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Lucid Group stock price could be on the verge of a bullish breakout

Lucid Group stock price has bounced back and surged to its highest point since February 25. LCID soared by almost 50% from its lowest level this year, mirroring the performance of other companies like Tesla and Rivian Automotive. This article explores the recent earnings and whether this is a good time to buy the stock.

Why Lucid Group stock price has jumped

Lucid Group share price has rallied in the past few weeks as investors reacted to the recent earnings, which showed that the company’s business was doing well in a difficult environment. 

The numbers revealed that Lucid delivered 3,109 vehicles in the first quarter, up by 58% from the same period last year. This happened as the company produced 2,212 vehicles in the quarter, including 600 that were in transit to Saudi Arabia. 

Most importantly, the company grew its gross margin during the quarter to minus 97% from minus 134% in the same quarter a year earlier. This margin, however, was worse than minus 89%, which it had in the fourth quarter of last year.

Lucid Group EBITDA, a closely-watched figure, also improved to minus $563 million during the quarter. 

Therefore, analysts anticipate that LCID’s business will continue improving in the next few years as it works towards profitability. 

For example, the average revenue estimate from Wall Street investors is that its second-quarter revenue will be $288 million. They also expect that the earnings per share (EPS) will be a 22-cent loss, an improvement from the 31-cent loss in Q2’24.

Analysts are also optmistic that the annual revenue this year will also be strong. The average estimate is that the annual revenue will grow by 72% to $1.4 billion, followed by 95% growth in 2026. This growth will be because the management expects to ramp up production from 9,000 in 2024 to 20,000.

Lucid Group’s annual loss per share is expected to improve from $1.25 last year to 83 cents this year and 64 cents next year. As such, while Lucid Group’s cash incineration will continue, analysts expect the business to move in the right direction in the coming years.

Lucid Gravity sales 

The other reason why the Lucid stock price surged is the ongoing Gravity vehicle sales. Recent data shows that the SUV is starting to gain traction as the delivery started in December last year.

Gravity is a sports utility vehicle starting at $79,900, with the Touring version costing over $100,000. The company hopes that it will be the best electric SUV in the US as it competes with products made by companies like Rivian, Hyundai, Tesla, and General Motors. 

Lucid’s Gravity vehicle is a more premium vehicle than its competitors, meaning that it will mostly attract wealthy shoppers and executives. 

Lucid Group share price technical analysis

LCID stock chart | Source: TradingView

The daily chart shows that the LCID share price bottomed at $2, a level it has failed to move below since November last year. 

It is now attempting to move above the descending trendline that connects the highest swing since September 2023. Top oscillators like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the MACD have risen and are pointing upwards. 

Therefore, the Lucid stock price will likely have a bullish breakout, with the next level to watch being at $4.38, the highest swing on August 27, which is about 49% above the current level. A drop below the support at $2 will invalidate the bullish Lucid Group stock forecast, 

Read more: Lucid Group stock forecast ahead of earnings: buy, sell, or hold?

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CATL share price surges 18% in Hong Kong debut amid world’s biggest IPO of 2025

Shares of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery maker, surged over 18% in their trading debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday, showing strong investor confidence in the company’s global growth prospects amid a booming electric vehicle (EV) market.

CATL shares were last trading at 308 Hong Kong dollars, significantly higher than their initial public offering price of HK$263 per share.

The listing raised HK$35.7 billion ($4.6 billion), making it the largest global IPO of 2025 so far, according to a company filing.

The buoyant debut in Hong Kong came even as CATL’s shares on the Shenzhen stock exchange initially opened lower.

However, those shares later rebounded, closing 1.5% higher at 264 yuan.

Market analysts said the strong performance of the Hong Kong shares is likely to provide support to the company’s domestic valuation.

“For the H shares to be trading above the A shares just shows how exceptional the demand is for this company, particularly from global investors,” said Neil Beveridge, senior research analyst at Bernstein, speaking to CNBC.

“I think that as the H shares continue to perform strongly, that will pull up the A shares.”

Focus shifts to Europe amid slowing Chinese growth

CATL said in its filing that 90% of the IPO proceeds would be directed toward its planned manufacturing facility in Hungary.

The factory is expected to supply major European carmakers such as Stellantis, BMW, and Volkswagen in a strategic pivot towards international markets.

“Europe is an exceptionally important market for CATL,” Beveridge added.

“While growth in China is starting to level off due to high market penetration, Europe is still in early stages, with only 20-25% EV sales penetration. That leaves considerable room for expansion.”

This international push aligns with broader trends among leading Chinese EV companies like BYD, which are also seeking to expand abroad.

