Watson's Daily

Tuesday 24/03/20

In MACRO NEWS, the US wades in, Germany takes action, BoJo gets stricter and Ramaphosa orders a three-week lockdown. In HIGH STREET/SUPERMARKET NEWS, Burger King wobbles, Eat shuts down for good and we look at US and UK supermarkets. In…

Monday 23/03/20

In NEWS ON UNUSUAL MEASURES, India goes into lockdown, the IOC considers postponing the Olympics, American jails release prisoners and debate rages about potential financial market closures. In NEWS ON CORONA-SUFFERERS, some predict a deep UK recession, WeWork looks vulnerable…

Friday 20/03/20

In MACRO NEWS, banks and central banks implement more measures to combat coronavirus impact. In RETAIL/HIGH STREET NEWS, we look at the shops that would stay open through the crisis and some of the current strugglers and survivors. In INDIVIDUAL…

Thursday 19/03/20

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, fear strikes markets and oil heads downward. In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, we look at the latest situation at home and abroad, the ongoing impact and "winners". In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, Apple updates the iPad. In OTHER…

Wednesday 18/03/20

In MACRO NEWS, the US and UK unveil new packages and we look at why the UK stepped-up. In RETAIL NEWS, Amazon and Sainsbury's start prioritising while Carphone Warehouse and Laura Ashley slip away. In MANUFACTURING NEWS, US factories face…

Tuesday 17/03/20

In MARKETS & MACRO NEWS, the Dow collapses but there's still ammo. In RETAIL & HIGH STREET NEWS, Amazon announces a hiring spree, Halfords, Primark and Debenhams all have problems while LSL abandons talks with Countrywide, hospitality faces death and…

Monday 16/03/20

In MACRO, MARKETS & OIL NEWS, US interest rates get another drastic cut (but Asian markets still fall), Spain and France go on lockdown and BoJo comes under pressure to do more while Saudi Aramco cuts spending and UK oil…

Friday 13/03/20

In MARKETS NEWS, the US fails to calm markets and Lagarde's attempts fail to inspire confidence either. In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, increasing numbers of Europeans face lock-down, indebted companies look shaky and Starbucks' frontline staff want more support. In SECTOR NEWS,…

Thursday 12/03/20

In MACRO, CORONAVIRUS & OIL NEWS, Rishi Sunak unveils a massive Budget, Wall Street's bull-run ends and we look at more coronavirus effects while Saudi Arabia turns the screws. In CONSUMER GOODS NEWS, PepsiCo buys energy drink maker Rockstar while…

Wednesday 11/03/20

In MACRO, CORONAVIRUS & OIL NEWS, Putin enshrines his own power, the UK Budget goes for growth, the Bank of England makes a deep interest rate cut and we see more losers from the coronavirus while the oil shock endangers…

Tuesday 10/03/20

In MACRO, MARKETS & OIL NEWS, the US and UK consider further measures to mitigate coronavirus damage and we see market carnage and oil nightmares. In RETAIL & LEISURE-RELATED NEWS, Tesco sells its Asian business, Amazon offers its tech and…

Monday 09/03/20

In CORONAVIRUS & OIL NEWS, Italy goes into lockdown, anti-coronavirus efforts increase and Saudi Arabia ignites an oil price war. In CONSUMER TREND & RETAIL NEWS, US make-up takes a turn, US plant-based food sales increase and the UK high…

Friday 06/03/20

In MACRO & OIL NEWS, BoJo outlines a response while Opec considers production cuts. In RETAIL/LEISURE NEWS, Costco benefits from panic buying, Gap gets a new CEO and cinemas suffer. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, we see a Flybe post mortem,…

Thursday 05/03/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, China makes steps towards normality and we see an array of winners and losers. In FINANCIALS-RELATED NEWS, Alibaba buys into Klarna while Facebook changes plans for Libra. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, GM makes a battery breakthrough, Flybe…

Wednesday 04/03/20

In MACRO, MARKETS & CORONAVIRUS NEWS, the Fed makes a big cut - but markets take fright - and the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc on Iran, aviation, shipping and US shale oil producers. In UK HIGH STREET NEWS, calls…

Tuesday 03/03/20

In MARKETS, MACRO & OIL NEWS, markets recover, the UK's digital services tax could be ditched, weaker oil prices could hit Putin. In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, the OECD warns on global growth, airlines face continued turbulence and Finablr counts the cost.…

Monday 02/03/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, Italy unveils a stimulus, businesses head for a credit crunch and drugmakers warn about impact. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, food prices look set to rise and Waitrose employees to get their lowest bonus in 67 years. In INDIVIDUAL…

Friday 28/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, markets drop, the coronavirus fallout continues and China gives firms an "easy" way out. In RETAIL NEWS, online retailer Zalando wants more lux, Homebase exits its CVA early and Amazon's cashierless shop gets fooled. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY…

