Reported 2 days ago
Julius Baer's CEO, Stefan Bollinger, stated that the bank does not anticipate any further significant credit losses following a $156 million write-down revealed during a credit portfolio review. He expressed confidence that no additional idiosyncratic risks would emerge that could lead to more notable losses. The write-down primarily concerned the private debt and mortgage books, as explained by CFO Evie Kostakis.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 2 days ago
The Hayek family, which controls the Swatch Group, is under pressure as American investor Steven Wood attempts to secure a board seat to encourage a focus on luxury brands amidst a decline in Swatch's performance. The company's board has recommended rejecting Wood's bid, which he believes is essential given Swatch's significant profit drop and falling stock value. With proxy advisers urging shareholders to oppose the current board’s re-election, the family's strong influence is likely to hinder any immediate changes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
The IEA reports that the increasing concentration in critical mineral markets could lead to significant disruptions in the industry, particularly due to export restrictions and vulnerabilities in supply chains. As demand for these minerals grows due to energy transition initiatives, the dominance of a few key suppliers—especially China—exacerbates risks of supply shocks that could drive up consumer prices and diminish industrial competitiveness. The IEA warns of potential supply shortfalls in copper and a growing deficit in lithium by the 2030s.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
International Monetary Fund's Gita Gopinath stressed the urgency for the U.S. to curb its excessive fiscal deficits and manage its growing debt in an interview with the Financial Times. Despite some positive trade developments, Gopinath highlighted ongoing uncertainties and warned that continued trade tensions could hinder economic growth.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Japan's exports to the U.S. fell nearly 2% in April due to tariff increases imposed by President Donald Trump. The overall global export growth slowed to 2%, resulting in a trade deficit of 115.8 billion yen ($804 million), the first in three months. Imports from the U.S. also dropped by over 11%, adding pressure to Japan's economy, which is recovering from a recent contraction. While trade with the U.S. suffers, Japan's exports to Southeast Asia are on the rise.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
The Trump Organization is set to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a $1.5 billion luxury golf resort near Hanoi, Vietnam, with the event attended by Eric Trump. This project includes three 18-hole golf courses and is part of discussions to avoid punitive tariffs during ongoing trade negotiations between Vietnam and the U.S. The development reflects Vietnam's growing potential for luxury hospitality and entertainment.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
As China's major tech stocks struggle this earnings season, Baidu Inc. is under pressure to impress investors amid a competitive AI landscape. Although Baidu's shares have risen 6% this year, they lag behind Alibaba and the broader Hang Seng Tech Index. Analysts predict modest growth in cloud sales and expect Baidu to show reduced revenue declines, yet the company's heavy reliance on advertising revenue remains a concern. Investors are cautiously anticipating Baidu's upcoming earnings report, hoping for signs of recovery that could elevate its undervalued stock.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Vietnam's Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien visited Washington to discuss tariff negotiations with U.S. firms including Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, and Excelerate Energy. The country aims to strengthen U.S. investment and enhance cooperation in sectors like satellite communication and clean energy, especially as it seeks to mitigate a potential 46% tariff on Vietnamese goods during ongoing trade talks.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
President Donald Trump is increasingly impatient with efforts to raise the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction while trying to pass a major tax cut bill. During a recent meeting, he urged Republicans from high-tax states to hold off on increasing the SALT limit until after the legislation is finalized. Despite ongoing negotiations, some lawmakers are still opposed unless significant changes are made, signaling a stalemate as the House prepares to vote on the package.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Federal Reserve officials conveyed concerns that rising U.S. import tariffs will soon lead to increased prices, urging caution before adjusting interest rates until the inflationary effects become clearer. While the White House downplayed the immediate impact of these tariffs on inflation, Fed leaders highlighted a growing expectation of price hikes as inventory strategies are exhausted, with a focus on understanding how consumers will respond to these changes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
South Korea's government announced plans to bolster its biopharmaceutical and automotive sectors, which are likely to face challenges due to U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump. As the U.S. seeks to enhance domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, South Korea prepares measures to support its exports, particularly in light of the 16% of biopharmaceutical products shipped to the U.S. The country aims to negotiate tariff exemptions while also aiding other affected industries like chipmakers and steel manufacturers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard confirmed that cars assembled in Mexico and exported to the US will incur an average tariff of 15%, rather than the previously expected 25%, due to additional discounts for local products.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Japanese manufacturers expressed reduced confidence in business conditions in May, according to a Reuters Tankan poll. Concerns surrounding U.S. tariff actions and their impact on the economy, which shrank in early 2025, have intensified pessimism, with expectations for further decline in sentiment over the next three months. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains positive, particularly in the transport sector, but rising costs and economic stagnation in China pose ongoing challenges.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
