Bloomberg UK retail sales rose less than expected in December, adding to evidence that a succession of Covid-19 lockdowns is dragging down the economy. Sales in shops and online increased 0.3% after declining in November, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. That’s a percentage point less than economists had expected. From a year earlier, sales rose 2.9%. The report …

Bloomberg New-home sales in London are plummeting as lockdowns hurt demand and investors hold back from building apartments. Sales of newly built homes totaled 4,190 in the fourth quarter, down 27% from a year earlier, according to preliminary data compiled by researcher Molior London. The figures are based on transactions at developments with at least 20 units, which are predominantly …

Bloomberg WeChat creator Allen Zhang is counting on a breakthrough in video to thwart TikTok owner ByteDance Ltd., building on the success of his last big overhaul of the all-in-one messaging app. Zhang, celebrated in China for inventing Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s signature creation, has toyed for years with ways to keep and expand WeChat’s industry lead, particularly as upstarts like …

Bloomberg AT&T Inc. is holding exclusive talks to sell a significant stake in DirecTV to private equity firm TPG, the latest stage of a months-long push to unload at least part of the struggling pay-TV business. A potential deal is weeks away, and the talks could still fall apart, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the …

Bloomberg Microsoft Corp. is raising the price for subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold, its paid online gaming platform, doubling the cost for an annual pass and prompting swift outrage from users. The price bump brings the cost of a six-month subscription to $60. Last year, Microsoft removed the option for a full-year subscription at that price from the online store. …

Bloomberg A former Tesla Inc. software engineer was ordered to appear before a judge to face allegations that three days into his job, he started stealing confidential files and transferring them to a personal storage account. During his two-week employment, Alex Khatilov stole more than 6,000 scripts, or files of code, that automate a broad range of business functions, Tesla …

Bloomberg Mercedes-Benz is taking on one of the most complex industry challenges with the rollout of its battery-powered EQA: selling small electric cars without a big profit squeeze. The brand’s first fully electric compact model will hit European showrooms this spring, flanking the mid-size EQC sport-utility vehicle and the EQV van, the Daimler AG unit said. Unlike Tesla Inc.’s Model …

Bloomberg Brent oil extended gains to above $56 a barrel, rising with other assets on hopes of more US economic stimulus. While crude prices have undulated with the dollar and broader risk assets in recent days, it’s also being supported by renewed strength in the market’s structure. US crude’s closest contract is near the most expensive versus those for six …

Bloomberg Britain’s aviation regulator, granted new powers in the Brexit split, faces an early test of how it uses them with the looming return of Boeing Co’s 737 Max jetliner. Approval of the Max to fly again after two fatal crashes provides a chance for the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to demonstrate its independence. At the same time it highlights …

Bloomberg Singapore Airlines Ltd has set up pre-departure coronavirus tests for passengers through its booking platforms as part of efforts to revive travel demand destroyed by the pandemic. People flying from Singapore as well as those traveling to the city-state from Jakarta and Medan in Indonesia can take tests at clinics and get results within 36 hours. If negative, they …