FT News Briefing Democrats probe post office, Italy’s economy shows signs of life, chocolate sales slump
Aug 17, 2020
Senior Democrats are pressing the US postmaster general about election-related mail concerns. Meanwhile, Italy's economy is rebounding impressively post-pandemic. On a different note, the chocolate industry is facing a significant slump in sales due to the decline of travel, impacting brands like Toblerone. Insights reveal that the pandemic has driven cocoa prices down and poses risks for farmers, highlighting potential shortages ahead. These discussions weave together the intersections of politics, economics, and the effects of global crises on industries.
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USPS and Election Concerns
- Democrats are raising concerns about potential election interference due to recent changes at the US Postal Service.
- These changes, including dismantling mail sorting machines and cutting overtime, have led to accusations of hindering mail-in voting.
CureVac's Vaccine Pricing
- CureVac, a German pharmaceutical company, won't sell its potential COVID-19 vaccine at cost, citing the need for an "ethical margin" for shareholders.
- They emphasize that investors have supported the company for years and deserve a return on their investment.
Italy's Economic Rebound
- Italy's economy shows signs of recovery after being hit hard by the pandemic, with a better-than-expected GDP drop.
- Economists attribute this rebound to government support measures and the prior failure of weaker businesses.