Tag:

PHNE

This week’s U.S. stock market is filled with information such as the financial results of notable companies and the FOMC | Reuters

by Priya Shah – Business Editor October 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

U.S. stocks are closely watching this week’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, scheduled for June 28th-29th, alongside ‌earnings reports from major companies-collectively known as the Magnificent 7-to gauge the future direction of monetary policy and⁢ market performance. Investors anticipate a 25 basis point interest rate cut, ‌but ‌are bracing for signals from Chairman Powell regarding⁤ the path forward.

The market’s sensitivity to the Fed’s messaging stems from already-priced-in expectations for rate reductions. Any indication of a deviation from this trajectory could‌ trigger significant market adjustments, impacting everything from tech giants to broader S&P 500 constituents. Recent financial results highlight a divergence in performance, with the Magnificent 7’s earnings under scrutiny as a key indicator of ⁤overall economic‍ health.

“The biggest impact ⁣would be if the Fed shows signs ‍of deviating from its⁣ rate-cutting path,” noted Dominic Pappalardo, chief multi-asset strategist at Morningstar Wealth.

October 26, 2025 0 comments

World

Asian markets retreat on potential new US trade curb against China

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 23, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Asian markets broadly declined on Friday following reports ⁢the Biden administration is considering new restrictions ‍on Chinese technology firms, potentially escalating trade⁢ tensions between the world’s⁣ two largest economies. The move, aimed at⁣ preventing China from ⁣acquiring advanced⁤ semiconductors and chipmaking tools, sent ripples through regional stock exchanges ‌and ‌stoked concerns about global economic growth.

The potential curbs build on ‌existing restrictions and could substantially ⁣impact China’s technological ⁣advancement, affecting industries from artificial intelligence to electric vehicles. Investors are bracing for further retaliatory measures from Beijing,⁤ raising the specter of a ⁣renewed trade war that⁤ could disrupt supply chains, ⁢increase costs for businesses, and dampen consumer spending worldwide.⁢ The developments come as economic data from both the U.S. and china present a mixed picture, adding to market‍ uncertainty.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 closed down 0.54%, while South‌ Korea’s Kospi fell 1.44%. hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index ⁢shed 1.94% and the Shanghai Composite lost⁢ 0.76%. Taiwan’s benchmark index dropped 1.24%.The declines followed a negative session on wall Street,⁤ where the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.73% and the S&P 500 declined 0.85%⁢ on Thursday.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. Commerce ⁢Department is preparing to ⁣unveil ⁢new rules that would close loopholes allowing⁣ companies like Huawei Technologies to ⁤access‌ restricted⁢ technologies through third parties.The proposed restrictions would require companies selling advanced chips to‍ China to obtain licenses, effectively tightening the existing export controls.

“This is a clear escalation ‍in the tech war,”⁤ said Alicia Garcia Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis. “The U.S. is signaling it’s willing to take more aggressive ‌steps to slow China’s ⁤technological progress, even if it means disrupting ⁢global trade.”

the potential impact extends beyond ⁤technology companies. Analysts warn ‍that restrictions on semiconductors could⁣ hinder China’s ⁣manufacturing sector, impacting global supply chains already strained by geopolitical tensions‌ and the ⁤lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The‌ U.S.government ‍views⁤ limiting China’s access‌ to advanced⁤ technology as crucial for national security, fearing it could be‍ used to enhance its military capabilities.

October 23, 2025 0 comments

Business

US, Samsung and SK Hynix withdraw special cases – tour of semiconductor devices for China | Reuters

by Priya Shah – Business Editor August 31, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

US, samsung and SK Hynix Halt Semiconductor Equipment Exports too China

Washington D.C. – August 31,2024 – The United States government has effectively ended special permissions allowing South Korean memory chip giants Samsung and SK Hynix to continue exporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China,a move poised to substantially impact China’s domestic chip production capabilities. the decision, confirmed today, restricts access to tools crucial for producing high-end memory chips.The policy shift comes as the Biden management intensifies efforts to slow China’s technological advancement, especially in the strategically vital semiconductor industry. While Washington aims to maintain a competitive edge, the restrictions will likely hinder the expansion plans of Chinese firms and potentially lead to decreased output of advanced chips within the contry. This action follows a period of review regarding previously granted exemptions, and signals a hardening of the US stance on technology exports to Beijing.Previously, Samsung and SK Hynix, both of which operate large chip manufacturing facilities within China, had received waivers from stringent export controls imposed in October 2022. These waivers allowed them to continue receiving the equipment needed to maintain existing production levels. Though, the US Commerce Department has now steadfast that these exemptions will not be renewed, effectively cutting off the supply of key tools.

the restrictions are expected to impact China’s ability to produce advanced NAND flash memory chips, used in a wide range of products including smartphones and data centers. Industry analysts predict a potential decrease in sales to China consequently. Shares of US semiconductor equipment makers reacted negatively to the news on August 29th, with Lamb falling 3.8%, Applied Materials dropping 2.7%, and KLA declining 2.5%.

Thomson Reuters, “Principles of Trust” – https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/about-us/trust-principles.html

August 31, 2025 0 comments

Business

US-South Korea Trade Deal: 15% Tariffs, $350B Investment | Reuters

by Priya Shah – Business Editor July 31, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

US-South Korea Trade Deal Sees Tariff Reduction on Cars, Other Sectors Unchanged

Table of Contents

US-South Korea Trade Deal Sees Tariff Reduction on Cars, Other Sectors Unchanged
- key Provisions of the Agreement
- uncertainties and Future Announcements

Seoul, South Korea – A recently concluded trade agreement between the United states and South Korea will reduce tariffs on South Korean automobiles, while other key sectors like semiconductors and drugs will maintain existing tariff rates. The deal also leaves tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper unchanged, and outlines South Korea’s energy purchases over the next three and a half years.

key Provisions of the Agreement

the South Korean Presidential Office announced that the trade agreement with the U.S. will lower the tariff rate on south Korean cars from 25% to 15%. This adjustment is a significant advancement for the automotive sector involved in the bilateral trade.

In sensitive areas such as rice and beef, the agreement will not expand market access to the United States, according to Kim Yong-Hong-Hon-kun, head of the presidential office’s policy office. This indicates a continued protection of these specific agricultural markets.

Conversely,U.S. President Donald trump and U.S. officials have stated that non-tariff barriers for agricultural products will be eliminated. Trump further asserted that South Korea will grant tariff-free access to U.S. products, including cars, trucks, and agricultural goods.

The agreement also incorporates existing investment plans by Korean companies into an investment fund. Specific safety measures for the utilization of these funds have been established.

uncertainties and Future Announcements

Details regarding the investment contract’s structure, the funding provider, the investment duration, and the agreement’s binding nature remain undisclosed at this time. President Trump indicated that further South Korean investments will be announced at a later date.

Regarding other trade aspects, it was emphasized that South Korea’s semiconductor and drug sectors will not face stricter regulations than those applied in other countries.Furthermore, steel, aluminum, and copper products are not included in the new agreement, meaning their existing tariff rates will persist.

July 31, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts