August has proven to be a challenging month for China’s economy, with retail sales displaying a concerning slowdown. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, retail growth was recorded at only 2.1% compared to the same month last year. This growth fell short of the anticipated 2.5% and marked a decline from July’s
Finance
In an effort to revitalize its economy, particularly the consumer sector, China has implemented a trade-in policy aimed at encouraging citizens to upgrade their vehicles and home appliances. Announced in July, this ambitious program involves a staggering allocation of 300 billion yuan (approximately $41.5 billion) in ultra-long special government bonds. This funding is strategically divided;
Dutch challenger bank Bunq is bucking the trend of other financial technology startups by announcing its plans to grow its global headcount by 70% this year, reaching over 700 employees. While other fintech firms are cutting jobs, Bunq is looking to expand its operations into new regions such as the U.K. and the United States,
The Federal Reserve recently revealed adjustments to a proposed set of U.S. banking regulations that significantly reduce the additional capital that the largest institutions will be obligated to maintain. Originally, the regulatory overhaul, known as the Basel Endgame, was expected to increase capital requirements for the world’s largest banks by approximately 19%. However, after seeking
JPMorgan Chase shares took a nosedive on Tuesday, dropping by 5% after the bank’s president, Daniel Pinto, expressed concerns about the 2025 projections for net interest income and expenses. Pinto stated that the current estimate of $90 billion for next year was unrealistic due to potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. This uncertainty
The debate surrounding the potential rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve is intensifying as the meeting approaches. Analysts and experts have varying opinions on whether a 50 basis point reduction is necessary to support job growth and combat potential economic downturns. Michael Yoshikami, CEO of Destination Wealth Management, believes that a larger cut would
The former CEO of British chip design firm Arm, Warren East, recently addressed the issue of the U.K.’s struggles in commercializing technology businesses on a global scale. He highlighted that despite the abundance of innovative technology originating from the U.K., there is a significant disconnect when it comes to realizing global success. East expressed concerns
China recently released its consumer price index report for August, showing a 0.6% year-on-year increase. This figure was slightly below expectations, with costs of transportation, home goods, and rents experiencing a decline. Food prices, on the other hand, saw a significant rise of 2.8% year-on-year in August, marking the first positive trend since June 2023.
Seven & i Holdings, the parent company of 7-Eleven, recently rejected a takeover offer from Alimentation Couche-Tard. The company stated that the offer was not in the best interest of its shareholders and stakeholders. The proposal offered by Couche-Tard was deemed opportunistic and undervaluing Seven & i’s standalone path and potential for unlocking shareholder value.
The exchange-traded fund industry has witnessed a surge in inflows, surpassing monthly records in 2024. Managers are optimistic that the influx of funds could be influenced by the booming money market fund sector before the end of the year. Nate Geraci, the president of The ETF Store, highlighted the significant impact of the $6 trillion-plus