
AFP
18678 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
18678 articles published since 08 Mar 2022
Stablecoin excitement has gripped Hong Kong as the city prepares to launch a licensing system for the less volatile type of cryptocurrency, but authorities warn against overplaying its future role in financial systems. "Some discussion on stablecoins may be overly idealistic," Yue warned, especially around their "potential to disrupt the mainstream financial system".
Asian markets were mixed Wednesday as investors kept tabs on China-US developments after they agreed to further talks to extend their trade truce, while eyes were also on tech earnings and a key Federal Reserve meeting. Major earnings releases from tech titans Meta and Microsoft are due Wednesday, with Amazon and Apple coming Thursday.
The US central bank is expected to defy political pressure and keep interest rates unchanged Wednesday at the end of a two-day policy meeting, as the effects of President Donald Trump's tariffs emerge. Analysts broadly expect the Fed to hold interest rates steady at a range between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent.
The United States is set to raise tariffs on dozens of trading partners Friday if they fail to reach accords with President Donald Trump to avert the higher rates, and this risks raising prices for consumers. In a letter to Brazil's leadership, Trump cited a judical "witch hunt" against his right-wing ally, ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, in unveiling the rate.
US economic growth is expected to rebound in the second quarter, analysts said, in a momentary comeback reflecting trade shifts as companies tried to avoid the harshest of President Donald Trump's wide-ranging tariffs. Analysts have noted that companies tend to hold off major decisions during times of uncertainty, given the risk of sudden policy shifts.
An advertising campaign starring Sydney Sweeney for the clothing brand American Eagle has triggered the latest online firestorm causing an internet meltdown. Neither American Eagle nor the Emmy-nominated Sweeney, the 27-year-old actor best known for roles in the series "The White Lotus" and "Euphoria," have publicly responded to the backlash.
China and the United States agreed Tuesday to hold further talks on extending their tariff truce, but a top US trade official stressed that President Donald Trump would make any "final call." "Nothing has been agreed until we speak with President Trump," added Bessent, calling the tone of the talks "very constructive".
French luxury group Kering reported Tuesday a 46 percent plunge in net profit during the first half, with sales slumping again at its flagship Gucci brand, as the group awaits a new CEO to try to regain its footing. Group net profit fell to 474 million euros ($547 million) in the first half from 878 million in the same period last year, on sales that were down 16 percent at 7.6 billion euros.
Procter & Gamble executives projected a $1 billion hit from US tariffs over the next year on Tuesday as the consumer products giant said it would institute limited price hikes in the United States. But P&G executives said they don't have enough details about the just-announced deal between the United States and Europe to update the forecast.
AFP
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