Latest Industry Trends News
AI Boom Drives Global Data Center and Semiconductor Investment
Spending on AI infrastructure, including data centers and advanced chips, is a major driver of global GDP growth, particularly in the US, Asia, and Europe, supporting industrial activity and optimism about long-term productivity gains . The US already accounted for 43% of global installed data center capacity in 2024, with recent surges in US data center investment linked to AI deployment
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Global Trade Shows Resilience Despite Ongoing Frictions
Global trade is expected to grow around +3.5% in 2025, supported by a more contained trade war impact than feared, a boost in services, and AI-driven exports of goods and services . Trade uncertainty remains a key risk, but volumes have held up better than initially expected
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US Tariff Policy Softens Toward Asia, Stalls with EU
The effective US tariff rate remains high at 11–12% but shows a visible softening in tone toward many Asian countries, while progress with the EU remains limited . This shift is helping sustain trade resilience into early 2026
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Korea-US Auto Tariff Deal Brings Retroactive Savings
A new US trade action effective December 4, 2025 reduces tariffs on certain auto parts and wood products from South Korea, with benefits retroactive to November 1, 2025 . This is expected to encourage more sourcing from Korea and could increase shipments of auto parts and timber-related goods
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CEO Confidence: Macro Pessimism, Firm-Level Optimism
Global CEO confidence in the world economy is at a multi-year low due to geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, but firm-level confidence remains strong . A large majority of CEOs still plan to increase capital spending, especially on technology and resilience initiatives
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US Industrial and Manufacturing CEOs Turn Cautious
Industrial and manufacturing CEOs report more cautious confidence, citing supply chain realignment, reshoring strategies, and persistent energy cost volatility as key concerns . They remain focused on selective growth and portfolio restructuring rather than broad expansion
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Trans-Pacific Carriers Hold Rates Steady Despite Softer Demand
Trans-Pacific carriers are maintaining stable spot rates into January 2026 despite softer import demand from Asia, by pacing capacity additions and making frequent small adjustments . Capacity to the US West Coast is set to rise close to 13% year-on-year, signaling preparation for a strong start to the new year
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Natural Gas and Energy Markets Show Strong Directional Trends
Natural gas futures have extended an explosive rally, emerging as one of the clearest and strongest trends in global futures markets . Crude benchmarks and heating oil also firmed, though leadership remains concentrated in gas rather than broad energy strength
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Metals Sector Holds Ground Amid Cooling Momentum
Metals remained positive this week with gains in silver and copper, while gold and platinum consolidated, losing some of last week’s strong impulse . The sector still offers a relatively favorable trend profile, but recent action has been more about holding ground than breaking out
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US Dollar and Oil Weaken as AI and Rate Cuts Reshape Markets
The US dollar and crude oil are suffering deep structural declines in 2025, driven by expectations of multiple US rate cuts in 2026 and the AI-driven tech profit surge . Oil is the major underperformer of the year, while gold and silver have delivered historic gains on central bank buying and industrial demand
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