bloomberg-live Transcript

724 segs ← CIO Feed

Full Transcript

Showing latest 53 of 724 segments. Ads filtered. Auto-refreshes 90 s.
17:56
PDT
RBA likely to maintain a hawkish stance.
RBAAussie dollarenergy sectorproperty sectorBloombergUSDecision DayPRIVATEDXY
– Property sector facing significant price declines.
– Consumer sentiment may weaken due to property market issues.
– Energy sector showing strong performance.
– Aussie dollar remains stable above 70 US cents.
RBA policyproperty market trendsconsumer sentimentenergy investments
▸ Full transcript
Let's take a look at what you can hear in Australia. Of course, it is RBA Decision Day. That hawkish hold is largely what we're expecting. Of course, the inflation has remained sort of stubbornly sticky, but we do have some conflicting messaging from the property sector, which is obviously seen home prices take quite a nosedive, particularly in capital cities, and that's going to likely feed through to consumer sentiment readings. At the moment though, we are seeing some upside when it comes to the equity session. Energy, the outperformer, and they're on the Aussie dollar holding above that 70 US cent level. This is Bloomberg.
Analysis

The RBA is expected to maintain a hawkish hold amid persistent inflation, while the property sector is experiencing significant declines in home prices, which may negatively impact consumer sentiment. Despite these challenges, the equity market shows some resilience, particularly in the energy sector, with the Aussie dollar remaining above 70 US cents.

Smart money should note the conflicting signals from the property market and consumer sentiment, as this could lead to volatility in the Australian equities. Additionally, the performance of the energy sector amidst these economic pressures suggests a potential shift in investment focus towards commodities that can withstand economic headwinds.

17:54
PDT
Denmark's tax reform targets overseas asset managers.
DenmarkChinaHong KongAustin Consulting GroupShuli RenUSDCNHPRIVATE
– China's 20% capital gains tax may drive asset sales.
– 60% of Hong Kong's cross-border wealth comes from China.
– Hong Kong's wealth management industry may shrink.
– Tax incentives in Hong Kong could attract new funds.
tax reformcross-border capital flowswealth management
▸ Full transcript
Denmark tax reform designed to attract overseas asset managers is widely expected, just as China slaps a 20% levy on cross-border capital gains. Bloomberg opinion columnist Shuli Ren joins us now with more on this. It seems to me that China is removing that tax advantage for mainland wealth. What would the implications be then for Hong Kong? I think it will be quite tremendous because Austin Consulting Group did a well study earlier this year. And they found that of all the cross-border wealth that the Hong Kong managers, about 60 percent originated from China. Now, I'm not saying that all the money from China are private wealth, right? A lot of it is mutual funds buying into the Hong Kong stock market. But a substantial chunk came from wealthy mainland Chinese. And they have to somehow pay 20 percent tax of all the capital gains that they have accumulated over the last 20 years. And that intuitively means that they have to sell some assets. And that means that Hong Kong's private wealth management industry will have to see a shrinkage in the total amount of wealth they manage. So how fast can they diversify away from mainland money? And that's where the landmark tax reform is coming in. And it's super generous. So for all the funds that are deciding to relocate to Hong Kong, the carry interests, they don't have to pay any taxes.
Analysis

Denmark's tax reform aims to attract overseas asset managers, coinciding with China's imposition of a 20% levy on cross-border capital gains. This shift is expected to significantly impact Hong Kong's private wealth management industry, as a large portion of its assets originate from mainland China, potentially leading to a reduction in managed wealth.

The implications of China's tax changes suggest that mainland investors may be forced to liquidate assets, creating a potential opportunity for Hong Kong to diversify its client base. The generous tax incentives for funds relocating to Hong Kong could attract new capital, but the speed of this transition remains uncertain.

17:51
PDT
Sunrise Energy Metals received a $400 million loan for Scandium production expansion.
Sunrise Energy MetalsRobert FriedlandTrump administrationAustraliaChinaCEOAMAISam BruguAustralia HeadIn SydneyHong KongMETAPRIVATE
– Scandium is critical for military, aerospace, and semiconductor applications.
– The Australian government may need to enhance support for critical minerals projects.
– Vertical integration in raw materials is gaining traction among defense contractors.
– China's export restrictions on Scandium are influencing market dynamics.
supply chain riskcritical mineralsgeopolitical tensions
▸ Full transcript
That's based on Scandium technologies. We're looking also at different areas around alloy development with the defense contractors. So the value of owning and controlling raw materials has never been more important, and the downstream is prepared to play with the owners of those resources to look at options and opportunities for vertical integration. So to us, that's a really positive thing, and I think it's something Australia could also benefit from as well on a national scale. Sam, really great to have you with us. We appreciate your time. Sam Brugu, who's a CEO at Sunrise Energy Metals. We have more on Australia Head every Tuesday at 10:40 AM if you're watching. In Sydney, 8:40 AM if you're catching it out of Hong Kong. More ahead on the Asia trade, this is Bloomberg. A new digital order isn't defined by technology alone. As sovereign AI reshapes digital independence, as a genetic AI transforms decisions, as quantum unlocks new possibilities, every breakthrough demands a cyber-first mindset. That's why the future meets at Gisec Global, the Middle East and Africa's largest cybersecurity event. We shape policy, power innovation, we protect the digital order. Every modern economy depends on one invisible advantage: reliable power.
Analysis

Sunrise Energy Metals secured a $400 million loan from the Trump administration to expand Scandium production, a critical rare earth element for military and aerospace applications. This move is seen as a strategic effort to diversify supply chains away from China, with potential implications for Western supply security over the coming decades.

The growing interest in Scandium, particularly for its use in aluminum alloys for aerospace and 3D printing, highlights a shift towards vertical integration in the critical minerals sector. As geopolitical tensions rise, the value of owning and controlling raw materials is becoming increasingly important, suggesting that Australia may need to reassess its critical minerals policy to capitalize on these opportunities.

17:49
PDT
Santos up 4.5%, Woodside Energy up 3%.
SantosWoodside EnergyReserve Bank of AustraliaSunrise Energy MetalsTrump administrationRobert FriedlandSam RigholChinaU.S.Department of WarUnited StatesUSDCNHMETA
– Sunrise Energy Metals secures $400 million investment.
– Scandium's strategic importance increases due to China's export restrictions.
– Australia may need to enhance domestic funding for critical minerals.
– Metallization plant to be built in the U.S. for customer proximity.
supply chain riskcritical minerals policyU.S.-China relations
▸ Full transcript
Unlike many metals, it's in many cases non-substitutable. You have no alternatives if it is not available. I think a lot of the success that we've had, that has just culminated now in this announcement, really has been driven by the decisions by China to place quite severe export restrictions on the metal. It's really focused people's minds. So it's pleasing but not surprising that this was the outcome. Through that lens, do you think the Australian government should be bankrolling more of these projects? A lot of the funding obviously coming from the U.S. for rare earth assets in Australia. For that sort of national security element, should we see more domestic funding? And also, I'm curious if other rare earths and niche metals are sort of being forecast as well, is this kind of the start of a new Ivanhoe? Yeah, it's a good question. I think Australia needs to start looking a lot more clearly about how it benefits from its critical minerals policy. In our case, we've made the decision that in addition to building the mine and the refinery in Australia, we will also build a metallization plant and that will be built in the United States. The reason for that primarily is that most of the customers for Scandium metal, the chip industry, are located there and it makes sense to be there. But also, you know, we all.
Analysis

Santos and Woodside Energy are experiencing significant gains, with Santos up nearly 4.5% and Woodside Energy up over 3%, coinciding with the Reserve Bank of Australia's hawkish hold decision. Sunrise Energy Metals secured a $400 million investment from the Trump administration to expand Scandium production, highlighting the strategic importance of this rare earth element amid China's export restrictions.

The Australian government may need to reassess its critical minerals policy to capitalize on domestic funding opportunities for rare earth projects. The establishment of a metallization plant in the U.S. by Sunrise Energy Metals indicates a shift towards localized supply chains for critical minerals, particularly as demand from the semiconductor industry grows.

17:47
PDT
Sunrise Energy Metals received $400 million for Scandium production expansion.
Sunrise Energy MetalsRobert FriedlandTrump administrationDepartment of WarChinaAs RobertWhite House
– Scandium is critical for defense and aerospace industries.
– The mine has a projected lifespan of over 30 years, with potential for much longer.
– High-grade Scandium resources could alleviate reliance on Chinese supply.
– Interest in aluminum Scandium alloys is increasing, particularly for aerospace applications.
supply chain riskdefense industryrare earth elements
▸ Full transcript
Right adjacent to the Scandium resources we're planning to mine. The nickel market is oversupplied. There's an enormous amount of Indonesian production, and that project stays on hold for now. But the beauty of that nickel resource is that there's this very high-grade system of Scandium that reports right on the edge of it, which is concentrated over millions of years, making it one of the highest-grade concentrations of Scandium in the ground that's been found on the planet today. As Robert said, we've got a mine plan that envisages roughly 30 odd years of initial production from the mine site, but there's enough resource there at high grades to last many more decades, if not over a century. We obviously heard from Robert Friedland a few hours ago, and it was, you know, obviously got a major stake in this. Was it his relationship with the White House that sort of got you to the table in the first place? No, it wasn't based on relationships. We went through a very formal process under a variety of funding programs and not necessarily just this one that was eventually set upon. But what in the end was clear was that the Department of War recognized the criticality of Scandium in a whole range of defense-based applications and industries, and we're very keen to support it.
Analysis

Sunrise Energy Metals has secured a $400 million investment from the Trump administration to expand Scandium production, a critical element for military and aerospace applications. The company boasts one of the highest-grade Scandium concentrations globally, with a mine plan that could sustain production for over 30 years, potentially extending to a century due to high-grade resources.

17:45
PDT
Scandium is crucial for solid oxide fuel cells and aluminum alloys.
Sunrise Energy MetalsTrump administrationRobert FriedlandAI3D printingsolid oxide fuel cellssemiconductor industryChinaMETA
– The metal has applications in aerospace, particularly in 3D printing.
– Scandium's role in the semiconductor industry is vital for 5G technology.
– The $400 million investment will enhance Scandium production capabilities.
– Interest in Scandium is increasing due to its strategic importance.
supply chain riskdefense technologyenergy solutions
▸ Full transcript
Yeah, sure. It's an amazing metal in that it has almost absolutely no use by itself in any application. Its real value is in alloying it or combining it with other elements. So the major volume use for Scandium in the market today is in solid oxide fuel cells, which are a really elegant, beautiful solution for power generation in AI data centers. It's certainly found its niche in the last few years in being able to provide readily deployable power for the AI data center build-out. So that's the main volume application. What we're also seeing though is that in the last few years a real uptick in the interest for aluminum scandium alloys used in aerospace components, and in particular in 3D printing. It is the most effective printable metal that exists today for aerospace applications. It has a weight to strength ratio that's about four times that of structural steel but with the lightweight of aluminum. So very, very functional and useful for aerospace, particularly defense applications. And then the third and probably not high volume but certainly strategically critical is the semiconductor industry. Our transition from 3G broadband to 5G was made possible solely by Scandium and the addition of Scandium into radio frequency filtering chips.
Analysis

Sunrise Energy Metals highlights the strategic importance of Scandium, particularly in aerospace and semiconductor applications, as it secures a $400 million investment to expand production. The metal's unique properties, especially in aluminum alloys for 3D printing, position it as a critical asset for defense and technology sectors.

Smart investors should note the growing demand for Scandium in high-tech applications, which could lead to significant supply chain shifts away from China. The emphasis on Scandium's role in AI data centers and 5G technology underscores its potential as a key player in future technological advancements.

17:42
PDT
Sunrise Energy Metals received a $400 million loan to boost Scandium production.
Sunrise Energy MetalsTrump administrationRobert FriedlandChinamilitaryaerospaceAICEOGisec GlobalMiddle EastSam RigholSan FranciscoUSDCNHMETAPRIVATE
– Scandium is vital for military and aerospace applications.
– The deal aims to secure Western supply chains away from China.
– The chairman claims the asset can meet decades of demand.
– Domestic production of rare earth elements is becoming increasingly strategic.
supply chain riskdomestic productionrare earth elements
▸ Full transcript
As genetic AI transforms decisions, as quantum unlocks new possibilities, every breakthrough demands a cyber-first mindset. That's why the future meets at Gisec Global, the Middle East and Africa's largest cybersecurity event. We shape policy, we power innovation, we protect the digital order. Let's take a look at Sunrise Energy Metals in the morning session. We're just about 40 minutes into the start of cash trading. We are seeing still that upside being shown across the three-day view; their big jump on Monday, obviously on this news that it secured a $400 million loan from the Trump administration, and that deal is to expand production of Scandium. It's a rare earth element critical to the military and aerospace industries. Their chairman and top shareholder, Robert Friedland, told Bloomberg earlier that this agreement could secure the West's supply for decades to come as Washington moves to diversify supply chains away from China. I think this killer asset is based in Australia. It's big enough to supply all of the Western world's demand for 30 or 40 years. So this is one element that we have in the Western world that no longer has to be produced or sold from China. Let's get some more on this with Sunrise Energy Metals CEO Sam Righol, who joins us now from San Francisco. Sam, really appreciate you coming on.
Analysis

Sunrise Energy Metals secured a $400 million loan from the Trump administration to expand Scandium production, a rare earth element crucial for military and aerospace industries. This agreement positions the company to potentially supply the Western world's demand for decades, reducing reliance on China.

