GMT EIGHT - Commercial - Global

Inflation “Off the Charts”: U.S. July Producer Prices Surge 0.9% Month-on-Month, 3.3% Year-on-Year

World Humanoid Robot Games Debut with Competitions in Soccer, Combat, Dance, and More

HKMA and SFC Define Robust Entry Requirements for Stablecoin Issuer Licenses; Public Advised to Stay Cautious

Summer Economy Insight｜Evolving Consumption Scenarios and the Nighttime “Golden Four Hours” Fuel New Seasonal Growth

Historic First: U.S. National Debt Surpasses $37 Trillion—Will Trump Be Drawn In?

Japan’s Q2 Growth Beats Forecasts Despite U.S. Tariff Pressure

Japan’s economy grew 0.3% in Q2 2025, driven by stronger exports and outperforming forecasts, though economists warn momentum may slow under ongoing U.S. tariff impacts.

Asia Stocks Steady as Investors Digest U.S. Inflation Surprise

Asian markets saw a mixed recovery on Friday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 rising 1.6% on strong GDP data while regional shares outside Japan slipped. U.S. producer prices jumped 0.9% in July, leading traders to expect a smaller Fed rate cut next month. Chinese equities gained on stimulus hopes despite weak data, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell, and commodities and cryptocurrencies posted mixed moves.

SoftBank's Payments App Prepares for U.S. Listing as HSBC Plans London Surveillance Upgrade

SoftBank's payments subsidiary, PayPay, is seeking a U.S. public listing, which could raise over $2 billion. Separately, HSBC is planning a significant security upgrade for its new London office, featuring a major increase in cameras and biometric scanners to monitor its hybrid workforce.

India’s IREL Courts Japan and South Korea to Build a Rare-Earth Magnet Supply Chain

India’s state-owned IREL is moving to build a domestic rare earth magnet industry by courting technology and manufacturing partnerships in Japan and South Korea, with initial outreach channeled via government contacts and Toyotsu Rare Earths India. The push aims to cut reliance on China after recent export controls disrupted global supply chains for magnet materials used in autos, aerospace and electronics. Near-term steps include board approval for commercial magnet production this year, supplying neodymium oxide to partners, and expanding both local processing and overseas mining options.

Global Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Rate-Cut Bets

Global stocks rallied to record highs on Tuesday after U.S. inflation slowed more than expected, boosting expectations for a September Federal Reserve rate cut. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Topix indexes hit new all-time highs, while the MSCI All Country World Index also reached a record. The U.S. dollar weakened on policy uncertainty, oil and gold prices rose, and Ether climbed to its highest in nearly four years. Improved U.S.–China trade relations further supported market sentiment.

China Blacklists Two Lithuanian Banks After EU Sanctions Chinese Lenders

China’s commerce ministry has barred Chinese individuals and organizations from doing business with two Lithuanian lenders, Urbo Bankas and Mano Bankas, in a direct response to the European Union’s decision to sanction two Chinese banks over links to Russia. The move underscores how financial measures tied to the Ukraine war are spilling into EU-China relations, adding a sanctions tit-for-tat to existing trade frictions.

German Investor Sentiment Drops Sharply in August on Trade Frustrations

German investor sentiment fell sharply in August, with the ZEW economic sentiment index dropping to 34.7 from 52.7 in July, well below expectations. The decline was driven by concerns over a new EU–U.S. trade deal imposing a 15% U.S. tariff on most EU goods, which could hit Germany’s export-heavy industries. Official data also showed the economy contracted 0.1% in Q2 2025 due to weaker U.S. orders. The ZEW current conditions index slipped further to –68.6, reflecting ongoing economic challenges.

Japanese Equities Break Records as Tech Surge and Trade Optimism Boost Market

Japanese stocks hit record highs on Tuesday, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 42,849.67 and the Topix at 3,067.96, driven by strong gains in technology shares and optimism over potential U.S.–Japan tariff reviews. SoftBank jumped nearly 7% on reports of a possible U.S. listing for its PayPay unit, while semiconductor stocks like Advantest and Lasertec rose about 7% each.

Oil Markets Hold Steady as Trump Extends Tariff Truce, Eyes Turn to Putin Meeting

Oil prices stabilized after the U.S. extended its tariff truce with China, easing trade fears. Traders now await Friday’s Trump-Putin summit, which could affect sanctions on Russian oil. While volatility remains muted, markets are closely watching for supply data and geopolitical shifts that could sway energy demand.

