Good morning, Quartz readers!
What to watch for today
Rex Tillerson’s awkward Mexico trip. The US secretary of state, along with Homeland Security chief John Kelly, will meet with Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto to discuss border security, trade, and Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies.
Baidu releases earnings. The Chinese search giant will disclose its full-year earnings after US markets close. Investors are on the lookout for the impact of regulatory changes, as well as an update on Baidu’s artificial intelligence efforts.
US retail health check. Investors will be watching Gap for signs of continued momentum amid a rough retail market, while expectations remain low for earnings from department-store chains Kohl’s and Nordstrom. Nordstrom execs may face uncomfortable questions about their recent decision to drop Ivanka Trump’s accessories line.
While you were sleeping
Germany was the fastest growing G7 economy in 2016. More impressive stats from Europe’s largest economy—GDP rose by 1.9% last year (paywall), besting the UK’s 1.8% and America’s 1.6%. German consumers were the key: a boost in domestic demand added nearly 1% to growth.
Here today, Ghosn tomorrow. Carlos Ghosn stepped down as CEO of Nissan, the car company he brought back from the dead in 2001 and turned into a global powerhouse. He’ll remain chairman, but will primarily focus on his other jobs, namely heading up Mitsubishi and Renault.
Barclays tripled profits. The British bank unveiled blockbuster annual earnings, with asset sales and cost cuts paying off handsomely. ”I am more optimistic than ever,” the bank’s boss said.
ExxonMobil reported a drastic drop in its oil reserves. The oil giant slashed its proven reserves by a whopping 19.3%. The biggest culprit: an oil-sands development in western Canada that’s impossible to harvest profitably amid low energy prices.
The Bank of Korea held interest rates steady. The country’s central bank made no change for the eighth straight month, providing a bit of stability to a nation beset by political scandal and nervous about its unpredictable neighbor to the north.
Quartz obsession interlude
Marc Bain on China’s love of Ivanka Trump. “Companies in the US are grappling with how to handle Ivanka Trump’s fashion brand, which has become heavily politicized and faces ongoing boycotts over the policies of Trump’s father, US president Donald Trump. But among Chinese firms, a race is on to cash in on the US first daughter’s rising profile.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Selfies are modern art. The photos offer insight into our efforts to present an authentic self.
Workers should get breaks for sex. A Scandinavian politician is advocating for the ultimate office perk.
Pakistan is on the cusp of great things. Improved security, relative political stability, and a growing middle class are driving an economic awakening.
Surprising discoveries
The broccoli of the future knows no season. Scientists are developing a new line of the vegetable that can grow year-round.
There is a US national standard for dry martinis. They must be made of 86-proof (at least) English or American gin and dry vermouth, preferably French (pdf).
It’s illegal to be a rhesus macaque in Japan. A zoo killed 57 of its snow monkeys after discovering they had been crossbred with the banned species.
Sweden’s government would like to collect fewer taxes. Since the central bank lowered interest rates, the country has seen a spate of overpayments (paywall).
Narendra Modi is the most popular world leader on Facebook. The Indian prime minister beats Donald Trump by 20 million followers.
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