Articles in this Cluster
27-05-2025
China’s industrial profits rose 3% in April, accelerating from March’s 2.6%, and are up 1.4% year-to-date, despite earlier steep U.S. tariffs and deflation pressures. Gains were driven by policy support for private firms and strength in equipment and high-tech manufacturing; high-tech profits rose 9%, and household appliances over 15%. Manufacturing and utilities profits climbed 8.6% and 4.4%, while mining fell 26.8%. State-owned firms’ profits dropped 4.4%, but private and foreign-invested firms rose 4.3% and 2.5%. Auto and apparel sectors weakened amid price competition and shifting demand. A recent U.S.-China tariff truce lowered average tariffs to 51.1% (U.S.) and 32.6% (China). Industrial output grew 6.1% in April, but retail sales slowed to 5.1%, highlighting demand challenges.
Entities: China, U.S.-China tariff truce, high-tech manufacturing, state-owned enterprises, private firms • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
U.S. markets and European auto stocks rallied after President Trump delayed proposed 50% tariffs on the EU, but analysts warned retaliation and uncertainty still pose risks. Europe is already maneuvering: France secured Vietnam’s purchase of 20 Airbus A330neo jets during President Macron’s visit, and Volvo announced 3,000 job cuts and withdrew 2025–2026 guidance amid tariff pressures and cost-cutting, including pulling a China-made model from the U.S. Despite the postponement, tariff threats continue to unsettle the global economy and investor sentiment.
Entities: Donald Trump, European Union, France, Airbus A330neo, Emmanuel Macron • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
U.S.-bound iPhones assembled in India surged an estimated 76% year over year in April to about 3 million units, while shipments from China to the U.S. fell 76% to around 900,000, per Omdia (Canalys) data. The shift reflects Apple’s accelerated diversification to India amid U.S. tariffs on China and despite a brief exemption for consumer electronics. Apple intends for most U.S.-sold iPhones to be made in India, though India’s capacity likely won’t meet full U.S. demand (about 20 million per quarter) until 2026, and many sub-assemblies still come from China. Growth may plateau near term, with potential pushback from both Washington—where Trump has threatened new tariffs—and Beijing, which may hinder India’s access to needed equipment and talent. Analysts see India as Apple’s primary “life raft” under current tariff pressures, with U.S. production deemed unrealistic.
Entities: Apple, India, United States, China, iPhone • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: analyze
27-05-2025
European stock markets were tracked in live updates, focusing on major indexes including the STOXX 600, FTSE 100, CAC 40, and DAX. The coverage highlighted intraday movements, sector performance, and key drivers such as corporate news, earnings, and macroeconomic developments influencing investor sentiment.
Entities: STOXX 600, FTSE 100, CAC 40, DAX, European stock markets • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
U.S. stock futures rose late Monday after President Donald Trump delayed a proposed 50% tariff on EU imports to July 9 at the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Dow futures gained about 0.85%, S&P 500 0.89%, and Nasdaq 100 0.92%, rebounding after all three major indexes fell more than 2% last week amid tariff fears and concerns around Apple. Investors are watching Tuesday’s data on durable goods, housing, and consumer confidence, as well as remarks from Fed officials Neel Kashkari and John Williams. Earnings to watch include Okta after the bell, with Nvidia, Macy’s, and Costco later in the week. About 95% of S&P 500 companies have reported, with roughly 78% beating estimates.
Entities: Donald Trump, European Union, Ursula von der Leyen, Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
U.S. tariffs are the latest hit to a diamond industry already weakened by slowing luxury demand and China’s slump. A baseline 10% import duty on diamonds into the U.S.—the world’s largest polished diamond market—threatens a complex, border-spanning supply chain and could rise after a 90-day pause. While raw materials like gold and copper are exempt, industry leaders argue loose diamonds should be, too. The sector also faces heavy disruption from lab-grown diamonds, which are chemically identical, far cheaper (around 80% less), and rapidly gaining share—especially in U.S. engagement rings. Natural diamond prices have fallen nearly 60% since 2022, though analysts see a stabilization point emerging as the price gap clarifies product distinctions. De Beers is exiting its Lightbox lab-grown jewelry to refocus on natural diamonds, aligning with parent Anglo American’s divestment plans. Despite broader luxury softness, high jewelry remains resilient. Analysts say the mined segment’s path forward hinges on stronger storytelling, authenticity assurance, and consumer confidence in paying premiums for natural stones.
