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Thank You for Tax Reform

The “secular stagnation” thesis is having a bad year. Readers will recall that this idea, popularized by former Obama White House economist Larry Summers, held that America is fated to endure slow economic growth. This conveniently justified the Obama era’s historic slow growth as an inevitable deus ex machina, and Mr. Summers’s policy advice was for government to borrow more money to spend on public works. A year after the Obama economists left town, stagnation may be following them back to Harvard. The Commerce Department...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/thank-you-for-tax-reform-1517009242

BRIEF-Reading International Provides Update On Nevada District Court Ruling Regarding Derivative Lawsuit

January 5, 2018 / 1:20 PM / Updated 34 minutes ago BRIEF-Reading International Provides Update On Nevada District Court Ruling Regarding Derivative Lawsuit Reuters Staff Jan 5 (Reuters) - Reading International Inc: * READING INTERNATIONAL PROVIDES UPDATE ON NEVADA DISTRICT COURT RULING REGARDING DERIVATIVE LAWSUIT * READING INTERNATIONAL - ON DEC. 28, JUDGE ORDERED DISMISSING CLAIMS AGAINST 5 OF CO‘S DIRECTORS IN THE COTTER JR. DERIVATIVE LITIGATION * READING INTERNATIONAL-ON DEC 29, DIRECTORS WHO WERE DISMISSED FROM CASE, VOTED TO RATIFY 2015 TERMINATION OF JAMES COTTER, JR., AS CEO & PRESIDENT​ * READING INTERNATIONAL - COURT DISMISSED DERIVATIVE CLAIMS ON INDICATION OF INTEREST MADE BY PATTON VISION LLC TO ACQUIRE OUTSTANDING STOCK OF CO * READING INTERNATIONAL - ‍REMAINING UNRESOLVED CLAIMS ASSERTED IN COTTER JR. DERIVATIVE LITIGATION HAVE BEEN SET FOR TRIAL COMMENCING ON JAN 8, 2018​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-reading-international-provides-upd/brief-reading-international-provides-update-on-nevada-district-court-ruling-regarding-derivative-lawsuit-idUSASB0BZW0

China December factory growth quickens to four-month high but confidence subdued: Caixin PMI

BEIJING (Reuters) - Growth in China’s manufacturing sector unexpectedly picked up to a four-month high in December as factories cranked up production to meet a surge in new orders, a private business survey showed on Tuesday. A production line is seen inside a factory of Saic GM Wuling, in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, June 19, 2016. REUTERS/Norihiko Shirouzu/Files The reading suggested surprising resilience in the world’s second-largest economy at the end of the year, though it was somewhat at odds with a much larger official survey on Sunday that pointed to a slight loss of momentum. The Caixin/Markit Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) rose to 51.5 last month, from 50.8 in November, and far outpacing economists’ expectations for a slight dip to 50.6. The 50-mark divides expansion from contraction on a monthly basis. Analysts have expected some softening in China’s manufacturing activity as a punishing crackdown on air pollution, a cooling property market and higher borrowing costs all start to weigh on the world’s second-largest economy. That view appeared to be borne out by the official data at the weekend which suggested that production expanded in December at a slightly more modest pace. But Caixin’s findings showed output grew at the fastest pace in three months, bolstered by improving demand. Total new orders at home and from abroad rose at the strongest pace since August, with the sub-index jumping to 53.0 in December from 51.8 the previous month. The Caixin survey tends to focus on small and mid-sized firms which are believed to be more export-oriented. While the official data pointed to a wobble in production, it also showed a pickup in overseas orders which should help support China’s exporters in the next few months. PRICE PRESSURES However, despite the increase in new work, the Caixin survey indicated manufacturers continued to shed staff in December and input costs continued to rise sharply, largely due to higher prices for raw materials. Companies were able to pass on some of those cost increases to customers, suggesting broader inflationary pressures may intensify in China this year. The official data pointed to even stronger price rises. China’s vast industrial sector has reported strong earnings growth this year thanks to a year-long construction boom that has fuelled demand and prices for building materials. But government measures to tame rising housing prices and high debt levels are starting to weigh on property investment, while the boost from a massive infrastructure spree is starting to fade. Beijing’s war on winter smog has also disrupted manufacturing activity. Some steel mills, smelters and factories in the north have been forced to curtail or halt production, though plants in other parts of the country may be ramping up production to fill the shortfall and gain more market share. Despite the pickups in output and new orders, however, the Caixin survey showed business confidence in the 12-month outlook remained weak by historical standards. Respondents cited forecasts of relatively subdued client demand and changes to national policies, though no more details were provided. “Manufacturing operating conditions improved in December, reinforcing the notion that economic growth has stabilized in 2017 and has even performed better than expected,” Zhengsheng Zhong, director of macroeconomic analysis at CEBM Group, said in a note accompanying the Caixin release. ”However, we should not underestimate downward pressure on growth due to tightening monetary policy and strengthening oversight on local government financing.” Analysts have widely expected China will report slightly cooler economic growth in the fourth quarter after a forecast-beating 6.9 percent expansion in the first nine months of the year, supported by the construction boom and robust exports. Sources have told Reuters that Chinese leaders are likely to stick with a growth target of around 6.5 percent for 2018, the same as last year, even as they ratchet up efforts to prevent a destabilising build-up of debt. Reporting by Lusha Zhang and Elias Glenn; Editing by Kim Coghill

https://in.reuters.com/article/china-economy-pmi-factory-caixin/china-december-factory-growth-quickens-to-four-month-high-but-confidence-subdued-caixin-pmi-idINKBN1ER05O

South Korean hospital fire kills 19 people, around 50 injured - fire official, media

January 26, 2018 / 1:29 AM / Updated 6 hours ago South Korean hospital blaze kills at least 37, fleeing patients brave flames Christine Kim 6 Min Read MIRYANG, South Korea (Reuters) - Once famous for an award-winning film of the same name, the South Korean city of Miryang became a scene of horror on Friday as flames and toxic smoke swept through a hospital, killing at least 37 people and injuring more than 140. South Korea’s deadliest fire in almost a decade followed one last month that killed 29 people, reviving concern over safety standards, as the hospital director said current law did not require the building to have a sprinkler system. “So many lives were sacrificed and the people of our city, as well as those throughout the country, have fallen into deep grief,” the city’s mayor, Park Il-ho, told reporters, appearing visibly distressed. Many patients “walked though fire and smoke” to escape from the Sejong Hospital as the main exit was on the first floor, which was ablaze, a city official told Reuters. Those on upper floors used ladders and plastic escape slides to flee, while firefighters carried some who could not walk. “I saw the elderly patients scrambling out through the windows and had to help,” said Woo Young-min, 25, as he stood in his pyjamas outside the hospital. The presidential Blue House initially said the number of dead was at least 41, but deferred to a toll of 37 from the fire chief of Miryang, which is about 270 km (170 miles) southeast of Seoul, the capital, and home to about 108,000 people. Fire officials posted a list of at least 26 victims outside the hospital, their ages ranging from 34 to 96 years, with at least a score over 70. Families crowded round a handwritten list of names and hospital rooms that officials had scrawled on a wall at a nearby funeral home. The fire broke out around 7.30 a.m. (2230 GMT) at the rear of the emergency room on the hospital’s first floor, fire official Choi Man-woo told a televised news briefing. The street outside the hospital featured in the 2007 South Korean drama “Miryang,” or “Secret Sunshine,” which garnered awards at Cannes and other film festivals. But on Friday, witnesses described scenes of chaos in the sub-freezing temperatures, as nearby residents rushed to take portable hotpacks to shivering victims. Woo said he was walking home after working a graveyard shift when he saw the fire and patients trying to escape the blaze. “The firefighters were shouting at us not to go inside the building, so I stayed and helped others bring the patients down the slides.” Television broadcast images of black smoke billowing from the windows and entrance of the hospital as flames flickered. At least 177 patients - most of them elderly - were at the hospital and an adjacent nursing home when the fire broke out, hospital director Song Byeong-cheol told reporters. Song said three of the nine hospital staff on duty at the time died, including at least one doctor, a nurse, and a nurse’s aide, all killed on the second floor. A firefighter walks out of a burnt hospital in Miryang, South Korea, January 26, 2018. Kim Dong-min/Yonhap via REUTERS Most of those who died were on the first and second floors, said Choi, but added that there were no deaths from burns. Seven people were critically injured, while 126 had less serious wounds, officials told a Friday evening briefing. The injured were treated at 14 regional hospitals. By Friday afternoon, police had cordoned off the burnt-out hospital, as forensic investigators combed the smoke-blackened building. Charred debris and shattered glass littered the ground outside. NO SPRINKLER SYSTEM Asia’s fourth-largest economy, with one of the world’s fastest ageing populations, South Korea has faced criticism in recent years over inadequate safety standards. Slideshow (5 Images) Song said the six-storey hospital did not have a sprinkler system and was not large enough to require one under the law. The nursing home annexe, where no patients died, is covered by a new law, however, and Song said the hospital had planned to begin installing a sprinkler system there next week. Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said the government would consider changing the law. Interior ministry guidelines published in December 2016 suggest sprinklers for all buildings of six or more storeys. Officials said they were still investigating the cause of the fire, but were looking at a possible short circuit in the emergency room’s heating and cooling system. “According to an initial eyewitness, fire broke out where there are two air-conditioning and heating devices in the emergency room,” Song said. “Others said an electric spark occurred on the ceiling of the emergency room and then fire spread quickly.” The hospital had regular safety inspections and was built to government standards, with fire exits and extinguishers, many of which were used during the fire, he added. President Moon Jae-in held an emergency meeting with top aides and urged “all necessary measures” to help survivors. Interior Minister Kim Boo-kyum, who visited Miryang to apologise for the fire, promised government help for victims, Yonhap news agency said. In December, 29 people were killed in a blaze at an eight-storey fitness centre in Jecheon City, most of them women trapped in a sauna by toxic fumes. The event fed anger over reports of shoddy construction, among other shortcomings. In 2014, a fire at a rural hospital killed 21 people, while a 2008 warehouse fire outside Seoul killed 40. Reporting by Christine Kim; Additional reporting Yuna Park, Dahee Kim and Hyonhee Shin; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Clarence Fernandez

https://in.reuters.com/article/southkorea-fire-toll/blaze-in-south-korean-hospital-kills-eight-injures-dozens-idINKBN1FF05R

NewMarket Corporation Schedules Conference Call and Webcast to Review Fourth Quarter 2017 and Year-End Financial Results

RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NewMarket Corporation (NYSE: NEU) announced today it will release fourth quarter 2017 and year-end earnings at the close of business on Tuesday, February 6. The earnings announcement will also be available on the company’s website at www.NewMarket.com beginning Wednesday, February 7. A conference call and Internet webcast is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 to review fourth quarter and year-end 2017 financial results. You can access the conference call live by dialing 1-877-407-9210 (domestic) or 1-201-689-8049 (international) and requesting the NewMarket conference call. To avoid delays, callers should dial in five minutes early. A teleconference replay of the call will be available until February 14, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. EST by dialing 1-877-481-4010 (domestic) and 1-919-882-2331 (international). The replay ID number is 23857. The call will also be broadcast via the Internet and can be accessed through the Company’s website at www.NewMarket.com or www.investorcalendar.com . A webcast replay will be available for 30 days. NewMarket Corporation, through its subsidiaries, Afton Chemical Corporation and Ethyl Corporation, develops, manufactures, blends, and delivers chemical additives that enhance the performance of petroleum products. From custom-formulated additive packages to market-general additives, the NewMarket family of companies provides the world with the technology to make engines run smoother, machines last longer, and fuels burn cleaner. View source version on businesswire.com : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180110006035/en/ NewMarket Corporation Investor Relations Brian D. Paliotti, 804-788-5555 Fax: 804-788-5688 investorrelations@NewMarket.com Source: NewMarket Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/business-wire-newmarket-corporation-schedules-conference-call-and-webcast-to-review-fourth-quarter-2017-and-year-end-financial-results.html

BRIEF-Beigene And Mirati Therapeutics Announce Exclusive License Agreement For Sitravatinib In The Asia Pacific Region

Jan 8 (Reuters) - Beigene Ltd: * BEIGENE AND MIRATI THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR SITRAVATINIB IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION * BEIGENE LTD - MIRATI WILL RETAIN EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FOR DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF SITRAVATINIB FOR REST OF WORLD. * BEIGENE LTD - UNDER AGREEMENT MIRATI WILL RECEIVE AN UPFRONT CASH PAYMENT OF $10 MILLION FROM BEIGENE * BEIGENE - MIRATI ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE UP TO $123 MILLION OF EXTRA PAYMENTS UPON CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT, REGULATORY AND SALES MILESTONES, AMONG OTHERS * BEIGENE - CO, MIRATI THERAPEUTICS ENTERED AGREEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT, MANUFACTURING, COMMERCIALIZATION OF MIRATI‘S SITRAVATINIB IN ASIA Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-beigene-and-mirati-therapeutics-an/brief-beigene-and-mirati-therapeutics-announce-exclusive-license-agreement-for-sitravatinib-in-the-asia-pacific-region-idUSFWN1P30HN

Shares of Card Factory plunge on lower profit forecast

Jan 11 (Reuters) - Shares of British greeting cards retailer Card Factory were on track for their worst single day since listing after predicting lower core earnings for 2017 on tighter margins. The retailer, which went public in 2014, said it expects underlying EBITDA for the year ended Dec. 31 to come in between 93 million pounds-95 million pounds ($128.10-$125.40 million). The range is lower than 98.5 million pounds reported last year. Shares of the company were down 21 percent at 222.8 pence at 0846 GMT, making them the top drag on the FTSE Mid Cap index. The retailer, which sells most of its products for under a pound, said like-for-like sales in the Christmas trading period were driven by lower margin non-card categories, such as gifts and dressings. The company said profit would be hurt by previously flagged pressure from a weaker pound, as about half of the company’s annual costs of its goods come from products sourced in U.S. dollars, and higher costs for wages. Britain’s finance minister in 2016 raised the minimum wage to 7.50 pounds from 7.20 pounds. The company said it expects the combined impact of foreign exchange and wage inflation to result in 7 million to 8 million pounds of additional costs in 2019 “...whilst we have plans to mitigate this impact as far as possible, we recognise that against this backdrop, any EBITDA growth for the year is likely to be limited,” its Chief Executive Karen Hubbard said on Thursday. ($1 = 0.7416 pounds) (Reporting by Rahul B in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernard Orr) Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/card-factory-stocks/shares-of-card-factory-plunge-on-lower-profit-forecast-idUSL4N1P6315

Biotech M&A takes off as Sanofi and Celgene spend $20 billion

January 22, 2018 / 3:12 PM / Updated 21 minutes ago Biotech M&A takes off as Sanofi and Celgene spend $20 billion Ben Hirschler 4 Min Read LONDON (Reuters) - Biotech deal activity exploded on Monday with French drugmaker Sanofi and U.S.-based Celgene spending a combined total of more than $20 billion to add new products for hemophilia and cancer to their medicine cabinets. The acquisitions will fuel expectations for a busy year of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as large drugmakers snap up promising assets from smaller rivals to help revive growth. Sanofi agreed to buy U.S. hemophilia expert Bioverativ for $11.6 billion, its biggest deal for seven years, while Celgene is paying about $9 billion for the 90 percent of cancer specialist Juno Therapeutics it does not already own. The two cash deals were agreed at a prices of $105 and $87 per share respectively. Shares in Bioverativ leaped 63 percent in early U.S. trading and Juno jumped 27 percent, while Sanofi fell 4 percent and Celgene 1.5 percent on news of the deals. “The signs are good for biotech deal activity in 2018,” said Chris Stirling, head of KPMG’s global life sciences practice. Big companies are under pressure from declining sales of older treatments and many are struggling to find sufficient high-value replacements from within their own laboratories, making buying in products and know-how an attractive option. “It takes a long time to introduce technology that makes a significant difference, and in the interim CEOs are looking at any way to get their hands on product where they believe they can make a decent return,” Stirling said. “They’ve got to be seen to be doing things, otherwise they really struggle to convince investors.” Both Sanofi and Celgene had been seen as likely multibillion-dollar acquirers. BUSY START FILE PHOTO: A scientist prepares protein samples for analysis in a lab at the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, Britain, July 15, 2013. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo The French group, which faces mounting competition in its key diabetes unit, lost out on buying U.S. cancer firm Medivation to Pfizer in 2016, and also missed acquiring Swiss-based Actelion, which was bought by Johnson & Johnson last year. Celgene, meanwhile, needs to dilute its reliance on cancer drug Revlimid. It had been widely tipped as a buyer for Juno, whose technology is at the cutting edge of cancer treatment. Juno is one of several pioneers of a system to modify immune cells to fight tumors and its JCAR017 product is likely to reach the market in 2019, behind rival approval treatments from Novartis and Gilead. FILE PHOTO:A scientist prepares protein samples for analysis in a lab at the Institute of Cancer Research in Sutton, July 15, 2013. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo. Gilead only recently jumped into the space after acquiring Kite Pharma last year for $12 billion in one of the few standout deals during a relatively subdued year for biotech M&A. Despite the late start, Celgene believes JCAR017 could have peak annual sales of $3 billion and it sees the acquisition being “incrementally additive” to net product sales in 2020. Following setbacks at Juno, Celgene is paying less than the $93 a share it stumped up for just under 10 percent of the company in 2015. Sanofi expects Bioverativ, which was spun off from Biogen last year, can deliver commercial success despite rapid changes in the $10 billion hemophilia market posed by a novel drug from Roche and the potential of gene therapy to provide a one-time cure. Those changes have spooked some investors but Sanofi is betting that the factor replacement therapies made by Bioverativ will remain the standard of care for many years and it expects the deal to boost earnings immediately. Monday’s two big acquisitions build on an already busy start for 2018 biotech M&A, with Celgene earlier agreeing to acquire privately-held Impact Biomedicines for as much as $7 billion, including $1.1 billion upfront, and Novo Nordisk bidding $3.1 billion for Belgium’s Ablynx. Separate reports this month by consultancy EY and law firm Baker McKenzie both predicted a significant rise in life sciences M&A in 2018, helped by U.S. tax changes that may lift big companies’ appetite for deals. Lazard advised Sanofi on its deal, while Guggenheim Securities and J.P. Morgan worked for Bioverativ. J.P. Morgan also worked for Celgene and Morgan Stanley for Juno. Reporting by Ben Hirschler; Editing by Edmund Blair

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-biotech-m-a/biotech-ma-takes-off-as-sanofi-and-celgene-spend-20-billion-idUKKBN1FB20V

McLaren and CNBC announce new multi-year partnership

Davos, Switzerland. McLaren and CNBC, the leading global business news network, announced today an exciting new multi-year partnership that will highlight both brands' reputations for innovation and leadership through content and commercial activity. Announced in Davos, McLaren will use the partnership with CNBC to unlock the potential of the network's powerful audience of business leaders and investors. McLaren is one of the world's most famous sports and technology brands, synonymous with the highest levels of performance. Since its foundation in 1963, McLaren has been a pioneer and innovator, forging a formidable reputation as one of the most successful teams in Formula 1, having won 20 world championships and more than 180 races. CNBC is the number one business and financial news network worldwide, with a renowned reputation among the world's business elite. Its content is consumed by 301 million people per month. Zak Brown, Executive Director, McLaren Technology Group, commented: "CNBC is a world-class, industry-leading brand and a superb fit for McLaren. This partnership will greatly enhance our ability to reach a global business target audience while enabling both CNBC and McLaren to highlight shared attributes and values." Brown continued: "Formula 1 is a sport undergoing exciting change at multiple levels and bringing that story to a global business will help raise the profile not only of McLaren and CNBC but the sport of Formula 1 too." KC Sullivan, President and Managing Director, CNBC International said: "With a shared passion for sporting excellence, CNBC is looking forward to working with the McLaren family of brands to tell the story of cutting edge innovation." ENDS For more information contact: Lee Thompson Head of Communications, CNBC Lee.Thompson@CNBC.com / +44 (0)7880 088314 About CNBC International CNBC International is the leading international business and financial news network. Its mission is to help the influential and aspirational to make astute decisions to get ahead. With international headquarters in London, Singapore and Abu Dhabi, CNBC International provides consumers with a 24-hour global business briefing. In addition to its global TV channel, available in more than 409 million homes worldwide, CNBC.com provides users with video, real-time market analysis, web-exclusive live video and analytical financial tools. CNBC International's award winning content can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. CNBC International is a division of NBCUniversal. For more information, visit www.cnbc.com.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/23/mclaren-and-cnbc-announce-new-multi-year-partnership.html

Carrefour steps up e-commerce push, chases deal in China

January 23, 2018 / 8:03 AM / Updated 2 hours ago Retailer Carrefour steps up digital push and inks deal in China Dominique Vidalon 3 Min Read PARIS (Reuters) - Carrefour’s ( CARR.PA ) new chief executive pledged to slash costs, step up investment in e-commerce in the face of competition from Amazon ( AMZN.O ) and open up the capital of Carrefour China to local investors, as part of a plan to boost growth at the world’s second-largest retailer. Alexandre Bompard, at the helm since July, faces the challenge of improving Carrefour’s core French business, where it has been losing market share to unlisted rival Leclerc. He is also aiming to boost profitability and cash flow, and speed up the company’s expansion into e-commerce, where Carrefour was late to invest.. Carrefour, Europe’s largest retailer and the second-biggest in the world behind Wal-Mart ( WMT.N ), will invest 2.8 billion euros ($3.43 billion) by 2022 to accelerate its online offer, six times more than current investments. Carrefour was late in investing in digital despite the threat of Amazon, whose acquisition of U.S. food retail chain Whole Foods has triggered speculation that the U.S. online giant is looking to crack the European market next. Earlier this month, investors welcomed Carrefour’s acquisition of a stake in online fashion retailer Showroomprive.com ( SRPG.PA ), and analysts said they wanted more moves by the company in this area. In China, Carrefour has spent years trying to fix its business, and it is still making a loss in the country amid fierce competition from local players and a buoyant online market. CHINESE DEAL, JOB CUTS In response, Carrefour announced a preliminary deal with Internet giant Tencent ( 0700.HK ) and local retailer Yonghui regarding a potential investment stake in Carrefour China. Carrefour will remain the largest shareholder of Carrefour China. A weak performance in France, which accounts for 47 percent of Carrefour’s sales and 44 percent of operating profit and where struggling hypermarkets still dominate, has weighed on group profitability and hampered the performance of its shares. Carrefour unveiled plans to cut costs by 2 billion euros on a full year basis by 2020, simplify its organization and store network, and accelerate its expansion into convenience stores. Carrefour added that a voluntary redundancy plan would be offered to 2,400 employees at its head office in France, out of total workforce of 10,500. Carrefour is the largest private sector employer in France, with 115,000 French staff out of a global workforce of 384,000. The job cuts threaten to put Bompard on a collision course with powerful French unions, such as Force Ouvriere, which has already called for a day of protests on Feb. 8. Bompard unveiled the plan after Carrefour said last week that its 2017 operating profit could fall by 15 percent amid weak sales. This marked its second profit warning in six months. ($1 = 0.8165 euros)

https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-carrefour-strategy/retailer-carrefour-steps-up-digital-push-and-inks-deal-in-china-idUKKBN1FC0R4

India opens new ports for used steel imports

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India has increased the number of ports that can handle imports of non-prime steel to a total of six, with the addition of three new ports, the ministry of commerce and industry said. A ministry notification dated Jan 18. and made public on Saturday implies all types of steel can be imported through the new ports. The is set to encourage foreign purchases of non-prime category steel. [ bit.ly/2DRagUO ] The news comes after India imposed anti-dumping duty on several stainless steel and flat steel products from China, the United States, South Korea and the European Union, to curb the influx of cheaper imports and help local producers. Reporting by Aditi Shah

https://in.reuters.com/article/india-steel/india-opens-new-ports-for-used-steel-imports-idINKBN1F90TJ

