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Stocks Rise After Trump Reaffirms China Trade Deal: Live Updates Stocks Rise After Trump Reaffirms China Trade Deal: Live Updates
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President Trump on Monday suspended new work visas through at least the end of the year. The sweeping order denies employment permits for hundreds of thousands of skilled foreign workers, like programmers. Seasonal hospitality workers and work-study students are also affected.President Trump on Monday suspended new work visas through at least the end of the year. The sweeping order denies employment permits for hundreds of thousands of skilled foreign workers, like programmers. Seasonal hospitality workers and work-study students are also affected.
The president cited the pandemic, saying that the visa programs “pose an unusual threat to the employment of American workers.”The president cited the pandemic, saying that the visa programs “pose an unusual threat to the employment of American workers.”
The business world reacted with anger. “Putting up a ‘not welcome’ sign for engineers, executives, IT experts, doctors, nurses and other workers won’t help our country, it will hold us back,” said Thomas Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.The business world reacted with anger. “Putting up a ‘not welcome’ sign for engineers, executives, IT experts, doctors, nurses and other workers won’t help our country, it will hold us back,” said Thomas Donohue of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Technology firms, which account for the bulk of H-1B visas, were particularly aghast.Technology firms, which account for the bulk of H-1B visas, were particularly aghast.
Google’s chief executive, Sundar Pichai, was “disappointed” by the decision:Google’s chief executive, Sundar Pichai, was “disappointed” by the decision:
In a statement, Amazon said that “preventing high skilled professionals from entering the country and contributing to America’s economic recovery puts American’s global competitiveness at risk.”In a statement, Amazon said that “preventing high skilled professionals from entering the country and contributing to America’s economic recovery puts American’s global competitiveness at risk.”
Facebook said “highly-skilled visa holders play a critical role in driving innovation — at Facebook and at organizations across the country — and that’s something we should encourage, not restrict.”Facebook said “highly-skilled visa holders play a critical role in driving innovation — at Facebook and at organizations across the country — and that’s something we should encourage, not restrict.”
The chairman of Twitter, Patrick Pichette (who is Canadian), suggested an alternative: “A message to all you H-1B seekers; just look to the North, where we welcome you (and your family) with open arms.”The chairman of Twitter, Patrick Pichette (who is Canadian), suggested an alternative: “A message to all you H-1B seekers; just look to the North, where we welcome you (and your family) with open arms.”
According to government data, the suspended visa categories accounted for about 600,000 workers in 2019.According to government data, the suspended visa categories accounted for about 600,000 workers in 2019.
A skilled-worker visa, the H-1B is used by U.S. employers to fill roles in tech, finance, accounting and other specialized fields. New H-1B visas are capped at 85,000 a year, and about three-quarters are used by technology companies. There were 189,847 workers on H-1Bs in 2019.A skilled-worker visa, the H-1B is used by U.S. employers to fill roles in tech, finance, accounting and other specialized fields. New H-1B visas are capped at 85,000 a year, and about three-quarters are used by technology companies. There were 189,847 workers on H-1Bs in 2019.
The H-2B visa is used by U.S. employers for temporary nonagricultural jobs, such as cooks, landscapers and groundskeeping staff, cleaners and forestry and conservation workers. There were 97,623 workers on such visas last year. Officials said there would be exemptions for food processing workers under President Trump’s executive order.The H-2B visa is used by U.S. employers for temporary nonagricultural jobs, such as cooks, landscapers and groundskeeping staff, cleaners and forestry and conservation workers. There were 97,623 workers on such visas last year. Officials said there would be exemptions for food processing workers under President Trump’s executive order.
The H-4 allows spouses and families of H-1B and H-2B visa holders to live in the United States.The H-4 allows spouses and families of H-1B and H-2B visa holders to live in the United States.
