Election

UK stock discount will outlast Boris Johnson win

13 Dec 2019

The FTSE 250 Index of more domestic mid-cap companies jumped 4% after the prime minister’s election victory. That only partly narrows a valuation gap with U.S. and European stocks. Uncertainty about a post-Brexit trade deal and Scottish independence justify a continued haircut.

Johnson’s big win unlocks Brexit black box

12 Dec 2019

The UK’s Conservative Party has won a large parliamentary majority. That means Britain leaves the European Union, and gives the prime minister room to compromise on a quick trade deal. Stocks and the pound have bounced. Johnson’s broader policy ambitions remain a mystery.

Breakdown: What happens after the Brexit election?

12 Dec 2019

Voters in the United Kingdom face their third big electoral decision in less than four years. The result has major implications for companies, financial markets, fiscal policy, relations with Europe and the future of the union. Breakingviews tots up the possible consequences.

Viewsroom: Angela Merkel faces early retirement

5 Dec 2019

The German chancellor’s administration is in peril after coalition partner SPD chose left-wingers to lead the party. A snap 2020 election would probably end her 14 years in power and remove another of the world’s centrist governments. Plus: Australia’s colossal bank scandal.

Viewsroom: Britain’s Brexit election

28 Nov 2019

The country’s two main political parties are slugging it out over spending pledges before the Dec. 12 vote. But the campaign is also about how soon the UK will leave the European Union and the terms on which it will trade with its nearest neighbours.

Who buys Bloomberg, the company, if the man wins?

27 Nov 2019

The $60 bln financial data firm’s founder Mike Bloomberg is running for president as a billionaire antidote to Donald Trump. Selling out would cleanly remove a giant conflict of interest. An LBO or purchase by Microsoft, IBM or an exchange like CME are a few potential options.

Hong Kong voters offer glimmer for recovery

25 Nov 2019

Record 71% turnout in local elections handed pro-democracy groups a big victory. It puts pressure on Chief Executive Carrie Lam to make some concessions. Even after six months of bumbling, she has a chance to take steps that could help keep the calm and reverse an economic slump.

Brexit election is answer to the wrong question

30 Oct 2019

The December poll is a flawed second referendum on Britain leaving the European Union. Prime Minister Boris Johnson needs a majority to push through his deal; other parties have to set aside rivalries to stop him. As in 2017, divided voters could deliver an inconclusive result.

Viewsroom: WeWork’s future may lie in China’s past

24 Oct 2019

Beijing-based Kr Space switched from renting out space held on long-term leases to selling services after the shared-office market crashed. Following suit may help WeWork stem losses. Also: climate change and Canada’s election. Plus: the gloomy IMF and unrest in Latin America.

Canada’s election could bring climate-change chill

18 Oct 2019

Even if Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party loses to Conservatives next week, his national carbon tax looks safe. Yet the rate is too low, and unlikely to get tougher. Having a big, pollution-happy neighbor doesn’t help. Canada’s green wave may be reaching its political limits.

Zuckerberg grasps big problem with tech breakups

1 Oct 2019

The Facebook boss expects the U.S. to try and dissect the social network if Democratic detractors win office. His argument: Making tech firms smaller would be counterproductive in preventing election interference. He’s right on both counts. That could be Facebook’s best defense.

White House tests corporate corruption firewall

24 Sep 2019

From withholding Ukrainian aid to making money out of lodging visiting dignitaries, the U.S. administration has muddied the waters on acceptable behavior. Companies face tougher enforcement, which helps keep them on the straight and narrow. The gap between the two is widening.

White House hopefuls freeze out key climate allies

5 Sep 2019

Democrats have outlined responses to global warming ranging from a carbon tax to green energy, along with some huge spending plans. But companies and investors are already pushing for change. It’s a mistake to think government has to do all the heavy lifting and foot the bill.

Woke capitalism is a winner in the 2020 campaign

4 Sep 2019

Democratic White House hopefuls blame the U.S. economic system for growing inequality. Their plans target private equity, banks, corporations and the rich. A wealth tax may not be as effective as it looks. But some ideas may start to cut the gap between the haves and have nots.

The Exchange: White House hopeful Tom Steyer

3 Sep 2019

The hedge fund founder has already spent millions to impeach Donald Trump. He’s now trying to replace the U.S. president, joining a crowded Democratic field. The Exchange went to his campaign office to discuss why he is running and what he thinks of businessmen as politicians.

Argentines lose patience with economy and Macri

12 Aug 2019

The president’s populist rival easily won Sunday’s primary vote. Shrinking GDP, 55% inflation and a sliding peso are all Macri has to show for his reform efforts and $44 bln of IMF help. With elections in October, his investor-friendly policies may have run out of time to work.

China is elephant in the room amid 2020 Democrats

27 Jun 2019

White House contenders touted better healthcare access, immigration reform and college aid in their first debates. Donald Trump’s China trade war was briefly discussed. It’s an awkward topic as many agree with the president. The question is if they would continue his legacy.