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Showing posts from March, 2025

Goldman Sachs hikes probability of US recession to 35% amid Trump tariff jitters

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 ​ Goldman Sachs has raised the probability of a U.S. recession within the next 12 months to 35%, up from a previous estimate of 20%, citing escalating trade tensions and the anticipated implementation of new tariffs by President Donald Trump. The administration plans to impose a 25% duty on foreign-made cars and auto parts starting April 2, 2025, which has heightened concerns about potential economic repercussions. ​ The investment bank also forecasts that the average U.S. tariff rate could increase by 15 percentage points, potentially impacting inflation, economic growth, and employment rates. Specifically, Goldman Sachs projects a rise in the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation rate to 3.5% by year-end, a slowdown in fourth-quarter GDP growth to 1.0%, and an uptick in the unemployment rate to 4.5%. ​ These developments have contributed to market volatility, with global share markets experiencing significant declines as investors react to the prospect of ...

US stock futures sink as Trump tariffs approach, economic jitters persist

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  U.S. stock futures declined on Sunday as investors braced for the implementation of new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, set to take effect this week. The tariffs, which include a 25% duty on foreign-made cars and auto parts, are scheduled for Thursday and have raised concerns about their potential impact on the global supply chain and inflation. ​ Market Performance: Dow Jones Futures: Dropped by 0.5% as of Sunday night. ​ S&P 500 Futures: Declined by 0.8%. ​ Nasdaq Futures: Fell by 1.3%. ​ These movements follow a week of market volatility, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 715.80 points on Friday due to ongoing concerns about tariffs, inflation, and economic data. ​ Investor Sentiment: President Trump's recent comments have added to market unease. In an NBC interview, he expressed indifference to potential price increases on foreign cars caused by the tariffs, suggesting that higher prices would encourage consumers to buy Amer...

Stellantis to buy CO2 credits from Tesla ’pool’ also in 2025, exec says

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  Stellantis plans to continue purchasing CO₂ credits from a pool led by Tesla throughout 2025 to meet European Union emissions reduction requirements, according to Jean-Philippe Imparato, the company's head of European operations. ​ Despite the EU granting carmakers an extended compliance period from 2025 to 2027, Stellantis aims to use these credits in 2025 to avoid potential fines. Imparato noted that while the extension offers some relief, it doesn't provide a long-term solution. Currently, Stellantis' electric vehicle sales mix in Europe stands at 14%, below the EU's target of 21%. ​ This strategy aligns with Stellantis' broader goal of achieving zero emissions by 2038, during which the company has purchased billions in credits to offset emissions

Brazil meatpacker JBS to spend $100 million to build 2 factories in Vietnam

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Brazilian meatpacking company JBS S.A. has announced a $100 million investment to construct two new processing plants in Vietnam, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Southeast Asian market. ​ The first facility will be located in the Nam Đình Vũ Industrial Park and will include a logistics center. The second plant is planned for southern Vietnam and is expected to commence operations two years after the first, featuring similar infrastructure. ​ This initiative was formalized through a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnamese government during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's state visit to Hanoi. The investment is anticipated to create skilled jobs and enhance food security in the region. ​ Prior to this, JBS had a presence in Vietnam's leather tanning sector since 2014, with an annual output of approximately 7.5 million square meters of leather. ​ This expansion aligns with Vietnam's consideration to open its market to Brazilian beef, ...

US FDA approves Sanofi’s bleeding disorder therapy

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 ​ On March 28, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Sanofi's Qfitlia (fitusiran) for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce bleeding episodes in individuals aged 12 and older with hemophilia A or B, with or without factor VIII or IX inhibitors. ​ Qfitlia is a subcutaneous therapy administered every two months, offering a less frequent dosing schedule compared to existing treatments like Pfizer's weekly injection Hympavzi and Novo Nordisk's daily Alhemo. It functions by lowering antithrombin, a protein that inhibits blood clotting, thereby enhancing the body's ability to form clots and prevent bleeding. ​ Clinical trials demonstrated that Qfitlia reduced annualized bleeding rates by 90% compared to control groups, indicating a significant improvement over on-demand treatments. The therapy is scheduled to be available starting in April 2025, with an annual list price of $642,000 for most patients. ​ Hemophilia is a rare genetic disorder a...

