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The European Central Bank's recent payment crisis could have had catastrophic consequences if not resolved quickly. The root cause of the issue was identified after hours of work by technicians, who eventually fixed the problem to prevent widespread disruptions. Fortunately, the system's backup mechanisms kicked in just in time to avoid a major disaster.

European automakers experienced a surge in their stock prices following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to suspend new tariffs on car imports from Canada and Mexico for one month. Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler and Fiat, expressed its commitment to increasing American-made vehicle production in response to the tariff reprieve, aligning with the administration's "America First" policy. However, analysts warn that ongoing supply chain challenges and the potential for future tariffs could lead to increased costs for consumers and significant revenue loss for automakers.

Nine major UK banks and building societies accumulated at least 803 hours of tech problems in the past two years, figures published by MPs show. The Treasury Committee's investigation found that the outages affected millions of customers between January 2023 and February this year, with Barclays facing compensation payments of £12.5m. The committee's chair, Dame Meg Hillier, highlighted the impact on families living "pay check to pay check", who lost access to banking services on payday.

Seven & i Holdings has appointed a new CEO and announced plans to restructure its business in response to a $47 billion foreign takeover bid. The company will buy back about 2 trillion yen ($13.4 billion) worth of shares through fiscal year 2030, and pursue a listing of its North American convenience store subsidiary by the second half of 2026. Additionally, Seven & i has agreed to sell its superstore unit to Bain Capital for 814.7 billion yen.

Asian stocks rose on Thursday as investors held out hope that trade tensions could ease after U.S. President Donald Trump exempted some automakers from tariffs for a month, while the euro stood tall ahead of the European Central Bank's meeting. Japanese government bonds fell sharply after German long-dated bonds were swept up in their biggest sell-off in decades, while Australian bond yields rose 12 basis points. The yield on benchmark U.S. 10 year Treasury notes rose 5 bps in Asian hours.

Elon Musk has sparked debate by endorsing the idea of putting US Treasury spending on a blockchain, aiming to increase transparency and eradicate alleged fraud. The proposal has raised discussions about its feasibility, benefits, and risks, with experts weighing in on the potential scalability challenges. The concept of using blockchain for US public spending is seen as a deterrent against unauthorized financial activity.

Malaysia is discussing with chip companies based in the country whether they can absorb the impact of potential U.S. tariffs on semiconductors, its trade minister said, as it looks to hedge against risks to its export-driven economy. The Southeast Asian nation is home to a large semiconductor industry, including top U.S. multinationals such as Intel and GlobalFoundries, and is one of the top exporters of chips to the United States. Malaysian data centres are seen as unaffected by US restrictions due to strong demand for AI in the sector.

Reeves' spring forecast could turn out to be more consequential than the non-event it was first billed as, according to the IFS. The UK chancellor's commitment to holding one major fiscal event per year may force her to choose between policy stability and her fiscal rules when a relatively minor downgrade to the economic forecasts emerges. Reeves' first budget last year left her with just £9.9bn in headroom to meet a goal of balancing day-to-day spending and tax revenues by the 2029-30 financial year.

Japan's government bond yields have surged to their highest levels in over a decade, following a significant selloff in German bunds that has impacted global debt markets. The rise in yields is attributed to changes in Germany's spending plans, particularly in defense and infrastructure, amid increasing geopolitical tensions. As a result, investors are reassessing their strategies, with expectations of future rate changes influencing the bond market landscape.

The European Central Bank is poised to cut interest rates again, driven by simmering trade tensions and investors' concerns about Germany's fiscal rulebook overhaul. However, the timing and magnitude of the rate cuts remain uncertain due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding US-China trade relations and the impact on the eurozone economy. As the ECB's policy decision looms, market participants will be closely watching for any signs of a shift in the central bank's stance.

Asian shares experienced a notable increase Thursday, reflecting a positive shift on Wall Street following President Donald Trump's decision to ease certain tariff hikes for U.S. automakers. This move, which includes a one-month exemption from a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, has alleviated fears of a more extensive trade war that could negatively impact economies and raise inflation. Optimism is further fueled by reports from China indicating a commitment to boost domestic consumer spending, contributing to a rally across various Asian markets.

Oil prices rose on Thursday after heavy sell-offs drove the market to a multi-year low, however tariff uncertainties and a rising supply outlook capped gains. Brent futures were trading up 50 cents, or 0.72%, at $69.80 a barrel by 0716 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) futures climbed 48 cents, or 0.72%, to $66.79 a barrel.

The Thai Chamber of Commerce is urging the government to take swift action in response to uncertainty over US trade policy, proposing the creation of a "war room" to mitigate potential tariffs by the Trump administration. The chamber's vice chair acknowledged that Thailand's panic over US trade policy is justified, given the country's significant reliance on exports to the US market. The Thai government must review its import taxes and increase imports to reduce the trade surplus with Washington, according to the chamber.

