Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Economy Update US and Japan agree upon a 15% tariff, which is down from the threatened August 1st 25%. Japan also agrees $550m investment into US, but there is no change for aluminium and steel. Because a quarter of Japan’s exports to the US are made up of cars, Honda and Toyota surge by nearly […]

Economy Update APAC remains mixed over the morning session, with Europeans weaker along with a small US futures drift after the record highs of S&P and Nasdaq yesterday. Yesterday’s US buyers pre-empting Alphabet results on Wednesday gave most mega caps a boost with S&P getting very comfortable above 6k again. The EU appears to be […]

There has been little reaction from Japan’s election where PM Ishiba’s majority is eroded as local markets are closed. Little movement seen in APAC as a whole as it deliberates on tariff deals again. US mulls a 15% or higher baseline levy on EU, despite Trade Secretary Lutnick saying a deal can still be made. […]

Economy update Stocks remain bid after yesterday’s auspicious US retail sales and jobless claims data. The current seemingly solid state of the US economy makes a cut in interest rates unlikely this month. Consequently, the Fed chair will remain the subject of intense criticism from the US President, unnerving investors. June core inflation in Japan […]

Economy update Consumer prices in the common currency area increased 2% in June compared to the same month of 2024. The rise was 2.4% excluding energy and unprocessed food. Financial markets are relatively calm after Trump’s assurance that he does not intend to fire the Fed chair. Japanese exports are down for the second successive […]

Economy Update The US CPI noted tariff influence on prices which led to some FED comments on being patient. With PPI out today and further FEDspeak scheduled, all markets are penned. Bourses might have fallen if it were not for Nvidia likely securing licences to export to China again. As it is, APAC spent much […]

Economy update A spate of mixed Chinese economic data is probably somewhat negative on balance. Its economy expanded by a forecast-beating 5.2% in 2Q. Industrial output was up 6.8% in June from the previous year but retail sales only grew by 4.8%, down from 6.4% in May. US 2Q banks’ earning will be released later […]

Economy Update The Hang Seng outperforms and is up 0.5% as China increased monthly exports to 5.6% against a 5% call, although slightly tempered with a 1.1% increase in imports versus their 1.3% estimate. However, US futures and EURO bourses have slipped, reacting to Trump announcing 30% tariff on EU and Mexico over the weekend. […]

Economy update Canada is once again in the crosshairs of the US President as Mr Trump feel inclined to impose 35% tariffs on goods coming from the north of the US border. It comes after he threatened Brazil with punitive excise duties of 50% despite its trade surplus with the country. Other trading partners face […]

The US tariff assault on the world continues. President Trump announced 50% on copper and 50% on Brazil imports starting Aug 1. This comes on top of yesterday’s earlier announced 20-30% on Philippines, Algeria, Iraq, Brunei, Moldova, Sri Lanka and Libya. Trump stated he was ready to announce the EU levy rate within in the […]