Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
EU Increases Tariffs on Chinese EVs, Sparking Trade Tensions
The European Union (EU) has announced substantial tariff increases on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), reaching up to 45.3%, marking the end of its largest trade investigation to date. The decision has intensified trade tensions with China, which has retaliated by launching probes into various EU imports.
Tariffs and Impacts on Manufacturers
Following a year-long anti-subsidy investigation, the European Commission confirmed new tariffs ranging from 7.8% on Tesla to 35.3% for SAIC, adding to the standard 10% car import duty. The EU justified these tariffs by citing "unfair subsidies" on Chinese EVs, including preferential financing, reduced raw material costs, and discounted land and batteries. With over 3 million EVs annually manufactured in China—double the EU market demand—Europe has become the primary outlet for Chinese exports, facing competitive pressure on pricing and market share.
Response from China and EU Industry Players
China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the EU’s decision, calling it "protectionist." The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU expressed disappointment, while European automakers voiced concerns, fearing retaliation on other exports like German gasoline vehicles. German officials, however, support ongoing negotiations, advocating a diplomatic approach to avoid further economic disruptions.
Growing Division in Europe
While the EU generally aims for unity in its China policies, member countries remain divided. Germany, reliant on auto exports, opposes the tariffs, while France and others favor them to protect domestic industries. Despite eight rounds of technical negotiations, a final resolution remains elusive.