US stock futures showed little movement following a day of volatility that ended in a rally, primarily influenced by President Donald Trump's temporary halt on tariffs affecting automakers. Despite this temporary relief, broader market uncertainties loom as the 25% duties on Canadian and Mexican imports remain in effect, with additional tariffs set to take effect soon. The upcoming earnings reports from major retailers will likely provide further insights into how ongoing trade tensions may impact the industry.

The US stock market saw a dip in futures despite President Trump's one-month pause on tariffs targeting automakers, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 experiencing flat readings and slight declines, respectively. The Nasdaq futures, however, remained relatively stable. The news provided temporary relief to shares of Big Three automakers, but uncertainty surrounding additional levies set to begin in April may impact the market's trajectory.

Donald Trump is intensifying efforts to cut imports from China, aiming to establish self-sufficiency in key sectors and reduce reliance on the world's second-largest economy. His administration has already imposed significant new tariffs and is targeting backdoor trade routes that companies have utilized to circumvent previous restrictions. This shift signals potential upheaval in global supply chains, particularly for nations like Vietnam that have benefited from the "China plus one" strategy.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s latest deep learning model has generated significant excitement among investors and analysts, with its claims of performing similarly to DeepSeek using a fraction of the data required. The company's growing prowess in AI is being driven by China's push to support technological innovation and consumption. Alibaba's commitment to investing over 380 billion yuan ($52 billion) in AI infrastructure over the next three years has been hailed as a major step forward.

Goldman Sachs has raised its 12-month target price for emerging markets stocks, projecting that the AI-powered rally in Chinese equities could boost other markets as well. The brokerage's MSCI Emerging Markets Index target was increased by 3%, reaching 1,220, indicating an 11% potential upside from current levels. Goldman Sachs attributes this increase to its adjustment of its MSCI China target, driven by the impact of AI adoption on valuations through earnings, multiples, and portfolio flows.

The U.S. plans to reduce China's grip on the $150 billion global ocean shipping industry through a combination of fees on imports and tax credits for domestic shipbuilding. President Donald Trump is drafting an executive order to establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund as a dedicated funding source for shipbuilding incentives. The initiative aims to strengthen the maritime industrial base and replenish American maritime capacity and power.

Mexican state oil company Pemex is actively engaging with potential buyers in Asia and Europe as it seeks to redirect its crude oil exports following the imposition of 25% tariffs by the U.S. government. Historically reliant on U.S. markets, Pemex's exports have faced a significant slump, with a 44% year-on-year decline in January, prompting a strategic pivot toward non-U.S. markets like China and India. Despite the higher shipping costs and challenges posed by the aging domestic refining infrastructure, there is optimism about the appetite for Mexican crude in these new markets.

Jim Cramer has highlighted NVIDIA Corporation as a standout stock, emphasizing that its products are becoming essential in the technology landscape. In his analysis, he discusses typical market pullbacks and the impact of Federal Reserve policies on stock prices, urging investors not to panic despite common fears of market downturns. Cramer’s insights suggest that, while stock prices can be influenced by a variety of factors, NVIDIA's innovative products position it favorably in a competitive market.

The US president has been making bold moves in foreign policy, negotiating with Hamas and imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while critics argue that his unconventional approach is reckless and lacks concern for the potential consequences. Trump's actions have left America's European allies rattled and raised questions about the long-term implications of his policies. The situation highlights the growing divide between Trump's supporters and critics over the effectiveness and risks of his deal-making style.

Descartes, a supply chain software provider, is maintaining its annual growth target of 10% to 15% adjusted EBITDA despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding global trade tariffs. The company expects continued growth in demand for its global trade intelligence offering as companies navigate the complex and changing tariff landscape. However, the impact of tariffs on business operations and customer decisions remains uncertain.

US stocks tanked to session lows on Thursday after more tariff whiplash from the Trump administration, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling 1%, or over 400 points, while the S&P 500 dropped nearly 2%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite plummeted more than 2.6% and has now entered correction territory, down more than 10% from its December record high. Trade-war uncertainty has persisted as investors weighed how far President Donald Trump would be willing to negotiate on tariffs.

The Commerce Department is appointing Michael Grimes, a former Morgan Stanley banker, as the lead executive for a planned sovereign wealth fund, marking a significant development in President Trump's efforts to create a US-based investment vehicle for national security projects. The fund, which remains in its early stages, would aim to promote American investments in key sectors such as critical minerals, rare earths, and defense technology. Grimes' appointment underscores the administration's commitment to leveraging private sector expertise to drive strategic investments.

