Asia FX muted as markets digest China GDP, US trade tensions

Cleveland-Cliffs is experiencing a surge in demand for its steel products, thanks in part to favorable trade policies from the Trump administration that support U.S. manufacturing. The company is also looking to diversify its operations by exploring the production of rare-earth minerals, which are crucial for various high-tech applications. This move not only strengthens its market position but also highlights the growing importance of domestic production in the face of global supply chain challenges.

Crude oil prices are continuing to decline due to concerns over supply and demand. Factors such as weak growth projections, the ongoing energy transition in China and the EU, and tensions from U.S.-China tariffs are contributing to this negative outlook. This matters because fluctuations in oil prices can significantly impact global economies and consumer behavior.

In response to looming tariff threats, global drugmakers are rapidly increasing their presence in the U.S. market. This shift is significant as it not only reflects the industry's adaptability but also highlights the importance of the U.S. as a key player in the global pharmaceutical landscape. By bolstering their operations in the U.S., these companies aim to mitigate potential impacts from tariffs, ensuring continued access to one of the largest healthcare markets in the world.

Taylor Swift has made history with her album 'The Life of a Showgirl,' selling an impressive 3.475 million copies right out of the gate, and surpassing four million in total sales. This remarkable achievement not only highlights her immense popularity but also sets a new benchmark in the music industry, as she outsells every other bestselling album in America combined by a staggering margin. This news matters because it showcases the power of Swift's influence and the changing dynamics of music consumption.

Soybean futures have reached a month-high in Chicago, driven by speculation that US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping may meet soon. This potential meeting has sparked optimism about a revival in agricultural trade between the two largest economies in the world. Additionally, stronger Chinese GDP figures are providing further support to soybean prices, highlighting the interconnectedness of global markets and the importance of diplomatic relations in trade.

China's economy is facing significant challenges as the ongoing trade war and weak domestic demand reveal deeper structural risks. This slowdown is concerning not just for China but for the global economy, as it could lead to reduced trade and investment flows. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for businesses and policymakers worldwide, as they navigate the implications of a less robust Chinese economy.

Morgan Stanley has recently analyzed the ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China, suggesting that a pattern may be emerging. This analysis is significant as it could influence future trade policies and economic strategies for both nations, impacting global markets and international relations.

Gold prices have rebounded following a period of reduced tensions in U.S.-China trade relations, which had previously led to a sell-off. This bounce is significant as it reflects investor confidence returning to the gold market, often seen as a safe haven during economic uncertainty. The stabilization in trade talks suggests a more favorable environment for commodities like gold, making this an important development for investors and the global economy.

Cleveland-Cliffs is experiencing a surge in demand for its steel products, thanks in part to favorable trade policies from the Trump administration that support U.S. manufacturing. The company is also looking to diversify its operations by exploring the production of rare-earth minerals, which are crucial for various high-tech applications. This move not only strengthens its market position but also highlights the growing importance of domestic production in the face of global supply chain challenges.

Kering has announced a significant $4.7 billion deal to sell its beauty business to L’Oréal, marking a strategic move by the new CEO, Luca de Meo, to rejuvenate the company's performance. This sale is crucial as it allows Kering to focus on its core luxury brands while L’Oréal expands its portfolio in the beauty sector. Such a transaction not only reflects the evolving landscape of luxury and beauty but also highlights Kering's commitment to strengthening its market position.

Amazon's AWS experienced significant disruptions, leading to outages for hundreds of websites for several hours. This incident highlights the vulnerability of online services that rely on cloud infrastructure, affecting businesses and users alike. The impact of such outages can be far-reaching, causing loss of revenue and frustrating users who depend on these platforms for daily activities.

Crude oil prices are continuing to decline due to concerns over supply and demand. Factors such as weak growth projections, the ongoing energy transition in China and the EU, and tensions from U.S.-China tariffs are contributing to this negative outlook. This matters because fluctuations in oil prices can significantly impact global economies and consumer behavior.

Merck has released long-term data demonstrating that its cancer treatment, KEYTRUDA, continues to provide significant survival benefits for patients with lung cancer. This is important because it reinforces the effectiveness of KEYTRUDA as a vital option in cancer therapy, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients facing this challenging disease.

Abbvie's stock price target has been raised to $258 from $240 by BMO Capital, reflecting growing confidence in the company's future performance. This adjustment is significant as it indicates analysts' optimism about Abbvie's potential for growth and profitability, which could attract more investors and positively impact the stock market.