Posts by Mark Darwin
US: S&P 500, Nasdaq open near record levels after May inflation data
Published Wed, Jun 11, 2025 · 09:42 PM [NEW YORK] The S&P 500 and Nasdaq opened near record levels on Wednesday (Jun 11), as a cooler-than-expected inflation report calmed concerns around tariff-driven price pressures and fanned expectations for interest rate cuts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 16.0 points, or 0.04 per cent, at the…
Read MoreHaidilao operator Super Hi swings to US$11.9 million Q1 profit on forex gains, delivery growth
[SINGAPORE] Super Hi International, the operator of Haidilao’s international business, posted a net profit of US$11.9 million for the first quarter ended Mar 31, reversing a net loss of US$4.5 million in the same period the year before. The turnaround was mainly driven by a US$20.4 million reduction in net foreign exchange losses due to currency…
Read MoreAirAsia’s 100-jet Paris order pits Airbus A220 against Embraer
[PARIS] Low-cost carrier AirAsia is poised to order about 100 regional jets at the Paris Air Show next week, with the Malaysian airline still undecided between the Airbus A220 or Embraer’s E2, according to people familiar with the matter. Negotiations with the manufacturers are coming down to the wire, said the people, who asked not…
Read MoreSouth-east Asia’s polymer production crisis worsens as US-China trade shift looms
[SINGAPORE] South-east Asia’s petrochemical industry is facing a double whammy of weakening export demands and potential import surges, as trade tensions could redirect US polymer to the region’s already-saturated market, sustaining pressure on production. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), as crucial downstream segments, are encountering “considerable challenges” in the region, noted commodity markets intelligence firm…
Read MoreChinese carmakers vow to make timely supplier payments as backlash to price war grows
[SHANGHAI] Major Chinese car manufacturers have pledged to make payments to suppliers within 60 days, responding to a recent outcry from steelmakers over long payment times as well as regulatory pressure as the backlash to a punishing price war grows. Chinese authorities issued new rules in March that require big companies to settle most payments…
Read MoreAsia: Equities rally after China-US framework on trade
[HONG KONG] Asian stocks rose on Wednesday as investors welcomed a China-US agreement to lower trade tensions that stoked hopes the economic superpowers will eventually reach a broader tariff deal. After two days of high-profile, closely watched talks in London, the two sides said they had set up a framework to move towards a pact,…
Read MoreQantas’ Jetstar Asia to shut down on Jul 31; over 500 staff to lose jobs
[SINGAPORE] Australian flag carrier Qantas will wind down operations for its Singapore-based unit Jetstar Asia and shut it down on Jul 31, 2025, as the low-cost airline has been facing challenges that threaten the sustainability of its business, Jetstar Asia said in a Wednesday (Jun 11) statement. The Singapore-based airline will continue operating flights for…
Read MoreFrance’s Mistral launches Europe’s first AI reasoning model
[PARIS] Mistral on Tuesday launched Europe’s first AI reasoning model, which uses logical thinking to create a response, as it tries to keep pace with American and Chinese rivals at the forefront of AI development. The French startup has attempted to differentiate itself by championing its European roots, winning the support of French President Emmanuel…
Read MoreOil prices hold near 7-week high as market waits for news from US-China trade talks
[NEW YORK] Oil prices held near a seven-week high on Tuesday as the market awaited direction from trade talks between the US and China. Analysts have said a trade deal between the countries with the world’s two biggest economies could boost prices by supporting global economic growth and increasing oil demand. Brent crude futures slid 17 cents, or…
Read MoreNetflix to invest 1 billion euros in Spain productions to 2029
Published Tue, Jun 10, 2025 · 11:12 PM [MADRID] US streaming giant Netflix said on Tuesday (Jun 10) it was going to invest more than 1 billion euros (S$1.47 billion) in productions in Spain, which has becoming one of audiovisual creation hubs in Europe. “Over the next four years we plan to invest over one…
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