The Department of Justice has criminally charged 12 Chinese nationals for their involvement in hacking over 100 US organizations, including the Treasury, with the goal of selling stolen data to China's government and other entities. The hackers used various tactics, including exploiting email inboxes and managing software, to gain access to sensitive information. China's government allegedly paid "handsomely" for the stolen data.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is anticipated to lower interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.5% as it navigates a turbulent economic landscape marked by trade wars and increased defense spending. This decision represents a crucial moment for the ECB, as policymakers face growing divisions over future monetary support amid rapidly changing economic conditions. While the current cut may be seen as straightforward, the complexities of the geopolitical climate and internal disagreements suggest that the path ahead will be anything but simple.

U.S. Senate Republicans pushed for the U.S. Congress to codify spending cuts identified by billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency on Wednesday, after the Supreme Court declined to let President Donald Trump withhold payments to foreign aid organizations. This move aims to formalize the spending reductions into law, preventing potential future disputes over their implementation. The proposal also seeks to address public concerns about the DOGE's methods and ensure accountability for its actions. Senate Republicans acknowledged that the Supreme Court ruling does not bode well for White House hopes of taking unilateral action on spending cuts.

The U.S. needs tougher legislation to enforce trade laws and ensure criminal prosecution of Chinese government-subsidized companies that circumvent U.S. tariffs by shipping goods through third countries, according to U.S. executives. The country has been losing out on tariff revenue and American companies have been forced out of business by Chinese firms that exploit trade rules. Limited funding for enforcement has allowed Chinese firms to find loopholes, forcing U.S. companies to close factories, reduce employment, and reduce investment.

Investors are grappling with the potential seismic shift in the retail landscape as consumers' spending habits continue to evolve. The company's robust growth over two years has been followed by a disappointing earnings report, highlighting the challenges posed by tariffs on freight costs and consumer spending. Abercrombie & Fitch now expects net sales to grow at a slower pace than previously anticipated.

Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy where investors sell securities at a loss to offset taxable gains, ultimately reducing their overall tax liability. This approach is particularly beneficial when it comes to managing short-term capital gains, which are taxed at higher rates than long-term gains. However, investors must navigate specific regulations, such as the wash-sale rule, which can complicate the execution of this strategy.

The Senate has voted to remove the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) authority to oversee digital platforms like X, coinciding with growing concerns over Elon Musk's potential conflicts of interest linked to his ownership of X and leadership at Tesla. This resolution, which awaits House approval, could undermine consumer protection efforts against fraud and privacy issues in digital payments, as it jeopardizes the CFPB's ability to monitor Musk's ventures. In response, Democratic senators are calling for an ethics investigation into Musk to ensure compliance with federal laws amid fears that his influence may lead to regulatory advantages for his businesses.

A global bond selloff accelerated in Asia on Thursday, pushing Japanese benchmark yields to their highest in more than a decade after heavy selling in German bunds spread across fixed income markets. Asian stocks were buoyed by a delay to some US tariffs on Mexico and Canada, while benchmarks in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong all rose. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index jumped as much as 2.9%, reflecting investors' heightened expectations for more supportive measures that may be announced at Chinese government ministries' joint press conference this afternoon in Beijing.

The proposal for a confidence vote comes as the prime minister's minority government faces intense opposition from main parties, with a third early election since 2022 on the cards. If the motion fails, Montenegro risks losing his position, and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will decide whether to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections, which many analysts consider likely. The president stated he would meet with the ruling parties and consultative Council of State after the vote to make a decision on the election calendar.

Canada could potentially use oil and gas exports as a strategic bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States if U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports escalate, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly suggested, while leaving open the possibility of imposing export tariffs on key commodities to counter U.S. measures. The country is vowing to impose tariffs on C$155 billion worth of U.S. imports but has not yet indicated its willingness to reduce exports or impose tariffs on them. Canada's decision-making process is complex and influenced by various domestic interests, including Alberta's resistance to reducing energy exports.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, and Center for AI Safety Director Dan Hendrycks argue that the U.S. should not pursue a Manhattan Project-style push to develop AI systems with “superhuman” intelligence, also known as AGI. The paper asserts that an aggressive bid by the U.S. to exclusively control superintelligent AI systems could prompt fierce retaliation from China, potentially in the form of a cyberattack, which could destabilize international relations. Schmidt and his co-authors propose a measured approach to developing AGI that prioritizes defensive strategies.

Elon Musk's initiatives to reduce government employment through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are projected to adversely affect sales at fast-casual restaurants like Cava, Shake Shack, Chipotle, and Sweetgreen, particularly in the Washington, D.C. area. Bank of America analysts highlight that a significant portion of these chains' business relies on government workers, whose diminished presence due to layoffs could lead to reduced foot traffic and sales. The ongoing decline in jobless claims in D.C. signals a challenging environment for these restaurants as they adapt to shifting consumer behavior driven by workforce changes.

