Briefing 2023-04-25

Policy changes shoo away IPO hunters since 2020

More than half of operable BO (beneficiary owner's) accounts had zero share balance and had been used for no share transaction in the secondary market until May 2020. The figure has dwindled gradually over the last three years, thanks to the policy change that discouraged opportunists from maintaining BO accounts only to apply for IPO (initial public offering) shares. Page 9

Tigresses leave for Sri Lanka today

Bangladesh Women's team will leave the country today (Tuesday) for playing their first ever bilateral series against Sri Lanka. They will play a three-match ODI series along with three T20s against Sri Lanka. Page 15

Global tech investors focus on profits

A quarter into record layoffs, investors in US tech giants will scrutinize if the cost cuts boosted profits to their satisfaction, while the companies emphasize how artificial intelligence will be their next growth driver. Microsoft Corp, Google parent Alphabet Inc, Instagram owner Meta Platforms Inc and Amazon.com Inc all report quarterly results this week. Page 20

Lavrov ready to meet with Blinken

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has arrived in New York where on April 24 and 25 he will participate in UN Security Council sessions, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday. Page 17