Netflix’s Bird Box, You and other new programmes helped attract millions more subscribers to the streaming service last quarter. But slower sales growth disappointed investors riding high on a 50% stock gain in recent weeks.

The planned merger of the departments of communications and telecommunications & postal services was “gaining traction”, with senior staff urged to work quickly to conclude the “configuration”.

US authorities are investigating the Chinese technology giant for allegedly stealing trade secrets from US partner companies like T-Mobile US, according to people familiar with the matter.