The Week in Numbers: gas shock, 'Swift' rise
From a gas price shock, to a "Swift" rise for one European stock, this is the Week in Numbers.
250% or so is the jump in European gas prices this year. And that spells big trouble for consumers and businesses. The rises are rippling through energy-intensive industries from food production to steel making, and making consumers wonder how much it will cost to stay warm this winter.
European Commissioner Kadri Simson urged member states to act:
"There are also tools that member states can use to address the situation immediately. VAT and excise policy..."
$55 billion is the value of Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish... or it was the valuation put on their label, Universal Music, when its shares started trading in Amsterdam. The world's biggest label boasts a host of current stars, and a back catalogue featuring the Beatles, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones.
30 days is how long China Evergrande has to make an interest payment that was due on Thursday. Bondholders say they weren't paid, and heard nothing from the ailing property giant. Investors now fear a messy default that could be China's "Lehman moment" - a collapse that ripples through the whole financial system.
$210 billion is how much revenue carmakers could lose this year due to supply-chain blockages. That's according to industry consultants Alixpartners. And it's not just down to the global shortage of computer chips. Supplies of steel and plastic are also tight.
And 4.2% is where the Federal Reserve now sees U.S. inflation this year, more than twice its target rate. Policymakers still think it's a passing phase, part fueled by the spike in energy costs. But all over the world, price rises are getting real for consumers.