The strategic move to diversify supply chains away from China highlights the growing importance of domestic production capabilities in critical materials. Investors should note the long-term implications of this deal for supply chain resilience and the potential for Sunrise Energy Metals to become a key player in the rare earth market.

17:40
PDT
Santos up 4.5%, Woodside Energy up 3%.
SantosWoodside EnergyReserve Bank of AustraliaSunrise Energy MetalsTrump administrationRBAReserve BankMETAPRIVATE
– RBA decision day expected to be hawkish.
– $400 million investment in Scandium mining secured.
– Growing interest in critical minerals.
– Potential volatility in the metals sector.
energy sector performanceRBA policy impactcritical minerals investment
▸ Full transcript
A few steps away from that progress that was seen in the last few days, we're seeing some pretty strong gains as Santos here in Australia is trading high by almost four and a half percent. We're also seeing Woodside Energy up by over 3% as, of course, it is also RBA decision day, with that hawkish hold expected from the Reserve Bank today. Coming up next, staying with the commodities metal space, Sunrise Energy Metals will unpack the outlook when it comes to Scandium mining, with those operations in focus after it secured a $400 million investment from the Trump administration. We have more details ahead. This is Bloomberg.
Analysis

Santos and Woodside Energy are experiencing significant gains, with Santos up nearly 4.5% and Woodside Energy rising over 3% ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision day. The anticipated hawkish hold from the RBA could influence market sentiment and commodity prices moving forward.

The $400 million investment in Scandium mining by Sunrise Energy Metals, backed by the Trump administration, signals a growing interest in critical minerals, which could reshape the commodities landscape. Investors should note the potential for increased volatility in the metals sector as geopolitical factors and government policies evolve.

17:38
PDT
State Street is investing heavily in AI for efficiency gains.
State StreetAIfinancial industry
– The firm does not anticipate headcount reductions despite increased automation.
– AI is seen as a tool to enhance client service and streamline processes.
– There is a focus on revenue opportunities through improved investment processes.
– The financial industry is experiencing a contraction in headcount.
AI integrationasset management efficiency
▸ Full transcript
And what are you seeing at State Street in particular of how you're deploying some of the AI tools, the efficiency versus the cost? You know, I think it is still early days for a lot of companies. I mean, clearly every single company is investing heavily as we are at State Street. Where we see tremendous opportunities is with, you know, very significant processes, data intensive, sometimes very manual efforts, enormous efficiency gains. Well we also see revenue opportunities too as we think about streamlining our investment process, post trade if you will and then also customizing to clients, being able to provide what we do for very very large institutions all the way through to individual investors. We've seen already the financial industry contract a little bit on a head count front. I just wonder from your vantage point how you think about the growth of State Street as it surpasses $6 trillion. And its footprint, its headcount footprint in response to the greater efficiency that you can do. Is it just grow the assets by keeping the footprint the same? Is it potentially shrinking the total size of the employee base versus the overall assets? You know, we see AI as just an enabler, enabling our people to be able to do more. And so we don't see this really as a headcount reduction play, but more so a benefit to be able to serve our clients even better on a global basis.
Analysis

State Street is leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and streamline investment processes, indicating a focus on revenue opportunities while maintaining its headcount. The firm views AI as an enabler for better client service rather than a means for reducing employee numbers, suggesting a strategic shift towards automation without workforce downsizing.

Smart money should note that while State Street is not planning headcount reductions, the emphasis on AI-driven efficiency could lead to a more competitive landscape in asset management. This could pressure firms that are slower to adopt similar technologies, potentially impacting their market share and profitability.

17:36
PDT
Unitree Robotics IPO attracted nearly 10 million orders.
Unitree RoboticsState Street Investment ManagementU.S. economyFederal ReserveIPOCEOThe HangzhouYe Sin SungUSDCNHFEDFUNDSDXY
– Retail portion subscribed over 5,500 times.
– State Street's CEO sees U.S. economy as robust but warns of labor market concerns.
– Fed likely to hold interest rates steady for the rest of the year.
– Strong retail interest in tech investments may indicate market trends.
IPO demandU.S. economic outlooklabor market concernsinterest rate policy
▸ Full transcript
In the coming weeks, we are also going to open the weights for MuSmart 1.2, our latest foundation model and one of the leading models in the world. We've got even bigger models that are coming soon too. The IPO of China's Unitree Robotics has drawn huge demand from retail investors, with almost 10 million orders leaving the retail portion subscribed more than 5,500 times. The Hangzhou-based company sold more than 40 million shares, raising about $904 million. The mainland's first listed humanoid robot maker is expected to debut on Shanghai's star market this month. The CEO of State Street Investment Management says that the U.S. economy remains in good shape, but they're keeping a close eye on signs of weakness in the labor market. Ye Sin Sung says that is what should keep the Fed on hold for the rest of the year. We think that the economy is in pretty good shape, although from our perspective, we believe the Fed really should hold steady on rates, and that's what we're calling for for the balance of this year. But to the extent the Fed does move, and it's already indicated it has a more inclination to move faster, but gradually. We think the economy is robust still, but at the same time, where our worries are on the labor market, and so that's why we view interest rates being steady as the better case. What are you so concerned about with the labor market? It's been great.
Analysis

China's Unitree Robotics IPO has seen overwhelming demand, with retail subscriptions exceeding 5,500 times, raising approximately $904 million. Meanwhile, State Street's CEO highlights the U.S. economy's robustness but expresses concerns about potential labor market weaknesses, suggesting the Fed should maintain steady interest rates for the remainder of the year.

The significant retail interest in Unitree Robotics indicates a strong appetite for innovative tech investments, which could signal a broader trend in market sentiment towards robotics and AI. Additionally, the focus on labor market indicators by State Street suggests that any signs of weakness could prompt a reevaluation of monetary policy, impacting market expectations around interest rates.

17:32
PDT
KOSDAQ is outperforming KOSPI as retail investors shift focus.
SamsungHynixKOSPIKOSDAQTaiwanTSMCNVIDIASKFranklin Food Sea TaiwanKOSDAQKOSPINVDACL=F
– Samsung and Hynix face headwinds due to their index weight.
– Taiwan's retail investors are showing strong confidence in TSMC.
– Record inflows into Taiwan ETFs indicate robust market interest.
– The tech sector's performance is critical for both Korea and Taiwan.
retail investor sentimentsemiconductor sector performancemarket rotation dynamics
▸ Full transcript
That is a dynamic that is worth watching. It's a kind of a proxy for the excitement in Korea. And you're also seeing that under the hood, you see today, for example, you have the oil names in Korea rallying for obvious reasons, but also the bio names. And that kind of diversification is not positive for an index that is so heavily weighted, Samsung and Hynix. Also, the KOSDAQ has been doing really well versus the KOSPI as Korea and retail rotate some of their gains and winnings in the KOSPI into the KOSDAQ, which is materially smaller. So there's no way the KOSDAQ can support the kind of gains that the KOSPI gave off in the first place. But it seems like that's a safer haven for speculation for Korean retail. So under the hood, the rotation dynamic does not suit Samsung and Hynix's upside. The ball market is also pointing in that direction. And it really will take a turning around in the shareholder return narrative around Samsung and Hynix to change the narrative here. It also might imply that there's more to be done on the tech side of things. And that's why the build-out from NVIDIA and other hyperscalers is going to be so important to watch for Samsung and Hynix going forward. So what's the difference with Taiwan then? Because just last week we saw Taiwan ETFs, for example, the likes of Franklin, Temple, Franklin Food Sea Taiwan, seeing record inflows. So I thought perhaps the KOSPI, Samsung, SK Hynix heavy, Taiwan TSMC heavy. So what's the difference here? What's interesting is that Taiwan retail has kept the faith so Taiwan.
Analysis

Korea's market dynamics show a rotation from the KOSPI to the KOSDAQ, indicating a shift in retail investor sentiment towards smaller, more speculative stocks. This trend is not favorable for major players like Samsung and Hynix, which are heavily weighted in the KOSPI, as the broader index struggles to maintain its gains.

In contrast, Taiwan's retail investors remain optimistic, as evidenced by record inflows into Taiwan ETFs, particularly those focused on TSMC. This divergence suggests that while Korea faces challenges with its tech giants, Taiwan's semiconductor sector continues to attract strong investment interest, highlighting a potential opportunity for differentiation in tech exposure.

17:30
PDT
Japanese yen under pressure, nearing 160 level.
JapanMinoru KiyuchiBloombergASX200RBATaiwanTSMCKoreaMiddle EastUSIranStrait of HormuzPRIVATE
– Government spending plans include consumption tax cuts.
– Kiyuchi emphasizes fiscal sustainability and improvement.
– Market skepticism exists regarding Japan's fiscal strategy.
– Investment in yen-denominated assets may increase.
fiscal sustainabilityyen volatilityMiddle East tensions
▸ Full transcript
These are the things that will help deliver a step change in performance for BP. Don't miss the opening trade live every weekday morning. Good morning. This is Bloomberg surveillance. Welcome back to the opening trade. It's Bloomberg money. This is the Asia trade. This is Wall Street Week. Welcome to Balance of Power. You're watching Bloomberg Deal. Welcome to Bloomberg this weekend. This is Bloomberg Television. Bringing you up to the minute geopolitical news whenever and wherever it happens. I'm Tyler Kendall in Geneva, Switzerland, and this is Bloomberg. Take a look at how we're tracking in Asia markets, and of course, we've got a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to the Middle East situation with both the US and Iran. Trading demands that look increasingly unlikely to be fulfilled or get to any point of compromise as that reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains a little bit further away now. We are seeing just modest upside when it comes to trading here in Australia. Taiwan will be in focus after a raft of tech headlines and strong TSMC sales. Taiwan has been taking attention from Cabri on the back of a very strong earnings season. Let's bring in Anthony Stevens for more on this. So we are seeing Korea drifting lower again. What's our top of mind for you? It's interesting that Korea is moving into a dynamic of spot down, ball down, right? So there's less concern about the kind of slow drift, but also there's less significant.
Analysis

The Japanese yen is under pressure, giving up half of its recent gains as it approaches the critical 160 level, raising concerns about potential government intervention. Japan's growth strategy minister, Minoru Kiyuchi, asserts that the government's spending plans, including consumption tax cuts, will ultimately support the yen and fiscal sustainability despite market skepticism.

Smart money should note that Japan's fiscal position is reportedly improving, which could lead to increased demand for yen-denominated assets as investment rises. The emphasis on responsible public finances may counteract fears of a weaker yen, suggesting a potential shift in market sentiment if these policies are perceived as effective.

17:28
PDT
Japan's government is focusing on fiscal sustainability.
JapanRBAASX200AIMiddle EastASX200PRIVATE
– Potential upward pressure on the yen as investment increases.
– RBA likely to maintain current interest rates.
– ASX200 showing sideways movement.
– Declining costs may influence market dynamics.
fiscal sustainabilityinterest ratescurrency dynamics
▸ Full transcript
Of divergence, Japan away on holidays, the cost be trending down and then you have the ASX200 training sideways as we expect a second straight hold from the RBA. This is Bloomberg. Every modern economy depends on one invisible advantage, reliable power. Without it, there is no AI economy, no advanced manufacturing, no modern healthcare, no water security. Power isn't just another industry. It's the infrastructure behind it. Every major growth story should begin with one question: Where will the power come from? That's the business of power. Knowing how governments should plan and which economies have the infrastructure to scale. Middle East energy, where possibility becomes power.
Analysis

Japan's fiscal position is reportedly improving, with the government emphasizing responsible public finances and a focus on fiscal sustainability. This could lead to upward pressure on the yen as investment in yen-denominated assets increases.

The RBA is expected to hold rates steady, while the ASX200 trends sideways amid a backdrop of declining costs. Smart money should note the potential for Japan's fiscal strategy to attract investment, which may counteract current market pressures on the yen.