Thursday 27/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, global economies shudder, Trump's denial could gift Sanders and the Tokyo Olympics hangs in the balance. In RETAIL/HIGH STREET-RELATED NEWS, Hermès sees light, Walmart looks to offload Asda, Ted Baker axes staff, McColl's cuts shops and Wagamama's…

Wednesday 26/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, markets continue to fall, Italy and UK warn on effect on budgets, China's data is questioned as the race for a vaccine continues and spice prices go up. In RETAIL NEWS, Amazon opens a supermarket, Home Depot…

Tuesday 25/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & MACRO NEWS, global markets fall on coronavirus fears, South Korea, Iran and Italy all suffer - as do airlines, carmakers and drugmakers but a vaccine may be in sight. Meanwhile, Trump visits India... In FINANCIALS NEWS, a…

Monday 24/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, the IMF warns of global economic vulnerability, Italy and Iran have issues and we look at ongoing effects on private jet demand and toys. In CAR NEWS, we see China's designs on India and how Tesla's electronics…

Friday 21/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, Chinese banks cut lending rate to help the economy, Airlines and Maersk count the cost and app downloads soar. In FINANCIALS NEWS, Morgan Stanley buys ETrade, Swiss Re suffers from storms and wildfires and Lloyds Bank sees…

Thursday 20/02/20

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, UK inflation hits a 6-month high, UK house prices rise across the UK and we look at the winners and losers from the new immigration laws. In INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS, Big Tech faces data changes, cord-cutting increases and…

Wednesday 19/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & MACRO NEWS, companies see consequences and opportunity, Germany's wobble continues, the UK Budget will be delivered on time and UK wage growth slows. In RETAIL NEWS, it's a mixed bag for Walmart, Beales faces extinction and WH…

Tuesday 18/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & MACRO NEWS, China faces a major growth slowdown, restrictions in foreign internet and now a chicken cull as Cathay Pacific and Apple warn on repercussions. Germany and Japan's economies look vulnerable. In CAR NEWS, GM exits Oz…

Monday 17/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS, China relaxes taxes to help out. In CONSUMER/SERVICES-RELATED NEWS, UK house prices rise, Strava aims to go the distance and fashion renting looks on trend. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, Alstom offers $7bn for Bombardier and Arm announces strong…

Friday 14/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & POLITICS NEWS, we see data problems, the effect on businesses, tourism and why this could benefit Trump. The UK replaces its Chancellor of the Exchequer. In CAR NEWS, Tesla asks for more money just as it faces…

Thursday 13/02/20

In MACRO & CORONAVIRUS NEWS, the Eurozone's economic outlook takes a blow, Macron's popularity continues to dive and Italy's Salvini goes to trial while the coronavirus rages on. In RETAIL NEWS, the landlords' rescue of Forever 21 poses questions and…

Wednesday 12/02/20

In CARS'N TAXI NEWS, Daimler announces its worst profits in a decade, Uber fails in its California challenge and Lyft announces losses as it focuses on profitable growth. In TELEPHONE-RELATED NEWS, the T-Mobile/Sprint deal gets the green light and Samsung…

Tuesday 11/02/20

In MACRO & CORONAVIRUS NEWS, Trump promises spending cuts, China's inflation reaches new highs and Germany's leadership plunges into further turmoil while the coronavirus hits global growth, oil prices and mobile phone production. In RETAIL NEWS, US mall operators Simon…

Monday 10/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & POLITICAL NEWS, China tries to restart, factories struggle, the "Boris Bounce" could get knocked off course and the Irish election yields a major upset. In TELECOMS NEWS, Huawei stripping comes at a cost and Samsung is to…

Friday 07/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & MACRO NEWS, we see more developments and impact as the virus continues to spread, Steve Mnuchin warns of a slowing momentum in the US economy and UK hiring picks up. In RETAIL NEWS, Tesco attracts bidders for…

Thursday 06/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, markets rise on the prospects of a virus cure. In CAR NEWS, Tesla takes a tumble, GM and Ford take stock, more Brits ask about electric cars and the Nissan Leaf breaks a self-driving distance record. In…

Wednesday 05/02/20

In CAR NEWS, EU/US fear parts shortages due to coronavirus, BoJo moves the goalposts for "dirty" cars and Tesla goes higher. In RETAIL NEWS, Macy's announces store closures, Ikea plans to shut a UK store and Kantar stats show supermarket…

Tuesday 04/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS & MACRO NEWS, Hong Kong closes crossings to China as world growth, oil and supply chains look vulnerable while UK manufacturing output steadies. In FINANCIALS NEWS, Goldman teams up with Amazon and banks eye bitcoin again. In M&A…

Monday 03/02/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, China acts to protect markets and insurers check cover. In CAR NEWS, Nissan has an interesting plan for Brexit while hybrid cars face a price war. In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS, sports brands compete with retailers and ghost kitchens…

