Trump's Business Politics Impact Global Markets

The article discusses how the Trump administration is blurring the lines between business and politics, particularly in the tech industry. It reports that the administration is considering taking a stake in Intel, a struggling US chipmaker, and that Nvidia and AMD will pay the US government 15% of their revenue from chip sales in China. The article also touches on other market news, including China's economic woes, Berkshire Hathaway's investment in UnitedHealth, and the performance of US stocks. Additionally, it highlights European defense stocks benefiting from a potential Trump-Putin meeting and Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz building a relationship with Trump.

European markets are expected to rise as investors await news from the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with hopes of a resolution on the Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Danish jewelry brand Pandora reported an 8% rise in second-quarter sales, despite weakness in China, and maintained its full-year outlook. The company's revenues reached 7.08 billion Danish kroner, slightly below analyst forecasts. Pandora is closing 100 stores in China this year due to continued challenges in the region.

The article provides live updates on stock futures, noting that S&P 500 futures are near flat following the benchmark index's third straight record close. UnitedHealth rallied over 10% after Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and Michael Burry's Scion Asset Management announced positions in the insurer. Intel popped more than 4% following a Bloomberg report that the Trump administration is in discussions to have the U.S. government take a stake. The Dow has led the way this week, rising 1.7% week to date. Investors will monitor economic data on import prices, consumer sentiment, and retail sales on Friday. Circle Internet Group priced its 10 million share offering at $130 per share, putting pressure on the stock. Stocks making notable moves after hours include Applied Materials, UnitedHealth, and Intel.