Japan’s Central Bank Holds Fire as Tariffs, Politics Cloud Policy Target

Hershey's recent report shows a decline in third-quarter profits, primarily due to rising cocoa costs driven by tariffs and poor harvests in West Africa. This situation is significant as it highlights the challenges faced by major chocolate manufacturers in maintaining profitability amidst fluctuating commodity prices, which could impact product pricing and availability for consumers.

This Halloween, candy lovers are in for a fright as prices are set to rise by 10.8%, with some chocolate treats seeing increases of at least 20%. This surge is largely attributed to Donald Trump's tariffs and the impacts of climate change, making it more expensive to enjoy the holiday's sweet traditions. As families prepare for trick-or-treating, the rising costs could dampen the festive spirit, highlighting the broader economic challenges that affect everyday life.

Kimberly-Clark reported a significant 51% drop in profit for the third quarter, primarily due to divestitures and business exits, alongside the impact of recent tariffs. Despite this decline, the company saw a slight increase in organic sales, indicating some resilience in its core operations. This news is important as it highlights the challenges faced by major corporations in navigating market pressures while still managing to grow sales.

Volkswagen's CFO has indicated that U.S. tariffs are likely to remain in place, projecting a significant financial impact of approximately $5.83 billion. This news is crucial as it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by automakers in navigating trade policies, which could affect pricing, production costs, and ultimately, consumer choices in the automotive market.

Today, the stock market is reacting to mixed news as the U.S. agrees to cut tariffs on China, which could ease trade tensions. However, Meta's stock is taking a hit due to the company's increasing investments in AI, raising concerns among investors about profitability. This situation highlights the delicate balance between fostering international trade relations and the pressures of corporate spending, making it a critical moment for market watchers.

Oil prices have taken a hit even after President Trump announced plans to reduce tariffs on China following discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This decline highlights the ongoing volatility in the oil market, which remains sensitive to geopolitical developments and trade relations. The situation is significant as it reflects broader economic concerns that could impact global markets.

U.S. futures and global markets are showing mixed signals following comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who tempered expectations for a potential interest rate cut in December. This comes alongside an agreement by the U.S. to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, which could have implications for trade relations. Investors are closely watching these developments as they navigate the complexities of the economic landscape.

In a significant development for US-China relations, President Donald Trump hailed his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea as 'amazing.' The talks resulted in an agreement on a rare earths deal and a reduction in tariffs, which could ease tensions between the two economic giants. This is important as it not only addresses critical supply chain issues but also signals a potential thaw in trade relations, benefiting both nations and the global economy.

Meta is making headlines with its ambitious plan to raise at least $25 billion through a bond sale, which could significantly bolster its financial position. This move, involving a dollar-bond sale structured in up to six parts with varying maturities, reflects Meta's confidence in its long-term strategy and market conditions. It's a noteworthy development for investors and the tech industry, as it showcases Meta's commitment to growth and innovation.

Meta is reportedly looking to raise at least $25 billion through a bond offering, according to Bloomberg. This move is significant as it reflects the company's strategy to bolster its financial position amid ongoing market challenges. By tapping into the bond market, Meta aims to secure funds that could be used for various initiatives, including investments in technology and potential acquisitions.

Marine Products reported disappointing earnings for the third quarter of 2025, leading to a decline in their stock price. This miss highlights ongoing challenges in the market and raises concerns among investors about the company's future performance. Understanding these financial results is crucial as they can impact investor confidence and the overall market sentiment.

Roblox has reported a wider loss for the third quarter, but the company is optimistic as it raises its revenue forecast due to strong growth driven by popular video gaming trends. This is significant because it indicates that despite the losses, the demand for Roblox's platform is increasing, suggesting a bright future for the company as it capitalizes on these gaming crazes.

ABVC BioPharma's board has approved a new performance incentive plan that is linked to achieving a $1 billion market cap. This move is significant as it aligns the interests of the company's management with those of its shareholders, potentially driving growth and innovation in the biopharma sector. By setting ambitious targets, ABVC aims to enhance its market position and attract further investment, which could lead to advancements in their product pipeline.

Kazakhstan is engaging in discussions with Exxon Mobil Corp. regarding the expansion of the Kashagan oil field, which is significant as it holds untapped potential for increased oil production. This collaboration could enhance Kazakhstan's energy sector and boost its economy, making it a noteworthy development in the global oil market.