International bank Standard Chartered has revised its forecast for China’s economic growth in 2025, increasing it from 4.5% to 4.8%. This decision is driven by economic activity levels in the first two months of the current year being higher than expected, as well as positive data from the March Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) survey. This move highlights the bank's confidence in the gradual recovery of the world's second-largest economy, despite ongoing global economic risks.

Drivers Behind the Revision

Several key factors have influenced China’s economic trajectory at the start of the year, forming the basis for this revised forecast. Notably:

• Recovery of Consumer Demand: China is exhibiting strong growth in domestic consumption, attributed to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the increase in retail sales.

• Strengthening of Industrial Production: Data reflects growth in production volumes across pivotal economic sectors, including manufacturing, electronics, and construction.

• Growth in Export Volumes: Despite geopolitical challenges and a slowing global market, China’s export levels remain high, sustaining economic resilience.

French energy giant TotalEnergies has made a significant move to bolster its presence in the renewable energy sector by signing agreements with RES, the world's largest independent renewable energy company. The projects being acquired in Canada amount to nearly 1 gigawatt, marking a strategic step not only in expanding the company's portfolio in Canada but also signifying broader ambitions on a global scale.

New Horizons in Renewable Energy

These agreements include the recently commissioned Big Sky Solar project with 184 MW capacity in Alberta, alongside more than 800 MW of wind and solar power plants currently under construction in Canada. Through these actions, TotalEnergies shows its commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.

• Big Sky Solar (184 MW): A recently launched project that has already begun supplying electricity to Alberta residents.

• Wind Installations (over 800 MW): These projects are under construction and will significantly boost the share of renewable energy in the Canadian grid in the coming years.

March 2025 marked a new chapter for India's manufacturing sector, showcasing its fastest growth pace in eight months. This resurgent performance was driven primarily by robust domestic demand, which has effectively offset more than a year of previous contraction. The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), compiled by S&P Global, rose to 58.1 from February's 56.3, comfortably above the 50.0 threshold that separates growth from decline.

Key Drivers of Improvement

Despite the strong metrics, export orders exhibited slower growth, increasing at the lowest pace in three months. This reflects a decrease in global demand. Here are the key elements fueling the recovery:

1. Increased Domestic Orders: The surge in domestic demand has been the primary driving force, revitalizing the nation's manufacturing capabilities.

China, as one of the world’s leading economies, continues to deliver impressive performance metrics, attracting close attention from global analysts. Standard Chartered’s recent revision of the country’s economic growth forecast further underscores this positive trajectory.

China’s GDP on the Rise

According to Standard Chartered, the economic growth forecast for China in 2025 has been revised upward from 4.5% to 4.8%. The decision to adjust the forecast is grounded in better-than-expected real economic activity observed in the first two months of the year. Additionally, the results of March’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey further strengthened this outlook.

Current Economic Indicators

They say on the Internet that every fool can easily earn 10-20% profit per month on PAMM accounts. Let's say right away that this is not the case. More precisely, it is really possible to make a profit of 10-20% or even 100-200% per month if you are lucky, but it is almost impossible to earn so much consistently every month for at least a year.

In practice, earning 50-70% per annum on PAMM accounts is a good result. More is just a matter of luck, most people can't earn that much. Look at the profit of PAMM accounts in our rating, it is calculated based on real data.

Rating of PAMM accounts by investor profits

At the same time, the profit does not always correspond to the profitability of PAMM accounts. It happens that investors lose money even on profitable PAMM accounts. This happens when you don't know how to make money on PAMM accounts, when to log in, what to expect, and when to withdraw money.

Ryanair has marked the end of its financial year with a remarkable achievement, transporting 200.2 million passengers, aligning with analysts’ expectations. This milestone positions Ryanair as the first European airline to surpass 200 million passengers in a single year.

