Morning Briefing: World stocks lower as Greek talks continue

World stocks lower as Greek talks continue... Multiple offers received for GE’s healthcare unit... Singapore consumers apathetic towards Apple Watch... Charter Communications states case for Time Warner deal...

Steve Randall
World stocks lower as Greek talks continue
Global stock markets are awaiting a positive outcome for Greek debt talks as rhetoric ramps up in Europe. Some commentators are now suggesting that if talks fail it will not only mean an exit for Greece from the EU but could precipitate a collapse of the Union itself. Asian markets have closed lower with China’s main index seeing the largest one-day fall since January as investors become increasingly cautious about the country’s economy. European indexes are also lower as hopes of a Greek deal drift away. European leaders are meeting this week with many items on the agenda including pressure from the UK to reform the EU ahead of the country’s referendum on whether to continue its membership.

US stock futures are mixed with only the Dow trending higher. Oil is trending lower (Brent $63.02, WTI $59.41 at 6.20am ET). Gold is trending higher.
 
Today’s data
Consumer sentiment at 10am ET
Aura Systems, Hamilton Bancorp and Lucas Energy are among the companies reporting results today.
 
Multiple offers received for GE’s healthcare unit
General Electric has received multiple bids for its healthcare unit according to Bloomberg. The firm could receive $11 billion for the division which provides mortgages and business loans to the healthcare industry. Bidders include Capital One Financial Corp. and Apollo Global Management. GE is offloading around $200 billion in assets in its financial divisions as it focuses on manufacturing.
 
Singapore consumers apathetic towards Apple Watch
Singapore stores report that interest in Apple’s latest product has been met with apathy. The Apple Watch has failed to attract much interest at stores in the city state and pre-sales online have not been at the level of previous Apple launches in the region. The product is being rolled out to six more Asian markets Friday.
 
Charter Communications states case for Time Warner deal
Charter Communications has set out benefits for consumers in its bid to acquire Time Warner and Bright House Networks. The firm says that it will not restrict access to content or restrict traffic and that the deals will lead to cheaper and faster broadband services for customers. The deals require regulatory approval to ensure that it is in the public interest. 
 

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