Trade Central

Stock Market Update: Dow Gains, Nasdaq Slips Amid Inflation Concerns

The U.S. stock market saw mixed results on February 20, 2025, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.3%. The S&P 500 remained relatively flat, dipping just 0.1%. Investors are focused on inflation data and Federal Reserve policy signals, which could impact future interest rate decisions. Strong earnings from […]

U.S. Plans to Boost Natural Gas Exports to Asia Under Trump Initiative

The Trump administration has unveiled a plan to boost U.S. natural gas exports to Asia, aiming to reshape the region’s energy supplies and strengthen economic ties. The initiative, announced on February 21, 2025, focuses on expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and securing long-term supply agreements with key Asian markets. Countries like Japan, South Korea, […]

Trump Administration Announces IRS Layoffs Affecting 6,700 Employees

The Trump administration has announced plans to lay off 6,700 employees at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on February 20, 2025. The downsizing is part of a broader effort to streamline government operations and reduce costs. The layoffs will impact various departments, including auditing, customer service, and IT. IRS Commissioner John Smith emphasized that […]

Alibaba Stock Jumps After Strong Earnings Report

Alibaba Group’s stock surged in Hong Kong on February 21, 2025, following the release of a strong earnings report that exceeded market expectations. The Chinese e-commerce giant reported revenue of 45.6 billion for the quarter, beating estimates of 43.8 billion. Net income also came in higher than expected at $8.2 billion. The company’s cloud computing and […]

Bitcoin Stays Flat as Investors Await Economic Clarity

Bitcoin traded within a narrow range this week as investors awaited clarity on U.S. tariffs and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions. The cryptocurrency inched up by 0.2% to $96,811.1, reflecting a lack of significant momentum. Altcoins showed mixed performances, with Ethereum (ETH) rising 0.5% to 2,728.8 and XRP dropping 1.3 2.7028. Solana gained 2%, Cardano […]

 PBOC Keeps Loan Prime Rate (LPR) Unchanged in February 2025

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced on February 20, 2025, that it would maintain the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) at current levels. The one-year LPR remains at 3.45%, while the five-year LPR stays at 4.20%. This decision reflects China’s cautious monetary policy stance as the economy continues to recover. Despite a 5.2% GDP growth […]

Global Markets React to Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Shifts

On February 20, 2025, global financial markets experienced significant turbulence as investors reacted to geopolitical tensions and economic indicators. While the U.S. stock market continued its upward trajectory, Asian equities faced notable losses due to concerns over President Trump’s tariff policies. European stocks showed mixed performance, and currency markets reflected the broader uncertainty. U.S. Stock […]

Japanese Companies Fear Trump’s Policies: Reuters Survey Shows 90% Negative Outlook

A Reuters survey conducted in February 2025 has found that nearly 90% of Japanese companies view former U.S. President Donald Trump as bad for business. The survey highlights concerns over Trump’s trade policies, including tariffs and trade restrictions, which have created uncertainty for Japanese firms. “Trump’s unpredictable policies make it challenging to plan for the […]

Ford Cuts Manager Stock Bonuses in Bid to Reduce Costs and Enhance Performance

Ford Motor Company has implemented a significant reduction in manager stock bonuses as part of its efforts to reduce costs and enhance overall performance. The decision, announced on February 18, 2025, aims to streamline operations and allocate resources more effectively in a highly competitive automotive market. The cost-saving measure is expected to free up hundreds […]

Chinese Companies Ramp Up M&A Activity Ahead of Potential Trump Tariffs

Chinese companies are ramping up merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in anticipation of potential tariffs under a second Trump administration. Analysts predict a surge in deals as firms seek to strengthen their market positions and mitigate the impact of increased trade barriers. Key sectors driving this activity include semiconductors, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy. […]