Core Insights - A new study indicates that South Korea's stringent competition regulations targeting U.S. tech firms could result in nearly $1 trillion in lost economic growth for both countries over the next decade, with U.S. companies potentially losing $525 billion and South Korean small businesses facing losses of approximately $469 billion [1][4]. Group 1: Economic Impact - The Competere Foundation's research highlights that South Korea's regulatory environment is detrimental not only to U.S. tech firms but also to its own economy, particularly affecting small businesses [4][8]. - The report emphasizes that reduced foreign investment will disproportionately impact smaller Korean businesses, urging both nations to prioritize regulatory reform to enhance economic ties [8]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The aggressive enforcement actions by Korea's Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) are seen as unfairly limiting U.S. tech firms and discouraging foreign investment, which could lead to broader diplomatic and trade implications [2][6]. - Experts warn that the current regulatory approach may backfire, complicating trade negotiations and potentially leading to a more confrontational stance between the U.S. and South Korea [9][10]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The restrictive measures against U.S. companies may create opportunities for Chinese firms, which are less deterred by inconsistent enforcement of regulations, posing risks to U.S. economic interests and national security [12].

Key TakeawaysThe United States and Australia have forged an $8.5 billion critical minerals and rare earths deal to secure supply chains, directly challenging China's dominant control over global markets.A prominent US business lobby, including giants like Amazon and Exxon Mobil, is pressuring the Trump administration to lift new restrictions on exports to China, citing billions in halted trade.Plantro has withdrawn its takeover bid for Dye & Durham (DND), leading to the legal software provider's shares hitt ...

Market Performance - The US benchmark S&P 500 rose by 1.13%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 1.04%, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 1.49%, driven by easing investor fears over regional banks and positive sentiment regarding a potential trade deal with China [1][4][29] - Apple shares surged by 5.35% this year, contributing significantly to the Nasdaq's performance, as strong iPhone sales data indicated a potential shift beyond the typical iPhone refresh cycle [5][6][7] Trade Relations - President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea, highlighting a good relationship between the two nations [2][26] - Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on China, potentially raising the total US tariffs on Chinese goods to 157%, following China's export controls on rare earths essential for chip production [3][11] Company-Specific Developments - Apple has seen a significant rebound in its stock price, hitting a record of $264.22, following an upgrade from Loop Capital based on strong demand for the iPhone 17, which saw sales 14% higher than the iPhone 16 during the initial launch period [6][7][17] - Defence stocks, particularly Babcock International and Rolls Royce, surged as hopes for a peace deal in Ukraine faded, with Babcock rising by 2.3% and Rolls Royce by 1.9% [12][13] Economic Indicators - Oil prices fell by 1% to $60.68 per barrel due to concerns over a global supply glut and lower economic growth [8] - The US Treasury signed a $20 billion lifeline for Argentina's economy, which is expected to provide vital access to US dollars and support President Javier Milei ahead of midterm elections [18][19] Consumer Sentiment and Business Outlook - Consumer sentiment dipped slightly to 47.4 in October, indicating financial stress among households despite rising incomes, as high bills continue to impact disposable income [56][57] - Canadian businesses are facing significant layoffs in the steel and aluminum sectors due to the impact of US tariffs, with a weak outlook for growth in domestic export sales [23][24]

Gains Resume as US-China Trade Tensions Ease - Bloomberg Surveillance https://t.co/Z6mLchumVB ...

Economic Outlook - The Australian dollar rose by 0.3% to $0.6504, buoyed by positive economic data from China and a more optimistic trade outlook [1][4] - China's economy grew by 1.1% in Q3, surpassing forecasts, with industrial output increasing by 6.5%, although the annual growth rate of 4.8% was the weakest in a year [2][3] - Analysts suggest that China is on track to meet its growth target of around 5%, indicating resilience against U.S. tariffs [3] Political Developments - The yen weakened initially as Sanae Takaichi appeared set to become Japan's next prime minister, following crucial political backing [1] - Takaichi's bid for premiership was bolstered by an alliance with the Japan Innovation Party, aligning more closely with her policy views after a previous coalition breakup [5][6] - The market is reacting positively to the potential for Takaichi's leadership, leading to bullish equities and bearish sentiment towards the yen [5] Market Sentiment - Market analysts indicate a sense of "mutually assured destruction" regarding U.S.-China trade tensions, with both sides acknowledging the risks of escalating tariffs [4] - There is a prevailing sentiment that markets will remain jittery until explicit announcements of de-escalation are made [5]

China's economic growth slows as trade tensions with US flare up https://t.co/dfwI84yJoL ...

