Reading Time : 2 minutesCitigroup’s CEO Jane Fraser reports rapid growth in China, driven by increased demand for cross-border corporate banking services. While Citi retreats from consumer banking, it doubles down on institutional clients across Asia. Analysts stay cautious, but the bank presents China as a renewed opportunity in a shifting global landscape, where digital and distributed finance continue to reshape strategy.
Reading Time : 2 minutesCentral banks are gradually diversifying their reserves away from the U.S. dollar, turning to smaller G10 and emerging market currencies while boosting gold holdings. The shift is slow but steady, reflecting growing geopolitical caution and a search for stability in a multipolar financial world where the dollar’s long-standing supremacy is being quietly challenged.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe consumer’s desire for affordable brand freedom is often obstructed by tariffs, which quickly escalate into costly “tit-for-tat” trade wars. This cycle of import taxes drives up prices, restricts market choice, and ultimately hurts consumers and domestic exporters on both sides of the dispute, proving to be a highly inefficient form of state intervention.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Taiwan is fast-tracking AI and digital transformation across industry, academia, and government. Deepening industry-academic collaboration cultivates AI-ready talent and practical deployments, while cities pilot AI-enabled governance and smart-city services. This coordinated effort aims to build scalable AI ecosystems, boost efficiency, and create new business models that keep Taiwan competitive in a globally digital economy.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe AI surge isn’t just about smarter machines—it’s a massive race of money, power, and infrastructure. Giants like OpenAI, Nvidia, and Amazon are entangled in complex deals while energy demands soar. This growth raises tough questions: Who’s funding it? Can the system sustain itself? And what risks lie beneath the excitement of innovation?
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina’s home prices dropped at their fastest pace in nearly a year, highlighting a deepening real estate crisis that threatens economic recovery. With weak demand, high inventories, and falling consumer confidence, the property slump could push Beijing toward stronger intervention as regional markets brace for broader ripple effects.
Reading Time : 2 minutesThe United States asked Taiwan to move half its chip production to America, citing security and supply chain concerns. Taiwan firmly rejected the request, defending its semiconductor dominance as both an economic asset and strategic shield. The standoff exposes growing tension between US self-sufficiency goals and Taiwan’s vital role in global technology.
Reading Time : 2 minutesGold’s total global value has exceeded $30 trillion for the first time, reflecting growing investor caution amid geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty. The milestone underscores a shift from risk to safety, as the world’s oldest store of value outpaces even the biggest tech firms in total worth.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina has tightened export controls on rare earth elements, defending the move as a matter of national security. The decision, which affects key materials for semiconductors and defense industries, has sparked international concern. Beijing insists the new rules are about responsible management, not trade war tactics, but many see strategic motives behind them.
Reading Time : 2 minutesA sudden AWS outage in Tokyo rippled through the crypto world, briefly paralyzing major exchanges like Binance, KuCoin, and MEXC. The short disruption exposed how fragile even the biggest players remain when relying on centralized infrastructure, fueling discussions about resilience, decentralization, and the hidden dependencies beneath the crypto industry’s digital backbone.
Reading Time : 2 minutesMicroStrategy’s stock jumped 12% as Bitcoin surged beyond $122,000. With over 600,000 BTC in its treasury, the company’s value continues to mirror Bitcoin’s volatile movements. Its leveraged strategy, funded through equity and bond sales, offers big rewards during rallies—but also exposes investors to sharp downturns if the crypto tide turns.
Reading Time : 2 minutesUAE President Sheikh Mohamed and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met to deepen AI collaboration, accelerating research and real-world applications. Altman received an honorary doctorate for his contributions to AI. The partnership supports the UAE’s AI ecosystem growth, contributing to a knowledge-based economy and national AI strategy goals.
Reading Time : 2 minutesGlobal stocks are wavering as Wall Street’s rally loses steam. Inflation data offered relief but did not dispel concerns about valuations or policy caution. Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s warning on stretched markets added to the hesitation, leaving investors looking to upcoming inflation and jobs data for clarity on future momentum.
Reading Time : 2 minutesAlibaba is joining forces with Nvidia to integrate physical AI tools into its cloud platform, signaling a bold push into robotics and embodied intelligence. With billions pledged in infrastructure, the partnership merges Nvidia’s software power and Alibaba’s scale. Despite export restrictions and risks, markets reacted strongly, showing confidence in Alibaba’s evolving role in global AI.
Reading Time : 2 minutesIt’s been a pivotal week for crypto markets. On September 17, the SEC approved generic listing standards enabling faster exchange listings for commodity-based ETPs, including those holding digital assets. A day later, REX-Osprey launched the first U.S. spot ETFs for Dogecoin (DOJE) and XRP (XRPR). CME Group will add options on Solana and XRP futures on October 13, pending review.
