Reading Time : 2 minutesFrench markets fell sharply as Prime Minister Bayrou’s government faces collapse over controversial austerity measures. Banks lost billions, bonds came under pressure, and European markets also declined, highlighting the economic and political uncertainty in France.
Reading Time : 3 minutes The United States has quietly embedded location-tracking devices in certain AI chip and server shipments to detect diversions to China. This covert strategy is part of a wider crackdown on export violations, combining stealth technology, inter-agency coordination, and new legislation that could permanently change the global flow of advanced computing hardware.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Taiwanese prosecutors have detained three individuals linked to TSMC over suspicions of attempting to steal its 2nm chip secrets. The arrests follow a new law protecting national technologies. This high-profile case could reshape how Taiwan defends its semiconductor industry from foreign and internal threats, as geopolitical tensions continue to grow in the region.
Reading Time : 2 minutesDetroit carmakers say Trump’s Japan deal ignored core trade barriers, leaving U.S. vehicles at a disadvantage. Without binding provisions, they warn Japan has no reason to open its market.
Reading Time : 2 minutesChina grew 5.2% in Q2 2025, beating forecasts despite tariffs and a weak property sector. Strong exports and manufacturing drove growth, but domestic consumption and real estate remain soft. The government stays on track for 5% annual growth but risks loom with tariffs and weak demand.
Reading Time : 2 minutesStarting October 2025, the US imposes a $250 Visa Integrity Fee on non-immigrant visas to curb overstays. Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries are exempt, but others face higher costs for tourism, study, or work.
Reading Time : 2 minutes The Pentagon just awarded $200 million contracts to OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Elon Musk’s xAI. The goal is to integrate advanced AI into defense and government operations. This move underscores the US military’s determination to stay ahead in the AI race, particularly against China. The initiative also introduces Musk’s “Grok for Government” AI tools.
Reading Time : 2 minutes Manus AI is relocating its headquarters from China to Singapore, closing its entire team in Wuhan and Beijing. The shift responds to rising US-China tensions and aims to secure vital Nvidia chips. New offices in the US and Japan reflect Manus’s global ambitions, while its presence in China vanishes, including wiped social media accounts and blocked website access.
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 : 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 : 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 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.
