Observe. Think. Chat. Do. Trade. Repeat…
Trump’s latest tariff salvo is already rattling pharma stocks. Branded drugs now face a 100% levy unless firms build plants in the U.S. Trump’s Drug Tariffs: A protectionist prescription policy? In a move that’s rattled pharmaceutical markets across Asia and Europe, President Trump has announced a sweeping 100% tariff on branded, patented drugs imported into …
Continue reading “Trump’s Drug Tariffs: A protectionist prescription policy?”
It looks like investor sentiment is shifting away from obsessing over tariffs—though not because they’ve disappeared. Instead, there’s a growing sense that tariffs may be settling into a predictable range, especially in the U.S., where President Trump signalled a blanket rate of 15–20% for countries lacking specific trade agreements. Here’s how that’s playing out 🌐 …
In years past, the mere hint of U.S. airstrikes or heightened geopolitical tension would send global stock markets into panic mode. Yet, following President Trump’s re-election and his increasingly aggressive foreign policy stance, investor reactions have become notably muted. From missile strikes on Iranian nuclear sites to an orchestrated ceasefire between Iran and Israel, markets …
Continue reading “From Missiles to Tariffs: A desensitised stock market faces Trump’s new world”
A U.S. federal court has ruled that former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs were imposed illegally, dealing a significant blow to his economic policies. The Court of International Trade determined that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to justify tariffs on nearly every country. The ruling states that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress …
Continue reading “Trump’s tariffs challenged in court and deemed to be illegal”
Despite the heavy tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s industrial sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In April 2025, industrial profits rose by 3%, marking the second consecutive month of growth. This increase was largely driven by Beijing’s strategic policy measures, which cushioned the impact of the tariffs and supported private enterprises. In …
Continue reading “China’s industrial profit accelerates in April 2025 – despite Trump’s tariffs”
As global trade tensions escalate, many investors and analysts are questioning whether markets are too complacent about the long-term effects of tariffs on corporate earnings. While some argue that businesses have adapted to protectionist policies, others warn that the S&P 500’s earnings growth could face significant headwinds. Tariffs: A hidden threat to profit margins Tariffs …
Continue reading “Are we underestimating the impact of tariffs on S&P 500 earnings growth?”
Russia’s exemption from recent U.S. tariffs has sparked curiosity and debate. While many nations face new trade duties, Russia remains notably absent from the list This decision stems from a combination of geopolitical, economic, and strategic factors. One key reason is the existing sanctions imposed on Russia by several countries, including the United States, following …
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 …
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 …
China’s exports in the January 2025 to February 2025 period rose 2.3% in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier, significantly undershooting expectations of a 5% increase That marked the slowest growth since April 2024 last year when exports increased by just 1.5% on the year, according to recently released data. Imports surprised markets by …
Continue reading “China’s exports miss forecasts as U.S. tariffs bite -imports record sharp decline”
Trump’s tariffs have created fresh concern and new volatility in the markets forcing a stock market reversal. The tariffs, which include a 25% duty on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% levy on Chinese goods, have led to significant market volatility. Investors remain cautious as they assess the long-term implications of …
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 …
Continue reading “Trumps tariffs impact – what a difference a day makes!”
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs have moved from threat to reality. U.S. President Donald Trump launched a series of tariffs on Saturday. U.S. imports from Mexico and Canada will face a 25% duty, while those from China will be subject to a 10% tariff. Energy resources from Canada will face a lower 10% tariff. Canada’s Prime Minister …
Continue reading “Tariff Man – Trumps tariffs take affect – markets fall!”
