1. Two key euro zone economies have posted disappointing second-quarter growth numbers. Germany expanded just 0.4 per cent, less than expected, while France's economy stagnated, instead of an anticipated 0.2 per cent rise.

2. Malaysia's Employees Provident Fund, with about RM664 billion (S$231 billion) in assets, said returns will be hard to find as foreign outflows weigh on the country's stocks and currency, Bloomberg reported.

3. A Reuters poll of 11 analysts said the Monetary Authority of Singapore may have more reason to tweak monetary policy after the yuan's surprise drop, which has triggered a fall in the Singdollar.

4. Singapore retail sales unexpectedly rose 6.9 per cent in June compared with a year earlier, mainly thanks to auto sales. Without auto sales, retail sales were down 3 per cent year-on-year as tourist visitor spending remained tepid, OCBC Bank said yesterday.

5. China's austerity moves have affected the sales of wines and spirits across the country. SGX-listed Dukang Distillers said that revenue will be significantly lower for the financial year ended June 30. It also expects to suffer a net loss for the year.