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JP

Trading Day: Markets becalmed, Nvidia reports

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 20, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Markets Becalmed Ahead of Nvidia Earnings, Economic Data

Global markets drifted Wednesday as investors awaited earnings from Nvidia and key⁣ economic ‌reports, including‌ the ⁣latest U.S. inflation data, for clues about the future path of interest rates. The cautious ⁣trading habitat followed a rally fueled by optimism over potential ‍Federal Reserve easing, leaving ‌benchmarks largely unchanged.

The relative ⁤calm reflects investor hesitation before ⁢major catalysts arrive.Nvidia‘s report, expected after market close, is particularly crucial, as the chipmaker’s performance is seen as a bellwether for the artificial intelligence sector and broader market sentiment. Simultaneously, the release of‌ the Consumer price Index (CPI) on Thursday will heavily influence expectations for when the Federal Reserve might begin‍ cutting interest rates, impacting ‌everything from bond yields to corporate borrowing costs.

Here’s a snapshot of Wednesday’s market performance:

* Equities: The S&P 500 edged up ‌0.1%, ‌while the Nasdaq Composite and dow Jones⁣ Industrial Average saw minimal movement.
* treasuries: U.S. Treasury‌ yields held steady, with the 10-year yield hovering ⁢around 4.16%.
* Currencies: The U.S. dollar remained stable⁤ against a basket of major currencies.
* ‌ Oil: Crude oil‍ prices rose⁤ slightly, supported by ongoing ⁤geopolitical tensions.

The economic calendar for the remainder of the week is packed. Beyond ⁢the CPI report, investors will ⁣also be scrutinizing ‌producer price index (PPI) data and ‌weekly jobless claims for further insights into the ⁣health of the U.S. economy.

“The market is in a holding pattern,” said Jamie McGeever, a financial ‌journalist with Reuters. “Everyone is‍ waiting for Nvidia and ‍CPI. thes reports will likely dictate the next leg of the move, whether‌ that’s a continuation of the rally or a‍ pullback.”

reuters reported that opinions expressed are those of the ⁢author and do not reflect ⁢the views of Reuters News, which is ‍committed to integrity, independence, and ⁤freedom from bias. Licensing ⁢rights for Reuters content are available at https://www.reutersagency.com/en/licensereuterscontent/?utm_medium=rcom-article-media&utm_campaign=rcom-rcp-lead.

Jamie McGeever has been a⁢ financial journalist as‌ 1998,reporting from brazil,Spain,New York,London,and the US. His expertise covers global ⁤markets, economics, policy, and investment.

November 20, 2025 0 comments

World

Offhand remark, symbolic suit signal long winter for Japan-China ties

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 20, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Offhand Remark, Symbolic Suit Signal Long Winter for Japan-China Ties

TOKYO, December 26 – A seemingly casual comment by Japanese Foreign ‌Minister Yoko Kamikawa, coupled with a pointed sartorial choice by China’s⁢ ambassador to Japan, has underscored the deepening chill in relations between the‍ two Asian powers, signaling‍ a possibly prolonged period‌ of strained diplomatic engagement. The exchange occurred during a recent reception in Tokyo,‍ raising concerns about the trajectory of the crucial bilateral relationship.

the diplomatic friction stems from Japan’s recent release of‌ treated radioactive water from ⁣the ⁢Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant,a move vehemently opposed by China. Kamikawa’s remark, made in response to a question about the water release, reportedly alluded to the water being “processed” and safe for consumption – a phrasing interpreted by Chinese officials as dismissive of their concerns. Together, Chinese Ambassador Wu Jianghao arrived ⁤at the reception wearing a dark‍ suit,‌ a purposeful ⁢departure⁤ from the typically lighter colors worn for celebratory events, widely seen as a⁤ symbolic protest.

The incident arrives at a sensitive juncture, with both nations navigating complex regional dynamics and economic interdependence. While trade between Japan and China remains substantial – exceeding‌ $345 billion in 2022 – political tensions have escalated over territorial disputes ⁣in the East China Sea, historical grievances, and ⁤differing⁣ geopolitical alignments.⁣

“this isn’t just about the water,” explained Dr. Kenji Etoh,⁢ a political science professor at Keio University in Tokyo. “It’s about trust, and a perceived lack of respect. The ambassador’s suit was a vrey public signal that Beijing is not willing to simply move on.”

The water⁣ release, approved by the International Atomic Energy⁣ Agency (IAEA), has triggered widespread⁣ protests in China and a complete ban⁤ on Japanese seafood imports. Despite IAEA assurances that the⁣ release meets international safety standards, Beijing maintains it poses a risk to marine life and public health.

The symbolic gestures and pointed rhetoric suggest a ‌hardening of positions on both sides, potentially hindering future dialog and cooperation.Analysts predict a period of limited high-level engagement and continued diplomatic sparring, with implications for regional stability and economic ⁤ties. The long-term impact⁢ remains uncertain, but ⁤the recent exchange paints a bleak picture for a swift thaw in japan-China ⁢relations.

