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Small businesses are being crushed by Trump's tariffs and economists say it's a warning for the economy
CNBC· 2025-10-17 11:00
Core Insights - The article highlights the struggles of small businesses, particularly in the footwear and retail sectors, due to increased tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which have significantly raised costs and created financial strain [4][6][10]. Impact on Small Businesses - Small businesses like AV Universal Corp. are facing severe financial challenges, with the CEO needing to take a $250,000 loan to cover a tariff bill that has skyrocketed from approximately $7,500 to $353,125 for 2025 [2][10]. - Many small business owners are forced to raise prices to manage higher tariff costs, but this has led to decreased sales, with some reporting a drop of around 30% in sales after price increases [5][10]. - The article notes that small businesses represent over 40% of the U.S. GDP and employ nearly half of the American workforce, indicating their critical role in the economy [6]. Tariff Costs and Business Strategies - AV Universal Corp. expects to pay $353,125 in tariffs for 2025, a significant increase from $45,000 in 2024, while other companies like Talus Products anticipate tariffs of approximately $499,000 for 2025, up from around $223,000 in 2024 [10][11]. - Companies are exploring various strategies to cope with tariffs, including raising prices, negotiating with suppliers, and considering relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, such as China and Vietnam [10][11][17]. Economic Outlook - Experts suggest that the struggles of small businesses could foreshadow broader economic challenges, potentially impacting larger businesses in the future [7]. - The article mentions that larger retailers have managed to absorb tariff costs better due to their ability to stock up on inventory before tariffs were implemented, but this advantage may diminish as inventory runs out [7][8]. Legal Context - The future of the tariffs remains uncertain as a federal court has ruled them illegal, and the Supreme Court is set to review the appeal, with arguments scheduled for November [8].
Morgan Stanley's Slimmon on Credit Angst | Insight with Haslinda Amin 10/17/2025
Bloomberg Television· 2025-10-17 06:41
IF THESE RECIPIENTS OF CHINESE GOODS FEEL THE HEAT, WE MAY STILL HAVE THE RISK OF A TRADE WAR MOVING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, SO OUR MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY IS BECOME AN TO CHINA, BE CAREFUL. DO NOT PROVOKE OTHER COUNTRIES TO SEE YOU AS A THREAT. HASLINDA: THE IMF IS CALLING FOR CALM AND RESTRAINT AS BEIJING AND WASHINGTON TRADE SHARP BARBS, ESCALATING FEARS OF A DEEPENING TRADE WAR AND GLOBAL FALLOUT FROM TARIFFS.LIVE FROM SINGAPORE, THIS IS "INSIGHT" WITH HASLINDA AMIN WHERE WE DIVE DEEPER INTO STORIES THA ...
X @Bloomberg
Bloomberg· 2025-10-17 06:06
Volvo expects a trucking slowdown to extend into next year as uncertainties linked to Trump’s tariffs weigh on demand in North America https://t.co/oPcyNtQy7J ...
IMF's Srinivasan on Rare Earth Tensions
Bloomberg Television· 2025-10-17 06:03
Economic Outlook & Trade Tensions - US-China trade tensions, including export controls and potential tariffs, pose risks to the economic outlook [1] - Asia Pacific growth is forecasted at 45% this year, decreasing to 41% next year, but is subject to downside risks due to trade tensions [2] - Global economic growth is projected at 31% in the baseline scenario, but could be 03% percentage points lower with greater tariffs and supply chain disruptions [3][4] China's Economic Impact - China's exports to the US have declined sharply since 2017-2018, while exports to the rest of Asia, especially ASEAN, have increased [6][7] - Deflationary pressures in China are leading to lower export prices, impacting countries around it, including ASEAN [8][9] - Weak domestic demand in China exacerbates the issue, suggesting that boosting consumption and fixing the real estate sector could alleviate the spillover effects [9][10] Policy Recommendations for China - China provides approximately 4% of policy support every year for priority sectors, including EVs [11] - The report calls for China to scale back such policies and remove trade and investment restrictions to restructure growth and reduce internal and external imbalances [12]
Matson (MATX) Navigates Tariff Challenges While Maintaining Strong Dividend Record
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-17 05:13
Core Viewpoint - Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX) is recognized as one of the best dividend stocks to consider despite facing challenges from market volatility and tariff-related uncertainties [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Matson, Inc. has a long history dating back to the late 1800s, originally established to connect the US West Coast with Hawaii, and has since expanded to serve US Pacific territories and Alaska, as well as providing expedited shipping between the US mainland and China [2]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Matson's operating income from its Ocean Transportation segment decreased compared to the previous year, primarily due to reduced shipping volumes in its China service, with freight demand experiencing a sharp decline in April following the introduction of tariffs [3]. - For Q3 2025, the company anticipates that Ocean Transportation operating income will be significantly lower than the $226.9 million reported in the same period of 2024, mainly due to weaker freight rates [4]. Group 3: Dividend Information - Matson, Inc. has maintained a strong dividend record with 13 consecutive years of dividend growth, currently paying a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 1.53% as of October 16 [5].
