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U.S. stock futures fell as deflationary pressures in China raised concerns about economic growth, contributing to a strengthening of the yen and Swiss franc as safe-haven currencies. Wall Street futures pointed lower, while Asian markets reflected mixed results, with Japan's Nikkei showing slight resilience amid broader regional declines. The ongoing global trade tensions and uncertainty surrounding U.S. economic policies under President Trump are exacerbating market volatility.

Japan's real wages decreased by 1.8% in January after two months of marginal increases, highlighting the impact of a two-year high inflation rate on consumers' purchasing power. Although nominal wages saw significant growth, with base salary rising the most in over three decades, the inflationary pressures have overshadowed these gains, prompting labor unions to demand the highest pay hike in years. The upcoming annual wage negotiations among major firms will be crucial in determining whether the momentum in nominal wage growth can translate into sustainable improvements in real wages.

Canada will maintain its retaliatory tariffs against US-made products as long as President Donald Trump pursues a trade war, said Mark Carney, Canada's new prime minister-designate. The Canadian government has already imposed 25% levies on C$30 billion worth of items, including orange juice, coffee, and fruit, in response to the Trump administration's tariffs. This move is seen as a way for Canada to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests.

European arms imports rose 155% in 2020-24 and Ukraine has become the world's biggest arms importer following Russia's 2022 invasion. This significant shift underscores the ongoing global conflict's profound impact on international security dynamics. As a result, European countries are increasingly reliant on U.S. arms supplies to bolster their defenses.

Palm oil production growth has stagnated at 1% annually over the past four years due to slowing expansion by Indonesia and Malaysia, while biodiesel demand is driving up vegetable oil prices. The shift towards biodiesel in Indonesia, which aims to curb fuel imports and make palm oil more valuable, is making cooking oil costlier. Global demand for biofuels is expected to continue driving up the price of vegoil.

Recent research indicates that the ancient megalodon likely had a body shape more akin to that of a lemon shark rather than the stocky form of a great white shark, as previously thought. This conclusion is supported by an analysis of fossilized vertebrae, which suggests a slender build that would have been more efficient for swimming and hunting. The study also posits that baby megalodons were comparable in size to great white sharks and capable of predation from a young age.

The 70mai 360 Omni 4K Dash Cam represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring enhanced video quality with a new Sony Starvis 2 sensor capable of capturing 4K footage at 60fps. Its unique design allows for 360-degree rotation, making it ideal for capturing various angles, including interior vlogging, although its bulkiness may deter some users, particularly those with smaller windshields. Despite minor drawbacks like a less intuitive app experience, the overall performance and added features position the 70mai 360 Omni as a strong contender in the dash cam market.

The Philippine cemetery chain Golden MV Holdings Inc.'s ambitious plan to create a new business hub has led its stock to trade at an eye-popping 100 times book value, making it the most expensive stock on the Bloomberg World Real Estate Index. The company's market capitalization has surged over $26 billion, with investors betting big on its Villar City project, which is projected to reach ten times the size of New York's Central Park. However, analysts have expressed concerns that the valuation is speculative and heavily reliant on projected cash flows from the project.

The world's largest jewelry market in India is driving a surge in gold bets through options on gold futures, with traders and investors seeking to hedge physical holdings or speculate on price movements. The recent record-breaking prices of gold have made options trading more appealing than traditional futures contracts, which are typically cheaper but offer less flexibility. As the Indian market continues to drive demand for gold, analysts are predicting a bullish outlook for the precious metal.

Hideo Kojima has unveiled the release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, set for June 26th, 2024, during a presentation at SXSW, alongside a captivating new trailer. The sequel promises to retain the surreal and haunting atmosphere of its predecessor, featuring returning characters and new faces in a postapocalyptic world filled with challenges and monstrous threats. Additionally, Kojima announced "The Strands of Harmony World Tour," showcasing the game's music performed live, further expanding the Death Stranding universe.

The Australian government has announced plans to give one-off Centrelink payments of $1,000 to those affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, targeting individuals who have been severely impacted by the disaster and require immediate financial assistance. The payment is expected to be activated as "expeditiously" as appropriate, with a focus on providing support to those who have lost their income and are unable to work due to the cyclone. The government aims to provide relief to those affected, including individuals, families, and businesses impacted by the disaster.

The UK government has announced plans to reform its public review process for housing developments, aiming to reduce delays and increase the pace of construction. The proposed reforms would limit the number of agencies consulted on new housing projects and introduce stricter deadlines. This move is part of a broader effort to deliver 1.5 million homes in the next five years.