November 20, 2025 0 comments

Technology

AI adds logic to reinventing the silicon wheel

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor November 18, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

AI Powers ‌New approaches to Chip⁢ Design, Possibly Overcoming Physical Limits

SAN FRANCISCO, October 26, 2023 – Artificial intelligence is being deployed to fundamentally rethink semiconductor design, offering a potential⁤ path to circumvent the physical limitations increasingly hindering traditional chip development. Breakingviews reports⁤ that companies are leveraging AI to explore novel chip architectures and materials, moving beyond conventional silicon-based designs.

For decades, Moore’s Law – the ⁣observation that the number of⁤ transistors ⁢on a microchip doubles approximately every two ‍years – has driven technological progress. Though, as transistors shrink to near-atomic levels, quantum effects and heat dissipation pose significant challenges. AI offers ⁣a way to optimize designs at a level of complexity beyond human capability, potentially extending the ⁤lifespan of chip innovation.

The⁤ approach involves using algorithms to explore ‌a vast design space, identifying configurations that would be impractical for engineers to⁤ conceive manually. This includes⁣ experimenting with new materials beyond silicon, like gallium nitride and silicon carbide,‍ and unconventional chip layouts.‍ “We’re‌ essentially reinventing the silicon wheel, but with a logic engine that can explore possibilities we never could ‍before,” said one industry expert familiar with the technology, as reported by Breakingviews.

Several companies are already pursuing this strategy. Synopsys, a leading electronic design automation (EDA) software provider, is integrating AI into its tools to automate chip layout and verification.Startups like Tenstorrent,founded by former Google AI researcher Jim Keller,are designing chips specifically optimized for AI workloads,utilizing AI in the design⁢ process itself.

The potential benefits extend ⁢beyond simply maintaining Moore’s Law. AI-driven design could lead to chips that are more energy-efficient,faster,and better suited for specialized ‍applications like artificial intelligence,autonomous vehicles,and high-performance computing.

Robyn Mak, a Reuters Breakingviews journalist covering technology,‍ has followed the development of AI in chip design since 2013,‍ noting the increasing investment and sophistication of ‍these tools. The ‌shift represents a significant departure from the established EDA industry and‌ could reshape the future of semiconductor manufacturing.

November 18, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: Yttrium Shortage: China Restrictions Threaten Aerospace, Tech Industries

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 17, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

china’s Export Controls Spark Yttrium Shortage Fears, Raising Specter of New Rare Earths Crisis

BEIJING/NEW YORK, December 12,‌ 2023 ⁢- Restrictions on yttrium exports from China are creating supply bottlenecks and price increases, prompting concerns of a ‌broader rare earths crisis as the ⁣world increasingly relies on these critical ⁤materials for green technologies and defense applications. ⁢The ⁤move, part of Beijing’s ‍tightened control over strategic mineral exports, is impacting industries ⁤from electric vehicles to electronics and defense, mirroring anxieties seen during a previous ⁣rare earths dispute with Japan in‌ 2010.

Yttrium,while not ⁢as widely⁤ known‍ as neodymium or dysprosium,is‍ a crucial component in various high-tech applications,including red⁢ phosphors for displays,ceramics,and as a stabilizer in alloys used‍ in high-temperature applications. China dominates global yttrium production,accounting ⁣for over 99% of the world’s supply,making downstream industries notably vulnerable to export controls. The current restrictions, implemented alongside‍ controls on gallium and germanium earlier this ⁤year, signal a willingness by China to leverage its dominance in⁤ the critical minerals supply⁣ chain.

Reuters’ Chief Correspondent for China Commodities and Energy, lewis Jackson, reports that the yttrium shortage is already being felt by⁢ manufacturers, with prices ⁢rising⁤ sharply in recent ‍weeks. “The situation is reminiscent of the 2010 ‌rare earths crisis,were China restricted exports of rare earth elements,leading to meaningful price⁤ increases⁤ and supply disruptions,” Jackson noted.

The restrictions ⁣come as global demand for rare earth elements surges, driven by⁣ the transition to‌ electric vehicles, wind⁤ turbines, and other clean energy⁤ technologies. According to a recent report‌ by the ⁢International Energy‌ Agency, demand for rare‌ earth elements could⁢ increase sixfold by 2040. ‍

Ernest‌ Scheyder, a senior correspondent covering critical minerals ⁣and the global energy transition, and‍ author of “The ⁢war ‌Below: Lithium, Copper,⁣ and the Global Battle to power our Lives,” explains the‌ broader implications.⁣ “China’s actions underscore the ‍urgent⁤ need ⁤for diversification of the rare earths supply⁣ chain,” Scheyder said. “Western nations are scrambling to ‍develop domestic sources ⁢and⁤ processing capabilities, but it will take years to reduce reliance on China.”