Silver Prices Face Volatility Amidst Key US Economic Data

Silver prices, having recently rallied, face potential volatility and profit-taking pressure this week as the market awaits key US economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy and the US dollar's strength.

Ethereum Surges to New Highs Amid Favorable Regulatory Shifts and Weaker Dollar

Ethereum has hit its highest price since late 2021, fueled by a weaker dollar and positive regulatory developments. The U.S. government has clarified rules on liquid staking and retirement plan crypto allocations, attracting institutional investment. Strong ETF inflows and reduced selling pressure further propelled the cryptocurrency, which saw an increase of more than 40% in its price this month.

Chinese Robots Truly at Work as Industrial Chain Accelerates Overseas Expansion

At the 2025 World Robot Conference in Beijing, companies such as Qingbao Robotics, Qinglang Intelligent, Zhuoyide Robotics, and Magic Atom showcased multifunctional, AI-embodied robots across applications in tourism, security, live streaming, and eldercare, marking a transition from novelty displays to real-world deployments.

SoftBank Shares Hit Record High on AI Optimism and Strong Q1 Earnings

SoftBank Group's shares soared to a new record, fueled by a strong Q1 profit and massive AI investments, including a $30 billion commitment to OpenAI. The company's Vision Fund swung back to profit, and its improved loan-to-value ratio bolstered confidence. Despite some concerns about funding and project timelines, the market is bullish on SoftBank's AI-centric strategy.

Germany’s Industrial Production Drops Sharply While Exports Beat Expectations

Germany’s industrial output fell sharply by 1.9% in June 2025, marking its lowest level since the pandemic began in 2020 and signaling renewed strain in the manufacturing sector. The drop was worse than expected, and May’s data was also revised downward. Despite this, exports rose 0.8%, beating forecasts, thanks to stronger demand from EU countries.

Investor Confidence in Asian Currencies Wanes as Tariff Risks Rise

Investor confidence in Asian currencies is weakening as global trade tensions rise and political uncertainty grows. Short bets on the Indian rupee hit a five-month high after the U.S. threatened new tariffs over India’s Russian oil imports. Similar bearish sentiment is building for the Chinese yuan, Taiwan dollar, and several others. In contrast, the Singapore dollar, Malaysian ringgit, and Thai baht remain relatively stable due to stronger fundamentals. Overall, investors are growing more cautious in Asia’s currency markets, amid geopolitical risks and uncertain U.S. monetary policy.

Global Oil Supply at Risk as Trump's Tariffs Target India

President Trump has imposed a new tariff on Indian imports, raising the total duty to 50% as a penalty for India's substantial purchases of Russian oil. Analysts warn this could disrupt global oil supply by up to 3.5 million bpd and increase prices. India has called the action unjustified, and the move highlights rising tensions and the use of economic pressure in global foreign policy.

Tech Stocks Soar as Apple Announces Massive US Investment and Tariff Exemptions

Driven by a surge in Apple's stock following a major US investment announcement and tariff exemptions, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 posted significant gains. Despite mixed earnings reports from companies like Disney and AMD, strong performances from McDonald's and Uber, and an upbeat forecast from DoorDash buoyed the market. Broader economic concerns about looming tariffs and potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts also influenced investor sentiment.

Global Markets Steady as Investors Look Past Tariff Pressures

Global markets remained resilient on Tuesday despite mixed economic signals, including weak U.S. services data, rising input costs, and renewed trade tensions. Investors interpreted these headwinds as potential triggers for future policy support, helping sustain a risk-on sentiment. While corporate warnings from Caterpillar, Yum Brands, and AMD raised concerns about margin pressures, the S&P 500 held near recent highs.

U.S. Corporations Rethink M&A Strategy: Equity and Cash Take the Lead Over Debt

A growing number of large U.S. companies are shifting their M&A financing strategies by relying more on equity and cash instead of debt, driven by rising interest rates and pressure from credit rating agencies. High-profile deals like Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern highlight this trend, with limited new borrowing to preserve credit ratings.

Market on Edge: Dollar Stays Flat as Traders Brace for Fed Decisions and New Tariffs

The dollar is holding steady as markets await President Trump's nominations for a Fed governor and chairman. Mixed economic data, including a flat services sector and rising inflation from tariffs, is complicating the Fed's policy path. Traders are pricing in a high probability of a September rate cut, but political influence and trade tensions are keeping investors cautious.

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