The 10-Point: Troubled Markets, Jeb Bush’s Tactics, Activist Investors and More

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A Chinese Burn

China continues to shake the world. In recent weeks, stocks, currencies and commodities have swung dramatically on signs of a slowdown in Chinese growth. Disappointing economic data out of the world’s second-largest economy, as well as the devaluation of its currency, have exacerbated concerns. Oil prices resumed their downward trajectory today and global stock markets steadied, as investors remain wary. Meanwhile, China is imposing new controls to prevent too much money from leaving the country, with lenders beefing up internal checks on foreign-exchange conversions and regulators aiming to rein in illegal money-transfer agents. (Pictured above: China is making new efforts to prevent too much money from flowing out of the country since the Aug. 11 surprise devaluation of the yuan.)

A Trump Card

After weeks of enduring rival Donald Trump’s attacks, and trailing him by ever larger margins in the polls, Jeb Bush released an Internet video aimed at trying to muscle his way back to the front of the pack and undermine the celebrity businessman’s fitness to be the GOP standard-bearer. Mr. Bush’s decision to engage Mr. Trump carries risks and has already drawn a retort. Meanwhile, CNN is changing its criteria for deciding who will participate in the next Republican presidential debate this month, a shake-up that likely will allow former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Carly Fiorina to participate following her recent bump in the polls.

Honey, I Shrunk the Business

Activist investors have made “conglomerate” a dirty word. Across America, the pressure is on for big, diversified corporations to split up and concentrate on their most promising lines of business. But Honeywell, best known for building sophisticated products such as 3-D weather radar and aircraft guidance systems, has made 84 acquisitions in its 13 years under Chief Executive Dave Cote, ending up with a stable of about 65 different brands. The question is now whether it can keep this up. Analysts have warned that investors’ patience for its diverse business lines could grow short now that peers such as GE are making dramatic adjustments to their portfolios.

No Place Like Om

The ranks of yoga teachers in the U.S. are growing at a faster pace than yoga participants. However, many have no intention of leading a room full of downward dogs. Studio owners say teacher training has become a kind of advanced course for people seeking a deeper yoga education after years of taking regular classes. Of course, many people take yoga-instructor training because they want to teach, though teachers themselves say it is difficult to earn a living doing that.

TOP STORIES

U.S.

Hillary Clinton’s Emails Point to Large Role for Adviser Sidney Blumenthal

California to Scale Back Solitary Confinement

WORLD

Canada Illustrates Plight of Rich but Resource-Dependent Countries

Clashing National Interests Hamstring EU’s Response to Migrant Crisis

BUSINESS

U.S. Auto Sales Pace Accelerates

Uber Drivers Suit Granted Class-Action Status

MARKETS

For Stock Markets, the Moment When Humans Matter

FHA Offers Olive Branch to Hesitant Lenders

NUMBER OF THE DAY

25%

The estimated share of U.S. sales that McDonald’s says breakfast now accounts for. The fast-food chain is planning a move to all-day breakfast.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

‘The best time to cross is between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. at night. You wait for the police car, which comes every 10 minutes, to clear and then you dash into the forest. ’

—A 24-year-old Syrian migrant at Budapest’s Keleti station describinghow he crossed into Hungary from Serbia.

TODAY’S QUESTION

Returning to our story above, what are your thoughts on the rise in the number of yoga teachers? Send your comments, which we may edit before publication, to 10point@wsj.com. Please include your name and location.

—Compiled by Khadeeja Safdar

READER RESPONSE

Responding to yesterday’s question on how to reduce procrastination, Adrienne May of New York commented: “I’ve found ignoring my feelings is the best way to conquer procrastination. Just stick to the task list – no room for internal debate.” Isaac Block from Massachusetts said: “To manage an ever present urge to procrastinate, I keep several projects going at once. If I feel anxious about working on one of them, I can safely fall to that urge - while still being productive by moving on to something else important.” Many of you, however, said that you would get back to me tomorrow.

This daily briefing is named "The 10-Point" after the nickname conferred by the editors of The Wall Street Journal on the lead column of the legendary "What's News" digest of top stories. Technically, "10-point" referred to the size of the typeface. The type is smaller now but the name lives on.

Photo: Zuma Press