17:26
PDT
Japan's fiscal position is improving.
JapanMinoru Kiyuchi
– Proactive public finances may strengthen the yen.
– Increased investment in Japan is expected.
– Focus on fiscal sustainability is a key theme.
– Consumption tax cuts are part of the spending plans.
fiscal sustainabilityyen strengthinvestment attraction
▸ Full transcript
I would like to stress the fact that Japan's fiscal position is improving. Responsible and proactive public finances is a policy amid strengthening Japan's supply capacity and productivity, while attracting greater investment into Japan. As investment in Japan and yen-denominated assets increases, demand for the yen will naturally rise, as I mentioned. I therefore do not see responsible and proactive public finances as a policy that leads to a weaker yen. On the contrary, I believe it can put upward pressure on the yen. Lastly, our aim is to achieve both a strong economy and fiscal sustainability in an integrated manner. Please believe me. That is the essence of responsible and productive public finances and the core of this historic shift.
Analysis

Japan's fiscal position is reportedly improving, with a focus on responsible and proactive public finances aimed at enhancing supply capacity and attracting investment. This approach is expected to create upward pressure on the yen, countering concerns about a weaker currency amidst ongoing fiscal spending plans.

Smart money should note that the Japanese government's emphasis on fiscal sustainability and productivity could lead to a stronger yen, especially as demand for yen-denominated assets increases. This shift in fiscal policy may also signal a broader trend towards economic stability in Japan, which could influence global market dynamics.

17:23
PDT
Japan is considering consumption tax cuts, raising fiscal sustainability concerns.
JapanMinoru Kiyuchi
– The government aims to shift from fiscal consolidation to fiscal sustainability.
– There is a focus on reviewing revenue and expenditures without increased borrowing.
– Market confidence may be affected by the government's spending plans.
– The approach indicates a long-term strategy to stabilize the economy.
fiscal sustainabilitygovernment spendingtax policy
▸ Full transcript
We are talking about consumption tax cuts on food and beverages. We are discussing the need to spend this year and next year. I would like to stress that this does not represent a retreat from fiscal discipline, and we are shifting from the rather abstract concept of fiscal consolidation towards a framework that places greater emphasis on the more economically grounded and internationally standard concepts of fiscal sustainability and debt sustainability. All of the expected spending right now, including the consumption tax cut, is raising concerns. Which tools does the government have available and what funding alternatives exist if you're not going to borrow more? We review both revenue and expenditures, and we also review, as I told you, some funding and special.
Analysis

Japan's government is emphasizing fiscal sustainability while discussing consumption tax cuts on food and beverages, raising concerns about spending without increased borrowing. The shift from fiscal consolidation to a more grounded approach may signal a long-term strategy to stabilize the economy amidst market pressures.

Smart money should note that the government's focus on fiscal sustainability could lead to increased scrutiny of spending plans, potentially impacting investor confidence. The balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and stimulating growth will be crucial as Japan navigates its economic challenges.

17:21
PDT
Japanese yen is losing recent gains, nearing 160 level.
JapanMinoru KiyuchiBank of JapanHaslinda ArminTSLAPRIVATE
– Minoru Kiyuchi emphasizes government spending plans to support the yen.
– Thin liquidity due to Japan's holiday increases volatility risk.
– Market concerns about the yen's strength are being addressed by officials.
– Potential for further intervention if the yen approaches critical levels.
currency interventiongovernment spendingforex volatility
▸ Full transcript
Becomes power. Context and clarity you need. A lot of speculation. What could happen with Tesla here at first on Bloomberg? Up to the minute news whenever and wherever it happens. I'm Haslinda Armin in Mumbai. This is Bloomberg. Japan on holiday today, but we're watching the Japanese yen under pressure and giving up about half of the gain since the Japan U.S. joined yen buying, a historic first since the. We're very close to that 160 level, which could be the next policy test. Could we see more intervention at that level given that we do have open holiday thin liquidity that is an existing risk? Japan's growth strategy minister now saying that the government's spending plans will provide a long-term boost for the yen. Speaking exclusively to us in Tokyo, Minoru Kiyuchi also pushed back against market concerns.
Analysis

The Japanese yen is under pressure, giving up about half of its recent gains as it approaches the critical 160 level, which may prompt further intervention. Japan's growth strategy minister Minoru Kiyuchi asserts that government spending plans will provide a long-term boost for the yen, countering market concerns.

Smart money should note the thin liquidity due to Japan's holiday, which heightens the risk of volatility around the 160 level. Additionally, the government's commitment to spending could signal a strategic shift in currency management, potentially impacting investor sentiment and positioning in the yen.

17:17
PDT
Trump is using economic pressure against Iran instead of military threats.
Donald TrumpIranU.S.President Trump
– Iran has a history of enduring sanctions and may not easily yield.
– The U.S. faces its own economic pressures as midterms approach.
– Negotiations with Iran are likely to remain stalled.
– Market sentiment may be affected by the evolving geopolitical landscape.
geopolitical riskeconomic pressure
▸ Full transcript
These negotiations are dragging on as well. We know that the Iranians, on their side, can be very patient and willing to wait and tolerate the pain. What about the economic pressure? Because this seems to be President Trump's new strategy, right? Saying that he will just wait it out because those pressures are mounting on the regime. Well, that's right. So now he's saying instead of threatening to go back to open warfare, he can take a low-key approach and use economic pressure. But we've seen, again, this is a regime that is very hardened to lots of different kinds of pressure. It's a regime that has been under heavy sanctions for many years. It does have the ability to withstand that pressure, to find workarounds, and certainly a regime that's willing to tolerate a lot of pain from its citizens in order to sustain itself. And so does economic pressure really work on Iran? It's pretty difficult to say. In turn, though, you are seeing perhaps some economic pressure coming on the U.S. in this. And for Donald Trump, that big question of where we are on price pressures, where this conflict is going as he gets ever closer to those midterm elections in the U.S.? It's been quite interesting, right? Because we know that the economic picture and those pressures are coming down on President Trump as he gets closer to the midterms.
Analysis

President Trump is shifting his strategy towards Iran, opting for economic pressure rather than open warfare, as he aims to leverage mounting pressures on the regime. However, the Iranian government has a history of withstanding significant sanctions and may continue to endure economic hardships to maintain its power.

Smart money should note that while Trump’s approach may seem effective, the Iranian regime's resilience could lead to prolonged negotiations without yielding substantial results. Additionally, the economic pressures on the U.S. could complicate Trump's position as he approaches the midterm elections, potentially impacting market sentiment.

17:14
PDT
Trump's compensation demands heighten geopolitical tensions.
President TrumpIranU.S.IsraelAmmanRosalind MathesonBloombergHaslinda AnandMiddle EastPRIVATEDXY
– Market response includes wavering stocks and rising bond yields.
– Negotiation dynamics suggest reduced likelihood of a deal.
– Increased volatility expected in energy and defense sectors.
– Investor sentiment may shift due to geopolitical risks.
geopolitical riskmarket volatility
▸ Full transcript
Where possibility becomes power. A fad to some, the future of money to others. We see cryptos' trillion-dollar swings. While others follow the noise, we follow the money. Join me for in-depth conversations with the biggest newsmakers on the day's top stories. Insight with Haslinda Anand only on Bloomberg. President Trump is calling for Iran to pay compensation for damage and deaths caused in conflicts across the Middle East. These sweeping new demands were made in response to Tehran's request for reparations for the U.S. and Israeli war. They also spotted billionaire prices that left stocks wavering and bond yields climbing. A Bloomberg correspondent, Rosalind Matheson, joins us now. So it feels like we are actually taking further steps away from the possibility of a deal being done. It felt like we were much closer a few days ago, but now these tip-for-tap requests seem very unlikely to yield compromise. Well, that's right, so it feels that we take two steps forward and then another step at least back. So there was a sense that things were moving perhaps towards a deal, especially brokered through Amman, but now again we have this broadening of demands.
Analysis

President Trump's demands for Iran to pay compensation for conflict-related damages have escalated tensions, moving markets as stocks waver and bond yields climb. The back-and-forth nature of these negotiations suggests a diminishing likelihood of a deal, which could further destabilize the region and impact investor sentiment.

Smart money should note the implications of these heightened demands, as they indicate a potential shift in geopolitical risk that could affect oil prices and broader market stability. The ongoing uncertainty may lead to increased volatility in related assets, particularly in energy and defense sectors.

17:13
PDT
South Korea's GDP growth forecast increased to 3.3%.
South KoreaSingaporeAnthropicRiot PlatformsNVIDIABNP Parable Wealth ManagementMASBloombergUS CPIAIPRIVATE
– Singapore's GDP growth for Q2 rose to 5.9%.
– Anthropic secured a $9.1 billion deal with Riot Platforms.
– Concerns arise over circular investments in AI.
– US CPI is expected to show a month-on-month increase of 0.1%.
economic growthAI investmentinflation concerns
▸ Full transcript
More ahead here on the Asia trade, this is Bloomberg. Every modern economy depends on one invisible advantage: reliable power. Without it, there is no AI economy, no advanced manufacturing, no modern healthcare, no water security.
Analysis

South Korea's GDP growth forecast has been upgraded to 3.3% for this year, driven by improved trade numbers. Singapore's second quarter GDP rose by 5.9%, exceeding expectations, and the MAS has implemented a slight policy tightening amidst ongoing geopolitical concerns.

The surge in AI-related deals, such as Anthropic's $9.1 billion agreement with Riot Platforms, highlights the growing demand for AI infrastructure and capacity. Investors should be cautious of potential circularity in AI investments, as major players like NVIDIA continue to inflate valuations across the sector.

17:11
PDT
Nvidia's investment plan raises investor concerns about inflated valuations in the AI sector.
NvidiaWall StreetAIChippewa CongyaninvestorsNVDADXY
– The structure and timing of Nvidia's investments remain unclear, adding to market uncertainty.
– The circularity of AI deals could lead to increased scrutiny from investors.
– Nvidia's role as a capital provider signals a shift in its business model.
– Market expectations for AI startups may be overly optimistic given the current investment landscape.
AI investment concernsmarket valuation risks
▸ Full transcript
I mean, at a time when broader investors are questioning just the sheer amount of spending that's gone into AI, we really see these big players doubling down. We really do. And you know, honestly, I was hoping for a little more detail than we got after the initial report on this $500 billion investment plan. Even after the Nvidia announcement this afternoon, we still don't know what the timing of these investments might be, what the structure will be for the financing, and how much of the plan goes beyond the string of AI deals that Nvidia and the Wall Street firms have already made. I think that, as you hinted at, this is going to continue to drive concerns about the so-called circular AI deals that Nvidia has been linked to over the past several months. It's in hundreds of billions of dollars worth of deals with companies across the entire AI ecosystem. That's of course, stoking some concern from investors that the Chippewa Congyan is inflating demand and valuations for AI startups across the board. Yeah, Lin, and what does it tell you about the evolution of NVIDIA's business itself, given that it's now becoming this capital provider when it comes to its own end market? I think it tells you that a lot of Nvidia's success and the perception of it on Wall Street hit.
Analysis

Nvidia's $500 billion investment plan continues to raise concerns among investors regarding the potential inflation of demand and valuations for AI startups, as the company becomes a significant capital provider in its market. The lack of clarity on the timing and structure of these investments may exacerbate worries about the circular nature of AI deals that Nvidia has been involved in, impacting investor sentiment.

17:09
PDT
US CPI expected to rise 0.1% month-on-month.
USFederal ReserveCPIoil pricesFEDFUNDSCL=F
– Previous CPI reading was a decline of 0.4%.
– Higher oil prices may influence Fed's tightening decisions.
– Market reactions will depend on CPI data accuracy.
– Potential for increased volatility in cross-asset trades.
inflation expectationsmonetary policycross-asset trading
▸ Full transcript
Earnings results continue to be very good. Before we let you go, we do have eco data again coming to the forefront, especially with the US CPI numbers. It could be key when it comes to the cross-asset trade later this week. What numbers are you expecting and what impact will it have on the Fed? Because we are now positioning for potentially more tightening given, of course, higher oil prices as well. Yes, I think for market consensus for the upcoming headline US CPI, it's like a month-on-month 0.1% increase, and that's actually a rebound from the minus 0.4% last month. So basically, the market expects some kind of pickup in terms of the CPI. But if it turns out to be less than that or higher than that, of course, that will affect especially the market expectations of the future rate path. So we have to see. Yeah. Yeah, and we'll really have to gauge that one right given that we did have softer.
Analysis

The upcoming US CPI numbers are expected to show a month-on-month increase of 0.1%, rebounding from a previous decline of 0.4%. This data will be crucial for market expectations regarding future Federal Reserve rate hikes, especially in light of rising oil prices.

