Major carmaker cuts 15% of office staff amid tariff uncertainty

Chinese tech stocks took a hit as investors grew skeptical about the prospects of a U.S.-China trade deal. The uncertainty isn’t just about tariffs—it’s also tied to broader tensions, like stricter U.S. visa policies for Chinese students and efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking. Basically, the mood’s soured, and markets are reacting.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another blip in the trade war saga. The drop in tech stocks reflects deeper unease—about everything from education to drug policy—that could ripple through global markets. If these tensions keep escalating, businesses and investors on both sides should brace for more turbulence.

The podcast episode "Odd Lots" features Krishna Memani discussing how the classic investing advice of "diversify your portfolio" hasn't held up lately. Instead, betting big on U.S. stocks—especially tech giants—would have paid off far better over the past few years. It’s a head-scratcher for anyone who’s been taught that spreading out investments is the safest, smartest move.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a nerdy finance debate—it’s about whether the old rules still work. If diversification isn’t delivering like it used to, everyday investors might start questioning their strategies (or regretting playing it too safe). It’s a wake-up call that even the most trusted advice can get turned on its head when the market behaves oddly.

Gold futures dipped slightly as the U.S. dollar gained strength, putting pressure on the precious metal. While gold is still up over 22% this year, it’s heading for a weekly loss—a reminder that even safe-haven assets aren’t immune to short-term market swings.

Editor’s Note: Gold’s dip might not be a big deal in isolation, but it reflects broader trends—like how a strong dollar can weigh on commodities. For investors, it’s a nudge to keep an eye on currency movements, especially if they’re betting on gold as a hedge or long-term play. Plus, that 22% yearly gain shows gold’s still having a solid run, even with occasional setbacks.

Thailand's economy showed signs of improvement in April, thanks to a boost in manufacturing activity, according to the country's central bank. While challenges remain, this uptick suggests some resilience in key sectors.

Editor’s Note: For a country that's been grappling with sluggish growth and global economic headwinds, this is a small but encouraging signal. Stronger manufacturing could mean more jobs, better exports, and a healthier economy overall—something both businesses and everyday Thais will welcome. Still, it's just one month of data, so don't break out the champagne yet.

M&G, a major asset manager, has teamed up with Japanese insurance giant Dai-ichi Life in a strategic partnership that’s expected to bring in at least $6 billion in new business for M&G over the next five years. Essentially, they’re joining forces to expand their reach and boost growth.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another corporate handshake—it’s a big deal for M&G’s growth strategy, especially in Asia where Dai-ichi Life has a strong presence. For investors, it signals confidence and potential long-term gains. For the broader market, it’s a reminder that cross-border financial collaborations are still a key driver in today’s economy.