Politics 2/9

Fed’s Cautious Tone Calms Markets, But Investors Stay Guarded

Markets entered midweek trading in a mixed mood following the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut rates slightly while warning that future policy moves are not guaranteed . Chair Jerome Powell’s tone was measured less about stimulus, more about stability. The announcement effectively signaled that the Fed wants to ease financial conditions without reigniting inflation fears. Investors welcomed the relief but quickly recognized the subtext: the central bank still sees risk on b

Oct 301 min read

South Korea Summit Sparks Global Risk-On Momentum

Asian and global markets rallied early this week after reports confirmed that U.S. and Chinese trade officials met in Malaysia and agreed to resume formal negotiations at a trilateral summit in South Korea later this week. Investors reacted immediately, with the Nikkei 225 climbing nearly 1.8% and KOSPI up over 2% , led by semiconductor and industrial exporters. Futures in Europe and the U.S. followed suit as traders priced in a potential easing of trade tensions and sup

Oct 292 min read

EU-UK Digital Tax Dispute Elevates Tech Sector Risk

Today, the European Union announced that it would press ahead with a digital services tax targeting large U.S. tech firms unless the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development (OECD) multilateral pact is finalized in the next six weeks. The move has stirred market concern around global tax policy drift and technology sector headwinds. What happened The European Commission stated that the existing transitional arrangements will expire, and unilateral action may com

Oct 282 min read

U.S. - China Trade Framework Signals Risk On Surge

On October 27, 2025, markets rallied sharply on signs that Donald Trump and Xi Jinping may soon formalize a trade deal after senior officials from the U.S. and China reportedly settled a “very substantial framework” ahead of a summit. What happened Negotiators in Malaysia indicated progress on key issues including rare earth export controls, tariff relief and agricultural commitments. The talk of a leadership meeting later this week triggered equity, commodity and currency mo

Oct 272 min read

U.S. Government Strategy Shift: Equity Stakes in Strategic Tech Firms

In a significant policy move, the U.S. administration has signalled it may take direct equity stakes in key companies within critical-technology sectors (quantum computing, semiconductors, rare earths) as a strategic tool in its competition with China. These aren’t simple grants or subsidies they represent a shift toward partial ownership, which may change governance, capital flow dynamics and valuation frameworks for affected companies. Why this is a market-mover Stocks in

Oct 262 min read

U.S. Government Strategy Shift: Equity Stakes in Strategic Tech Firms

In a notable policy pivot, the Donald Trump administration is reportedly preparing to take equity stakes in several U.S. technology firms operating in “strategic” sectors such as quantum computing and semiconductors for the explicit purpose of countering competition from China and bolstering domestic industrial strength. What the initiative involves According to multiple reports, companies including IonQ, Rigetti Computing and D‑Wave Quantum are in discussions with U.S. regu

Oct 232 min read

US Tariffs Loom Large But Some Stabilizing Signs Emerge

The global corporate world is grappling with the fallout from heavy US tariffs, which as of October 2025 have already cost companies more than $35 billion in reported burdens. Yet, the mood is shifting, executives report that conditions are beginning to clarify, thanks in part to newer trade deals and greater visibility. Details worth noting The $35 bn figure includes large firms, e.g., Toyota estimates ~$9.5 bn alone in cost impacts. Industries most impacted include consume

Oct 211 min read

France’s Credit Rating Downgrade Highlights Political Risk

The credit-rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded France’s sovereign rating from AA to A+, citing mounting political instability rather than just fiscal deterioration. Key Takeaways The downgrade followed repeated government changes six prime ministers since 2022 and parliamentary gridlock. Forecasted deficits of ~5.3% in 2026 and debt rising to ~121% of GDP by 2028 undermined confidence in the government’s fiscal plan. Implications & Risks Investors in French gover

Oct 201 min read