Market consensus anticipates a pickup in CPI, but any deviation from expectations could significantly impact perceptions of the Fed's tightening path. The interplay between inflation data and oil prices suggests that investors should closely monitor these indicators for potential shifts in monetary policy.

17:04
PDT
Anthropic's deal with Riot Platforms is valued at $9.1 billion.
AnthropicRiot PlatformsBitcoinAIBNP Parable Wealth ManagementRBACIOBNPAnd HeidiRock Deal TexasNow RiotGrace HamNVDAPRIVATE
– The contract includes an option to extend, potentially reaching $16.1 billion.
– The deal emphasizes the growing demand for AI infrastructure.
– Investments in AI companies are becoming increasingly interlinked.
– Potential volatility in the AI sector due to interconnected investments.
AI infrastructureinvestment circularity
▸ Full transcript
The RBA is expected to come through with that hawkish hold. But interestingly, that boost for the Aussie from here could actually come through from the yen rather than any other factor. And Heidi, we do have breaking news at the moment. More AI deals we're talking about, Anthropi having struck a $9.1 billion deal with Riot Platforms. This is a Bitcoin mining company that also recently began selling AI data center capacity. Now, people talking to Bloomberg are saying that the deal is for 491 megawatts of capacity from Riot's Rock Deal Texas campus and runs through June 2048. Now Riot is expecting the contract to generate $9.1 billion in revenue with an option to extend the contract and potentially reach $16.1 billion in total assets. Just leading that narrative again that we continue to see a lot of these deals around artificial intelligence in order to secure capacity, in order to secure power as well when it comes to building out the AI infrastructure landscape. Let's bring in our next guest, Grace Ham, deputy CIO at BNP Parable Wealth Management. Grace, all of these AI deals, whether it's around NVIDIA, whether it's around using Wall Street Giants for private capital, Anthropic as well. Does this give you any pause when it comes to the potential circularity of all of these companies investing in each other?
Analysis

Anthropic has secured a $9.1 billion deal with Riot Platforms, a Bitcoin mining company, to provide AI data center capacity, highlighting the growing intersection of AI and energy sectors. This deal, which could potentially reach $16.1 billion, underscores the increasing demand for AI infrastructure and the strategic partnerships forming within the industry.

Smart investors should note the potential for circular investments among AI companies, as they increasingly rely on each other for resources and capabilities. This interconnectedness may lead to heightened volatility and risk, as the success of one company could significantly impact others in the ecosystem.

17:02
PDT
South Korea's growth forecast upgraded to 3.3%.
BloombergSouth KoreaSingaporeMASGDPSDIMiddle EastPRIVATE
– Singapore's GDP growth at 5.9%, exceeding expectations.
– MAS has tightened policy slightly.
– Concerns remain over Middle East tensions and inflation.
– Financial property sector in Singapore appears strong.
economic growthgeopolitical riskinflation concerns
▸ Full transcript
So, really coming to support some of those economists' expectations, Bloomberg surveyed economists and they had all upgraded the growth forecast for South Korea to 3.3 percent for this year from 2.8 percent, and hiding a lot to do with those trade numbers. Yeah, and we have, of course, when it comes to trade, need to look at the Singapore economy. This is a very externally vulnerable economy. We are getting the final second quarter GDP reading there, rising 5.9 percent for the second quarter, slightly better than previous expectations of 5.8 percent. They've also raised their 2026 GDP growth forecast, the estimate to between 4.5 to 5.5 percent. That is a big uplift from the previous 2 to 4 percent. That final quarter GDP, they're rising by 1.4 percent quarter on quarter again, stronger than the previous reading of 1.2 percent. So a pretty strong uplift there that should translate through to some optimistic trading for the SDI when we come online. We have also had the MAS coming through with its latest round of policy tightening as well, slight as it was. There are still some ongoing concerns as to what the implications of the Middle East tensions could be, elevated energy prices, inflation. But as we can see from that overall GDP number, the financial property sector is looking pretty well positioned. And that also came through from some of the latest bank earnings that we've had from the big Singapore banking giants as well. Let's take a look at what else we're watching in these markets. I mentioned, of course, the lack of progress in the geopolitical situation.
Analysis

Bloomberg's survey indicates an upgraded growth forecast for South Korea to 3.3% for this year, driven by improved trade numbers. Singapore's second quarter GDP rose by 5.9%, surpassing expectations, and the MAS has implemented a slight policy tightening amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.

The significant upward revision in Singapore's GDP growth forecast suggests a resilient financial property sector, which may benefit from the latest bank earnings. Additionally, the lack of progress in geopolitical situations could lead to volatility in energy prices, impacting inflation and overall economic stability in the region.

17:00
PDT
NVIDIA's AI funding narrative remains strong.
NVIDIAWall StreetUSIranJapanKyuuchiUS TreasuryG10AIUnited StatesNVDADXY
– US-Iran negotiations are stalled with increased demands.
– Japanese yen is losing gains from recent interventions.
– Fiscal policy in Japan is not expansionary.
– US Treasury's intervention capacity is limited.
AI fundingcurrency interventiongeopolitical risks
▸ Full transcript
But at the same time, we have this half a trillion dollar partnership between Nvidia and Wall Street giants. Just as a great big bowl of funding and money for AI continues to dominate the narrative, as you say, even as there's so much in terms of other themes going on, we have no further progress when it comes to talks between the US and Iran. In fact, we seem to be further away from progress with more demands being made on both sides that are unlikely to be met. At the same time, even when Japanese equities aren't trading, we've still got plenty of action when it comes to the yen. We're talking about the Japanese yen giving up about half of the gains that we saw after the US-Japan joint intervention. It was the worst performer among the G10 in the overnight session. Actually, I just recently spoke to the growth strategy minister here in Japan, Kyuuchi, and he was telling me that fiscal policy here in Japan is not that expansionary and that actually spending will support the Japanese yen. But as you can see right now, we continue to see the downside pressure, and we're headed back towards that 160 level against the US dollar. And now we have also more realization that perhaps what the Treasury can do in the United States in order to support the Japanese yen, to support Japanese authorities, is not as much as it was previously thought. We're talking about the exchange stabilization fund, only having around $200 billion. And remember, in this latest round of intervention, Japanese authorities' single largest day of intervention was around $50 billion. So that could run out pretty quickly.
Analysis

NVIDIA's partnership with Wall Street giants continues to dominate the funding narrative for AI, despite a lack of progress in US-Iran talks. The Japanese yen is under pressure, giving up half of its gains from the recent US-Japan intervention, with concerns about the effectiveness of future support measures from the US Treasury.

Smart money should note that the Japanese fiscal policy is not as expansionary as previously thought, which could lead to sustained downside pressure on the yen. Additionally, the limited capacity of the US Treasury's exchange stabilization fund may hinder effective intervention, raising concerns about the yen's stability against the dollar.

16:58
PDT
Nvidia's AI financing platform announcement raises shareholder concerns.
NvidiaIntelApolloBlackstoneBlackRockBrookfieldGSNKKKRSK HynixSamsung ElectronicsE.J. MyeongMetaPRIVATE
– Intel's upcoming IPO could be upsized to $20 billion.
– Shift from hardware to software in AI reflects market sentiment.
– Concerns over capital expenditures impacting tech stock performance.
– Retail demand for China's unitary robotics IPO shows strong investor interest.
AI investmenthardware vs softwarecapital expendituresIPO market
▸ Full transcript
With the backlog we have, we're ramping up production across many of our product lines. Markets are very strong, so our backlog is very, very strong. Our story is really focusing on executing that backlog. We're on a multi-year ramp, both with our commercial customers and in defense. Right, we're sold out into the early 2030s. We have our work cut out for us on a multi-year basis. We have to provide our customers and governments with new means of facing those threats, and these means are accelerating. We need to expand our capacity to get after both speed as well as integrated interoperable allied capability, which will help all our nations feel safe. The news that matters is on Bloomberg. Context changes everything. Know how the market day started. Find out how it finishes. Public markets to private markets. From the micro to the macro. Covering retail, entertainment, the business of sports. The supply chains, trade policy. How it all is impacting the U.S. equity market as we drive to the closing bell at 4 p.m. A holistic approach to covering financial markets. If it matters to your life, we're covering it. I'm Katie Breifeld. And I'm Romain Bostic. And this is The Close. Every weekday from 3 to 5 Eastern. Only on Bloomberg. Context changes everything. When news breaks, a red hat across the Bloomberg terminal. Bloomberg has you covered. Trump's global tariffs are struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. For all the context and clarity you need, there's going to be now tons of tariff headlines until midterm elections. Here at first on Bloomberg. Bringing you up to the minute global.
Analysis

Nvidia faces pressure following the announcement of a $500 billion Wall Street AI financing platform, raising concerns among shareholders about capital discipline. Meanwhile, Intel is set for its first public share offering since the 1970s, with potential upsizing to around $20 billion, reflecting strong market demand despite concerns over hardware capital expenditures.

The shift in focus from hardware to software in the AI sector indicates a growing skepticism about the sustainability of high capital expenditures in hardware. This trend may lead to increased volatility in tech stocks, particularly those heavily invested in hardware, as investors reassess their expectations for returns amidst rising CAPEX concerns.

16:55
PDT
Zuckerberg advocates for open-source AI models.
Mark ZuckerbergMetaChinaunitary roboticsHangzhouShanghaiJapanYenBloombergAICEOIPOMETAUSDCNHPRIVATE
– Meta introduces a downloadable AI model for personal use.
– China's unitary robotics IPO sees massive retail demand.
– Japanese yen shows volatility post-intervention.
– Potential for further currency intervention in Japan.
AI accessibilityIPO demandcurrency intervention
▸ Full transcript
Mark Zuckerberg has published a 6,500-word essay on artificial intelligence, emphasizing his belief that wider access to AI models is key to the industry's future. Meta's CEO says he still supports open-source AI and sources. It challenges the notion that concentration of power in a few companies can ensure safety. It comes as the company introduces a downloadable AI model that can run on a personal computer. The IPO of China's unitary robotics has drawn huge demand from retail investors with almost 10 million orders, leaving the retail portion subscribed more than 5,500 times. The Hangzhou-based company sold more than 40 million shares, raising about $904 million. The mainland's first listed humanoid robot maker is expected to debut on Shanghai's star market this month. While the market opens, we are ahead in Sydney and Seoul, with no trading for equities today in Japan. However, we are on Yen intervention watch again as we continue to see leaders have failed in the Yen's gains following the last round of joint intervention, erasing half of those intervention gains. Now, this is Bloomberg.
Analysis

Mark Zuckerberg has published a 6,500-word essay on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the importance of wider access to AI models for the industry's future. This comes as Meta introduces a downloadable AI model for personal computers, challenging the concentration of power in a few companies.

The overwhelming demand for China's unitary robotics IPO, with retail subscriptions exceeding 5,500 times, signals strong investor interest in innovative tech sectors. Additionally, the ongoing volatility in the Japanese yen highlights the potential for further intervention, which could impact currency markets significantly.

16:51
PDT
NVIDIA's capital discipline concerns are impacting shareholder sentiment.
NVIDIASamsungHynixTencentAlibabaHS techJapanU.S.E.J. MyeongApolloBlackstoneBlackRockNVDAUSDCNHCL=FDXY
– Weakness observed in Samsung and Hynix stocks due to high CAPEX expectations.
– Software sector, particularly in China, is outperforming hardware.
– Investor focus is shifting from hardware to software amid spending concerns.
– The yen's performance is closely tied to dollar strength and oil price movements.
capital disciplineAI ecosystemsoftware vs hardwareyen dynamics
▸ Full transcript
In all the concerns that you mentioned is concerns about capital discipline. NVIDIA becoming the banker of choice to the AI ecosystem is not what shareholders signed up for with that stock. It is very similar to the Korean situation where shareholder return is becoming a much bigger facet of go-forward expectations from retail. As a result, you're seeing this weakness early in next trade in Samsung and Hynix as it appears that the AI ecosystem remains extremely committed to high levels of capex versus shareholder return. So that debate is really strong on the hardware side and it's coming at a time where the software side of the AI trade is doing really well. For example, again last night you saw the software space in the U.S. trade really well. You're seeing HS tech in China trade really well, Tencent, Alibaba, and other kinds of China hyperscalers. So the focus has moved from hardware to software because of the CAPEX concerns and the spending concerns around the hardware side. That concern will not be alleviated by the capital raising you're seeing today. Japanese equities aren't trading today obviously, but we're firmly watching the yen, right? The fading of those gains, I don't think surprises anyone. Do we see more intervention? On a fundamental basis, you did see the reaction function on the yen from the oil move. It continues to be the dollar side of the trade driving the bus because the conviction on the yen side of the trade that the...
Analysis

NVIDIA's shift towards becoming a key financier for the AI ecosystem is raising concerns among shareholders about capital discipline, leading to weakness in Samsung and Hynix stocks. Meanwhile, the software side of the AI trade is thriving, with strong performances from major Chinese tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba, indicating a shift in investor focus from hardware to software due to CAPEX concerns.