Entities: U.S. tariffs, diamond industry, lab-grown diamonds, natural diamonds, De Beers • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: analyze
27-05-2025
Tesla’s Europe sales fell 49% year over year in April to 7,261 vehicles, even as overall regional BEV sales rose 34%, per ACEA. The decline is attributed to reputational damage from Elon Musk’s political activities—endorsing Germany’s AfD, advising U.S. President Trump, and backing federal agency cuts—which sparked protests, alongside rising competition (including BYD surpassing Tesla in Europe) and an aging lineup lacking new mass-market models. Year-to-date (Jan–Apr) Tesla sales are down nearly 40%. European buyers are increasingly favoring hybrids, where Tesla has no offerings. Musk says he will remain committed to Tesla while reducing time on government work.
Entities: Tesla, Elon Musk, Europe, ACEA, BYD • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
China’s weakening economy has made jobs a central vulnerability as it negotiates tariffs with the U.S. Manufacturing—about 100 million jobs—is crucial amid a property slump, slowed growth, and high youth unemployment. Natixis estimates current U.S. tariffs (30%+) could halve Chinese exports to the U.S., costing up to 6 million factory jobs, and up to 9 million if a full trade war resumes. Youth joblessness remains in double digits as millions of graduates enter a market hurt by crackdowns on tech and education, gig work replacing full-time roles, and firms tightening hiring. While the U.S. risks inflation and supply shortages due to reliance on Chinese inputs, analysts say Beijing may better withstand public discontent. Chinese officials pledge support to stabilize jobs and encourage entrepreneurship, but factory owners face costly layoffs, some closures, and cautious hiring, leaving graduates and midcareer workers struggling to find work.
Entities: China, United States, Donald Trump, Natixis, manufacturing sector • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
President Trump has aggressively used tariffs since returning to office, aiming to pressure trading partners and shift production to the U.S., but the measures have been inconsistent and volatile. After announcing sweeping tariffs in April, he paused most for 90 days (except China), then temporarily paused China tariffs on May 12 as both countries agreed to reduce levies during talks. He threatened steep tariffs on the EU but delayed a 50% tariff until July 9 after talks with EU leaders. He warned Apple that iPhones sold in the U.S. must be made domestically or face a 25% tariff. With Britain, he imposed a 10% general tariff and higher duties on cars and steel, then outlined a preliminary deal easing some of those rates and quotas.
Economists warn the policy goals conflict: tariffs meant to boost U.S. manufacturing also raise costs and disrupt supply chains. Tariffs are paid by U.S. importers to the Treasury and can result in higher consumer prices, slimmer company margins, supplier pressure, or all three. Retailers like Walmart signal price increases may follow. The broad exposure to Chinese-made goods means many household items could get pricier or scarcer, even as the administration argues tariffs will create U.S. jobs and generate revenue.
Entities: Donald Trump, European Union, China, Apple, iPhone • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
27-05-2025
China’s large industrial firms saw profits rise 3% year on year in April, up from 2.6% in March, despite heightened US-China trade tensions. For January–April, profits grew 1.4%, with private firms leading gains while state-owned enterprises’ profits fell. The improvement aligns with stronger April exports and industrial output, but analysts warn uncertainty remains high for the second half due to unclear US-China trade relations. The April data precedes a 90-day tariff truce agreed on May 14.
Entities: China, US-China trade tensions, industrial profits, private firms, state-owned enterprises • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
