Global Markets

As EU-US trade negotiations stall and new tariffs loom, industries on both sides of the Atlantic face growing uncertainty. Beneath the surface, rising tensions expose deeper vulnerabilities in the transatlantic partnership, testing the strength of one of the world’s most vital economic relationships.

As Europe aggressively restricts Russian energy imports to prevent war funding, a covert “shadow fleet” of Russian tankers cleverly circumvents the sanctions. This maneuver not only poses significant environmental risks but also highlights the cat-and-mouse game undermining global efforts to isolate Russian oil revenues.

The U.S.-China rivalry has turned semiconductors into a strategic battleground, with the U.S. boosting domestic production via the CHIPS Act and China advancing technological self-reliance. As both nations vie for dominance, the global tech landscape risks fragmentation, potentially deepening economic and technological divides.

Germany’s automotive industry is grappling with significant challenges amidst an era of economic stagnation, high energy prices, environmental regulations, and competition from China’s state-backed electric vehicles. As industry leaders call for reduced bureaucracy and competitive tax policies, the 2025 elections may determine whether Germany’s automotive sector can reclaim its innovative edge.

The luxury goods market is navigating a turbulent period, marked by slumping sales and shifting consumer preferences. Despite companies like LVMH and Kering seeing sharp declines, brands such as Hermès continue to thrive, capitalising on emerging trends, including “quiet luxury.” Nevertheless, the outlook remains optimistic, with projected growth driven by younger generations and a potential…

As climate change fuels a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, industries, particularly agriculture, face escalating financial pressures. The economic toll of droughts and floods is becoming increasingly evident, with both direct damages and ripple effects threatening the sector’s stability in the short and medium run. However, well-functioning institutions can…

Pioneering a transformative era, China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is poised to revolutionize the automotive sector and global transportation. With its rapid advancements and dominance in battery supply chains, it promises a future where electric vehicles are more accessible, efficient, and innovative. BYD has surpassed global giants, signaling a new era of technological and economic…

The first of our article spotlights from the Ivey Business Review discusses how retail proprietary trading firms (retail prop firms) are rebuilding trust in the industry. Author Thien Lieu discusses the unique opportunities these firms offer retail investors, the business model of retail prop firms, and the regulatory challenges they face. The article highlights how…

Embarking on a bold new frontier, SpaceX’s Starship is set to not just conquer space but to redefine global transportation. With its groundbreaking capabilities, it promises a future where marine shipping is faster, more efficient, and unimaginably scalable – ushering in a new era of economic and logistical transformation.

In the rapidly evolving equity market landscape, the dramatic rise in retail trading and increasing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investments are pivotal trends that significantly influence market dynamics. This article explores how the surge in retail trading, fueled by zero-commission trading platforms, intersects with the strategic application of ESG criteria in investment…