Smart money should note that the ongoing debate around capital returns versus high levels of capital expenditure in the hardware sector could lead to further volatility in related stocks. Additionally, the yen's recent performance suggests that external factors, particularly the dollar's strength, are significantly influencing market dynamics, which may prompt further intervention from Japanese authorities.

16:49
PDT
Asian banks are outperforming due to favorable rate environments and active IPOs.
NvidiaIntelApolloBlackstoneBlackRockBrookfieldGSNKKKRSK HynixSamsung ElectronicsE.J. MyeongHONAM semiconductor clusterNVDA
– Nvidia's AI financing platform may signal a shift in investment focus.
– Intel is set for its first public share offering since the 1970s, potentially raising $20 billion.
– The credit cycle in India is improving, with increased borrowing from corporates and retail.
– Wealth management fees are at record highs in Singapore, boosting major banks.
AI investmentfinancial sector recoveryIPO marketcredit cycle
▸ Full transcript
The rally we saw in financials may lead to a potential rotation back into tech. Nvidia is under pressure after announcing a $500 billion Wall Street AI financing platform, a significant scale-up of the entire AI capital stack, partnering with the likes of Apollo, Blackstone, BlackRock, Brookfield, GSNK, and KKR. Nvidia, of course, has relationships with both SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. We're also hearing from President E.J. Myeong, who is eager for the HONAM semiconductor cluster to be finalized very soon. We will be watching all governmental developments on that front as well. But let's discuss what the setup for Asia looks like on this Tuesday and bring in market reporter Anthony Stevens. Anthony, I mentioned the NVIDIA deal, but we also have Intel's first public share offering since their public listing in the 1970s. How does this really come through into the Asia session? Let's go through the numbers on Intel quickly. It can be upsized to around $20 billion.
Analysis

Asian bank stocks are experiencing one of their strongest rallies in decades, driven by a tightening central bank and attractive yields. Meanwhile, Nvidia faces pressure following its announcement of a $500 billion AI financing platform, indicating a potential shift in investor focus back to technology.

16:47
PDT
Asian bank stocks rally due to attractive yields and active IPOs.
Asian banksHong KongIndiaSingaporeJP MorganIPOAI
– India's credit cycle is improving with increased loan demand.
– Singapore banks report record earnings driven by wealth fees.
– Market sentiment is shifting away from AI investments.
– Concerns about potential rate cuts could affect financials.
banking sector performancecredit cycleinvestment rotationrate environment
▸ Full transcript
Sectors where banks really drove the broader index to record high just last week. And beyond that, where I am based, which is in Hong Kong, we're also seeing bank shares rising on those attractive yields and the more active IPO activities. Then you look a bit more south, where we see for India, the credit cycle is really turning up towards as well as corporates and retail is taking up more loans as well as Singapore just last week very positive the earnings driven by the wealth fees and that wealth boom that we're seeing. So we saw wealth fees at record highs and these major banks in Singapore at record highs as well. Now, overall these are the different individual factors but that rotation away from AI as well as the bets that most likely we are going to see a more favorable rate environment are also some of the positive factors. So elaborate a little bit more on not just the bull case for financials across the region but also perhaps the bear case. Yeah, so in fact we just talked about kind of that rate outlook being part of the factor that we're looking at. So overall, financials have been quite strong because of that reduced fear of a rate cut. But at this point, in fact, we just had the Fridays.
Analysis

Asian bank stocks are experiencing one of their strongest rallies in decades, driven by attractive yields and active IPO activities, particularly in Hong Kong and Singapore. The positive sentiment is further supported by a favorable rate environment and a turning credit cycle in India, indicating robust demand for loans among corporates and retail.

Despite the strong performance, analysts should be cautious of the potential for a rate cut, which could dampen the current bullish outlook for financials. The rotation away from AI investments suggests a broader market shift that could impact sector dynamics, making it essential to monitor these trends closely.

16:45
PDT
Asian bank stocks are rallying significantly, with Japan's banks index up 40% year-to-date.
JP MorganAsian Bank stocksJapanBloombergWinnie SuAnnemarie HordernJPETFJPEAIMiddle East EnergySetzen SiePRIVATE
– The rally is attributed to a tightening central bank and shifting investor sentiment.
– There is a notable divergence in performance between Asian banks and global trends.
– Investor confidence in regional financial stability is increasing.
– The current market dynamics may influence capital flows and investment strategies.
banking sector performancemonetary policy impactinvestor sentiment
▸ Full transcript
Struktur zu stechen. Middle East Energy, where possibility becomes power. Setzen Sie auf mehr Ausschüttungen, direkt vor der Haustür. Mit europäischen Aktien für Ihr Portfolio. JP Morgan, Europe Equity Premium, income-active ETF. Wir sind the home of active ETFs. Starten Sie Ihre Suche nach JPE ETF. Geopolitical news, whenever and wherever it happens. I'm Annemarie Hordern in Ankara, Turkey. This is Bloomberg. Asian Bank stocks are staging one of their strongest rallies in decades as investors rotate their bets amid growing uncertainty around the AI trade. Asia Equity's Reporter Winnie Su joins us with more on this and Winnie, we have seen the topics banks index for example here in Japan rally in 40% year to date already partly because we have a tightening central bank as opposed to many parts of the world. What's driving this outperformance of banks across Asia? Ja, guten Morgen Sherry. Well, just as you mentioned, we are seeing this.
Analysis

Asian bank stocks are experiencing one of their strongest rallies in decades, driven by a tightening central bank and investor rotation amid uncertainty in the AI trade. The Japanese banks index has surged 40% year-to-date, highlighting a significant divergence in performance compared to global trends.

The outperformance of banks across Asia suggests a growing confidence in regional financial stability, contrasting with the challenges faced in other markets. This rally may indicate a shift in investor sentiment towards sectors benefiting from tighter monetary policies, which could have broader implications for capital flows and investment strategies in the region.

16:43
PDT
Japan's public finances are shifting towards responsibility and sustainability.
Minoru KiyoshiJapanBloombergStrengthening JapanPRIVATE
– Increased investment in yen-denominated assets is expected to drive demand for the yen.
– The government aims to integrate economic growth with fiscal sustainability.
– This approach may lead to upward pressure on the yen.
– Consumer sentiment surveys show a disconnect with actual consumption resilience.
fiscal policycurrency strengtheconomic growth
▸ Full transcript
Strengthening Japan's supply capacity and productivity while attracting greater investment into Japan. As investment in Japan and yen-denominated assets increases, demand for the yen will naturally rise, as I mentioned. I therefore do not see responsible and proactive public finances as a policy that leads to a weaker yen. On the contrary, I believe it can put upward pressure on the yen. Lastly, our aim is to achieve both a strong economy and fiscal sustainability in an integrated manner. Please believe me. That is the essence of responsible and proactive public finances and the core of this historic shift. Japanese growth strategy minister Minoru Kiyoshi speaking exclusively to us here at Bloomberg. We have more ahead. This is Bloomberg.
Analysis

Japan's growth strategy minister, Minoru Kiyoshi, emphasized that responsible public finances can strengthen the yen rather than weaken it, as increased investment in yen-denominated assets will drive demand for the currency. This historic shift aims to integrate economic strength with fiscal sustainability, suggesting a proactive approach to Japan's financial policies.

Smart money should note that the focus on attracting investment could signal a shift in Japan's economic landscape, potentially leading to a stronger yen and improved market sentiment. The emphasis on fiscal responsibility may also indicate a longer-term strategy to stabilize Japan's economy amidst global uncertainties.

16:41
PDT
Government reviewing funding alternatives to avoid new JGB issuance.
BOJJGBJapangovernment
– Consumption tax reduction on food and non-alcoholic beverages emphasized.
– Concerns about BOJ rate hikes and yen weakness.
– Potential for increased market volatility due to fiscal and monetary policy interplay.
– Focus on special taxation measures as a funding strategy.
fiscal policymonetary policycurrency stability
▸ Full transcript
Raising concerns. Which tools does the government have available and funding alternatives if you're not going to borrow more? We review both revenue expenditures and we also review funding, as I told you, some funding and special taxation measures. Through this, I think it's not so difficult to secure. And as prime minister, I just stress the fact that regarding the consumption tax reduction on food and non-alcoholic beverages, she won't issue a new JGB. So I think there is some misunderstanding. If the BOJ hikes rates and the yen still weakens, how problematic will it be?
Analysis

The government is exploring funding alternatives and special taxation measures to avoid issuing new JGBs, indicating a cautious approach to fiscal policy. Concerns arise about the potential impact of BOJ rate hikes on the yen's weakness, suggesting a delicate balance between monetary policy and currency stability.

Smart money should note that the government's reluctance to issue new JGBs may signal a shift towards more sustainable fiscal practices, while the BOJ's actions could lead to increased volatility in currency markets. This situation highlights the interconnectedness of fiscal and monetary policies, which could have broader implications for investor sentiment and market stability.

16:38
PDT
Australian economy growing despite low consumer sentiment.
AustraliaRBANVIDIAPresident TrumpIranSilicon ValleySydneyMelbourne
– Low unemployment rate historically suggests stability.
– High inflation impacts lower-income households significantly.
– Consumer sentiment does not strongly correlate with actual consumption.
– Potential for a sizeable adjustment in house prices without disorder.
consumer sentimenthousing marketinflationeconomic growth
▸ Full transcript
I think built resilience into the financial system, created buffers on household balance sheets and should allow the Australian economy to sustain quite a sizeable adjustment in house prices without it presenting a disorderly adjustment to the broader economy. We're having this conversation on census day, census night of course and it makes you ask a lot of questions about how well Australians are doing economically and financially compared to maybe when the last census was done. You see a lot of the political campaigning around how poorly Australians are doing. Do you think things are actually that bad if you kind of look under the hood? Well, if you take the consumer sentiment surveys at face value, then people are pretty down in the dumps. That said, we've found empirically there's not actually a very strong correlation recently at least between those soft consumer sentiment surveys and actual consumption, which has been quite resilient. I think you're right to highlight, you know, some households are certainly under pressure and at a micro level this tightening cycle will make life very difficult for some households and particularly the period of high inflation which is particularly damaging for those on lower incomes. But overall, let's take a step back. The economy is growing. Let's take a step back. The unemployment rate has a forehand on it which is historically low and so I'd caution against sort of the doomsday scenario.
Analysis

The Australian economy is showing resilience despite consumer sentiment surveys indicating a pessimistic outlook. While some households face pressure from high inflation and tightening cycles, overall economic growth and low unemployment suggest a more stable financial environment than perceived.

Smart money should note the disconnect between consumer sentiment and actual consumption, which remains resilient. This indicates that while some segments are struggling, the broader economy may not be as fragile as political narratives suggest.

16:36
PDT
Australian house prices expected to decline by 5% by early next year.
RBAAustraliaSydneyMelbourneUSDCNH
– Sydney and Melbourne may experience larger price adjustments.
– Falling house prices could cap construction cost inflation.
– Negative wealth effects may slow consumption growth.
– RBA's monetary policy effectiveness tied to housing market dynamics.
housing market dynamicsinflation managementconsumer sentiment
▸ Full transcript
Prices at the national level will fall by 5% by early next year. I think the downside risk to that base case has increased, and certainly in Sydney and Melbourne, we'll see much larger adjustments lower. This is an important part of the puzzle because, as you said earlier, inflation has been sticky in some sub-components, but if house prices continue to adjust in that way, I think it's likely to cap the upside risk to house construction costs, which is the largest subcomponent of the inflation basket. This is really an important piece of the puzzle for the RBA as they try to engineer a soft landing and bring inflation sustainably back to target. I don't want to draw too close comparisons between China's property market and Australia; obviously, there are lots of structural differences. But the one thing that was very evident was how closely tied household sentiment, consumer sentiment is to household wealth, which is obviously held in property. Is that largely also the case here, and do you worry about that pass-through? It is a very important channel of monetary policy. Higher interest rates, lower house prices, negative wealth effects, slower consumption growth, and that's exactly what we're expecting to see more evidently over the second half of this year. On the base case, our base case is that house prices fall, peaking trough around. We think that will take roughly 90 basis or 100 basis points or so.
Analysis

House prices in Australia are projected to fall by 5% by early next year, with Sydney and Melbourne expected to see even larger declines. This adjustment is crucial as it may limit the upside risk to house construction costs, a significant component of the inflation basket, impacting the RBA's efforts to manage inflation sustainably.

