In a significant move that underscores the Biden administration’s ongoing scrutiny of foreign investments in critical American industries, President Joe Biden has reportedly blocked Nippon Steel’s audacious $14.9 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. This decision, as cited by The Washington Post, comes after the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) failed
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In recent years, the automotive landscape in China has undergone a significant transformation. As consumers gradually move away from traditional gasoline vehicles, hybrid-powered vehicles have emerged as a preferred choice over their fully battery-powered counterparts. Notably, BYD, a leading player in China’s automotive sector, has reported remarkable sales figures for hybrid vehicles in 2024. With
As we delve into the world of fixed income investments, it’s crucial to recognize the precarious position investors find themselves in as we approach 2025. With the bond market’s tumultuous phase expected to persist, nearly $3 trillion worth of U.S. debt is poised to reach maturity in the upcoming year. A significant portion of this
December brought disappointing news for China’s manufacturing sector as the official purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell short of analysts’ expectations. With a reading of 50.1, the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics indicated that production levels had stagnated despite government efforts to revitalize a faltering economy. A figure above 50 typically indicates growth,
The Asia-Pacific markets concluded a volatile trading session on the penultimate day of the year, largely influenced by developments in Wall Street, where stocks faced a notable decline the previous Friday. Amidst a landscape characterized by political instability and adverse economic indicators, the performance of various markets varied significantly, reflecting localized challenges and investor sentiment.
In a significant escalation of ongoing tensions, Gazprom, the Russian state-owned energy conglomerate, announced plans to cut gas supplies to Moldova starting January 1. This decision is cloaked in claims of unpaid debts, asserting that Moldova owes approximately $709 million for past gas deliveries. However, the Moldovan government disputes this figure, arguing that an international
The ongoing saga surrounding TikTok, the widely popular social media platform owned by China’s ByteDance, has recently captured national attention as President-elect Donald Trump has made a significant appeal to the Supreme Court. On January 19, a law prohibiting TikTok from operating in the U.S. if not sold to an American entity is set to
In a continuing trend of economic concern, China’s industrial profits have seen a successive decline for four months, experiencing a 7.3% drop in November compared to the same period last year. This decline marks an ongoing challenge for Beijing’s economic policy measures, notably the stimulus initiatives designed to reinvigorate corporate earnings. While the recent dip
On Thursday, stock markets across the Asia-Pacific region exhibited predominantly positive movements, with only a few key exchanges left in the green amid Boxing Day closures. Japan stood out as a notable player, reflecting a broader trend fueled by robust fiscal policies. However, the market activities were tempered by a blend of economic reports and
The year 2024 in the Indo-Pacific region was marked by a striking juxtaposition of tribulations and celebrations. Despite economic uncertainties and persistent geopolitical tensions still being felt throughout the area, glimmers of hope and signs of resilience emerged. Our focus here will be to dissect the events that shaped the region’s narrative, exploring who faced