A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Stella Qiu: Conviction was high that major U.S. tech firms would deliver another impressive quarter of strong sales and rosy outlooks and so investors added to their exposures before this earnings season. That has proved to be a costly mistake. ...

Group 1 - Airbus' main aircraft production target is uncertain due to the lack of a supply deal with engine maker Pratt & Whitney [1]

Core Viewpoint - Chinese automaker BYD aims to produce and source 50% of its vehicle components locally at its new Brazilian factory by the end of 2026 [1] Group 1: Company Strategy - BYD's strategy includes localizing production to enhance supply chain efficiency and reduce costs [1] - The company is focusing on expanding its presence in the Brazilian market, which is part of its broader international growth plan [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The move aligns with a growing trend among automakers to localize production in key markets to mitigate risks associated with global supply chains [1] - Local sourcing is expected to contribute to the sustainability goals of the automotive industry, as it may reduce transportation emissions and support local economies [1]

Core Viewpoint - Toyota Motor is anticipated to report a third consecutive decline in quarterly operating profit due to rising costs and U.S. import tariffs, despite achieving record global vehicle sales and strong demand for hybrids [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company is expected to face a decline in quarterly operating profit for the third straight time [1] - Rising costs and U.S. import tariffs are significant factors impacting earnings [1] Group 2: Market Demand - Toyota has recorded strong global vehicle sales [1] - There is a robust demand for hybrid vehicles [1]

Core Viewpoint - PC makers HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus are exploring the option of sourcing memory chips from Chinese manufacturers for the first time due to a global supply crunch impacting product launches and increasing costs [1] Group 1: Industry Context - The global supply crunch is significantly affecting the availability of memory chips, which is critical for the production of PCs [1] - The move to consider Chinese chipmakers indicates a shift in sourcing strategies among major PC manufacturers in response to supply chain challenges [1] Group 2: Company Actions - HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus are actively evaluating new suppliers to mitigate the risks associated with the current memory chip shortage [1] - This potential sourcing from Chinese manufacturers marks a notable change in the procurement strategies of these companies, reflecting their need to adapt to market conditions [1]

Core Viewpoint - Alphabet is positioning itself as a leader in the AI sector, contrasting with the previous perception a year ago when it was viewed as lagging behind competitors [1] Company Analysis - The shift in Wall Street's perception indicates a significant change in investor sentiment towards Alphabet, highlighting its aggressive approach to competing with OpenAI [1]

Group 1 - Workers at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee have reached a tentative agreement with the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Sony reported a 22% increase in third-quarter operating profit, surpassing analyst expectations, and raised its full-year forecast [1] Financial Performance - The operating profit for the third quarter rose by 22% compared to the previous year [1] - The increase in profit indicates strong performance and effective management strategies [1] Future Outlook - Sony has revised its full-year forecast upwards, reflecting confidence in continued growth and profitability [1]

Core Viewpoint - Memory shortages are expected to constrain cell phone sales for an extended period, negatively impacting demand for companies in the chip industry, including Qualcomm and Arm Holdings, as indicated by disappointing results reported by both companies [1] Group 1: Industry Impact - The ongoing memory shortages are anticipated to limit the sales of cell phones, which will subsequently affect the overall demand for the chip industry [1] - Executives and analysts have highlighted that these shortages will have a prolonged effect on the market dynamics within the chip sector [1] Group 2: Company Performance - Qualcomm and Arm Holdings reported results that fell short of investor expectations, reflecting the challenges posed by the current market conditions [1] - The disappointing financial results from these companies underscore the adverse effects of supply chain constraints on their performance [1]

Group 1 - Forgent Power, an electrical equipment maker, successfully raised $1.06 billion in its U.S. initial public offering [1]