Latest Business News
US Stocks Slip in Final Week of 2025
Major US indices declined slightly on Monday: S&P 500 fell 0.3% to 6,905.74, Dow dropped 0.5% to 48,461.93, and Nasdaq fell 0.5% to 23,474.35, despite strong yearly gains led by tech. Tech stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom weighed on the market amid AI valuation concerns, though energy stocks rose with oil prices.
Trading remains quiet with holiday-shortened week ahead.
Precious Metals Plunge Dramatically
Gold plunged $200 in a single day while silver dropped 10% at one point in volatile trading. US indices closed lower: Dow down 0.51%, S&P 500 0.35%, Nasdaq 0.5%; Tesla fell 3.2%, Micron surged 3.4%.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended down 0.71% after late losses.
BYD Poised to Overtake Tesla in EV Sales
BYD is set to surpass Tesla in annual EV sales, with Tesla's Q4 expected at 449,000 units for 1.65 million yearly total, down 7.7%. Sales dropped sharply in North America, Europe, and China; BYD benefits from global diversification amid tariffs.
Tesla plans Cybercab production in 2026 and cheaper models.
Global Trade Surpasses $35 Trillion in 2025
World trade hits record over $35 trillion with 7% growth, goods up 6%, despite tariffs; China posts $1 trillion surplus. AI-driven semiconductor demand boosts Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore.
2026 outlook muted due to policy uncertainty and rising costs.
EU Squeezed by US Tariffs and China Trade War
EU faces US tariffs tripling to 15% on exports, zero on US goods, plus $600B investments pledged; deal criticized as unbalanced. China retaliates on EU pork, dairy after EV tariffs; restrictions on critical goods intensify.
Brussels seeks exemptions amid security dependencies.
Meta Acquires Manus for Billions
Meta has acquired Manus for several billion US dollars, expanding its tech portfolio. No further financial details released in reports.
Deal aligns with ongoing AI and VR investments.
Nvidia Strikes AI Licensing Deal with Groq
Nvidia agreed to license technology from AI startup Groq, with top executives joining to advance AI capabilities. Move furthers Nvidia's investments in AI boom amid market leadership.
No financial details disclosed.
Zhipu Plans Hong Kong IPO with 37M Shares
Zhipu intends to issue over 37 million shares at HKD 116.2 each in Hong Kong IPO. Aims to raise funds amid competitive AI sector.
Listing reflects growing Chinese tech presence globally.
Hong Kong Stocks Reverse Amid Sector Shifts
Hang Seng Index closed down 0.71% at 25,635 after sharp reversal; tech index fell 0.3%. Autos, medical equipment led gains; gold, telecom plunged; cross-border payments surged.
Turnover reached HKD 224.5 billion.
Energy Metals Slump, Food Sector Weakens in China
Lithium stocks like Shengxin, Tianqi, Ganfeng pulled back sharply; food beverages declined with Miaokelaiduo hitting limit down. Digital currency, payments strong with Lakala up 10%.
Reflects volatile afternoon trading.
Taiwan Banks' US Exposure Hits Record
Taiwan banks' US exposure rose 2.07% to $198.896 billion, largest for 41 quarters, driven by securitized products and trusts. US remains top debtor nation amid steady growth.
Luxembourg and China follow in exposures.
Oil Prices Rise as Energy Stocks Gain
US crude jumped 2.4% to $58.08/barrel, Brent 2.1% to $61.94; Exxon Mobil up 1.2%. Gains offset broader Wall Street slips in quiet trading.
European and Asian markets mixed.