The J visa category is for exchange program applicants coming to the United States to study or work, including au pairs, interns, camp counselors and researchers. There were an estimated 230,000 people on J visas in 2019. Two administration officials suggested that parents could seek waivers to the ban on au pairs.The J visa category is for exchange program applicants coming to the United States to study or work, including au pairs, interns, camp counselors and researchers. There were an estimated 230,000 people on J visas in 2019. Two administration officials suggested that parents could seek waivers to the ban on au pairs.
The L visa is for international companies who want to transfer managers or executives to U.S. branches for monthslong or yearslong stints. There were 76,988 such visas in 2019.The L visa is for international companies who want to transfer managers or executives to U.S. branches for monthslong or yearslong stints. There were 76,988 such visas in 2019.
Monday’s order also extends a 60-day prohibition on the issuance of green cards to most foreigners looking to live in the United States that the president ordered in April.Monday’s order also extends a 60-day prohibition on the issuance of green cards to most foreigners looking to live in the United States that the president ordered in April.
Administration officials said the president’s order would not affect people outside the United States who already have valid visas or seasonal farm workers, whose annual numbers have ranged from a low of about 50,000 to a high of about 250,000 in the past 15 years, the New York Times’s Michael D. Shear and Miriam Jordan reported. There will be a narrow exception under Mr. Trump’s ban for certain medical workers dealing with coronavirus research, officials said.Administration officials said the president’s order would not affect people outside the United States who already have valid visas or seasonal farm workers, whose annual numbers have ranged from a low of about 50,000 to a high of about 250,000 in the past 15 years, the New York Times’s Michael D. Shear and Miriam Jordan reported. There will be a narrow exception under Mr. Trump’s ban for certain medical workers dealing with coronavirus research, officials said.
Over the past several years, hospitals began to play innkeeper to open the door to more elective surgery, which is the lifeblood of their revenue.Over the past several years, hospitals began to play innkeeper to open the door to more elective surgery, which is the lifeblood of their revenue.
They developed hotels near their operating rooms where patients, who often came from overseas for specialized treatments, could recover comfortably. Expanding into the hospitality business also allowed health care providers to avoid the high costs of being hosts themselves.They developed hotels near their operating rooms where patients, who often came from overseas for specialized treatments, could recover comfortably. Expanding into the hospitality business also allowed health care providers to avoid the high costs of being hosts themselves.
But as with so much else, the coronavirus pandemic has devastated medical tourism. To allow doctors to focus on emergencies, hospitals have canceled hip replacements and tummy tucks, while flight bans have grounded many foreign visitors.But as with so much else, the coronavirus pandemic has devastated medical tourism. To allow doctors to focus on emergencies, hospitals have canceled hip replacements and tummy tucks, while flight bans have grounded many foreign visitors.
“Unfortunately, the future looks bleak,” said Trey Hulsey, a co-founder of Hayakoum, a three-year-old service that handles travel arrangements for patients from the Middle East bound for hospitals in Boston, Houston and Philadelphia. “It’s just been one blow after another.”“Unfortunately, the future looks bleak,” said Trey Hulsey, a co-founder of Hayakoum, a three-year-old service that handles travel arrangements for patients from the Middle East bound for hospitals in Boston, Houston and Philadelphia. “It’s just been one blow after another.”
Yet hospitals, whose costs have mounted as the pandemic dragged on, may have little choice but to revive the sector, according to some developers, who are forging ahead despite the uncertainty.Yet hospitals, whose costs have mounted as the pandemic dragged on, may have little choice but to revive the sector, according to some developers, who are forging ahead despite the uncertainty.
“We want to be focused on the entire patient experience,” said Ana Lopez-Blázquez, an executive vice president at Baptist Health South Florida, which owns the Miami hospital.“We want to be focused on the entire patient experience,” said Ana Lopez-Blázquez, an executive vice president at Baptist Health South Florida, which owns the Miami hospital.
