China's property rescue plan stumbles as it faces challenges in reviving the market. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is pivoting towards domestic investment, emphasizing major projects like NEOM. The Fund's transformation showcases its rise as a global player while recalibrating its investment strategies. Additionally, Americans are grappling with tip fatigue, raising questions about the future of service industry tipping. These topics paint a vivid picture of evolving economic landscapes.
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Quick takeaways
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is shifting focus from international investments to prioritizing domestic spending for economic growth.
The post-pandemic U.S. tipping culture is creating workforce vulnerabilities, as consumers grapple with rising expectations and shifting payment norms.
Deep dives
Challenges in China's Housing Market Rescue Plan
China's housing market has been struggling, and a recently announced $42 billion fund intended to stimulate the sector is largely underutilized. Despite Beijing's hope that state banks would lend this money to local governments to purchase unsold properties, only 4% of the fund has been allocated as of June. State banks have expressed doubts about the rental yields exceeding the interest costs on loans, leading to their cautious approach toward the fund. Policymakers are now tasked with finding ways to mitigate risks for local governments in order to encourage greater participation.
Shifts in Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Strategy
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has significantly expanded its global presence since 2015, is now refocusing its strategies towards domestic initiatives. Initially created as a state holding company, the PIF gained prominence under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who aimed to diversify the economy and oversee major projects. However, due to increasing domestic commitments, the fund now seeks to strategically allocate resources and prioritize investments that benefit the Kingdom directly. This shift suggests a more cautious approach, ensuring that international investments align with broader economic goals.
Evolving Tipping Culture in the United States
The tipping culture in the U.S. has intensified post-pandemic, with expectations for tips rising significantly, particularly in sectors heavily impacted by the crisis. Traditionally, service workers have depended on tips, which allowed restaurants to pay low wages, but this reliance has led to vulnerabilities within the workforce. The shift to contactless payments has further complicated tipping norms, pushing individuals to tip across various services that previously did not prompt gratuities. Proposed solutions, such as inclusive pricing to cover tips or service charges, face resistance from consumers who are accustomed to the current system, indicating potential instability in the service industry's economic framework.
China’s flagship fund to buy up unsold housing is off to a limp start, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is to prioritise domestic spending. Plus, a growing number of Americans are suffering from tip fatigue.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from 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.