US Trade Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Asean FDI

Victoria Harling, the Middle East CIO at Ninety One, recently shared insights at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, highlighting significant growth in credit opportunities within the region. She noted a rising interest in fixed income investments and a shift towards non-US assets, indicating a broader global appetite. This trend is crucial as it reflects changing market dynamics and could lead to increased investment flows into the Middle East, enhancing economic prospects.

China and ASEAN have signed an upgraded free trade pact, a significant move in response to US tariffs that have impacted their economies. This agreement aims to enhance trade relations and economic cooperation among member countries, showcasing their commitment to mutual growth and resilience against external pressures. It highlights the importance of regional partnerships in navigating global trade challenges.

Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, recently shared insights during an interview with Bloomberg in Riyadh at the Future Investment Initiative. He discussed the evolving dynamics of US-China trade relations and highlighted the promising business opportunities in the Middle East and Asia. This is significant as it reflects the bank's strategic focus on regions with high growth potential, which could lead to increased investments and economic collaboration.

Asia's stock markets are experiencing a cooling period as former President Trump meets with Japanese Finance Minister Takaichi in Tokyo. This meeting is significant as it could influence trade relations and market dynamics in the region. Bloomberg's coverage, featuring insights from Paul Allen and Avril Hong, aims to keep investors informed about the implications of such high-profile discussions on global markets.

Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has joined the International Advisory Board of AI company Rohirrim, marking a significant step in his involvement with artificial intelligence. In a conversation with Rohirrim CEO Stephen Aberle on Bloomberg, Turnbull discussed his new role and the company's vision to transform Australia's procurement processes through AI. This development is important as it highlights the growing influence of AI in government and business, potentially leading to more efficient practices in Australia.

Francesco La Camera, the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, highlighted the uneven distribution of renewable energy deployment and investment across different regions during an interview at the Singapore International Energy Week 2025. This issue is significant as it underscores the challenges in achieving global sustainability goals and ensuring equitable access to clean energy, which is crucial for combating climate change.

President Donald Trump has reaffirmed the strong alliance between the United States and Japan, highlighting the importance of this partnership in today's global landscape. He praised Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for her commitment to increasing defense spending, which is crucial for regional security. This collaboration not only strengthens military ties but also enhances economic cooperation, making it a significant development for both nations.

Investors are eagerly awaiting insights from the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, as highlighted by Kelvin Tay from UBS. This meeting is crucial because it could shape economic policies and market dynamics, impacting global investments and trade relations.

PayPal has struck an exciting deal with OpenAI to integrate its digital wallet into ChatGPT, a move that has significantly boosted PayPal's stock prices. This partnership not only enhances the functionality of ChatGPT but also positions PayPal as a key player in the evolving landscape of digital payments, making transactions easier for users.

Nomura Holdings has reported a significant 5.94% increase in its stock following the release of its Q2 2025 earnings. This positive performance reflects the company's strong financial health and strategic initiatives, which are likely to boost investor confidence and attract more interest in the market. Such growth is crucial as it not only enhances the company's valuation but also signals a robust economic outlook, making it an important development for stakeholders.

Amazon has announced significant layoffs, affecting 14,000 corporate workers as part of a larger plan that could see up to 30,000 jobs cut. This move marks a troubling trend in the tech industry, where companies are reassessing their workforce in response to economic pressures. The impact of these layoffs will be felt not only by those losing their jobs but also by the broader economy, as consumer spending and confidence may be affected.

Royal Caribbean has raised its annual profit forecast, signaling strong demand for cruises as travel continues to rebound. This is great news for the cruise industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. The increase in profit expectations reflects a growing confidence among travelers and suggests that more people are eager to set sail again, boosting not just the company but the entire tourism sector.

The Bank of England has decided to maintain interest rates for the current quarter, according to a recent Reuters poll. This decision reflects a cautious approach to economic stability, with expectations of rate cuts beginning in early 2026. This matters because it signals the central bank's commitment to managing inflation while supporting growth, providing clarity for businesses and consumers alike.

Raymond James has raised its price target for Confluent's stock to $30, highlighting the company's strong growth in the cloud sector. This adjustment reflects confidence in Confluent's ability to capitalize on the increasing demand for cloud-based data solutions, which is crucial for investors looking for promising opportunities in the tech market.