Demand for Beer and Handbags Help Temper Recession Fears for Now
- Corporate results beat expectations, but against a lower bar
- Risks including inflation mean there’s reason for caution
Shoppers at a supermarket in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US.
Photographer: Allison Farrand/BloombergHeightened worries about the strength of consumers and the global economy have been put on hold — at least for now — after some of the world’s best known companies delivered a slew of better-than expected numbers.
Unilever Plc on Thursday reported sales that topped expectations, keeping up the surprises after Nestle SA kicked off the week with a similar beat. Carlsberg A/S notched up its full-year profit outlook and LVMH reported an 18% sales surge as Chinese shoppers splashed out on luxury handbags and jewelry.