Baltic index up but gains capped by falling capesizes rates

January 22, 2018 / 2:55 PM / in 6 minutes Baltic index up but gains capped by falling capesizes rates Reuters Staff 2 Min Read Jan 22 (Reuters) - The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index rose for the first time in nearly two weeks on Monday as rates of panamax segment firmed up, but gains were capped by a slide in capesize rates. * The overall index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose 4 points, or 0.36 percent, to 1,129 points, after falling for the previous eight consecutive sessions. * Baltic index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, on Friday fell to 1,125 points, its lowest level in over five months. * The panamax index rose 29 points, or 2.18 percent, to 1,362 points. * Average daily earnings for panamaxes, which usually carry coal or grain cargoes of about 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes, were up $227 to $10,920. * The capesize index fell to a five-month low, down 48 points, or 3.22 percent, to 1,445 points. It fell 35 percent last week, its biggest weekly percentage decline in two years. * Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 150,000-tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, fell $113 to $11,458. * Among smaller vessels, the supramax index rose 2 points up to 913 points, while the handysize index climbed 1 point to 585 points. (Reporting by Sumita Layek in Bengaluru;Editing by Arun Koyyur)

https://www.reuters.com/article/baltic-index/baltic-index-up-but-gains-capped-by-falling-capesizes-rates-idUSL4N1PH4DQ

U.S. tech stock funds attract most cash since 2000 -Lipper

NEW YORK, Jan 25 (Reuters) - U.S. fund investors piled into technology stocks during the latest week, pouring the most money into the market than in any week since March 2000, Lipper said on Thursday. The funds pulled in $1.7 billion during the week ended Jan. 24, according to the research service. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by James Dalgleish)

https://www.reuters.com/article/investment-mutualfunds-lipper/u-s-tech-stock-funds-attract-most-cash-since-2000-lipper-idUSN9N1F900Z

Companies await guidance from Treasury on repatriation

Companies await guidance from Treasury on repatriation 1 Hour Ago CNBC's Ylan Mui reports that companies are awaiting guidance from the Treasury Department on rules for repatriation.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/01/18/companies-await-guidance-from-treasury-on-repatriation.html

How Apple Says It Will Protect Your Privacy With These HomePod Features - Fortune

By Don Reisinger 12:30 PM EST Apple’s upcoming smart speaker HomePod will apparently come with features that are designed to automatically protect your privacy. When it’s released next month , Apple’s HomePod will only work on the iCloud account owned by the person that set it up out of the box, Refinery29 reported on Wednesday after having the opportunity to briefly take the smart speaker for a spin. That means only the designated owner will be able to create reminders, send text messages, and get calendar notifications from the built-in Siri, according to online news and entertainment site. Additionally, the report said Siri will only call out notifications, including text messages and calendar appointments, when that owner is on the same network as the HomePod. When he or she is away from the network, Siri will not report that someone texted. Apple unveiled its HomePod last year and pitched it first and foremost as a smart speaker that would deliver far better sound than some of its competitors, including the Amazon Echo and Google Home. Get Data Sheet , Fortune’s technology newsletter However, the HomePod is also powered by Apple’s virtual personal assistant Siri, allowing users to control smart home gadgets like lights and thermostats. According to Refinery29, Siri will also be able to create and alert users to reminders and read aloud text messages—features that could help folks stay abreast of what’s happening without ever needing to pick up their iPhones. While HomePod owners will likely find value in Siri not calling out the content of text messages when they’re not home for privacy’s sake, it’s unclear how HomePod would work in a family setting. For instance, some families might have multiple iCloud accounts and in some settings, they might want text messages and calendar information from one iCloud account shared and in other settings, have other iCloud information beaming through the house. Ultimately, the report sheds light on the sheer number of questions industry watchers have about HomePod and how it will work in a real-world setting. And we likely won’t have answers to all of those questions until the smart speaker hits store shelves on February 9. Apple did not immediately respond to a Fortune request for comment on HomePod’s privacy features. SPONSORED FINANCIAL CONTENT

http://fortune.com/2018/01/25/apple-homepod-privacy-features/

Masonite International Corporation Announces Acquisition of DW3 Products Holding Limited

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Masonite International Corporation (NYSE:DOOR) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of DW3 Products Holding Limited (“DW3”), a leading UK provider of high quality premium door solutions and window systems, supplying products under brand names such as Solidor, Residor, Nicedor, and Residence. Solidor utilizes a leading online offering, including a door designer and a specialized online portal, which allows trade customers to specify and purchase products online. DW3 employs approximately 300 people located in Stoke-on-Trent and Gloucester, England. DW3’s net sales for the twelve months ended December 2017 were approximately £45 million. The purchase price for all of DW3’s outstanding shares was approximately £70 million, net of cash acquired and subject to customary post-closing adjustments. “DW3 fits exceptionally well with Masonite’s existing business in the UK,” said Tony Hair, Masonite’s President, Global Residential. “Their online quick ship capabilities and product portfolio both complement and expand the strategies we are pursuing in this important market.” “DW3’s products and service model are a natural addition to Masonite’s business, and Masonite is an excellent cultural fit for our company,” said Gareth Mobley, CEO of DW3. “We are excited about the opportunities this will bring our employees and customers.” Masonite expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to adjusted EBITDA margin and adjusted EPS in 2018. DW3 is Masonite’s eighth acquisition in the last four years, and the fourth in the UK during that period. About Masonite Masonite International Corporation is a leading global designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior doors for the residential new construction; the residential repair, renovation and remodeling; and the non-residential building construction markets. Since 1925, Masonite has provided its customers with innovative products and superior service at compelling values. Masonite serves more than 7,000 customers in 65 countries. Additional information about Masonite can be found at www.masonite.com . Forward-looking Statements This press release may contains forward-looking information and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and/or U.S. securities laws, including information related to the expected financial impact of the acquisition of DW3 Products Holding Limited. When used in this press release, such forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “may,” might, “could,” “will,” would,” “should,” “expect,” “believes,” “outlook,” “predict,” “forecast,” “objective,” “remain,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “plan,” “project,” “targeting,” or the negative of these terms or other similar terminology. Forward-looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Masonite, or industry results, to be materially different from any future plans, goals, targets, objectives, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, such forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, should not be unduly relied upon, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully integrate the products, employees and operations of DW3, as well as the ability to ensure continued performance of DW3's products; the potential that the expected benefits and opportunities of the transaction may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; general economic, market and business conditions; competition; increases in the costs of raw materials or any shortage in supplies; the actions by, and the continued success of, certain key customers; our ability to maintain relationships with certain customers; retention of key management personnel; and other factors publicly disclosed by the company in its Form 10-K for fiscal 2016 and subsequent 10-Qs filed with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180130005258/en/ Masonite International Corporation Joanne Freiberger, CPA, CTP, IRC, 813-739-1808 VP, TREASURER jfreiberger@masonite.com or Brian Prenoveau, CFA, 813-371-5839 DIR. INVESTOR RELATIONS bprenoveau@masonite.com Source: Masonite International Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/30/business-wire-masonite-international-corporation-announces-acquisition-of-dw3-products-holding-limited.html

Jay-Z is honored with The Recording Academy's President Merit Award

Jay-Z is honored with The Recording Academy's President Merit Award 9:06am EST - 01:59 Jay-Z makes peace with Grammys as he is honoured at Clive Davis party. Rough Cut (No reporter narration) ▲ Hide Transcript ▶ View Transcript Jay-Z makes peace with Grammys as he is honoured at Clive Davis party. Rough Cut (No reporter narration) Press CTRL+C (Windows), CMD+C (Mac), or long-press the URL below on your mobile device to copy the code https://reut.rs/2nlgYuu

https://www.reuters.com/video/2018/01/28/jay-z-is-honored-with-the-recording-acad?videoId=389329403

Federal Judge in Brooklyn Criticizes Trump and Sessions in DACA Hearing

A Brooklyn federal judge criticized President Donald Trump’s comments about Latino immigrants as “vicious” and “extremely volatile” during court arguments Tuesday over whether to stop the Trump administration from rescinding protections for undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as children. In a 90-minute hearing, U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis, an appointee of President Bill Clinton, repeatedly denounced Mr. Trump’s previous comments about Latinos, saying they were “incendiary” and often “completely erroneous.” ... RELATED VIDEO What to Expect From the Dreamers Debate Senate Democrats agreed to reopen the government on Monday after it was shuttered over the weekend, in return for a promise to both debate and then vote on a plan in the Senate to give Dreamers a path to legal status. WSJ's Gerald F. Seib explains what may be next for an immigration bill. Photo: Getty To Read the Full Story Subscribe Sign In

https://www.wsj.com/articles/federal-judge-in-brooklyn-criticizes-trump-and-sessions-in-daca-hearing-1517348010

Child's death highlights slavery, the Indian textile industry's 'dirty secret'

CHENNAI, India (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Tamil Nadu state must compensate the parents of a girl who was electrocuted to death in a textile mill where they worked as bonded laborers, India’s human rights panel has ordered. Thursday’s order highlights the plight of millions of people working as virtual slaves to repay debts throughout India, including Tamil Nadu where the textile industry is concentrated, campaigners said. “Many are trapped in bondage in spinning mills in the region,” said Thangavel Maran of the charity Vizhuthugal (Roots), which took the case to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). “Nobody knows them and it is only when an incident like this happens that the cases come out,” he said. “It is the industry’s dirty secret.” Employers often hold children to ensure that their parents return when they travel home for weddings or funerals. Karunaiyammal and Balasubramani Bathran said they were forced to leave their six-year-old daughter, Nalini, at the factory while they went home for a day trip in 2014. “We left early in the morning and by the time we came back in the evening, she had died,” said Balasubramani. “They said she had accidentally touched a live wire,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. “No other explanation was given and no help was offered.” India banned bonded labor in 1976 but it remains widespread across brick kilns, rice mills and other industries. Many bonded laborers are essentially enslaved, as they work to pay off heavy debts that are compounded by interest and shady accounting practices. Activists say they often end up paying 10 times the amount borrowed. Employers commonly restrict the freedom of movement of bonded laborers, forcing them to live within the premises of their work site. At the time of their child’s death, the Bathrans had been working for nearly two years to pay off a loan of 60,000 Indian rupees ($942). The NHRC has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to recognize that the couple were in bondage and to compensate them according to the law. Some 500,000 manual laborers in 11 industries in Tamil Nadu, including the multi billion dollar textile industry, are trapped in debt bondage, according to the International Justice Mission, an anti-slavery organization. Reporting by Anuradha Nagaraj, Editing by Jared Ferrie; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking and climate change. Visit www.trust.org

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-workers-rights/childs-death-highlights-slavery-the-indian-textile-industrys-dirty-secret-idUSKBN1F11MV

Belgium's D'Ieteren targets 35-40 pct electric car sales by 2025

BRUSSELS, Jan 10 (Reuters) - Belgium’s D‘Ieteren wants 35-40 percent of its vehicle sales to be electric vehicles by 2025, the head of its car sales division has told Belgian business daily L‘Echo. D‘Ieteren, which sells cars and parts of Volkswagen brands including Skoda, Audi and Lamborghini in Belgium, has a more ambitious target than the German group which wants electrified vehicles to be a quarter of deliveries by 2025. “In Belgium, particularly in Flanders and Brussels, the (short) driving distances are very suitable for electric,” D‘Ieteren Auto chief Denis Gorteman told L‘Echo, adding that the high percentage of people living in houses, rather than apartments, meant it was easier for them to charge vehicles. Gorteman said that to achieve the target Belgium needed to invest in the sector and have policies that encouraged electric vehicle use, although he said the sector was not looking for subsidies. Volkswagen approved in November a 34 billion euro ($40.6 billion) spending plan to accelerate its efforts to become a global leader in electric cars. As well as selling cars, D‘Ieteren also has a division repairing and replacing windshields and owns notebook maker Moleskine. ($1 = 0.8372 euros) (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek) Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/dieteren-electric/belgiums-dieteren-targets-35-40-pct-electric-car-sales-by-2025-idUSL8N1P51IP

Sensient Announces Conference Call

MILWAUKEE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Sensient Technologies Corporation (NYSE: SXT) will hold its conference call to discuss 2017 fourth quarter and year end results at 10:00 a.m. CST on Friday, February 9, 2018. To participate in the conference call, contact InterCall Teleconferencing at (888) 818-9025 and refer to conference identification number 6468858. A webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Information section of the Company’s web site at www.sensient.com . A replay will be available from InterCall Teleconferencing beginning at 1:00 p.m. CST on February 9, 2018, through midnight on February 16, 2018, by calling (404) 537-3406 and referring to conference identification number 6468858. An audio replay and written transcript of the call will also be posted on the Company’s web site at www.sensient.com after the call concludes. ABOUT SENSIENT TECHNOLOGIES Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and fragrances. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, inkjet and specialty inks and colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company’s customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world’s best-known brands. Sensient is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. www.sensient.com View source version on businesswire.com : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180126005673/en/ Sensient Technologies Corporation Kim Chase (414) 347-3706 Source: Sensient Technologies Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/26/business-wire-sensient-announces-conference-call.html

SSLJ.com Limited Announces Effective Registration Statement and Pricing for the Company's Initial Public Offering on NASDAQ

WUHAN, China, Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SSLJ.com Limited (the "Company"), a vertically integrated O2O home decoration service and product provider in China, today announced that its registration statement relating to the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") was declared effective today by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering will be sold on a best efforts basis. Boustead Securities, LLC is acting as the sole underwriter for the offering. In its IPO, the Company is offering a minimum of 2,000,000 Class A ordinary shares and a maximum of 4,000,000 Class A ordinary shares at a price to the public of $5.00 per share. The Company expects to raise aggregate gross proceeds of between USD$10,000,000 and USD$20,000,000, before commissions and expenses. Upon closing of the offering, the total number of ordinary shares outstanding will be between 42,000,000 and 44,000,000 shares, as described in the prospectus. In addition, the underwriter has been granted an over-subscription option pursuant to which the Company may sell up to an additional 600,000 Class A ordinary shares for additional gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 if the maximum number of 4,000,000 Class A ordinary shares are sold. The Class A ordinary shares of the Company are expected to begin trading on The NASDAQ Capital Market following the closing of the IPO under the ticker symbol "SSLJ." The offering of the Company's Class A ordinary shares may only be made by means of a prospectus. An electronic copy of the prospectus may be obtained from the SEC website at www.sec.gov . A copy of the prospectus may also be obtained, upon written request, from Boustead Securities, LLC, Attention: Equity Capital Markets, 6 Venture, Suite 325, Irvine, CA 92618 USA, offerings@boustead1828.com , or by telephone at +1 949 502 4409. Ellenoff Grossman & Schole LLP is acting as counsel to the Company. Sole underwriter Boustead Securities, LLC is being represented by Ortolio Rosenstadt LLP. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities, nor shall such securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company's securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. About SSLJ.com Limited SSLJ.com Limited is a pioneer in the vertically integrated O2O home decoration service and product market with one of the largest market shares in China. The Company provides customers with a convenient, full-service, one-stop solution for their homes' interior decoration and improvement needs by offering consulting, design, construction, and furnishing services as well as modern, high-quality and high-tech products. The Company has 9 branch companies and 12 sales offices in 10 cities, which are Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Suzhou, Hefei, Zhengzhou, Tianjin, Chengdu, Xi'an. For more information, please visit http://www.sslj.com/ . About Boustead Securities, LLC Boustead Securities, LLC ("Boustead") is an investment banking firm that executes and advises on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, capital raises and restructuring assignments in a wide array of industries, geographies and transactions, for a broad client base. Boustead's core value proposition is the ability to create opportunity through innovative solutions and tenacious execution. With experienced professionals in the United States and around the world, Boustead's team moves quickly and provides a broad spectrum of sophisticated financial advice and services. For more information, visit http://www.boustead1828.com/ . Forward-Looking Statements This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company's proposed IPO. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the IPO will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. For more information, please contact: SSLJ.com Limited Contact: Ms. Wing Chuen Rhoda Lau, CFO Phone: +8627-8366-8638 Email: ir@sslj.com Investor Contact: Ms. Tina Xiao, President Ascent Investor Relations LLC Phone: +1-917-609-0333 Email: tina.xiao@ascent-ir.com Boustead Securities, LLC Contact: Dan McClory, Managing Director, Head of China, and Head of Equity Capital Markets Phone: +1 (949) 502-4408 Email: dan@boustead1828.com View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ssljcom-limited-announces-effective-registration-statement-and-pricing-for-the-companys-initial-public-offering-on-nasdaq-300577122.html SOURCE SSLJ.com Limited

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/03/pr-newswire-sslj-com-limited-announces-effective-registration-statement-and-pricing-for-the-companys-initial-public-offering-on-nasdaq.html

UPDATE 3-Intel results beat estimates, warns of potential security flaw fallout

fallout@ (Adds more information from CFO about security risk disclosure, adds additional analyst quote) Jan 25 (Reuters) - Intel Corp on Thursday gave a bullish forecast and blew past Wall Street profit and revenue expectations for the fourth quarter on the strength of data center sales, the business it sees as key to its transformation from a PC supplier. Intel stock rose 3.8 percent to $47.06, boosted by a dividend hike and relief that recently disclosed security flaws in some of its widely used chips had little impact. But Intel did acknowledge, for the first time, that the fallout could hurt future results, a concern analysts brushed off. Intel also boosted its full-year forecast for 2018 above Wall Street expectations, saying it would boost dividends 10 percent to $1.20 on a yearly basis despite taking a $5.4 billion charge related to recent changes in U.S. tax law. Intel Chief Executive Brian Krzanich said the company would start shipping chips later this year with "silicon-based changes" to protect against the so-called Spectre and Meltdown security threats. Revenue from the company's higher-margin data center business rose about 20 percent to $5.58 billion, beating the average analyst estimate of $5.13 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Revenue from Intel's PC group hit $9 billion for the quarter, a 2 percent decline from the year before, but ticked up 3 percent for the year to $34 billion. Intel predicted $65 billion in revenue for 2018, well above expectations of a $63.7 billion forecast. In an interview ahead of Intel's earnings call with investors, Chief Financial Officer Bob Swan said the company sees no "meaningful impact" on corporate earnings as a result of the security vulnerabilities, reiterating an assessment the company made on Jan. 3. The improved dividend and forecasts are important because they are the first signal of how much success Intel has had in containing fallout from the so-called Spectre and Meltdown security flaws that could allow hackers to steal data from computers. The flaws were disclosed after the close of the currently reported quarter. The problems affect most modern computing chips but analysts believe that Intel, the No.1 maker of microprocessors, is at greater risk because all the variants of the flaws affect its chips, which have a dominant market position in data centers. Data center revenue growth was twice Wall Street expectations, coming at 20 percent from the year-ago quarter versus investor targets of 10 percent, said Kevin Cassidy, an analyst at Stifel. Intel warned in its earnings release that fallout from the discovery of Spectre and Meltdown could hurt future results, as well as customer relationships and the company's reputation. It added that publicity over the two vulnerabilities could prompt outside parties to look for other security flaws, which could also harm the company's business. Still, GBH Insights analyst Daniel Ives said that Intel investors would heave a sigh of relief. "The chip vulnerability situation was an overhang over Intels shares and this robust quarter, healthy guidance, and underlying business metrics should help investors sleep a bit easier at night." Due to the tax charge, the company posted a loss of $687 million, or 15 cents per share, in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 30. Excluding items, the chipmaker earned $1.08 per share. Total revenue rose 4.1 percent to $17.05 billion. Analysts on average were expecting a profit of 86 cents per share on a revenue of $16.34 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. (Reporting by Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru, Stephen Nellis in San Francisco and Jim Finkle in Toronto; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Lisa Shumaker)

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/25/reuters-america-update-3-intel-results-beat-estimates-warns-of-potential-security-flaw-fallout.html

New Oriental Announces Results for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended November 30, 2017