Pivotal Achievement for Ryanair

The company firmly holds its position as Europe’s largest airline by passenger numbers. In late January, Ryanair projected its passenger traffic to grow by 9% this year, reaching nearly 200 million people. In March, they reported a 10% increase in passenger numbers compared to last year, achieving a total of 15 million passengers.

Achievements and Challenges

This week, Nintendo is set to announce eagerly anticipated details about its new console, the Switch 2. Investors are keenly awaiting information on pricing and the release date of the successor to the renowned Switch, which revolutionized portable gaming.

Building on Success

Nintendo achieved remarkable success with the original Switch console, selling over 150 million units worldwide. This popular system continues to capture the spotlight thanks to regular hardware updates and the release of games based on legendary franchises like "Super Mario" and "The Legend of Zelda". These strategic moves have significantly extended the device's lifecycle and bolstered Nintendo's market position.

Prospects of the New Console

Novo Holdings, the principal shareholder of the pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, continues to make its mark on the global financial landscape. According to its latest report, the company nearly doubled its annual revenue, reaching a record €8 billion in 2024. This impressive growth stems from increased investment profits tied to blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.

Pharmaceutical Success Fuels Financial Growth

Novo Nordisk’s pioneering treatments for obesity and diabetes play a crucial role in Novo Holdings’ success. Against the backdrop of rising health challenges worldwide, these medications are gaining widespread recognition, bringing consistent dividend returns to Novo Holdings.

Key Drivers of Success  

Roblox, a platform famous for its massive global gaming community, has made a significant leap in expanding its advertising business. The company recently introduced a new video ad format and announced a strategic partnership with tech giant Google. This collaboration not only showcases Roblox’s ambition but also positions the company strongly within the growing digital advertising market.

Redefining Player Interaction

Roblox’s innovative advertising format seamlessly integrates into gameplay, offering players the chance to watch short 30-second videos in exchange for valuable in-game perks. These can range from power-ups and additional lives to other game resources. Known as "rewarded ads," this approach maintains user interest and engagement by blending advertising and gamification in a meaningful way.

The Strategic Partnership with Google

In the realm of technology, every collaboration and contract marks a significant step towards groundbreaking advancements. The recent $45 million contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense to Cerebras Systems and Ranovus captures attention, presenting invaluable insights for market stakeholders.

Next-Generation Chips for Enhanced Data Communication

The breakthrough initiated by Cerebras Systems and Ranovus focuses on the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies to improve the communication between chips. This project is pivotal in enhancing data processing efficiency, crucial for military applications where rapid response and precision are paramount.

- Computing Power on a New Scale. Cerebras Systems leverages its unique chip designs the size of dinner plates, which challenge the foundational technologies of its competitors.

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, British company Raspberry Pi has once again showcased its significant market influence. Since going public last June, this manufacturer of single-board computers (SBCs) closed the financial year with figures that exceeded analysts’ expectations. This success is primarily attributed to the sales of their flagship product, the Raspberry Pi5, alongside the expansion in the semiconductor devices sector.

Innovation Drives Raspberry Pi’s Success

Raspberry Pi is renowned for its affordable, versatile single-board computers that continue to captivate the market with cutting-edge innovations. The company's product range includes not just the computers themselves, but also a variety of accessories and microcontrollers. These solutions have broad applications in several sectors:

- Smart Homes. Raspberry Pi is frequently used in smart home setups, facilitating the automation of various processes.

In recent days, the financial and tech sectors have been buzzing with discussions about a potential transaction involving WNS Holdings, a company specializing in technology outsourcing. With a market value of $2.8 billion, WNS is contemplating a sale amidst interest from major players like French tech group Capgemini. This development signals a need to analyze the potential market shifts in IT services.

WNS Holdings Its Market Impact and Possible Sale

Founded in India, WNS Holdings has established itself as a key player in the outsourcing solutions sector over several decades. The company focuses on business process management, offering services to clients in crucial industries like finance, healthcare, logistics, and tourism.

