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Anglo American to merge with rival Teck in $53bn mining group
The Guardian· 2025-09-09 09:58
Core Viewpoint - The merger between Anglo American and Teck Resources will create a $53 billion global copper group, marking one of the largest mining mergers in recent years, but it raises concerns about potential job cuts [1][9]. Company Strategy - The merger is seen as a strategic move to form a "global critical minerals champion," enhancing growth and operational capabilities for both companies [2]. - Anglo American has been restructuring its business to focus on iron ore and copper, having spun off its platinum mining business and exploring the sale of its diamond business, De Beers [6]. Management and Structure - Duncan Wanblad, CEO of Anglo, will lead the merged entity, with Jonathan Price, CEO of Teck, becoming deputy CEO [2]. - The global headquarters of the new business will be located in Vancouver, Canada, with commitments made to the Canadian government regarding employee retention [3]. Financial Aspects - The merger is expected to generate $800 million in annual cost savings within four years, with $60 million anticipated from board and head office reductions [4][5]. - Anglo American will pay a special dividend of $4.5 billion to its shareholders before the deal completes [8]. Market Impact - Following the announcement, Anglo shares rose by 5% in London, while Teck's stock increased by nearly 22% in Frankfurt [10]. - Anglo American investors will hold 62.4% of the new entity, while Teck shareholders will own 37.6% [7].
Amazon fires 150 unionized third-party drivers, Teamsters says
The Guardian· 2025-09-08 19:29
Core Viewpoint - Amazon has terminated over 150 unionized drivers from a third-party contractor in Queens, New York, which the Teamsters union claims is retaliation for unionizing [1][2] Group 1: Company Actions - Amazon's recent termination of drivers is part of a strategy to allow delivery service providers (DSPs) to manage their teams more effectively [3] - The company has previously faced allegations of unfair labor practices, including a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) regarding another DSP, Battle-Tested Strategies, which also involved unionized drivers [4][5] - Amazon has appealed the NLRB's ruling that deemed it a joint employer of the drivers [5] Group 2: Union Response - The Teamsters union has organized protests and strikes among Amazon workers, advocating for better pay and working conditions [5] - Union representatives assert that Amazon's actions are illegal and emphasize their commitment to continue organizing for workers' rights [2] Group 3: Legal Context - Amazon has challenged the constitutionality of the NLRB's structure, arguing that its board members cannot be removed by the president, which has implications for labor dispute rulings [6] - The NLRB currently lacks a quorum to rule on major labor disputes due to unfilled positions, affecting its ability to address ongoing issues [6]
The US supreme court may address Trump's tariffs. Does he want to win?
The Guardian· 2025-09-08 10:00
Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the legal challenges facing President Trump's tariffs, which have significantly impacted the global economy and U.S. trade strategy, with ongoing court cases questioning the legality of these tariffs [1][2][5]. Legal Challenges - The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump's tariffs exceed the authority granted to the president, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stated that the tariffs assert an authority beyond legal limitations [2][5]. - The appeals court has paused its ruling, allowing tariffs to remain until October 14, while the administration seeks a swift decision from the Supreme Court [3][4]. Implications of Tariffs - Trump's tariffs are the highest in nearly a century, fundamentally altering U.S. trade strategy [5]. - Legal experts suggest that the Supreme Court may ultimately rule against the administration, which could split the conservative coalition on the bench [6][7]. Presidential Authority - The case centers on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which grants the president significant authority during national emergencies, but does not explicitly mention tariffs [8][9]. - The administration argues that the IEEPA allows for broad powers, including tariffs, while critics question this interpretation [10][11]. Economic Impact - The administration claims that higher tariffs strengthen the economy and encourage trade deals, but there are signs of strain, and the resulting deals have been minimal [13]. - Critics argue that Trump's unpredictable approach to tariffs has created a "turbulence tax" on consumers and businesses, leading to increased costs and uncertainty [13][14]. Future Outlook - Regardless of the Supreme Court's decision, the article suggests that economic turbulence is likely to continue, impacting small businesses and consumers [15].
US tariff tensions hit Chinese export growth
The Guardian· 2025-09-08 07:03
Group 1: China's Export and Import Trends - China's export growth slowed to 4.4% year-on-year in August, down from 7.2% in July, marking the lowest growth in six months [1] - Imports grew by 1.3% in August, a decrease from the 4.1% rise in July [1] - Beijing's shipments to the US fell by 33%, while exports to Southeast Asian nations increased by 22.5% [2] Group 2: Trade Policies and Tariffs - US President Trump delayed sweeping tariffs on China, announcing a 90-day pause just before the expiration of the last agreement between the two economies [2] - Trump had threatened tariffs on China as high as 245%, while China threatened retaliatory tariffs of 125% [3] - Chinese imports are subject to a baseline tariff of 10% and an additional 20% levy due to fentanyl smuggling allegations [3] Group 3: Trade Surplus and Economic Outlook - China's trade surplus rose to $102.3 billion in August from $98.2 billion in July, but was below June's $114.8 billion [4] - Analysts are anticipating potential extra fiscal support measures from officials in the fourth quarter to boost domestic demand [4] Group 4: Germany's Trade Performance - Germany's exports unexpectedly fell by 0.6% in July, contrary to economists' forecasts of a 0.1% gain [5] - The country's foreign trade surplus decreased to €14.7 billion from €15.4 billion in June [5] - German industrial production rose by 1.3% in July, providing a positive note amidst the trade decline [5] Group 5: Oil Market Dynamics - Oil prices increased as OPEC+ agreed to raise output at a slower pace from October, anticipating weaker global demand [6] - Brent crude rose by 1.5% to $66.45 a barrel following the agreement [6] - OPEC+ members agreed to lift production by 137,000 barrels per day starting in October, significantly lower than previous monthly increases [7]
US added just 22,000 jobs in August, continuing slowdown amid Trump tariffs
The Guardian· 2025-09-05 12:38
The US jobs market stalled over the summer, adding just 22,000 jobs in August and continuing a slowdown in the labor market as businesses adjusted to disruptions caused by tariffs.The latest jobs report also contained more bad news. The US lost 13,000 jobs in June, according to the latest survey, the first time it went into the negative since December 2020.The unemployment rate for August inched up to 4.3%, the highest it’s been since 2021.The healthcare sector added 31,000 last month but most other sectors ...