Bitcoin, the world's largest cryptocurrency by market value, was down by around 5.47% at $81,555 at 2216 GMT on Sunday. The decline in Bitcoin's price mirrors the global market's trend of decreasing demand for cryptocurrencies due to increasing regulatory scrutiny and economic uncertainty. This decrease in investor confidence has had a ripple effect across the cryptocurrency market, with other major cryptocurrencies also experiencing significant losses.

Tom Lee remains optimistic about the stock market despite its recent selloff, predicting a rebound soon after a brutal correction. He notes that stocks have already priced in a lot of bad news, and he believes March, April, May could be huge rally months where we're rallying 10-15%. Fundstrat Global Advisors' cofounder has built a track record recently of correctly predicting the stock market.

QMMM Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:Q MMM) surged by 60 percent week-on-week to end Friday's trading at $1.47 each, driven by a surge in investor appetite following a notification from Nasdaq that it fell below the $1 bid price requirement to remain listed on the stock exchange. The company received an 180-day warning to regain compliance with Nasdaq's continued listing requirements or face delisting, sparking hopes of a turnaround. QMMM Holdings Limited is currently evaluating options to regain compliance and intends to regain timely compliance with Nasdaq's rules.

Death Stranding 2 has been confirmed to debut on June 26, with pre-orders starting on March 17. The game will be a PS5 exclusive, but details about its pricing remain unknown. A trailer unveiled during the SXSW 2025 panel showcased cinematics and combat, featuring returning characters from the first game.

Chimerix, Inc. (NASDAQ:CMRX), a biopharmaceutical company, experienced a significant surge in share price last week, jumping 60.5 percent to $8.43 per share, following the announcement of its acquisition by Jazz Pharmaceuticals for $935 million. The deal grants Jazz access to Chimerix's clinical asset dordaviprone, a novel treatment for H3 K27M-mutant diffuse glioma, a rare and high-grade brain tumor. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year.

Amid global market uncertainties related to trade and inflation, Asian economies are adapting by emphasizing growth and stability, leading to an interest in dividend stocks as a means of steady income. These stocks present opportunities for investors seeking to cushion their portfolios against market volatility, with several notable picks offering attractive yields. Companies such as Chongqing Rural Commercial Bank and PAX Global Technology exemplify the potential for solid returns, although individual performances vary based on market conditions and operational factors.

Reports are cropping up today that second-generation Chromecasts and music-streaming Chromecast Audio devices are prompting ‘outdated’ firmware warnings. Users say their 2nd-gen Chromecasts and Chromecast Audios are displaying an error on the device they’re trying to cast from, which seems to imply that streamers may no longer be supported. The company hasn’t said it is deprecating the two, but has told users they are aware of the issue and are awaiting a fix.

Coca-Cola's recent stock rally has prompted a reevaluation of PepsiCo's attractiveness for long-term dividend investors, as the two beverage giants exhibit contrasting price trajectories. While Coca-Cola excels in beverage production, PepsiCo's diversified portfolio includes snacks and packaged foods, positioning it as a well-rounded competitor in the market. Despite current weaknesses in PepsiCo's business, its solid track record and diversification make it an appealing option for investors looking for stability and growth.

Fold Holdings, Inc. Class A Common Stock soared last week as the company announced a significant increase in its Bitcoin ownership, marking a 317-percent jump in share price. The deal, which totaled $1 billion, is expected to fuel the growth prospects of the firm. As one of the top performers in the micro-cap sector, FLD's success highlights the growing appetite for investing in companies with exposure to cryptocurrencies.

NetClass Technology Inc (NASDAQ:NTCL) has surged to a 317-percent gain on the back of a $1-billion deal that could fuel its growth prospects, marking it as one of last week's top performers among micro- and small-cap firms. The company, which debuted on the US stock exchange in December 2024, successfully raised $9 million from its initial public offering to fund the development of its courseware and online technology platform. NetClass Technology Inc (NASDAQ:NTCL) ranks 10th on a list of the top performers last week.

Manus, a Chinese agentic AI tool, has generated significant buzz in the tech community, but its limitations and bugs are starting to surface. The platform's creators claim it can perform tasks such as drafting research reports and analyzing financial filings, but early user experiences suggest otherwise. While Manus may be more impressive than other AI tools in theory, its practical applications are still far from being realized.

The exchange between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Elon Musk, and Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski over the use of Starlink satellite internet system in Ukraine highlights the complexities of international relations, technological diplomacy, and the role of private companies in conflict zones. The situation underscores the fragility of global supply chains, particularly in the aerospace industry, where timely delivery of parts is crucial for meeting production goals. Musk's comments on Twitter have sparked concerns about the reliability of Starlink services in Ukraine, with some experts warning that disruptions could have significant consequences for the country's military operations.

The bulls' thesis on Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) highlights the company's strong partnership with American Express, which generates significant revenue and expands its premium customer base. The airline industry's post-COVID premiumization has also contributed to DAL's growth prospects, as it capitalizes on customers seeking higher-end services like first/business class and loyalty programs. Additionally, supply chain constraints have reduced growth rates for low-cost carriers, creating an opportunity for DAL to capture market share without compromising pricing.

