Gold prices slipped on Friday as the U.S. dollar (USD) strengthened and markets processed new trade-related headlines and macroeconomic signals. Despite a softer-than-expected inflation report in the United States, which bolstered hopes for potential interest rate cuts, gold failed to gain traction amid the rising greenback and cautious investor sentiment.
On May 29, the world witnessed at least two events over the years that influenced the development of the global economy and international relations. One marked the beginning of the institutionalization of the American stock market, the other was a big step towards ending the Cold War.
Leading Japanese automaker Subaru $9778.T is set to significantly expand its production facilities in the United States. This decision comes in response to the need to mitigate the adverse effects of tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration. Such a move is the result of a thorough analysis of the current automotive market landscape and the considerable influence of economic factors on the company's operations.
Samsung Electronics $005930.KS, a dominant force in the global tech industry, has revised its outlook for the current quarter amid mounting external pressures. Despite a modest increase in operating profit in Q1 2025, the South Korean tech giant warned of growing risks linked to U.S. trade policies. These factors may weigh heavily not only on Samsung’s internal performance but also on global supply chain dynamics.
Gerdau $GGBR4.SA, Brazil’s largest steelmaker by market capitalization, released its first-quarter financial results, reporting a modest increase in net profit. Despite facing challenges in its home market, the company benefited from recent changes in U.S. steel trade policies, which helped offset weaker domestic performance.
European aerospace giant Airbus Group SE $AIR.PA and U.S.-based Spirit AeroSystems $SPR announced the signing of a final agreement regarding the transfer of several commercial aviation assets. Under the deal, Airbus will take control of specific Spirit facilities located in the United States, France, Morocco, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, Airbus will acquire production operations for wing components used in its A320 and A350 aircraft, based in Scotland.
Roche, the Swiss pharmaceutical leader, has unveiled plans to invest $50 billion in the United States over the next five years. This strategic initiative marks one of the most substantial foreign investments ever made in the U.S. healthcare sector and signals Roche’s long-term commitment to the North American market.
Cosco Shipping $1919.HK, a major operator of Chinese ports, issued a statement on Monday addressing recent US accusations and measures targeting China’s shipbuilding and logistics sectors. The state-owned conglomerate asserted that these actions disrupt fair competition and impede the smooth functioning of the global maritime industry. This development comes amid intensifying economic tensions, underlining concerns over one-sided policies and their broader implications for international trade.
In recent days, Nvidia has seen a significant decline in stock prices. On Thursday, the company's shares dropped nearly 3%, following a 7% drop the day before. This decline is linked to new export restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on Nvidia’s chips, impacting the company’s financial performance and market value.
expansion in the United States. After pausing plans in January to scale production in Texas for lithium-ion binder materials, the company is now reassessing the prospective market and determining whether to proceed with its delayed development strategy by this summer.
Amid growing concerns over potential tariffs and shifting trade policies, leading global carmakers are taking preemptive steps to stabilize retail prices. Volkswagen has become the latest in a series of automotive giants to publicly commit to holding prices steady in an effort to reassure customers amid rising cost pressures and market volatility.
The global semiconductor market is once again at the center of geopolitical and economic tensions. Following Nvidia’s statement warning of potential multibillion-dollar losses due to newly imposed US export regulations, shares of chip manufacturers came under pressure. Both European and US-based companies experienced a decline in stock prices, while Dutch company ASML issued an uncertain outlook citing escalating tariff policies.
