Global Markets React to Trade News and Inflation Data

European stocks opened higher on Wednesday as investors assessed the latest trade news and inflation data. The market is focused on reports that U.S. President Donald Trump asked the EU to impose tariffs on China and India over their Russia oil purchases. Inflation data from China, the U.S., and other countries is also in focus. S&P 500 futures rose slightly overnight ahead of the release of the latest producer price index, which is expected to show monthly increases of 0.3%. If the numbers come in around estimates, the U.S. Federal Reserve is likely to deliver another rate cut next week. Asia-Pacific markets rose overnight as investors assessed August inflation data from China.

The article discusses China's growing interest in cryptocurrency, particularly after Eric Trump, the second son of the American president, attended Bitcoin Asia in Hong Kong and spoke about Bitcoin. The event indicates a shift in China's stance on cryptocurrency, with the country's leaders potentially becoming more open to the idea of stablecoins. However, the article questions whether they would truly want stablecoins to succeed.

The article discusses how Chinese trade continues to thrive despite the trade tensions and attacks from the United States under Donald Trump's presidency. Trump has been vocal about his discontent with China's trade practices, using derogatory terms to describe the country. However, the rest of the world seems willing to continue trading with China, indicating that Trump's efforts may not be as effective as he hopes.

The Economist's finance and economics section covers various topics, including China's thriving trade despite US attacks, the potential risks of AI in the stock market, and the impact of technological revolutions on the economy. Other articles discuss bond vigilantes targeting France, the hard right's plans for Europe's economy, and the threat of deflation in Asia. The section also touches on Trump's potential interest-rate crusade and its potential consequences, as well as the blurring of lines between gambling and investing in America.