Good morning, Quartz readers! We’ve got something new today: an all-new version of the Quartz Index, which highlights statistics that show how the global economy is changing. Like our app, it’s designed to shine on your phone.
What to watch for today
The UN Security Council discusses a chemical weapons attack in Syria. The US, France, and Britain have blamed Syrian president Bashar al-Assad for the death of scores of people, including many children. Russia said a Syrian airstrike hit a chemical depot owned by rebels. Russia and China have blocked previous attempts to sanction Syria’s use of poison gas.
Yum China reports first-quarter earnings. The restaurant group runs over 7,500 locations in China—mostly KFCs and Pizza Huts. Splitting from its US parent company last year gave the Chinese business more freedom to adapt menus to local tastes. Investors will look for hints about whether this strategy is working.
A peek behind the Fed’s curtain. The US central bank raised its benchmark interest rate in March (paywall), showing increased confidence in the economy. The release of detailed minutes from last month’s meeting may provide crucial clues about the timing of future hikes.
While you were sleeping
North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea (again). The timing was unlikely a coincidence, coming a day before US president Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in Florida. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson responded cryptically to the launch, saying the US “has spoken enough about North Korea. We have no further comment.”
Amazon shelled out $50 million for NFL streaming rights. The one-year deal, similar to the one Twitter scored last year (for just $10 million), allows Amazon to stream 10 Thursday night games. The rights aren’t exclusive: CBS, NBC, and Verizon can also show the games—but the deal marks Amazon’s first big move into both sports and livestreaming.
The euro zone economy had something to celebrate. Businesses in the 19-country bloc recorded their best month in years, according to a survey of purchasing managers. France and Germany accounted for the bulk of the bullishness.
A South Korean conglomerate fancied a makeover. CJ Group, one of the country’s biggest corporate groups, expressed an interest in buying the Body Shop. L’Oréal acquired the British ethical skincare company 10 years ago and is willing to offload it for around €1 billion ($1.6 billion).
Quartz obsession interlude
Heather Timmons and Zheping Huang on the divergent paths of Xi Jinping and Donald Trump: “While Trump, a first-time politician, flaunted a flamboyant lifestyle through most of his adult years, Xi emphasized restraint and control as he steadily rose through the ranks of China’s Communist Party after a bruising childhood.” Read more here.
Matters of debate
China makes authoritarianism look good. A powerful political system is more attractive than freedom or prosperity.
The man who invented the web is disappointed with how it turned out. Tim Berners-Lee is frustrated with pernicious ads and privacy violations.
Comic book fans aren’t into “diverse” superheroes. Marvel says sales of titles featuring women and minorities have been disappointing.
Surprising discoveries
A graphene-oxide sieve can remove salt from seawater. If it can be made on an industrial scale, it could help millions access clean drinking water.
Walking on escalators disadvantages everyone. Walkers take up extra steps, which wastes space—it’s more efficient to stand two-by-two, side-by-side (paywall).
Cuban vintners use condoms to make wine. The rubbers are placed over jugs and stand erect as the fruit ferments.
Makeup retailers are riding the selfie boom. Shoppers try to emulate the looks they see on Instagram and Pinterest.
An amusement park ride feeds on your fear. The Neurotransmitter 3000 speeds up and slows down based on your heartbeat.
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