Trade Central

Asia Markets Face Headwinds: Is a Prolonged Downturn on the Horizon?

As Asian markets prepare for a mostly lower opening on Monday, investors are left wondering whether this is the beginning of a prolonged downturn. The decline comes amid a perfect storm of weak economic data, geopolitical tensions, and rising interest rates, which have collectively dampened investor sentiment. While some analysts remain optimistic, citing strong corporate […]

Trump’s Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: A Bold Move or a Recipe for Economic Chaos?

President Donald Trump’s announcement of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports has divided opinions across the political and economic spectrum. While supporters hail the move as a necessary step to protect American industries, critics argue that it could lead to a full-blown trade war with devastating consequences. The tariffs, which target key trading partners […]

Chinese EV Manufacturers Disrupt Global Market with No Down Payment, Interest-Free Loans

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are shaking up the global automotive market by offering no down payment and 5-year interest-free loans. These aggressive financing options are designed to attract customers and compete with established automakers in Europe and North America. Companies like BYD, NIO, and XPeng are leveraging their cost advantages and innovative financing models […]

January 2025 Jobs Report: U.S. Economy Adds 250,000 Jobs, Unemployment Falls to 3.5%

The U.S. economy added 250,000 jobs in January 2025, according to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, reflecting continued strength in the labor market despite economic uncertainties. Key sectors driving job growth included healthcare, technology, and construction. Healthcare added 70,000 jobs, while the technology […]

SoftBank Eyes Major Stake in OpenAI with $40 Billion Investment

In a strategic move to bolster its position in the artificial intelligence industry, SoftBank Group, led by CEO Masayoshi Son, is in advanced discussions to invest $40 billion in OpenAI. This investment would value OpenAI at approximately $260 billion, making SoftBank its largest investor, surpassing Microsoft’s cumulative $13 billion investment. The collaboration extends beyond financial […]

Nippon Steel to Invest Heavily in U.S. Steel, Trump Announces

Former President Donald Trump has announced that Nippon Steel will invest heavily in U.S. Steel instead of acquiring the company. The decision comes amid growing concerns over foreign ownership of critical U.S. industries and follows months of negotiations between the two companies. Nippon Steel’s investment is expected to focus on modernizing U.S. Steel’s facilities, increasing […]

L’Oréal Faces Growth Slowdown in Q4 as China Demand Weakens

L’Oréal’s Q4 earnings report showed slower-than-expected sales growth of 2.5%, reaching €11.08 billion ($11.9 billion). This marks a significant deceleration compared to previous quarters, driven by declining demand in China and North America. Analysts had forecasted a 3.9% growth rate, highlighting the market’s underperformance. The luxury division, which includes high-end brands like Lancôme and Kiehl’s, […]

Cobalt Market Faces Another Downturn, But with Unique Factors

The cobalt market is experiencing another downturn, but this time, the factors driving the slump are unique. Unlike previous busts, which were primarily caused by oversupply and weak demand, the current decline is influenced by technological advancements, shifting supply chains, and evolving consumer preferences. Cobalt, a critical component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles […]

Marathon Petroleum Surpasses Fourth-Quarter Profit Estimates

Marathon Petroleum Corporation has announced fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, driven by strong refining margins and increased demand for petroleum products. The company reported a net income of 1.2billion,or1.2billion,or2.50 per share, compared to the expected 1.1billion,or1.1billion,or2.30 per share. The strong performance is attributed to higher refining throughput and improved operational efficiency. “Our focus on optimizing operations […]

Market Volatility Persists as Investors Await Key Economic Decisions

Global markets continue to experience volatility as investors analyze economic data and policy shifts in major economies, including the U.S., India, and Japan. On February 6, U.S. stocks showed mixed performance. The S&P 500 advanced by 0.36%, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.51%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.28%. Later in the evening, U.S. […]