The relationship between household sentiment and property wealth is critical, as negative wealth effects from falling house prices could lead to slower consumption growth. This dynamic underscores the importance of monitoring the housing market's impact on broader economic conditions, particularly as interest rates rise.

16:34
PDT
RBA likely to hold interest rates steady.
Reserve Bank of AustraliaMiddle EastAustraliaRBACL=F
– Inflation shows signs of deceleration.
– Oil price spike has less impact than feared.
– Rising unemployment and underemployment rates noted.
– Market adjustments in housing and labor sectors ongoing.
RBA policyinflation trendshousing market adjustmentslabor market dynamics
▸ Full transcript
We're expecting a hold today and, as you say, I think you've correctly characterized it as a hawkish hold, and the key catalyst for that is inflation. Most importantly, the June quarter inflation report that we got a couple of weeks ago shows some encouraging signs. You're right to highlight, and I think the RBA will highlight today again, that inflation is too high, but it is moving in the right direction. If we're looking at the RBA's favored trim mean measure of inflation, in that June quarter report, we saw a third consecutive quarterly deceleration in inflation. If not for the oil price spike related to the Middle East, inflation in trim mean terms would have annualized in the June quarter pretty close to the top of the RBA's 2% to 3% target band. I think it's good news there, with consecutive downside surprises vis-à-vis the RBA's forecasts. Compositionally, they would be encouraged, even if they don't say it so explicitly today, that some of the pass-through that we feared from the oil price shock hasn't come through in quite as pronounced ways as we were really worried about. We're not out of the woods by any stretch, but I think that inflation print was really the catalyst. Now, especially as it's happening against the backdrop, as you say, of this sizeable adjustment in the housing market and, I would say, also in the labor market, where we're starting to see the unemployment rate increase and the underemployment rate increase. Both those things are happening a little bit faster than the other.
Analysis

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to maintain its current interest rates, reflecting a hawkish stance due to persistent inflation concerns. The recent June quarter inflation report indicates a third consecutive quarterly deceleration, suggesting inflation is moving in the right direction despite external pressures from oil prices.

Smart money should note that while inflation remains above the RBA's target, the lack of pronounced pass-through effects from the oil price spike could signal a more stable economic environment than previously anticipated. Additionally, the simultaneous adjustments in the housing and labor markets, with rising unemployment and underemployment rates, may influence future monetary policy decisions.

16:31
PDT
NVIDIA's role as a capital provider is increasing investor concentration risks.
NVIDIAIranPresident TrumpRBAAIUSWall StreetSilicon ValleyNVDACL=FDXY
– Circular financing is becoming a concern as major players back struggling funds.
– Geopolitical tensions with Iran are worsening, affecting oil price stability.
– Oil prices have maintained gains, indicating potential inflationary pressures.
– Credit markets are showing signs of worry amidst these developments.
AI investment risksGeopolitical tensionsOil price stability
▸ Full transcript
which in turn also supports NVIDIA's revenue, while of course increasing that concentration across the same ecosystem. But we'll have to continue watching how NVIDIA is really increasingly becoming also a capital provider when it comes to building out this AI ecosystem and infrastructure. Yeah, and does that really kind of just add more discomfort to the worries and the risks that investors have already identified, right? You talked about the circular financing, seeing Conundrum and now we're seeing these big Wall Street players also getting into it as well. It's a similar kind of thing that we saw with situational awareness where we saw just a few days after a near implosion of that fund, we're seeing kind of the Silicon Valley insiders coming together to back it again. Does that give much confidence to broader investors? If you take a look at credit markets, perhaps not. You're starting to see kind of the indications of worries going through there. But at the same time, There's obviously a lot going on outside of the tech sphere as well, right? We're watching Iran. It seems like we're getting further away from Medea, as opposed to closer, which had been the optimism over the past couple of days. But if you take a look at oil prices continuing to hold, most of those gains over the past three to four days, we've now got to both Iran asking for reparations, President Trump also asking for new demands on Iran as well. So it doesn't look like we're anywhere closer to getting a deal. US features looking pretty like cluster at the moment the Aussie dollar is unchanged as we head towards that RBA decision where?
Analysis

NVIDIA's increasing role as a capital provider in the AI ecosystem raises concerns about investor concentration risks, particularly as major Wall Street players engage in circular financing. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions with Iran are escalating, complicating the outlook for oil prices, which have held recent gains amidst stalled negotiations.

Smart money should note that while NVIDIA's influence grows, it may lead to heightened volatility in tech investments due to concentrated bets on a few AI stocks. Additionally, the lack of progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations could sustain upward pressure on oil prices, impacting broader market sentiment and inflation expectations.

16:29
PDT
Trump's compensation demands could escalate tensions with Iran.
President TrumpIranU.S.IsraelRepublicansBloombergSK HynixSamsungAIWhite HouseWall StreetEd LodlowPRIVATE
– Oil prices have rallied to $88 a barrel amid geopolitical uncertainty.
– Domestic gas prices are significantly impacting voter sentiment.
– Republicans are shifting focus away from the war due to its unpopularity.
– Negotiations for a ceasefire are becoming increasingly complex.
geopolitical riskenergy pricesmidterm elections
▸ Full transcript
You on the south lawn of the White House. This is Bloomberg. Good morning. This is Bloomberg surveillance. Welcome back to the opening trade. It's Bloomberg money. This is the Asia trade. This is Wall Street read. Welcome to balance of power. You're watching Bloomberg deals. Welcome to Bloomberg this weekend. This is Bloomberg television. Technology is embedded in every aspect of our lives and that revolution is playing out in real time from finance to defense tech, AI to entertainment from the road to the stars. Bloomberg is bringing you the stories of companies and people that are pushing tech to new frontiers and the politics reshaping global tech markets. I'm Ed Lodlow live in San Francisco and this is Bloomberg Tech. Every weekday only on Bloomberg Television. Join me each week on Wall Street Week for stories of capitalism from business, markets, economics, tech and climate. More than what you need to know, it's what you need to think about.
Analysis

President Trump has called for Iran to pay compensation for damages caused in Middle Eastern conflicts, responding to Tehran's reparations request. This back-and-forth has led to a rally in oil prices, with crude reaching $88 a barrel, while domestic gas prices exceed $4 a gallon, raising concerns among Republicans ahead of the midterms.

The escalating demands from both sides signal a widening gap in negotiations for a ceasefire deal, complicating the political landscape. With oil prices remaining high, the pressure on voters could shift Republican strategies away from discussing the war, potentially impacting their midterm campaign focus.

16:27
PDT
AI-related leveraged ETFs now have 58% exposure to AI stocks.
SamsungSK HynixBloombergAIHeidiSKETFAnd HeidiPRIVATE
– Bullish leverage ETF exposure has quadrupled since 2022.
– $280 billion in 2020 has surged to almost half a trillion.
– Concentration in a few AI stocks raises liquidity risks.
– Market sentiment can reverse quickly, impacting leveraged positions.
AI investment riskleveraged ETFsmarket volatility
▸ Full transcript
Samsung, just SK Hynix, and just sort of pouring fuel onto the fire of the AI-driven rally. The acceleration of the rally certainly happened, but then we saw quite a powerful reversal, right? Those declines were equally as potent when sentiment reversed. So just so much risk being built into this particular platform. And it's really interesting because you're seeing a lot of these leveraged bets being on AI names. In fact, Bloomberg analysis now shows that roughly 800 bullish leveraged equity ETFs show 58% of exposure now is AI-related. And it's interesting because there are also bullish bets. The exposure has quadrupled since 2022. So bullish leveraged ETF exposure rising from about $123 billion just a few years back to $280 billion in 2020, foreign just last year to almost half a trillion. And Heidi, you talked about the risks. The core one is a concentration versus individual stock liquidity because so much leverage is just focused on a handful of AI stocks. And of course, subscribers can get more on the AI-dominated leveraged ETFs in today's big tech. Big take-go is the function. This is Bloomberg. A new digital order isn't defined by technology alone. As sovereign AI reshapes digital independence, as a genetic AI transforms decisions.
Analysis

The AI-driven rally in equities, particularly in leveraged ETFs, has seen a significant increase in exposure to AI-related stocks, now at 58%. However, this concentration poses risks due to liquidity concerns in individual stocks, as the bullish leverage ETF exposure has surged from $123 billion to nearly half a trillion since 2022.

Smart money should note the rapid growth in leveraged bets on AI, which could lead to heightened volatility if sentiment shifts. The concentration of investments in a few AI stocks raises the stakes for potential market corrections, making it crucial to monitor liquidity and sentiment closely.

16:20
PDT
Trump calls for Iranian reparations, escalating tensions.
President TrumpIranU.S.IsraelMiddle EastLaura DavidsonCL=F
– Iran's demands complicate ceasefire negotiations.
– Oil prices rally amid geopolitical uncertainty.
– Bond yields are climbing in response to market volatility.
– Negotiations are moving further from resolution.
geopolitical tensionsoil market volatility
▸ Full transcript
President Trump is calling for Iran to pay compensation for damage and deaths caused in the conflicts across the Middle East. The sweeping demands were made in response to Tehran's request for reparations for the U.S. and Israeli war. They also sparked a rally in oil prices, leaving stocks wavering and bond yields climbing. Let's bring up Limburg politics editor Laura Davidson, who joins us now for more on this. It feels like we're taking steps away from sort of the precipice of getting to this ceasefire deal. Yes, we have almost officially entered silly season here where we have each side sort of bringing up new and different asks rather than narrowing down to get closer to a deal. You have Iran demanding reparations and then Trump sort of firing back saying, if you were that so am I, saying that he would also want reparations essentially for U.S. individuals killed in the region for the past 50 years or so. I'll note that the original ceasefire deal, if you go back a couple of months, did have this $300 billion fund for economic development in Iran. It's not clear if that's exactly what the Iranians are talking about here, but we have now really are just sort of firing off from both sides new demands, signaling that we're nowhere near closer to some sort of deal coming together. Forget to mention, even in the straight, a narrow deal.
Analysis

President Trump is demanding compensation from Iran for damages and deaths caused in Middle Eastern conflicts, responding to Tehran's request for reparations related to U.S. and Israeli actions. This back-and-forth has led to a rally in oil prices and rising bond yields, indicating market volatility amid geopolitical tensions.

The escalating reparations claims signal a significant impasse in negotiations, with both sides increasing demands rather than moving towards a resolution. Smart money should note that this could lead to sustained volatility in oil markets and broader economic implications if tensions continue to rise without a ceasefire in sight.

16:16
PDT
Japan's inflation is stabilizing but insufficient to offset spending demands.
JapanBank of JapanPrime Minister TakahichiPrime Minister AbeTSMCUnited StatesThe JapaneseCL=F
– Investors expect immediate action from the Bank of Japan, which seems unlikely.
– Rising oil prices could increase Japan's energy spending vulnerabilities.
– The yen's weakness may continue without decisive monetary policy changes.
– Japan's economic recovery is heavily reliant on external factors.
Japan economic outlookyen weaknessoil price impactfiscal discipline
▸ Full transcript
These huge deficit numbers, and then you've got a country like Japan. Inflation is relatively high; it's stabilizing, but it's not going to offset the big demands that they have on spending and continuing to do so. Clearly, Prime Minister Takahichi wants to get Japan back into the kind of situation it was under Prime Minister Abe, where Japan is growing above its traditional rate. That will boost demand across the country, expand the economy, and it will help the stock market. The yen eventually gets the benefit of all that, but that's a long way off. If you're a foreign exchange trader today, you're not going to be waiting for a couple of years until the Japanese economy is growing at 3% or something higher than that. So these words are all very interesting, but investors will take it with a pinch of salt. They expect to see action in the near term, and that's not very likely. If you have a country like the United States that is not giving global leadership on reining in fiscal spending, there's no reason for anybody else to take it too seriously. At the same time, as you say, with oil prices going up again, people know there's going to be increased spending to bring in the energy supplies. Japan is very vulnerable from that point of view. At the moment, it doesn't add up. There is nothing on the horizon in the near term that is going to support the Japanese yen unless the Bank of Japan does it. The Japanese economy will start to do better. They're getting great investments as well from their tech sector, TSMC.
Analysis

Japan's economic outlook remains uncertain as inflation stabilizes but does not alleviate the pressures of high spending demands. Investors are skeptical about the Bank of Japan's ability to support the yen without decisive action, especially in light of rising oil prices and fiscal discipline concerns.

Smart money should note that without a clear commitment from the Bank of Japan to raise interest rates, the yen's weakness may persist, impacting foreign exchange strategies. Additionally, Japan's reliance on external factors, such as U.S. fiscal policy and global oil prices, complicates its economic recovery trajectory.