A small plane carrying five individuals crashed into the parking lot of a retirement community in southern Pennsylvania, fortunately resulting in no fatalities. All passengers aboard survived and were taken to local hospitals, while a significant number of parked cars sustained damage from the incident. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board amid a series of recent aviation accidents.

The bullish thesis on Fresenius Medical Care AG (NYSE:FMS) highlights the company's substantial market potential, driven by its significant presence in dialysis services for patients with renal diseases. FMS has captured 40% of the market share and generates 80% of revenue from its Care Delivery segment, providing a stable foundation for growth. The company's recent spin-off, cost reduction efforts, and hinted share buyback program are expected to improve capital allocation and unlock value.

Red Hat and Axiom Space plan to send an Orbital Data Center to the ISS, which will run AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing tests in space. The aim is to deliver secure, low latency processing off-world, enabling real-time decision-making in space with greater reliability and consistency. This initiative represents a significant step towards establishing a robust data infrastructure in space.

U.S. officials are set to evaluate Ukraine's willingness to make concessions to Russia during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, amidst concerns that the ongoing conflict requires a realistic approach to peace negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other U.S. representatives will engage with Ukrainian officials to gauge their commitment to improving relations and their openness to a compromise regarding territorial disputes. The discussions occur against a backdrop of skepticism from European allies, who believe that Ukraine should negotiate from a position of strength rather than haste.

Centrelink recipients will get a small boost to their payments in less than two weeks, as part of the government's effort to ease pressure on social security safety nets. The payment increase is expected to bring some relief to millions of Australians struggling with rising costs of living. This critical cash boost is designed to help pensioners and other payment recipients battle against inflation.

The Japanese service robot market is expected to nearly triple by 2030, driven by the need to supplement a workforce facing an aging population and labor shortages, research firm Fuji Keizai has projected. The country's population is rapidly aging, with nearly 40% of citizens expected to be 65 or older by 2065, and robots are being used to fill the gap in labor, particularly in industries such as hospitality and healthcare. As a result, businesses are turning to service robots to support their operations.

The iPhone 17 Air is rumored to be Apple's thinnest phone yet, potentially measuring just 5.5mm thick, surpassing the previous record held by the iPhone 6. Recent leaks suggest that the phone will feature a design closely resembling the iPhone 17 Pro Max, with a larger 6.9-inch screen and a Google Pixel-like camera bar on the back. As Apple gears up for its typical September unveiling, these design hints raise anticipation for a significant aesthetic evolution in the iPhone lineup.

An imminent trade war between the United States and its two largest agricultural trading partners sent bullish Chicago corn speculators running for the hills last week. Most-active CBOT corn futures plunged 8.6% in the week ended March 4, their biggest such downturn since mid-2023. The market reaction was harsh, especially with Mexico the top destination for U.S. corn. Money managers during the week slashed their net long in CBOT corn futures and options to 219,752 contracts from 337,454 a week prior.

Prospective employees are finding better opportunities in certain fields, with four six-figure jobs projected to be in high demand by 2025. High growth rates and significant annual salary offerings characterize these roles, including operations managers, registered nurses, software developers, and education administrators. As the job market evolves, these positions highlight emerging trends and needs within various industries, indicating a shift in workforce demands.

Oil supplies are on the way up, with prices dropping below $70 a barrel, giving little incentive for US shale drillers to increase production. The increasing output of President Donald Trump's America is expected to have a lasting impact on global energy markets, but its effects will depend on how long this period of influence can last. As the industry adjusts to new dynamics, companies are also navigating changing commodity prices and trade policies that could affect the market.

Palantir Technologies has entered a strategic partnership with EYSA, aiming to leverage artificial intelligence to transform mobility solutions. As investor interest shifts from semiconductor stocks to software, this collaboration highlights the growing importance of AI software in the market, particularly as companies begin to monetize their innovations. The move underscores a broader transition in the tech landscape, where the focus is increasingly on software capabilities rather than hardware, potentially leading to a surge in new AI applications.

Gen Z workers are resorting to "career catfishing" by accepting job offers but not showing up on their first day, leaving employers in the dark and potentially damaging their professional reputations. This trend is seen as a response to the widespread ghosting of job seekers, who feel they're being left in the dark during the hiring process. As more young workers adopt this tactic, it could have serious consequences for businesses and the job market as a whole.

Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) continues to attract retail traders, with a significant number of hedge funds investors maintaining their "buy" rating for the stock. Gene Munster and Steve Sosnick, prominent analysts, believe that retail traders are not abandoning Tesla, citing the company's strong fundamentals and growth potential in AI and robotics. Despite concerns about stagnant product lineup and declining market share in Europe, Tesla's resilience in the current AI selloff may indicate a long-term bullish trend for the stock.

