Reported 6 months ago
Chinese quantitative hedge funds experienced a decrease in assets for the first time since late 2022, with assets under management falling to 1.57 trillion yuan ($217 billion) as of March 31, down 4% from the previous year due to the stock-market meltdown impacting performance and investor confidence in algorithm-driven trading strategies. Quants' stock products lost an average 4.9% in the first quarter, leading to the broader hedge fund industry shrinking by almost 200 billion yuan, with clients withdrawing a net 140 billion yuan. Despite a market rebound, quant funds mostly underperformed stock indexes in April, with factors like momentum, growth, and sentiment remaining unstable.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
According to Bloomberg, Mirae Asset Investment Managers India Pvt. suggests that India may reduce its borrowing this year due to the ongoing national elections narrowing the government's spending window by about three months. With the elections ending soon and results expected on June 4, the government is likely to cut borrowings, potentially helping lower borrowing costs for the government and companies and boosting economic growth in India.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
German climate technology startup Cloover has raised $114 million in seed funding led by Chris Sacca's Lowercarbon Capital. The company's technology enables smaller firms in Europe to access the entire renewables value chain, offering services such as customer tracking, financing, and selling multiple products like solar panels and energy storage in one package. Cloover, successful in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, plans to expand to Spain, France, and Britain with the funding to finance more installations, enhance technology, expand distribution networks, and grow the team.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
A mother seeks advice from Dear Abby about her son's girlfriend who frequently attends family events uninvited and expects to be paid for. Dear Abby suggests setting boundaries with the son and discussing the issue. Another letter expresses concern about a daughter being emotionally abused by her husband, and Dear Abby advises the mother to talk to her daughter privately and offer support. Lastly, a person involved in a traffic accident asks if it's appropriate to contact the other driver to check on their well-being, and Dear Abby recommends consulting with an attorney before doing so to avoid legal issues.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Kyushu Electric Power Co. raised ¥30 billion from Japan's first environmental bond exclusively for nuclear projects, attracting strong demand from investors. The dual-tranche transition bond will refinance investments in nuclear-related projects like emergency response centers. Despite past limited interest, the issuance reflects Japan's carbon-neutral goals, although challenges with radioactive waste disposal persist. The deal saw high demand, with the five-year tranche receiving three times more orders than raised and the 10-year part seeing 1.1 times. Corporate transition bond sales in Japan are rising, with the government and private sector contributing to the growth of this type of debt.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Australia and the European Union have signed an agreement to enhance cooperation and investment in critical minerals, aiming to reduce China's control over supply chains of materials crucial for high-tech and green manufacturing. The deal involves joint development of actions over six months to improve collaboration on critical minerals projects, with the EU seeking a more sustainable supply while fostering investment in Australia. The US and its allies are also working on diversifying sources of critical minerals, such as lithium and cobalt, to reduce reliance on China, which dominates much of the supply.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Indonesia's antitrust authorities are investigating Sea Ltd., the e-commerce leader in Southeast Asia, for potentially favoring its own delivery service over other options. The investigation stems from an algorithm set up by Sea's e-commerce arm Shopee that allegedly prioritized its own delivery service over local alternatives for online shoppers in Indonesia. If found guilty, Shopee could face fines and be required to change its delivery service presentation to consumers. The investigation is ongoing, with Shopee scheduled to respond at a follow-up hearing on June 11.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
China's economic cooperation program in Africa is rebounding post-COVID, with a focus on minerals. Despite increased Chinese investment in Africa last year, the relationship remains largely extractive, with a heavy emphasis on minerals essential for global energy transition. Chinese sovereign lending to Africa is at a two-decade low, while public-private partnerships have yet to gain traction. Chinese engagement in Africa is growing, with investments hitting nearly $11 billion in 2023, mostly in the mining sector. However, challenges remain for African nations to diversify their exports and add value to their raw materials for sustainable development.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
In April, the Bank of Japan's key measures of underlying inflation all fell below their 2% target for the first time since August 2022. The weighted median inflation rate rose 1.1%, the trimmed mean index rose 1.8%, and the third index measuring inflation rate with the highest density rose 1.6%. This data raises uncertainty on the timing of the next interest rate hike, casting doubt on the BOJ's view of sustained achievement of the 2% inflation target.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Isabel Schnabel, a member of the European Central Bank's Executive Board, emphasized the need for quantitative-easing programs to be used primarily during crises due to their potential costs outweighing benefits. Schnabel highlighted the effectiveness of asset purchases during financial turmoil but cautioned central banks to assess whether the benefits of QE justify the costs during calmer periods. The ECB's QE approach and evolving policy framework are being reevaluated amid discussions on how to navigate future monetary policy challenges.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Bitcoin ETFs have achieved a significant milestone by holding over 1 million BTC in custody, valued at $70.5 billion. These investment vehicles, including U.S.-based funds like Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust, as well as international ones like Canada's Purpose Bitcoin ETF, collectively own a substantial portion of the total circulating supply of Bitcoin. This development allows investors, including large institutions, to gain exposure to Bitcoin through the familiar ETF structure within their portfolios.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Airfares in Europe and Asia are beginning to level off or decrease after a prolonged post-pandemic travel surge, impacting airlines grappling with high costs and limited aircraft availability. While demand initially spiked as air travel resumed, causing ticket prices to rise, the trend is now seen as moderating as consumers become more price-sensitive due to inflation. Fares in the Asia-Pacific region have notably dropped around 16% year-on-year, with experts expecting a rebalancing of supply and demand throughout 2024.