MERZ said he undertook intensive discussions during his Asia trip.

Starbucks said it will pilot backend AI models in drive‑thrus to help baristas record orders more accurately and efficiently during customer interactions, CEO Brian Niccol said. The company is also exploring customer‑identification tech to surface personalized digital menus on arrival and simplify payments. Industry peers are testing similar systems: Burger King has no plans for a wider rollout of its pilot, citing customer preference for human interaction, while McDonald’s said its trials could save each restaurant dozens of staff hours per week.

Germany Q3 seasonally adjusted GDP preliminary QoQ +0.2% (consensus +0.1%; prior +0.3%).