President Trump delivers strong 8-word message to Fed after jobs shocker

Shares of Japan’s Nippon Steel jumped after former President Donald Trump gave his blessing to their $14.9 billion takeover of U.S. Steel—a deal that had sparked political backlash over foreign ownership of an American industrial icon. Trump’s unexpected support eases some uncertainty around the controversial acquisition.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another corporate deal—it’s a high-stakes mix of economics and politics. U.S. Steel is a symbol of American industry, so a foreign buyout was always going to be messy. Trump’s approval signals the deal might finally clear hurdles, but it also raises questions about how nationalism and global business intersect. For markets, it’s a green light; for workers and policymakers, the debate isn’t over yet.

The EU's trade chief, Costa, is warning against stirring up tensions in EU-US trade relations right now, suggesting it’s a bad moment to rock the boat. While he didn’t spell out specific threats, the message is clear: stability is key amid global economic uncertainty.

Editor’s Note: Trade between the EU and the US is a massive deal—worth billions and tied to jobs, supply chains, and even geopolitical alliances. With inflation, supply snarls, and political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic, Costa’s caution is a reminder that unnecessary friction could make things worse for businesses and consumers. In other words: don’t poke the bear when it’s already restless.

China’s industrial sector is hitting a speed bump, with factory activity slowing down, but there’s a surprising bright spot—consumer spending is picking up. It’s an unusual twist, as weaker manufacturing often signals broader economic trouble, but resilient shoppers might help balance things out.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "China’s economy is struggling" story. The unexpected consumer rebound could soften the blow from sluggish factories, hinting at a shift in where growth comes from. If people keep spending, it might buy time for policymakers to steer things back on track.

Taiwan's central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged in its upcoming meeting, signaling confidence in the island's resilient economy. Despite global economic uncertainties, strong domestic performance—like steady growth and controlled inflation—means policymakers aren’t feeling pressure to adjust borrowing costs just yet.

Editor’s Note: For everyday folks, this means loans and savings rates probably won’t shift anytime soon—good news if you're planning big purchases or investments. But it also hints at Taiwan’s ability to weather global turbulence, which matters for trade-reliant businesses and investors eyeing stability in the region.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is making a big move in the global energy market with an $18.7 billion bid to acquire Australia’s Santos, a major player in liquefied natural gas (LNG). This deal would significantly expand ADNOC’s footprint in the LNG sector, tapping into Asia-Pacific demand while Santos gains access to deeper pockets for growth.

Editor’s Note: Big oil and gas deals like this signal where the industry sees long-term value—LNG is still a hot commodity despite the push for renewables. For ADNOC, it’s a strategic play to diversify beyond the Middle East, while Santos could get the financial muscle to scale up. For consumers, it might mean more stable (or at least more consolidated) energy supplies, but it also highlights how fossil fuel giants are doubling down while they can.