PBOC cuts short-term repo rate

China surprises by slashing its key short-term repo rate and announcing a rate economic press conference which triggers speculation of further stimulus measures from Beijing. In France a new government drawn together by Prime Minister Michel Barnier is under threat from a vote of no confidence over his ministerial choices. Apollo Global Management is reportedly eyeing a $5bn investment in Intel while Qualcomm reaches out with a friendly take-over bid. And Rupert Murdoch’s REA Group ups its takeover offer for UK property firm Rightmove following last week’s initial rejection.