Hello, friends and Fortune readers.
Happy Bastille Day, everyone! That’s right, just 10 days after we in the States set off fireworks to remember something that happened more than 200 years ago, our friends in France are getting ready to do the same today. Can you even imagine what this day would look like if France had won the World Cup yesterday, on the eve of Bastille Day? Instead it’s Germany’s day to celebrate.
In any event, here is what to know in business news today.
1. The supersized iPhone 6 may not be quite ready yet.
For months, we’ve been hearing about how there would be two versions of the new iPhone to come out this fall: one would be 4.7 inches, slightly larger than the current model but generally what we’ve come to expect from the device. The other would be closer to some of Samsung’s models at 5.5 inches. The latest rumors, though, are that only the smaller version will be ready for release this fall.
2. Citi (C) settles for $7 billion.
The banking giant has agreed to pay the whopping fine to the U.S. government for mortgage-related activities in the years prior to the financial crisis, according to reports out today. While $7 billion is nothing to scoff at, it is still less than the $13 billion JP Morgan Chase (JPM) agreed to pay last year.
3. Fortune Brainstorm Tech starts today!
If you’re interested in the latest and greatest in the tech sector, be sure to check out the ongoing coverage of Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech conference, starting today in Aspen, Col. Executives like Satya Nadella of Microsoft (MSFT) and Les Moonves of CBS will be there. Follow coverage here, including a live stream of the main stage. #FortuneTech
4. German market is up following World Cup triumph.
Yes, the World Cup 2014 is over. Germany has won the world’s biggest international soccer tournament for the first time since reunification, and the party surely raged all night in Berlin. The party raged in the stock exchange too, as the market was up after the win, following several days of declines. Auf wiedersehen for now, World Cup.
