Watson's Daily

Friday 22/02/19

In GLOBAL TRADE-RELATED NEWS, Trump softens on Huawei, Maersk warns on trade war escalation and German export orders hit new lows. In CONSUMER GOODS NEWS, Kraft Heinz has a poorly-received reveal and Johnson & Johnson has talc issues. In INDIVIDUAL…

Thursday 21/02/19

In CAR-RELATED NEWS, we look at Honda fallout, emissions difficulties, and the latest on Lyft, Uber and Tesla. In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS, "Sasda" looks dead, retailer landlord Intu suffers and so does Laura Ashley. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, Samsung launches a…

Wednesday 20/02/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Trump makes positive noises on China trade talks, Germany's trade surplus increases chances of retaliation, Germany sides with France against the EU and the UK labour market remains tight. In RETAIL/HIGH STREET NEWS, Walmart triumphs, Asda sales…

Tuesday 19/02/19

In VEHICLE-RELATED NEWS, Honda closes Swindon, US dealers offer bigger SUV discounts and Ford does e-vans. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, UK consumers are nervous but not changing their spending and JD Sports takes a slice of Footasylum but not the whole…

Monday 18/02/19

In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, UK worker pay rises on skills shortage, house prices are at their most affordable for years, Microsoft's on the verge of a London shop and Walmart's due to reveal the cost of taking on Amazon. In CAR-RELATED…

Friday 15/02/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Trump calls an emergency, May loses another vote and Germany avoids recession. In RETAILER NEWS, US retail sales weaken, Amazon abandons HQ2 in New York and looks at London store openings, Patisserie Valerie gets a lifeline and…

Thursday 14/02/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Xi joins the trade talks, China exports surge and UK inflation falls. In DRINKING AND DRIVING NEWS, Heineken profits, driverless players jockey for position and an electric car startup gets an Amazon and GM boost. In RETAIL…

Wednesday 13/02/19

In MACRO AND OIL NEWS, US-China talks make progress, the Baltic Dry hits new lows and Aramco looks overseas. In TECH AND GAMING-RELATED NEWS, Apple has China issues and grumbling from publishers, Sony replaces its PlayStation chief and Activision Blizzard…

Tuesday 12/02/19

In MACRO AND COMMODITIES NEWS, China engages in more US talks, UK growth hits the buffers (surprise, surprise) and there's rising demand for both copper and cobalt. In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS, Burger King's parent seeks out growth, Iceland readies itself for…

Monday 11/02/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Japan loses steam and there's more evidence of a UK slowdown. In UK HIGH STREET/CONSUMER NEWS, Office profits take a shoeing, Paperchase tries not to fold, Patisserie Valerie refuses Mike Ashley's proposal to have his cake and…

Friday 08/02/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the Bank of England hunkers down on interest rates. In MEDIA-RELATED NEWS, Twitter turns its first ever full-year profit, Publicis suffers slowing sales and the BBC nears a transformational deal. In CAR-RELATED NEWS, Amazon invests in Aurora…

Thursday 07/02/19

In ENTERTAINMENT-RELATED NEWS, Spotify buys into podcasting and game makers suffer from Fortnite success. In AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, GM relies on trucks to mitigate China and Tesla cuts the Model 3 price again. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, Chipotle gets spicy, Ocado…

Wednesday 06/02/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Trump resets on the border wall, Italy and France drag the eurozone closer to recession and the UK services sector flatlines. In TECH NEWS, Apple gets some bad news, Snapchat's parent has good news and Houseparty has…

Tuesday 05/02/19

In MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT-RELATED NEWS, Google continues to dominate digital ads, Netflix has the UK in its sights, Sony suffers and music finds a new gamer audience. In CAR-RELATED NEWS, US car dealers have inventory to shift and Tesla buys battery tech…

Monday 04/02/19

In CARS NEWS, Nissan makes a shock decision and Ford outlines its January performance. In RETAIL NEWS, Ikea tries furniture leasing and HMV gets another bidder. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, we take a closer look at Nintendo and a changing…

Friday 01/02/19

In MACRO AND COMMODITIES NEWS, a Trump/Xi summit seems to be on the cards, the Eurozone slows, Italy falls into recession and central banks buy gold. In TECH NEWS, Samsung suffers, Facebook consolidates and Nintendo's profits soar. In RETAIL NEWS,…

Thursday 31/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the Fed keeps rates on hold. In CAR NEWS, VW develops its EV platform, Ford's China JV underperforms, Tesla announces profits and UK car production hits new lows. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, UK consumer borrowing falls, Alibaba revenue…

Wednesday 30/01/19

In REAL ESTATE NEWS, Chinese sell out of US property and Crest Nicholson suffers with London. In TECH NEWS, Apple disappoints and a new tax crackdown looms for big tech. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, PG&E's bankruptcy sets it up for…

