The Week in Numbers: UK Budget, Deere's Profit, Great Wall Motor in Europe, and Wicked's Box Office Success

UK Budget and Fiscal Measures

• 🇬🇧 Britain's latest budget plan introduced $34.4 billion in fresh taxes, with the government expected to more than double its previous fiscal buffer.
• 💰 Finance Minister Rachel Reeves hiked taxes on workers, pensions, and investors, stating it was the fairest plan for working people.

Deere's Financial Performance

• 🚜 Shares of Deere fell over 5% after the farm equipment maker forecast annual profits below estimates.
• 📉 The company cited tariff pressures and weaker margins on its largest tractors as reasons for the projected profit dip.

Great Wall Motor's European Expansion

• 🚗 China's Great Wall Motor aims to produce 300,000 vehicles a year in Europe by 2029.
• 📍 The automaker is currently scouting locations for its first European factory, marking a significant step in its regional ambitions.

Alibaba's Financials and Growth

• 📈 Alibaba reported $35 billion in revenue for its second quarter, driven by investments in 1-hour delivery and strong cloud division growth.
• 📉 Despite revenue growth, net profit was down 53% to $2.9 billion, though this figure still exceeded analyst expectations.

"Wicked" Box Office Records

• 🎬 The film adaptation of "Wicked" grossed $150 million on its opening weekend in the US and Canada.
• 🏆 This performance set a record for a film adaptation of a Broadway musical and places it among the best-performing on-screen musicals.