The Walt Disney Company has decided to close Disney English, a 12-year-old chain of 25 language schools in China, ending a once-promising business that, at times, prompted questions about education as brand building.
The learning centers, in six cities and using Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and the Little Mermaid in their curriculum, have been closed since late January, when the Chinese government began to take aggressive efforts to contain the coronavirus. Traditional schools have been allowed to slowly reopen, but some supplemental education centers, including Disney English, have remained closed.
Mahesh Samat, Disney’s executive vice president of consumer products commercialization in the Asia-Pacific region, told parents in a letter on Monday that Disney English had made the “difficult decision” not to reopen. The chain was founded in 2008, when China’s fast-growing middle class had created increased demand for English-language learning. Disney developed the curriculum in partnership with Columbia University.
He added that Disney was “taking care of each and every” teacher affected by the decision but did not specify how. Advance-paid tuition will be refunded. The learning centers, aimed at children ages 2 to 12, charged roughly $2,000 annually for about 100 hours of instruction.
The coronavirus recession is pushing many companies into bankruptcy, a painful process that has led to layoffs, wiped out some investors and hurt the economy.The coronavirus recession is pushing many companies into bankruptcy, a painful process that has led to layoffs, wiped out some investors and hurt the economy.
But the chief executives of some of these businesses are doing just fine.But the chief executives of some of these businesses are doing just fine.
Companies that are struggling to pay creditors and suppliers are managing to find millions of dollars to pay bonuses to their bosses. The payments, which are made just before a bankruptcy filing, appear to be legal and have been made by several companies.Companies that are struggling to pay creditors and suppliers are managing to find millions of dollars to pay bonuses to their bosses. The payments, which are made just before a bankruptcy filing, appear to be legal and have been made by several companies.
J.C. Penney, which is closing 154 stores, paid its chief executive, Jill Soltau, $4.5 million. The chief executive of Whiting Petroleum, which sought bankruptcy protection in April, received $6.4 million and Chesapeake Energy is paying bonuses ahead of an expected bankruptcy filing. Executives at Hertz also got payments before the rental-car giant sought bankruptcy protection.J.C. Penney, which is closing 154 stores, paid its chief executive, Jill Soltau, $4.5 million. The chief executive of Whiting Petroleum, which sought bankruptcy protection in April, received $6.4 million and Chesapeake Energy is paying bonuses ahead of an expected bankruptcy filing. Executives at Hertz also got payments before the rental-car giant sought bankruptcy protection.
Companies have said the payments are meant to help them retain qualified executives through the recession and bankruptcy. But critics counter that the money would be better spent on rank-and-file employees.Companies have said the payments are meant to help them retain qualified executives through the recession and bankruptcy. But critics counter that the money would be better spent on rank-and-file employees.
Walmart said on Tuesday that it was removing all Mississippi state flags from its stores, saying the decision was consistent with the company’s positions not to sell “merchandise with the confederate flag.”Walmart said on Tuesday that it was removing all Mississippi state flags from its stores, saying the decision was consistent with the company’s positions not to sell “merchandise with the confederate flag.”
With the move, the nation’s largest retailer joins universities, businesses and athletic organizations that are putting pressure on officials in Mississippi to change the state flag’s design.With the move, the nation’s largest retailer joins universities, businesses and athletic organizations that are putting pressure on officials in Mississippi to change the state flag’s design.
“We believe it’s the right thing to do, and is consistent with Walmart’s position to not sell merchandise with the confederate flag from stores and online sites, as part of our commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all of our customers in the communities we serve,’’ the company said in a statement.“We believe it’s the right thing to do, and is consistent with Walmart’s position to not sell merchandise with the confederate flag from stores and online sites, as part of our commitment to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all of our customers in the communities we serve,’’ the company said in a statement.
It is part of a broader effort to root out symbols of the confederacy including statues of confederate generals and other monuments from public parks and government property.It is part of a broader effort to root out symbols of the confederacy including statues of confederate generals and other monuments from public parks and government property.
