Global Economic Crosscurrents: China’s Growth, Canada’s Slowdown, and Key Corporate Moves

Economic Outlooks - The World Bank has raised China's 2025 GDP forecast to 4.8%, indicating a positive outlook before an expected slowdown in the following year [3][9] - Canada's economy is showing signs of deceleration, with Q2 GDP weaker than anticipated and a fragile housing sector that complicates potential interest rate cuts by the Bank of Canada [4][9] - The French Farm Ministry has revised down its 2025 wine production forecast to 36.0 million hectoliters, reflecting a 1% decrease from last year's output [5][9] Corporate Actions and Analyst Ratings - Zurich Insurance (ZURN) has decided not to tender its stake in Sabadell (SAB) amidst a tender offer, marking a significant move in the financial services sector [6][9] - Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR) has been downgraded by Jefferies from "Hold" to "Underperform," with the target price significantly reduced from $110 to $70 [6][9] Political and Geopolitical Developments - Japan's new LDP leader, Sanae Takaichi, is engaged in coalition talks with Komeito, having reached agreements on two out of three discussed points, and is preparing for a Japan-U.S. leaders meeting on October 28th [7][9] - The EU is moving to restrict Russian diplomats' travel due to increased espionage activities, while Germany's Cabinet is divided over an EU letter advocating for a ban on combustion engine cars, indicating internal friction on environmental policy [8][9]