Amid evolving market conditions and growing interest in automation and artificial intelligence, WNS, together with investment bankers from JPMorgan Chase, is evaluating negotiations with potential buyers. According to undisclosed sources, the company aims to identify a strategic investor or buyer to further develop and scale its operations.

In recent weeks, the financial markets have focused on a hotly contested race: major industry players are competing for the opportunity to partner with Apple Card, which was previously integrated with Mastercard's payment system. This intense rivalry is driven by the enormous potential gains from partnering with the tech giant.

Visa's Strategic Move

Visa is looking to fortify its market position and strengthen ties with Apple. In an aggressive bid, Visa offered Apple a substantial $100 million. According to the Wall Street Journal, this proposal aims to dethrone Mastercard as Apple's primary partner and reshape their collaboration.

Key aspects of Visa's offer:  

Last week, a cultural phenomenon took the world by storm as millions of users globally jumped on the viral trend of creating AI art in the style of the renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. This surge in popularity not only elevated generative artificial intelligence technologies to new heights but also opened up fresh horizons for digital creativity.

Transforming Creativity with Artificial Intelligence  

Studio Ghibli, founded by the iconic director Hayao Miyazaki, is celebrated for its unique visual styles and incredible artistic depth. Films like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro" have become classics of Japanese animation, inspiring millions of artists.  

Replicating this style has always been considered a daunting task due to its intricate details and emotional depth. However, artificial intelligence technologies, particularly those from OpenAI, have given everyone a chance to create art that rivals professional works, causing a real sensation.  

The protectionist policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump significantly altered the landscape of global financial markets. While many major stock indices stumbled and large companies faced the consequences of increased tariffs, some industries managed to thrive amidst the chaos. Australian shipbuilding giant Austal Limited is a prime example of how global instability can pave the way for new opportunities. Defying a market-wide slump, Austal’s shares surged to impressive heights, marking its strongest quarterly performance in almost two years.

The Context and Impact of Trump’s Economic Strategy  

One of the major drivers reshaping economic dynamics was the tariff series introduced by the Trump administration. These measures created uncertainty that rippled through global markets, contributing to a 4% drop in the S&P/ASX 200  index during the first quarter of 2023. The decline was mainly attributed to fears over overvalued financial stocks and broader economic concerns tied to tariffs.  

However, while financial and consumer sectors bore the brunt, the defense industry found itself in a favorable position. Trump’s administration urged U.S. allies, including Australia, to increase their defense spending. This shift in strategy laid the groundwork for heightened governmental defense investments. As a result, Australia’s defense sector, including Austal, was uniquely positioned to benefit from a surge in state-backed contracts.

In the midst of economic changes in Brazil, a key player in the retail market, Casas Bahia, is witnessing potentially transformative events. Michael Klein, a veteran of Brazilian retail, has taken steps to return as chairman of the company founded by his father in the mid-20th century.

Klein's Initiative

Michael Klein has proposed to once again become the chairman of Casas Bahia, opening the door to significant changes within the company. Recently, Klein increased his stake to 10.4%, giving him a seat at the decision-making table. In his statement, he requested a shareholders' meeting to consider changes in the current leadership structure.

Key Aspects of the Initiative

In a rapidly evolving financial landscape and fiercely competitive global market, Sydney-based operator Star Entertainment, the second-largest casino operator in Australia, is charting a new course for its future. The company recently announced that it is exploring financial support from American casino giant Bally’s Corp  following the rejection of a refinancing proposal valued at up to 940 million Australian dollars (approximately 590 million USD) from the investment firm Salter Brothers Capital.

Realigning Priorities Amid Liquidity Constraints

The decision to step away from Salter Brothers Capital’s offer marks a pivotal moment for Star Entertainment. The management contended that the conditions attached to the proposed refinancing would unlikely be met in time to address the firm’s pressing liquidity requirements. In this context, entering discussions with Bally’s Corp is perceived as a strategic move to stabilize funds and maintain smooth operational processes.

