Bolivia’s Morales flies to Mexico
Evo Morales received political asylum in Mexico after resigning as president of Bolivia on Sunday over election irregularities. Morales tweeted: “It hurts to leave the country for political reasons, but I will remain vigilant. Soon I will return with more strength and energy.” Bolivia’s congress meets later today to formally accept his resignation and appoint his interim successor. Sources: BBC, Deutsche Welle, the Guardian and Reuters.
White Helmet leader found dead
James Le Mesurier, the British co-founder of the “White Helmets” civilian rescue group in Syria, was found dead near his flat in Istanbul. He reportedly fell from his balcony. Sources: BBC, the Guardian and Reuters.
Carter to undergo brain surgery
Jimmy Carter, the former US president, will undergo a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain. The 95 year old has fallen three times this year. Sources: BBC, CNN and Deutsche Welle.
Trump to delay European auto tariffs
Donald Trump will reportedly push back a decision (due this week) on imposing punitive tariffs on European cars by a further six months. Sources: Politico, CNBC and Reuters.
Alibaba Singles Day final tally
The Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba racked up a record $38.4bn in sales for its 24 hour “Singles Day” shopping event. Sources: CNBC, Marketwatch and South China Morning Post.
737 Max flights possible in January
Boeing shares rose on the expectation that its grounded 737 Max jets would receive approval by the US aviation regulator to start flying again in January. Sources: CNBC, Financial Times and Reuters.
Revolut names Gilbert
The rapidly growing digital bank Revolut appointed Martin Gilbert, a long time asset management executive, to be its chairman. Sources: City AM, Financial Times and Reuters.
Formula One green plan
The Formula One auto racing competition said it would be carbon neutral by 2030 in a bid to attract younger fans. Sources: BBC, Financial Times and Reuters.
WWII submarine found
The USS Grayback, a US submarine which sank with 80 crewmembers 75 years ago, has been located near the southern Japanese island of Okinawa. Sources: BBC, CNN and NHK.
Poland objects to Netflix concentration camp map
The Polish prime minister has insisted that Netflix make changes to a Holocaust documentary that shows the location of Nazi death camps inside modern Poland’s borders. Sources: BBC, DPA and the Telegraph.
Agenda
Wednesday 13-Thursday 14 November: Newspace Europe conference. Friday 15 November: Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce conference on the role of culture in the business world. Tuesday 19 November: Digital construction conference Bimlux 2019. Wednesday 20 November-Friday 22 November: European Microfinance Week 2019. Tuesday 26 November-Wednesday 27 November: Fund industry pros talk private equity and real estate funds.
Here are 5 business & finance stories you may have missed
Sustainability: Flight volumes (and thus CO2 emissions) have steadily risen on Amazon’s internal airline since 2016, although the e-commerce giant says the numbers will decrease as it builds more local warehouses, per Reuters. Environment: 27 nations (including Luxembourg) pledged to inject an additional $9.8bn into the Green Climate Fund, which helps low income countries adjust to climate change, per Nature and the GCF press release. Real estate: As e-commerce grows, warehouses are now a “hot M&A property” in the US, per Breakingviews. Retail: To remain competitive with Amazon and Alibi, Ikea and H&M have become significant venture capital investors, to the tune of €200m and $52m, respectively, per the Financial Times. Online travel: Airbnb will verify all listings, offer a “guest guarantee” and set up a “neighbour hotline” in response to a shooting at an unauthorized party at a house near San Francisco, per CNBC.
World’s most expensive watch
A Patek Philippe wristwatch, a Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A, sold for $31.2m at a charity auction in Geneva. Sources: Business Insider, CNBC and GQ.
Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Aaron Grunwald