Amazon is selling a $2,400 HP laptop for just $658 that 'handles everything like a champ'

China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) has stated that the tariffs imposed during the Trump administration did not lead to the severe economic downturn ("hard landing") that many had feared for the company. Instead, SMIC appears to have weathered the trade tensions better than expected.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because it highlights how some Chinese companies have managed to adapt to U.S. trade restrictions, suggesting that the broader impact of tariffs may not always be as dire as predicted. For those following global tech and trade, it’s a sign of resilience—or perhaps just effective contingency planning—in the face of geopolitical friction.

Johanna Chua, an analyst at Citigroup Global Markets, predicts the U.S. Federal Reserve will likely start cutting interest rates again in September. Despite some lingering inflation in goods, she believes it won’t be enough to derail the Fed’s plans for lower rates.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because interest rate cuts affect everything from mortgage rates to business loans—basically, how much it costs to borrow money. If the Fed moves forward with cuts, it could signal confidence in cooling inflation while giving consumers and businesses some financial relief. But it’s a delicate balance, so all eyes are on the Fed’s next steps.

Bloomberg's "The Asia Trade" is a daily briefing that provides key insights and analysis to help viewers stay informed as Asian markets open. Hosted by Paul Allen and Haidi Stroud-Watts from Sydney, the show features interviews with industry leaders and covers major stories impacting global markets.

Editor’s Note: For investors and professionals tracking Asian markets, this show is a go-to resource for real-time updates and expert perspectives. It matters because Asia's trading activity often sets the tone for global markets, making this a valuable tool for staying ahead of trends.

First Guaranty Bancshares Inc reported earnings that fell short of expectations by $0.70 per share, but its revenue managed to beat estimates. While the revenue performance is a bright spot, the earnings miss suggests potential challenges in profitability or cost management.

Editor’s Note: For investors and market watchers, this mixed financial report signals that while the bank is bringing in more money than expected, its bottom line isn't as strong as hoped. Earnings misses can shake investor confidence, so this could impact the stock's performance in the short term. It’s a reminder that revenue growth alone doesn’t always translate to healthy profits.

Solo Brands, the company behind popular outdoor gear like Solo Stove, reported disappointing financial results. Their earnings were nearly $9 per share below what analysts expected, and their revenue also didn’t meet projections.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t great news for Solo Brands or its investors. When a company misses earnings and revenue targets, it often signals struggles—whether from weaker sales, higher costs, or other challenges. For fans of their products, it might raise questions about the company’s future plans or whether they’ll need to adjust strategies to bounce back.