BEIJING, Jan. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc. (the "Company" or "New Oriental") (NYSE: EDU), the largest provider of private educational services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second fiscal quarter ended November 30, 2017, which is the second quarter of New Oriental's fiscal year 2018. Financial Highlights for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended November 30, 2017 Total net revenues increased by 36.9% year-over-year to US$467.2 million for the second fiscal quarter of 2018. Operating loss was US$13.1 million for the second fiscal quarter of 2018, compared to an income of US$0.2 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating loss, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, was US$3.8 million, compared to an income of US$2.4 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net income attributable to New Oriental decreased by 58.7% year-over-year to US$4.3 million for the second fiscal quarter of 2018. Non-GAAP net income attributable to New Oriental, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, increased by 8.5% year-over-year to US$13.6 million for the second fiscal quarter of 2018. Key Financial Results (in thousands US$, except per ADS (1) data) 2Q FY2018 2Q FY2017 % of change Net revenues 467,183 341,238 36.9% Operating income / (loss) (13,070) 214 — Non-GAAP operating income / (loss) (2)(3) (3,757) 2,379 — Net income attributable to New Oriental 4,279 10,360 (58.7)% Non-GAAP net income attributable to New Oriental (2)(3) 13,592 12,525 8.5% Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - basic 0.03 0.07 (58.9)% Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - diluted 0.03 0.07 (58.8)% Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - basic (3)(4) 0.09 0.08 8.1% Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - diluted (3)(4) 0.09 0.08 8.2% (in thousands US$, except per ADS (1) data) 1H FY2018 1H FY2017 % of change Net revenues 1,128,348 875,307 28.9% Operating income 148,007 152,798 (3.1)% Non-GAAP operating income (2)(3) 160,446 155,844 3.0% Net income attributable to New Oriental 162,672 151,422 7.4% Non-GAAP net income attributable to New Oriental (2)(3) 175,111 154,468 13.4% Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - basic 1.03 0.96 7.0% Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - diluted 1.03 0.96 7.1% Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - basic (3)(4) 1.11 0.98 12.9% Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - diluted (3)(4) 1.11 0.98 13.0% (1) Each ADS represents one common share. (2) GAAP represents Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States of America. (3) New Oriental provides net income attributable to New Oriental, operating income / (loss) and net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental on a non-GAAP basis that excludes share-based compensation expenses to provide supplemental information regarding its operating performance. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section captioned "About Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the tables captioned "Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to the Most Comparable GAAP Measures" set forth at the end of this release. (4) The Non-GAAP net income per ADS is computed using Non-GAAP net income and the same number of shares and ADSs used in GAAP basic and diluted EPS calculation. Operating Highlights for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended November 30, 2017 Total student enrollments in academic subjects tutoring and test preparation courses increased by 43% year-over-year to approximately 1,877,100 for the second fiscal quarter of 2018. The total number of schools and learning centers was 940 as of November 30, 2017, an increase of 151 compared to 789 as of November 30, 2016, and a net increase of 41 compared to 899 as of August 31, 2017. The total number of schools was 82 as of November 30, 2017. Michael Minhong Yu, New Oriental's Executive Chairman, commented, "We continued to see strong momentum in our key business units for the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 and achieved an accelerated revenue growth of 36.9% year-over-year, exceeding our initial expectation once again. It is also encouraging to see our deferred revenue balance recorded US$1,137.3 million at the end of the quarter, up 48.7% year-over-year. The solid top line growth is mainly driven by student enrollments. Our K-12 all-subjects after-school tutoring business growth was augmented in the second quarter with revenue up approximately 47% and enrollment up approximately 52% year-over-year. Moreover, our U-Can middle and high school all-subjects after-school tutoring business achieved revenue growth of approximately 45% and the revenue of POP Kids program rose approximately 51% year-over-year." Chenggang Zhou, New Oriental's Chief Executive Officer, added, "Guided by our well-proven 'Optimize the Market' strategy, we are steadily facilitating our capacity expansion across cities with strong growth potential and where we could achieve better operating efficiency. During this quarter, we added a net of 34 learning centers in 19 existing cities and tapped into the cities of Yinchuan, Shaoxing and Huzhou with our dual-teacher model classes implemented in three new schools and three learning centers. In addition, we acquired one kindergarten in Hong Kong, bringing our high-quality preschool education offerings to key cities in China. Altogether, our total square meters of classroom area by the end of this quarter expanded approximately 38% year-over-year. On the other hand, we continued to enhance our online and offline integrated standardized teaching system in the K-12 business with improved customer acquisition and retention, which markedly benefited our results in the second quarter. We also made continued progress in rolling out the standardized teaching system for overseas test preparation business, such as IELTS, TOEFL and SAT programs, in some of the large cities in China. Meanwhile, our pure online education platform, Koolearn.com , obtained year-over-year revenue growth of approximately 59.6%, with a significant rise of approximately 82% for registered users and 23% for paid users. It validates the success of our strategy to acquire and effectively retain customers and expand capacity, and we believe it will help taking more and more market shares and solidify our leadership position." Stephen Zhihui Yang, New Oriental's Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Despite the fact that the second quarter is traditionally the slowest quarter in the year, we still managed to improve the utilization of facilities compared with last quarter. This helps to lessen the pressure on margins as we continued the investment in capacity expansion and as expected we are on the right track to recover from the impact on the margins in the previous quarter. For the second quarter, the year-over-year decline of gross margin narrowed to 70 basis points from 280 basis points in the previous quarter, while Non-GAAP operating margin declined 150 basis points year-over-year, which is also recovering compared to 390 basis points in the previous quarter. We will continue to make efforts to enhance cost efficiency and improve utilization of facilities to drive the top line and bottom line growth. We still believe margin pressure will gradually lessen over the coming quarters. More importantly, we will increasingly benefit from economies of scale as we continue to push ahead our expansion strategy and work to deliver long-term value for our customers and shareholders." Financial Results for the Second Fiscal Quarter Ended November 30, 2017 Net Revenues For the second fiscal quarter of 2018, New Oriental reported net revenues of US$467.2 million, representing a 36.9% increase year-over-year. Net revenues from educational programs and services for the second fiscal quarter were US$422.6 million, representing a 35.4% increase year-over-year. The growth was mainly driven by increases in student enrollments in K-12 after-school tutoring courses. Total student enrollments in academic subjects tutoring and test preparation courses in the second fiscal quarter of 2018 increased by 43% year-over-year to approximately 1,877,100. Operating Costs and Expenses Operating costs and expenses for the quarter were US$480.3 million, representing a 40.8% increase year-over-year. Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses for the quarter, which exclude share-based compensation expenses, were US$470.9 million, representing a 39.0% increase year-over-year. Cost of revenues increased by 39.1% year-over-year to US$227.3 million, primarily due to increases in teachers' compensation for more teaching hours and rental cost for increased number of schools and learning centers in operation. Selling and marketing expenses increased by 38.2% year-over-year to US$72.1 million, primarily due to increases in brand promotion expenses and selling and marketing staff's compensation. General and administrative expenses for the quarter increased by 44.2% year-over-year to US$180.9 million. Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses, which exclude share-based compensation expenses, were US$171.6 million, representing a 39.2% increase year-over-year, primarily due to increased headcount as the Company expanded its network of schools and learning centers, as well as increases in R&D expenses and human resources expenses related to the development of our online and offline integrated education ecosystem. In the second quarter, total share-based compensation expenses, which were allocated to related operating costs and expenses, increased by 330.2% year-over-year to US$9.3 million, due to the grants of a total of 1.5 million restricted share units of the Company to employees and directors in October 2017 with graded vesting over three years. Operating Income (Loss) and Operating Margin Operating loss was US$13.1 million, compared to an income of US$0.2 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating loss for the quarter was US$3.8 million, compared to an income of US$2.4 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Operating margin for the quarter was negative 2.8%, compared to a positive operating margin of 0.1% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating margin, which excludes share-based compensation expenses, for the quarter was negative 0.8%, compared to a positive operating margin of 0.7% in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net Income and EPS Net income attributable to New Oriental for the quarter was US$4.3 million, representing a 58.7% decrease from the same period of the prior fiscal year. Basic and diluted earnings per ADS attributable to New Oriental were US$0.03 and US$0.03, respectively. Non-GAAP Net Income and Non-GAAP EPS Non-GAAP net income attributable to New Oriental for the quarter was US$13.6 million, representing a 8.5% increase from the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings per ADS attributable to New Oriental were US$0.09 and US$0.09, respectively. Cash Flow Net operating cash flow for the second fiscal quarter of 2018 was approximately US$168.5 million. Capital expenditures for the quarter were US$45.7 million, which were primarily attributable to the opening of four new schools and 59 learning centers and renovations at existing learning centers. Balance Sheet As of November 30, 2017, New Oriental had cash and cash equivalents of US$818.1 million, compared to US$641.0 million as of May 31, 2017. In addition, the Company had US$87.5 million in term deposits and US$1,522.8 million in short-term investment as of November 30, 2017. New Oriental's deferred revenue balance, which is cash collected from registered students for courses and recognized proportionally as revenue as the instructions are delivered, at the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2018 was US$1,137.3 million, an increase of 48.7% from US$764.7 million in the same period of the prior fiscal year. Financial Results for the Six Months Ended November 30, 2017 For the first six months of fiscal year 2018, New Oriental reported net revenues of US$1,128.3 million, representing a 28.9% increase year-over-year. Total student enrollments in academic subjects tutoring and test preparation courses in the first six months of fiscal year 2018 increased by 29.2% to approximately 3,410,000. Operating income for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 was US$148.0 million, representing a 3.1% decrease year-over-year. Non-GAAP operating income for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 was US$160.4 million, representing a 3.0% increase year-over-year. Operating margin for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 was 13.1%, compared to 17.5% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Non-GAAP operating margin, which excludes share-based compensation expenses for the first six months of fiscal year 2018, was 14.2%, compared to 17.8% for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Net income attributable to New Oriental for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 was US$162.7 million, representing a 7.4% increase year-over-year. Basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 amounted to US$1.03 and US$1.03, respectively. Non-GAAP net income attributable to New Oriental for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 was US$175.1 million, representing a 13.4% increase year-over-year. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental for the first six months of fiscal year 2018 amounted to US$1.11 and US$1.11, respectively. Outlook for Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2018 New Oriental expects total net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal year 2018 (December 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018) to be in the range of US$591.1 million to US$604.2 million, representing a year-over-year growth in the range of 35% to 38%. This forecast reflects New Oriental's current and preliminary view, which is subject to change. Conference Call Information New Oriental's management will host an earnings conference call at 8 AM on January 23, 2018, U.S. Eastern Time (9 PM on January 23, 2018, Beijing/Hong Kong Time). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: US: +1-845-675-0437 Hong Kong: +852-3018-6771 UK: +44-20-3621-4779 Please dial in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and provide the passcode to join the call. The passcode is "New Oriental Earnings Call." A replay of the conference call may be accessed by phone at the following number until January 31, 2018: International: +61-2-8199-0299 Passcode: 3097948 Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at http://investor.neworiental.org . About New Oriental New Oriental is the largest provider of private educational services in China based on the number of program offerings, total student enrollments and geographic presence. New Oriental offers a wide range of educational programs, services and products consisting primarily of language training and test preparation, primary and secondary school education, online education, content development and distribution, overseas study consulting services, pre-school education and study tour. New Oriental's ADSs, each of which represents one common share, currently trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "EDU." For more information about New Oriental, please visit http://www.neworiental.org/english/ . Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the outlook for the third quarter of fiscal year 2018, quotations from management in this announcement, as well as New Oriental's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. New Oriental may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports filed or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about New Oriental's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: our ability to attract students without a significant decrease in course fees; our ability to continue to hire, train and retain qualified teachers; our ability to maintain and enhance our "New Oriental" brand; our ability to effectively and efficiently manage the expansion of our school network and successfully execute our growth strategy; the outcome of ongoing, or any future, litigation or arbitration, including those relating to copyright and other intellectual property rights; competition in the private education sector in China; changes in our revenues and certain cost or expense items as a percentage of our revenues; the expected growth of the Chinese private education market; Chinese governmental policies relating to private educational services and providers of such services; health epidemics and other outbreaks in China; and general economic conditions in China. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in our annual report on Form 20-F and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New Oriental does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and New Oriental undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. About Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement New Oriental's consolidated financial results presented in accordance with GAAP, New Oriental uses the following measures defined as non-GAAP financial measures by the SEC: net income excluding share-based compensation expenses, operating income excluding share-based compensation expenses, operating costs and expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, general and administrative expenses excluding share-based compensation expenses, operating margin excluding share-based compensation expenses, and basic and diluted net income per ADS and per share excluding share-based compensation expenses. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. For more information on these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the tables captioned "Reconciliations of non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP measures" set forth at the end of this release. New Oriental believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide meaningful supplemental information regarding its performance and liquidity by excluding share-based compensation expenses that may not be indicative of its operating performance from a cash perspective. New Oriental believes that both management and investors benefit from referring to these non-GAAP financial measures in assessing its performance and when planning and forecasting future periods. These non-GAAP financial measures also facilitate management's internal comparisons to New Oriental's historical performance and liquidity. New Oriental computes its non-GAAP financial measures using the same consistent method from quarter to quarter. New Oriental believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful to investors in allowing for greater transparency with respect to supplemental information used by management in its financial and operational decision making. A limitation of using these non-GAAP measures is that they exclude share-based compensation charge that has been and will continue to be for the foreseeable future a significant recurring expense in our business. Management compensates for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP amounts excluded from each non-GAAP measure. The accompanying tables have more details on the reconciliations between GAAP financial measures that are most directly comparable to non-GAAP financial measures. Contacts For investor and media inquiries, please contact: Ms. Cara O'Brien FTI Consulting Tel: +852-3768-4537 Email: cara.obrien@fticonsulting.com Ms. Sisi Zhao New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc. Tel: +86-10-6260-5568 Email: zhaosisi@xdf.cn NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) As of November 30 As of May 31 2017 2017 (Unaudited) (Audited) USD USD ASSETS: Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 818,138 641,018 Restricted cash, current 44 44 Term deposits 87,473 195,085 Short term investments 1,522,787 1,312,942 Accounts receivable, net 4,539 3,343 Inventory, net 34,775 31,742 Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net 188,049 119,397 Amounts due from related parties, current 1,636 5,948 Long term investments due within one year - 16,743 Total current assets 2,657,441 2,326,262 Property and equipment, net 365,016 282,800 Land use rights, net 3,725 3,668 Amounts due from related parties, non-current 1,592 1,748 Deferred tax assets, net 26,579 28,858 Long term deposit 32,770 24,023 Long term prepaid rent 256 849 Restricted cash, non-current 3,346 3,608 Intangible assets, net 7,876 4,005 Goodwill, net 29,225 14,083 Long term investments, net 242,099 217,259 Other non-current assets 7,146 17,816 Total assets 3,377,071 2,924,979 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable (including accounts payable of the consolidated VIE without recourse to New Oriental of US$24,138 and US$33,917 as of May 31, 2017 and November 30, 2017, respectively) 34,292 24,258 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including accrued expenses and other current liabilities of the consolidated VIE without recourse to New Oriental of US$238,864 and US$245,284 as of May 31, 2017 and November 30, 2017, respectively) 280,993 260,700 Income taxes payable (including income tax payable of the consolidated VIE without recourse to New Oriental of US$40,306 and US$48,393 as of May 31, 2017 and November 30, 2017, respectively) 54,423 51,045 Amounts due to related parties (including amounts due to related parties of the consolidated VIE without recourse to New Oriental of US$48 and US$17 as of May 31, 2017 and November 30, 2017, respectively) 17 48 Deferred revenue (including deferred revenue of the consolidated VIE without recourse to New Oriental of US$833,932 and US$1,131,694 as of May 31, 2017 and November 30, 2017, respectively) 1,137,304 866,630 Total current liabilities 1,507,029 1,202,681 Deferred tax liabilities (including deferred tax liabilities of the consolidated VIE without recourse to New Oriental of US$2,174 and US$3,558 as of May 31, 2017 and November 30, 2017, respectively) 3,734 2,220 Total long-term liabilities 3,734 2,220 Total liabilities 1,510,763 1,204,901 Noncontrolling interests 45,225 39,130 Total New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. shareholders' equity 1,821,083 1,680,948 Total shareholders' equity 1,866,308 1,720,078 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 3,377,071 2,924,979 NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands except for per share and per ADS amounts) For the Three Months Ended November 30 2017 2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) USD USD Net Revenues: Educational programs and services 422,606 312,193 Books and others 44,577 29,045 Total net revenues 467,183 341,238 Operating costs and expenses (note 1): Cost of revenues 227,258 163,408 Selling and marketing 72,091 52,172 General and administrative 180,904 125,444 Total operating costs and expenses 480,253 341,024 Operating (Loss) Income : (13,070) 214 Other income, net 23,578 15,884 Provision for income taxes (2,973) (2,870) Income (Loss) from equity method investments 224 (846) Net income 7,759 12,382 Net gain attributable to the noncontrolling interests (3,480) (2,022) Net income attributable to New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. 4,279 10,360 Net income per share attributable to New Oriental-Basic 0.03 0.07 Net income per share attributable to New Oriental-Diluted 0.03 0.07 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental-Basic (note 2) 0.03 0.07 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental-Diluted (note 2) 0.03 0.07 NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THE MOST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES (In thousands except for per share and per ADS amounts) For the Three Months Ended November 30 2017 2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) USD USD General and administrative expenses 180,904 125,444 Share-based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses (9,313) (2,165) Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses 171,591 123,279 Total operating costs and expenses 480,253 341,024 Share-based compensation expenses (9,313) (2,165) Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses 470,940 338,859 Operating (loss) income (13,070) 214 Share-based compensation expenses 9,313 2,165 Non-GAAP operating (loss) income (3,757) 2,379 Operating margin -2.8% 0.1% Non-GAAP operating margin -0.8% 0.7% Net income attributable to New Oriental 4,279 10,360 Share-based compensation expenses 9,313 2,165 Non-GAAP net income 13,592 12,525 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental- Basic (note 2) 0.03 0.07 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental- Diluted (note 2) 0.03 0.07 Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - Basic (note 2) 0.09 0.08 Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - Diluted (note 2) 0.09 0.08 Weighted average shares used in calculating basic net income per ADS (note 2) 158,119,910 157,470,996 Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted net income per ADS (note 2) 158,322,404 157,865,564 Non-GAAP income per share - basic 0.09 0.08 Non-GAAP income per share - diluted 0.09 0.08 Notes: Note 1: Share-based compensation expenses (in thousands) are included in the operating costs and expenses as follows: For the Three Months Ended November 30 2017 2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) USD USD General and administrative 9,313 2,165 Total 9,313 2,165 Note 2: Each ADS represents one common share. NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands except for per share and per ADS amounts) For the Six Months Ended November 30 2017 2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) USD USD Net Revenues: Educational programs and services 1,027,077 806,500 Books and others 101,271 68,807 Total net revenues 1,128,348 875,307 Operating costs and expenses (note 1): Cost of revenues 497,452 366,778 Selling and marketing 145,994 110,637 General and administrative 336,895 245,094 Total operating costs and expenses 980,341 722,509 Operating income : 148,007 152,798 Other income, net 48,511 29,931 Provision for income taxes (29,851) (25,581) Income(Loss) from equity method investments 249 (2,683) Net income 166,916 154,465 Net gain attributable to the noncontrolling interests (4,244) (3,043) Net income attributable to New Oriental Education & Technology Group Inc. 162,672 151,422 Net income per share attributable to New Oriental-Basic 1.03 0.96 Net income per share attributable to New Oriental-Diluted 1.03 0.96 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental-Basic (note 2) 1.03 0.96 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental-Diluted (note 2) 1.03 0.96 NEW ORIENTAL EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY GROUP INC. RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES TO THE MOST COMPARABLE GAAP MEASURES (In thousands except for per share and per ADS amounts) For the Six Months Ended November 30 2017 2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) USD USD General and administrative expenses 336,895 245,094 Share-based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses (12,439) (3,046) Non-GAAP general and administrative expenses 324,456 242,048 Total operating costs and expenses 980,341 722,509 Share-based compensation expenses (12,439) (3,046) Non-GAAP operating costs and expenses 967,902 719,463 Operating income 148,007 152,798 Share-based compensation expenses 12,439 3,046 Non-GAAP operating income 160,446 155,844 Operating margin 13.1% 17.5% Non-GAAP operating margin 14.2% 17.8% Net income attributable to New Oriental 162,672 151,422 Share-based compensation expenses 12,439 3,046 Non-GAAP net income 175,111 154,468 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental- Basic (note 2) 1.03 0.96 Net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental- Diluted (note 2) 1.03 0.96 Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - Basic (note 2) 1.11 0.98 Non-GAAP net income per ADS attributable to New Oriental - Diluted (note 2) 1.11 0.98 Weighted average shares used in calculating basic net income per ADS (note 2) 158,051,290 157,459,296 Weighted average shares used in calculating diluted net income per ADS (note 2) 158,277,981 157,847,481 Non-GAAP income per share - basic 1.11 0.98 Non-GAAP income per share - diluted 1.11 0.98 Notes: Note 1: Share-based compensation expenses (in thousands) are included in the operating costs and expenses as follows: For the Six Months Ended November 30 2017 2016 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) USD USD General and administrative 12,439 3,046 Total 12,439 3,046 Note 2: Each ADS represents one common share. View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-oriental-announces-results-for-the-second-fiscal-quarter-ended-november-30-2017-300586516.html SOURCE New Oriental Education and Technology Group Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/23/pr-newswire-new-oriental-announces-results-for-the-second-fiscal-quarter-ended-november-30-2017.html

DDR Corp. Announces Tax Allocations of 2017 Dividend Distributions

BEACHWOOD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DDR Corp. (NYSE:DDR) today announced the tax allocations of 2017 dividend distributions on its common shares and three series of preferred shares. For shareholders of DDR Corp. common and preferred shares, the Form 1099-DIV summarizes the allocation of 2017 dividends. The amounts indicated on Form 1099-DIV should be reported on shareholders’ 2017 federal income tax returns. The schedule below, presented on a per share basis, is provided for informational purposes only and should only be used to clarify the Form 1099-DIV. Please note that the January 5, 2017 common share distribution is included in the tax allocations for 2017 and the January 5, 2018 common share distribution will be included in the tax allocations for 2018. Common Shares (NYSE:DDR) Period CUSIP Record Date Payable Date Ordinary Dividends Total Capital Gain Return of Capital (1) Total Dividends Qualified Dividends Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Gain 4Q16 23317H102 12/13/2016 01/05/2017 0.035337 0. 0.154663 0.190000 0. 0. 1Q17 23317H102 03/16/2017 04/04/2017 0.035337 0. 0.154663 0.190000 0. 0. 2Q17 23317H102 06/15/2017 07/06/2017 0.035337 0. 0.154663 0.190000 0. 0. 3Q17 23317H102 09/26/2017 10/10/2017 0.035337 0. 0.154663 0.190000 0. 0. Total 0.141348 0. 0.618652 0.760000 0. 0. Preferred Class A Depositary Shares (NYSE:DDR_pa) Period CUSIP Record Date Payable Date Ordinary Dividends Total Capital Gain Return of Capital (1) Total Dividends Qualified Dividends Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Gain 06/05/17 – 07/14/17 23317H870 06/30/2017 07/17/2017 0.177080 0. 0. 0.177080 0. 0. 07/15/17 – 10/14/17 23317H870 09/29/2017 10/16/2017 0.398440 0. 0. 0.398440 0. 0. 10/15/17 – 01/14/18 23317H870 12/29/2017 01/16/2018 0.398440 0. 0. 0.398440 0. 0. Total 0.973960 0. 0. 0.973960 0. 0. Preferred Class J Depositary Shares (NYSE:DDR_pj) Period CUSIP Record Date Payable Date Ordinary Dividends Total Capital Gain Return of Capital (1) Total Dividends Qualified Dividends Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Gain 01/15/17 – 04/14/17 23317H607 03/31/2017 04/17/2017 0.406250 0. 0. 0.406250 0. 0. 04/15/17 – 07/14/17 23317H607 06/30/2017 07/17/2017 0.406250 0. 0. 0.406250 0. 0. 07/15/17 – 10/14/17 23317H607 09/29/2017 10/16/2017 0.406250 0. 0. 0.406250 0. 0. 10/15/17 – 01/14/18 23317H607 12/29/2017 01/16/2018 0.406250 0. 0. 0.406250 0. 0. Total 1.625000 0. 0. 1.625000 0. 0. Preferred Class K Depositary Shares (NYSE:DDR_pk) Period CUSIP Record Date Payable Date Ordinary Dividends Total Capital Gain Return of Capital (1) Total Dividends Qualified Dividends Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Gain 01/15/17 – 04/14/17 23317H805 03/31/2017 04/17/2017 0.390630 0. 0. 0.390630 0. 0. 04/15/17 – 07/14/17 23317H805 06/30/2017 07/17/2017 0.390630 0. 0. 0.390630 0. 0. 07/15/17 – 10/14/17 23317H805 09/29/2017 10/16/2017 0.390630 0. 0. 0.390630 0. 0. 10/15/17 – 01/14/18 23317H805 12/29/2017 01/16/2018 0.390630 0. 0. 0.390630 0. 0. Total 1.562520 0. 0. 1.562520 0. 0. (1) Represents a return of stockholders’ original investment ABOUT DDR CORP. DDR is an owner and manager of 286 value-oriented shopping centers representing 97 million square feet in 33 states and Puerto Rico. The Company owns a high-quality portfolio of open-air shopping centers in major metropolitan areas that provide a highly-compelling shopping experience and merchandise mix for retail partners and consumers. The Company actively manages its assets with a focus on creating long-term shareholder value. DDR is a self-administered and self-managed REIT operating as a fully integrated real estate company, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DDR. To be included in the company’s e-mail distributions for press releases and other company notices, please click here . View source version on businesswire.com : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180117005407/en/ DDR Corp. Matthew Ostrower, 216-755-5500 EVP and Chief Financial Officer Source: DDR Corp.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/17/business-wire-ddr-corp-announces-tax-allocations-of-2017-dividend-distributions.html

Indonesian police probe foreign 'orders' for child pornography

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian authorities are investigating whether a child pornography ring had links to an international network, police said on Tuesday, after videos of adult women engaged in sexual acts with boys went viral on social media. An Indonesian Muslim boy holds an anti-pornography poster during a rally in Jakarta May 21, 2006. REUTERS/Dadang Tri/Files Police in West Java province said three boys, as young as seven, who figured in the videos are now in the care of social workers. At least seven people have been arrested, including the mothers of two of the boys, on suspicion of violating child protection and pornography laws and could face up to 15 years in prison. “Results of the preliminary investigation show that the director sold the videos to someone in Russia and Canada,” said regional police spokesman Yusri Yunus, adding that the motive of those involved was to make money. “We are still investigating and coordinating with the national cyber crime unit.” The director received 31 million rupiah ($2,307) to make the videos, media have said. Indonesia has been vulnerable to child pornography and sexual abuse of minors because of poverty and lax enforcement of laws in the past. Authorities stopped 92 convicted Australian pedophiles from entering the country last year, based on immigration data. In a case that shocked Southeast Asia, a British court handed Richard Huckle 22 life sentences in 2016 for abusing up to 200 babies and children, mostly in Malaysia, and sharing images of his crimes on the dark web. UNICEF says the Philippines is the number one global source of child pornography. ($1=13,435.0000 rupiah) Reporting by Jessica Damiana; Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Clarence Fernandez

https://in.reuters.com/article/indonesia-pornography/indonesian-police-probe-foreign-orders-for-child-pornography-idINKBN1EY0ZZ

BRIEF-Tsingtao Brewery Enters New Yantai Beer Product Sales Agreement

Jan 24 (Reuters) - Tsingtao Brewery: * ENTERED NEW YANTAI BEER PRODUCT SALES AGREEMENT WITH YANTAI BEER ON 24 JAN 2018, TERM OF WHICH IS FROM 1 JANUARY 2018 TO 31 DEC 2018 Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-tsingtao-brewery-enters-new-yantai/brief-tsingtao-brewery-enters-new-yantai-beer-product-sales-agreement-idUSFWN1PJ0CX

Wyndham Worldwide to Report Fourth Quarter 2017 Earnings on February 14, 2018; Conference Call and Webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN) it will report fourth quarter 2017 results on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Stephen P. Holmes, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and David B. Wyshner, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call with investors to discuss the results and business outlook at 8:30 a.m. ET that morning. Listeners can access the webcast live through the Company's website at www.wyndhamworldwide.com/investors/ . The conference call may also be accessed by dialing 800-895-1549 and providing the passcode WYNDHAM. Listeners are urged to call at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. An archive of this webcast will be available on the website for approximately 90 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on February 14, 2018. A telephone replay will be available for approximately 10 days beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET on February 14, 2018 at 800-839-1320. ABOUT WYNDHAM WORLDWIDE Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) is one of the largest global hospitality companies, providing travelers with access to a collection of trusted hospitality brands in hotels, vacation ownership, and unique accommodations including vacation exchange, holiday parks, and managed home rentals. With a collective inventory of nearly 130,000 places to stay across more than 110 countries on six continents, Wyndham Worldwide and its 38,000 associates welcomes people to experience travel the way they want. This is enhanced by Wyndham Rewards®, the Company's re-imagined guest loyalty program across its businesses, which is making it simpler for members to earn more rewards and redeem their points faster. For more information, please visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com . View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wyndham-worldwide-to-report-fourth-quarter-2017-earnings-on-february-14-2018-conference-call-and-webcast-at-830-am-et-300583489.html SOURCE Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/16/pr-newswire-wyndham-worldwide-to-report-fourth-quarter-2017-earnings-on-february-14-2018-conference-call-and-webcast-at-830-a-m-et.html