16:14
PDT
NVIDIA maintains a strong leadership position in advanced chip demand.
NVIDIAIntelAnthropicMacquarie Asset ManagementGICMETAMark ZuckerbergBank of JapanKyuchiChinaUSScott BesantCL=F
– Intel plans a $15 billion stock offering to fund AI initiatives.
– The yen has weakened due to lack of action from the Bank of Japan.
– Japan's fiscal policy is shifting towards debt sustainability.
– Competition from China in AI could impact investment returns.
AI investmentmonetary policyfiscal disciplinecurrency dynamics
▸ Full transcript
There are caps on how much they can spend in the market from the US side and from the Japanese side. Traders will be well aware of that, so they're not fearing too much in terms of there may be more intervention, but not on the scale that is going to make a huge difference. It all comes down to the Bank of Japan and whether they want to raise interest rates quickly. For now, that doesn't appear to be the case. I'm really curious, Mark, if we're going to get some sort of action from authorities here, given that we're on holiday in Japan, of course, you're over on summer holidays coming up. Mark, I need to ask you. So yesterday I had a conversation with the growth strategy minister, Kyuchi, and he kept emphasizing how Japan's fiscal policy is not expansionary, that they really care about debt sustainability. They have now veered this view from the government on trying to gain discipline on the debt-to-GDP ratio instead of just a primary balance. When it comes to these inflation concerns, inflation always helps with the debt to GDP number, right? Also assumptions of GDP growth that could be more positive. When it comes to the backdrop that we're in where oil prices could continue to rise, will just the BOJ hiking rates do enough at a time when we also have fiscal policies like consumption tax cuts that could act on really turning market sentiment more sour? Yeah, you're absolutely right. Fiscal discipline.
Analysis

The technology sector is experiencing increased leverage as companies take on significant debt to meet insatiable demand for advanced chips, particularly from NVIDIA. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan's inaction on interest rates amid fiscal discipline concerns raises questions about the effectiveness of current monetary policy in stabilizing the yen and addressing inflation.

16:11
PDT
Yen weakened by 1%, losing recent gains.
Bank of JapanMark CranfieldPresident TrumpScott BesantJapanUSEven President TrumpPRIVATE
– Bank of Japan has not communicated on monetary policy.
– Market is alert for potential further intervention.
– Divergence in monetary policy is causing volatility.
– Investors are cautious without clear signals from the BoJ.
currency volatilitycentral bank policy
▸ Full transcript
So, it's said to be weighing pricing shares at about that 6.5% discount. So we are hearing a little more, a few more details about this looking to increase the amount that it's raising to a share, so about $20 billion, a third more than was initially targeted. Let's have a closer look at how we're viewing sort of the prism of trading today. Of course, we're also watching the yen after it weakened around 1%, wiping out half of the recent intervention rally, leaving traders on alert for further official support. Let's bring Bloomberg and M-Life strategist Mark Cranfield with us. Mark, let's start off on what we've seen with the yen. I guess it surprises no one who understands obviously central bank dynamics and the differentials that have been at the core of this, that this is happening. Well, basically, there's been radio silence from the Bank of Japan over the past couple of weeks. And that's really why the yen has started to weaken again. So you've heard from Japanese officials. They've intervened. They've confirmed that. Scott Besant has had a lot to say from the US side. Even President Trump has weighed in. And we haven't had a word from anybody senior at the Bank of Japan. And clearly, the fact that monetary policy is not yet aligned with the intervention story on the yen, that's the big problem in terms of why the yen is giving up so much of the gains which we saw at the end of July. So until investors are convinced that the Bank of Japan is ready to move interest rates higher on a quicker...
Analysis

The yen weakened by around 1%, erasing half of its recent gains, as the Bank of Japan remains silent on monetary policy adjustments. This lack of communication from Japanese officials raises concerns about the sustainability of the yen's strength amid ongoing intervention efforts.

Smart money should note that the divergence in monetary policy between Japan and other major economies is creating volatility in the yen, which could lead to further intervention if the trend continues. Investors are likely to remain cautious until there is a clear signal from the Bank of Japan regarding interest rate movements.

16:09
PDT
Intel plans to raise $15 billion through a stock offering.
IntelAnthropicMacquarie Asset ManagementGICMETAMark ZuckerbergAICEOWall StreetMuse GlimmerMuse SparkMETA
– Anthropic partners with Macquarie and GIC for AI data centers.
– META launches a new efficient AI model, Muse Glimmer.
– Regulatory changes may facilitate more funding for data centers.
– Intel's offering aims to strengthen its balance sheet without increasing debt.
AI infrastructure fundingstock offeringscompetitive AI models
▸ Full transcript
Last month, the agency said data centers are physical infrastructure assets, not financial assets like loans or leases, meaning some securitization rules will not apply. The move could help unlock more funding as Wall Street looks to finance a historic build-out of data centers and AI infrastructure. Intel shares fell after announcing plans to raise $15 billion through a stock offering, the first public share sale since it listed in 1971. The proceeds will help fund AI initiatives and purpose-built silicon while supporting general corporate needs. The offering is also expected to strengthen Intel's balance sheet without adding to its debt burden. Anthropic has formed a partnership with Macquarie Asset Management and Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC to develop AI data centers in the U.S. The company's same Aquaria and GIC will provide most of the funding. Voluntaropic has agreed to cover any consumer electricity price rises linked to the facilities. They didn't share any details on planned spending or the size of the projects. META has introduced a new downloadable AI model called Muse Glimmer that can run on a personal computer. It's a distilled version of the company's Muse Spark 1.2 model. CEO Mark Zuckerberg says Muse Glimmer is designed for efficiency to minimize system requirements, allowing it to be powered.
Analysis

Intel's shares fell after announcing a $15 billion stock offering, the first since its 1971 listing, aimed at funding AI initiatives and strengthening its balance sheet. Meanwhile, Anthropic has partnered with Macquarie Asset Management and GIC to develop AI data centers in the U.S., with funding details yet to be disclosed.

The shift in regulatory stance on data centers as physical infrastructure could unlock significant funding for AI projects, indicating a growing recognition of their importance. Additionally, META's introduction of the Muse Glimmer AI model reflects a trend towards efficiency in AI development, potentially impacting competitive dynamics in the sector.

16:07
PDT
China is advancing in AI, creating competition for US firms.
NVIDIADavid SolomonLarry FinkAnthropicOpenAIGeminiXAIChinaHRUSAIWall StreetUSDCNHDXY
– Investors are focused on risk mitigation in AI investments.
– Major Wall Street firms are collaborating to share investment burdens.
– The demand for AI tools may be challenged by cheaper alternatives.
– Profitability of US AI investments could be at risk.
AI competitioninvestment riskWall Street collaboration
▸ Full transcript
The building of agents, the ways that these services are supposed to change the way we do business, whether it's everything from insurance to fund management to HR, one industry after another. Entertainment is being disrupted by these end services. Again, though, the question is, will that demand justify the investment? And don't forget, where you're sitting right there in Asia, what we have seen over the last several weeks is the development and the advancement of Asia, China in particular, their ability to create large language models, create tools that are being a competitor to Anthropic and OpenAI and Gemini and XAI, etc., these large, the US leaders. And so as you see more competition from China, for example, what is that going to do to end user demand for all of these tools that all of this investment, these trillions of dollars that are being invested in AI infrastructure, if China can come along and do it more cheaply, are we going to see the return? And is this money well spent? And we want to know, we as investors are saying, we want to know that the risk is going to be mitigated and the risk will be distributed over multiple parties. And again when you bring in David Solomon and Larry Fink and leaders from Wall Street, that is meant to say, yes, we are sharing this burden. We believe in the AI.
Analysis

The competitive landscape in AI is intensifying as China develops large language models that rival those of US leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic, raising questions about the return on investment in AI infrastructure. Investors are increasingly concerned about risk mitigation and the distribution of investment burdens among major Wall Street players, signaling a cautious approach to funding in this space.

The emergence of cheaper alternatives from China could disrupt demand for US-developed AI tools, potentially impacting the profitability of significant investments made by firms like NVIDIA. Smart money should consider the implications of this competition on pricing power and market share in the AI sector.

16:05
PDT
NVIDIA is leading in advanced chip production with strong demand.
NVIDIAGoldman SachsBlackRockBlackstoneApolloKKRPresident TrumpIranOmanWall StreetNVDA
– Technology companies are increasingly leveraging debt for growth.
– Concerns are emerging in credit markets regarding high levels of corporate debt.
– Partnerships with Wall Street may not fully mitigate risks associated with leverage.
– Market volatility could increase if demand for chips declines.
corporate debttechnology sector leveragedemand for advanced chips
▸ Full transcript
It's interesting because there are sort of louder murmurs of potential concern coming from credit markets, which of course is typically where you start to see the simmerings of discontent. But you're saying, Tom, potentially this is supposed to add confidence; it could actually create a bit more fear. Yeah, I mean what you're seeing is the technology industry getting really, really leveraged, taking on levels of debt that you haven't seen in a long time. And so what's happening is that these are companies that have traditionally been able to reinvest in operations without necessarily taking on too much debt. That certainly is changing. And the idea here is that there is so much demand for these advanced chips. Remember, NVIDIA is the leader in the most advanced chips that are needed for training and also, you know, starting to make inferences based on the data that you've built into these large language models. They do have a strong leadership position in these chips. And what they tell us time and time again, quarter after quarter, is that the demand is insatiable, that there are so many people who want and are willing to pay for these chips. It's a question of where does the money come from and how much is NVIDIA putting itself on the line in order to make that happen? And now it has all these partners from Wall Street to join it.
Analysis

The technology sector is experiencing heightened leverage as companies take on unprecedented levels of debt to meet insatiable demand for advanced chips, particularly from NVIDIA, the leader in this space. This shift raises concerns in credit markets, as traditional reinvestment strategies are being replaced by aggressive borrowing to finance growth.

Smart money should note that while NVIDIA's partnerships with Wall Street giants signal confidence, the increasing debt levels could lead to greater market volatility. The reliance on external financing for growth may expose these companies to risks if demand fluctuates or if credit conditions tighten.

16:02
PDT
Trump's demands on Iran hinder progress on Strait of Hormuz negotiations.
President TrumpIranOmanNVIDIAGoldman SachsBlackRockBlackstoneApolloKKRAISo SherryWall StreetNVDAPRIVATEGC=F
– NVIDIA seeks $500 billion from Wall Street for AI infrastructure.
– Major financial institutions involved include Goldman Sachs and BlackRock.
– Geopolitical tensions may affect oil markets and trade.
– AI infrastructure investments signal a shift in tech funding strategies.
geopolitical riskAI infrastructure investment
▸ Full transcript
Again for a third, going into a fourth day after we heard from President Trump making these new demands on Iran that really clouds the outlook for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz at a time when we were hearing that perhaps Iran and Oman were getting a little bit closer to finalizing that agreement. Trump has now demanded compensation for all the people they have killed in conflicts that he says after Tehran also read a rate of request for reparations. So Sherry, when it comes to geopolitics, we're not getting any closer, it seems. When it comes to the Asia stock market, we'll also be watching the tech trade, of course, very closely, especially when it comes to the AI infrastructure build-out. NVIDIA is now tapping Wall Street giants for $500 billion to finance the next wave of AI infrastructure. The coalition brings together some of the world's biggest investors to fund the computing power, data centers, and AI factories that NVIDIA says will power everything, every industry in the years ahead. Bloomberg technology senior executive editor Tom Jones joins us now with more on this. And Tom, we're talking about Wall Street giants like Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, Blackstone, Apollo, so many others like KKR. It doesn't necessarily sound just like another chip partnership. How significant is this? Well, it's some of Wall Street's biggest names, some of the biggest names in finance. And what they are trying to do is put a stamp of approval, if you will, from Wall Street on some of these transactions that invite...
Analysis

President Trump's new demands on Iran complicate the prospects for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, NVIDIA is collaborating with major Wall Street firms to secure $500 billion for AI infrastructure, signaling a significant commitment to advancing technology across industries.

The insistence on reparations from Iran could prolong negotiations and impact oil supply dynamics, while NVIDIA's funding initiative highlights a growing trend of financial backing for AI development, which may reshape competitive landscapes in tech and beyond.

