Trump says South Korea has approval to build nuclear-powered submarine

The recent lifting of sanctions on a Putin-backed autocrat has raised eyebrows, especially given the involvement of allies of former President Trump in the lobbying efforts. This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing influence of political connections in international relations and raises questions about the implications for democracy and human rights in the region.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown affecting many federal employees, President Trump continues his regular activities, including travel and golf. Interestingly, only 32% of the staff in the Executive Office of the President are facing furloughs, highlighting a disparity in how the shutdown impacts different sectors of the government. This situation raises questions about the implications for federal operations and the morale of those affected.

Former President Donald Trump is considering the sale of advanced A.I. chips to China, raising concerns among critics about national security and technological dominance. This potential move could have significant implications for U.S.-China relations and the global tech landscape, as these chips are crucial for various applications, including military and surveillance technologies. Critics argue that such a sale could empower China in ways that threaten U.S. interests, highlighting the ongoing debate over technology transfer and its risks.

In the latest episode of Bloomberg Markets, the focus is on the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi, alongside discussions about Ferrovial's highway business and the Federal Reserve's decisions. This matters as it highlights key economic interactions and corporate strategies that could influence market trends and investor sentiment.

Trump's recent decision to send an aircraft carrier to South America raises concerns as it leaves the Middle East and Europe without U.S. naval support during a delicate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This move comes after the U.S. has already been involved in significant military actions in the region, including strikes on Iran and combat against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The absence of U.S. military presence could destabilize the fragile peace and embolden adversaries, making this decision particularly impactful.

Wole Soyinka, the 91-year-old Nobel laureate from Nigeria, has revealed that his visa was revoked following his criticism of former President Trump. This incident raises concerns about freedom of expression and the potential repercussions faced by those who speak out against political figures. Soyinka, who made history as the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, continues to be a prominent voice in advocating for justice and democracy.

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Xi, China has purchased a substantial amount of US soybean cargoes. This development is seen as a positive step towards easing trade tensions between the two nations, highlighting a potential thaw in relations that could benefit both economies. The purchase not only supports American farmers but also signals China's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, making it a noteworthy moment in international trade.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are set to meet in South Korea to finalize a trade truce between the US and China, marking a significant step towards improving relations between the two economic giants. This meeting is crucial as it could pave the way for a new era of trade cooperation, potentially benefiting both nations and the global economy.

In the latest market close coverage on Bloomberg, the focus was on the earnings reports from major tech companies and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who expressed skepticism about potential rate cuts. This is significant as it reflects the ongoing economic landscape and the challenges that big tech firms face amidst fluctuating interest rates, impacting investor sentiment and market dynamics.

After a recent global outage affecting Microsoft 365 and Azure, which experienced DNS issues similar to those seen in a previous AWS outage, the websites have now come back online. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in cloud services and the importance of reliable infrastructure for businesses and users who depend on these platforms.

Daniel Flax from Neuberger Berman shared insights on Meta Platforms' earnings and future spending plans during an appearance on Bloomberg Markets: The Close. He highlighted that while Meta anticipates a significant rise in expenses in 2026 due to investments in data centers and AI equipment, the market seems to be responding positively. This is important as it indicates investor confidence in Meta's long-term strategy and its commitment to innovation in technology.

Chipotle has lowered its sales forecast for the third time this year, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior as more people are choosing to dine out less. This news is particularly concerning as it led to a nearly 14% drop in the company's shares after hours, indicating investor anxiety about the brand's future performance. Understanding these trends is crucial for both consumers and investors, as they highlight the changing landscape of the dining industry.

In a significant development, Trump announced that South Korea has received approval to construct a nuclear-powered submarine. This move is crucial as it enhances South Korea's military capabilities and reflects a shift in regional defense strategies. The decision underscores the growing importance of advanced military technology in maintaining security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bio-Rad's shares have taken a hit despite the company reporting better-than-expected earnings for the third quarter. This decline raises concerns among investors about the company's future performance and market conditions, highlighting the volatility that can occur even when a company meets or exceeds earnings expectations.