This strategic repositioning is especially noteworthy given the competitive nature of Australia’s casino sector, where international rivals continually push the boundaries of innovation and compliance. The prospect of partnering with Bally’s Corp not only signals a vote of confidence from a respected global entity but also presents an opportunity for Star Entertainment to strengthen its market position through a flexible and responsive financial strategy.

The recent legal developments involving Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange run by billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, have captured the attention of the global financial community. At the center of the controversy is Gemini Earn, a crypto lending program that enabled users to lend digital assets such as Bitcoin in return for interest, with Gemini charging a fee of 4.29%. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised concerns that the program was launched without the proper registration required for such financial products.

Regulatory Debate Over Unregistered Lending Services

SEC allegations suggest that offering an unregistered lending service exposes retail clients to significant risks, highlighting a growing regulatory challenge in the rapidly evolving digital asset space. In January 2023, the SEC brought a lawsuit against both Gemini and Genesis Global Capital—a crypto credit provider involved in Gemini Earn—for facilitating these lending operations without registering them in compliance with financial regulations. This legal action underlines the SEC's determination to reinforce compliance and safeguard market integrity as new fintech products continue to reshape the investment landscape.

A Calculated Pause in Legal Proceedings

In recent trading sessions, the financial markets have once again demonstrated the rapid pace at which companies operating in the artificial intelligence (AI) sphere are evolving. Recent developments in CoreWeave’s share prices and the market debut of Nvidia illustrate how strategic investment and smart business decisions can quickly transform market valuations and attract global attention.

CoreWeave’s Rapid Ascent: From IPO to Record Highs

CoreWeave, a startup that specializes in providing access to data centers and advanced Nvidia chips, has become a highlight among investors and market experts. Following its initial public offering (IPO) at a price of $40 per share, the company’s stock price surged by 42% to reach $52.57 on the third day of trading. This remarkable jump boosted its market capitalization by over $7 billion. Despite this impressive momentum, CoreWeave experienced volatility when it trimmed the size of its IPO shortly before this surge, reflecting the market’s sensitivity to dynamic adjustments in business strategy.

The Impact of Nvidia’s Strategic Investment

The world of global trade is undergoing significant turbulence as major players react to emerging tariff policies. One of the leaders in this transformation is the Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen (NYK). The company’s president, Takaya Soga, recently highlighted concerns over the tariff measures proposed by the US administration under Donald Trump. According to Soga, these tariffs could trigger a rise in prices for automobiles and everyday goods, ultimately dampening consumer demand and slowing the flow of freight across the globe.

Tariff Policies and Their Impact on Global Trade

The proposed measures include a 25-percent tariff on imported vehicles—a move that could severely impact Japan’s export-reliant economy. The plan does not stop there; Trump’s administration has indicated plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs for all US trading partners. Such developments are expected to send ripples through various sectors worldwide, putting pressure on logistics and supply chain operations.

In his interview with Reuters, President Soga noted, “Tariffs do not directly affect consumers, but ultimately the burden shifts to them, leading to a reduction in the actual movement of goods. This is our biggest challenge.” These remarks reflect the growing anxiety among shipping companies and other entities involved in global logistics. The increase in operational costs due to enhanced tariffs is expected to cascade throughout the value chain, potentially triggering further economic instability.

Chilean state-owned mining giant Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer, has announced a landmark agreement to supply copper concentrates to the Adani Group’s metallurgical plant in India, valued at USD 1.2 billion. This deal marks a pivotal moment in the global copper market, with significant implications for the growth and diversification of India’s metallurgy industry.

Economic Dynamics and Global Partnerships

The agreement was formalized following a meeting between Codelco’s Chairman Maxim Pacheco and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani at the conglomerate’s headquarters in Ahmedabad, situated in the western state of Gujarat. With copper concentrate shipments set to begin later this year, the supply will bolster operations at the Kutch Copper processing plant—a facility officially recognized as a copper smelting complex in Gujarat.

