Telecommunications equipment giant Ericsson $ERIC has released its results for the first quarter, stunning the market with revenues that significantly outperformed analyst projections. The company’s adjusted operating profit, excluding restructuring charges, climbed to 6.2 billion Swedish kronor—a staggering 40% higher than the LSEG consensus estimate of 4.44 billion kronor. Year-over-year, this reflects an impressive 44% increase, highlighting Ericsson’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly shifting global market environment.
In recent months, the semiconductor market has found itself under the microscope as the United States considers imposing new tariffs. This week brings further intrigue as ASML $ASML , a leading provider of chipmaking equipment, prepares to release its quarterly financial results. With former President Donald Trump advocating for investments in domestic chip manufacturing, the sector faces heightened uncertainty and shifting global dynamics.
The semiconductor sector has long stood as a cornerstone of the global economy. Taiwan, home to high-profile chip manufacturers like TSMC $TSM and UMC $UMCN , remains vital to worldwide supply chains. However, recent signals from US officials regarding potential tariffs on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals have added a fresh layer of unpredictability for Asia’s technology leaders.
BlackRock, one of the world's largest asset management firms, recently issued a statement that offered a fresh dose of optimism to the US financial sector. The Trump administration’s decision to grant a 90-day reprieve on the implementation of most new US tariffs became a pivotal factor in easing short-term concerns about a potential financial crisis. According to BlackRock’s insights, the overall systemic risks appear to have subsided, shaping market expectations and signaling a shift in sentiment across stock exchanges.
South Korea's steel industry is facing new challenges amid shifting international trade dynamics. POSCO and Hyundai Steel have come under the spotlight following news of potential major investments in the United States, a strategic response to the U.S's imposition of steel tariffs.
Amid rising international tensions and shifts in global trade policy, the US administration has recently unveiled plans to introduce new tariffs on imported semiconductors. This announcement has sparked significant discussion in financial markets and among major tech companies like Intel and Qualcomm.
Logitech International, a renowned Swiss-American manufacturer specializing in peripherals like keyboards, mice, and webcams, recently drew considerable attention by retracting its long-term guidance for 2026. The decision came in response to ongoing uncertainties posed by the trade policies of the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
Japanese companies Nintendo Co. and Sony Group Corp. are likely to raise prices on their gaming consoles due to significant tariffs imposed by the United States on imports from China. This anticipated price hike may present unexpected financial challenges for consumers looking to purchase the new Switch 2 and PlayStation 5.
Recent changes in US economic policy have triggered a sharp increase in the stock prices of Vietnamese companies. The optimism stemming from President Donald Trump's decision to suspend most response tariffs has significantly boosted Vietnam's stock market. As of Thursday morning, the VN Index, which tracks the country's stock market performance, soared by 6.6%, marking its highest level since October 2001.
Amid intensifying global trade tensions and mounting U.S. sanctions, the economic landscape is taking on a new dimension. Patrick Martin, the head of French business group MEDef, has voiced serious concerns regarding the U.S. tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and their potential impact on economic growth. According to Martin, these measures might not only slow down economic activity but could also trigger a recession.
Fast Retailing, the parent company of Uniqlo, is making impressive strides even amid challenging global trade conditions. Recent forecasts indicate that the company's operating profit for the quarter ending in February could rise by 14% to reach 125.9 billion yen (approximately 866 million USD) compared to the same period last year. This projected increase not only sets a new record for the second quarter but nearly doubles the profit growth of 7.4% registered in the first quarter. These encouraging results come despite the adverse effects of new US tariffs that have disrupted various segments of international trade.
Recent remarks by Mercedes Olano, Head of the Supervisory Department at the Bank of Spain, have sparked considerable discussion among financial analysts. According to her, it is too early to assess the impact of new U.S. tariffs on the liquidity of European creditors. European supervisory authorities, including representatives from the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), continue to monitor the situation closely. Thus far, no signs of any adverse effects on short-term or medium-term liquidity have been identified.
