On June 18, Xiaomi's $1810.HK Redmi brand introduced the Redmi Pad 2 to India's competitive tablet landscape. With its unique specifications, the Android device aims to strengthen Redmi's hold in a rapidly growing market. The launch underscores the brand's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, providing an attractive option for diverse users.

The recent performance of Bayer AG $BAYN.SW, a leading player in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, has been a striking focal point in global markets, with its stock experiencing a robust 40% increase after a prolonged period of decline. This revitalization positions Bayer prominently within the DAX, reflecting newfound investor confidence and the potential for sustained growth.

A U.S. Senate panel has proposed a significant amendment to the federal 45Q carbon capture tax credit, aiming to equalize incentives for carbon dioxide used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and permanent carbon sequestration. If enacted, the measure would raise the tax credit for EOR to $85 per metric ton, matching the credit already granted for geologic storage, and potentially shifting investment dynamics in the oil, gas, and carbon capture sectors.

Meta Platforms Inc. $META, the parent company of Facebook, has reportedly offered bonuses of up to $100 million to OpenAI employees, aiming to lure top engineering talent as part of an aggressive expansion of its artificial intelligence division. The revelation came directly from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, highlighting the escalating competition among major tech firms to secure top minds in artificial intelligence and machine learning development.

Amid escalating trade-related headwinds, Hasbro Inc. $HAS —one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers—has announced a 3% reduction in its global workforce, equivalent to approximately 150 jobs. This move is part of a broader effort to counterbalance mounting operational costs and manage tariff impacts stemming from higher U.S. duties on toy imports from China.

Deutsche Pfandbriefbank AG $PBBGF, a key player in European real estate finance, announced on Wednesday that it is withdrawing its full-year 2025 guidance. The decision follows extraordinary expenses tied to exiting the U.S. commercial real estate market, marking a pivotal moment in the bank’s long-term strategic overhaul.

Several Chinese cities, including Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Shenyang, and Chongqing, have suspended government-backed car trade-in subsidies in June 2025, citing either funding exhaustion or budgetary reassessments. The decision comes as Beijing’s stimulus efforts in the automotive sector—central to reviving domestic consumption and manufacturing activity—face structural and fiscal limitations.

Cirsa, the Spain-based gaming and casino company owned by private equity firm Blackstone Inc. $BX, has officially announced its intention to launch an initial public offering (IPO) on the Madrid Stock Exchange later this year. The move is designed to raise up to €460 million ($529 million) through a combination of newly issued shares and a secondary offering.

The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) has intensified its push to globalize the digital yuan (e-CNY), signaling broader ambitions to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar (USD) and promote a multipolar global currency system. At the Lujiazui Forum held in Shanghai, PBoC Governor Pan Gongsheng revealed plans to establish an international operations center for e-CNY in Shanghai, underscoring China's long-term strategy to reposition the yuan (CNY) on the international financial stage.

Honda Motor Co. $7267.T has initiated a significant recall campaign in the United States, affecting more than 259,000 vehicles due to a defect in the brake pedal assembly. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the faulty component may shift out of position, potentially compromising braking performance and increasing the risk of collisions or injury. The issue impacts a wide range of models across the Acura and Honda brands, covering production years from 2021 to 2025.

The Bank of Japan (BoJ) left markets parsing through nuanced messaging this week, as policymakers opted for a dovish stance on asset purchases while subtly acknowledging risks from rising inflationary pressures. The central bank's decision to slow the pace of bond purchase tapering caught attention for its short-term implications, but the broader signal was one of cautious optionality: a willingness to hike rates later in 2025 should inflation accelerate beyond tolerable limits.

Global financial markets displayed a marked shift to risk-off sentiment on Wednesday amid two major headwinds: heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Iran, and growing uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision. These overlapping risk factors curtailed investor appetite, with both equity markets and currency trading reflecting a cautious, defensive tone.