Posts by Mark Darwin
Chinese 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…
Read MoreTop India dealmakers earn 37% more than Singapore peers
Published Tue, Jun 10, 2025 · 05:40 PM [NEW DELHI] Senior dealmakers in India are earning more than their counterparts in Singapore and Hong Kong, according to Bloomberg Intelligence, as global firms boost pay to attract top talent in the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Heads and directors at investment banks in the South Asian nation’s…
Read MoreDBS raises DFI Retail Group Holding’s target price, citing strong potential to grow earnings
[SINGAPORE] DBS bank on Monday (Jun 9) raised its target price for DFI Retail Group from US$3 to US$3.60 and maintained its “buy” rating, citing a stronger and more focused business strategy. This represents an upside of 28.6 per cent from the DFI’s previous closing price of US$2.80 on Monday (Jun 9). The bank analysts…
Read MoreBank of Japan vows to keep raising rates if underlying inflation accelerates
Published Tue, Jun 10, 2025 · 10:57 AM [TOKYO] Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda on Tuesday stressed anew the central bank’s readiness to keep raising interest rates if underlying inflation approaches its 2 per cent target. The BOJ has said underlying inflation, or demand-driven price pressure measured by various indicators, remains short of its…
Read MoreHuawei chips are one generation behind US but firm is finding workarounds: CEO
Published Tue, Jun 10, 2025 · 10:00 AM [BEIJING] Huawei Technologies’ chips are one generation behind those of US peers but the firm is finding ways to improve performance through methods such as cluster computing, Chinese state media quoted CEO Ren Zhengfei as saying on Tuesday. The chipmaker invests 180 billion yuan (S$32.3 billion) in…
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