Tuesday 29/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, US/China talks are set to continue, South Korea trade collapses, Italy slides into recession and German business confidence takes a kicking (so no drama there then...) In TECH NEWS, Apple looks at new areas and NVidia feels…

Monday 28/01/19

In CHINA RELATIONS NEWS, US manufacturers feel the slowdown and Apple continues to seek alternatives. In ENERGY NEWS, Germany commits to phasing out coal-fired power and a new energy company is set for flotation. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, US consumers look…

Friday 25/01/19

In TECH NEWS, China bans Microsoft's Bing and Apple cuts staff working on Project Titan. In CARS NEWS, Ford's profits get dinged and JLR announces a production shut down. In RETAIL NEWS, Starbucks sees sales growth, New Look slides deeper…

Thursday 24/01/19

In UK HIGH STREET NEWS, we take stock of job losses so far, Patisserie Valerie attracts a serious bidder and John Lewis closes a Southsea department store whilst Wetherspoons and Joules unveil decent sales figures. In BANKS NEWS , Metro…

Wednesday 23/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, UK pay growth rises as employment levels reach record highs. In TECH NEWS , Dyson moves HQ to Singapore and Foxconn mulls a move to India. In RETAIL NEWS, I highlight the flaws in the data, Patisserie…

Tuesday 22/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the IMF frets about growth and China slows down. In TECH NEWS , a SoftBank and Virgin satellite nears take-off and Google gets a GDPR fine. In RETAIL NEWS, we see that British Land changes its retail…

Monday 21/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, we see side-effects of the US government shutdown and Brexit as well as their combined knock-on effects on Davos. In UK HIGH STREET NEWS , Mike Ashley circles HMV and Patisserie Valerie awaits its fate. In INDIVIDUAL…

Friday 18/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Germany raises Brexit concerns and Japan's economic data looks dodgy. In TECH NEWS , Germany looks at shutting Huawei out of 5G and Apple supplier TSMC expects a slowdown. In CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS, credit card borrowing looks likely…

Thursday 17/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the US government shutdown continues to bite and the Chinese government splashes the cash to boost the economy. In UK CONSUMER/RETAIL NEWS , inflation and house prices weaken and we see more retail winners and losers. In…

Wednesday 16/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, we see what's next for Brexit and that Germany only just avoids recession. In RETAIL NEWS , India tries to protect the Davids against the Goliaths and we look at more UK retailing winners and losers including…

Tuesday 15/01/19

In MACRO AND MARKETS NEWS, China and Eurozone growth declines whilst Brazil's markets mask deeper woes. In UK HIGH STREET NEWS , JD Sports has a cracker, Revolution has a profit warning and New Look faces a painful recovery. In…

Monday 14/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, we look at the latest options for Brexit and an update on UK employment. In CAR NEWS , India rises up the rankings and VW has its eyes on the China prize. In REAL ESTATE NEWS, a…

Friday 11/01/19

In RETAIL/HIGH STREET NEWS, Macy's cuts its guidance and we see more winners and losers on the UK high street. In CARS NEWS , JLR and Ford announce job losses and Fiat Chrysler pays a chunky fine. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY…

Thursday 10/01/19

In MACRO NEWS, US-China talks make progress, the Eurozone jobless rate hits a new low and France vows to continue reforms. In RETAIL NEWS , we look at the festive season's winners and losers. In CAR NEWS, China sales hit…

Wednesday 09/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC AND COMMODITIES NEWS, the EU gets tough on Iran, Germany edges closer to recession while palladium prices hit new highs and US steel prices fall to pre-tariff levels. In GROCER AND HIGH STREET NEWS , Morrisons, Sainsbury's and…

Tuesday 08/01/19

In TECH NEWS, Apple changes its tune and Samsung gets gloomy about the outlook. In CAR NEWS , UK sales continue to fall and Tesla aims for China production this year. In RETAIL NEWS, Aldi and Dunelm toast a solid…

Monday 07/01/19

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the US and China hold trade talks and China announces a massive stimulus. In RETAIL NEWS , there are wobbles in the US, Selfridges enjoys a good Christmas and Morrisons slashes prices. In TECH NEWS, FB dating…

Friday 21/12/18

In UK MACRO NEWS, the Bank leaves our interest rate unchanged, we look at current Brexit options while UK car manufacturing and consumer confidence fall to new lows. In UK HIGH STREET/CONSUMER NEWS , retail sales figures are surprisingly good,…

Thursday 20/12/18

In MACRO, MARKETS & CRYPTO NEWS, US rates rise, the EU and Italy come to an arrangement, UK inflation hits a new low and there's some bad news for crypto fans. In NEWS ON CIGARETTES AND ALCOHOL , AB InBev…