The Chevrolet Silverado, one of America’s best selling pickup trucks, received a month-long reprieve Thursday when President Donald Trump announced a delay on tariffs for Mexican imports covered by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement trade agreement until April 2. The decision temporarily shields the iconic vehicle from price hikes that threaten to disrupt its international supply chain and potentially drive its $40,000 to $70,000 sticker price even higher. This reprieve may be a short-term boon for GM, but it could also create long-term uncertainty for the company's global production and profitability.

Fighting between M23 rebels and pro-Congo militias was underway on Sunday in Nyabiondo, about 100 km (62 miles) north of Goma in eastern Congo, residents said, days after a nearby attack left a heavy civilian death toll, according to the United Nations and an NGO. The Rwanda-backed rebel group M23 has seized swathes of mineral-rich eastern Congo since the start of the year. US officials have expressed interest in exploring critical minerals partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Discussions surrounding stock market uncertainty often miss the mark, with many commentators mistakenly suggesting that elevated uncertainty is an anomaly rather than a constant state of affairs. Historical events, like the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, serve as stark reminders of periods where uncertainty sharply escalated, leading to widespread corporate guidance withdrawals and economic disruption. As companies grapple with the implications of unpredictable market conditions, the challenge lies in accurately assessing and communicating future performance amidst pervasive uncertainty.

The US economy is bracing for an uncertain period, with President Trump attributing recent market volatility to "big" changes that will ultimately boost growth. The president's comments, while avoiding a recession call, are part of a broader narrative centered on tax cuts and tariff revenue as the driving force behind economic renewal. Trump's approach remains at odds with concerns from top administration officials about the need for "detox" from public spending.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has successfully navigated a contentious standoff with the United States, leveraging diplomatic skills to secure a temporary pause on tariffs and reinforce her nation's sovereignty. Her calculated approach has not only averted economic disruption but also rallied Mexican citizens around a shared sense of national pride and independence. The outcome serves as a testament to the enduring power of respectful dialogue in international relations.

Indian stock markets and the rupee have been reacting sharply to recent global economic developments, with investors taking a cautious view ahead of key earnings reports from major Indian companies. The value of the rupee has also been impacted by changes in oil prices and interest rates. The impact of these factors on India's economy is expected to be significant, with experts warning that the country may face a period of slow growth.

The announcement of Grand Theft Auto 6's launch exclusively for consoles has reignited frustrations among PC gamers regarding timed exclusivity practices in the gaming industry. While some argue that optimizations for PC take time, many believe that delaying releases for third-party titles is unfair, especially when it leads to forced console purchases to avoid spoilers. This situation highlights a broader conversation about access and fairness in gaming, particularly as competitors like Microsoft push for cross-platform availability.

A wind turbine at the Frontier II wind farm in Oklahoma has collapsed under mysterious conditions, occurring on a calm day without strong winds. The farm, which has been operational since 2021, consists of 74 turbines, and the incident has prompted Nordex, the manufacturer, to launch an investigation into the causes of the collapse. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the site remains secure and fully operational, according to the farm operator.

Colossal CEO Ben Lamm emphasized the need for humanity to invest in de-extinction technologies, citing the failure of modern conservation efforts and the potential benefits of bringing back extinct species. The company aims to use genetic editing techniques to revive the wooly mammoth, dodo bird, and Tasmanian tiger, among others. Lamm also expressed his optimism about the future, predicting significant advancements in synthetic biology and its applications.

The United States is considering potential partnerships with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) regarding its rich mineral resources, including cobalt, lithium, and uranium, amid ongoing regional instability due to M23 rebel activity. A Congolese senator has proposed a minerals-for-security deal, reflecting the DRC's desire to diversify its international partnerships while attracting U.S. investment in its mining sector. The U.S. State Department has expressed openness to discussions, emphasizing the need for responsible and transparent development of the DRC's mineral assets.

The iPhone 17 Air is expected to feature a revolutionary new battery technology, silicon-carbon chemistries, which promises significantly improved energy density levels and may even enable the device to match the battery capacity of its flagship models. This could be a game-changer for Apple's next-gen smartphone, potentially restoring competitiveness in the market. With its thin profile set to be under 6mm thick, the iPhone 17 Air is already generating significant interest among tech enthusiasts.

Bain Capital and WPP Plc are planning to break up and sell market research company Kantar Group, the Financial Times reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. The move is seen as a strategic shift for both companies, allowing them to focus on their core businesses and potentially unlock value from Kantar's assets. This development has significant implications for the market research industry, with potential buyers eyeing the company's diverse portfolio of brands and data.