views (paywall).
…As Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin. The Russian president pledged to work with president-elect Trump to fight against their “shared enemy No. 1—international terrorism and extremism,” according to a Kremlin statement. They also plan to meet in person.
A Really Big Tobacco merger hit a roadblock. Reynolds American rejected a $47 billion buyout offer from British American Tobacco, according to Bloomberg, as its board tries to secure a higher price. The initial offer to create the world’s biggest tobacco company came with a 20% premium.
Quartz obsession interlude
Jason Karaian on the imaginary Quartz hedge fund of Trump trades: “We made all the best trades. Over the past five days, our portfolio has gained 14%, crushing the 1.2% performance of the S&P 500—which is for losers—over the same period. Annualized, that’s a 70,000% return (give or take).” Read more here.
Quartz haiku interlude
Investors embrace
the Trump Trade. Ignore that it’s
just more stimulus.
Matters of debate
Trump has no idea what he is in for. The president-elect seems overwhelmed by his long list of duties.
India’s demonetization hurt the fight against air pollution. Delhi’s deadly smog took a backseat amidst the chaos.
The US must continue to be “a beacon of hope.” So says soon-to-be-former POTUS Barack Obama.
Surprising discoveries
Birds have musical preferences too. An artist has teamed up with computer scientists to create a birdsong recommendation machine.
How do you taste something in virtual reality? Simple: Hook up some electrodes to your face.
Dementia is now the biggest killer in England and Wales. It’s the result of an aging population and advances against heart disease.
An airline pilot announced that everyone should shut up about Donald Trump. He asked passengers to not bring up politics because “we’re going to be in a metal tube at 35,000 feet.”
Ever seen a rock that looks like a face? Japan has a museum full of them.
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, Trump trades, and hopeful beacons to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day or download our iPhone app.