On May 21, major retailers including Target and Lowe's will report earnings as analysts anticipate weak sales due to sluggish housing demand. Federal Reserve officials, including Governor Michelle Bowman, will provide comments amidst expectations that interest rates may remain unchanged until at least September. Additionally, the House is set to discuss President Trump's tax bill for a potential vote.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Colombian state oil company Ecopetrol has agreed to purchase 10 renewable energy project developers from Norway's Statkraft as the latter exits the Colombian market. The acquisition, which has a potential capacity of up to 1.3 gigawatts, aims to support Ecopetrol's domestic energy needs, although the transaction's value remains undisclosed. The deal awaits regulatory approval and is part of Ecopetrol's broader strategy to enhance its renewable energy investments.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Elon Musk announced that Tesla and xAI will persist in purchasing chips from Nvidia and AMD, as the latter prepares to construct a new facility near Memphis to accommodate 1 million GPUs. Musk highlighted the need for GPUs for Tesla's Optimus humanoid robots, asserting the company's commitment to buy from Nvidia as long as their chips remain superior.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Shares of Strategy (previously MicroStrategy), the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, have risen 75% from their April low, tracking the recovery of bitcoin, which has reached over $107,000. Investors should monitor significant price levels, with potential overhead resistance at $440 and a target of $945, while crucial support levels are at $230 and $180 as the stock continues its upward trend.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
The GENIUS bill, aimed at regulating stablecoins within the crypto industry, is making progress in the Senate, but critics express concerns over potential corruption linked to its proponents, particularly the Trump family. They fear the bill may allow major tech companies to operate like banks without adequate safeguards, raising alarms about a future financial crisis triggered by these entities, reminiscent of past economic collapses. Some Democratic senators have reluctantly supported the bill, acknowledging the inevitability of blockchain technology while highlighting the troubling implications of unregulated cryptocurrency.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Currency options traders are experiencing unprecedented negativity towards the dollar, with one-year risk reversals indicating a strong preference for puts over calls. This bearish sentiment has intensified amidst concerns over US fiscal policy and rising government debt, resulting in a significant decline in the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index. Despite hopes for a temporary relief in US-China trade tensions, the outlook remains bleak, leading to increased positions betting against the dollar.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
In recent interviews, Tesla CEO Elon Musk highlighted his dedication to the company and its upcoming robotaxi launch, asserting he will remain in his role for at least the next five years. Analyst Dan Ives observed a noticeable shift in Musk's focus compared to recent months, emphasizing his commitment to Tesla over political engagements. Musk is optimistic about the potential for hundreds of thousands of autonomous vehicles on the roads by the end of 2026, despite the company's stocks facing challenges this year.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Keysight Technologies surpassed Wall Street predictions for second-quarter revenue and profit, fueled by strong sales in its communications division, resulting in a 5% increase in its share value. The company reported earnings of $1.70 per share, above the estimated $1.65, with communication sales hitting $913 million, up 9% year-over-year. Overall revenue rose 7.4% to $1.31 billion, exceeding forecasts, and Keysight raised its annual revenue growth target to 5%-7%.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
Kraft Heinz is considering merger and acquisition opportunities due to a decline in consumer demand for its premium snacks and ready-to-eat meals. The company acknowledged challenges such as increasing tariffs and a shift towards healthier food options driven by weight-loss drugs. Furthermore, Berkshire Hathaway announced it will no longer hold board seats, although it maintains a 27.5% stake in Kraft Heinz. The company has faced scrutiny from investors, particularly after its costly merger in 2015.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
On May 20, 2025, the S&P 500 fell 0.4%, breaking a six-day winning streak as investor confidence in trade and inflation wavered. FICO shares plunged 8.1% following scrutiny from a federal housing official regarding pricing. Other notable performances included Moderna's stock rising 6.1% after FDA updates on vaccine boosters, while AES Corp. and Norwegian Cruise Line saw declines due to analysts' concerns over valuation and consumer confidence.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 3 days ago
On a troubling day for U.S. assets, Japan's long-term bond yields soared to a record high of 3.14%, reflecting increasing investor concerns over fiscal health and global economic dynamics. This surge follows a weak auction of 20-year securities, highlighting declining demand for long-term government debt, particularly in Japan, which faces a staggering debt-to-GDP ratio. Meanwhile, U.S. markets grapple with the aftermath of a credit downgrade and ongoing political challenges surrounding tax legislation.
Source: YAHOO