China Holds Five Strategic Cards in the U.S. Trade Confrontation

As the tariff standoff between the United States and China deepens, Beijing has quietly been leveraging tools beyond the negotiating table to blunt the impact of U.S. duties. From mobilizing 1.4 billion consumers to flexing its financial reserves, China’s leadership has assembled a multi-pronged playbook designed to withstand external pressure and reshape the terms of…

SK Hynix’s Q1 Windfall Highlights AI Boom and Industry Reshuffle

South Korea’s SK Hynix stunned markets by reporting a first-quarter operating profit surge of 158%, underscoring the explosive demand for memory chips driven by artificial intelligence. While revenue climbed 42% year-on-year to 17.64 trillion won and operating profit topped estimates at 7.44 trillion won, a closer look at sequential trends and external risks suggests the…

Musk Faces Criticism Amid Falling Tesla Sales: Implications for the EV Leader

Elon Musk, once celebrated for his transformative leadership, now finds himself facing increasing scrutiny as Tesla grapples with declining sales and a significantly reduced profit margin. As the CEO of multiple high-profile ventures, including SpaceX, Neuralink, and the controversial xAI, Musk’s divided attention has come under fire. Investors and analysts are questioning whether his focus…

Meta’s Oversight Board Critiques Policy Overhaul: Implications for Content

Meta Platforms Inc. has faced significant scrutiny following its January 2025 overhaul of content moderation policies on Facebook and Instagram. The company’s decision to eliminate its U.S. fact-checking program and ease restrictions on discussions of sensitive topics such as immigration and gender identity has drawn a sharp rebuke from its independent Oversight Board. The board’s…

Intel’s Strategic Shift Under CEO Lip-Bu Tan: Key Developments and Implications

Upon assuming the role of CEO in March 2025, Lip-Bu Tan initiated a significant restructuring of Intel’s leadership hierarchy. Major divisions, including data center, AI, and PC chips, now report directly to Tan, a move aimed at reducing bureaucratic layers and expediting decision-making processes. This restructuring is designed to foster a more agile and responsive…

Tesla Faces Investor Scrutiny Amid Delays and Market Challenges

Tesla is under intense investor scrutiny as it navigates delays in launching an affordable electric vehicle (EV) and its robotaxi service, while contending with declining sales and reputational challenges. The company has hinted at a significant update during its upcoming earnings webcast, fueling speculation about potential announcements. Investors are particularly eager for clarity on the…

Netflix Surpasses Expectations with 13% Revenue Growth in Q1 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, Netflix reported a significant financial achievement, with revenue increasing by 13% year-over-year to $10.54 billion. This growth was driven by higher-than-expected subscription and advertising revenues, following a strategic price increase across all subscription plans in January. The company’s net income rose to $2.89 billion, or $6.61 per share, surpassing…

Trump Administration Imposes Fees on Chinese-Built Vessels Docking at U.S. Ports

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, the Trump administration has announced the imposition of substantial fees on Chinese-built vessels docking at U.S. ports. This move is part of a broader strategy to address China’s growing dominance in global shipbuilding and its potential implications for U.S. economic security. The U.S. Trade Representative’s office has initiated…

Trump Intensifies Pressure on Federal Reserve: Calls for Rate Cuts and Powell’s Dismissal

In a recent escalation, President Donald Trump has renewed his calls for the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, simultaneously suggesting the removal of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This development has significant implications for the independence of the Federal Reserve, the direction of U.S. monetary policy, and the broader economic landscape. Presidential Pressure on Monetary…

Hermès Raises U.S. Prices Amid Tariff Pressures

French luxury house Hermès is set to implement a targeted price increase across its U.S. product lines starting May 1, aiming to counterbalance the newly imposed 10% import tariffs by the U.S. administration. This strategic move underscores the brand’s commitment to maintaining its financial equilibrium without compromising its global pricing structure. The decision to adjust…