Bloomberg A $42 billion merger to create what would become the world’s largest gas producer is facing an unexpected hurdle from the US antitrust regulator that could derail the deal. The Federal Trade Commission indicated it wants Germany’s Linde AG and Praxair Inc. to sell more assets before it approves their deal, Linde said in a statement to the markets. …

Bloomberg With Japan regaining its place as the second-biggest stock market amid growing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, investors expect the nation’s equities to garner more attention. Japanese shares were worth $6.15 trillion compared with just under $6 trillion for Chinese equities, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The markets swapped position behind the US for the …

Bloomberg The ailing pound may need a dose of positive UK data to help it recover from a losing run against the dollar. Traders will watch data due this week in the hope that evidence of a strong economy will help boost the currency. Sterling dropped below $1.30 for the first time in seven weeks as investors looked past the …