BRIEF-Aroundtown Successfully Places EUR 400 Million Perpetual Subordinated Notes​

Jan 10 (Reuters) - AROUNDTOWN SA: * SUCCESSFULLY PLACES EUR 400 MILLION PERPETUAL SUBORDINATED NOTES​‍ * ISSUE PRICE OF 98.174% OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES * ‍COUPON OF 2.125% AND A FIRST CALL DATE IN 2024​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (Gdynia Newsroom) Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-aroundtown-successfully-places-eur/brief-aroundtown-successfully-places-eur-400-million-perpetual-subordinated-notes-idUSASM000HZP

Star Group, L.P. Declares Quarterly Distribution of 11 Cents per Unit

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Group, L.P. (the "Company" or "Star") (NYSE:SGU), a home energy distributor and services provider, today declared its quarterly distribution of $0.11 per common unit for the fiscal 2018 first quarter ended December 31, 2017. Record date: January 29, 2018 Payment date: February 6, 2018 About Star Group, L.P. Star Group, L.P. is a full service provider specializing in the sale of home heating products and services to residential and commercial customers to heat their homes and buildings. The Company also sells and services heating and air conditioning equipment to its home heating oil and propane customers and, to a lesser extent, provides these offerings to customers outside of its home heating oil and propane customer base. In certain of Star's marketing areas, the Company provides home security and plumbing services primarily to its home heating oil and propane customer base. Star also sells diesel fuel, gasoline and home heating oil on a delivery only basis. Star is the nation's largest retail distributor of home heating oil based upon sales volume. Including its propane locations, Star serves customers in the more northern and eastern states within the Northeast, Central and Southeast U.S. regions. Additional information is available by obtaining the Company's SEC filings at www.sec.gov and by visiting Star's website at www.stargrouplp.com , where unit holders may request a hard copy of Star's complete audited financial statements free of charge. Forward Looking Information This news release includes "forward-looking statements" which represent the Company’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties, including those associated with the effect of weather conditions on our financial performance; the price and supply of the products we sell; the consumption patterns of our customers; our ability to obtain satisfactory gross profit margins; our ability to obtain new customers and retain existing customers; our ability to make strategic acquisitions; the impact of litigation; our ability to contract for our current and future supply needs; natural gas conversions; future union relations and the outcome of current and future union negotiations; the impact of future governmental regulations, including environmental, health and safety regulations; the ability to attract and retain employees; customer creditworthiness; counterparty creditworthiness; marketing plans; general economic conditions and new technology. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "seek," "estimate" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct and actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" and "Business Strategy" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "Form 10-K") for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations ("Cautionary Statements") are disclosed in this news release and in the Form 10-K. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the Cautionary Statements. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this news release. CONTACT: Star Group Investor Relations 203/328-7310 Chris Witty Darrow Associates 646/438-9385 or cwitty@darrowir.com Source:Star Group, L.P.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/18/globe-newswire-star-group-l-p-declares-quarterly-distribution-of-11-cents-per-unit.html

Google says its security patches not slowing down systems

January 11, 2018 / 6:20 PM / in 2 minutes Google says its security patches not slowing down systems Reuters Staff 2 Min Read Jan 11 (Reuters) - Alphabet Inc’s Google said on Thursday it had already deployed software patches against the Spectre and Meltdown chipset security flaws last year, without slowing down its cloud services. The flaws, which affect chips from Intel, AMD and ARM, allow hackers to read a computer’s memory and steal passwords, putting virtually all phones, computers and servers at risk. Researchers with Google’s Project Zero, in conjunction with academic and industry researchers from several countries, first reported the flaws publicly on Jan. 3, but major tech firms have said they knew about the flaws months ago. Google said it started deploying patches for Meltdown and one variant of Spectre in September, and by December created a patch for Variant 2 of Spectre, which is more difficult to fix without slowing down systems. “This set of vulnerabilities was perhaps the most challenging and hardest to fix in a decade,” Google executive Ben Treynor Sloss said in a blog post. Microsoft has also released patches for the flaws, but earlier this week admitted that its Spectre Variant 2 patch slowed down some personal computers and servers, with systems running on older Intel Corp processors seeing a noticeable decrease in performance. Intel said on Thursday it would issue patches for 90 percent of the chips less than 5 years old by Jan 15 and will then focus on providing patches for the older chips. ( intel.ly/2D0vgv8 ) (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)

https://www.reuters.com/article/cyber-microchips-alphabet/google-says-its-security-patches-not-slowing-down-systems-idUSL4N1P64MP

'Brainwashed' children of Islamist fighters worry Germany - spy chief

January 31, 2018 / 11:25 AM / Updated 17 minutes ago 'Brainwashed' children of Islamist fighters worry Germany - spy chief Andrea Shalal , Sabine Siebold 3 Min Read BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany’s domestic intelligence chief wants the government to review laws restricting the surveillance of minors to guard against the children of Islamist fighters returning to the country as “sleeper agents” who could carry out attacks. Hans-Georg Maassen, head of the BfV agency, told Reuters that security officials were preparing for the return of Islamic State fighters to Germany along with potentially “brainwashed” children, although no big wave appeared imminent. Nearly 1,000 people are believed to have left Germany to join up with the Islamist militants. As the group’s presence in the Middle East crumbles, some are returning with family members. Only a small number of the 290 toddlers and children who left Germany or were born in Syria and Iraq had returned thus far, Maassen said. Many were likely to still be in the region, or perhaps moving to areas such as Afghanistan, where Islamic State remains strong. He said Germany should review laws restricting surveillance of minors under the age of 14 to prepare for the increased risk of attacks by children as young as nine who grew up in Islamic State schools. “We see that children who grew up with Islamic State were brainwashed in the schools and the kindergartens of the IS,” he said. “They were confronted early with the IS ideology ... learned to fight, and were in some cases forced to participate in the abuse of prisoners, or even the killing of prisoners.” He said security officials believed such children could later carry out violent attacks in Germany. “We have to consider that these children could be living time bombs,” he said. “There is a danger that these children come back brainwashed with a mission to carry out attacks.” Maassen’s comments were the first specific estimate of the number of children affected, following his initial warning in October that such children could pose a threat after being indoctrinated in battlefield areas. The radicalisation of minors has been a big topic in Germany given that three of five Islamist attacks in Germany in 2016 were carried out by minors, and a 12-year-old boy was also detained after trying to bomb a Christmas market in Ludwigshafen. The German government says it has evidence that more than 960 people left Germany for Iraq and Syria through November 2017 to fight for the Islamic State jihadist group, of which about a third are believed to have returned to Germany. Another 150 likely died in combat, according to government data. Maassen said Islamic State also continued to target vulnerable youths in Germany through the Internet and social media, often providing slick advertising or age-appropriate propaganda to recruit them to join the jihadist group. “Islamic State uses headhunters who scour the Internet for children that can be approached and tries to radicalise these children, or recruit these children for terrorist attacks,” he said. Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Angus MacSwan

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-germany-security-children/brainwashed-children-of-islamist-fighters-worry-germany-spy-chief-idUKKBN1FK1FR

Bloomberg Plans To Discontinue Financial Commentary Brand Gadfly

HONG KONG—Bloomberg LP is planning to retire a financial commentary brand called Bloomberg Gadfly to consolidate its news service’s opinion offerings, people familiar with the matter said Thursday. Gadfly was launched in late 2015, aiming to provide quick analysis on markets, finance, corporate and technology news. The name sprouted from a code word used inside Bloomberg to describe the project before it went live. The...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/bloomberg-plans-to-discontinue-financial-commentary-brand-gadfly-1516273570

Fusion’s Russia Fog

Let’s see. The Clinton campaign hires Fusion GPS, an opposition research firm, to investigate the Trump campaign. Fusion hires a former British spy, Christopher Steele, who produces a dossier based on Russian sources full of rumor, hearsay and an occasional fact to allege collusion between the Kremlin and Trump campaign. The dossier gets to the FBI, which uses it to justify opening a counterintelligence probe of the Trump campaign, perhaps including a judicial warrant to spy on Trump officials. Then Fusion has Mr. Steele privately brief select media reporters, ensuring that the dossier’s contents become public before the...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/fusions-russia-fog-1515024911

OGSystems’ CEO to Transition to Chairman of the Board

Company Announces New Executive Leadership Team CHANTILLY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- OGSystems, a leader in technology innovation for the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC), today announced that co-founder Omar Balkissoon will transition from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Chairman of the Board. Garrett Pagon, President and co-founder, will step into the role of CEO. Balkissoon will focus on further building the technology and organization of OGSystems’ recent tech start-up spinout, GeoSpark Analytics, serving as the new company’s CEO ( http://bizj.us/1pgb99 ). OGSystems also announced the recent promotion of Steve Martin as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Dan Ehrmantraut to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180109005313/en/ OGSystems announces new executive leadership team. (Pictured left to right: Dan Ehrmantraut, Garrett Pagon, and Steve Martin) (Photo: Business Wire) “Since OGSystems’ founding, Garrett and I have put our heart and soul into the mission of making a positive impact on national security and the goal of providing growth opportunities for our people,” Balkissoon said. “We have a relentless focus on finding the right people, playing to their strengths, and empowering them to Own the Outcome. As co-founders, we’ve watched the company grow in ways we couldn’t imagine by enabling others to step into new roles with an eye towards delivering the best execution in the business. Having Garrett by my side has been instrumental to the journey as CEO, and that formula doesn’t change as I transition to Chairman with me by his.” Pagon is a graduate of Stanford University and served as an intelligence officer for the United States Air Force before he and Balkissoon founded OGSystems in 2005. Through his leadership, the company has become a recognized and trusted prime contractor capable of winning and executing large engineering projects for the IC. He is responsible for scaling an entrepreneurial outfit into a large and reliable organization, while keeping the innovative spirit of the original culture. “People are the secret sauce at OGSystems,” said Pagon. “We give leaders from within an opportunity to grow and we recognize those responsible for our success. Both Steve and Dan have the right combination of skill, commitment to leading their teams, and tremendous respect from their peers and industry partners.” With more than 20 years of DoD and IC experience - including over 10 years with OGSystems - Steve Martin has helped build the culture, client relationships, partnerships, and approaches that are the foundation of the company’s success. Previously serving as the Executive Partner responsible for performance on all client programs, Martin led the doubling of OGSystems revenues in the last three years. Known for a commitment to personnel development and increasing mission performance through innovation, he has overseen increases in key metrics such as employee retention to over twice the industry average. Dan Ehrmantraut joined OGSystems in 2014 and quickly established the growing organization’s first in-house corporate finance and accounting department. In three years, he has proven himself as an outstanding leader in command of all financial aspects of the business and now formally assumes the role from Bill Earle as the interim CFO. As CFO, Ehrmantraut manages an agile, high-performing team responsible for contract/subcontract management, corporate accounting, payroll, program control, cost proposals, and corporate financial reporting and forecasting. About OGSystems OGSystems’ (OGS) mission is to provide technically advanced geospatial and security solutions to customers through constant innovation, effecting positive change in every engagement. In an industry accustomed to long and inefficient system development cycles, OGS thinks differently - we are an alternative for DoD and IC clients seeking nimble companies to solve their most difficult problems. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, with regional offices in St. Louis, Missouri, San Diego, California, and Portland, Oregon, OGS employs over 300 geospatial engineers, software developers, data scientists and mission subject matter experts. For more information, visit http://www.ogsystems.com . View source version on businesswire.com : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180109005313/en/ OGSystems Carrie Drake, 703-870-7552, ext. 275 carrie.drake@ogsystems.com Source: OGSystems

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/09/business-wire-ogsystemsa-ceo-to-transition-to-chairman-of-the-board.html

FBI has 'grave concerns' over GOP memo's accuracy

FBI has 'grave concerns' over GOP memo's accuracy 2:06am IST - 02:01 The FBI publicly came out against the release of a contentious classified memo written by Republicans alleging the FBI abused its surveillance power. ▲ Hide Transcript ▶ View Transcript The FBI publicly came out against the release of a contentious classified memo written by Republicans alleging the FBI abused its surveillance power. Press CTRL+C (Windows), CMD+C (Mac), or long-press the URL below on your mobile device to copy the code https://reut.rs/2DNLQ1E

https://in.reuters.com/video/2018/01/31/fbi-has-grave-concerns-over-gop-memos-ac?videoId=390023385

BRIEF-Reven Housing REIT Announces Acquisition Of 48 Homes In Birmingham, AL

16 PM / Updated 5 minutes ago BRIEF-Reven Housing REIT Announces Acquisition Of 48 Homes In Birmingham, AL Reuters Staff 1 Min Read Jan 2 (Reuters) - Reven Housing Reit Inc: * REVEN HOUSING REIT, INC. ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF 48 HOMES IN BIRMINGHAM, AL Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-reven-housing-reit-announces-acqui/brief-reven-housing-reit-announces-acquisition-of-48-homes-in-birmingham-al-idUSASB0BZI1

Missile alert mistakenly sent out in Hawaii

Missile alert mistakenly sent out in Hawaii Saturday, January 13, 2018 - 01:49 An emergency message alerting Hawaiians of an incoming ballistic missile was sent out by human error, sparking fear and confusion. An emergency message alerting Hawaiians of an incoming ballistic missile was sent out by human error, sparking fear and confusion. //reut.rs/2AYbxGC

https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/01/13/missile-alert-mistakenly-sent-out-in-haw?videoId=383966547

Aramark Announces Offering of Senior Notes

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aramark (NYSE:ARMK) announced today that its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Aramark Services, Inc. (the "Issuer"), intends to privately offer $1,150.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2028 (the “Notes”). The Issuer intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with cash on hand, to pay the purchase price for the acquisition of AmeriPride Services Inc., repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. The offering of the Notes is being made in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), to investors who are reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act or to investors outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes. The Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. About Aramark Aramark (NYSE: ARMK) proudly serves Fortune 500 companies, world champion sports teams, state-of-the-art healthcare providers, the world's leading educational institutions, iconic destinations and cultural attractions, and numerous municipalities in 19 countries around the world. Our 270,000 team members deliver experiences that enrich and nourish millions of lives every day through innovative services in food, facilities management and uniforms. We operate our business with social responsibility, focusing on initiatives that support our diverse workforce, advance consumer health and wellness, protect our environment, and strengthen our communities. Aramark is recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE as well as an employer of choice by the Human Rights Campaign and DiversityInc. Learn more at www.aramark.com or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter . Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual future results and trends may differ materially from what is forecast in forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. Additional information regarding these factors is contained in the "Risk Factors," "Legal Proceedings" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections and other sections of Aramark's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on November 22,2017, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov and which may be obtained by contacting Aramark's investor relations department via its website www.aramark.com . View source version on businesswire.com : http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180110005623/en/ Aramark Media Inquiries: Karen Cutler, 215-238-4063 Cutler-Karen@aramark.com or Investor Inquiries: Kate Pearlman, 215-409-7287 Pearlman-Kate@aramark.com Source: Aramark

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/business-wire-aramark-announces-offering-of-senior-notes.html

BRIEF-Nuheara To Partner With Ams AG To Launch Noise Cancellation Wireless Earbud​

Jan 10 (Reuters) - Nuheara Ltd: * ‍PARTNERS WITH AMS AG TO LAUNCH NOISE CANCELLATION WIRELESS EARBUD​ CALLED LIVEIQ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-nuheara-to-partner-with-ams-ag-to/brief-nuheara-to-partner-with-ams-ag-to-launch-noise-cancellation-wireless-earbud-idUSFWN1P40ZH

The New Floor for Bond Underwriting Fees: $1

Fierce competition to underwrite debt offerings in Asia’s booming U.S.-dollar bond market is forcing some big global banks to work on deals for next to nothing. Barclays PLC and Standard Chartered PLC were among seven banks that recently helped sell a total of $1.3 billion in dollar-denominated bonds from three state-owned Indian companies, effectively providing their services free of charge. The three Indian companies paid a dollar in underwriting fees to each bank that handled the sales, according to company representatives...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-new-floor-for-bond-underwriting-fees-1-1514973603

Storm cancels flights, causes power outages in Eastern Canada

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA (Reuters) - Dozens of flights were canceled and thousands of people were left without power in Eastern Canada on Thursday as the region felt the early impact of a massive storm arriving from the United States. Ice begins to collect at the base of the Horseshoe Falls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, January 3, 2018. REUTERS/Aaron Lynett More than 17,000 businesses and homes were without electricity in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, according to the Nova Scotia Power website. Most departing and arriving flights were canceled or delayed at Halifax Stanfield airport. In Montreal, 85 flights were canceled on Thursday because of snowstorms affecting airports in Canada’s so-called “Maritime” provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island and through much of the Eastern United States, an airport spokeswoman said. “For the Maritimes, it is a cocktail of precipitation and strong winds,” Environment Canada meteorologist Jean-Philippe Begin said by phone. The fast-developing storm bringing high winds and heavy snowfall has been dubbed by forecasters as a “weather bomb,” a “bombogenesis” or “bomb cyclone.” Wind speeds of up to 110 kilometers (68 miles) an hour are expected in some parts of the Maritimes, Begin said, and the storm will also dump up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) of snow in areas of Eastern Quebec. Reporting by Darren Calabrese in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Writing by Allison Lampert in Montreal; Editing by Jim Finkle and Bernadette Baum

https://in.reuters.com/article/us-canada-weather/storm-cancels-flights-causes-power-outages-in-eastern-canada-idINKBN1ET24E

Facebook group invents Flick to measure video frame rates

Facebook's virtual reality division has come up with a new unit of time — called Flicks — to measure the speed of digital audio and video. In an online forum used by developers of open source software, the company described Flicks as "a unit of time, slightly larger than a nanosecond that exactly subdivides media frame rates and sampling frequencies." One of the creators of Flicks is Christopher Horvath, a former architect with Facebook's Story Studio. Horvath left that team in May and began later that month at Facebook's social virtual reality unit, according to a representative from Oculus. He noted in a Facebook post that his invention had made it into the real world: Story Studio, which Facebook closed last year, was nominated for an Emmy for the VR film "Dear Angelica." Horvath won an Emmy for an earlier Oculus film called "Henry." Facebook shuttered the unit after deciding it didn't want a stand-alone studio.. According to Facebook, Flick "is the smallest time unit which is LARGER than a nanosecond." Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Christopher Horvath began working with Facebook's social virtual reality unit in May, according to a representative from Oculus.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/22/facebook-group-invents-flick-to-measure-video-frame-rates.html

British bobsledder Tasker to miss Games after suffering stroke

January 11, 2018 / 2:54 PM / Updated 12 minutes ago British bobsledder Tasker to miss Games after suffering stroke Reuters Staff 2 Min Read (Reuters) - British bobsledder Bruce Tasker will miss next month’s Pyeongchang Olympics after suffering a minor stroke last week, Team GB said on Thursday. Winter Olympics - Team GB PyeongChang 2018 Media Summit - Edinburgh, Britain - August 18, 2017 Bruce Tasker poses during the media summit REUTERS/Russell Cheyne The 30-year-old Welshman, who is being treated for groin and hip injuries at home, was taken to Wexham Park Hospital on Jan. 4 after experiencing dizziness and nausea. Tasker was subsequently transferred to the stroke unit at High Wycombe Hospital on Saturday. “I‘m gutted not to be able to conclude the four-year cycle by going to the Olympics but I‘m very grateful that I‘m still fit and healthy,” Tasker, who, who was due to compete in his second Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, said in a statement. “I‘m set to make a 100 percent recovery and I already feel as though I‘m most of the way there.” Tasker is expected to resume training next season. “We are desperately sorry for Bruce to lose his chance of becoming a two-time Olympian so close to the Pyeongchang 2018 Games,” Team GB Chef de Mission Mike Hay added. “Bruce is an outstanding person and athlete with proven leadership skills and was a hugely valued and popular member of Team GB in Sochi.” Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-olympics-2018-britain-tasker/british-bobsledder-tasker-to-miss-games-after-suffering-stroke-idUKKBN1F01Z7

BRIEF-Torex Announces Filing Of Preliminary Base Shelf Prospectus

Jan 17 (Reuters) - Torex Gold Resources Inc: * TOREX ANNOUNCES FILING OF PRELIMINARY BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS * TOREX GOLD RESOURCES - BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS WILL ALLOW CO TO MAKE OFFERINGS OF UP TO $500 MILLION OF COMMON SHARES, DEBT SECURITIES, AMONG OTHERS * TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC - BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS WILL BE EFFECTIVE FOR A 25 MONTH PERIOD Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (Bangalore.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-torex-announces-filing-of-prelimin/brief-torex-announces-filing-of-preliminary-base-shelf-prospectus-idUSFWN1PC0XM

Qualcomm signs $2 bln sales MOUs with Lenovo, Xiaomi, vivo and OPPO

(Reuters) - Qualcomm Technologies Inc ( QCOM.O ) has signed memorandums of understanding for sales worth at least $2 billion with top Chinese smartphone vendors, receiving vocal support from the firms as it fights an unsolicited buyout bid from Broadcom Ltd ( AVGO.O ). Lenovo Group ( 0992.HK ), Guangdong OPPO Mobile Telecommunications Corp, vivo Communication Technology and Xiaomi Communications have expressed an interest in buying Qualcomm components with a total value of no less than $2 billion over three years, the U.S. chip maker said on Thursday. The non-binding agreement will be subject to further agreements and covers technology related to RF Front-End components, Qualcomm said in a statement. The companies announced the multi-year agreement at a Qualcomm-hosted event in Beijing attended by the U.S. firm’s chairman and chief executive. At the event representatives from the Chinese companies expressed concerns that a possible acquisition of Qualcomm by Broadcom could hurt investment in chip technology. Broadcom in November made an unsolicited $103 billion bid for Qualcomm, which Qualcomm says undervalues it. A potential merger would likely face regulatory scrutiny in China, where Qualcomm has been fined before over anti-trust issues and where the government is promoting local chip production. China aims to become a dominant global chip maker by 2030 and has allocated extensive public funding to support local firms. “I was surprised about the reaction of some of those customers … but it’s probably what you would expect,” Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon told media. China is currently Qualcomm’s second-largest market but will soon become its top market, said Amon. Reporting by Cate Cadell in Beijing and Subrat Patnaik in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Hugh Lawson

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-qualcomm/qualcomm-signs-2-billion-sales-mous-with-lenovo-xiaomi-vivo-and-oppo-idUSKBN1FE0D6

Czech central bank's Benda: rate rises could be faster than forecast

PRAGUE, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Inflation risks to the Czech central bank’s latest forecasts are slightly higher and can allow faster interest rate rises than the bank’s outlook sees, board member Vojtech Benda said in an interview on news website info.cz. Benda was one of two board members who voted for a rate hike at the bank’s last meeting in December. The bank paused with raising rates then after lifting borrowing costs twice since August, and analysts expect the next move in February. “I was one of two who thinks inflation risks are slightly higher,” Benda said in the interview. “This basically justifies, or would give us the possibility to raise interest rates at a slightly faster tempo than the trajectory we have in the forecast.” (Reporting by Jason Hovet)

https://www.reuters.com/article/czech-cenbank-benda/czech-central-banks-benda-rate-rises-could-be-faster-than-forecast-idUSP7N1IV02I

