Unilever Plc’s Indian unit reported a 5.5% drop in net income for the first quarter, missing analyst estimates. Behind the decline was sluggish rural demand combined with high net-worth urban consumers pivoting to other brands. Similar trends can be seen elsewhere, with Chilean retailer Cencosud SA, restaurant chain operator Yum China Holdings Inc. and Swiss-South African jeweler Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA all delivering weaker-than-expected results.
US stocks today: Dow Jones drops over 500 points as Middle East tensions escalate
Wall Street closed lower as Middle East tensions and rising oil prices triggered inflation concerns and profit booking. Financials and tech stocks led declines, though