China puts Google, Nvidia, Intel in regulatory crosshairs as Trump trade dispute escalates

Group 1: Antitrust Probes - China has initiated an antitrust investigation against Google, focusing on the Android operating system and its impact on Chinese phone manufacturers [1][3] - Nvidia is also under investigation for potential antitrust violations, following restrictions imposed by the Biden administration on its high-end hardware exports to China [2] - Intel is being considered for a formal antitrust probe, although details are not yet clear [2] Group 2: Trade Relations and Retaliation - The antitrust actions are part of broader retaliatory measures by China in response to a new 10% tariff on Chinese imports imposed by President Trump [1][6] - China has tightened export controls on critical minerals and added new tariffs on US coal, oil, and certain agricultural equipment, signaling a willingness to harm US interests [6][7] Group 3: Market Reactions and Company Performance - Shares of Google parent Alphabet rose nearly 2%, while Nvidia shares increased by 1.6%, and Intel shares remained flat [4] - Google derives approximately 1% of its global revenue from China, and the ongoing investigation adds to its regulatory challenges, including a separate federal antitrust case in the US targeting its digital advertising business [9][10]