The battle flag of the Confederacy is on vivid display at the heart of Mississippi’s flag, but previous efforts to alter the design have faltered. All eight of Mississippi’s public universities have stopped flying the flag, along with cities across the state.The battle flag of the Confederacy is on vivid display at the heart of Mississippi’s flag, but previous efforts to alter the design have faltered. All eight of Mississippi’s public universities have stopped flying the flag, along with cities across the state.
Walmart stopped selling merchandise that displayed the confederate flag in 2015, following the murder of nine black parishioners in a South Carolina church.Walmart stopped selling merchandise that displayed the confederate flag in 2015, following the murder of nine black parishioners in a South Carolina church.
After lagging behind its competitors in starting clinical trials, the French drugmaker Sanofi plans to speed a vaccine development timeline that could yield approval from regulatory authorities sometime next year, perhaps in the first half of 2021, the company said on Tuesday.After lagging behind its competitors in starting clinical trials, the French drugmaker Sanofi plans to speed a vaccine development timeline that could yield approval from regulatory authorities sometime next year, perhaps in the first half of 2021, the company said on Tuesday.
The company and its partner in the endeavor, GlaxoSmithKline, originally projected that a vaccine would be available in the later half of next year at the earliest.The company and its partner in the endeavor, GlaxoSmithKline, originally projected that a vaccine would be available in the later half of next year at the earliest.
Like other contenders in the race for a coronavirus vaccine, Sanofi is eager to push forward. Still, “such fast-tracking and intense scale of vaccine production is totally unprecedented,” and the future unknown, said Padmini Pillai, an immunologist at M.I.T.Like other contenders in the race for a coronavirus vaccine, Sanofi is eager to push forward. Still, “such fast-tracking and intense scale of vaccine production is totally unprecedented,” and the future unknown, said Padmini Pillai, an immunologist at M.I.T.
The Sanofi-GSK vaccine contains a laboratory-synthesized version of the coronavirus’s “spike” protein, which decorates the surface of the virus and is crucial to its ability to enter host cells. This so-called recombinant vaccine is also formulated with one of GSK’s proprietary adjuvants, compounds that can enhance the body’s immune response to a foreign onslaught, in theory strengthening the staying power of a given vaccine.The Sanofi-GSK vaccine contains a laboratory-synthesized version of the coronavirus’s “spike” protein, which decorates the surface of the virus and is crucial to its ability to enter host cells. This so-called recombinant vaccine is also formulated with one of GSK’s proprietary adjuvants, compounds that can enhance the body’s immune response to a foreign onslaught, in theory strengthening the staying power of a given vaccine.
A combined Phase I/II clinical trial for the vaccine, originally scheduled for December 2020, will now begin in September. The goal is to have the recombinant vaccine fully licensed by June 2021.A combined Phase I/II clinical trial for the vaccine, originally scheduled for December 2020, will now begin in September. The goal is to have the recombinant vaccine fully licensed by June 2021.
In news briefings on Tuesday, both companies expressed confidence in their collaboration and its potential to deliver a successful vaccine. Sanofi’s history with vaccine development runs deep: Its production lines are responsible for hundreds of millions of doses of the flu vaccine each year.In news briefings on Tuesday, both companies expressed confidence in their collaboration and its potential to deliver a successful vaccine. Sanofi’s history with vaccine development runs deep: Its production lines are responsible for hundreds of millions of doses of the flu vaccine each year.
“As all eyes are on prevention of infectious disease through vaccines, this is a pointed moment in time where we are called upon to seek innovative ways to protect public health,” Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president of Sanofi Pasteur, the company’s vaccines global business unit, said in a statement.“As all eyes are on prevention of infectious disease through vaccines, this is a pointed moment in time where we are called upon to seek innovative ways to protect public health,” Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president of Sanofi Pasteur, the company’s vaccines global business unit, said in a statement.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Tuesday that he could foresee another economic stimulus package passing in Congress by the end of July and that he believed that the United States economy would begin a rebound in the third quarter of this year.
