China-Iran Trade Amid Sanctions

Group 1: Economic Context - The U.S. government shutdown is now in its second week, prompting investors to seek alternative economic reports to assess the economy's state [3] - The shutdown has implications for various sectors, as it may affect government services and economic data releases [3] Group 2: Company Developments - AMD has secured a multi-year deal to supply AI chips to Microsoft-backed OpenAI, resulting in a surge in AMD's stock price [4] - Boeing is preparing to increase the output of its 737 MAX aircraft this month, indicating a potential recovery in the aviation sector [9] - Stellantis is planning a $10 billion investment into its U.S. operations, reflecting confidence in the American market [8] Group 3: International Trade Dynamics - China is reportedly using barter trade to acquire Iranian oil and metals, circumventing Western sanctions, with state-backed companies involved in infrastructure projects in Iran [5][6] - The barter system involves Chinese state-owned insurer Sinosure and a financing mechanism called Chuxin, facilitating significant oil payments for infrastructure development [6] - Additionally, half-built cars from China are being shipped to Iran in exchange for Iranian copper and zinc, showcasing a complex trade relationship [7]