16:00
PDT
Asian markets may open cautiously due to rising oil prices.
NvidiaPresident TrumpIranFederal ReserveYenBloombergTyler KendallChevroletHadi StradwatsAIEvery WednesdayBloomberg TelevisionPRIVATECL=FFEDFUNDSNVDADXY
– The Yen's weakness indicates ineffective intervention efforts.
– Nvidia's stock decline reflects uncertainty around its AI investment plans.
– President Trump's new demands on Iran complicate geopolitical stability.
– Tech stocks are under pressure amid these developments.
geopolitical riskFed policytech sector volatility
▸ Full transcript
Every Wednesday at noon Eastern only on Bloomberg Television. Bringing you up to the minute geopolitical news whenever and wherever it happens, I'm Tyler Kendall in Geneva, Switzerland, and this is Bloomberg. This is the Asia train. I'm Chevrolet in Tokyo. The top stories this hour. Asian stocks set for a cautious open as oil rallies, stoking concerns the Fed will have to raise rates this year. The Yen weakens with intervention efforts proving short-lived. Nvidia falls as it teams up with Wall Street giants to invest half a trillion dollars in AI infrastructure but with few details on timing and structure of the deals. And President Trump makes sweeping new demands on Iran, dimming hopes of a quick deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. I'm Hadi Stradwats in Sydney. Take a look at the setup for trade across Asia. As Sherry alluded to, we're looking at a pretty muted start to trading this Tuesday. A little bit of gloom coming through from the fact that we haven't had new resolutions or progress when it comes to the U.S. and Iran situation; in fact, President Trump making these sweeping new demands, putting the idea of another temporary ceasefire a little bit further out of reach. But take a look at the setup where we had tech stocks.
Analysis

Asian stocks are set for a cautious open as rising oil prices raise concerns about potential Federal Reserve rate hikes this year. The Yen has weakened, with intervention efforts proving ineffective, while Nvidia's stock has fallen amid plans to invest heavily in AI infrastructure without clear details on execution.

15:56
PDT
Honeywell has split into three companies: Specialty Materials, Aerospace and Aviation, and Honeywell Technologies.
HoneywellKapoorTrump administration
– The CEO sees significant opportunities in automation and AI to address workforce shortages.
– Collective decision-making is emphasized as a key leadership strategy.
– The impact of automation on job roles is a growing concern, with a focus on productivity.
– Future workforce challenges are anticipated due to declining population growth.
automationAI integrationworkforce dynamics
▸ Full transcript
Or roll up the eyes. But if you're more specific to say, here's an example of how micro-managers are causing the damage, slowing me down, we're losing the business or losing the speed, then there's a higher probability that the leadership team will listen. Vimal, thank you so much for your time today. Thank you very much. Thanks for having me.
Analysis

Honeywell's CEO discussed the company's strategic split into three entities and the challenges of navigating a volatile geopolitical landscape. He emphasized the importance of automation and AI in addressing workforce shortages and enhancing operational efficiency.

The CEO's insights reveal a critical shift in leadership dynamics, where decision-making is increasingly influenced by technology and collective input rather than traditional top-down approaches. This evolution suggests that companies must adapt to a future where automation not only enhances productivity but also reshapes workforce roles.

15:54
PDT
Labor shortages are a significant concern for companies, impacting operational efficiency.
HoneywellTrump administrationAIPC
– AI is expected to play a crucial role in automating tasks and addressing workforce gaps.
– Leadership qualities are evolving, with a focus on decision-making over traditional inspirational roles.
– The global population growth is slowing, leading to a shrinking workforce in the coming years.
– Companies must adapt to these changes to remain competitive and efficient.
AI integrationlabor market dynamics
▸ Full transcript
If you are in a segment's visa, there is a shortage of people by default. The role of AI will be more agentic systems coming in over a period of time. So that's true for every company. But if I look at our customers' world, they don't have enough people to run their operations and maintain their operations efficiently. So there's less anxiety about anybody taking away jobs. The more anxiety is about what will happen three to five years from now. Because foundationally, pretty much in the entire world, the population is not growing. The implication of that is that 10 to 15 years from now, less workforce is coming into work. So how will work happen in that case when you need touch labor? I think displacement will occur where work can be automated. But does it change the qualities in leaders that we need? That you're no longer a cheerleader or someone who inspires or has a vision, but you're more a programmer? If you look at the evolution of technology over the last 30 to 40 years, more and more work is getting automated and humans are elevated to a higher level of decision-making. It comes in bursts, and every time a big burst comes. So when I started working for the first one year or 18 months, I had not even a computer. I was given a computer in '89. So I'm from the era which saw the PC first, then there was the internet, then there was a mobile phone. So every time these occurrences happen, there's a lot of noise about it taking away jobs.
Analysis

Honeywell's CEO discussed the ongoing labor shortages impacting operations and the increasing role of AI in automating tasks. He emphasized that while automation may displace some jobs, it also elevates human roles to higher decision-making levels, reflecting a shift in leadership qualities needed for the future.

The CEO's insights highlight a critical trend: as the global workforce shrinks, companies must adapt by leveraging technology to maintain operational efficiency. This shift suggests a growing demand for AI solutions, which could drive investment opportunities in tech and automation sectors.

15:52
PDT
Honeywell is a fast adopter of technology, particularly AI.
HoneywellKapoorTrump administrationAI
– The company sees productivity gains primarily in software development and testing.
– There is a pressing need for automation due to a shortage of skilled labor.
– Transformational change requires reimagining workflows to integrate AI agents.
– Honeywell's strategy aligns with broader industry trends towards automation.
automationAI integrationlabor shortage
▸ Full transcript
AI to the work you do at Honeywell? We, as a company, have always been faster adopters of technology. To me, part of it is how it drives productivity in our own operations. The advantage we have is because we are digitally native for many years; we have invested in a lot of foundational systems. We can adopt it faster. We don't have to do the foundational work. But the bigger opportunity for us is how we use it for our customers. But is this productivity, or does it actually enable you to do something that you can't do now? Is it transformational? I would say where we have seen the most impact is more productivity, specifically in software development and software testing. Transformational will occur if we redraw our work in which we can use agents as part of our workflow. And that requires us to reimagine the work by itself. Look at the steps which an agent can perform and then the rest of the steps a human has to perform. And I truly believe this is another way to drive productivity. What excites me is the opportunity it has for our customers because we create a lot of data. Our customers have one common issue in the sectors we serve. They are short of skilled people. Skilled people are required to operate, to maintain, to run. They are increasingly becoming lesser as retirements are coming. So they are already forecasting fewer and fewer people available as a workforce for specific roles. And the only solution is you automate a portion of work or you make the work perform it.
Analysis

Honeywell's CEO emphasized the company's commitment to leveraging AI for productivity improvements, particularly in software development and testing. The challenge lies in reimagining workflows to integrate AI agents effectively, addressing the industry's skilled labor shortage.

Smart investors should note that Honeywell's proactive stance on technology adoption positions it favorably in a competitive landscape, especially as the demand for automation grows amid workforce constraints. The focus on transforming workflows could lead to significant operational efficiencies and customer value creation.

15:49
PDT
Honeywell will split into three companies by June 2026.
HoneywellPresident TrumpElliott ManagementU.S. economyMBA
– Aerospace and automation sectors are identified as key growth areas.
– The CEO emphasizes collective decision-making for strategic choices.
– External advisors are used to validate major decisions, not dictate them.
– The company is focused on long-term shareholder value amidst external pressures.
corporate restructuringactivist investorsaerospace growthautomation technology
▸ Full transcript
also President Trump attacking companies. So how do you manage again reputational damage? I think you're doing the right thing as a company. I mean, as a company, we believe you should do what's right for our shareholders, what's right for our customers. And as long as you focus on the foundational things, I don't wake up in the morning to worry about external factors beyond my control. Even if that means policy change or being directly attacked? Policy change. I mean, the policy change, you have to respond to policy change at any point of time, absolutely. Who do you rely on for advice? On my entire staff, on my entire team, and to board in certain in nature. I by default believe in collective decision making. I don't absolve the fact I have to make a decision. In the end, I have to take a call, but you want to have everybody's opinion and input. And then that way you're able to make more superior decision, versus you just wanna impose your will. What about external advice? So I imagine the biggest and hardest decision you've had to make was to split Honeywell. Did you get external bankers advising you or consultancy firms? You use the bankers or consultant just to validate your thinking. You are not going to rely on third party for such a big decision. But if you want to cement that decision to say, let's check the tertiary factors and make sure that we are not making any error, that's where you want to use external help. And we do. And we like to work with external bankers and consultants. Are there any books or management frameworks that have helped you along the way? I never studied MBA.
Analysis

Honeywell's CEO emphasized the company's strategic decision to split into three separate entities to enhance focus and growth potential in aerospace and automation. This move is seen as a response to both internal growth opportunities and external pressures, including activist investor influence.

The CEO's approach to decision-making highlights the importance of collective input while maintaining a clear vision for the company's future. This indicates a shift towards more agile corporate structures in response to evolving market dynamics and geopolitical uncertainties.

15:47
PDT
Honeywell's restructuring aims to enhance focus on growth sectors.
HoneywellVimal KapoorTrump administrationAIHaslinda AminSpecialty Materials CompanyAviation CompanyHoneywell TechnologiesWhite House
– Aerospace is poised for growth due to increased demand in travel and defense.
– Automation's potential lies in better data utilization for operational efficiency.
– Kapoor's leadership is navigating geopolitical uncertainties impacting U.S. business.
– The split may attract investor interest in specialized sectors.
aerospace growthautomation potentialgeopolitical impact
▸ Full transcript
News whenever and wherever it happens. I'm Haslinda Amin in Mumbai. This is Lumberg. Honeywell's breakup into three separate companies was finalized in June 2026. There's the Specialty Materials Company, the Aerospace and Aviation Company, and Honeywell Technologies, the automation company that Kapoor is running now. With a changing brief, I was keen to ask Kapoor what it's like to be a chief executive operating in the current geopolitical climate and where he sees the greatest opportunity for AI. Do you think the U.S. economy is going through a transformational change? And this is because of automation. It's because of aero defense. It's because of demands on, you know, from the Trump administration and how different will that look like? Aerospace is benefiting from growth in demand for consumer travel, business jet travel, and defense growth. And for the automation business, we have been controlling building infrastructure, airports, refineries, and warehouses for many years. But the data we collected was only used for control. And that's the question we are asking ourselves, how the data becomes more useful for more operational excellence of an asset. So that's an opportunity for us. But given we're talking about leadership, how difficult is it to be, you know, a U.S.-based chief executive with unpredictable policies coming from the White House? I mean...
Analysis

Honeywell's breakup into three separate companies was finalized in June 2026, focusing on Specialty Materials, Aerospace and Aviation, and Honeywell Technologies. The CEO, Vimal Kapoor, highlighted the growth potential in aerospace driven by consumer travel and defense, while emphasizing the need to leverage data for operational excellence in automation.

15:43
PDT
Kapoor learned of the activist investor's stake via a public letter.
HoneywellVimal KapoorElliott
– There was alignment between Honeywell's strategy and the investor's expectations.
– CEOs should focus on their strategic convictions when dealing with activist investors.
– Effective communication of strategy is essential for maintaining control.
– Consensus can be reached even with external pressures.
activist investorscorporate governance
▸ Full transcript
By train or go by plane, that's an opinion. But you can always align on that. So I would say it's been a very collaborative approach. When did you find out you had an activist investor? Speaking to CEOs, a lot of them say, look, this is a nightmare because you're trying to do your strategy. Yeah. And suddenly you have someone that just wants in. Yeah, so I mean, I learned the same day like everybody else learned because it was a public letter. So I did not have any. So you don't get a call before? Not really. I mean, I think they were very clear on their expectation with their research, which was made public. And given that we already had done work in the same lines, there was a convergence on what was, we had not publicly announced our intention, but we were far along the way on that decision. So I know a lot of CEOs will be watching this and a lot of them will wanna, I mean, did you call, you know, Elliott's when you found out? Do you call? Yeah, we met with them right away. Straight away. And then it was an exchange of ideas of what they wanted before you told them your plans or was it consensus? No, their letter was public on what they wanted. And so we understood their plans, and we shared our point of view on what we want to do and why, and there was a consensus on that's what I think to do. So what's your best piece of advice to the chief executive that will be getting a call maybe today from an activist investor? I would say that if you have a conviction on your strategy, that's what you need to really think about and worry about. If that's clear, then it's less about what they believe in. It's more about what you believe in. And if you believe in something you are able to articulate it with.
Analysis

Honeywell's CEO Vimal Kapoor learned about the activist investor's stake through a public letter, indicating a lack of prior communication. Despite this, there was a convergence of ideas between Honeywell's existing strategy and the investor's expectations, suggesting alignment on future direction.

The key takeaway is that having a clear conviction in one's strategy is crucial when facing activist investors. Kapoor's approach emphasizes the importance of articulating one's vision, which can help maintain control over the company's direction amidst external pressures.

Transcript evidence
🦉 News Assistant
Thinking…