Speaking at an investing conference sponsored by Bloomberg, Mr. Mnuchin said that he would like the next stimulus legislation to focus on helping individuals and businesses that have been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic. He also played down the likelihood of major infrastructure investment being included in such a bill, noting that building roads and bridges would not necessarily help displaced workers get rehired quickly.
“We want to make sure that the 20 million people who don’t have jobs get back to work,” Mr. Mnuchin said.
The comments came after Mr. Mnuchin told Senate Republicans at a private lunch meeting on Tuesday that he agreed with plans to wait until late July to address another coronavirus relief package, as well as another round of stimulus checks to American taxpayers.
“We’re talking about a bunch of different ideas that we may need to do in another bill, and we’re going to take our time and make sure that we’re thoughtful,” Mr. Mnuchin said after the lunch.
The Treasury secretary is considering other ways to offer relief to Americans who are still struggling with the economic downturn. Mr. Mnuchin said at the Bloomberg event that he did not plan to extend Tax Day beyond July 15, but when asked if it could be pushed back to Sept. 15, he said that was something he was considering.
Stocks on Wall Street rose along with global markets, as investors zeroed in on signs of economic recovery and the prospect for another round of stimulus spending by the government.Stocks on Wall Street rose along with global markets, as investors zeroed in on signs of economic recovery and the prospect for another round of stimulus spending by the government.
The S&P 500 rose less than half a percent. As they have done for several days recently, technology stocks fared even better than the broader market, with the Nasdaq composite returning to a record.The S&P 500 rose less than half a percent. As they have done for several days recently, technology stocks fared even better than the broader market, with the Nasdaq composite returning to a record.
The gains came after a turbulent night for financial markets around the world, after one of President Trump’s advisers seemed to suggest that a trade deal between the United States and China had been scrapped. But after Mr. Trump took to Twitter, and his surrogates appeared on television to clarify the statement, stocks quickly recovered.The gains came after a turbulent night for financial markets around the world, after one of President Trump’s advisers seemed to suggest that a trade deal between the United States and China had been scrapped. But after Mr. Trump took to Twitter, and his surrogates appeared on television to clarify the statement, stocks quickly recovered.
Lifting sentiment were initial surveys of corporate purchasing managers that echoed other signals of a rebound underway in the United States, Britain and Europe. The IHS Markit composite purchasing managers index for the United States rose to 46.8 in June, up from 37 in May. A reading under 50 still signals economic contraction.Lifting sentiment were initial surveys of corporate purchasing managers that echoed other signals of a rebound underway in the United States, Britain and Europe. The IHS Markit composite purchasing managers index for the United States rose to 46.8 in June, up from 37 in May. A reading under 50 still signals economic contraction.
“The second quarter started with an alarming rate of collapse but output and jobs are now falling at far more modest rates in both the manufacturing and service sectors,” Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said in a statement accompanying the data. “The improvement will fuel hopes that the economy can return to growth in the third quarter.”“The second quarter started with an alarming rate of collapse but output and jobs are now falling at far more modest rates in both the manufacturing and service sectors,” Chris Williamson, chief business economist at IHS Markit, said in a statement accompanying the data. “The improvement will fuel hopes that the economy can return to growth in the third quarter.”
Investors were also emboldened by expectations for another round of stimulus spending by Washington. A White House economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said that it could include “tax rebates and direct mail checks,” even as he cautioned that nothing had been settled. The trading day began on a more volatile note.Investors were also emboldened by expectations for another round of stimulus spending by Washington. A White House economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said that it could include “tax rebates and direct mail checks,” even as he cautioned that nothing had been settled. The trading day began on a more volatile note.
