As recession fears grow, investors flock to staples like Coca-Cola and Colgate. Abu Dhabi's oil giant Adnoc is eyeing a massive €14.4 billion deal for the German chemical group Covestro, raising concerns about foreign acquisitions in Europe. The European Central Bank has lowered interest rates to bolster the economy. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is striving for a shift away from its car obsession ahead of the 2028 Olympics, pushing for enhanced public transport options. Amateur astronauts also made history with the first private spacewalk.
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Quick takeaways
Investors are increasingly leaning towards consumer staples like Coca-Cola as recession fears prompt a safer investment strategy.
Abu Dhabi’s potential acquisition of Covestro showcases significant shifts in the German industrial landscape amid rising energy prices.
Deep dives
Investor Interest in Consumer Goods
Investors are increasingly focusing on shares of companies that produce everyday consumer staples as fears of a recession grow. U.S. companies like Coca-Cola and Colgate have seen a significant rise in their stock prices, with Coca-Cola rising by 20% this year. This trend reflects a shift towards defensive sectors, which typically perform well prior to interest rate cuts, creating a safer investment landscape. Companies such as Target and Walmart are also showing resilience, outperforming broader stock indices during this period of economic uncertainty.
Transformation in German Industry
The takeover of Covestro by the Abu Dhabi State Oil Company highlights significant shifts in the German industrial landscape, especially in light of rising energy prices and competitive pressures from Asia. Covestro, known for its production of essential materials like insulation foam, faces cyclical market challenges due to oversupply and price undercutting. This acquisition could potentially rejuvenate Covestro through increased investment, prompting discussions about the future competitiveness of German industry. The deal raises concerns about whether European nations can maintain their industrial champions in a climate where foreign acquisitions may become more common.
Los Angeles Aims for Public Transport Revamp
As Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympics, city leaders are making bold commitments to transform the transportation landscape, striving to reduce car dependency. Mayor Karen Bass plans to roll out 28 public transportation projects, intending to invest $120 billion primarily in rail systems to enhance connectivity. Innovative concepts, such as vertical electric helicopter taxis and gondola systems, are being proposed to alleviate traffic congestion and promote public transit use. Historical precedence from the successful transport of athletes during the 1984 Olympics provides a framework that city officials hope to emulate to encourage Angelenos to embrace public transportation.
Investors snapped up consumer staples such as Coca-Cola and Colgate-Palmolive amid concerns over a potential slowdown in the US economy. Abu Dhabi’s oil company Adnoc could offer €14.4bn for German chemical group Covestro, and the European Central Bank cut interest rates to 3.5 per cent. Plus, people in Los Angeles are encouraged to park their car obsession ahead of the 2028 Olympics, and amateur astronauts completed the first private spacewalk.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Peter Wells, Persis Love, Michela Tindera, Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.