Ola Kaellenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz $MBG.DE, emphasized the need for the European Union to pursue a "fair solution" that enables a level playing field for Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) entering the European market. His comments, made at the Shanghai Auto Show, spotlight the growing tensions in the automotive industry as competition intensifies between European automakers and their Chinese counterparts.

UBS Group AG $UBS has announced the sale of its Indian asset management business to 360 ONE WAM $ONEW in a deal valued at ₹3.07 billion (approximately $36 million). This transaction marks a significant strategic shift for UBS as it consolidates its operations and refocuses its business strategy in emerging markets. The acquisition will enable 360 ONE to enhance its service offerings while allowing UBS to streamline its portfolio.

The Trump administration is set to exert pressure on India to grant online retailers like Amazon $AMZN and Walmart $WMT full access to its burgeoning $125 billion e-commerce market. According to the Financial Times, this push has been confirmed by industry executives, lobbyists, and U.S. government officials. This initiative forms part of broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and India, with intentions to level the playing field for e-commerce on various fronts.

Netflix $NFLX, the global leader in streaming entertainment, continues to show confidence in its financial outlook despite an unpredictable economic climate and evolving U.S. tariff policies. According to recent statements from top leadership, the company remains on track to meet its annual revenue targets, emphasizing that its business model is robust enough to weather even significant macroeconomic shocks.

Global currency markets are undergoing significant changes, and once again, the US Dollar (USD) finds itself in the spotlight of analysts and market experts. Against the backdrop of escalating trade tensions triggered by former President Donald Trump, major investment funds like RBC BlueBay Asset Management are making bold moves—betting against the strength of the USD. These developments signal a pivotal moment in how the world perceives the dollar, challenging the long-held belief in its "exceptionalism" as the cornerstone of the international financial system.

Applied Materials $AMAT , a leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment based in the United States, has acquired a 9% stake in Dutch company BE Semiconductor Industries (BESI) $BESIY . This move highlights the strategic partnerships forming among industry giants as demand surges for higher-performing and more energy-efficient chips in the era of artificial intelligence and IoT.

Recently, gold has taken center stage in the financial world, breaking new all-time records. On Tuesday, global bullion spot prices touched $3,221.70 per ounce—rising by 0.4%. The day prior, gold set an all-time high at $3,245.42. US gold futures followed suit, climbing to $3,237.60. This sustained growth in gold’s value comes against the backdrop of mounting uncertainty about US trade policy under President Trump's administration and the shifting momentum of major financial indices.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has once again eased its monetary policy, reflecting shifts in the global economic landscape. This marks the second such move this year, aiming to enhance financial stability against a backdrop of declining global growth and trade relations. A key factor driving these changes is the trade tensions instigated by US tariffs, which have impacted the economic dynamics of Singapore and its trading partners.

Late last week, medical care providers reported receiving notifications from UnitedHealth Group, the largest U.S. health insurer, demanding the repayment of loans issued during a tumultuous period in early 2022. This move has ignited discussions across the healthcare and insurance sectors, raising concerns about financial stability and partnership dynamics.

Recent developments in the energy sector have taken a transformative turn with the announcement that CF Industries, in collaboration with Japan’s largest power producer JERA and trading giant Mitsui & Co, is setting up a joint venture to construct one of the world’s largest low-carbon ammonia plants. With an investment close to 4 billion dollars, the project reflects a strategic shift towards sustainable industrial production and highlights an era of collaborative innovation in clean energy technology.

In a move aimed at tackling growing global competition in the dairy industry, Denmark’s Arla Foods and Germany’s DMK Group have announced a strategic merger. This union will establish the largest dairy cooperative in Europe, representing the collective efforts of over 12,000 farmers.

Over the past few years, renewable energy sources (RES) have shown remarkable growth, solidifying their position in the global energy sector. According to a recent report by the Ember think tank, renewable energy accounted for a record 32% of global electricity generation last year. However, overall electricity demand has continued to rise, driven by extreme weather events and the energy needs of data centers.