The timing of this cooperation is critical. Since the closure of the Sterlite smelting plant operated by Vedanta Technologies in 2018, India has seen an abrupt surge in copper imports. With domestic copper production now limited mainly to Hindalco Industries, which is part of the Aditya Birla Group, and the state-run Hindustan Copper, the need for a diversified and reliable supply chain has become more pronounced. The collaboration between Codelco and Adani Group not only ensures a steady influx of copper concentrates but also strengthens India’s competitive edge in the global metallurgy market.

American retail giant Walmart is ramping up pressure on its Chinese suppliers, demanding price cuts in reaction to tariffs imposed during the administration of former President Donald Trump. According to Bloomberg News, suppliers are expected to reduce prices by 10% with each tariff increase—a mandate that many Chinese manufacturers find challenging to meet. This development further intensifies the trade tensions that have long characterized the economic relationship between the United States and China.

Strategic Pressure Amid Tariff Adjustments

Walmart’s latest move is a clear extension of its strategy to manage rising costs triggered by tariff hikes. Sources familiar with the situation reveal that Chinese suppliers are under significant strain as they attempt to meet Walmart’s aggressive pricing requirements. In an environment where tariffs directly impact the final retail prices of goods, the pressure exerted by such a major player in retail trade complicates the supply chain dynamics even further.

Although Walmart did not immediately comment on the issue, prior negotiations have already been reported. Representatives from Beijing and Walmart had met to address media reports suggesting that the American retailer was urging its Chinese partners to lower their prices. These discussions highlight the necessity for both sides to adapt in order to navigate the shifting global trade landscape and to mitigate the adverse effects of tariff fluctuations.

In Italy’s ever-evolving financial market, a significant development is poised to reshape the banking sector. UniCredit, Italy's second-largest bank, has announced that the Italian regulatory body Consob has approved the documentation related to the share exchange offer for the acquisition of Banco BPM for a staggering 14 billion euros. With this approval, the final prerequisite to launch the tender process has been met, setting the stage for transformative changes in Italy’s financial arena.

A Turning Point for Italian Banking

This move comes at a time when Italy's banking industry is experiencing a phase of deep restructuring and innovation. Following a turbulent period marked by recovery challenges after the 2008–2012 financial crisis, Italian banks have begun to demonstrate renewed stability and profitability. The recent surge in profitability, largely fueled by an environment of high interest rates, has fortified the industry. Nevertheless, the emergence of several hostile takeover bids has intensified competition and underscored the urgent need for strategic consolidation in the banking sector.

UniCredit, which recently secured approval from the European Central Bank to advance this transaction, is proposing an exchange where 0.175 newly issued shares will be offered for every share of Banco BPM. This share swap strategy reflects a broader effort to synchronize assets and fortify the bank’s market position amid rapidly changing economic conditions.

China is spearheading a transformative approach to energy management by launching pilot projects in nine cities aiming to integrate the booming electric vehicle (EV) market with the nation’s power grid. According to a government statement issued on Wednesday, these pilots will employ the growing fleet of EVs as mobile batteries to stabilize energy supply during peak demand periods. This initiative follows guidelines set by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) last year, which emphasize the importance of synchronizing vehicles powered by new energy sources with the national energy system amid concerns that rapid EV adoption could overload energy generation and transmission infrastructure.

Expanding Horizons in Transportation and Energy Integration

The accelerated growth of electric vehicles, coupled with the urgent need to upgrade the energy infrastructure, has compelled Chinese authorities to explore innovative solutions. The planned pilot projects across nine cities reflect an adaptive, forward-thinking strategy designed to address challenges stemming from the surge in EV numbers on the roads. Under the new NDRC guidelines, vehicles powered by alternative energy are envisioned to play a pivotal role in enhancing the stability and resilience of the power grid.

By leveraging EVs as mobile batteries, the system gains additional flexibility, particularly during periods of high energy demand. The integration of these vehicles not only minimizes the risk of overloading the power network but also paves the way for a more dynamic and responsive energy distribution system—vital in an era marked by increasing digitalization and sustainability demands.