FOREX-Dollar skids to 3-year low as Mnuchin welcomes currency weakness

* Trump expected to push “America First” message in Davos speech * Mnuchin says weak dollar is good for U.S. trade * Euro hits 3-year high; sterling hits post-Brexit vote high * Dollar/yen touches lowest level since mid-September * Graphic: World FX rates in 2017 tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh By Jemima Kelly LONDON, Jan 24 (Reuters) - The dollar slid to a three-year low against a basket of major peers on Wednesday after the U.S. Treasury secretary said he welcomed weakness in the currency, as investors worried about President Donald Trump’s protectionist agenda. In a break with the traditional strong dollar mantra, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the weaker dollar was positive for American trade. He was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on the eve of Trump’s arrival at the Swiss resort. Mnuchin’s comments provided a fresh trigger for selling of the dollar, which has been on the back foot for months on the view that the U.S. Federal Reserve is no longer the only game in town when it comes to tighter monetary policy, as growth in other regions - in Europe in particular - picks up speed. “The Mnuchin comments have helped feed it (the weaker dollar) a little bit, but they certainly didn’t get the move going in the first place,” said BMO Capital Markets currency strategist Stephen Gallo, in London. “He gave the green light for benign neglect of the currency, in the short run. It’s going down for a number of fundamental reasons and he’s saying he’s not going to stop it.” The dollar index , which measures the greenback’s value against a basket of six major currencies, fell below the 90.00 threshold for the first time since December 2014 on Wednesday. It was last down 0.6 percent at 89.632. White House officials said on Tuesday that Trump would use his speech at Davos on Friday to stress his “America First” policies. Under that agenda, Trump has threatened to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement, disavowed the global climate change accord and criticised global institutions including the United Nations and NATO. “It feels like the next few weeks could be a watershed moment for world trade and protectionism,” ING currency strategist Viraj Patel said in London. “(Trump‘s) ‘America First’ ideology...remains a risk strategy for the dollar – and for a U.S. economy that relies on the kindness of strangers to fund its structural external deficit,” he added. As the dollar fell broadly, the euro touched a fresh three-year peak of $1.2356 , while sterling soared to its highest level since Britain’s June 2016 vote to leave the European Union, at $1.4152. Investors are keenly awaiting the European Central Bank’s meeting on Thursday for clues on the outlook for monetary policy in the euro zone. Against the yen, the dollar fell below the 110 threshold for the first time in four months, last trading down 0.8 percent at 109.39 yen. (Reporting by Jemima Kelly with additional reporting by Masayuki Kitano in Singapore editing by Mark Heinrich) Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

https://www.reuters.com/article/global-forex/forex-dollar-skids-to-3-year-low-as-mnuchin-welcomes-currency-weakness-idUSL8N1PJ3OT

AerCap CEO expects some airlines to be stretched by oil at $80

January 22, 2018 / 3:47 PM / Updated 19 minutes ago AerCap CEO does not expect wave of aircraft finance M&A Conor Humphries , Tim Hepher 3 Min Read DUBLIN (Reuters) - The head of the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, AerCap ( AER.N ), does not expect a significant number of mergers or acquisitions in the sector despite pressure on the owners of two of his largest rivals: GECAS and Avolon. Chief executive Aengus Kelly told the Airline Economics conference in Dublin on Monday that the draw of consistently stable returns would make owners of major aircraft leasing firms very reluctant to sell. “M&A is a continual theme. But do I think there will be much of it? No,” Kelly said. “Sellers that have been in this business a long time are very reluctant to take out an asset that has generated such stable returns historically.” He said he did not expect to see an attractive acquisition opportunity in the sector unless there was significant stress specific to one of the owners. Asked specifically about rivals GECAS and Avolon, Kelly said it was “impossible to say” what might happen, with both businesses showing consistent profitability. GECAS owner General Electric ( GE.N ) indicated last week that it was looking closely at breaking itself up as the conglomerate announced more than $11 billion in charges from its long-term care insurance portfolio and new U.S. tax laws. Avolon’s ultimate owner HNA group has admitted in recent months to liquidity problems. Kelly said the aviation sector was facing the prospect of increases in two key input costs: fuel and interest rates. While the oil price could tax some airlines if it climbs to $80 from just under $70, the business models of some airlines could be “stretched” he said. [L8N1PH5K5] Higher oil could nudge carriers towards more fuel-efficient newer planes, he said. Higher interest rates should be good for the aviation finance sector so long as the increase does not come too quickly, he added. “A rising rate environment is a good thing as it generally brings with it some form of asset inflation because it is reflective of a more positive global GDP,” he said. “But there can be a lag before that inflation occurs and that is where you have to make sure that the business is soundly funded when you have short periods of volatility.” While some firms that entered the market in recent years due to low yields elsewhere may leave the sector if interest rates rise, others will likely move in to take advantage of the higher rates, he said. Reporting by Conor Humphries; editing by Alexander Smith

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-aviation-finance-aercap-hldg/aercap-ceo-expects-some-airlines-to-be-stretched-by-oil-at-80-idUSKBN1FB255

BRIEF-Jerry Lafe Ivy Reports 9.8 Pct Passive Stake In On Track Innovations As Of Dec 31, 2017

Jan 25 (Reuters) - On Track Innovations Ltd: * JERRY LAFE IVY REPORTS 9.8 PERCENT PASSIVE STAKE IN ON TRACK INNOVATIONS LTD AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 - SEC FILING Source text : ( bit.ly/2n9dMme ) Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-jerry-lafe-ivy-reports-98-pct-pass/brief-jerry-lafe-ivy-reports-9-8-pct-passive-stake-in-on-track-innovations-as-of-dec-31-2017-idUSFWN1PK0TA

Corus Entertainment Announces Fiscal 2018 First Quarter Results

Free cash flow (1) of $83.2 million for the quarter, up from $33.9 million last year Consolidated revenues decreased 2% for the quarter Consolidated segment profit (1) decreased 7% for the quarter Consolidated segment profit margin (1) of 39% for the quarter Net income attributable to shareholders of $77.7 million ($0.38 per share basic) for the quarter TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Corus Entertainment Inc. (TSX: CJR.B) announced its first quarter financial results today. "Our first quarter results were below expectations, as gains in local Radio advertising and our Nelvana content business combined with better than expected subscriber revenues were more than offset by weak television advertising market conditions", said Doug Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain committed to advancing our strategic priorities as Canada's only pure play media and content company. Our ongoing financial discipline balanced with strategic growth investments in content and advanced advertising initiatives position us well over the longer term in a rapidly evolving media and content marketplace." Financial Highlights Three months ended November 30, (in thousands of Canadian dollars except per share amounts) 2017 2016 Revenues Television 415,464 425,564 Radio 41,924 42,417 457,388 467,981 Segment profit (1) Television 168,602 184,421 Radio 13,521 13,286 Corporate (4,236) (5,721) 177,887 191,986 Net income attributable to shareholders 77,673 71,146 Adjusted net income attributable to shareholders (1) (2) 78,885 80,826 Basic earnings per share $0.38 $0.36 Adjusted basic earnings per share (1) (2) $0.38 $0.41 Diluted earnings per share $0.38 $0.36 Free cash flow (1) 83,215 33,909 (1) Segment profit, segment profit margin, adjusted net income attributable to shareholders, adjusted basic earnings per share, and free cash flow do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. The Company believes these non-IFRS measures are frequently used as key measures to evaluate performance. For definitions and explanations, see discussion under the Key Performance Indicators section of the First Quarter 2018 Report to Shareholders. (2) Refer to page 10 of this press release for details of adjustments to arrive at adjusted net income attributable to shareholders and adjusted basic earnings per share. Consolidated Results from Operations Consolidated revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2017 were $457.4 million, down 2% from $468.0 million last year and consolidated segment profit was $177.9 million, down 7% from $192.0 million last year. Net income attributable to shareholders for the quarter ended November 30, 2017 was $77.7 million ($0.38 per share basic and diluted), as compared to $71.1 million ($0.36 per share basic and diluted) last year. Net income attributable to shareholders for the first quarter of fiscal 2018 includes business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $1.6 million ($nil per share, net of income taxes). Adjusting for the impact of this item results in an adjusted net income attributable to shareholders of $78.9 million ($0.38 per share basic) in the quarter. Net income attributable to shareholders for the prior year quarter includes business acquisition, integration and restructuring costs of $13.2 million ($0.05 per share, net of income taxes). Adjusting for the impact of this item results in an adjusted net income attributable to shareholders of $80.8 million ($0.41 per share basic) for the prior year quarter. Operational Results - Highlights Television Segment revenues were down 2% in Q1 2018 Advertising revenues decreased 4% in Q1 2018 Subscriber revenues were flat in Q1 2018 Merchandising, distribution and other revenues increased 7% in Q1 2018 Segment profit (1) decreased 9% in Q1 2018 Segment profit margin (1) of 41% in Q1 2018 compared to 43% in the prior year Radio Segment revenues were relatively flat in Q1 2018 Advertising revenues were down 1% in Q1 2018 Segment profit (1) increased 2% in Q1 2018 Segment profit margin (1) of 32% in Q1 2018 compared to 31% the prior year Corporate Free cash flow (1) of $83.2 million for the year, up from $33.9 million in the prior year Net debt to segment profit (1) leverage at 3.5 times Consolidated segment profit margin in Q1 of 39%, down from 41% in the prior year (1) Segment profit, segment profit margin, and free cash flow do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. The Company reports on these because they are key measures used to evaluate performance. For definitions and explanations, see discussion under the Key Performance Indicators section of the 2018 Report to Shareholders. Corus Entertainment Inc. reports in Canadian dollars. The unaudited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes for the three months ended November 30, 2017 and Management's Discussion and Analysis are available on the Company's website at www.corusent.com in the Investor Relations section. A conference call with Corus senior management is scheduled for January 10, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. ET. While this call is directed at analysts and investors, members of the media are welcome to listen in. The dial-in number for the conference call for local and international callers is 1.416.981.9027 and for North America is 1.800.734.8582. More information can be found on the Corus Entertainment website at www.corusent.com in the Investor Relations section. Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures This press release includes the non-IFRS financial measures of adjusted net income, adjusted basic earnings per share and free cash flow that are not in accordance with, nor an alternate to, generally accepted accounting principles ("IFRS") and may be different from non-IFRS measures used by other companies. In addition, these non-IFRS measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. Non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. They are limited in value because they exclude charges that have a material effect on the Company's reported results and, therefore, should not be relied upon as the sole financial measures to evaluate the Company's financial results. The non-IFRS financial measures are meant to supplement, and to be viewed in conjunction with, IFRS financial results. A reconciliation of the Company's non-IFRS measures is included in the Company's most recent Report to Shareholders which is available on Corus' website at www.corusent.com as well as on SEDAR. Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information and should be read subject to the following cautionary language: To the extent any statements made in this report contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking statements and may be forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, estimates and outlook, including advertising, distribution, merchandise and subscription revenues, operating costs and tariff

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/pr-newswire-corus-entertainment-announces-fiscal-2018-first-quarter-results.html

Atletico see off Lleida to reach King's Cup quarters

January 9, 2018 / 8:56 PM / Updated 14 minutes ago Atletico see off Lleida to reach King's Cup quarters Reuters Staff 1 Min Read BARCELONA (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid put on a second half show to beat third-tier Lleida Esportiu 3-0 on Tuesday and progress to the King’s Cup quarter-finals 7-0 on aggregate. The Catalonian side put up a good fight to stay level in the first half at a half-empty Wanda Metropolitano stadium, with Lucas Hernandez hitting the post and Diego Costa denied when one-on-one with the visiting keeper. The former Chelsea striker, however, made amends by teeing up Yannick Carrasco to slot home in the 57th minute, giving the few fans inside the stadium something to cheer. Kevin Gameiro fired home Atletico’s second 17 minutes later after good work by Angel Correa, before new signing Vitolo netted his first goal for the club after racing onto Fernando Torres’s through ball. Valencia host Las Palmas later on Tuesday after the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw. Reporting by Rik Sharma; Editing by Toby Davis

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-cup/atletico-see-off-lleida-to-reach-kings-cup-quarters-idUKKBN1EY2J8

UPDATE 1-German union agrees to last-ditch talks to try to avert strikes

22 PM / in an hour UPDATE 1-German union agrees to last-ditch talks to try to avert strikes Reuters Staff * Union demands 6 pct higher pay, right to shorter hours * Employers reject call for right to shorter hours * Union threatens strikes if no deal by Saturday lunchtime (Recasts with union chief comment) By Edward Taylor and Ilona Wissenbach STUTTGART, Germany, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Powerful German union IG Metall will hold last-ditch talks with employers over higher wages and the right to shorter working hours for industrial workers, it said on Friday, holding off for now on its threat to call all-out strikes. After discussions among IG Metall’s leadership, the union has decided to make a final attempt to reach a deal over pay and working conditions, union chief Joerg Hofmann said at a press conference in Frankfurt on Friday. If these fail to yield a result by lunchtime on Saturday, IG Metall will escalate the dispute with 24-hour strikes. “The outcome of talks remains uncertain,” Hofmann said, adding that differences of opinion over what constitutes a fair wage had widened during the previous four rounds of talks. Regional wage talks in the southwestern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, which is taking the lead in this year’s national wage round, stalled late on Wednesday, raising the prospect of nationwide strikes. But three people familiar with the talks told Reuters earlier on Friday that union and employer representatives would extend regional wage negotiations. Talks will continue in Baden-Wuerttemberg, home to Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler and sports car brand Porsche as well as auto suppliers Bosch and Mahle, from 1700 GMT. Emboldened by the fastest economic growth in six years and record low unemployment, IG Metall is demanding a 6 percent pay rise for 3.9 million metals and engineering workers across Germany. “Twenty-four hour strikes would indeed be painful,” a spokesman for BMW said, adding extended walkouts could disrupt production not only at the carmaker but also at suppliers. Three hours of stoppages at BMW’s Munich factory on Wednesday resulted in 250 cars not being assembled, BMW said, adding it was working to make up the production shortfall. Premium rival Audi said it too was trying to catch up after around 700 vehicles were not assembled as a result of two stoppages at its Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm factories this week. Daimler said it would similarly try to address any production shortfall as quickly as possible after any strikes. “We assume we will be able to deliver all vehicles to our customers that they have ordered,” a spokesman said. A big sticking point in the talks is a union demand that workers should have the right to reduce their weekly hours to 28 from 35 to care for children, elderly or sick relatives, and return to full-time employment after two years. This is IG Metall’s first major push for shorter hours since workers staged seven weeks of strikes in 1984 to help push through a cut of the working week to 35 hours from 40 hours. Employers have so far offered a pay rise of 2 percent plus a one-off 200-euro ($245) payment and have rejected demands for a shorter working week unless employers are allowed to increase hours temporarily as well. More than 900,000 workers have taken part in industrial action this year in support of IG Metall’s wage claims. Germany’s second biggest union, Verdi, which represents primarily services workers, is expected to publish its wage demand on Feb. 8. Verdi and IG Metall together account for around 15 percent of the German workforce, and other sectors tend to broadly follow their agreements. (Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach, Irene Preisinger and Jan Schwartz; Writing by Maria Sheahan and Edward Taylor; Editing by Georgina Prodhan and Mark Potter)

https://www.reuters.com/article/germany-wages/update-1-german-union-agrees-to-last-ditch-talks-to-try-to-avert-strikes-idUSL8N1PL3BZ

Tech giant Oracle opens public charter school on its campus

Tech giant Oracle opens public charter school on its campus 8 Hours Ago

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/01/10/oracle-opens-charter-school-on-campus.html

BRIEF-Malaysia Building Society Posts Qtrly Net Profit Of 124 Mln RGT

Jan 30 (Reuters) - Malaysia Building Society Bhd: * QTRLY REVENUE 818.3 MILLION RGT‍​ * QTRLY NET PROFIT 124 MILLION RGT * YEAR AGO QTRLY REVENUE 819.4 MILLION RGT; YEAR AGO QTRLY NET PROFIT 45.6 MILLION RGT ‍​ * PROPOSES SINGLE-TIER FINAL DIVIDEND OF 5.0 SEN PER SHARE FOR FY ENDED DEC 31, 2017‍​ Source: bit.ly/2nqxrxD Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-malaysia-building-society-posts-qt/brief-malaysia-building-society-posts-qtrly-net-profit-of-124-mln-rgt-idUSFWN1PP0G6

New Steakhouses Offer a World Beyond Meat and Potatoes

At Merakia, a restaurant that opened in Manhattan’s Flatiron District last September, diners have their pick of many Greek favorites, from a yogurt dip to a slow-cooked lamb stew. But they can also choose a dry-aged, bone-in rib-eye or a Porterhouse for two. In short, Merakia is a Greek steakhouse. ...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-steakhouses-offer-a-world-beyond-meat-and-potatoes-1516881600

Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust Announces Sources of Monthly Dividend Distribution

SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust (NYSE:FTF) (CUSIP 35472T101) has declared a dividend of $0.1042 per common share payable January 12, 2018, to shareholders of record as of December 29, 2017. It is currently estimated that $0.0434 per share represents net investment income and $0.0608 per share represents return of principal. The Fund adopted a managed distribution plan and will make monthly distributions to common shareholders at an annual minimum fixed rate of 10%, based on the average monthly net asset value (NAV) of the Fund’s common shares. The Fund will calculate the average NAV from the previous month based on the number of business days in that month on which the NAV is calculated. The distribution will be calculated as 10% of the previous month’s average NAV, divided by 12. Management will generally distribute amounts necessary to satisfy the Fund’s plan and the requirements prescribed by excise tax rules and Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan is intended to provide shareholders with a constant, but not guaranteed, fixed minimum rate of distribution each month and is intended to narrow the discount between the market price and the NAV of the Fund’s common shares, but there is no assurance that the plan will be successful in doing so. Under the managed distribution plan, to the extent that sufficient investment income is not available on a monthly basis, the Fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return of capital in order to maintain its managed distribution level. No conclusions should be drawn about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the Fund’s distributions or from the terms of the Fund’s managed distribution plan. The Board may amend the terms of the plan or terminate the plan at any time without prior notice to the Fund’s shareholders. The amendment or termination of the plan could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund’s common shares. The plan will be subject to the periodic review by the Board, including a yearly review of the annual minimum fixed rate to determine if an adjustment should be made. In compliance with Rule 19a-1 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, shareholders will receive a notice that details the source of income for each dividend such as net investment income, gain from the sale of securities and return of principal. Please note: Determination of the actual source of the fund’s dividend can only be made at year-end. The actual source amounts of all fund dividends will be included in the fund’s annual or semiannual reports. In addition, the tax treatment may differ from the accounting treatment used to calculate the source of the fund’s dividends as shown on your statement. Please refer to your Form 1099-DIV for the character and amount of distributions for income tax reporting purposes. Since each shareholder’s tax situation is unique, please consult your tax advisor as to the appropriate treatment of fund distributions. You may request a copy of the Fund's current Report to Shareholders by contacting Franklin Templeton’s Fund Information Department at 1-800/DIAL BEN® (1-800-342-5236) or by visiting franklintempleton.com . All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Interest rate movements and mortgage prepayments will affect the Fund's share price and yield. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. As the prices of bonds in a fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the fund’s share price may decline. Investments in lower-rated bonds include higher risk of default and loss of principal. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager's investment decisions will produce the desired results. For portfolio management discussions, including information regarding the Fund’s investment strategies, please view the most recent Annual or Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders which can be found at franklintempleton.com or sec.gov . Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) is a global investment management organization operating as Franklin Templeton Investments. Franklin Templeton Investments provides global and domestic investment management to retail, institutional and sovereign wealth clients in over 170 countries. Through specialized teams, the company has expertise across all asset classes—including equity, fixed income, alternative and custom solutions. The company’s more than 650 investment professionals are supported by its integrated, worldwide team of risk management professionals and global trading desk network. With offices in over 30 countries, the California–based company has more than 70 years of investment experience and over $753 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2017. For more information, please visit franklintempleton.com . Franklin Templeton Investments Shareholders/Financial Advisors: (800) 342-5236 Source:Franklin Limited Duration Income Trust

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/11/globe-newswire-franklin-limited-duration-income-trust-announces-sources-of-monthly-dividend-distribution.html

The Latest: Trump says decisions require 'heart and soul'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech (all times local): 5:30 p.m. What has President Donald Trump learned in his first year as president? That you have to lead with "heart." That's what Trump told network news anchors during a pre-State of the Union lunch Tuesday. Trump says, "You govern with all of the instincts of a businessperson, but you have to add much more heart and soul into your decisions than you would ever have even thought of before." That's according to excerpts released by the White House. Trump also says issues like immigration would be "so simple" to solve if they were pure business matters, but he says he realizes that "millions and millions of people" are affected by his actions. He adds that "it's much different, in that way, than I thought it would be." 4:30 p.m. First lady Melania Trump is promoting the guests she'll be sitting with at her husband's first State of the Union address. The first lady tweeted Tuesday that she'll be joined at the speech "by an honorable group of Americans," including "heroes who have served our nation in times of need, families who have suffered at the hands of evil, and citizens who have embraced the American dream." Mrs. Trump has been keeping a low profile following a report that adult film star Stormy Daniels had an affair with Donald Trump in 2006, shortly after he and the first lady wed. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Trump's personal lawyer brokered a $130,000 payment to Daniels to prohibit her from publicly discussing the alleged affair before the presidential election. 3:55 p.m. Many congressional Democrats are giving their guest passes for President Donald Trump's first State of the Union address to young immigrants known as "Dreamers," who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. More than 20 Dreamers are expected in the House gallery Tuesday night to put a face on the toll of the congressional stalemate on immigration policy. They are the guests of high-profile Democrats including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and potential 2020 presidential candidates including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and California Sen. Kamala Harris. Trump ended Obama-era protections for such immigrants. He now says he wants to grant them a path to citizenship, but Congress has been unable to come up with a legislative solution for an issue at the center of the recent government shutdown. 2:50 p.m. President Donald Trump has told news anchors from all the major TV networks at a White House lunch that he is striving to bring the country together. Journalists from outlets including PBS, CNN and Fox News say Trump told the group Tuesday that there is "tremendous divisiveness" in the country that has existed for years. He says if he could unite the country, he would consider it a great achievement. The lunch is an annual White House tradition ahead of the president's State of the Union address. Fox News host Bret Baier said on the "The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino" that the lunch menu featured smoked tomato soup, thyme roasted chicken and orange merengue pudding. Baier says the rest of the lunch was off the record. 12:30 p.m. Four of the Supreme Court's nine justices are expected to attend the State of the Union address. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan and Neil Gorsuch are expected at the speech. Roberts, Breyer and Kagan regularly attend, as do justices appointed by the president who is speaking. Trump nominated Gorsuch a year ago. Among the justices who will not be in the audience, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito haven't attended a State of the Union speech in years. Alito last went in 2010, when he was captured on camera mouthing the words "not true" in response to President Barack Obama's criticism of the court's then new ruling in the Citizens United campaign finance case. Justice Anthony Kennedy's long-standing travel plans have him in California. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is in Rhode Island and Justice Sonia Sotomayor is in Panama. 12:18 p.m. President Donald Trump's top economic and national security advisers help with his State of the Union address. A White House official says national security adviser H.R. McMaster and economic adviser Gary Cohn contributed to the speech Trump plans to deliver Tuesday night at the Capitol. The official says they were assisted by policy adviser Stephen Miller, staff secretary Rob Porter and other speechwriters. The official stressed that the speech is the president's and that Trump has spent months giving his aides "tidbits" on lines he wants to use. The White House has said Trump will use the speech to discuss economy and national security, as well as trade, immigration and infrastructure. The official was not authorized to discuss internal White House deliberations by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. 1:27 a.m. President Donald Trump will herald a robust economy and push for bipartisan congressional action on immigration in Tuesday's State of the Union address. The speech marks the ceremonial kickoff of Trump's second year in office and is traditionally a president's biggest platform to speak to the nation. However, Trump has redefined presidential communications with his high-octane, filter-free Twitter account and there's no guarantee that the carefully crafted speech will resonate beyond his next tweet. Still, White House officials are hopeful the president can use the prime-time address to Congress and millions of Americans watching at home to take credit for a soaring economy. Trump argues that the tax overhaul he signed into law late last year has boosted business confidence and will lead companies to reinvest in the United States.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/30/the-associated-press-the-latest-trump-says-decisions-require-heart-and-soul.html

Some Republicans Urge Going Slow on Release of Classified Memo

WASHINGTON—Republicans are divided over the possible public release of a memo drafted by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes and his staff that alleges misconduct by the Justice Department in its investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Speaking on “Fox News Sunday,” Rep. Trey Gowdy (R., S.C.), who helped write the document, said it was a “distilling” of information the committee has gathered from “thousands” of documents. Mr. Gowdy said the report didn’t contain anything the Justice Department...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/some-republicans-urge-going-slow-on-release-of-classified-memo-1517167660

BRIEF-Adventure to buy two firms for totaling 686 mln yen

Jan 22 (Reuters) - Adventure Inc : * Says it plans to buy a Yokohama-based firm which is mainly engaged in operation of shop and site for sale of discount ticket, at price of 671 million yen * It also plans to buy a Yokohama-based firm which is mainly engaged in shop and site operation business for sale of Gift certificates and vouchers, at price of 15 million yen * Transaction date is in February Source text in Japanese: goo.gl/6b1VCt Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-adventure-to-buy-two-firms-for-tot/brief-adventure-to-buy-two-firms-for-totaling-686-mln-yen-idUSL4N1PH2EI