S&P 500 slumps as hot inflation data trigger sea of red

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  On Friday, March 28, 2025, U.S. stock markets experienced significant declines following the release of higher-than-expected inflation data, which intensified concerns about the economic outlook. ​ Market Performance: S&P 500: Dropped 2.0%, closing at 5,580.94. ​ Dow Jones Industrial Average: Fell 1.7%, ending at 41,583.90. ​ Nasdaq Composite: Declined 2.7%, finishing at 17,322.99. ​ Contributing Factors: Inflation Data: The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, a key inflation gauge, showed a higher-than-anticipated annual increase in core inflation, suggesting persistent price pressures in the economy. ​ Consumer Sentiment: Reports indicated a decline in consumer confidence, reflecting growing apprehension about inflation and its potential impact on spending behaviors. ​ Trade Policies: Ongoing concerns regarding President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported automobiles and auto parts added to market volatility, with investors ...

S&P 500 ends lower as investors digest Trump’s auto tariffs

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 ​ On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the S&P 500 closed lower as investors reacted to President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and auto parts. The index declined by 0.33%, ending at 5,693.31. ​ Market Impact: Dow Jones Industrial Average: Dropped 155.09 points (0.37%) to close at 42,299.70. ​ Nasdaq Composite: Fell 94.98 points (0.53%) to 17,804.03. ​ Sector Performance: Automotive Stocks: General Motors and Ford experienced significant declines due to concerns over increased costs and potential supply chain disruptions. ​ Auto Parts Retailers: Companies like AutoZone and O'Reilly Auto Parts saw stock price increases, as consumers may opt for vehicle maintenance over new purchases. ​ Investor Sentiment: The tariff announcement has heightened market volatility, with investors weighing the potential for increased vehicle prices and broader economic implications. Analysts suggest that while U.S. automakers may face ...

China stock market sentiment drops as trading volume declines – Morgan Stanley

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 ​ Investor sentiment in China's A-share market has seen a decline, as evidenced by reduced trading volumes and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. Morgan Stanley's Market Sentiment and Activity Score Index (MSASI) reflected this downturn, with its weighted score dropping to 67% and the simple score to 56% as of December 25, 2024, indicating weaker enthusiasm compared to the prior week. ​ The decrease in trading activity was notable across various segments: ​ ChiNext: Average daily turnover fell by 16%. ​ A-shares: Experienced a 17% decline in trading volume. ​ Equity futures: Saw a 12% reduction. ​ Northbound trading: Decreased by 27%. ​ These figures highlight a significant pullback in market participation. ​ Morgan Stanley analysts have attributed this stagnation in market sentiment to disappointing macroeconomic indicators and reactive policy easing measures. They anticipate continued market volatility and recommend a more defensive investment appr...

Bitcoin up 700% Since Michael Saylor’s Strategy’s First BTC Buy

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 ​ In August 2020, MicroStrategy, under CEO Michael Saylor, made its inaugural Bitcoin purchase, acquiring 21,454 BTC at an average price of $11,652 per Bitcoin. Since then, Bitcoin's price has appreciated significantly, leading to substantial gains for the company's holdings. ​ As of March 27, 2025, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $86,936. This represents an increase of about 646% from MicroStrategy's initial purchase price. While this is slightly less than the 700% figure mentioned, it still underscores the substantial appreciation of Bitcoin since MicroStrategy's initial investment. ​ MicroStrategy has continued to expand its Bitcoin holdings over the years. As of March 24, 2025, the company owns 506,137 BTC, acquired at an average price of $66,384.56 per Bitcoin, totaling approximately $33.139 billion. ​ The company's stock (MSTR) has also experienced significant growth, rising approximately 2,650% since its first Bitcoin purchase, outperforming Bitc...

Bitcoin Whales With 10K BTC Holdings Increase — Supply Squeeze Incoming?

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  Recent data indicates a notable increase in the number of Bitcoin "whale" wallets—those holding at least 10,000 BTC. This trend suggests significant accumulation by large-scale investors, which could potentially lead to a supply squeeze in the Bitcoin market. ​ Whale Accumulation Trends: In early 2025, wallets containing between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC increased their holdings from 23% on January 1 to 25.17% by March 26. During the same period, wallets with 10,000 to 100,000 BTC saw a sharp rise from 11.68% on March 2 to 12.42% on March 21, before slightly decreasing to 11.98%. ​ Implications of Whale Accumulation: The increased accumulation by Bitcoin whales can have several market implications: ​ Reduced Market Liquidity: As whales withdraw large amounts of Bitcoin from exchanges into private wallets, the available supply for trading diminishes, potentially leading to liquidity constraints. ​ Potential Price Appreciation: A decrease in available supply, ...