US close in the red on regional bank concerns, why the US market is key for luxury watch makers
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-16 21:47
[Music] Hello and welcome to Asking for a Trend. I'm Josh Lipton and for the next half hour, we are breaking down the trends of today that'll move stocks tomorrow. There's a lot to keep track of, so we're focusing on what you need to know to get ahead of the curve here.Some of the trends we're going to be diving into. It was a rough ride on Wall Street today. Stocks taking a tumble as investors cautiously watch earnings, the trade war, and traders began buying up bonds and selling stocks.the end of the sess ...
X @Bloomberg
Bloomberg· 2025-10-16 21:45
The Trump administration is poised to ease tariffs on the US auto industry, a move that would deliver a major win for carmakers https://t.co/el7NZQN8Hz ...
E-commerce Prices Rose in September. That Could Mean Tougher Times for Deal Hunters.
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-16 21:17
Core Insights - Online prices increased by 0.8% year-over-year in September, marking the first rise since 2023, as reported by Signifyd, which monitors price changes for approximately 60,000 products across 1,000 merchants [2][7] - The trend of rising online prices suggests that merchants are facing pressure on profit margins and may have less flexibility to offer discounts, indicating potential inflationary pressures in the retail market [4][6] Price Trends - Prices were approximately 2% lower year-over-year in July and as much as 3.7% lower in October of the previous year, but declines have been diminishing over the past eight months across nearly all product segments [3] - The Producer Price Index saw a month-over-month increase of 0.7% from June to July, the highest rate in two years, although it has since decreased [5] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly seeking to save money, with some opting for lower-priced alternatives to previously purchased products, reflecting a shift in spending habits [6] - Analysts predict that with rising prices and a cooling job market, consumer spending may decline during the upcoming holiday season, which could impact retailers' ability to offer discounts [6]
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Enters a Licensing Agreement With the Harvard University
Insider Monkey· 2025-10-16 20:34
Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7][8] Investment Landscape - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a pressing concern regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - AI data centers, such as those powering large language models, consume energy equivalent to that of small cities, indicating a significant strain on global power grids [2] - The company in focus is positioned to benefit from the surge in demand for electricity driven by AI, making it a potentially lucrative investment opportunity [3][6] Company Profile - The company is described as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, collecting fees from energy exports and benefiting from the onshoring trend due to tariffs [5][6] - It possesses critical nuclear energy infrastructure assets and is capable of executing large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects across various energy sectors [7][8] - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding a substantial cash reserve, which is nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8][10] Market Position - The company has an equity stake in another prominent AI venture, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9] - It is trading at a low valuation of less than 7 times earnings, which is attractive given its ties to both AI and energy sectors [10] - The company is recognized for its ability to deliver real cash flows and hold critical infrastructure, distinguishing it from other firms burdened by debt [11][12] Future Outlook - The ongoing influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive continuous innovation and advancements, reinforcing the importance of investing in AI-related companies [12][13] - The combination of AI infrastructure demands, energy needs, and the onshoring boom presents a unique investment landscape that the highlighted company is well-positioned to navigate [14][15]
Ikea raises prices as Trump's furniture tariffs hit retailer
Fox Business· 2025-10-16 19:20
Core Insights - Ikea is raising prices due to new tariffs impacting the furniture business, indicating a shift in its low-cost business model [1][4] - The company aims to adapt to the new business environment by passing on some cost increases to customers while seeking ways to lower prices [1][7] - A significant portion of Ikea's products, approximately 90%, are sourced from external suppliers, making it vulnerable to U.S. tariffs [5][8] Tariff Impact - A 10% tariff on softwood lumber imports and a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities have been imposed, with furniture tariffs set to rise to 30% and cabinets/vanities to 50% by January 1 unless relief is negotiated [4] - The tariffs are part of a broader strategy by the U.S. administration to bolster American industry and protect national security [2] Price Adjustments - Ikea has already seen price increases in certain product categories, with the cost of some sofas rising nearly $50 and bedroom sets by nearly $100 in recent months [7] - Despite previous announcements to cut prices as inflationary pressures eased, the current situation has led to a reversal in strategy [10] Domestic Sourcing Efforts - The company is increasing efforts to produce more products domestically, already sourcing all kitchen cabinets for the U.S. market locally and exploring additional local sourcing for products like mattresses [8]