Bloomberg Google decided not to renew its contract with a Pentagon drone programme once it expires, after extensive protests from employees of the internet giant. Diane Greene, head of the cloud business at Alphabet Inc.’s Google, told staff that the company will let the deal lapse when it runs out in March 2019, according to people familiar with the meeting. …
Read More »Admin
Waymo expands Chrysler self-driving fleet to 62,000
Bloomberg Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo is expanding its partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV by adding tens of thousands of minivans to its fleet of self-driving cars and the two said autonomous vehicles could eventually be sold to the public. The addition of 62,000 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans builds on a commitment announced in January to buy an unspecified number …
Read More »Apple set to unveil software to help cure iPhone addiction
Bloomberg In recent months, Apple Inc. has been criticised for the addictive nature of its devices. This week, the company plans to unveil software to help cure people of their iPhone habit. On Monday, Apple will hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, where it will lay out its software strategy for the next year and tease future …
Read More »Modi govt to review Air India deal after its sale plan flops
Bloomberg Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will review plans to sell Air India after his administration’s most high-profile privatisation offer ended in a whimper with no buyers showing interest in the unprofitable flag carrier. The government will make changes to the plan, if needed, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said. As the deadline to show preliminary interest expired on …
Read More »Sears prepares for more store closings as revenue slumps
Bloomberg Sears Holdings Corp. kicked off another fiscal year with declining sales from a dwindling number of stores, and more closings are on the way. The operator of Sears and Kmart stores posted a first-quarter loss of $3.93 a diluted share. Revenue fell due to fewer stores and a 12 percent drop in comparable-store sales. The Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based retailer …
Read More »BA suspends A380 talks in test to new Airbus sales chief
Bloomberg British Airways (BA) owner IAG SA has suspended negotiations with Airbus SE over a possible deal for additional A380 superjumbos, a potential setback for the already-struggling program and Airbus’s new sales chief, according to people familiar with the matter. The carrier had been weighing an order for close to 10 of the double-deckers after Airbus managed to secure a …
Read More »Madewell continues to help parent J. Crew stay afloat amid retail woes
Bloomberg J. Crew Group Inc. has one persistent bright spot as it tries to revive its business: Madewell. The younger, more casual brand that made its mark in denim said same-store sales, a closely watched measure, skyrocketed 31 percent in the first quarter — nearly triple the 11 percent rise the previous year. Chief Executive Officer Jim Brett is trying …
Read More »UK consumers upbeat about spending prospects
Bloomberg British consumers are feeling more upbeat about their spending prospects, though they’re still worried about the economic outlook, according to GfK. An index of confidence increased by 2 points in May to minus 7, the market-research firm said in a report published on May 31, with consumers declaring themselves more optimistic about their personal financial situation. They are still …
Read More »Deutsche Bank cut by S&P in latest blow for CEO’s revamp
Bloomberg Deutsche Bank AG’s new chief executive officer, Christian Sewing, suffered a fresh setback in his efforts to reinvigorate Europe’s largest investment bank as S&P Global Ratings cut the lender’s credit rating. S&P reduced the rating by one notch to BBB+, the third-lowest investment grade, citing “significant execution risk†after several management changes and strategy updates in past years. Shares …
Read More »UK banks’ $3 billion overdraft business faces FCA overhaul
Bloomberg The UK markets regulator began toughening rules on banks’ 2.3 billion-pound ($3 billion) overdraft business, while leaving more “radical options†for later. Lenders would need to make overdraft fees clearer and alert customers to potential charges under proposals the Financial Conduct Authority. The London-based regulator said it will now consider stiffer measures such as banning fixed fees and tackling …
Read More »
The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.