US stock futures steady with tariffs, economic cues in focus

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 ​ U.S. stock futures remained steady on March 25, 2025, as investors balanced optimism over potential tariff adjustments with concerns stemming from recent economic data. ​ Market Performance: S&P 500 Futures: Increased by 0.1% to 5,831.25 points. ​ Nasdaq 100 Futures: Rose by 0.1% to 20,517.50 points. ​ Dow Jones Futures: Held steady at 42,917.0 points. ​ Influencing Factors: Tariff Developments: Investor sentiment was buoyed by reports suggesting that the White House might adopt a more measured approach to implementing new tariffs, alleviating some trade-related anxieties. ​ Economic Indicators: The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index for March declined to 92.9, falling short of the anticipated 94.2 and the previous month's 100.1, indicating potential softness in consumer spending.  ​ Despite the positive movement in futures, underlying economic concerns persist, particularly regarding consumer confidence and the broader implication...

Delaware lawmakers approve corporate bill that critics call giveaway to billionaires

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  Delaware lawmakers have swiftly approved Senate Bill 21 (SB 21), a corporate law reform aimed at retaining companies considering relocation to states with more lenient regulations. ​ Key Provisions of SB 21: Safe Harbor for Transactions: The bill establishes safe harbors that protect transactions involving controlling shareholders from conflict-of-interest claims, provided certain procedural safeguards are met. ​ Redefinition of Board Independence: It relaxes the criteria for determining the independence of board members, potentially allowing greater influence by controlling shareholders. ​ Motivation Behind the Legislation: The impetus for SB 21 stems from concerns that influential companies, such as Meta Platforms and Tesla, might relocate their legal domiciles to states like Nevada or Texas, which offer more favorable corporate laws. This potential "DExit" could significantly impact Delaware's economy, given that corporate registration fees contribut...

Tesla to hit $2,600 in the next 5 years, Cathie Wood tells Bloomberg

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 ​ Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Investment Management, maintains a bullish outlook on Tesla Inc., projecting that its stock could reach $2,600 within the next five years—nearly ten times its current price. ​ Wood attributes this anticipated growth primarily to Tesla's advancements in autonomous driving technology, particularly its robo-taxi services, which she believes will constitute 90% of the company's value over that period. Additionally, she notes that Tesla's initiatives in humanoid robotics have not yet been factored into this valuation. ​ Tesla remains the largest holding in ARK's flagship Innovation ETF, underscoring Wood's confidence in the company's long-term potential.

Asia stocks rise on tariff relief; Hong Kong slides as AI, stimulus rally cools

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 ​ Asian stock markets exhibited mixed performances on March 25, 2025, as investors responded to easing tariff concerns and shifting market dynamics. ​ Regional Market Highlights: Japan: The Nikkei 225 index advanced by over 1%, mirroring Wall Street's positive trend. This uptick was driven by optimism that U.S. tariffs would be more targeted than previously feared, bolstering investor confidence. ​ Taiwan: Similarly, Taiwanese stocks experienced gains exceeding 1%, reflecting a broader regional sentiment of relief over trade tensions. ​ Hong Kong: In contrast, the Hang Seng Index declined by 1%. The downturn was primarily attributed to profit-taking activities and a cooling off from previous rallies in the artificial intelligence and stimulus-driven sectors. Notably, carmakers led the decline as investors sought to capitalize on recent gains amid a lack of strong catalysts. ​ Investor Sentiment: The easing of tariff worries has injected a degree of optimism int...
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 ​ Recent developments in the U.S. stock market have raised concerns reminiscent of the early 2000s dot-com bubble. In early March 2025, major indices entered correction territory, with the S&P 500 experiencing a 10% decline from its peak levels.   Several factors contribute to these apprehensions: ​ Economic Uncertainty : The Federal Reserve projects a slowdown in GDP growth to 1.7% for 2025, down from 2.8% in 2024, alongside expectations of rising inflation.   Trade Policies : President Trump's recent tariff announcements have heightened fears of a potential recession, leading to increased market volatility.   Tech Sector Volatility : After leading the market for the past two years, technology stocks are now underperforming, raising questions about overvaluation and future growth prospects. ​ These developments have prompted investors to reassess their strategies, drawing parallels to past market corrections.

EV investment burdened by Chinese competition… Toyota postpones construction of new battery plant

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  Toyota has been actively adjusting its electric vehicle (EV) strategy in response to increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers. In July 2024, the company announced plans to construct a new EV battery plant on Japan's Kyushu island, aiming to strengthen its EV supply chain and compete with emerging Chinese EV makers like BYD. Additionally, in February 2025, Toyota revealed intentions to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in Shanghai's Jinshan district for the development and production of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and batteries, with production slated to begin in 2027. ​ However, recent developments indicate that Toyota is reassessing its investment strategies due to the competitive pressure from Chinese EV manufacturers. The company has decided to postpone the construction of the Kyushu battery plant, reflecting concerns over the rapidly evolving market dynamics and the need to optimize investment amid intensifying competition. This decision underscores...

