Trade Central

RBA Hints at Rate Cuts as Inflation Slows, Adopts Cautious Stance on Easing

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has hinted at potential rate cuts in the coming months, adopting a cautious approach to further monetary easing. The announcement, made on February 18, 2025, reflects the central bank’s response to slowing inflation and global economic uncertainty. RBA Governor Michele Bullock highlighted the need for a balanced strategy, noting […]

HSBC Shareholders Approve CEO’s Plan to Scale Back Investment Banking

HSBC’s shareholders have given a resounding vote of confidence to CEO Noel Quinn’s strategy to reduce the bank’s investment banking footprint. The decision, approved at the annual general meeting on February 16, 2025, underscores HSBC’s shift toward more stable and predictable revenue streams, such as retail and commercial banking. The retrenchment plan involves exiting high-risk […]

DeepSeek Report Sparks Investor Interest in Electrical Stocks

A recent report from DeepSeek has sparked renewed interest in electrical stocks, as investors weigh the sector’s growth potential against ongoing challenges. The report highlights the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions and smart grid technologies as key drivers of growth. However, supply chain disruptions and rising raw material costs are creating headwinds for the […]

Investors on Edge as Global Markets React to Mixed Economic Signals

Global financial markets remained cautious as investors grappled with mixed economic signals and geopolitical uncertainties. U.S. stocks opened lower, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average declining by 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively, amid disappointing earnings and concerns over new tariffs. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 initially rose on strong Q4 GDP growth of […]

Japan’s Economy Bounces Back with 2.8% GDP Growth in Q4 2024

Japan’s economy has defied expectations, recording a 2.8% growth in GDP for the fourth quarter of 2024. This positive performance is attributed to a combination of factors, including a surge in domestic consumption, a recovery in the tourism sector, and strong demand for Japanese exports. The weaker yen has also made Japanese goods more attractive […]

Xi Jinping Reassures Private Entrepreneurs in Rare Meeting Amid Economic Concerns

In a significant move to address economic concerns and strengthen confidence in China’s private sector, President Xi Jinping met with top business leaders, including Alibaba’s Jack Ma, at a high-profile symposium in Beijing. The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, comes at a time when China is facing an economic slowdown and […]

Gold Reaches New All-Time High Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Risks

Gold prices soared to a new all-time high this week, reaching $2,500 per ounce as investors sought refuge from inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. The precious metal’s rally has been fueled by a combination of factors, including central bank buying, a weaker US dollar, and fears of a global economic slowdown. “Gold’s performance reflects the current […]

Trump Proposes New Tariffs on Auto Imports to Boost US Manufacturing

President Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs on auto imports as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen US manufacturing. The tariffs, which would target vehicles and parts from countries like China, Mexico, and Germany, aim to protect American automakers and workers from foreign competition. In a recent statement, Trump argued that the tariffs are […]

TSMC Eyes Intel’s US Factories Amid Push for Domestic Chip Production

TSMC is reportedly considering a deal to operate Intel’s US-based semiconductor factories, following a request from former President Donald Trump’s team. The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic chip production and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Intel, which has faced challenges in advanced chip manufacturing, could benefit from TSMC’s expertise […]

Taiwan Rejects U.S. Claims of Chip Dominance, Calls for Fair Trade Policies

Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council has pushed back against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of the island’s role in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing the importance of fair trade policies and global partnerships. Taiwan Responds to Trump’s Comments Trump recently claimed that Taiwan “took over” the semiconductor industry and reiterated his push to bring […]