That’s how much Japan’s gross domestic product shrunk on an annualized basis in the third quarter, pushing the country into a recession. Many are blaming a second-quarter sales tax hike, which raised taxes to 8 percent. A second increase to 10 percent was scheduled for next fall, but will likely be delayed, Bloomberg reported. Consumers weren’t spending after the first tax increase, the Wall Street Journal noted. Businesses weren’t stocking near as much, making the GDP contract further.
That’s what it costs the U.S. to make a penny because zinc prices are on the rise. The logistics of minting coins are just one of many challenges ahead of the militant group ISIS as it looks to establish its own currency. Quartz lays them out in a handy three-step guide to creating and distributing legal tender. Step one? “Establish authority.”
The price nonprofit Organizing for America is paying each year for access to President Barack Obama’s campaign email list, which the Wall Street Journal notes could be the largest of its kind, at over 30 million subscribers when Obama was reelected. All those emails and data will be useful to OFA, an Obama campaign offshoot, as it begins fundraising for 2016.
That’s how much Halliburton will pay for Baker Hughes, as announced on Monday. As the New York Times reports, the deal prevents what could have been a hostile takeover.
“Dumb and Dumber To” pulled in $38 million over the weekend, claiming the top spot at the box office. This in spite of its 27% on RottenTomatoes.com. Not so dumb after all.
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