NATO Enlargement, China Share Purchases & Soaring Chocolate Prices

Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes.

On today's podcast:

(1) Sweden has cleared the final obstacle to gaining NATO membership in a move that will solidify the alliance's grip over Northern Europe and the Baltic region.

(2) China's state-backed funds have poured more than 410 billion yuan ($57 billion) into onshore shares this year in a bid to prop up the market, according to estimates by UBS which expects further purchases. 

(3) Fast-fashion company Shein is considering the possibility of switching its initial public offering to London from New York because of hurdles to the listing in the US, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

(4) Inflation in UK stores slowed to the lowest level since March 2022, signaling further respite for households as retailers doubled down on promotions and passed on lower costs.

(5) A new law tracing the origin of cocoa beans threatens to jolt the price of chocolate and skin-care products. 

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