Financial Times

Wall Street has begun to recover from the coronavirus slump and has hit record highs, according to the Financial Times.

The Financial Times says the exams climbdown is the latest in a series of “U-turns” following a public outcry, citing the changes to free school meals over the summer which came after a campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford. The paper also carries a story about private equity manager Carlyle telling staff to avoid using public transport when they return to the office next month.

The government is exploring ways to help the high street’s recovery, according to the Financial Times, including looking at loans for private equity-owned groups.

Bookings for UK holidays and private jets have rocketed in the past 24 hours as travellers respond to France and the Netherlands being added to the quarantine list, the Financial Times reports.

Almost 40% of A-level grades have been downgraded from teachers’ predictions, according to the Financial Times.

The Financial Times says the UK economy suffered a bigger slump than any other European economy in the second quarter – falling into its deepest recession on record.

The Financial Times reports that the threat of a second wave of coronavirus may prompt Chancellor Rishi Sunak to postpone the autumn budget.

China has imposed sanctions on 11 American politicians and human rights advocates in a retaliatory move as tensions have increased between the two powers, the Financial Times reports. 

The Financial Times says Saudi Aramco is pushing ahead with plans to pay out $75bn (£57bn) in dividends this year, despite a sharp drop in earnings.

Donald Trump has stepped up his campaign against China by imposing sanctions on 11 Chinese and Hong Kong officials, including Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam, reports the Financial Times.