China grew 6.9 percent in 2015 indicating the slowest growth rate in 25 years. The growth rate was 6.8 for the fourth quarter of 2015. The world's second largest country recorded 7.3 percent growth rate in 2014. Investors are cautious about the impact of slowdown in China's economy. IMF forecasts China's economy growth rate at 6.3 percent in 2016 and six percent in 2017. Chinese government has set a target of seven percent growth for 2016.
Investors
Greatist raises $4.5 million to develop Millennial health site
Greatist has raised 4.5 million US dollar in Series A round. The company will utilize the funds to add more staffs, on the advertising department, to create additional custom programs like events and original content, according to Derek Flanzraich, CEO of Greatist.
South Korean Won retreats from 5-year low
South Korean currency Won has been volatile as it hit five-year low and recovered marginally. Won was tracking to Chinese currency Yuan as the dragon country is the major foreign market for South Korea. China's GDP rose 6.8 percent during fourth quarter marginally lower than the forecast of 6.9 percent. This disappointed the market.
Chinese Venture Capital Cocoon Networks Open a $700M Fund in London
Cocoon Networks, a Chinese-backed venture capital group is setting up a £500 ($700) million fund in London. The fund is aimed to invest in European tech startups.
Indian Rupee at 2-month high on rising outflows
The Indian currency Rupee against the US dollar rose to highest since November 2015 on increasing outflows from Indian stocks and bonds. The Chinese markets were witnessing selloff and this also resulted in further withdrawal by foreign investors in Indian markets. The net outflow from Indian markets in January so far was at $686.2 million putting more pressure on currency reserves.
Latest News
Saudi Arabia oil minister Ali al-Naimi said that stability in the oil market will be attained only through the cooperation amid major manufacturers and this would take time. Ali al-Naimi added that although the worldwide oil market has been experiencing an instability for over 12 months, he is hopeful regarding the return and future of the oil market.
Chipotle has been reported to embattle with the series of epidemic outbreaks and adopt new food safety measures. The restaurant giant is facing a subpoena investigating a norovirus outbreak at one of its restaurants in California. Both share price and restaurant sales have been reduced following the epidemic outbreaks. To regain the customers back, the chain has adopted certain marketing policies including offering more food free to the customers.
Self-driving cars could eliminate fatal crashes that involve some type of human error. Autonomous technology could help reduce greengas emissions and transform mobility. Though driveless technology has grown increasingly popular, autonomous vehicle are not perfect yet
Previously, the company has also purchased German's KraussMaffei Group. Also, Chinese companies investment overseas is growing.
Some $46.5 billion treasuries have been reported to liquidate during the first two weeks of the New Year. The present reserve for $2.962 trillion appears to be the lowest since November. China has been reportedly withdrawing funds and injecting to the market to keep hold its currency in place. Considering its financial reserve, it is widely believed that further outflow of US treasuries, possibly with greater vicinity will take place in the coming months.
TrueBridge Capital Partners announced the closing of its fourth venture capital fund-of-funds on January 13. The fourth fund-of-funds is secured at its $400 million hard cap.
Oil price fell below $30 a barrel on international market for the first time since 2004. The $30 mark is both a psychological and financial threshold. Brent crude, used as an international benchmark, fell as low as $29.96, but bounced back to trade at $30.22
Airbus Group's corporate venture capital fund Airbus Ventures has announced its first investment that was extended to a Phoenix-based Local Motors Inc. Airbus Ventures is keen on startups in the aviation industry that support Airbus business strategy. Local Motors Inc develops open source designs for building cars, helicopters and airplanes.
Majority of e-Commerce startups are running below expectations. Some of them sold for a fraction of their previous valuations. Groupon, One Kings Line and Wish.com were few examples that give insight of what's happening.
