The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized democracies convene this week in Canada aiming to reinforce unity on key economic issues beyond tariffs. However, the summit faces hurdles in bridging differences with the Trump administration, which continues to push for policies that prioritize American interests. The gathering underscores growing tensions within the Western political alliance as members seek consensus on climate change, global tax cooperation, and the situation in Ukraine.

Kraft Heinz $KHC has embarked on a substantial $3 billion investment to upgrade its U.S. manufacturing facilities, marking the largest production expenditure by the company in over ten years. This strategic initiative comes despite a challenging consumer environment, with sentiment hitting its second-lowest point in seven decades. Alongside this, the company has recently lowered its sales and profit forecasts, reflecting the pressures faced in the current economic climate.

In April, China’s service sector experienced its slowest growth in seven months, according to the latest private-sector survey. This slowdown is a significant indicator of the current economic landscape in the country, as it highlights the growing uncertainty that businesses face, particularly in light of the ongoing trade tensions with the United States. The Caixin/S&P Global Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) showed a drop to 50.7 from 51.9 in March, marking the lowest reading since September. As the services sector struggles, new orders also showed signs of deceleration. In this article, we analyze the causes behind this slowdown, its potential consequences, and what it means for the broader Chinese economy.

In April, China’s service sector showed the slowest growth in seven months, with a noticeable decline in the pace of new orders. This slowdown can largely be attributed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs and the broader trade tensions between the two largest economies in the world. According to the Caixin/S&P Global Services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), the service sector’s growth slowed significantly in April, and the impact of U.S. tariffs seems to be weighing on business confidence. This article delves into the PMI data, exploring the implications for China’s economy, particularly in the service industry, and the broader global trade landscape.

Neste Corporation $NESTE.HE, the Finnish oil refiner and renewable fuel leader, indicated on Tuesday that recently implemented U.S. tariffs are likely to have only a minimal direct effect on its business operations. The company, however, flagged two more pressing challenges: a persistent global oversupply in renewable fuels and increasing volatility in the clean energy market.

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) is preparing to lower its benchmark interest rate, responding to a decelerating economy and the broader impact of U.S. tariffs on global trade. According to a Reuters survey, the central bank is expected to trim its key one-day repurchase rate (THCBIR=ECI) by 25 basis points to 1.75% during its April 30 meeting — a move that would bring the rate to its lowest point in nearly two years.

Taiwan-based Pegatron Corp. $4938.TW, a critical supplier to Apple Inc. $AAPL and Dell Technologies Inc. $DELL, has raised concerns over mounting disruptions in the U.S. electronics market caused by shifting tariff policies under former President Donald Trump. According to Pegatron’s Chairman T.H. Tung, inconsistent tariff implementations are confusing American clients and threatening to trigger shortages in consumer electronics across the United States.

On Monday, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) updated its forecasts, sending a clear signal to economic analysts around the globe. According to the latest monthly report, the global oil demand is expected to increase by 1.30 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2025. However, this figure is 150,000 b/d lower than the previous forecast made last month. The revision comes in the wake of new data from the first quarter and the imposition of tariffs announced by the United States. In parallel with adjusting the demand figures, OPEC also scaled back its growth projections for the global economy for this year and the next—a reflection of the growing uncertainty throughout worldwide financial markets.

On Sunday, global financial markets became the epicenter of turmoil. Major US futures entered the new trading week with a significant slump, signaling growing investor concerns about the economy's future. The steep decline in S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq futures drew particular attention, triggered by the escalation of trade tensions between the US and key partners.