Japan has a worker shortage; Venezuelans say Goldman Sachs profits from strife; Trump vs Germany

Profitable Moment   U.K. elections: People are tired Today I am in Newport in Wales, where one local person told me the economic situation was "rough, rough, rough."   Although there is a brand new shopping mall, years of bad economic times have left many shops in the old city center empty. At the local social club, I listened to the latest arguments about the U.K. election from both sides. The Tories are hammering away at the Brexit negotiations that are about to begin. The Labour opposition is arguing against the government's social spending plans.   What has galvanized this election is how the polls have tightened. The prime minister's 20-point lead in the polls is down to anywhere between five and 12 points. While few expect Theresa May to lose the election, any thought of a landslide victory is fast disappearing.   There are nine days to go. The British are weary of politics. They are worried about Brexit. And now they are tired of the elections too.   Tommorow, I am at the seaside. -Richard.Quest@cnn.com  What's new... what's next   By Matt Egan, Patrick Gillespie, Julia Horowitz and Paul R. La Monica of CNNMoney 1. Why Trump is attacking Germany on trade President Trump aimed a Tuesday morning Twitter missive at Germany, one of the largest buyers of U.S. exports. Why? Trump says he's upset about the large trade gap between the two countries, as well as how much Germany spends on its military. The facts: In 2016, the U.S. trade gap with Germany was $67.8 billion, the second largest in the world. But Germany also bought $80.4 billion worth of American goods and services last year, more than any European country, other than the U.K. 2. Japan needs workers and can't find them Japan has more jobs than it knows what to do with. Government data has revealed that the country's labor shortage is at its most extreme level in more than 40 years, and Japan now has 1.48 jobs for every applicant. The current situation is generally good news for the nation's economy and could push people traditionally excluded from the labor market (like women) to join its ranks. The flip side? It could be indicative of a shrinking pool of workers as the country ages -- not a rise in the number of job openings. 3. Venezuelans outraged at Goldman Sachs Venezuelans are furious at Goldman Sachs after the investment bank bought the country's government bonds -- something critics say is a lifeline to a government starving its people. Goldman paid 31 cents on the dollar, or $865 million, on bonds that offer a hefty return because President Nicolas Maduro has prioritized paying bondholders instead of importing food. Esther Beke protested with other Venezuelans outside Goldman's New York office on Tuesday. She says Goldman's investment "gives [Maduro] air to breathe."  4. Tiger Woods DUI arrest is latest Nike problem Tiger Woods hasn't won a major title since 2008. His arrest for suspicion of DUI won't help his image off the links either. It also raises questions about how much longer Nike and other sponsors will stick with him. Nike signed Woods to a new deal in 2013. But since then, Nike sold its golf equipment business. The bad publicity also threatens to overshadow the start of the NBA Finals -- which features Nike spokesmen LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 5. Quick Takes: Despite Trump drama, Wall Street has its calmest start to the year Business is worried about U.K. election, no matter who wins Leaning out: Less than a third of Indian women work, missing out on economic boom Add another zero: Amazon stock tops $1,000 6. What's next: Europe's unemployment problem: The rise of nationalist parties in Europe can partially be explained by the continent's painfully-high jobless rate. While the eurozone's economy has improved in recent months, the unemployment rate is still stuck above 9%. New unemployment numbers for the month of April are set to be released on Wednesday.   India still on top of the world? First-quarter growth metrics are due out at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday from India. Economists believe India's economy maintained its impressive 7% GDP growth pace, keeping it atop the list of the world's fastest growing major economies. Exxon under fire: Climate change will be front and center at Exxon's annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday. The event will feature a vote on a proposal calling for Exxon to stress test its assets for risks posed by the crackdown on carbon emissions and new technology like electric cars.  Make this newsletter better. Please send us your feedback to CNNMoneyfeedback@turner.com Share Tweet Forward Sign up for CNN Money's morning markets newsletter: Before the Bell Sign up for CNN Money's closing markets newsletter: Markets Now Copyright © 2017 Cable News Network, LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved., All rights reserved. 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