Amazon Stock Down 20%: Why This Could Be the Best Time to Load Up?

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  Amazon's stock has experienced a significant decline of approximately 20% from its recent highs, sparking discussions among investors about potential buying opportunities. As of the latest data, AMZN is trading at $196.21, reflecting a 0.00616% increase from the previous close. Factors Contributing to the Stock Decline: Increased Capital Expenditure: Amazon's substantial investments in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) have led to higher capital expenditures. In 2024, the company spent $77.7 billion, with projections exceeding $100 billion for 2025. While these investments aim to drive long-term growth, they have raised concerns about short-term profit margins. ​ Expansion into New Markets: Amazon's foray into the used-car market, following its partnership with Hyundai, has introduced new uncertainties. Analysts note that this initiative is in its early stages and may not have an immediate impact on the stock. However, it could influence traditional dealer...

Future of retail: Key trends and potential winners

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 ​ The retail industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behaviors, and economic shifts. Key trends shaping the future of retail include:​ 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration Retailers are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance personalization, optimize operations, and improve customer experiences. AI enables businesses to analyze consumer behavior, predict preferences, and streamline inventory management, leading to more efficient operations and satisfied customers.   2. Omnichannel Experiences Consumers expect seamless integration between online and offline shopping channels. Retailers offering cohesive omnichannel experiences—such as buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS) and consistent cross-channel promotions—are better positioned to meet these expectations. Notably, 78% of retailers acknowledge that in-store experiences are crucial for future success, with 83% of consumers reporting positive expe...

OpenAI, Meta in talks with Reliance for AI partnerships, The Information reports

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  OpenAI and Meta Platforms have engaged in separate discussions with India's Reliance Industries to explore potential artificial intelligence (AI) partnerships, according to a report by The Information .   OpenAI's Prospective Collaborations: Distribution of ChatGPT: OpenAI is considering partnering with Reliance's telecommunications arm, Jio, to distribute its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, to a broader Indian audience. ​ Subscription Pricing: Discussions include the possibility of reducing ChatGPT's subscription fee from $20 to a more affordable rate for the Indian market. ​ Enterprise Solutions: Reliance is exploring the sale of OpenAI's models to its enterprise clients through application programming interfaces (APIs). ​ Data Localization: The companies are considering hosting OpenAI's models locally within India to ensure customer data remains within national borders. ​ Meta's Engagement: Meta Platforms is also in talks with Reliance to coll...

How recent U.S. policy changes will impact the housing market

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 ​ Recent U.S. policy changes are influencing the housing market through various channels, including tariffs, immigration policies, and fiscal measures. ​ Tariffs and Construction Costs The implementation of tariffs on imported materials such as steel, aluminum, and lumber has led to increased construction costs. These tariffs have added approximately $9,200 to the cost of building a new home, according to recent reports. This escalation in expenses poses challenges for homebuilders and may contribute to higher home prices for consumers. ​ Immigration Policies and Labor Shortages Stricter immigration policies have resulted in labor shortages within the construction industry, which relies heavily on foreign-born workers. Reduced immigration exacerbates these shortages, potentially slowing down construction projects and limiting the supply of new housing. This dynamic can lead to increased housing prices due to supply constraints. ​ Fiscal Policies and Housing Demand Fisc...

Trump's One Word That Led U.S. Stock Market From Down to Up

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  President Donald Trump's recent comment on trade tariffs, specifically his use of the word "flexibility," has had a notable impact on the U.S. stock market. During a press interaction, when asked about his stance on tariffs, Trump stated, "I don't change. But the word 'flexibility' is an important word." ​ This single word injected a sense of adaptability into the market, easing investor concerns about rigid trade policies. The immediate effect was a rebound from earlier losses, with major indices like the Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow Jones experiencing gains. The Nasdaq rose 0.5%, ending its four-week decline, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones also saw modest increases. ​ Trump's use of "flexibility" signaled a potential shift towards more adaptable trade negotiations, fostering optimism among investors. This incident highlights how a single word from a prominent leader can influence market dynamics, underscoring the sensit...

Mutual Tariff D-12… Trump in a secret meeting: “There will be flexibility”

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  As the deadline for mutual tariffs approaches in 12 days, President Donald Trump has indicated potential flexibility regarding the impending measures. In a recent statement, Trump mentioned that his top trade representative plans to engage in discussions with Chinese counterparts next week, aiming to address trade imbalances and alleviate tensions. ​ This development has positively influenced investor sentiment, contributing to modest gains in major U.S. stock indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 both experienced slight increases, while the Nasdaq Composite ended a four-week decline, reflecting cautious optimism in the markets. ​ The administration has also been exploring a more flexible approach to tariff policies. Recent internal discussions have focused on creating a comprehensive tariff strategy that aligns with the President's objectives while allowing for adaptability in negotiations. ​ These developments underscore a potential shift toward...