However, the path has not been without hurdles.

CATL’s global ambitions have faced pressure from geopolitical tensions, including trade restrictions imposed by the US and EU and its inclusion on a Pentagon watchlist earlier this year—allegations the company denies.

CATL a key company in global EV investment

Despite a 9.7% dip in annual revenue in 2024 due to intense domestic competition, CATL managed to post a 15% increase in net profit year over year.

EV sales in China surged to 11 million units last year, growing 40% from 2023, buoyed by state incentives and subsidies.

Brendan Ahern, chief investment officer at KraneShares, said CATL remains a cornerstone in global EV investment strategies.

“We’re a big believer and investor in CATL in our global EV strategy. It’s just phenomenal, it’s a ‘must own company,’ in my opinion, along with BYD for investors in the space,” Ahern said.

Bank of America, CICC, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chase served as joint lead managers for the Hong Kong IPO.

Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box Asia, Andy Maynard of China Renaissance noted that CATL’s IPO underscores continued investor appetite for high-quality Chinese firms, even amid persistent trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.

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JPMorgan, Citi forecast European stocks to outperform US significantly in 2025

A growing chorus of Wall Street strategists is forecasting a banner year for European stocks, predicting they could achieve their most significant outperformance relative to their US counterparts in at least two decades.

This optimistic outlook is largely fueled by an improving economic landscape in Europe and a recalibration of corporate earnings expectations.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index is anticipated to conclude the year around the 554-point mark, according to the average forecast from a Bloomberg poll of 20 strategists.

This projection suggests a potential gain of approximately 1% from its closing level on Friday.

Among the most bullish are JPMorgan Chase & Co., which has set one of the highest targets in the survey at 580 points, and Citigroup Inc., which predicts a more substantial 4% rally to 570 points.

This optimism is partly driven by analysts dialing back their earlier pessimism surrounding European corporate earnings.

In a striking contrast, both banking giants expect the US equity benchmark, the S&P 500, to decline through the remainder of the year.

The disparity in these forecasts is notable: JPMorgan’s targets for European and US markets suggest the Stoxx 600 could outperform the S&P 500 Index by a remarkable 25 percentage points in 2025 – a margin that would be the largest on record.

Citigroup’s projections, meanwhile, would mark the best relative performance for European stocks since 2005.

“If we have already moved past peak earnings uncertainty, this could set the stage for additional upside and potential multiple re-rating, especially among more beaten-up cyclical sectors,” commented Citigroup strategist Beata Manthey regarding European stocks, as quoted by Bloomberg.

From underdogs to frontrunners

This bullish outlook represents a significant turnaround from the sentiment prevailing at the beginning of the year, when strategists widely expected European stocks to lag considerably behind the US market.

However, the European benchmark has since rallied, propelled by historic fiscal reforms in Germany and surprisingly resilient corporate earnings.

These factors have attracted investors seeking alternatives to US assets, which have been caught in the crosscurrents of ongoing trade wars.

Evidence of this shifting sentiment was clear in a Bank of America Corp. survey published a week ago, which found that a net 35% of global fund managers are now overweight European stocks.

Conversely, net exposure to US stocks has reportedly dwindled to its smallest level in two years.

Further bolstering the case for Europe, MSCI Europe constituents posted a 5.3% increase in first-quarter earnings, significantly outperforming the 1.5% decline anticipated by analysts, according to data compiled by Bloomberg Intelligence.

Additionally, a Citigroup index indicates that fewer analysts have downgraded European earnings estimates in recent weeks.

In the US, the picture is far less optimistic.

A separate Bloomberg poll found that forecasters expect the S&P 500 to end the year at an average of 6,001 points, roughly unchanged from its recent closing levels.

Valuation considerations and lingering cautions

To be sure, this year’s 8.3% rally in the Stoxx 600 has brought valuations into sharper focus.

The benchmark now trades at approximately 14.6 times earnings, a figure higher than its 20-year median of 13.5, as per Bloomberg data.

However, this is still considerably lower than the S&P 500’s price-to-earnings ratio, which stands at nearly 22.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategist Sharon Bell expressed her expectation that investors will continue to reallocate capital to the European region, citing its lower relative valuations and the high concentration risk in the US market.

“We also note that inflation should moderate further in Europe this year and there is a close relationship between lower inflation and higher average valuations,” she wrote in a recent note.

Despite the overall optimism, not all strategists are uniformly bullish.

Bloomberg’s poll revealed that only six firms—Bank of America, Deka Bank, ING, Panmure Liberum, Societe Generale SA, and TFS Derivatives—expect the Stoxx 600 to decline by more than 2% from Friday’s close.

