Noah Zivitz

Managing Editor, BNN Bloomberg

Archive

U.S. equity futures are pointing to a weak open as investors face another wave of China-U.S. tension. Our Bloomberg News partners are reporting Beijing instructed some state-owned agriculture companies to suspend imports of certain farm goods from the United States, including soy and pork. After trading barbs over COVID-19 and China’s crackdown on Hong Kong, we’ll assess the potential for continued escalation heading into the U.S. presidential election.

IN CONVERSATION WITH LAURENTIAN’S CEO

Francois Desjardins joins us this afternoon to shed more light on why Laurentian Bank dared to do what hadn’t been done by any major Canadian bank in decades when it announced a sharp cut to its quarterly dividend on Friday. Don’t miss that interview at 1pm.

BUSINESS LEADERS SPEAK OUT

Apple CEO Tim Cook is among the executives speaking out on racial inequality as protests over the killing of George Floyd continue across the United States and beyond. “Issues of human dignity will not abide standing on the sidelines,” Cook wrote, joining others – including BlackBerry CEO John Chen, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and Target CEO Brian Cornell – in speaking out on an issue where words simply aren’t enough. I will point out also that a spokesperson for TD Bank confirmed to BNN Bloomberg that seven of its U.S. branches were damaged in protests Saturday.  

TAX TIME

Today’s the day for Canadians to file their tax returns, but it’s not quite a hard deadline. Canada Revenue Agency says there won’t be any penalties or interest charged if the returns are filed by September 1. CTV's Chief Financial Commentator Pattie Lovett-Reid will have tips today for anyone racing to submit their taxes amid COVID-19.

THE FUTURE OF WORK

We’re catching up with Toronto Mayor John Tory this afternoon to discuss his plans for ensuring Canada’s largest city doesn’t stall in the painstaking process of adjusting to life in the pandemic. We’ll go in-depth on his pact with some top employers to keep staff at home until at least September; don’t miss it at 2:45 p.m. ET. 

OTHER NOTABLE STORIES

-BCE is selling 25 data centres to Equinix for $1.04 billion in a deal that CEO Mirko Bibic says fits with the company’s strategic investment focus. Standard disclosure: BCE owns BNN Bloomberg through its Bell Media division.

-AGF Management says Tilney and Smith & Williamson have restructured their proposed merger (which was originally announced last September). Under the new terms, AGF will receive almost $253 million at closing and will not hold any stake in the combined wealth manager.

-The wait continues for Cineplex as it strives to close its takeover arrangement with Cineworld. This morning, Cineplex said the Investment Canada review of the transaction has been extended to June 15. The Canadian theatre chain also reiterated there’s no assurance that the deal will be completed.

NOTABLE RELEASES/EVENTS

-Notable data: ISM U.S. manufacturing index, Caixin China PMI  

Every morning BNN Bloomberg's Managing Editor Noah Zivitz writes a ‘chase note’ to BNN Bloomberg's editorial staff listing the stories and events that will be in the spotlight that day. Have it delivered to your inbox before the trading day begins by heading to www.bnnbloomberg.ca/subscribe