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By Reynolds Holding
The tech giant apologized for a flawed maps app. But it resisted a UK court order to admit that Samsung hadn’t infringed on the iPad. Now the judges are demanding strict compliance. CEO Tim Cook, it appears, has as little appetite for humble pie as his predecessor Steve Jobs.
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Soft approach sadly best for next Greek debt deal

By Neil Unmack
Euro zone officials should haircut Greece’s debt again, because it is clearly unsustainable. But that would be politically dangerous in the current context, and delay economic reforms. The sad reality is that Greece must be kept hanging on a little longer.

China “hard landing” talk abates, but not for long

By John Foley
A return to growth in the key PMI survey, and a pick-up in the Breakingviews Tea Leaf Index, suggests China is on track for above-7.5 percent growth in 2012. Credit growth has been sustained and a property slump avoided. But the fragilities that worry China bears are still there.

Barclays needs a decisive UBS-style strategy shift

By George Hay
The UK bank unveiled weak Q3 numbers in fixed income and two new regulatory probes. Next February’s prelims give CEO Antony Jenkins a chance to review businesses, reform culture and maybe settle with authorities. Unless he is bold, Barclays can’t move on from the Diamond era.
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Disney puts faith and $4 bln in power of the Force

By Antony Currie
That’s what CEO Bob Iger is paying for Lucasfilm - his latest attempt to purchase the creativity that Disney can’t seem to cultivate in-house. Like Marvel and Pixar, Lucasfilm’s returns remain on the dark side. But making at least three more Star Wars films may win over skeptics.

Europe, China holding back Asian export recovery

By Wayne Arnold
Gains in September exports have buoyed hopes for a U.S.-led rebound in regional trade. But Asian economies have shifted their focus to Europe and responded to Chinese competition by supplying the manufacturing juggernaut. A U.S. upturn alone won’t revive Asia’s export engine.

Storm dents Wall Street but spares U.S. election

By Breakingviews Columnists
The force of Hurricane Sandy left much of Lower Manhattan dark and could cost $20 bln or more. Luckily for voters, the weather arrived a full week before the Nov. 6 vote. The pundits will spin it, but the political impact of chaos in mostly Obama-leaning states is probably small.
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