European Union vote to slap tariff charge on Chinese EV imports

On Friday 4th October 2024, the European Union voted to implement definitive tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made in China ‘The European Commission’s proposal to levy definitive countervailing duties on imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles has garnered the requisite support from EU Member States to proceed with the imposition of tariffs,‘ stated the …

Chinese EV makers continue their BIG push into European markets

This expansion occurs as the European Union investigates subsidies provided to Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, a situation that may lead to the imposition of tariffs. In May 2024 Nio opened a new EV showroom in Amsterdam, while Xpeng introduced its G9 and G6 sports utility vehicles in France. Over the years, China’s electric vehicle industry …

European banks in discussion with cryptocurrency companies

Bitstamp Bitstamp has reportedly disclosed its ongoing discussions with a number of European banks about assisting them in launching cryptocurrency services. These discussions are expected to come to fruition in early 2024. Bitstamp’s Negotiations with Top European Banks Bitstamp’s negotiations underscore the growing acceptance of digital assets within the European financial sector. This news comes …

Markets rally as EU–U.S. trade deal eases some tariff tension

European and American financial markets rallied following the announcement of a new trade pact between the EU and the U.S on Sunday 27th July 2025., easing months of escalating tensions. The deal introduces a 15% tariff on most EU exports to the United States—well below the previously threatened 30% rate—providing greater predictability across key sectors. …

China’s restriction of rare earth materials hurts

China’s recent export restrictions on rare earth elements are sending shockwaves through multiple industries worldwide. As the curbs continue to take effect, sectors reliant on these critical minerals—including automotive, defence, and clean energy—are beginning to feel the strain. China controls about 60–70% of global rare earth production and nearly 90% of the refining capacity. Even …

China suffers U.S. tariff driven falls in exports and increased deflation concerns

China’s economic landscape is facing mounting challenges as exports to the United States plummet and consumer prices decline, sparking fears of deflation. The latest trade data reveals that Chinese exports to the U.S. fell by 34.5% in May 2025, marking the sharpest drop in over five years. This decline comes despite a temporary trade truce …

Russell 2000 goes into bear territory as Dow Jones – S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit correction!

The Russell 2000, a key benchmark for small-cap U.S. stocks, has officially entered bear market territory. This means the index has fallen more than 20% from its all-time high in late November 2024. The decline was accelerated by the recent rollout of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, which have raised concerns about rising costs, economic …

U.S. so-called Liberation Day arrives – It’s tariff time baby! Do you like my chart?

Tariffs are terrific, according to Trump – it’s his most favourite word. Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs have sent shockwaves through global trade, marking a dramatic escalation in his tariff trade war strategy. The day of economic independence. The President of the United States proudly showed off his tariff agenda neatly displayed on a chart …

Trump announces 25% tariffs on car imports to U.S. and pledges pharma tariffs to come

Trump’s tariffs have been a cornerstone of his trade policy, aimed at protecting American industries and reducing trade deficits These measures include tariffs on steel, aluminum, and a wide range of goods from countries like China, Canada, and the European Union. While supporters argue that these tariffs have bolstered domestic manufacturing and created jobs, critics …

Fallout from Trump’s self-imposed tariffs and DOGE cuts is visibly damaging the U.S.

The economic impact of tariffs and budget cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is becoming increasingly evident Major corporations like Nike and Accenture, for example have recently reported significant challenges stemming from these policies. Nike has warned of a sharp decline in sales for the current quarter, attributing this to tariffs and weakened …

S&P 500 slides into correction territory

The S&P 500 has officially entered correction territory, marking a significant shift in market sentiment The index, widely regarded as a benchmark for the health of large U.S. companies, has fallen over 10% from its February 2025 peak. This downturn follows a series of escalating trade tensions, with President Donald Trump announcing a 200% tariff …

Trumps tariffs impact – what a difference a day makes!

Trump pauses tariffs on Mexico and Canada amid China’s retaliatory measures In a surprising turn of events, President Donald Trump announced a 30-day pause on tariffs targeting Mexico and Canada, just as China introduced retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. goods. This move comes amidst escalating trade tensions and a looming threat of a …

UK wants to control its own AI direction – suggesting a divergence from the EU and U.S.

