The S&P 500 Index $^SPX ended Monday’s session in positive territory as investors maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook on U.S. trade negotiations, even in the face of escalating protectionist measures. The uptick came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to double tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, intensifying economic pressure on key trade partners—most notably China.
Escalating trade tensions between the United States and Europe have reignited investor concerns after the U.S. administration announced plans to double tariffs on imported steel to 50%. The policy shift, aimed at protecting domestic producers, has sent shockwaves through the European industrial base, particularly affecting German steelmakers and their listed equities.
South Korea’s manufacturing sector faced further contraction in May 2025, reflecting sustained pressure from declining domestic demand and intensifying trade friction with the United States. According to the latest data from S&P Global, the country’s Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) edged slightly higher to 47.7 from April’s 47.5 but remained below the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction.
Best Buy Co. $BBY revised its annual sales and profit projections following sustained pressures from US-imposed tariffs. The company now expects comparable sales growth of 1% year-on-year, a decrease from the previous 2% estimate. This adjustment is contingent upon tariffs staying at their current levels, pending the outcome of recent judicial decisions on Trump-era trade measures. The retailer has simultaneously downgraded its adjusted earnings forecast, reflecting the unpredictability surrounding import costs and supply chain stability.
Toyota Motor Corp. $7203.T reported unprecedented monthly sales for the second consecutive time, as global buyers rushed to secure vehicles ahead of impending US-import tariffs. In April, group sales, including subsidiaries Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd., rose to 936,718 units worldwide. This figure marked a 12% year-on-year increase and established a new all-time monthly high, as disclosed by the company on Thursday. Correspondingly, global production reached 902,425 vehicles.
According to official data released Tuesday, China's industrial firms posted profit growth in April 2025, signaling resilience in the face of escalating trade tensions with the United States and persistent domestic deflation. Despite mounting geopolitical risks and weakening consumer demand, China's manufacturing sector continues to adapt and recover.
The sharp recovery of the US stock market following the imposition of tariffs by President Donald Trump has sparked renewed global activity in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Companies without direct access to trading are eager to finalize their deals before summer approaches and before geopolitical tensions may escalate again. This development has resulted in a rebound of IPO activities worldwide.
Sony Group Corp. $SONY has issued a disappointing forecast for the upcoming fiscal year, largely due to the increasing burden of tariffs in the United States. Despite optimistic expectations for growth in operating profit, the new data suggests that reality may be less favorable than analysts had anticipated.
Audi, a brand under the Volkswagen AG $VWAGY umbrella, continues to grapple with significant challenges regarding its profitability. Despite some positive shifts, the German automaker's operational margin remains low, driven by multiple factors impacting the company's financial performance. Key challenges for Audi include costs associated with U.S. tariffs, increased competition in China, and changes in product structure, particularly in the electric vehicle segment.
Carlsberg A/S $CARL-B.CO, the world’s third-largest brewer, reported on Tuesday what it described as a “solid start” to the year in China, despite subdued sales growth and rising macroeconomic uncertainties. While the Danish brewing giant maintained its full-year guidance, it acknowledged that external pressures—particularly from potential U.S. tariffs—could pose headwinds in the months ahead.
Facing escalating trade tensions and looming tariffs under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy trajectory, pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. $MRK has announced a $1 billion investment in a new biomanufacturing facility in Delaware. The plant will play a pivotal role in reinforcing the company’s domestic production capacity, particularly for its flagship oncology treatment, Keytruda.
Recently, it has come to light that the process of preparing for the initial public offering (IPO) of Shein Group Ltd has slowed down. The reasons for this are rooted in both external factors and an assessment of the impact of tariffs in the U.S. on the retailer's business. This article will analyze the current circumstances affecting the IPO process and the company's prospects in light of recent developments.
