Apple’s weakening dominance in profits is partially due to the popularity of its cheaper models, as well as the stronger performance of rivals. “This is the first time the cumulative profits of Chinese brands crossed US$1.5 billion in a single quarter,” said Counterpoint associate director Tarun Patha. “Usually all the profits have been shared by just two brands – Samsung and Apple – however, Chinese brands have made inroads here.” Source South China Morning Post
The United States and Germany reached an agreement on Wednesday on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, ending a longstanding dispute between the allies, the Washington Post reported. Source Reuters
Turkish annual inflation has jumped to a two-year high of 17.53 percent in June, exceeding a forecast of 17 percent and continuing an extended rise after a brief dip, potentially delaying any interest rate cuts to later in the year. Source AL Jazeera
The federal government will be swimming in $3 trillion of red ink by the end of fiscal 2021, according to a Congressional Budget Office estimate released Thursday that swelled 33% from the last forecast.
As a result of multiple stimulus measures aimed at combating the pandemic’s economic impact, Congress will run a budgetary shortfall this year equivalent to 13.4% of GDP, the second-largest level since 1945 and exceeded only by the 2020 spending. Source CNBC
