U.S. consumer sentiment weakened sharply in May, with the University of Michigan’s index dropping to its lowest level since June 2022. The decline reflects mounting concerns over rising living costs, lingering trade tensions, and growing doubts about the economic outlook…. Read More ›
Geopolitics
Tariff Turmoil Forces Firms to Retract Forecasts Amid Trade Policy Uncertainty
A wave of U.S. tariffs and their abrupt pauses has sown profound uncertainty among corporations worldwide, prompting many to withdraw or suspend annual and medium‑term financial guidance. Since President Trump’s administration began imposing levies on steel and aluminum in March… Read More ›
HSBC Flags Japan, India and China as Front‑Runners in U.S. Trade Negotiations
HSBC’s recent analysis names Japan, India and China as the most likely beneficiaries of any forthcoming long‑term trade agreements with the United States, underscoring their economic heft, strategic alignment and current momentum in bilateral discussions. In a note to clients… Read More ›
APEC’s 21 Economies Flag Growth Slowdown Amid Escalating Trade Disputes
Finance ministers and trade representatives from 21 member economies, including the United States and China, issued a stark warning Thursday that collective growth across the Asia-Pacific region is poised to decelerate sharply as tariff measures and policy unpredictability dampen investment… Read More ›
UK’s Immigration Crackdown Poses Risks for Businesses Grappling with Labor Shortages
The British government’s drive to curb net migration with tougher visa rules and higher skill thresholds has triggered alarm among businesses that rely heavily on foreign workers. As ministers unveil plans to raise English-language requirements, extend the residency period for… Read More ›
U.S.–China Trade Truce Sparks Rally in Tech and Chip Stocks
Global technology and semiconductor equities surged on Monday after Washington and Beijing announced a 90-day suspension of most reciprocal tariffs, offering relief to companies that have weathered months of supply-chain uncertainty and cost pressures. In the U.S., chipmakers and hardware… Read More ›
Global Pharma Stocks Slide as Trump Moves to Slash U.S. Drug Prices
Global pharmaceutical shares tumbled sharply on Monday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of an aggressive plan to bring U.S. prescription drug costs in line with those paid by other high-income nations. The broad-based sell-off underscored investor fears that sweeping policy… Read More ›
Negotiation Revival: Putin Calls for Unconditional Ukraine Peace Talks in Istanbul
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday called for fresh, unconditional negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15, pitching the move as a pathway to a lasting peace after three years of conflict. Addressing the nation from the Kremlin shortly… Read More ›
Fed’s Cook Warns Tariffs Could Undermine Productivity and Fan Inflationary Pressures
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook delivered a pointed caution to policymakers and business leaders, warning that the growing application of tariffs on imports could curb U.S. productivity gains and ultimately exacerbate inflation—forcing the central bank to consider higher interest rates… Read More ›
Global M&A Activity Plummets to Two-Decade Low as Trump’s “Liberation Day” Tariffs Freeze Deal Flow
Corporate dealmakers around the world hit the brakes in April, driving merger and acquisition volumes to their lowest point since February 2005. The sharp slowdown follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of a “Liberation Day” trade offensive on April 2,… Read More ›