News Highlights: Top Company News of the Day
August 23 2017 - 1:15PM
Dow Jones News
WPP Sounds a Warning Signal on Consumer-Ad Spending; Shares Sink
WPP shares were off 10% after the world's largest advertising
company reported a steeper-than-expected slowdown in ad buying by
consumer-goods companies, especially in North America.
Wal-Mart and Google Partner to Challenge Amazon
Google and Wal-Mart Stores are joining forces in a partnership
that includes enabling voice-ordered purchases from the retail
giant on Google's virtual assistant, challenging rival Amazon.com's
grip on the next wave of e-commerce.
Whole Foods Shareholders Approve Amazon Merger
Shareholders of Whole Foods approved the natural grocer's
takeover by Amazon, a key step for the e-commerce giant to seal its
biggest play yet in the $700 billion food retail market.
Destination Maternity Hires Adviser Amid Retail Turmoil
Women's apparel retailer Destination Maternity has hired a
consulting and advisory firm to assess its options in the troubled
retail environment, according to people familiar with the
matter.
Cargill Invests in Startup That Grows 'Clean Meat' From Cells
Cargill, one of the world's largest producers of beef and
poultry, has taken a stake in a startup developing technology to
grow meat from self-reproducing animal cells.
Saudi Aramco IPO Sparks Rush to Privatize in Middle East
Saudi Arabia's move to list its state-run oil giant, combined
with years of lower oil prices, has inspired neighboring
oil-producing countries to tap public markets as a new source of
revenue.
Royal Bank of Canada Revenue Slips
Royal Bank of Canada's quarterly profit topped expectations amid
growth in its wealth-management business, even as unfavorable
market conditions caused revenue to slide. The bank raised its
dividend by 5%.
BHP to Replace Two Directors in Board Shuffle
BHP Billiton said it plans to replace two directors amid its
monthslong tussle with activist investor Elliott Management,
following the miner's decision earlier this week to exit its
American shale oil and gas business.
HP Earnings: What to Watch
HP has increased PC prices globally. It isn't clear if those
price increases will impact demand and profit margin in the fiscal
third quarter.
Toronto-Based Wealthsimple Launches Shariah-Compliant Portfolio
Wealthsimple Financial is launching a new shariah-compliant
portfolio targeting U.S. and Canadian investors in a move to expand
its product offerings in an increasingly crowded robo-adviser
market.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
August 23, 2017 13:00 ET (17:00 GMT)
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