New York Stock Exchange Closes Stronger Together Beyond 'Four Witches' Day'

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  On Friday, March 21, 2025, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) concluded the week on a positive note, overcoming earlier market volatility associated with "quadruple witching"—a phenomenon occurring quarterly when stock index futures, stock index options, stock options, and single stock futures expire simultaneously, often leading to increased trading volume and volatility. Market Performance: S&P 500: Edged up 0.1%, snapping a four-week losing streak with a 0.5% weekly gain. ​ Dow Jones Industrial Average: Also increased by 0.1%, marking a 1.2% rise for the week, ending its two-week decline. ​ Nasdaq Composite: Advanced 0.5%, achieving a 0.2% weekly gain and breaking its four-week losing streak.   Contributing Factors: Presidential Remarks on Tariffs: President Donald Trump's comments suggesting potential flexibility on tariffs provided a boost to investor sentiment, aiding the market's recovery from earlier losses. ​ Anticipation of Ec...

Judge stops Musk’s team from ’unbridled access’ to Social Security private data

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 ​ A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the Social Security Administration's (SSA) systems containing personal data of millions of Americans. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander criticized DOGE's efforts as a "fishing expedition" lacking concrete evidence of widespread fraud. The order also mandates that DOGE delete any personally identifiable information already obtained and restricts access to anonymized data for 14 days. ​ This decision is part of broader legal challenges against the administration's attempts to downsize federal agencies, reflecting ongoing concerns about privacy and the extent of DOGE's authority.

Shares of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison drop on dividend disappointment, volatile outlook

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  Shares of CK Hutchison Holdings experienced a decline following the company's recent financial disclosures and strategic decisions. ​ Financial Performance: Profit Decline: The conglomerate reported an 11% decrease in underlying profit for 2024, amounting to HK$20.8 billion. ​ Dividend Reduction: The final dividend was reduced to HK$1.514 per share from the previous year's HK$1.775, reflecting the company's cautious stance amid a volatile operating environment. ​ Market Reaction: In response to these announcements, CK Hutchison's shares opened 2.7% lower on Friday, indicating investor concerns over the company's financial health and future prospects. ​ Strategic Moves and External Pressures: Port Operations Sale: The company reported a 24% increase in earnings from its ports operations, reaching HK$13.1 billion. However, CK Hutchison plans to sell 43 out of 53 ports, including two at the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by BlackRock for $22.8...

Commerzbank hasn’t talked with UniCredit after ECB approval for stake

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 ​ Commerzbank has not engaged in discussions with UniCredit since the European Central Bank (ECB) granted the Italian lender approval to acquire up to a 29.9% stake in the German bank, according to Commerzbank CEO Bettina Orlopp.   Key Developments: ECB Approval: On March 14, 2025, UniCredit received authorization from the ECB to increase its stake in Commerzbank to just under 30%. ​ Pending Regulatory Decisions: German antitrust authorities have set an April 14 deadline to decide on initial approval for UniCredit's acquisition of a substantial stake in Commerzbank. ​ Future Considerations: UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel indicated that a decision on pursuing a full takeover of Commerzbank might be delayed until 2027, influenced by factors such as Commerzbank's rising share price due to Germany's fiscal spending. ​ Despite regulatory approvals, the absence of direct talks between the two banks suggests that any significant developments regarding UniCredit...

Deutz shares sink 6% as earnings drop due to weak economy

 ​ Deutz AG, a German engine manufacturer, has recently faced financial challenges due to a weakening global economy, leading to a decline in its share price. ​ Financial Performance and Market Reaction: 2023 Performance: Deutz concluded 2023 with record sales and operating profit. However, concerns arose as the company anticipated a potential recession, leading to a cautious outlook for 2024. This announcement resulted in a significant drop in Deutz's share price, with intraday losses reaching up to 17%, before stabilizing at an 8% decline to €5.38. ​ First Quarter of 2024: In Q1 2024, Deutz reported a 10.3% year-on-year decrease in revenue, amounting to €454.7 million. Despite the revenue drop, the company maintained a stable adjusted EBIT margin of 6.1%, indicating resilience amid challenging economic conditions. ​ First Half of 2024: The economic downturn led to an 18.1% decrease in new orders and an 18.9% drop in unit sales during the first half of 2024. Neverth...