Battle Royale: Epic Games vs. Google

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Epic Games proposes Google app store reforms after antitrust win, Caitlyn Jenner has broken her silence on O.J. Simpson’s death with the bitter send-off: “Good riddance”, food price hikes stall, Hamas leader says group is still seeking hostage deal after three of his sons killed, Sharesies is expanding its business-to-business services with the purchase of Orchestra, and 1499 public service jobs are on the chopping block.

Let's jump in.

Before The Bell

Markets

• The New Zealand sharemarket, heading for its 10th fall in 12 days, finished the week flat and was saved by another rise in the end-of-day matching session. (GR)

• Australia’s sharemarket ended Friday’s session lower, as traders continued to wind back interest rate cut hopes from the world’s largest central bank. (AFR)

• U.S. large caps saw $15.8 billion of outflows in the week, while stocks in general saw outflows of $19.6 billion, Bank of America said in its weekly round up of flows in and out of world markets using EPFR data. (RT)

• China's March exports and imports shrink, miss forecasts by big margins. (RT)

Earnings and Data

• Star Entertainment reveals a A$6.9 million loss in the third quarter as it braces for the outcome of a second public inquiry into its Sydney operation. (AFR)

• Trump Media shares close down by more than 5 per cent. (CNBC)

News Summary

• Mining firm Chatham Rock Phosphate sees share boost after making fast-track consents claim. (RNZ)

• Fast-track approvals: Minister's letter states some 'were invited to' apply. (RNZ)

• Tech industry plans for lower-emissions future. (RNZ)

• Food price hikes stall, thanks to lowered cost of fruit and veges. (RNZ)

• Russia, Germany, UK urge restraint as Iranian threat puts Middle East on edge. (RNZ)

• Secrecy surrounds talks to save Newshub bulletin. (Stuff)

• 1499 public service jobs are on the chopping block. (Stuff)

• Health NZ chairperson leaves after less than a year in the role. (Stuff)

• AUKUS, Gaza on agenda during Winston Peters-Antony Blinken talks in Washington. (Stuff)

• Fortnite video game maker Epic Games proposes Google app store reforms after antitrust win. (RT)

• Australian prosecutors drop billionaire Forrest's case against Meta. (RT)

• Some Paramount Global investors are speaking out about a possible merger with Skydance Media. (RT)

• Hamas leader says group is still seeking hostage deal after three of his sons killed. (RT)

• Huawei teases launch of new smartphone. (RT)

• Biden says he’s committed to “deepening maritime and security ties” with Japan and the Philippines. (BBG)

• Biden cancels US$7 billion in student debt in election-year push. (BBG)

Deal Flow

Investments / M&A

• Sharesies is expanding its business-to-business services with the purchase of a small, fast growing Auckland-based equity management service Orchestra by way of a swap of shares with an undisclosed price. (RNZ)

• Boral recommended on Friday that investors accept an up to A$1.5 billion takeover offer from its largest shareholder Seven Group Holdings, after negotiating an increase in the cash component of the deal. (RT)

Daily Picks

• Caitlyn Jenner has broken her silence on O.J. Simpson’s death with the bitter send-off: “Good riddance.” (Herald)

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