Reading Time : 2minutesChina’s new anti-dumping duties up to 34.9% on EU brandy are escalating trade tensions. These tariffs, effective Saturday, severely impact French cognac exports, already down 70%. While some brands secured exemptions, others face maximum rates. This move is seen as retaliation for EU tariffs on Chinese EVs, intensifying a broader trade dispute. The EU is challenging China’s actions at the WTO.
Reading Time : 2minutesElon Musk’s xAI secured a massive $10 billion funding round, significantly boosting its competitive stance in the AI sector. This capital, split between debt and equity, will fuel the expansion of its AI infrastructure, including the Grok platform and a colossal Memphis supercomputer with 1 million Nvidia GPUs. This highlights the escalating “AI arms race” and xAI’s aggressive push to lead the next generation of artificial intelligence.
Reading Time : 2minutesThe Taiwan dollar surged over 2% in a day, shaking exporters and insurers. As traders bet on further gains, the central bank remains on watch, possibly tolerating a firmer currency for now. This raises questions about intervention, competitiveness, and the future of Taiwan’s trade positioning in a volatile FX environment.
Reading Time : 2minutesEuropean 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 : 2minutesIndia’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 : 2minutesOil 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 : 2minutesTexas 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 : 2minutesIndia 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 : 2minutesMasayoshi 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 : 3minutesThe 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 : 2minutes Trump is launching a mobile phone service and a golden smartphone, wrapped in patriotic branding. The $47 plan and $499 phone are aimed at his base, with promises of American-made hardware and bundled services. But experts doubt the production claims and worry about political conflicts in the venture’s structure.
Reading Time : 2minutesAmazon 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 : 3minutesA 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 : 2minutesUber and Wayve are launching driverless robotaxi trials in London, blending AI that learns by experience with Uber’s global platform. With no safety drivers, it’s a major step toward commercial self-driving services. The UK is fast-tracking approvals, aiming for spring 2026. Success in London could pave the way for expansion across Europe and beyond.
Reading Time : 2minutes Switzerland is set to join a global network for automatic crypto asset data exchange by 2027, enhancing tax transparency and regulatory cooperation. This move aligns with OECD standards and includes most EU and G20 countries, excluding some major powers. Swiss crypto firms will face new compliance rules, marking a key step in global crypto regulation.