‘Slap on the wrist': critics decry weak penalties on Google after landmark monopoly trial
The Guardian· 2025-09-03 21:55
A judge ruled on Tuesday that Google would not be forced to sell its Chrome browser or the Android operating system, saving the tech giant from the most severe penalties sought by the US government. The same judge had ruled in favor of US prosecutors nearly a year ago, finding that Google built and maintained an illegal monopoly with its namesake search engine.Groups critical of Google’s dominance in the internet search and online advertising industry are furious. They contend the judge missed an opportunit ...
Nestlé sacks CEO over ‘undisclosed romantic relationship'
The Guardian· 2025-09-01 18:42
Core Points - Nestlé has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe due to an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a subordinate, which violated the company's code of conduct [1][2] - Philipp Navratil has been appointed as the new CEO, recognized for his impressive track record and collaborative management style [3][4] Company Overview - Freixe's departure comes after 40 years at Nestlé, and he took over as CEO in September 2022 after the ousting of Mark Schneider [2] - The investigation was overseen by Nestlé's chair Paul Bulcke and lead independent director Pablo Isla, with external counsel support [2] Leadership Transition - Navratil has been with Nestlé since 2001, holding various roles including country manager for Honduras and leadership positions in the coffee and beverage business [4][5] - The board expresses confidence in Navratil's ability to drive growth and maintain performance without changing the company's strategic direction [4]
Google Gemini upgrades add more autonomous AI to phones and watches
The Guardian· 2025-08-20 16:00
Core Insights - Google has introduced significant AI upgrades with its new Pixel 10 series, including the Magic Cue feature that enhances user experience by providing relevant information based on personal data [1][2][4] Group 1: Product Features - The Pixel 10 series includes the Tensor G5 chip, which enables local AI processing for features like Magic Cue [2][6] - The Pixel 10 has a 6.3-inch OLED screen and an upgraded camera system with a 10.8-megapixel 5x telephoto camera, increasing the total number of rear cameras to three [6] - The Pixel 10 Pro features a 48MP telephoto camera capable of 10x optical zoom and comes in two sizes, 6.3 inches and 6.8 inches [6][7] - The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the first folding phones to offer full IP68 water and dust resistance, addressing durability concerns [7] - AI photography features include Camera Coach, which provides suggestions for better photo-taking [7] Group 2: Pricing and Availability - The Pixel 10 starts at £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349), while the Pixel 10 Pro starts at £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699), both shipping on August 28 [8] - The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is priced from £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/A$2,699) and will ship later on October 9 [8] Group 3: Wearable Technology - The Pixel Watch 4 integrates Gemini AI, acting as a personal health coach and offering personalized fitness and sleep plans [11] - The Pixel Watch 4 features a 10% larger domed screen and is the first smartwatch to provide SOS satellite-based emergency services [12] - The Pixel Buds 2a are a more affordable version of Google's Bluetooth earbuds, featuring the same Tensor A1 chip and noise-canceling capabilities [13]
US pursuing stake in struggling chipmaker Intel, commerce secretary says
The Guardian· 2025-08-19 15:19
Group 1 - The US government is seeking to convert funding from the Chips and Science Act into equity in Intel, indicating discussions between officials and the company [1][3] - Intel, once a leader in computer processors, is now perceived as lagging behind competitors like Nvidia, which recently achieved a $4 trillion valuation [2] - The conversion of funding would not grant the federal government governance rights typical of a major shareholder, as it would be a non-voting equity stake [4] Group 2 - The goal of the equity stake aligns with the Chips Act's objective to enhance domestic semiconductor production, reducing reliance on Taiwan [4] - The US Treasury Secretary stated that acquiring a stake in Intel would not compel US businesses to purchase Intel chips [5][6] - Investor interest in Intel has surged following news of potential government investment, with the company's stock value having halved over the past five years [6]
Intel shares jump after report says Trump administration looking at stake
The Guardian· 2025-08-15 08:44
Core Viewpoint - Intel's shares rose by 7.4% following reports that the Trump administration is considering a government investment in the company to support its factory hub in Ohio and improve its financial situation amid job cuts [1][3]. Group 1: Investment Considerations - The potential investment would be funded by the US government and aims to bolster Intel's operations during a challenging financial period [1]. - Discussions regarding the investment originated from a meeting between President Trump and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, despite Trump's previous calls for Tan's resignation due to alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party [2][5]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Investor excitement was evident as Intel's shares surged by as much as 8.9% before closing at $23.86, resulting in a market capitalization of $104.4 billion [3]. - The White House spokesperson indicated that discussions about the investment should be viewed as speculation until officially announced [3]. Group 3: Political Context - A stake in Intel would represent the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to intervene in critical private industries, particularly in the semiconductor sector [4]. - The administration has previously threatened to impose tariffs on imported semiconductors, which could benefit Intel as a domestic manufacturer [4]. Group 4: Recent Developments - The US government recently announced a deal requiring Nvidia and AMD to pay 15% of their revenues from Chinese AI chip sales to the government, indicating a broader strategy to regulate the semiconductor industry [5]. - Trump's recent aggressive rhetoric against Intel's leadership contrasts with the potential investment, highlighting a significant shift in approach [5][6].