Core Insights - China's economic growth in Q3 2023 slowed to 4.8%, matching expectations and down from 5.2% in Q2, indicating ongoing challenges from a property slump and trade tensions [1][5] Economic Performance - Q3 GDP growth was 4.8% year-on-year, aligning with forecasts and down from 5.2% in Q2 [5] - Quarter-on-quarter GDP growth was 1.1%, surpassing the forecast of 0.8% and slightly up from a revised 1.0% in Q2 [5] - Industrial output in September increased by 6.5% year-on-year, exceeding the forecast of 5.0% [5] - Retail sales in September grew by 3.0% year-on-year, matching forecasts but down from 3.4% in August [5] - Fixed asset investment from January to September decreased by 0.5% year-on-year, contrary to the forecast of a 0.1% increase [5] - Property investment from January to September fell by 13.9% year-on-year, worsening from a 12.9% decline in January-August [5] Market Reactions and Expectations - Analysts suggest that while the GDP number is decent, domestic activity and investment remain weak, indicating a need for further demand stimulation [2][4] - There is an expectation that Beijing will meet its 2025 growth target of around 5%, with little need for broad fiscal stimulus at this time [2] - The upcoming Fourth Plenary Session is anticipated to maintain a stable USD/CNY exchange rate as the People's Bank of China aims to minimize volatility [2]

US equity futures rose 0.3% in early Asian trading, after Wall Street closed last week higher as President Donald Trump moved to ease concerns over trade tensions. https://t.co/rh46Z9eB3N ...

Economic Overview - China's economy is facing deep structural challenges, including fading growth drivers, a prolonged property downturn, and entrenched deflation, contrasting with the temporary pandemic shocks experienced previously [1] - The upcoming fourth plenum in Beijing will provide insights into the government's priorities for the 2026-2030 period, with a focus on rebalancing the economy towards domestic consumption [1] Foreign Investment and Trade - Inbound foreign direct investment in China has decreased by nearly 13% in the first eight months, indicating a potential third consecutive year of decline [2] - Despite the decline in foreign investment, the goods trade balance has reached a record $875 billion this year, highlighting strong foreign demand [2] Investment and Industrial Activity - Fixed-asset investment is projected to remain unchanged year-on-year in the first nine months, continuing a downward trend since May, despite increased government borrowing aimed at supporting local authorities [3] - Public spending on infrastructure has not compensated for the decline in housing investment and a slowdown in manufacturing investment [3] Retail and Industrial Output - Retail sales are expected to grow by 3% in September, while industrial output is forecasted to increase by 5%, marking the weakest performance for both metrics this year [4] GDP Growth and Economic Outlook - China's GDP is estimated to have risen by 4.7% in the third quarter, down from 5.2% in the previous quarter, reflecting a slowdown in economic momentum [5][6] - The IMF predicts a growth rate of 4.8% for China in 2025, with a further slowdown to 4.2% expected next year, citing weak prospects and ongoing real estate investment shrinkage [6]

Group 1 - Soybean contracts experienced a rally, increasing by 7 to 9 cents, with November futures rising 12 ¾ cents this week after testing the $10 mark [1][3] - The national average cash bean price rose by 9 1/4 cents to $9.45 ½, indicating a firming basis [1] - Soymeal futures increased by $2.40 to $4.10 on the day, resulting in a $6 gain for December over the week [2] Group 2 - Soy Oil prices were up 24 to 29 points on Friday, with December futures gaining 116 points over the past five trading days [2] - November soybean futures averaged $10.16, down from $10.54 in February but up from $10.03 last fall [3] - President Trump expressed optimism regarding China relations ahead of an upcoming leaders meeting, stating that 100% tariffs on China are not sustainable [3]