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester recommends lengthier Federal Reserve policy statements to better describe economic assessments, outlook influences, and associated risks, emphasizing the importance of clarity in uncertain economic environments. Mester criticizes the brevity of recent Fed statements under Chair Jerome Powell, suggesting that the use of additional words can enhance communication and policy understanding. She also proposes the introduction of an 'anonymized matrix' of economic and policy projections to improve the transparency and coherence of the Summary of Economic Projections published quarterly.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Federal Reserve Governor Michelle Bowman expressed support for delaying the process of reducing the U.S. central bank's balance sheet run-off or adopting a more moderate tapering approach. She emphasized the importance of slowing the pace of balance sheet reduction as reserves approach ample levels, especially given the substantial take-up at the Fed's overnight reverse repo facility. Bowman's remarks indicate a preference to wait before implementing the announced reduction plan, emphasizing the need to effectively manage the balance sheet to respond to future economic challenges without impacting monetary policy.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Corbin Bleu, now 35, showcased his jumping rope skills in a TikTok video, proving he still has it 17 years after starring in the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Jump In!'. Bleu shared the video with the caption 'Still got it' and mentioned it was filmed during breaks from his Off-Broadway show 'Little Shop of Horrors'. The actor reflected on his memorable on-screen moments and also shared heartfelt sentiments about his 2016 wedding to Sasha Clements.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Loretta Mester, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President, suggests that the US central bank should improve how it communicates economic conditions affecting future policy decisions by adding more details to policy statements and policymakers' economic forecasts. Mester emphasizes the importance of thoroughly explaining the impact of economic developments on policy decisions, using more words and scenario analysis, and connecting officials' forecasts with key economic variables to enhance transparency and credibility. Michelle Bowman, Fed Governor, also discusses the balance sheet reduction.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Bitcoin prices decreased as traders kept a close eye on transfers from wallets linked to the bankrupt Mt. Gox exchange, aiming to return a $9 billion hoard of Bitcoin to creditors. The digital currency fell by 3.1% to approximately $68,199, affecting other cryptocurrencies like Binance Coin, Polkadot, and Dogecoin. Mt. Gox's wallets holding over 137,000 Bitcoin were moved on Tuesday, raising concerns about potential sell-offs that could pressure Bitcoin’s value, despite insights indicating the impacts may be short-term with the focus shifting to favorable U.S. cryptocurrency regulations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Jaylen Brown overcame being snubbed for awards by delivering stellar performances and winning the Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Despite facing negativity, Brown embraced his beliefs and his game, with his team recognizing his value even if the pundits do not. The player is now focused on the NBA Finals and leading the Boston Celtics towards Banner 18, showing resilience in the face of criticism.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Coldplay演出前，Chris Martin在英国为这位64岁7次格莱美奖获奖乐队的粉丝做了特别停留，让她非常激动。这位罹患骨关节炎、右臀部状况欠佳的粉丝在采访中细述了自己与这位47岁主唱的互动，他在黑色梅赛德斯车中让她搭乘直至抵达会场的“艺人区”，并确保她被照顾得宜。Martin告诉她，“你还没走”，这位粉丝感叹自己将永远感激这位友善的男士，并感谢他将Luton变得更酷，这次的善举让她备感幸运。
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Derrick White hit a game-clinching 3-pointer to secure the Boston Celtics' win over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, sending them to the NBA Finals. White's father expressed pride in his son's performance under pressure, reminiscing about Derrick's previous game-winning moments. The Celtics are set to face the winner of the Western Conference Finals in Game 1 of the Finals on June 6.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Asian shares were mostly lower after a mixed session on Wall Street, with Tokyo, Seoul, Sydney, and Hong Kong seeing declines while Shanghai rose. Mainland Chinese markets were boosted by city government support for the property market. Oil prices also increased. On Wall Street, most U.S. stocks fell, with the S&P 500 edging slightly higher and the Nasdaq reaching a new all-time high. Notable stock movements included Nvidia's 7% increase and GameStop's 25.2% jump after a cash raise. The rise in Treasury yields and U.S. consumer confidence data influenced market sentiments.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Public worker and teachers unions in Wisconsin are arguing in court against a 2011 law that severely limited collective bargaining for most public employees. The unions are seeking to overturn the law, claiming it creates unconstitutional exemptions for certain groups. The case, the first challenge to the law known as Act 10 after a shift in the state Supreme Court's control, is being heard by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, who is considering whether to dismiss the case or proceed with it.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
In Ohio, a trial is set to determine the compensation for the transfer of the Octagon Earthworks, a World Heritage Site with Indigenous ties, from the Moundbuilders Country Club to the historical society. The earthworks, built by the Hopewell Culture 2,000 years ago, are sacred ceremonial and burial sites. The Ohio History Connection aims to transform the property into a public park, valuing it at $2 million, while the country club seeks a higher sum. The earthworks, serving as both an observatory and spiritual location, face heritage preservation challenges and legal disputes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda showcased next-gen engines at a media event in Tokyo, aiming to optimize integration with electric drive units, batteries, and more. The three automakers plan to decarbonize internal combustion engines by making them compatible with e-fuels and biofuels. Toyota's new engines offer reduced volume and weight, with plans for models using the engines to be launched in the future to meet tougher emissions standards, especially in markets like the EU. This move reflects Toyota's strategy of offering various powertrains beyond EVs, with hybrids still playing a significant role in their vehicle lineup.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 6 months ago
Gold prices increased on Tuesday as the dollar weakened, with investors anticipating U.S. inflation data later in the week to gauge potential interest rate cut timing. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $2,357.44 per ounce, while U.S. gold futures settled 0.9% higher at $2,356.5. The decline in the dollar index and lower yield curve rates contributed to the rise in gold prices. The focus for the week will be on U.S. core PCE price index data, with traders currently pricing in around a 63% chance of a Fed rate cut by November. Despite global physically-backed gold ETF outflows of 11.3 metric tons last week, gold prices are likely to remain supported by buying-on-dips demand and central bank diversification.
Source: YAHOO