On Monday evening, Peter Navarro, Mr. Trump’s trade adviser, said “it’s over” when asked in an interview on Fox News about the trade war pact that was reached between the United States and China in January. The pact had eased trade tensions between the two countries but has since become a source of investor concern. China pledged to increase purchases of American agricultural products and other goods under the pact, but its struggles with the coronavirus pandemic put those promises into doubt.On Monday evening, Peter Navarro, Mr. Trump’s trade adviser, said “it’s over” when asked in an interview on Fox News about the trade war pact that was reached between the United States and China in January. The pact had eased trade tensions between the two countries but has since become a source of investor concern. China pledged to increase purchases of American agricultural products and other goods under the pact, but its struggles with the coronavirus pandemic put those promises into doubt.
Later on Monday, Mr. Trump confirmed that the pact was still in force. “The China Trade Deal is fully intact,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “Hopefully they will continue to live up to the terms of the Agreement!”Later on Monday, Mr. Trump confirmed that the pact was still in force. “The China Trade Deal is fully intact,” Mr. Trump wrote on Twitter. “Hopefully they will continue to live up to the terms of the Agreement!”
New York Times Company executives announced 68 layoffs Tuesday, saying the cuts were coming largely in the advertising department and not among the journalists in the newsroom. “The eliminations are taking place in parts of the company that have seen a significant immediate impact from the virus,” Mark Thompson, the chief executive, and Meredith Kopit Levien, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in an internal email, “but they also reflect long-term trends in our business and are fully consistent with the company’s strategy.” During last month’s quarterly earnings call, Mr. Thompson forecast a steep drop in advertising revenue because of the pandemic.New York Times Company executives announced 68 layoffs Tuesday, saying the cuts were coming largely in the advertising department and not among the journalists in the newsroom. “The eliminations are taking place in parts of the company that have seen a significant immediate impact from the virus,” Mark Thompson, the chief executive, and Meredith Kopit Levien, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in an internal email, “but they also reflect long-term trends in our business and are fully consistent with the company’s strategy.” During last month’s quarterly earnings call, Mr. Thompson forecast a steep drop in advertising revenue because of the pandemic.
Spirit Aerosystems, a key Boeing supplier, said in a securities filing that Boeing had slashed an order for fuselage parts because of the effect the pandemic has had on global aviation. Boeing now wants only 72 shipsets, down from 125. (The aerospace giant had already cut its order from 216 earlier this year.)Spirit Aerosystems, a key Boeing supplier, said in a securities filing that Boeing had slashed an order for fuselage parts because of the effect the pandemic has had on global aviation. Boeing now wants only 72 shipsets, down from 125. (The aerospace giant had already cut its order from 216 earlier this year.)
Airlines continue to amass emergency funds to get them through the pandemic. United Airlines on Tuesday said it would raise $3 billion in a bond offering backed by its loyalty program, while American Airlines on Sunday said it would raise $3.5 billion in varied financing.Airlines continue to amass emergency funds to get them through the pandemic. United Airlines on Tuesday said it would raise $3 billion in a bond offering backed by its loyalty program, while American Airlines on Sunday said it would raise $3.5 billion in varied financing.
Reporting was contributed by Katherine J. Wu, Michael Corkery, C.J. Hughes, Peter Eavis, Alan Rappeport, David Gelles, Nathaniel Popper, Michael Corkery, Mohammed Hadi, Edmund Lee, Natasha Singer, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Julie Creswell, Niraj Chokshi, Katie Robertson, Mary Williams Walsh and Brooks Barnes. Reporting was contributed by Brooks Barnes, Katherine J. Wu, Michael Corkery, C.J. Hughes, Peter Eavis, Alan Rappeport, David Gelles, Nathaniel Popper, Michael Corkery, Mohammed Hadi, Edmund Lee, Natasha Singer, Matina Stevis-Gridneff, Julie Creswell, Niraj Chokshi, Katie Robertson, Mary Williams Walsh and Brooks Barnes.