Wednesday 19/12/18

In MARKETS AND OIL NEWS, we look at why markets are falling and whether we're heading for global recession plus the reasons behind oil price weakness despite OPEC cutting production. In RETAIL NEWS , John Lewis and Angling Direct report…

Tuesday 18/12/18

In MACROECONOMIC AND MARKETS NEWS, May sets a date, a second referendum looks more likely and markets fall on renewed US-China trade worries. In RETAIL NEWS , Asos shocker topples the whole retail sector. In MISCELLANEOUS NEWS, there's more evidence…

Monday 17/12/18

In REAL ESTATE-RELATED NEWS, Overseas landlords abandon the UK and average asking prices fall by £10,000. In RETAIL NEWS , US retailers face a big sell-off, UK shops face disappointment, Laura Ashley is to close outlets BUT some restaurant/bar chains…

Friday 14/12/18

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, the US posts strong job numbers, Italy's latest budget fudge falls short and the EU orders the reinstatement of tougher diesel emission rules. In RETAIL NEWS , Mike Ashley warns of dire retail situation, Bonmarche craters and…

Thursday 13/12/18

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, we see what's next for the PM, Italy sounds like it's trying to comply on its budget and markets turn up on hopes that US-China negotiations are nearing a happy place. In RETAIL NEWS , Zara owner…

Wednesday 12/12/18

In CAR-RELATED NEWS, China cuts tariffs in a drastically weaker sales environment and Hyundai champions fuel cells. In RETAIL AND CONSUMER-RELATED NEWS , Christmas ain't looking good for the high street, pensions get hit by falling retail property values and…

Tuesday 11/12/18

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, May has a 'mare, UK growth stutters, the French central bank slashes growth forecasts and Macron caves to protester demands. In RETAIL NEWS , US retailers shake things up and Dunkerton hankers for a return to Superdry.…

Monday 10/12/18

In MACRON NEWS, the French president faces serious challenges. In UK CONSUMER/HIGH STREET NEWS , footfall is expected to fall sharply, Pizza Express has dough woes but then Hollywood Bowl is looking good. In TECH-RELATED NEWS, the Huawei saga intensifies,…

Friday 07/12/18

In MARKETS AND OIL NEWS, markets shudder from Huawei drama and an oil production cut might not be a done deal. In HUAWEI NEWS , China gets angry and the Japanese government considers cutting Huawei off. In SECTOR NEWS, gambling…

Thursday 06/12/18

In MACROECONOMIC NEWS, Macron cancels his proposed fuel tax, Italy offers to "tweak" its budget and UK services has a disappointing month. In TECH NEWS , BT strips out Huawei equipment, Huawei's CFO gets arrested and Waymo's driverless taxis start…

Wednesday 05/12/18

In POLITICS AND MARKETS NEWS, May suffers more defeat, Macron U-turns on fuel tax, France and Germany chicken out of digital tax and US markets tumble on lack of tariff clarity. In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS , Kroger gets with Walgreens, UK…

Tuesday 04/12/18

In POLITICAL NEWS, Macron faces fuel tax pressure and Spain's far-right gains ground. In MERGER & ACQUISITION NEWS , GSK buys Tesaro to boost its cancer drug pipeline, Unilever buys GSK's consumer nutrition business and Altria has talks to buy…

Monday 03/12/18

In MACRO, MARKETS AND OIL NEWS, a G20 truce cheers markets, Macron has a domestic, UK manufacturing gets a boost and oil prices ain't what they used to be. In RETAILER NEWS, Amazon trials cashierless and Spain's Dia faces tough…

Friday 30/11/18

In UK CONSUMER NEWS, borrowing and confidence are down but mortgage lending goes up. In TECH NEWS , Amazon feels heat from the Germans and Apple axes Chinese apps. In INDIVIDUAL COMPANY NEWS, AT&T announces streaming plans, Bayer makes big…

Thursday 29/11/18

In MARKETS AND BITCOIN NEWS, the US markets breathe a sigh of relief and Bitcoin perks up. In FAANG NEWS , Netflix commits to more production as Google and Facebook fuel a UK ad boom. In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS, Ikea's profit…

Wednesday 28/11/18

In CAR-RELATED NEWS, European manufacturers get dinged by Trump and Tesla has a shocker in China. In RETAIL-RELATED NEWS , John Lewis hails Black Friday, Greggs warms investors but Pets at Home has a vet-shaped nightmare. In TECH NEWS, major…

Tuesday 27/11/18

In MACRO AND OIL NEWS, Trump talks more China tariffs, Italy hints at a budget climbdown and US shale drillers could be affected by low oil prices. In UK HIGH STREET NEWS , pubs adapt to change and Cake Box…