Marvell Technology Inc. experienced a significant drop in share value following a revenue forecast that did not meet the highest expectations of investors, resulting in a 16% decline in late trading. The company projected fiscal first-quarter sales of approximately $1.88 billion, aligning with average analyst estimates but falling short of some forecasts that reached up to $2 billion. This disappointment comes as the chipmaker is viewed as a crucial player in the AI sector, where investor sentiment has been shaky due to concerns over spending cuts from major customers.

When inflation rises, it tends to increase interest rates on savings accounts and certificates of deposit (CDs), which can result in higher earnings for savers. However, when inflation falls, the opposite occurs, leading to lower interest rates and potentially eroding the purchasing power of savings balances. The Federal Reserve's actions, such as adjusting federal funds rates, also influence banks' decisions to change their deposit rates.

CIBC Capital Markets has downgraded its rating on Canadian auto parts manufacturers Linamar and Martinrea, warning that U.S. tariffs pose an "existential threat" to the industry. The move follows President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported goods, with potential implications for automotive suppliers crossing the Canada-U.S. border multiple times before incorporation in finished cars and trucks. Analysts predict that the tariffs will have a significant impact on the auto parts sector, potentially leading to reduced supply chain efficiency.

Businesses across various sectors are anticipating price increases due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, even in the face of potential consumer resistance, as indicated in the Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book. The report highlights challenges in passing increased input costs onto consumers, with many companies expressing concerns over the inflationary effects of tariffs amidst slower economic growth. Fed officials will use these insights to inform monetary policy decisions, particularly as they navigate the risks of stagflation.

Database software company MongoDB (MDB) beat Wall Street's revenue expectations in Q4 CY2024, with sales up 19.7% year on year to $548.4 million. The company expects next quarter's revenue to be around $526.5 million, close to analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.28 per share was 91.1% above analysts' consensus estimates.

U.S. stocks rebounded on Wednesday as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested potential tariff relief for Canada and Mexico, sparking investor optimism. The S&P 500 added 1.1%, while the Nasdaq 100 climbed 1.4%. General Motors' stock surged over 3% in response to Lutnick's remarks, potentially driven by hopes for a compromise "in the middle."

The US dollar has experienced its most significant drop since President Trump took office, largely due to concerns that recently imposed tariffs will negatively impact the economy. This downturn, particularly against the euro, is accentuated by expectations of monetary easing from the Federal Reserve as the potential for a global trade war looms. Additionally, Germany's plans for increased defense and infrastructure spending have contributed to the euro's strength, further pressuring the dollar.

The US government aims to increase domestic production of critical minerals, which are essential for modern technologies such as semiconductors, aerospace, and defense systems. The country's reliance on China for these critical minerals has raised concerns about national security and supply chain vulnerabilities. By developing its own production capabilities, the US hopes to reduce its dependence on foreign sources and enhance its strategic position.

Bitcoin's fundamentals held up well during the latest dip, suggesting underlying strength, Swissblock analysts said. The U.S. government confirmed to delay tariffs on auto parts coming from Canada and Mexico by one month just one day after enacting them, easing investor worries with bitcoin leading the crypto market higher. Germany's plan to ease debt limits for infrastructure spending and China hiking its target deficit also contributed to rebounding risk markets.

The prospect of "American exceptionalism" has been dealt a significant blow as the US stock market lags behind other developed economies, with the S&P 500 dropping over 3% since Trump took office. The economic data suggests that US businesses are struggling under Trump's trade war and other policies, with retail spending falling sharply, hiring slowing down, and consumer confidence plummeting. The investor outlook has become increasingly cautious, with some forecasts predicting a decline in economic growth.

Jim Cramer's charitable trust sold some Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) shares amid the latest bull run due to the stock's rapid growth, despite concerns over higher expenses and potential ad pricing slowdowns in the future. The trust still maintains ownership of the stock, and Cramer believes its long-term value lies in AI-driven growth. The charity trust's trimmed position reflects a cautious approach to navigating market volatility.

U.S. authorities have begun releasing seized Chinese-made equipment used for cryptocurrency mining, with thousands of units already freed from ports of entry, according to two industry executives. The release of these machines comes amid ongoing trade tensions and security concerns raised by U.S. authorities, although the exact reasons behind their detention remain unclear. The situation highlights the complex relationships between technology companies, governments, and global supply chains.

US stocks rallied on Wednesday as President Trump provided a one-month auto tariff exemption to automakers. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite led the gains, rising more than 1.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 also rose roughly 1.1%. Shares of Ford, GM, and Stellantis all surged at least 5% in response to the news.