Reading Time : 2 minutesEuropean AI-focused funds raised a record $4.2 billion in Q1 2025, pushing total assets near $40 billion. Asset managers are betting big on tech-driven growth, with firms like BlackRock expanding into AI strategies and private markets. This signals a strong, continent-wide shift in financial priorities toward AI’s economic potential.
Reading Time : 2 minutesGermany has demanded Apple and Google remove the DeepSeek AI app, citing illegal data transfers to China and lack of user protection under EU law. The move could lead to a wider European ban under the Digital Services Act, reflecting growing tensions around Chinese tech and privacy standards.
Reading Time : 2 minutesIndia’s economy finished fiscal 2025 strong with 7.4% growth in the last quarter, led by construction and government spending. Annual growth slowed to 6.5%, reflecting global challenges and uneven consumption. The Reserve Bank of India forecasts steady growth for 2026, though risks remain. Despite uncertainties, India is poised to remain a top global growth leader.
Reading Time : 2 minutesOil prices fell sharply after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel reduced supply fears. Combined with weak U.S. consumer sentiment and rising oil output elsewhere, Brent and WTI both dropped around 6%, erasing the recent risk-driven gains.
Reading Time : 2 minutesTexas Instruments is launching a $60 billion U.S. chipmaking expansion, creating seven fabs across Texas and Utah. This historic investment will boost domestic manufacturing, generate tens of thousands of jobs, and reinforce supply chains critical to tech, automotive, and defense sectors.
Reading Time : 2 minutesIndia has tightened restrictions on gold imports to combat smuggling, limiting alloys with over 1% gold and colloidal precious metals. Building on earlier measures targeting UAE shipments, the new rules aim to close loopholes while allowing essential imports for industry. This balanced approach strengthens regulatory oversight and supports legitimate trade, safeguarding the economy and fair market practices.
Reading Time : 2 minutesMasayoshi Son aims to build a $1 trillion AI manufacturing hub in Arizona, partnering with TSMC and the U.S. government. This bold plan seeks to boost high-tech production and create thousands of jobs, reinforcing America’s position in the global AI race. While ambitious, the project faces challenges around funding and execution.
Reading Time : 3 minutesThe US-China trade war is disrupting global shipping, with soaring container rates and port congestion as Chinese exporters rush to beat new U.S. tariffs. Equipment shortages and China’s retaliatory export controls threaten supply chains, while higher costs loom for consumers. The industry faces a turbulent future as geopolitical tensions reshape trade.
Reading Time : 2 minutesTaiwan has added Huawei and SMIC to its export control list, tightening restrictions on the transfer of high-tech semiconductor equipment and know-how. The move aims to block Chinese access to sensitive technologies and aligns with U.S. policies. It’s part of Taiwan’s broader effort to protect national security and secure its leadership in chip production.
Reading Time : 2 minutesAmazon and Walmart are exploring the launch of stablecoins to cut transaction fees and gain more control over payments. Legislative changes could enable this shift, but the plans are still early. If implemented, it could reshape the way people pay both in-store and online, with ripple effects across banking and fintech.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Nintendo’s Switch 2 has shattered sales records with 3.5 million units sold in four days. The Mario Kart World bundle boosted demand despite early tariff fears that delayed pre-orders. Thanks to a tariff pause and strong launch titles, Nintendo overcame challenges to deliver a highly successful console debut, setting the stage for continued growth in 2025.
Reading Time : 3 minutesA rare earth shortage, driven by China’s export curbs, threatens to disrupt car production, tech, and healthcare. With only months of U.S. stockpiles left, industries face delays and price hikes. Trade talks offer hope, but long-term fixes lag. This crisis exposes the fragility of global supply chains and overreliance on one nation.
Reading Time : 2 minutes DeepSeek’s latest update to its R1 reasoning model boosts performance while keeping a low profile. Despite lacking a flashy release, the R1‑0528 version impresses in benchmarks and reflects China’s growing AI strength.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Switzerland has proposed strict capital rules targeting UBS, including $26B in extra capital and full foreign subsidiary coverage. UBS calls it extreme, but markets stayed calm.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Asia’s ETF market is exploding with innovation, driven by rising demand for diversification, active strategies, and leveraged exposure. With nearly $1 trillion in assets, the region is fast becoming a global ETF leader.
