#trade-tensions

#trade-tensions

The European Commission has fined Alphabet's Google (GOOG) €2.95 billion, or about $3.2 billion, for what it calls abuse in its online advertising business. The case centers on what regulators describe as "self-preferencing," where Google gave its own ad services an edge over rivals. Google now has 60 days to explain how it will comply, or face the possibility of more decisive action, which could include a forced sale of parts of its ad unit.

Founded by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in 2001, the summit has shifted focus over the past two decades from Central Asian concerns to global matters. More significantly, the SCO has become an essential part of China's parallel international governance architecture, said Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of the China-Global South Project. As Beijing assumes the mantle of the world's second-largest superpower, the SCO has created spaces for dialogue and cooperation outside the US-led international system, Olander told Al Jazeera.

Nvidia's business in China will be the focus of investors when the AI chipmaker reports earnings on Wednesday, following an unusual deal with the Trump administration and Beijing's subsequent efforts to stall imports. Caught in the crossfire of Washington and Beijing's ongoing trade war, the fate of Nvidia's China business hangs on where the world's two largest economies land on tariff talks and chip trade curbs.

The prevailing softness reflects mounting concerns regarding global demand in the context of escalating trade tensions between the United States and its trading partners, including the European Union.

The euro was at a three-week low against the US dollar as renewed trade tensions, fueled by President Trump's tariff announcement, weighed on the common currency.

The BRICS bloc has rebuked the US and Israel for their actions in Iran, labeling them as violations of international law while supporting Palestinian statehood.

"It's a landmark summit because never before have these leaders had to confront so many strong, simultaneously interconnected crises." - John Kirton

The OECD has lowered the UK economic growth forecast for 2026 from 1.2% to 1% due to heightened trade tensions and elevated uncertainty.

The US Dollar edged higher on Tuesday, stabilizing after a decline at the start of the week, though it remained near multi-week lows.

The authorities' structural reforms, including to planning, and the increase in infrastructure investment could increase potential growth if properly implemented.

Despite the slow growth in industrial output and retail sales, China's economy showed unexpected resilience against US tariffs, indicating effective policy measures in place.

Owner Cynthia Black cites a sudden and significant rise in rent at her previous location as the reason for Phoenix Rising's move after 21 years in Montclair Village.

A new survey by the European Central Bank suggests that President Donald Trump's tariffs on EU products could trigger a major, long-lasting change in European consumer habits.

Canalys reported 296.9 million smartphone shipments in Q1 2025, marking only a 0.2% increase from the previous year, amid mixed market dynamics.

A significant number of Brits doubt the historical special relationship with the US, raising questions about its importance amid changing global dynamics.

The European Commission has fined Apple €500 million and Meta €200 million for non-compliance with the Digital Market Act, emphasizing ongoing trade tensions with the US.

"The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ticked up but remains below the 7% threshold for the thirteenth consecutive week," says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist. "At this time last year, rates reached 7.1% while purchase application demand was 13% lower than it is today, a clear sign that this year's spring homebuying season is off to a stronger start."

To make it a little more crystal clear, we borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.

China has an absolute dominance here.

The price of gold soared to an all-time high on Wednesday, breaching the $3,300 mark for the first time as growing global trade tensions sent investors scrambling for safe-haven assets.