Barca lose to Espanyol in Cup after Messi penalty miss

January 17, 2018 / 10:28 PM / Updated an hour ago Barca lose to Espanyol in Cup after Messi penalty miss Richard Martin 2 Min Read BARCELONA (Reuters) - Lionel Messi had a penalty saved as triple King’s Cup holders Barcelona suffered a surprise 1-0 loss at city rivals Espanyol in a quarter-final first leg on Wednesday, ending an unbeaten run of 29 games in all competitions. Espanyol’s academy graduate Oscar Melendo crashed in the only goal of the game in the 88th minute after Messi had his spot-kick turned away by former Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez earlier in the second half. Barca had not lost to Espanyol since 2009 and this was their first defeat by their local rivals in the Cup since 1970. The last game they had lost in any competition was in the Spanish Super Cup to Real Madrid on Aug. 16. The second leg of the tie at the Nou Camp is on Jan. 25. Elsewhere, Sevilla battled back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Atletico Madrid as Diego Simeone’s decision to rest number one goalkeeper Jan Oblak in favour of Miguel Angel Moya backfired. Moya clawed a cross into his own net in the 79th minute to cancel out Diego Costa’s arrowed strike six minutes earlier, while Joaquin Correa struck the winner in the 88th to give under-fire new Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella a much-needed victory. Valencia also staged a late comeback to beat last year’s runners-up Deportivo Alaves 2-1 at home. The visiting side went ahead through Ruben Sobrino in the 66th minute but Portugal international Goncalo Guedes levelled for Valencia in the 73rd. Alaves defender Adrian Dieguez was dismissed in the 77th for picking up two bookings in the space of nine minutes, and Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno took full advantage by shooting off the near post eight minutes from time. Real Madrid visit Leganes in the other quarter-final first leg on Thursday. Reporting by Richard Martin, editing by Ed Osmond

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-cup/barca-lose-to-espanyol-in-cup-after-messi-penalty-miss-idUKKBN1F630P

Dems say Trump action on Florida drilling guided by politics

WASHINGTON (AP) — Opposition to the Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling mounted Wednesday as Democrats from coastal states accused President Donald Trump of punishing states with Democratic leaders and a second Republican governor asked to withdraw his state from the plan. Democrats said Trump and Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke were being hypocritical by agreeing to a request by Florida's Republican governor to withdraw from the drilling plan, but not making the same accommodation to states with Democratic governors. Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff of California said on Twitter that his state, "like Florida, has hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline and a governor who wants to keep it that way. Or is that not enough for blue states?" "If local voices matter why haven't they excluded Virginia?" asked Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. "Is it because the governor of Florida is a Republican and the Virginia governor is a Democrat?" The complaints came as South Carolina's Republican governor said Wednesday he is seeking an exemption from the proposed drilling expansion, a move that will test the relationship between Trump and one of his earliest supporters. Gov. Henry McMaster told reporters that risks associated with drilling pose a serious threat to South Carolina's lush coastline and $20 billion tourism industry. "We cannot afford to take a chance with the beauty, the majesty and the economic value and vitality of our wonderful coastline in South Carolina," McMaster said. Opposition to drilling is bipartisan within South Carolina's congressional delegation: All three House members who represent the state's 190 miles of coastline told The Associated Press they are against the expansion plan. Two of the three are Republicans, including Rep. Mark Sanford, a former governor who said Zinke had set a precedent by honoring Florida's request for an exemption. "What's good for the goose is good for the gander," Sanford said, adding that Republicans should respect local wishes. In Virginia, GOP Rep. Scott Taylor joined Kaine and Gov.-elect Ralph Northam in opposing the drilling plan. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., called Trump's plan "a complete non-starter." Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said on Twitter that "the only science @SecretaryZinke follows is political science. He'll reverse course to protect fellow Republicans in Florida, but not to protect coastlines and jobs across the rest of the country? Totally unacceptable." Heather Swift, a spokeswoman for Zinke, accused Kaine and other Democrats of taking cheap shots at her boss. "The secretary has said since day one that he is interested in the local voice. If those governors would like to request meetings with the secretary, they are absolutely welcome to do so," she said. "Their criticism is empty pandering." As of Wednesday, only McMaster and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina had requested a meeting with Zinke on offshore drilling, Swift said. In Oregon, Democratic Gov. Kate Brown took to Twitter to ask Zinke for relief. Linking to Zinke tweet about Florida, Brown wrote: "Hey @secretaryzinke, how about doing the same for #Oregon?" Zinke said after a brief meeting with Scott at the Tallahassee airport Tuesday that drilling in Florida waters would be "off the table," despite a plan that proposed drilling in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean off Florida. The change of course — just five days after Zinke announced the offshore drilling plan — highlights the political importance of Florida, where Trump narrowly won the state's 29 electoral votes in the 2016 election and has encouraged Scott to run for Senate. The state is also important economically, with a multibillion-dollar tourism business built on sunshine and miles of white sandy beaches. And Florida is where Trump has a winter home in Palm Beach. Trump spent his Christmas and New Year's break at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Former White House ethics chief Walter Shaub said Zinke's decision to exempt Florida from the drilling plan appears to be a conflict of interest for Trump. Trump is "exempting the state that is home to the festering cankerous conflict of interest that the administration likes to call the 'Winter White House' and none of the other affected states," Shaub tweeted. Zinke said Tuesday that "Florida is obviously unique" and that the decision to remove the state came after meetings and discussion with Scott, a Trump ally and a likely candidate for the Senate seat now held by Democrat Bill Nelson. Nelson called Scott's meeting with Zinke "a political stunt" and said Scott has long wanted to drill off Florida's coast, despite his recent opposition. Scott's office said he repeatedly voiced his opposition to drilling to Zinke, including at an October meeting in Washington. "Senator Nelson and anyone else who opposes oil drilling off Florida's coast should be happy the governor was able to secure this commitment. This isn't about politics. This is good policy for Florida," said John Tupps, a Scott spokesman. Zinke announced plans last week to greatly expand offshore oil drilling from the Atlantic to the Arctic and Pacific oceans, including multiple areas where drilling is now blocked. The plan was immediately met with bipartisan opposition on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Democratic governors along both coasts unanimously oppose drilling, as do a number of Republican governors, including McMaster, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker. The five-year plan announced by Zinke would open 90 percent of the nation's offshore reserves to development by private companies. Industry groups praised the announcement, while environmental groups denounced the plan, saying it would impose "severe and unacceptable harm" to America's oceans, coastal economies, public health and marine life. Associated Press writers Meg Kinnard in Columbia, S.C., Ben Finley in Norfolk, Va., and Gary Fineout in Tallahassee, Fla., contributed to this report.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/the-associated-press-dems-say-trump-action-on-florida-drilling-guided-by-politics.html

Back Brexit law or risk chaos, May's Conservatives tell lawmakers

January 17, 2018 / 12:11 AM / Updated 23 minutes ago British lawmakers back Brexit legislation, stiffer tests yet to come William James 4 Min Read LONDON (Reuters) - British lawmakers voted in favour of the government’s legislative blueprint for Brexit on Wednesday, marking a victory for Prime Minister Theresa May over political opponents who want a softer approach to leaving the European Union. But the legislation will now face scrutiny from parliament’s largely pro-EU upper house, where May’s party does not have a majority, which will intensify efforts to force a re-run of a 2016 referendum, and water down or even stop the divorce. The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill was approved by a 324 to 295 vote in the lower house - a milestone on the long road towards cementing the legal foundations of Britain’s departure from the bloc. The bill repeals the 1972 law that made Britain a member of the EU, and transfers EU laws into British ones. “This bill is essential for preparing the country for the historic milestone of withdrawing from the European Union,” Brexit minister David Davis told parliament before the vote. “It ensures that on day one we will have a statute book that works, delivering the smooth and orderly exit desired by people and businesses across the United Kingdom and being delivered by this government.” The bill has become the focal point for months of divisive debate about what type of EU divorce Britain should seek, severely testing May’s ability to deliver on her exit strategy without a parliamentary majority. But despite one embarrassing parliamentary defeat, several government concessions and rebellion from within her own party, May’s Conservative lawmakers overcame opposition from the Labour Party and others. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn instructed his lawmakers to vote against passage of the bill because the government had not met conditions set out by the party, demanding safeguards on a range of issues including workers and consumer rights. “This bill has never been fit for purpose,” said Labour’s Brexit policy chief, Keir Starmer, describing any attempt to persuade the government that the legislation needed to change as “talking to a brick wall”. LORDS SCRUTINY The upper house, the House of Lords, will now begin months of scrutiny of the bill before it can become law. Any changes made by the lords will require approval from the lower house, and the whole process could take until May to complete. The House of Lords contains a diverse, largely unelected, mix of political appointees, experts, and members who inherited their positions. Many lords are opposed to Brexit. Some of those figures are expected to try to soften the Brexit approach to include remaining in the EU’s single market or a second public vote, but the most likely areas for changes involve technical and constitutional issues. May has ruled out a second vote and says Britain will be leaving. Labour’s Corbyn is also committed to following through with Brexit, albeit pushing for different priorities and aims. Nevertheless, calls for a second referendum are expected to persist, particularly as both pro- and anti-EU politicians have mooted the possibility recently. EU officials and some member states have said they would welcome a change of heart from Britain. But, barring a major change of policy from one of the country’s two largest political parties, Britain remains on course to leave the bloc in March 2019. Reporting by William James; Editing by Richard Balmforth

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-lawmaking/back-brexit-law-or-risk-chaos-mays-conservatives-tell-lawmakers-idUKKBN1F600N

BRIEF-Obsidian Energy Comments On Statement By Frontfour Capital Group Llc

Jan 17 (Reuters) - Obsidian Energy Ltd: * OBSIDIAN ENERGY COMMENTS ON STATEMENT BY FRONTFOUR CAPITAL GROUP LLC * ‍ CONFIRMS IT IS AWARE OF A STATEMENT BY FRONTFOUR CAPITAL GROUP REGARDING THEIR VIEWS ON DIRECTION OF COMPANY​ * ‍OBSIDIAN ENERGY‘S CORPORATE STRATEGY HAS UNANIMOUS SUPPORT OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS​ * ‍BOARD INTERVIEWED CANDIDATES PROPOSED BY FRONTFOUR AND MUTUALLY AGREED TO ADDITION OF ONE OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS​ * ‍APPOINTMENT WAS ACCOMPANIED WITH SAME STANDSTILL AGREEMENT EXECUTED BY LATEST BOARD ADDITION, EDWARD KERNAGHAN​ * “‍RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FRONTFOUR IN EARLY OCTOBER, WHICH CONTAINED IDEAS WE HAD ALREADY BEEN PURSUING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS​” * ‍RECEIVED A SECOND LETTER FROM FRONTFOUR IN MID-DECEMBER​ * OBSIDIAN - ‍ DESPITE EXTENSIVE NEGOTIATIONS, FRONTFOUR WAS UNWILLING TO EXECUTE AGREEMENTAND CO WAS UNABLE TO ADD MUTUALLY AGREED UPON CANDIDATE TO BOARD​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-obsidian-energy-comments-on-statem/brief-obsidian-energy-comments-on-statement-by-frontfour-capital-group-llc-idUSFWN1PC1DE

BRIEF-Zhejiang Jolly Pharmaceutical sees FY 2017 net profit down 20 pct to 40 pct

Jan 26(Reuters) - Zhejiang Jolly Pharmaceutical Co Ltd * Sees FY 2017 net profit to decrease by 20 percent to 40 percent, or to be 43.2 million yuan to 57.6 million yuan * Says FY 2016 net profit was 72 million yuan * Says decreased gross margin of core business is the main reason for the forecast Source text in Chinese: goo.gl/Do4DPy Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-zhejiang-jolly-pharmaceutical-sees/brief-zhejiang-jolly-pharmaceutical-sees-fy-2017-net-profit-down-20-pct-to-40-pct-idUSL4N1PL1L3

BRIEF-Maxnerva Technology Services Notes Increase In Trading Price & Trading Volume Of Shares Of Co

Jan 12 (Reuters) - Maxnerva Technology Services Ltd : * NOTES INCREASE IN TRADING PRICE & TRADING VOLUME OF SHARES OF CO * CONFIRMS THAT IT IS NOT AWARE OF ANY REASONS FOR THOSE PRICE OR TRADING VOLUME MOVEMENTS‍​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-maxnerva-technology-services-notes/brief-maxnerva-technology-services-notes-increase-in-trading-price-trading-volume-of-shares-of-co-idUSFWN1P70HA

Paul Hanly of Simmons Hanly Conroy to Co-Lead Legal Team in Federal Opioid Litigation

NEW YORK, Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A federal judge has appointed Simmons Hanly Conroy Shareholder Paul J. Hanly Jr. as co-lead counsel in the national multidistrict litigation pending against pharmaceutical companies involved in the marketing of prescription opioid painkillers. U.S. District Court Judge Dan Aaron Polster, of the Northern District of Ohio, issued an order today naming Hanly and attorneys Joseph F. Rice and Paul T. Farrell Jr. as co-lead counsels for the plaintiffs in the federal litigation alleging pharmaceutical companies and physicians engaged in fraudulent marketing of prescription opioid painkillers, leading to the current nationwide epidemic. Hanly, with extensive experience in litigation against opioid manufacturers going back more than a decade, will work with his co-lead counsels to manage the federal litigation and oversee nearly 100 other law firms representing plaintiffs in more than 200 docketed opioid cases. "I am honored to have been appointed by Judge Polster to such a significant position in this litigation, which involves so many issues that are critical to the public health of our communities nationwide," said Hanly. "It is vital we hold the pharmaceutical companies accountable for their roles in the nation's ongoing drug crisis and epidemic." Hanly is a founding member of Simmons Hanly Conroy, headquartered in Alton, Illinois. Based in the firm's New York City office, he has extensive experience in mass torts litigation including representing more than 5,000 clients who sued Purdue Pharma in 2003, the maker of OxyContin, and winning a significant settlement in 2006. Rice is a founding partner of Motley Rice LLC, based in Mount Pleasant, S.C. Farrell is a partner at Green, Ketchum, Farrell, Bailey & Tweel, LLP, based in Huntington, W.V. Both, as well as many of the other lawyers involved, are viewed as the top mass torts litigators in the country. The defendants in the MDL lawsuit include dozens of parties with diverse roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including manufacturers Purdue Pharma L.P.; Purdue Pharma, Inc.; The Purdue Frederick Company, Inc.; Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.; Cephalon, Inc.; Johnson& Johnson; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc.; Endo Health Solutions Inc.; and Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Simmons Hanly Conroy and its attorneys have held multiple national positions of note in pharmaceutical mass torts litigations. Federal judges have appointed the firm's attorneys to serve on multiple plaintiff executive and steering committees in mass tort litigations including DePuy Pinnacle hip implants, Volkswagen emission scandal, testosterone replacement therapy, transvaginal mesh, Lipitor, Yaz and more. Their work has resulted in millions of dollars secured on behalf of clients injured by dangerous drugs and defective medical devices. The case is In Re: National Prescription Opiate Litigation, MDL No. 2804, Case No. 17-md-02804. About Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLC Simmons Hanly Conroy is one of the nation's largest mass tort law firms. Primary areas of litigation include asbestos and mesothelioma, pharmaceutical, consumer protection, environmental and personal injury. The firm's attorneys have been appointed to leadership in numerous national multidistrict litigations, including Vioxx, Toyota Unintended Acceleration, BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, DePuy Pinnacle and the Volkswagen Emission Scandal. The firm also represents small and mid-size corporations, inventors and entrepreneurs in matters involving business litigation. Offices are located in Alton, Ill.; Chicago; Los Angeles; New York City; San Francisco; and St. Louis. Read more at www.simmonsfirm.com . View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paul-hanly-of-simmons-hanly-conroy-to-co-lead-legal-team-in-federal-opioid-litigation-300577918.html SOURCE Simmons Hanly Conroy

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/04/pr-newswire-paul-hanly-of-simmons-hanly-conroy-to-co-lead-legal-team-in-federal-opioid-litigation.html

Apple to pay $38 billion in repatriation tax

January 17, 2018 / 6:16 PM / Updated 41 minutes ago Apple plans second U.S. campus, to pay $38 billion in foreign cash taxes Stephen Nellis 4 Min Read (Reuters) - Apple Inc ( AAPL.O ) will open a second U.S. campus as part of a 5-year, $30 billion U.S. investment plan and will make about $38 billion in one-time tax payments on its overseas cash, one of the largest corporate spending plans announced since the passage of a tax cut signed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Between the spending plan, tax payments and business with U.S. based suppliers, Apple on Wednesday estimated it would spend $350 billion in the U.S. over the next five years. Apple, however, did not say how much of its $252.3 billion in cash abroad, the largest of any U.S. corporation, it would bring to the United States, after the U.S. tax changes cut costs on bringing funds back from overseas. It also did not say whether the spending plan was driven by the new tax law. Apple has traditionally declined to publicly announce its spending plans. The iPhone maker, whose products are mostly made in Asian factories, said it plans a wave of investing and hiring in the United States and will create 20,000 jobs through hiring at its existing campus and the new one. It will announce the location later this year. About a third of the new spending will be on data centers to house its iCloud, App Store and Apple Music services, a sign of the rising importance of subscription services to a company known for its computers and gadgets. The company has data centers in seven states and also on Wednesday broke ground on an expansion of its operations in Reno, Nevada, where local officials granted it tax breaks on a downtown warehouse. The U.S spending would be a significant part of Apple’s overall capital expenditures. Globally, the company spent $14.9 billion in 2017 and expects to spend $16 billion in 2018, figures that include both U.S.-based investments in data centers and other projects and Asian investments in tooling for its contract manufacturers. If Apple’s overall capital expenditures continue to expand at the same rate expected this year, the $30 billion investment in the U.S. could represent about a third of its capital expenditures over the next five years. The announced tax payment was roughly in line with expectations, said Cross Research analyst Shannon Cross. The tax bill requires companies to pay a one-time tax on foreign-held earnings whether they intend to bring them back to the United States or not. Apple had set aside $36.3 billion in anticipation of tax payments on its foreign cash, meaning the payment would not represent a major impact on its cash flow this quarter. Apple also said it would boost its advanced manufacturing fund, which it uses to provide capital and support to suppliers such as Finisar Corp ( FNSR.O ) and Corning Inc ( GLW.N ), from $1 billion to $5 billion. Apple said it plans to spend $55 billion with U.S.-based suppliers in 2018, up from $50 billion last year. AMAZON VS APPLE Apple joins Amazon.com Inc ( AMZN.O ) in scouting for a location for a second campus. Amazon finished taking applications from cities in October for its second campus. Apple has not said whether it has settled on a second campus location yet. Currently, Apple’s largest U.S. operations are in Cupertino, California, at its new “spaceship” Apple Park headquarters, followed by a facility in Austin, Texas where it houses customer service agents and where contract manufacturers assemble some Mac computers. The company also employs several thousand workers and contractors in Elk Grove, California, where it has customer service agents and refurbishes iPhones. Apple also has built its own data centers in North Carolina, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona and a recently announced project in Iowa and leases data center space in other states. Additional reporting by Sonam Rai and Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; editing by Patrick Graham, Peter Henderson and Marguerita Choy

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-tax/apple-to-pay-38-billion-in-repatriation-tax-idUSKBN1F62FJ

Deal on U.S. 'Dreamer' immigrants still ways off: Republicans

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional Republicans on Friday downplayed the likelihood of a deal soon with Democrats on saving 700,000 young, undocumented U.S. immigrants from being kicked out of the country in March, a possibility created by President Donald Trump. FILE PHOTO: 'Dreamers' react as they meet with relatives during the 'Keep Our Dream Alive' binational meeting at a new section of the border wall on the U.S.-Mexico border in Sunland Park, U.S., December 10, 2017. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez/File Photo Trump in September ordered an Obama-era program that provided the young “Dreamer” immigrants with work permits and prevented them from being deported to end in six months. The program is known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. Despite his order, the Republican president has vacillated in his view of the Dreamers. Young people brought to the United States as children illegally and raised and educated in the country, most of them have little or no experience of their parents’ homelands in Latin America, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Saving the Dreamers is a high priority for Democrats, but the issue has been swept up in other debates, including one on the wall that Trump wants to build along the U.S.-Mexico border. Republican Senator John Cornyn, in a tweet on Friday, accused Democrats of trying to force a deal on Dreamers by doing a “slow walk” on efforts to approve critical disaster aid and defense spending. Two other Republicans late on Thursday said both sides remained far apart. “Our discussions on border security and enforcement with Democrats are much further apart, and that is key to getting a bipartisan deal on DACA,” senators Thom Tillis and James Lankford said in a statement. Democrats have said they are open to tying DACA to additional funding for border security technology. But they oppose Trump’s wall, projected to cost over $21 billion. The struggle over the Dreamers carries political weight for both parties heading into the November 2018 midterm congressional elections. Most of the Dreamers came from Mexico and Hispanics tend to vote for Democrats, who hope to gain seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Republican lawmakers met with Trump at the White House on Thursday and initially emerged saying they were optimistic that they could find a legislative fix for DACA. On Friday and Saturday, Trump and senior Republican congressional leaders are also likely to discuss the issue at a conference held at Camp David, the U.S. president’s mountain retreat in Maryland. A meeting between leaders of both parties was set for Tuesday. Cornyn, in an interview on Fox News on Friday, said Trump would demand that an immigration deal address the current visa lottery system and chain migration that unites family members. “Those are things that he’s insisted upon,” and Democrats would have to embrace them along with border security, said Cornyn. Additional reporting by Richard Cowan and Makini Brice; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Alistair Bell

https://in.reuters.com/article/usa-immigration/deal-on-u-s-dreamer-immigrants-still-ways-off-republicans-idINKBN1EU1TH

BRIEF- Samty announces change of corporate auditor

Jan 25(Reuters) - Samty Co Ltd * Says it appoints Hibiki Audit Corporation - PKF Japan as new corporate auditor, effective Feb. 27 Source text in Japanese: goo.gl/Mn4q6P Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-samty-announces-change-of-corporat/brief-samty-announces-change-of-corporate-auditor-idUSL4N1PK2IP

Jim DuBois, former Microsoft CIO, joins Corent Tech

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corent Technology , the emerging leader in Cloud Migration and SaaS-enablement technologies, today announced that Jim DuBois, a global IT and Cloud industry veteran, and the most recent CIO of Microsoft - has joined Corent as a senior advisor. Jim DuBois, a global IT industry veteran and the most recent Microsoft Chief Information Officer, will advise Corent Tech - the emerging leader in Cloud Migration and SaaS enablement technologies “Corent’s SurPaaS Platform disrupts the existing paradigm of taking the existing on-premise enterprise applications to the cloud and enable them as SaaS without re-architecting the applications,” said DuBois. “I am pleased to join forces with Corent and help this innovative company with its accelerating momentum of growth and success in helping customers break the bonds of their most important applications with last generation data center architecture. With SurPaaS, CIOs can quickly scan, analyze, optimize, and migrate their applications to the Cloud without spending thousands of coding hours to build what SurPaaS offers rapidly, in an automated, reliable, and consistent fashion. “ “We are thrilled to have such a highly accomplished, insightful and proven technology leader join Corent as we are about to embark on an aggressive go to market plan together with some of the key Cloud industry leaders,” said Feyzi Fatehi, Corent’s CEO. Corent SurPaaS automatically migrates and Cloud-enables any software application as fully instrumented SaaS for efficient delivery ‘as a Service,’ saving years and millions of dollars worth of manual design and programming effort. SurPaaS was named the most Innovative Cloud Service and was recognized by the Gartner Group for its innovative approach for rapid delivery of conventional software as fully instrumented SaaS (Software as a Service). Corent was recently awarded a patent for its consequential invention of “Software Defined SaaS ® ” platform. About Jim Dubois Since 2013 Jim DuBois served as Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Microsoft Corporation until late 2017. He was responsible for the company's global security, infrastructure, IT messaging, and business applications. Since joining Microsoft in 1993, he served various other roles in Microsoft including leading IT teams for application development, infrastructure and service management and as Microsoft's Chief Information Security Officer. Before joining Microsoft, Mr. DuBois worked for Accenture, focusing on financial and distribution systems. In 2017, Mr. DuBois authored “Six-Word Lessons on How to Think Like a Modern-Day CIO” - a highly acclaimed book that gives 100 practical lessons on thriving in a fast-paced tech world of digital transformation and effective use of technology to drive business value. About Corent Corent Technology, Inc. is the provider of SurPaaS platform - the emerging platform for Cloud migration and management. Corent is managed by a team of Silicon Valley veterans from Microsoft, IBM, HPE, Cisco, EMC, Oracle, and WMware among others. For more information about Corent, please visit: www.corenttech.com and to contact Corent please drop a note to info@corenttech.com . Media Contact: Dan Chmielewski Madison Alexander PR (949) 614-0634 info@corenttech.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfa89e18-7dfc-4744-b864-a89752b6e1f1 Source: Corent Technology

