Japan’s consumption-tax hike doesn’t look like it’s going to sink the economy, as a similar increase did five years ago. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the bump, to 10% from 8%, is still happening at an inauspicious time. While a recession isn’t in the cards for Japan, the last thing any major economy needs is a ...

WeWork just lost its CEO, its IPO is delayed indefinitely, prospectus details finally reveal massive losses, it’s burning cash like kerosene, and it needs to raise funds imminently. So, of course key backer SoftBank Group Corp. would throw in more money. Already a 29% shareholder of The We Co. – WeWork’s official name – SoftBank is discussing whether to increase ...

Amazon.com Inc. did something odd. It acknowledged that it is a huge and mighty company that must tackle head-on the uncomfortable questions about its power. At an event to roll out new or updated company devices, including limited-quantity eyeglass frames, a ring and wireless headphones all powered by its Alexa digital-voice assistant, a top Amazon executive said personal data privacy ...