The UK is charting its own course when it comes to regulating artificial intelligence, signaling a potential divergence from the approaches taken by the United States and the European Union. This move is part of a broader strategy to establish the UK as a global leader in AI technology. UK AI framework Britain’s minister for …

How is AI regulation likely to affect stock markets in 2025?

As we head into 2025, the landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) regulation is poised to undergo significant changes, and these shifts are likely to have a profound impact on the stock markets. The introduction of new regulations, particularly in regions like the European Union and the United States, will create both challenges and opportunities for …

China initiates investigation into Nvidia as the microchip battle rumbles on

China has reportedly initiated a probe into Nvidia, the US computer chip manufacturer, over purported breaches of anti-monopoly regulations. The company’s shares fell by over 3% following the announcement, signalling the latest development in the ongoing tech conflict between the U.S. and China over the profitable semiconductor market. Over recent weeks, the U.S. imposed stricter …

Euro zone economy grows 0.4% in third quarter – better than expected

The euro zone’s economy expanded by 0.4% in the third quarter, according to flash figures released by the European Union’s statistics office (Eurostat) on Wednesday 30th October 2024. Economists had anticipated a growth of 0.2%, following a 0.3% increase in the second quarter. Analysts predict that euro zone growth may pick up cautiously in the …

ECB cuts rates for the third time this year by 0.25% to 3.25%

On Thursday 17th October 2024, the ECB announced its third interest rate reduction of 2024, as inflation risks within the European Union diminished more rapidly than anticipated. At its October meeting, the central bank decreased the deposit rate by 0.25%. This decision followed a slowdown in the euro area’s price increases to 1.8% in September …

Ireland’s 13-billion-euro Apple windfall

Ireland stands to gain a substantial financial boost following a pivotal ruling by the European Union’s highest court, which requires Apple to pay €13 billion (around $14 billion) in back taxes. Initially resisted by Dublin, this windfall is now seen as a transformative chance for the nation. The settlement’s roots trace back to 2016 when …

Robinhood launches crypto transfers in Europe directly through its app

The retail investment platform Robinhood has announced the introduction of cryptocurrency transfers in and out of its app for European customers As part of its international expansion efforts, the company aims to enhance its product offerings in the region. According to a blog post-dated Tuesday 1st October 2024, Robinhood will enable customers within the European …

Google’s €2.4 billion fine upheld by EU court in antitrust probe

Europe’s top court upheld a €2.4 billion ($2.65 billion) fine against Google on Tuesday 10th September 2024 for unfairly promoting its shopping comparison service, exploiting its market dominance. The ruling stems from a 2017 antitrust investigation by the European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union. The Commission reportedly found that Google had unfairly …

China’s exports up by 8.7% in August 2024

August 2024 saw China’s exports increase more than expected however, imports fell short of forecasts Exports expanded by 8.7% in U.S. dollar terms compared to the previous year, while imports saw a marginal increase of 0.5%. The export volume of China’s rare earths decreased by 1% from the previous year, imports experienced a more significant …

Euro zone inflation rises to 2.6% in July 2024 – above expectations

In July 2024, inflation in the euro zone unexpectedly increased to 2.6%, as reported by the European Union’s statistics agency on Wednesday 31st July 2024. Core EU inflation, which omits the more volatile prices of energy, food, alcohol, and tobacco, reached 2.9% in July, surpassing expectations. Services inflation, a closely monitored indicator, registered at 4% …

China’s exports beat forecast – but imports drop

In June 2024, China’s imports fell by 2.3% year-on-year in U.S. dollar terms, missing the expected 2.8% growth forecast by analysts. However, exports rose by 8.6%, surpassing the anticipated 8% growth. This resulted in a 2% increase in year-to-date imports and a 3.6% rise in exports for the first half of the year compared to …

Euro zone inflation eases to 2.5% but core measure misses

Inflation in the euro zone dipped to 2.5% in June 2024, the European Union’s statistics agency said on Tuesday 2nd July 2024, in line with expectations. However, core inflation, excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, remained at 2.9% from the prior month, just missing the 2.8% forecast. The rate of price rises in services also …

The EU imposes higher tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs

In a significant development that may affect the electric vehicle (EV) market, the European Union (EU) has tentatively agreed to levy tariffs on Chinese EV manufacturers. This decision reportedly follows an inquiry into the surge of inexpensive, government-subsidized Chinese vehicles entering the EU market. From 4th July 2024, Chinese EV producers who participated in the …