The People’s Bank of China added 70,000 ounces of gold in June, part of a broader move by global central banks to reduce dollar reliance and safeguard against inflation, geopolitical shocks, and trade tensions.

China’s central bank extends gold-buying spree for eighth straight month

By transforming a once chaotic rare earth sector into a state controlled powerhouse, China now wields strategic control over materials vital to EVs, wind turbines, and electronics, intensifying global dependence amid rising trade tensions.

How China turned rare earths into a powerful geopolitical tool

Elon Musk announcement of the America Party fuels a political feud with Trump and sparks fears of distraction from Tesla core challenges, pushing the stock down as investors worry about leadership focus and EV market pressures.

Tesla shares slide as Musk’s ‘America Party’ plan spooks investors

Betting on aviation fuel to offset declining gasoline and diesel demand, China refiners now face a 40% jet fuel oversupply, weakening profits and risking regional trade disruptions amid structural shifts in energy use.

China’s oil refiners face jet fuel glut as demand disappoints

Gold slipped nearly 1% amid a firmer dollar and market anxiety over shifting US trade policies, though the metal remains up over 25% this year on safe-haven demand and geopolitical risks.

Gold slips with investors wary of US trade moves and firm dollar

With BRICS condemning US tariff policies and global trade tensions escalating, metal markets, previously buoyed by tight inventories and a weak dollar now confront growing volatility and downside risk.

Metals tumble as Trump threatens 10% tariff on BRICS-aligned nations

Brent and WTI crude fell sharply as OPEC+ announced a 548,000 bpd production boost for August, exceeding expectations and raising concerns over surplus and slowing demand in a volatile economic climate.

Oil prices slide as OPEC+ surprises with bigger August output hike

The dollar weakens against major currencies amid growing investor caution over Trump impending tariff hikes, with traders pricing in global trade disruption and market volatility.

Dollar sinks near multi-year lows as Trump’s tariff deadline looms

President Trump extends the tariff deadline, intensifying pressure on over 100 nations, including India and the EU to finalise trade deals or face renewed economic penalties.

Trump delays tariff hike to August 1, urges quick trade deals

With President Trump threatening 25% tariffs effective 1 August, South Korea economy is at risk. Trade Minister Yeo Han koo emphasized a framework for industrial cooperation, while the recent political shift adds urgency to re-establish negotiations and secure a favorable outcome.

South Korea urges US trade deadline extension as tariff threat looms

These reciprocal measures follow the EU limitations on Chinese manufacturers seeking public contracts. China finance ministry emphasized market access imbalances, indicating readiness to retaliate against perceived protectionism. 

China hits reciprocal curbs on EU medical device contracts

Federal Minister Mélanie Joly has confirmed talks with Rio Tinto on assistance, aiming to protect jobs and investments amidst rising US-Canada trade tensions over aluminium.

Canada may offer financial aid to aluminium producers if 50% US tariffs remain

SEBI order remains interim, and Jane Street can contest it before relevant legal bodies. The crackdown raises concerns about retail investor vulnerability in a booming derivatives market.

Jane Street banned in India: Why SEBI cracked down on the Wall Street giant

As hiring remains 17% below pre-pandemic levels, analysts suggest that graduates may need to rethink their career paths in response to these ongoing challenges.

Young US graduates struggle for jobs amid Trump-Era policy uncertainty

Talks over the weekend are crucial to avoid a July 9 deadline. If no deal is reached, tariffs on EU exports to the US might double, impacting economies already strained. 

France presses for EU–US tariff deal before deadline

From Asia to Latin America, governments and central banks are on alert as the US approaches a key tariff deadline, sparking fears of higher trade barriers, inflation pressures, and global slowdown.

Trump’s tariff ultimatum looms as 90-day reprieve ends, rattling global trade

Foxconn April to June revenue hit a quarterly high, driven by AI chip demand from clients like Nvidia, yet the iPhone assembler flags rising US and China trade tensions and forex volatility as key challenges ahead.

Foxconn hits record Q2 revenue but flags geopolitical, currency headwinds

With a crucial July 9 deadline nearing, Japan scrambles to secure a tariff exemption from the Trump administration amid rising tensions, aggressive US demands, and fears of economic fallout.

Japan confirms ‘in-depth’ talks with US as tariff deadline looms

With US tariffs set to hit South Korean exports, President Lee Jae Myung voices doubts over reaching a deal in time, as Seoul scrambles to protect key industries and manage diplomatic ties with Washington.

US–South Korea tariff deal in doubt as Trump’s deadline approaches

As the EU prepares to enforce its AI Act on August 2, companies like Google, Meta, and ASML warn of confusion and rising costs amid missing guidance, pushing for a two-year delay.

What is the EU AI Act and will it be delayed before the August deadline?

Beijing issues a strong response to the new US–Vietnam trade agreement, accusing Washington of sidelining China and vowing to defend its trade interests, Bloomberg reports.

China warns of retaliation over US–Vietnam trade deal as tensions flare

UAE faces economic headwinds as regional conflict dampens business confidence, dragging Dubai non-oil PMI to its weakest level since 2020, S&P Global data shows.

Israel–Iran war threatens UAE business outlook before Q3 rebound

Crude prices slip after a brief rally, pressured by weak China and US demand data, looming US tariff hikes, and anticipated OPEC+ supply increases.

Oil prices slip as US tariff deadline, OPEC+ output hike loom

Bank of Japan board member Hajime Takata urges a cautious return to rate hikes, highlighting Japan shift toward sustained, home grown inflation amid global trade uncertainties.

BOJ board member signals rate hikes after pause to assess US tariffs

India finished steel imports fell sharply in April to May 2025 due to new safeguard duties, with imports from China and Japan plunging. Domestic demand rose 7.1% as production grew, highlighting India push to protect local industry.

India’s steel imports drop sharply as China and Japan exports decline

Google urges EU regulators to clarify Digital Markets Act rules, claiming reforms have worsened user experience and hurt businesses. Tensions rise over Big Tech regulation in Europe.

Google says EU digital rules stifle innovation, demands clarity

Amid US chip sanctions, Moore Threads and MetaX seek major IPOs on China STAR Market, highlighting Beijing push for semiconductor self reliance and the rising strategic value of homegrown AI hardware.

China’s AI chip firms eye $1.7 billion in IPOs amid US curbs

China signals rare flexibility on WTO trade reforms, offering to discuss tariffs and subsidies, but insists its developing country status remains non-negotiable.

China says it’s ready to talk tariffs and subsidies with US at WTO

Seoul exports rose 4.3% in June, driven by strong chip demand, but US and China-bound shipments fell amid ongoing tariff tensions.

South Korea trade improves on tech boom, struggles with US tariffs

Beijing boosts outbound investment quotas under the QDII scheme to $170.9B, signaling looser capital controls amid a stabilising yuan and rising investor interest in domestic equities.

Archana Shukla