Key Takeaways Ford supports the Trump administration's plan to ease tariffs for U.S. automakers.The proposal could exempt domestically built vehicles, reducing Ford's 2025 tariff costs.Ford says the policy aligns with its goal of boosting American auto manufacturing.Ford Motor Company (F) , which builds all its heavy trucks at its Kentucky Truck Plant and Ohio Assembly Plant, praised the Trump administration’s tariff relief policies. Per Reuters, President Donald Trump is considering major tariff relief for ...

Core Viewpoint - The automotive industry is experiencing a positive shift in stock prices due to potential tariff relief being considered by the Trump administration, which could significantly reduce costs for major car manufacturers in the U.S. [1][2] Group 1: Investment and Production Developments - General Motors is set to begin production at the renovated Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, following a $2.2 billion investment aimed at producing all-electric trucks and SUVs [1] - Ford shares reached a new 52-week high of $12.66, reflecting investor optimism amid potential tariff relief [4] Group 2: Market Reactions and Stock Performance - Shares of General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis rose approximately 2% to 4% following reports of potential tariff changes [2] - Tesla's shares declined by about 2%, contrasting with gains seen by other automakers like Honda and Toyota [3] Group 3: Tariff Implications - The Trump administration's tariffs of 25% on imported vehicles and parts have been a significant concern for the automotive industry, leading to billions in increased costs [3] - Proposed changes may include extending a 3.75% tariff offset for five years and adding U.S. engine production to the relief, which could benefit major manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Tesla, and GM [2]

European healthcare stocks jumped on Wednesday, a day after Pfizer and U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S.-based drugmaker agreed to lower prescription drug prices in the Medicaid program in exchange for tariff relief. ...

Investments & Partnerships - Apple is investing $25 billion to expand the Corning facility in Kentucky, aiming for 100% of the glass used in iPhones and Apple Watches to be produced there [1][2] - Apple continues existing deals with suppliers like Coherent, Global Wafers America, Global Foundry, Samsung, Broadcom, and Texas Instruments [3][4] - Broadcom is developing and building cellular components for 5G and wireless connectivity in the United States [5] Production & Manufacturing - Construction is underway for the Houston factory, announced with a $500 billion investment, to produce AI servers for Apple Intelligence, expected to be fully operational in 2026 [4] - Apple has shifted a significant portion of its production meant for the US to India to benefit from lower tariff rates outside of China, with the goal of fulfilling US demand [6][7] - Work on AI servers, previously done overseas, will now be conducted in Texas starting next year [9][10] Trade & Tariff - Apple is receiving tariff relief, specifically an exemption from the doubling of India tariffs [5][6]

Core Points - A last-minute trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan has prevented a significant increase in tariffs, particularly on automobiles, which has positively impacted Japanese equities [1] - Auto tariffs are now capped at 15%, significantly lower than the previously threatened 25%, leading to a relief rally in Japanese markets [1] Group 1 - The trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan has averted a steep escalation in tariffs [1] - Japanese equities have responded positively to the news of the trade agreement [1] - The cap on auto tariffs at 15% is a significant reduction from the initially proposed 25% [1]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a neutral stance on equities, shifting from an underweight position previously [10]. Core Insights - A better-than-expected outcome from US/China trade talks has led to a reduction in tariff tensions, prompting multiple global forecast revisions [2][6]. - Regional equity market earnings have been raised due to a more favorable growth outlook, with expected earnings growth for the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan index at 9% for both 2025 and 2026 [14][18]. - The report anticipates moderately higher returns driven by improved earnings and a favorable macro backdrop, with a 12-month target for the MSCI Asia Pacific index set at 660, implying an 8% total return [18][28]. Summary by Sections US/China Trade Talks - The US and China announced a 90-day pause in tariffs, reducing the US effective tariff rate on Chinese exports to 39% from 107%, and the China effective tariff rate on US exports to around 30% from 144% [3][6]. - Following the announcement, the regional index gained 3.2% in three trading days, with significant gains in Taiwan, China Offshore, and India markets [3][4]. Global Forecast Revisions - The reduction in tariffs has led to an increase in the US real GDP growth forecast for 4Q from 0.5% to 1.0% and a decrease in the probability of recession from 45% to 35% [6][11]. - In China, GDP growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been raised to 4.6% and 3.8%, respectively, with a corresponding increase in MSCI China index earnings growth forecasts [7][11]. Regional Earnings Growth - Earnings growth for the MSCI Asia Pacific index has been revised up by 2 percentage points for 2025 and 2026, primarily due to better macro growth expectations in China and US-exposed markets [14][18]. - Individual market revisions include a cumulative +5pp for China, +4pp for Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea, and +3pp for Japan and China A [14][15]. Return Expectations - The report expects 3-month and 12-month returns for the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan index of 0% and 8% in USD price terms, driven by better earnings growth and a higher target P/E multiple of 13.4x [18][28]. - The report emphasizes the importance of alpha opportunities over beta, given that markets have already priced in much of the tariff relief [28][29]. Market Allocation and Themes - The report favors China and Japan, with a domestic sector tilt, and highlights themes such as resilience in a challenging macro context, AI beneficiaries, and shareholder yield [29][30]. - The report also notes the impact of USD depreciation on market differentiation, identifying winners and losers [32][29].