Must Reads Brexit Talks Stall Ahead of Key Summit: Negotiations over Britain’s departure from the European Union suffered a setback Sunday as the two sides failed to resolve differences, chiefly over how to avoid the re-emergence of a physical border in Ireland. Merkel’s Allies in Bavaria Hit With Worst Election Showing Since 1950: Germany’s political fragmentation deepened after allies of Angela Merkel took a beating in a crucial regional election in Bavaria, raising questions about how long the chancellor can keep control of her brittle coalition gove rnment. Draghi Says Threats to Central Bank Independence Are a Big Risk: European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said threats to the independence of central banks have emerged as a significant risk to the global economy. His rema rks come after President Trump lobbed repeated criticisms at the Federal Reserve. ‘A Change in Mood:’ Allies Soften Tone on U.S. Trade Policy: The International Monetary Fund kicked off its annual gathering this past week with a stern warning about protectionism, downgrading its global growth outlook in part because of trade conflicts. Turkey Frees American Pastor, Moving to Ease Tensions With U.S.: Turkey released an American pastor it detained for two years and sent him home, a development that could help ease tensions with Washington as Ankara seeks U.S. support to avoid a direct confrontation with Saudi Arabia over a journalist s disappearance. In Regional Votes and Polls, Russians Voice Their Discontent: The rare defeat of Kremlin-backed candidates in recent regional elections and a slump in Putin’s poll ratings are signs of the public mood. Lavazza and Illy Say ‘Basta’ as Global Coffee Wars Come to Italy: Two of the best-known names in Italian coffee are bolstering their businesses, hoping to secure their independence as global coffee giants Starbucks and Nestlé make incursions into their turf. Porsche Slams the Brakes on IPO Speculation: Porsche, the sports car maker owned by Volkswagen, reined in its finance chief after he fueled speculation that the company was discussing a potential listing of a super luxury group combining Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti and Bentley that could value the group at up to €70 billion. |