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/30/globe-newswire-jim-dubois-former-microsoft-cio-joins-corent-tech.html

BRIEF-Ocular TherapeutixTM Announces Public Offering Of 6.50 Mln Common Shares

Jan 25 (Reuters) - Ocular Therapeutix Inc: * OCULAR THERAPEUTIXTM ANNOUNCES PRICING OF PUBLIC OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK * SAYS PUBLIC OFFERING OF 6.50 MILLION COMMON SHARES PRICED AT $5.00PER SHARE Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage:

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-ocular-therapeutixtm-announces-pub/brief-ocular-therapeutixtm-announces-public-offering-of-6-50-mln-common-shares-idUSASB0C2DU

At least eight killed, dozens hurt in fire, stampede in Portugal

January 14, 2018 / 12:11 AM / Updated 9 hours ago At least eight killed, dozens hurt in fire, stampede in Portugal Reuters Staff 1 Min Read LISBON (Reuters) - At least eight people have been killed and dozens injured in a fire and stampede in a local leisure association in the town of Vila Nova da Rainha in northern Portugal on Saturday night, officials said. Mayor Jose Antonio de Jesus said in televised remarks that over 60 people had been taking part or watching a card tournament in the two-storey popular gathering place of the town 260 km northeast of Lisbon when the fire erupted. “Several dozen people have been injured, some lightly and others gravely, and are still being assisted,” he said. He would not say what had caused the fire, but local media cited firefighters on the spot as saying that an explosion of a heating boiler was the likely cause. Portugal suffered from its deadliest ever forest fires last year, which killed a total of over 100 people - the worst loss of human lives in living memory in the country. Reporting By Andrei Khalip; Editing by David Gregorio

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-portugal-fire/at-least-eight-killed-dozens-hurt-in-fire-stampede-in-portugal-idUKKBN1F300D

Today's Bell Ringer, January 26, 2018

Today's Bell Ringer, January 26, 2018 4 Hours Ago Ringing today's opening bells are David Lopez, PlayAGS CEO celebrating the company's IPO at the NYSE, and Jacob Meldgaard Torm PLC CEO and executive director at the Nasdaq.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/01/26/todays-bell-ringer-january-26-2018.html

Chris Lydon and Chris Tecu join Avison Young in Chicago

Highly regarded industry veterans become Principals, will work as a team while focusing on their industrial brokerage specialty CHICAGO, Danny Nikitas , Avison Young Principal and Managing Director of the firm's Chicago office, announced today the strategic hiring of highly regarded commercial real estate industry veterans Chris Lydon and Chris Tecu . Effective immediately, Lydon and Tecu become Principals of Avison Young and will work as a team while focusing on industrial brokerage services. Both will be based in the firm's Rosemont, IL office. Lydon was most recently a senior director with Cushman & Wakefield in Chicago while Tecu most recently served as a vice-president with CenterPoint Properties in Chicago. Lydon and Tecu previously worked together at Trammell Crow Company in Chicago. "We're thrilled that Chris Lydon and Chris Tecu have joined us in Chicago," comments Nikitas. "We have known them for many years as strong industrial brokerage professionals who have held various positions within the industrial real estate sector. Between them, they have more than 40 years of experience, and their reputations are impeccable in the industry. They are known for honest and intelligent representation of their clients, and have elevated themselves to a very high level of respect in our business. They will also enhance our capital markets capabilities with their experience on the investment side." Nikitas adds: "Their move to Avison Young is actually a reunion because they previously worked together at another firm. Both have adopted a collaborative approach to each transaction and, therefore, will fit seamlessly into Avison Young's culture and client-first business model. They will also play important roles as we expand our industrial service line throughout Chicagoland and further Avison Young's ongoing expansion program." Lydon brings 25 years of industry experience to Avison Young. During his career, he has been involved in transactions covering more than 100 million square feet (msf) with an aggregate value in excess of $950 million. A consistent top producer, he has represented institutional owners and users on both a local and national level while serving in the roles of broker, owner and developer. Lydon's past and current clients include Sears Holding Corporation, Seefried Properties, Liberty Property Trust, Panattoni Development, Wirtz Realty Corp., Invesco, 3D Exhibits, Prologis and Morgan Stanley, among others. Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Lydon was a senior vice-president and industrial brokerage leader at Grubb & Ellis Company in Chicago. Before moving to Grubb & Ellis, he was a vice-president and marketing director at AMB Property Corporation, where he oversaw the leasing of the company's 14-msf Chicago industrial-building portfolio. He began his career as a vice-president with Trammell Crow Company, providing brokerage services and brokerage management for the Chicago-area office's industrial brokerage division while working in partnership with Tecu. Lydon is a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) and the Chicago chapter of the Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers (AIRE). "We look forward to our new venture here at Avison Young, and to leveraging the company's full-service platform," notes Lydon. "The Principal-based ownership model was highly attractive to us, as it allows us to participate in the company's overall decision-making process. We were very familiar with some of the existing industrial brokerage professionals and felt that we shared a similar vision in relation to the overall industry. The client-first attitude that exists at Avison Young will continue to be our emphasis moving forward." Tecu brings 19 years of commercial real estate experience to Avison Young. During his career, he has negotiated more than 80 msf of industrial real estate acquisitions, dispositions and leasing transactions. From 2010 to 2017, he managed CenterPoint Properties' acquisitions in the Gulf Coast region, particularly in the Houston marketplace. From 2008 to 2017, he was responsible for the purchase of more than $1 billion of industrial properties nationally. Prior to joining CenterPoint in 2008, Tecu was an industrial broker in the O'Hare submarket for CBRE. He entered the commercial real estate industry in 1999 with Trammell Crow Company in Chicago, where he originally partnered with Lydon. Tecu's past and current clients include AMB, Prologis, CenterPoint, Duke Realty, First Industrial Realty Trust and Sitex Realty Group. He is an active member of NAIOP and AIRE. He holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Kansas. Tecu adds: "We feel that the in-house resources here at Avison Young will enable us to even better service existing customers and help us expand our client base. There seems to be great entrepreneurial spirit within the firm, and we look forward to continuing with the overall collaboration within the industrial brokerage group. The firm is in a global growth mode and we are pleased to be part of its expansion here in Chicago. We look forward to collaborating with our new colleagues across the globe while serving local, national and international clients." Over the past nine years, Avison Young has grown from 11 to 82 offices and from 300 to more than 2,600 real estate professionals in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Europe. Avison Young is the world's fastest-growing commercial real estate services firm. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Avison Young is a collaborative, global firm owned and operated by its principals. Founded in 1978, the company comprises 2,600 real estate professionals in 82 offices, providing value-added, client-centric investment sales, leasing, advisory, management, financing and mortgage placement services to owners and occupiers of office, retail, industrial, multi-family and hospitality properties. For further information/comment/photos: Sherry Quan , Principal, Global Director of Communications & Media Relations, Avison Young: 604.647.5098; cell: 604.726.0959 sherry.quan@avisonyoung.com Danny Nikitas , Principal and Managing Director, Chicago, Avison Young: 312.940.8797 danny.nikitas@avisonyoung.com Chris Lydon , Principal, Avison Young: 847.232.8610 chris.lydon@avisonyoung.com Chris Tecu , Principal, Avison Young: 847.232.8611 chris.tecu@avisonyoung.com Earl Webb , President, U.S. Operations, Avison Young: 312.957.7610 Mark Rose, Chair and CEO, Avison Young: 416.673.4028 www.avisonyoung.com Avison Young was a winner of Canada's Best Managed Companies program in 2011 and requalified in 2017 to maintain its status as a Best Managed Gold Standard company. Follow Avison Young on Twitter: For industry news, press releases and market reports: www.twitter.com/avisonyoung For Avison Young listings and deals: www.twitter.com/AYListingsDeals Follow Avison Young Bloggers : http://blog.avisonyoung.com Follow Avison Young on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/company/avison-young-commercial-real-estate Follow Avison Young on YouTube : www.youtube.com/user/AvisonYoungRE Follow Avison Young on Instagram: www.instagram.com/avison_young_global Editors/Reporters Please click on links to view and download photos of Chris Lydon and Chris Tecu: http://www.avisonyoung.com/documents/20342/2631393/Chris_Lydon.jpg http://www.avisonyoung.com/documents/20342/2631393/Chris_Tecu.jpg SOURCE Avison Young Commercial Real Estate (BC)

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/pr-newswire-chris-lydon-and-chris-tecu-join-avison-young-in-chicago.html

Sectornomics: How financials fared in January

Sectornomics: How financials fared in January 1 Hour Ago CNBC's Landon Dowdy reports on the performance of the financial sector in the first month of 2018.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/01/30/sectornomics-how-financials-fared-in-january.html

BRIEF-Red Star Macalline Group Corp & Oppein Home Group Inc Entered Project Collaboration Agreement​

Jan 22 (Reuters) - Red Star Macalline Group Corp Ltd : * ‍CO AND OPPEIN HOME GROUP INC ENTERED INTO PROJECT COLLABORATION AGREEMENT​ * ‍INVESTMENT AMOUNT OF CO IN INVESTMENT PROJECT IS CURRENTLY DETERMINED AT ABOUT RMB790.0 MILLION * ‍CO & OPPEIN TO JOINTLY INVEST IN LAND OWNED BY OPPEIN IN GUANGZHOU CITY FOR DEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION OF SHOPPING MALL​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (bangalore.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-red-star-macalline-group-corp-oppe/brief-red-star-macalline-group-corp-oppein-home-group-inc-entered-project-collaboration-agreement-idUSFWN1PH0OV

Commentary: Trump Conscience and Religious Freedom Division Dangerous | Fortune

By Louise Melling January 19, 2018 The Trump administration announced Thursday that it will create a “Conscience and Religious Freedom” division in the Department of Health and Human Services. The office’s stated goal is to protect institutions and people who refuse to provide medical assistance based on religious objections. It’s a new division, but an old—and dangerously discriminatory—approach to health care. Although the administration claims the new office is intended to protect religious beliefs, it will almost surely function to license discrimination against women, LGBT people, and others. Among those the administration wants to protect with today’s announcement are those who refuse to provide abortions. There was, naturally, no mention of the harm to women that results when hospitals refuse to provide abortions or referrals for abortions. Nor was there talk of what happens to women when nurses protest providing women care before and after abortion, as we have seen some do. See also: Commentary: ‘Religious Liberty’ Is Not an Excuse to Deny Transgender People Medical Care There was also no discussion of how the new division opens the door for health care workers and institutions to discriminate against transgender people, but there is reason to fear that’s just what they intend to do. The Trump administration has already taken protections away from trans students, trans service members, and trans employees. And anti-transgender advocates, who now have significant influence in the White House, have made it clear that a significant part of their agenda is to deprive transgender patients of essential, medically necessary health care. The new division could be one way to further this goal. Medical standards, not religious beliefs or moral convictions, should guide our health care policies. No one should be turned away when they need medical help. No one should be humiliated, demeaned, and left to suffer because of who they are or the health care they need. While Donald Trump and his administration may claim that initiatives such as this promote liberty, we know the opposite is true. The specifics of what this new division will do are still murky, but the principle of the law has been clear for a long time. Freedom of religion is at the core of our national fabric and our Constitution. But that freedom does not give anyone a right to harm others, including by way of an exemption from our nation’s laws that bar discrimination and that protect our health. Liberty doesn’t involve denying a patient needed health care. Freedom doesn’t include refusing to provide patients medical care based on the sex they were assigned at birth. We don’t yet know how the work of this new division will play out. But we will be watching. And should the administration choose to move forward to implement a discriminatory policy, we will see them in court. Louise Melling is the deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union. SPONSORED FINANCIAL CONTENT

http://fortune.com/2018/01/19/donald-trump-conscience-and-religious-freedom/

Korea talks ease war fears in Washington, but for how long?

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Talks between North and South Korea ahead of next month’s Winter Olympics have eased fears of war over Pyongyang’s development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States - at least for now. But North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has shown no sign of willingness to give in to U.S. demands and negotiate away a weapons program he sees as vital to his survival, so any reduction in tensions could prove shortlived. Rhetoric on all sides may have moderated as a result of the first round of intra-Korean talks in more than two years on Tuesday, but U.S. officials say hawks in President Donald Trump’s administration, up to and including Trump himself, remain pessimistic that they will lead anywhere. In recent days, in a series of media leaks, U.S. officials have spoken of the president’s willingness to consider a limited preemptive strike on North Korea to change Kim’s mindset, despite the risk of touching off a war. But there are divisions within the administration. National security adviser H.R. McMaster has been the most vocal of Trump’s aides arguing for a more active military approach, while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and the military leadership have urged caution, stressing the need to exhaust diplomatic options, according to five officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. A White House National Security Council official said the administration was “constantly developing a range of options, both military and non-military” but declined to address any differences between senior aides. The Pentagon declined comment on internal discussions, though one spokesman said Mattis had stressed in public that the effort to confront the North Korean crisis was diplomatically led. The State Department referred to Tillerson’s statements on the need to pursue diplomacy backed by strong military options. According to the narrative put forth by those advocating a tougher response, a strike could be limited to a single target with the aim of making Kim see reason, not to topple his government, something North Korea’s neighbor and only major ally, China, would not countenance, the officials said. “Trump is convinced the only thing Kim understands and respects is a punch in the face, which he thinks no previous administration has had the guts to do,” one U.S. official said. “At a minimum, he thinks that warning the Chinese about a preemptive strike would motivate Beijing to force Kim to shut down the programs that threaten the U.S.,” the official said. It remains unclear whether these disclosures by people close to the internal deliberations were simply psychological warfare aimed at sowing strategy-changing fear within the North Korean leadership or reflected Trump’s serious intent.However, the administration’s debate on whether to put greater emphasis on strike plans has slowed because of the North-South contacts and February’s Winter Olympics to be hosted by South Korea. Pyongyang said it would send a delegation. Some U.S. officials have suggested that North Korea was using diplomatic overtures to try to drive a wedge between Washington and ally Seoul and did not intend to engage seriously. The South and the United States are technically still at war with the North because the 1950-53 Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. A new dawn: tmsnrt.rs/2Ar8lUu ‘WHO KNOWS WHERE IT LEADS?’ Trump’s public response to the intra-Korean meeting has been mostly positive though at times tinged with skepticism. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson concludes his remarks on the U.S.-Korea relationship during a forum at the Atlantic Council in Washington, DC, U.S. December 12, 2017. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo “Who knows where it leads?” he told reporters on Wednesday after discussing the talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a long-time advocate of dialogue with Pyongyang and whose capital Seoul could be devastated in any major conflict. Trump, who has exchanged insults and threats with Kim in recent months, was Quote: d on Thursday as telling the Wall Street Journal in an interview: “I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un.” Trump offered no details and asked whether he had spoken with Kim, said: “I don’t want to comment on it. I‘m not saying I have or I haven‘t.” The administration had been due to hold a Cabinet-level meeting this week to sharpen its economic and military options for dealing with North Korea. But officials say this discussion has been postponed until after the Paralympic Games, which follow the Olympics and end in March, given the intra-Korean talks and a planned 20-country meeting on North Korea hosted by Canada next week. The Vancouver meeting, aimed at increasing the U.S.-led pressure campaign against Pyongyang, was announced by Washington just after North Korea’s last intercontinental ballistic missile test in late November. One U.S. official said one option would be to bomb a North Korean missile or nuclear facility based on a “high confidence” intelligence assessment that North Korea planned another test. Such a strike could be triggered by evidence that North Korea was fueling an ICBM, the official said. Another option would be a retaliatory strike on an ICBM or nuclear site after a test, another official said. The officials said McMaster has argued that if China were assured that a strike would be limited to one target and not the beginning of a campaign to overthrow Kim, an all-out war could be avoided. Chinese political experts said China was opposed to even limited strikes. However, Zhao Tong, a North Korea expert at the Carnegie-Tsinghua Center in Beijing, said China’s attitude might change if North Korea launched a nuclear-tipped ICBM into the Pacific Ocean or fired missiles toward Guam. China sees the Trump administration’s discussion of military options as a psychological game to force Beijing and Moscow to maintain pressure on Pyongyang, but they were making crisis preparations just in case, Zhao said. “Even if Trump is not really serious about a military strike, there is always the risk of miscalculation or an over-reaction from North Korea,” Zhao said. A South Korean official said Seoul believed the chance of a U.S. strike was still low. “President Trump is aware of the consequences. He’s been advised by a lot of agencies and departments of the damage it would cause and the number of victims,” the official said. The prevailing view at the State Department is that military action is not worth the huge risk, a senior U.S. official said. However, the official said, “there are military options that could achieve benefits we consider in our national interest at a cost we are willing to bear.” The consensus among U.S. intelligence agencies is Kim is convinced Washington seeks to overthrow him and only a nuclear arsenal can deter that. A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said he did not believe the Korean talks could narrow the gap between North Korea’s demand for recognition as a nuclear-armed state and the U.S. refusal to accept that. “It may be dangerous after the Olympics,” the lawmaker said. Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Matt Spetalnick, John Walcott and Phil Stewart in Washington,; Josh Smith, Hyonghee Shin and Soyoung Kim in Seoul, Christian Shepherd in Beijing and Nobohiro Kubo and Linda Sieg in Tokyo; editing by Grant McCool

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-usa/korea-talks-ease-war-fears-in-washington-but-for-how-long-idUSKBN1F033N

Campbell to Close Toronto Plant as Soup Sales Cool

Sinking sales are hitting some of Campbell Soup Co.’s employees. The food maker plans to close a factory in Toronto that employs about 380 people as soup sales in North America continue to decline and other factories become more efficient. Campbell is investing more in snacks and refrigerated foods to compensate for weak canned-soup sales,...

https://www.wsj.com/articles/campbell-to-close-toronto-plant-as-soup-sales-cool-1516827068

写真で見る世界のニュース(1/18) - WSJ

2018 年 1 月 18 日 08:50 JST 2018 年 1 月 18 日 08:50 JST Article Not Supported We're sorry but this article contains media that is not currently supported in this app. You will be redirected to the article on wsj.com in 5 seconds. If you are not redirected automatically, click this link.... 全文記事を読むには

http://jp.wsj.com/articles/SB10806998528272603825204583644802642483338

BRIEF-Aspen Says To Review Global Nutritionals Business

Jan 29 (Reuters) - Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Ltd: * STRATEGIC REVIEW OF ASPEN’S GLOBAL NUTRITIONALS BUSINESS * ‍HAS BEEN EXPLORING OPTIONS TO ENHANCE VALUE OF ITS GLOBAL NUTRITIONALS BUSINESS (“NUTRITIONALS”) SINCE RECEIVING AN UNSOLICITED APPROACH IN Q3 OF LAST YEAR​ * ‍CFDA OF REGISTRATION OF ASPEN‘S INFANT MILK FORMULA BRAND, ALULA, ASPEN HAS DECIDED TO FORMALISE ITS REVIEW OF STRATEGIC OPTIONS FOR NUTRITIONALS​ * ‍RANGE OF OPTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED INCLUDING, INTER ALIA, INTRODUCTION OF A STRATEGIC PARTNER THAT COULD UNLOCK APPROPRIATE VALUE​ * ‍APPOINTED CENTERVIEW PARTNERS UK LLP AS FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO ASSIST IN STRATEGIC REVIEW PROCESS​ Source text for Eikon: Further company coverage: (Bengaluru Newsroom: +91 80 6749 1136)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-aspen-says-to-review-global-nutrit/brief-aspen-says-to-review-global-nutritionals-business-idUSFWN1PO0JU

Golf-Missile false alarm causes panic for PGA Tour players

January 14, 2018 / 12:02 AM / Updated 15 hours ago Golf-Missile false alarm causes panic for PGA Tour players Reuters Staff 2 Min Read Jan 13 (Reuters) - Some of the world’s top professional golfers were panicked by a false report of an incoming ballistic missile in Hawaii on Saturday, with one hiding under a mattress and another fleeing to the basement of his Honolulu hotel. The alert, issued shortly after 8 A.M. local time (1800 GMT), was sent mistakenly some three hours before the start of the third round of the PGA Tour’s Sony Open. “So this can’t be good. Everyone is freaking out in the hotel,” Steve Wheatcroft tweeted at 8.14 A.M. local time (1814 GMT). Another player, J.J. Spaun, took refuge in his hotel basement. “Barely any service. Can you send confirmed message over radio or tv,” he said in a tweet at 8.26 A.M. Two minutes after that, John Peterson revealed the evasive steps he had taken. “Under mattresses in the bathtub with my wife, baby and in laws. Please lord let this bomb threat not be real,” tweeted Peterson, who was tied for second place halfway through the tournament. Peterson and Spaun evidently took longer than Justin Thomas to receive word the warning had been sent out by mistake. “To all that just received the warning along with me this morning ... apparently it was a ‘mistake’ - hell of a mistake!! Haha glad to know we’ll all be safe,” Thomas, the defending champion and world number four, tweeted at the same time as Spaun. The third round started on time at Waialae Country Club. Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina

https://uk.reuters.com/article/golf-sonyopen-missiles/golf-missile-false-alarm-causes-panic-for-pga-tour-players-idUKL1N1P80GC

Autonomous vehicles will transform the way driving is regulated: Here's how

Whether you like it or not, driverless vehicles are going to become an increasingly important cog in 21st century living. As technology moves at a rapid pace, the world's biggest companies are looking to develop and deploy increasingly sophisticated self-driving technology. To give one example, Vehicles at Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, have software and sensors designed to detect everything from pedestrians and cyclists to road works and other vehicles. Ride-hailing powerhouse Uber is also looking to make a mark in the self-driving market. "In 2019, we've committed to buy 24,000 Volvo SUVs that we're going to equip with our autonomous driving technology and start to roll out on the Uber app," Fred Jones, the business' head of cities in the U.K. and Ireland, told CNBC. Autonomous vehicles will not only change the way we get around our cities. Their economic impact will also be significant. The U.K. government, for instance, has said that the driverless technology market is set to be worth as much as £50 billion to the economy by 2035. As the way we drive undergoes a transformation, regulations will have to be modified. Unsurprisingly, that is going to be a big, big job. "There are no rules right now, international rules, on how to regulate automated vehicles," Philippe Crist, project manager for the International Transport Forum (ITF), told CNBC. "The safety regulation of automated vehicles will have to be the same as for regular vehicles, using the same principles." The ITF is an intergovernmental organization at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The "object" of regulation, Crist explained, may change. Before, it was a driver and their vehicle. Now, it would need to include the algorithms and code that operate in an autonomous one. He added that future regulation would also include, to a certain extent, "the fitness of the sensor systems that are providing input to the vehicle (and) replacing human eyes and human ears." This was a new space for regulation, he said. And, as the way we drive morphs from using our hands to using smart, autonomous vehicles, Crist pointed to another striking development taking place. "One of the things we've seen is the knowledge about what's taking place on the streets, on roads, has shifted from the public sector to the private sector," he said. "Now, instantaneously, several companies know better what's happening on city streets, and public authorities who are mandated to manage those streets and manage transport infrastructure and investment don't have that insight." Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook .