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 …
Continue reading “The EU imposes higher tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese EVs”
International diplomacy has always been a theatre of competing interests, strategic ambiguity, and the occasional flash of statesmanship. Yet the scenes emerging from Davos yesterday seen to suggest something far more troubling: a descent into performative brinkmanship and schoolyard theatrics that would be unthinkable in any previous era of global leadership. Tension and tariffs At …
Continue reading “The Sorry State of Modern International Diplomacy – it’s utterly surreal”
Financial markets have always been sensitive to political noise, but the current climate has taken that sensitivity to an absurd extreme. Performance please Share prices no longer rise and fall on the strength of a company’s performance, innovation, or long‑term strategy. Instead, they twitch in response to diplomatic spats, off‑the‑cuff remarks, and theatrical posturing on …
Continue reading “When ‘Child-like’ Diplomacy – Not Business – Moves the Markets”
Donald Trump’s latest tariff broadside has sent a fresh tremor through Brussels, rattling diplomats who were already juggling NATO tensions and the lingering aftershocks of previous trade disputes. This time, the spark is an unexpected one: Greenland The controversy began when Trump revived his long‑standing frustration over what he describes as Europe’s ‘unfair’ economic advantage. …
China’s newly released growth figures paint a picture of an economy that is meeting official targets while wrestling with deep structural challenges. According to data published today by the National Bureau of Statistics, China’s GDP expanded by 5% in 2025, matching Beijing’s goal of ‘around 5%’. Yet the headline number masks a more uneven reality …
U.S. stock markets are behaving like a mood ring in a thunderstorm—volatile, reactive, and oddly sentimental. One moment, President Trump threatens a ‘massive increase’ in tariffs on Chinese imports, and nearly $2 trillion in market value evaporates. The next, he posts that: ‘all will be fine‘, and futures rebound overnight. It’s not just policy—it’s theatre, …
China’s latest tightening of rare earth exports has reignited global concerns over supply chain fragility and strategic resource dependence. With Beijing now requiring special permits for the export of key rare earth elements—used in everything from electric vehicles to missile guidance systems—the move is widely seen as a geopolitical lever in an increasingly fractured global …
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While many investors are hoping for a year-end rally, several analysts are warning that a fourth-quarter pullback remains a real possibility. Valuation concerns: Large-cap stocks are trading at historically high valuations, reminiscent of the 2021 peak. That leaves little room for error if economic data disappoints. Tariff aftershocks: April’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs triggered a sharp …
Continue reading “Stock market pullback in 4th quarter… how likely is it?”
On 17th September 2025, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced its first interest rate cut of 2025, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate by 0.25% to a range of 4.00%–4.25%. The decision follows nine months of monetary policy stagnation and comes amid mounting evidence of a weakening labour market and persistent inflationary pressures. Fed Chair Jerome …
Continue reading “Fed cuts rates amid labour market strains and political Powell pressure”
Tokyo, 12th September 2025 — The Nikkei 225 has surged to an all-time intraday high of 44,888.02, before settling at 44,768.12 at the close. This marks a weekly gain of 3.8%, fuelled by a potent cocktail of AI optimism, global rate-cut hopes, and a tech-heavy rally that has left analysts both exhilarated and uneasy. Rally …
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The Nasdaq Composite closed at a record high of 21,798.70 on Monday, 8th September 2025. That 0.45% gain was driven largely by a rally in chip stocks—Broadcom surged 3.2%, and Nvidia added nearly 1%. The broader market also joined the party: Investor optimism is swirling around potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, especially with inflation data …
Continue reading “Negative news is not affecting the market as the Nasdaq hits a new high!”
China’s exports to the United States fell sharply in August 2025, marking a six-month low and underscoring the growing strain in global trade dynamics. According to recent data, shipments from China to the U.S. dropped by 33% year-on-year, reflecting both weakening demand and the ongoing effects of geopolitical tensions. This decline is part of a …
Continue reading “China-U.S. trade slump deepens as exports plunge 33%”
India’s economy continues to defy gravity, posting a robust 7.8% year-on-year GDP growth in the April–June quarter of 2025—the fastest pace in five quarters. This surge, driven by strong domestic consumption, infrastructure investment, and a booming services sector, beat market expectations and reaffirmed India’s position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Government-led infrastructure spending has …
Continue reading “India’s GDP: High growth amid global headwinds”