Friday 31/01/20

In MACRO & CORONAVIRUS NEWS, markets continue to fall, the coronavirus continues to spread, US growth slows, European unemployment hits a new low and the Bank of England leaves the interest rate unchanged. In TECH NEWS, the Huawei decision weighs…

Thursday 30/01/20

In MODES-OF-TRANSPORT NEWS, Boeing has a shocker, Tesla delights, British car manufacturing hits new lows, Brit bike-maker Norton goes under and UPS gives electric van start-up a massive boost. In TECH NEWS, Microsoft benefits from the cloud, Samsung sees the…

Wednesday 29/01/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, Xi resolves to fight, Cathay and Starbucks take action and Microsoft and Dell donate. In TECH NEWS, the UK lets Huawei in, Apple unveils strong results and WhatsApp reports security flaws. In UK RETAIL NEWS, sales are…

Tuesday 28/01/20

In CORONAVIRUS & MACRO NEWS, markets take fright, US drug companies pitch in and Germany's economy fails to climb out its current rut. In RETAIL NEWS, US retailers and restaurants go bankrupt and British Land predicts decimation. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY…

Monday 27/01/20

In CORONAVIRUS NEWS, fears increase about its actual spread. In TECH NEWS, the UK looks likely to give Huawei a sniff, Apple faces a potentially lucrative year and a start-up aims to be the Spotify of textbooks. In RETAIL NEWS,…

Friday 24/01/20

In MACRO & MARKETS NEWS, the ECB holds steady and markets get nervy on the corona virus. In RETAIL NEWS, Morrisons cuts managers while Hotel Chocolat and Asos toast a solid Christmas. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS,Intel gets a boost and…

Thursday 23/01/20

In MACRO NEWS, US-UK trade tension builds and UK manufacturing gets a "Boris bounce". In CAR NEWS, German carmakers have a hard time, JLR announces job losses, Tesla hits $100bn and GM unveils its first fully autonomous EV. In UK…

Wednesday 22/01/20

In TECH-RELATED NEWS, the UK and France take different stances on digital tax, Facebook creates UK jobs but loses Vodafone as a Libra backer. In RETAIL NEWS, Sainsbury's says it'll axe managers, Aldi is to become the #1 payer, Dixons…

Tuesday 21/01/20

In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS, US retail landlords suffer from retail closures, Intu asks for cash, Beales falls into administration, Matalan profits fall whilst options for the future of Reiss and Itsu are considered. In UK CONSUMER NEWS, confidence in household finances…

Monday 20/01/20

In RETAIL NEWS, Intu's finances are in trouble, Beales looks vulnerable and Amazon examines hand gestures. In CAR-RELATED NEWS, we see that owners are hanging on for longer, that electric car demand pushes GKN and Delta together and that pubs…

Friday 17/01/20

In MACRO & "ECONOMIC BELLWETHER" NEWS, China's GDP slows down, Turkey announces its fifth interest rate cut in a row, European car sales rise and UK recruiters suffer. In RETAIL NEWS, Gap goes back on its plan to split itself,…

Thursday 16/01/20

In MACRO NEWS, a US/China trade deal is announced, Vlad Putin has a reshuffle, China's GDP looks shaky, Germany's is the worst for six years, UK inflation falls but the number of house sellers rises. In RETAIL NEWS, Bezos announces…

Wednesday 15/01/20

In MACRO NEWS, Europe ups the pressure on Iran, Germany invests big in rail and the Irish PM calls for a general election. In RETAIL NEWS, Boohoo overtakes M&S in value and Games Workshop sees rising sales. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY…

Tuesday 14/01/20

In MACRO NEWS, UK GDP drops but housing sales rise In CAR-RELATED NEWS, China car sales fall again, Russia's Yandex aims at European car-sharing, Germany warns about EV-related job losses and we look at how EVs could change car model…

Monday 13/01/20

In MANUFACTURING/CAR NEWS, US manufacturers offer incentives to attract workers, Nissan looks at a Renault split and we look at whether 2020 is the year for electric cars In RETAIL NEWS, shopper numbers fall and Beales looks tricky. In INDIVIDUAL…

Friday 10/01/20

In RETAIL NEWS, JC Penney and Kohl's announce weaker sales, India's Reliance takes on Amazon, Ikea buys a shopping centre (!), John Lewis has a shocker, Selfridges thrives on vegan hampers, M&S suffers, Tesco's Christmas is a bit meh and…

Thursday 09/01/20

In MACRO & COMMODITIES NEWS, Trump tries to calm the US/Iran situation, India slashes its own growth forecasts, von der Leyen manages Brexit expectations, Spain's Sanchez digs in and a lithium producer cuts guidance. In RETAIL/CONSUMER GOODS NEWS, Macy's outlines…