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/10/autonomous-vehicles-will-transform-the-way-driving-is-regulated-heres-how.html

Dollar sags on U.S. government shutdown, losses limited for now

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The dollar pared losses against a basket of currencies on Monday, after news that Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate had rounded up enough votes to move a stopgap funding bill that would end a government shutdown. The U.S. government shutdown took effect at midnight on Friday after Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a last-minute deal to fund government operations. Slideshow (2 Images) On Monday, Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer said the government would reopen in a “few hours.” The dollar index .DXY, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, was down 0.04 percent to 90.538, after falling as low as 90.155 earlier in the session. The greenback jumped to a four-day high of 111.22 yen against the Japanese currency. Reporting by Saqib Iqbal AhmedEditing by Chizu Nomiyama

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-forex/dollar-sags-on-u-s-government-shutdown-losses-limited-for-now-idUSKBN1FB02C

Fair Isaac posts 1Q profit

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) _ Fair Isaac Corp. (FICO) on Thursday reported fiscal first-quarter net income of $27.3 million. On a per-share basis, the San Jose, California-based company said it had profit of 86 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $1.30 per share. The financial services company posted revenue of $235.3 million in the period. Fair Isaac expects full-year earnings to be $6.09 per share. Fair Isaac shares have increased slightly more than 6 percent since the beginning of the year. The stock has risen 30 percent in the last 12 months. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on FICO at https://www.zacks.com/ap/FICO

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/26/the-associated-press-fair-isaac-posts-1q-profit.html

Alamo Group Inc. Declares And Increases Regular Quarterly Dividend

SEGUIN, Texas, Jan. 2, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE: ALG) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared its quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share, payable January 29, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 16, 2018. This represents a 10% increase in the dividend over the $0.10 per share paid in the comparable period in 2017. Alamo Group is a leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and service of high quality equipment for infrastructure maintenance, agriculture and other applications. Our products include truck and tractor mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, street sweepers, snow removal equipment, excavators, vacuum trucks, other industrial equipment, agricultural implements and related after-market parts and services. The Company, founded in 1969, has approximately 3,300 employees and operates 2 plants in North America, Europe, Australia and Brazil as of September 30, 2017. The corporate offices of Alamo Group Inc. are located in Seguin, Texas and the headquarters for the Company's European operations are located in Salford Priors, England. This release contains that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market demand, competition, weather, seasonality, currency-related issues, and other risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of this date. View original content: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alamo-group-inc-declares-and-increases-regular-quarterly-dividend-300575385.html SOURCE Alamo Group Inc.

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/02/pr-newswire-alamo-group-inc-declares-and-increases-regular-quarterly-dividend.html

Pope warns on being misled by the pursuit of money

Pope Francis advised against making the pursuit of money, a career or success the basis for one's whole life, urging people in his Epiphany remarks Saturday to also resist "the inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches." Francis said during a homily at Mass in St. Peter's Basilica that people "often make do" with having "health, a little money and a bit of entertainment." He urged helping the poor and others in need of assistance, giving freely without expecting anything in return. Many Christians observe Epiphany to recall the three wise men who followed a star to find baby Jesus. Francis suggested asking "what star we have chosen to follow in our lives." "Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way. So it is with success, money, career, honors and pleasures when these become our lives," the pope said. That path, he continued, won't ensure peace and joy. Later, during an appearance from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square, Francis told tens of thousands of faithful gathered below that some Christians prefer to live while indifferent to Jesus. "Instead of conducting themselves in coherence with their own Christian faith, they follow the principles of the world, which lead to satisfying the inclinations toward arrogance, the thirst for power and for riches," Francis said. He prayed that instead that "the world makes progress down the path of justice and of peace." Francis noted that some Eastern Rite Catholic and Orthodox churches are celebrating Christmas this weekend. In expressing cordial wishes to these believers, Francis added, "May this glorious celebration be a source of new spiritual vigor and of communion among us Christians." He also recalled the traditions such as in Poland, where many families join in processions recalling the three wise men. In some countries, Epiphany and not Christmas, is the holiday occasion to exchange gifts among loved ones.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/06/pope-dont-be-misled-by-making-money-and-career-your-life.html

We see tremendous potential in blockchain in other industries: CoinList CEO

We see tremendous potential in blockchain in other industries: CoinList CEO 2 Hours Ago Andy Bromberg, CoinList CEO & Stanford Bitcoin Group research scientist, discusses his bull case for cryptocurrency and blockchain despite push back from Warren Buffett and Jamie Dimon.

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2018/01/10/we-see-tremendous-potential-in-blockchain-in-other-industries-coinlist-ceo.html

Muguruza battles past Bertens To reach Sydney last eight

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Garbine Muguruza’s preparations for next week’s Australian Open were thrown into disarray when the world number three pulled out of the Sydney International due to a leg injury on Wednesday. Hours after battling past Kiki Bertens 6-3 7-6(6) to advance to the quarter-finals in her opening match, the 24-year-old Spanish top seed withdrew with a right thigh complaint. “I am disappointed but I have talked to the WTA doctors and my team after the match and following their recommendation, I have to withdraw from the tournament,” Muguruza said in a statement. “I have felt pain in my right adductor since I started practicing here. Yesterday, I felt better and wanted to play. However, during the match today the pain has been there all the time but I wanted to compete.” The Wimbledon champion accepted a wildcard into the tournament after retiring with leg cramps during her opening match at the Brisbane International last week and called for a medical timeout after just three games against Bertens. Muguruza, however, returned to the Ken Rosewall Arena and appeared to be moving freely, initially allaying fears of another injury setback by overcoming a woman who had beaten her in straight sets in their three previous meetings. ”Since the start I felt a little bit my adductor,“ Muguruza said after registering her first win of the season. ”I already felt it in Brisbane, so I thought I was going to be much better, but it came back. ”You always have to adapt... Sometimes you don’t need to have a pain. You just want to play a certain style of game or some tactic. “I figured out that being a little bit more aggressive, shorter points, that might help me and might help me also for my game. So it’s like a winning situation.” Muguruza’s withdrawal allows Daria Gavrilova a direct route to the semi-finals after the Spaniard’s scheduled last eight opponent won an all-Australian clash against Samantha Stosur 6-4 6-2. Elsewhere, Agnieszka Radwanska, the 2013 champion and last year’s losing finalist in Sydney, kept her preparations for the year’s first grand slam on track with a 7-6(4) 6-0 win over teenage American qualifier CiCi Bellis. The Polish 28-year-old will meet Camila Giorgi for a place in the last four after the Italian qualifier ousted twice Wimbledon and former Sydney champion Petra Kvitova 7-6(7) 6-2. Giorgi, belying her ranking of 100th in the world, beat U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens in the first round and added another grand slam champion to her list of victims in just under two hours when Kvitova blasted a forehand wide. In the men’s draw, Italian veteran Paolo Lorenzi ousted top seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain in the second round. Ramos-Vinolas needed treatment for a leg problem early in the second set and fell 6-3 7-5 to the 36-year-old Lorenzi, who is ranked 45 in the world. Reporting by Sudipto Ganguly; Editing by John O'Brien

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-sydney/muguruza-battles-past-bertens-to-reach-sydney-last-eight-idUSKBN1EZ0N9

Berlusconi backs EU rules on deficits ahead of election

BRUSSELS, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi said on Monday that his Forza Italia (Go Italy) party would seek to ensure that Italy respected the EU’s limit on budget deficits if it was elected to power. The EU limits public sector deficits to 3 percent of GDP. Italy’s budget deficit came in at 2.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2016 and was below that level last year, according to Italy’s central bank. “The 3 percent deficit rule can be a debatable one, but we intend on respecting it,” Berlusconi told reporters in Brussels. Opinion polls show the centre-right grouping involving Berlusconi is in the lead ahead of an election on March 4. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek, writing by Philip Blenkinsop)

https://www.reuters.com/article/eurozone-italy-berlusconi/berlusconi-backs-eu-rules-on-deficits-ahead-of-election-idUSB5N1JD02C

New documentary looks at life and career of musician Eric Clapton

New documentary looks at life and career of musician Eric Clapton Wednesday, January 10, 2018 - 01:14 Eric Clapton attends the UK premiere of ''Life in 12 Bars'', directed by Lili Fini Zanuck. narration). Eric Clapton attends the UK premiere of "Life in 12 Bars", directed by Lili Fini Zanuck. narration). //reut.rs/2AP3Ke5

https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/01/10/new-documentary-looks-at-life-and-career?videoId=381690823

Beijing Games could help end NHL/IOC standoff

January 18, 2018 / 1:04 PM / Updated 6 minutes ago Beijing Games could help end NHL/IOC standoff Steve Keating 5 Min Read (Reuters) - Since saying “I do” to the International Olympic Committee in 1998 the National Hockey League and Winter Games have endured an often tumultuous relationship, one that ended last year in an acrimonious separation. In sporting terms this had been an arranged marriage and after five consecutive Winter Games together the NHL, feeling unappreciated and taken advantage of, told the IOC their players would not compete in Pyeongchang. During protracted negotiations to get the world’s best ice hockey players to the Olympics there had been plenty of finger pointing and take-it-or-leave-it ultimatums. The NHL, already convinced it could get by just fine without the exposure offered by the Olympics, relaunched its World Cup of Hockey in 2016 and made that tournament its top international commitment. The jilted IOC huffed and warned NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman not to come knocking in four years time when the 2022 Olympics will be in Beijing, a market that every major sports league covets. While NHL players will not be in South Korea for the Feb. 9-25 Olympics the league has already begun flirting with China having staged their first exhibition games there last September. International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel said this month it is his mission to get the NHL back on Olympic ice while NHL Players Association head Donald Fehr said the players want to return to the Winter Games. “The Olympics is a unique event and it provides not only an opportunity to play at an elite level but there’s a real element of patriotism and national pride that’s involved and it matters a lot,” Fehr told Reuters. “I think that it is very likely as we go forward that getting back into the Olympics will be something the players will want to pursue.” “It will be a significant issue.” COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Significant enough that the Olympics will be a carrot dangled when players and owners negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement sometime between now and 2022. It remains to be seen what the players might be willing to give up to get back on the global stage that is offered by the Winter Games. FILE PHOTO: Donald Fehr, executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association, speaks at a news conference in New York September 12, 2012. REUTERS/Eric Thayer When the NHL dangled Pyeongchang participation in front of the NHLPA in exchange for an extension of the current CBA the proposal was flatly rejected. “From my personal standpoint not only do the players want to participate in it but I think that participation in the Olympic Games, if it is handled right, is a very significant potential marketing and exposure opportunity for NHL players and therefore NHL hockey,” said Fehr. “I would hope that we get to the point where that is recognised.” While the NHL saw little upside in shutting down operations for almost three weeks to accommodate Olympic participation, the 2022 Beijing Games represent a gateway into the Chinese market. To grow hockey in China the NHL will need infrastructure and the Chinese government and businesses have already displayed a keen interest in helping the cause by building ice rinks. ”I guess they (NHL) are a little late to the (China) party but better to do it right than do it fast,“ David Carter, executive director at the USC Sports Business Institute and a member of the Los Angeles Kings advisory board, told Reuters. ”They would more likely look back and rue the day they didn’t figure this thing out than looking back and saying it was a wise move to forego the Games. ”It is a big market to penetrate and it is something that has captivated people in sport business for awhile. “But that doesn’t get you anywhere unless the home country is willing to spend time, money and invest capital in it.” The key to getting the NHL back on board for the 2022 Games will not be as simple as the lure of tapping into a new market. The NHL has long bristled at paying for the privilege of competing at the Olympics while, in their view, getting very little in return beyond the prestige and a two-week global platform for their product. ”China is a completely different economic opportunity than South Korea,“ Neal Pilson, head of Pilson Communications and former president of CBS Sports, told Reuters. ”There was really no way to figure out any possible benefit for the NHL allowing its players to play in South Korea but the league could negotiate a much better deal for its ownership when you are talking about teams, the league, the sport growing in China. ”I know they are thinking about how they can develop hockey in that nation. “China is a huge opportunity for the NHL.” Editing by Frank Pingue

https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-olympics-2018-iceh-nhl/beijing-games-could-help-end-nhl-ioc-standoff-idUKKBN1F71O0

Travis Kalanick set to be an Uber billionaire

Travis Kalanick set to be an Uber billionaire 7:24am EST - 01:44 Uber co-founder and ousted CEO Travis Kalanick is selling nearly a third of his 10% stake in the ride-hailing company. Reuters’ Liana Baker says the deal will make him a billionaire for the first time, not just on paper. ▲ Hide Transcript ▶ View Transcript Uber co-founder and ousted CEO Travis Kalanick is selling nearly a third of his 10% stake in the ride-hailing company. Reuters’ Liana Baker says the deal will make him a billionaire for the first time, not just on paper. Press CTRL+C (Windows), CMD+C (Mac), or long-press the URL below on your mobile device to copy the code https://reut.rs/2CIwET7

https://www.reuters.com/video/2018/01/05/travis-kalanick-set-to-be-an-uber-billio?videoId=378294545

Mack-Cali Strengthens Executive Management Team

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Jan. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (NYSE: CLI) today announced changes to its executive management team with the appointments of Mr. David J. Smetana as chief financial officer and Mr. Nicholas Hilton as executive vice president of leasing. Mr. Smetana will begin to perform his duties as chief financial officer upon the departure of Mr. Anthony Krug, who will be leaving Mack-Cali to pursue other opportunities. Mr. Krug will continue to serve as chief financial officer during the transition period in the first quarter of 2018. Mr. Hilton will start in February 2018 and Mr. Chris DeLorenzo will also depart after a transition period. Mr. Smetana has over 20 years of real estate experience across a variety of roles. Most recently, he was a managing director and REIT securities analyst on Morgan Stanley Investment Management's Global REIT Securities Team from 2001 to 2017. Previously, Mr. Smetana was a REIT investment banker at Morgan Stanley and was part of Morgan Stanley's Real Estate Special Situations Fund from 1997 to 2001. Mr. Smetana received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds a CPA certificate in Virginia. Mr. Hilton was most recently a senior vice president at CBRE, where he had been for over 13 years and worked with firms like Mack-Cali, Bentall Kennedy, Royal Bank of Canada, Ernst & Young and The Boston Consulting Group. Mr. Hilton received his Bachelor of Arts in English from Rutgers University. Michael J. DeMarco, Mack-Cali's chief executive officer, stated, "We are excited to add further depth to our executive management team. David's extensive knowledge of the real estate industry includes over twenty years of REIT experience, and we believe that he will bring significant experience and leadership in his new role as chief financial officer. Nicholas, who we've had the opportunity to work with while he was at CBRE, is one of the most talented brokers I've had the pleasure of working with. He is extremely knowledgeable about the waterfront and the New Jersey office markets and will help lead and enhance our leasing efforts across all of our office markets as we work to increase occupancy." Mr. DeMarco continued, "I would like to thank Tony and Chris for their tremendous hard work and contributions to the strategic repositioning of Mack-Cali. Our success to date has been a team effort in which they played an integral part. They will both remain not only colleagues but close friends, and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors." About Mack-Cali Realty Corporation One of the country's leading real estate investment trusts (REITs), Mack-Cali Realty Corporation is an owner, manager and developer of premier office and multifamily properties in select waterfront and transit-oriented markets throughout the Northeast. Mack-Cali is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, and is the visionary behind the city's flourishing waterfront, where the company is leading development, improvement and place-making initiatives for Harborside, a master-planned destination comprised of class A office, luxury apartments, diverse retail and restaurants, and public spaces. A fully-integrated and self-managed company, Mack-Cali has provided world-class management, leasing, and development services throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region for two decades. By regularly investing in its properties and innovative lifestyle amenity packages, Mack-Cali creates environments that empower tenants and residents to reimagine the way they work and live. For more information on Mack-Cali Realty Corporation and its properties, visit www.mack-cali.com . Statements made in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "plan," "potential," "projected," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "target," "continue," or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements are inherently subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties, many of which the Company cannot predict with accuracy and some of which the Company might not even anticipate, and involve factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and are advised to consider the factors listed above together with the additional factors under the heading "Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K, as may be supplemented or amended by the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise. Contacts: Michael J. DeMarco Deidre Crockett Mack-Cali Realty Corporation Mack-Cali Realty Corporation Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications (732) 590-1589 and Investor Relations mdemarco@mack-cali.com (732) 590-1025 dcrockett@mack-cali.com View original content with multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mack-cali-strengthens-executive-management-team-300589402.html SOURCE Mack-Cali Realty Corporation

http://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/29/pr-newswire-mack-cali-strengthens-executive-management-team.html

Senator Durbin confirms Trump's 'shithole' comments

Senator Durbin confirms Trump's 'shithole' comments 4:27pm GMT - 01:42 Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on Friday condemned Donald Trump's use of ''vile'' language at a White House meeting on immigration Thursday, saying that the president used it repeatedly and called African nations ''shitholes.'' Rough Cut (no reporter narration). Democratic U.S. Senator Dick Durbin on Friday condemned Donald Trump's use of "vile" language at a White House meeting on immigration Thursday, saying that the president used it repeatedly and called African nations "shitholes." Rough Cut (no reporter narration). //reut.rs/2D4z9PP

https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/01/12/senator-durbin-confirms-trumps-shithole?videoId=382190434

BRIEF-Sanan Optoelectronics says units pass review of high-tech enterprise recognition

Jan 15 (Reuters) - Sanan Optoelectronics Co Ltd : * Says its Xiamen-based and Tianjin-based photoelectricity tech units passed the review of high-tech enterprise recognition and will enjoy a tax preference of 15 percent for three years Source text in Chinese: goo.gl/9fjMY5 Further company coverage: (Beijing Headline News)

https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-sanan-optoelectronics-says-units-p/brief-sanan-optoelectronics-says-units-pass-review-of-high-tech-enterprise-recognition-idUSL3N1PA1I9

Water main break at JFK airport adds to travelers' misery after winter storm flight delays

Flooding from a water main break forced the temporary suspension of some flights at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport on Sunday, adding to the misery of travelers after a winter storm canceled or delayed hundreds of flights in recent days. Water poured from the ceiling onto a check-in counter and covered large areas of the floor of Terminal 4, video on CNN showed. The disruption occurred while the U.S. Northeast continued to endure bone-chilling weather with the New York temperature at 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8 Celsius). International flights to Terminal 4 were temporarily suspended and passengers who had already arrived there were diverted to other terminals, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport. The Port Authority said the water pipe break appears to be weather-related. Flights later resumed but with delays, it said. Mohammed Elshamy | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images A passenger and her luggage are seen during the weather-related cancellation at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, United States on January 08, 2017. "What happened at JFK Airport is unacceptable, and travelers expect and deserve better," Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said in a statement. The authority said a water pipe that feeds the terminal's sprinkler system broke, which caused flooding and a led to a temporary power cut in some areas as a safety measure. The airport on Twitter advised travelers to check with their airlines before arriving. There were about 3 inches (7.5 cm) of water inside the west end of Terminal 4, Scott Ladd, a spokesman for the Port Authority, said in an email. The flooding hit just as the airport was crawling back to normal after a winter storm labeled a "bomb cyclone" forced the airport to close on Thursday. When operations resumed on Friday, the backlog led to hundreds more delays or cancellations, crowding the terminals with stranded passengers. Mohammed Elshamy | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images Passengers with their luggage are seen during the weather-related cancellation at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, United States on January 08, 2017. More than 500 flights into or out of JFK were canceled and nearly 1,400 delayed from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, according to the flight-tracking website FlightAware. The extreme cold and recovery from Thursday's snowstorm created a "cascading series of issues for the airlines and terminal operators," the Port Authority said. Equipment froze and baggage handling was delayed, which was compounded by staff shortages and heavier than normal passenger loads, the Port Authority said. The backlog left passengers stuck on planes for long stretches while waiting for other aircraft to get in and out of gates.

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/08/flooding-at-jfk-airport-adds-to-misery-after-flight-delays.html

For His Next Act, Ken Chenault Turns His Focus on Silicon Valley

Ever since Kenneth I. Chenault announced last fall that he would retire as chief executive of American Express , he has been fielding phone calls from companies looking to hire him. It's not surprising. Mr. Chenault is one of the most prominent African-American chief executives in the world and the man who led American Express through 9/11 and the financial crisis. When it came to selecting his next act, he was bound to have a wide variety of choices. In the last two weeks, he has announced he was joining the boards of Facebook and Airbnb. And for the last several weeks, he's been trying to keep one more secret — perhaps his biggest — about his future plans. More from The New York Times: American Express C.E.O. Ken Chenault to Step Down Airbnb, Edging Toward Possible I.P.O, Names Ken Chenault to Board Tesla's Elon Musk May Have Boldest Pay Plan in Corporate History "You're right,'' he said. "I literally have been inundated," he reluctantly acknowledged, almost embarrassed, when we spoke Monday. "People have talked to me about some very large companies and some digital technology companies. Obviously, I can't say from a confidentiality standpoint." The recruiters can stop calling. On Tuesday, he will announce he has a new full-time job. Mr. Chenault, a name long synonymous with Wall Street, will soon become a staple of Silicon Valley as a venture capitalist. He will be chairman and managing director of General Catalyst Partners, one of the most successful venture firms of the past two decades, with stakes in companies like Airbnb, Snap , Stripe and Warby Parker. Mr. Chenault 's choice to jump into the world of start-ups is more than just a business decision; to him, it is an opportunity to have a larger impact on Silicon Valley and its business culture. As he assessed his opportunities, he became convinced that the tech start-up world had often come up short in meeting society's challenges. This area, he said, is where he hopes he can have an impact. Consider Mr. Chenault some much-needed adult supervision. "What I think is happening right now in the digital space is a maturation cycle and some people, as we've seen, are going to handle that well and some people are going to crash and burn," he said, without naming names. Of course, he could be talking about any of a host of companies, like Uber, Google or Facebook, the latter of which is facing a revolt among consumers and possibly regulators over the way fake news proliferates on its site. Venture capital firms themselves are not exempt from these problems, as my colleague Katie Benner chronicled last summer with a striking exposé of harassment by powerful investors. "Given their age and the scale and size and impact that they can have on our society, unless they make a step up, we are going to have some serious problems,'' Mr. Chenault said. "And we do have serious problems." "Companies are starting to realize that they are growing up, and in growing up, they have to assume some broader responsibilities," he added. "Companies are at different stages, from a self awareness standpoint, in accepting that reality." Mr. Chenault's management skills may be a perfect fit for the role General Catalyst needs him to fill. As start-ups are staying private longer, venture capital firms are finding that someone has to actually run the companies they invest in, to think beyond the early stages of fast growth — and a quick sale or initial public offering — and to help them scale over a decade. "The median time to I.P.O. has risen dramatically over the last decade, from 4.9 years in 2006 to 8.3 years in 2016," according to a report from Pitchbook, a data company that tracks deals. Airbnb has been private for 10 years, Uber for nine. When Mr. Chenault joined Airbnb's board last week, a company co-founder, Brian Chesky, whom Mr. Chenault has mentored for years, wrote a note to employees announcing the appointment. "Many companies are designed to be finite,'' Mr. Chesky wrote. "Finite companies are focused on beating their competitors and appeasing short-term interests. But business is not finite. Unlike sports, there is no time clock, so there can be no winning or losing — there is merely surviving and innovating to endure." Mr. Chenault believes there is real value in trying to influence start-ups early in their life cycle, so that patience and foresight become embedded in the DNA. One problem Mr. Chenault wants to address — conspicuous to anyone paying attention, but bafflingly inconspicuous to those in the Valley — is the lack of diversity, both in gender and race, in the tech industry. "Diversity in the technology digital industry is a big issue," he said. "If we don't make accelerated progress in that area, it will have dire consequences for our society." It is even worse in the venture capital industry, where there are few women and even fewer African-Americans. The numbers are embarrassing and depressing: African-Americans make up only 3 percent of the venture capital work force, according to a study conducted in 2016 by the National Venture Capital Association and Deloitte University Leadership Center for Inclusion. Latinos represented only 4 percent of the venture capital industry. Mr. Chenault said he has known some of founding partners at General Catalyst for more than 20 years, including David Fialkow and Joel Cutler, who have been business partners since they met as children at Camp Cedar (a summer camp in Maine that I also attended). The fund, which has some $3.75 billion, was founded in Cambridge, Mass., in 1999 and has offices in New York; Palo Alto, Calif.; and San Francisco. Mr. Chenault said he would be based in New York. In addition to Facebook and Airbnb, he is also on the boards of IBM and Procter & Gamble , which gives him insight into what's going on in the economy. He acknowledged that there might be times he has to recuse himself from dealing with board issues that conflict with one of the investments General Catalyst makes. But at this stage of his career, he believes a move to venture capital is the right "vehicle'' to try to make a difference. Mr. Chenault hopes to help companies not just make long-term plans, but to think about their role in society. "Venture capital firms have to be more catalytic agents of change not just in the business development," he said, "but in helping change the culture in the technology digital sector so there is a greater focus on the responsibilities they have."

https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/30/for-his-next-act-ken-chenault-turns-his-focus-on-silicon-valley.html

2017 costliest year on record for U.S. natural disasters

2017 costliest year on record for U.S. natural disasters 7:56pm GMT - 00:57 Weather and climate-related disasters cost the United States a record $306 billion in 2017, the third-warmest year on record, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Monday. Weather and climate-related disasters cost the United States a record $306 billion in 2017, the third-warmest year on record, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said on Monday. //uk.reuters.com/video/2018/01/08/2017-costliest-year-on-record-for-us-nat?videoId=381259334&videoChannel=118171

https://uk.reuters.com/video/2018/01/08/2017-costliest-year-on-record-for-us-nat?videoId=381259334