The United⁣ States,⁢ Australia, and Canada are investing in rare earths mining and processing projects, but ⁢scaling up production to meet global demand remains a significant challenge. The current yttrium situation⁢ is prompting renewed calls for strategic stockpiling⁢ and ⁤international ⁢cooperation to ensure a stable and secure supply of these⁤ vital materials. Analysts predict ⁣further export controls ‌from China are possible, potentially encompassing other⁤ critical‌ minerals, ‌intensifying the pressure on global supply⁣ chains.

November 17, 2025 0 comments

World

Japanese Public Divided on Military Response to China Over Taiwan

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 16, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

japanese Public ‌Opinion‍ Split on military Action Regarding Taiwan, Kyodo Poll Reveals

TOKYO, Oct‍ 26 – ⁣A recent Kyodo News poll indicates a‌ stark division among Japanese citizens regarding potential military involvement ‌should china attack Taiwan, with ⁤roughly half believing Japan should defend Taiwan even without a U.S. alliance, while ⁢the other half opposes such action. The survey,‍ conducted ‌Oct. 21-23, highlights the complex ‍and sensitive nature of⁣ the issue as tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait.

The findings underscore a growing‍ debate within Japan about‌ its security posture and its role in regional stability. With China’s military assertiveness increasing and the future of the U.S.-Japan alliance subject to potential shifts, the question of whether Japan would – and should – intervene‍ militarily⁢ to protect Taiwan carries notable implications for Japan’s defense strategy, its relationship with both China and‍ the United States, and the ‌broader geopolitical landscape of East Asia.

According to‍ the poll, 53% of respondents said Japan should come to Taiwan’s aid even without a U.S.-Japan ‌security treaty obligation,compared to 42% who said it should not. This ⁤marks a shift from⁤ a similar Kyodo survey conducted in 2021, where 55% opposed ⁣independent defense of Taiwan.

When respondents were asked specifically‍ about joint Japan-U.S. defense ⁢of Taiwan, support rose to⁣ 69%, while opposition decreased to⁣ 26%.The survey also revealed that⁣ 86%⁢ of Japanese citizens view China’s growing military influence as a “concern,” ⁤with ⁢65% ⁤expressing‍ “strong concern.”

The⁤ poll was conducted ‍via ‍telephone, ‌reaching 1,057 eligible voters nationwide. The response rate was 33.6%.

November 16, 2025 0 comments

World

Some Nexperia chip shipments resume as Germany welcomes ‘de-escalation’

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 8, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Nexperia ⁢chip Shipments Partially Resume After German Intervention

Munich, Germany – Some shipments of semiconductors from Nexperia,⁤ a Dutch-Chinese chipmaker, have resumed to customers after a halt triggered ⁣by a German⁣ government‍ order last⁣ week, Reuters has learned. The partial resumption follows assurances from Nexperia regarding the independence of⁣ its German⁣ subsidiary, Nexperia B.V., and commitments to maintain supply to European customers.

The disruption stemmed from concerns over potential vulnerabilities in Europe’s ‍semiconductor ‍supply chain,given Nexperia’s ownership by Wingtech,a Chinese ‍company. Germany’s economic and climate⁢ protection ministry initially blocked shipments,citing a ⁢need to assess the impact on supply security,especially for the automotive industry. This move highlighted ⁣growing anxieties in Europe and the United States‍ about reliance on a limited number of suppliers for critical technologies. The resumption, while partial, signals a de-escalation‌ in tensions and ⁢a potential pathway for continued operations, albeit under increased ⁣scrutiny.

Germany’s intervention ‌underscores the strategic importance of semiconductors, essential components ⁣in everything from cars and smartphones to defense systems. ‌The global chip‍ shortage over the past‍ several ‍years exposed the fragility of supply chains ⁣and prompted governments worldwide to invest heavily in domestic chip production.Nexperia B.V., based in Hamburg, is a ⁢key supplier of automotive chips,⁢ and a prolonged disruption could have significantly impacted ⁤production at major German automakers.

According to a statement from Germany’s ministry, the resumption of ⁣shipments is contingent on Nexperia providing regular updates on ‌its⁢ supply chain and maintaining transparency regarding its ownership structure. “The German⁢ government continues to monitor the situation ‍closely‌ and reserves the⁢ right to take further measures if necessary to protect supply security,” the statement ‍read.

Nexperia has ⁤consistently maintained‌ that its ‌German operations are independent and that it prioritizes serving its European⁢ customer base. A spokesperson‍ for the company stated, ⁢”We are pleased to have reached‍ an understanding with ⁢the German authorities ⁣and ‌to be able to resume shipments to our customers. We remain committed to ‌being ‍a reliable⁢ supplier to the European automotive and industrial sectors.”

The situation highlights the delicate balance between national ⁢security concerns and the need for a functioning global semiconductor market. Further developments are expected as⁢ Germany continues its ‍assessment of Nexperia’s operations and the broader implications⁣ for Europe’s chip supply chain.

November 8, 2025 0 comments

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