25.06.17 WSJ

1. Macroeconomics

Title: Chinese Spenders Open Wallets as Factories Slow
Source: The Wall Street Journal 
Date: June 16, 2025
Key Takeaways:

• China’s consumer spending is accelerating while factory activity decelerates: retail sales rose 10.2% YoY in May, industrial output slowed to 5.8% from 6.1%.
• The shift reflects a structural pivot toward domestic demand amid weak global trade and lingering pandemic-era stimulus.
• Rising services and consumption-driven inflation contrasts with cooling manufacturing, complicating Chinese monetary and fiscal policy. 
• Economists warn that sustained factory weakness may cap growth and weigh on global supply chains, even as the service sector helps stabilize GDP.
  Link: https://www.wsj.com/economy/chinas-may-data-paints-mixed-picture-as-u-s-trade-tensions-linger-51f7e5af

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2. M&A / Private Equity

Title: U.K.’s Renold Agrees to $254 Million Private-Equity Takeover by MPE Bidco
Source: The Wall Street Journal 
Date: June 13, 2025
Key Takeaways:

• Renold PLC, a 150-year-old chain and gear manufacturer, accepted a £201 million (≈$254 million) cash offer from PE-backed MPE Bidco—a 52% premium over its market value. 
• Private-equity sponsors plan to invest in automation and expand the firm’s North American footprint as manufacturers onshore supply chains.
• The takeover reflects continued PE appetite for industrial‑tech “picks-and-shovels” businesses during weaker M&A markets.
• Will be one of the few take-private deals in 2025 industrials, signaling select niche strength amid broader deal drought.
  Link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-k-s-renold-agrees-to-254-million-private-equity-takeover-by-mpe-bidco-b7ede6c2

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3. Opinion

Title: The Uses and Abuses of Political Violence
Author: Gerard Baker
Source: The Wall Street Journal – Opinion
Date: June 17, 2025
Key Takeaways:

• Opinion editors draw attention to rising incidents of political violence—from extremist rallies to election-related intimidation.
• They argue that even small-scale acts like harassing signage or symbolic aggression can erode political norms and escalate into broader unrest.
• The piece calls for balanced public discourse: condemnation of violence without overlooking legitimate protest rights.
• Urges institutions—from lawmakers to social-media platforms—to reinforce norms against violence and misinformation.
  Link: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-uses-and-abuses-of-political-violence-minnesota-killing-beffe153