Japan and Switzerland’s economies contract as exports are hit by US tariffs; WPP shares jump amid ‘takeover interest’ – business live

<p>Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/17/china-travel-warning-for-japan-sends-shares-in-tourism-and-retail-companies-plunging">China travel warning for Japan sends shares in tourism and retail companies plunging</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>A flurry of takeover speculation has driven shares in advertising group WPP higher at the start of trading in London.</strong></p><p><strong>WPP’s</strong> shares are up 4.7%, leading the risers on the FTSE 100 share index, following reports that several potential suitors have considered a bid.</p><p>It is not clear whether any formal bids for WPP will materialise. Bidders could seek to buy the company in its entirety, take large stakes in the business or attempt to pick off parts of the holding group.</p><p>It is understood there have been talks at a high level inside Havas, which is led by [billionaire Vincent] Bolloré’s son Yannick, about the potential for a deal involving WPP.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2025/nov/17/japan-economy-contracts-exports-us-tariffs-trade-war-ftse-stock-markets-business-live-news">Continue reading...</a>