Societe Generale strategist Roland Kaloyan indicated he needs to see stronger earnings trends and a further reduction in tariff-related risks before betting on a significant rally in the Stoxx 600.

His year-end target of 530 implies a potential 3.5% drop.

“The uncertainty surrounding tariffs further complicates the outlook, as many firms are reluctant to provide clear guidance, indicating that the full impact of these tariffs may not yet be captured in earnings forecasts,” Kaloyan stated.

Echoing a note of caution, UBS Group AG strategist Gerry Fowler acknowledged that valuations have increased as anticipated amid forecasts of stronger economic growth over the next two years.

However, he added, “For further gains, we must get through a period of regime uncertainty that will probably keep EPS growth at zero or modestly lower this year.”

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Europe markets open: stocks up; focus on China, Ukraine; Vodafone Q4 results

European stock markets commenced Tuesday’s trading session with a cautiously optimistic tone, as major indices posted modest gains.

This positive sentiment was primarily fueled by an anticipated rate cut from China, aimed at bolstering its economy, and tentative hopes surrounding potential peace talks to resolve the long-standing conflict in Ukraine.

Approximately 19 minutes after the opening bell, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index was trading up by 0.2%.

Sector performance was mixed, though regional utilities stocks notably led the gains. At 03:05 ET (07:05 GMT), specific national bourses reflected this gentle upward trend: Germany’s DAX index climbed 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 also gained 0.2%, and in the UK, the FTSE 100 rose by 0.3%.

Later readings showed London’s FTSE 100 maintaining a 0.2% gain, with the French CAC 40 up 0.1% and the DAX little changed, indicating a slight moderation in early momentum.

Monetary easing and inflationary calm

European stock indices found a solid lead from positive trading in Asia overnight.

A key driver was the decision by the People’s Bank of China to cut its benchmark loan prime rate, pushing it further into record low territory.

This move signaled Beijing’s willingness to deploy further monetary stimulus to support the world’s second-largest economy, which also serves as a crucial export market for many prominent European companies.

Adding to the global easing theme, the Reserve Bank of Australia also cut interest rates earlier on Tuesday, citing increasing risks to the Australian economy stemming from global trade uncertainty.

Market participants are now looking ahead to the European Central Bank’s next meeting in June, where it is widely anticipated to cut interest rates once more.

The ECB has already eased monetary policy seven times over the past year. Inflation does not currently appear to be a significant impediment to further easing, particularly if German factory prices offer any indication.

Data released earlier on Tuesday showed that the German producer price index fell by 0.6% month-on-month in April, resulting in an annual decrease of 0.9%.

Glimmers of hope for Ukraine peace?

A significant geopolitical development contributing to market sentiment is the growing hope for a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, which could bring an end to the conflict that has persisted for over three years.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Monday that Kyiv and its international partners were considering arranging a high-level meeting involving Ukraine, Russia, the United States, European Union countries, and Britain, as part of a concerted push to end the war.

Adding a layer of intrigue, US President Donald Trump announced via a Truth Social post following his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday that “Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will begin immediately.”

This comes after delegates from the warring nations met in Istanbul last week for the first time since 2022, though that encounter did not result in a truce agreement.

Sterling rises, Vodafone navigates headwinds

In currency markets, the British pound extended its recent gains against the US dollar, trading 0.2% higher at $1.338 as of 6:29 a.m. in London on Tuesday.

This followed a 0.6% rise for sterling against the greenback on Monday, buoyed by the UK and the EU reaching a landmark agreement to reset their post-Brexit relations.

On the corporate front, telecom giant Vodafone reported a full-year operating loss of 411 million euros ($462.7 million) on Tuesday.

The company attributed this loss primarily to impairment charges related to its operations in Germany and Romania, which amounted to 4.5 billion euros.

Despite the loss, Vodafone announced a 2% jump in full-year revenue, with total revenue reaching 37.4 billion euros.

This figure was slightly below analysts’ expectations of 38.1 billion euros, according to LSEG data.

Vodafone shares were trading 0.3% higher at 8:22 a.m. in London, recovering from some initial losses seen immediately after the market opened.

Looking ahead to 2026, Vodafone acknowledged that its financial performance could be impacted by “significant uncertainties” in the current macroeconomic climate, particularly concerning trade and foreign exchange rates.

The company expects its adjusted EBITDAaL (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and after lease expenses) to fall within the range of 11 billion euros to 13 billion euros.

For the full-year 2025, Vodafone’s adjusted EBITDAaL came in at 11 billion euros, consistent with its guidance.

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Most Americans favour converting part of US gold reserves into Bitcoin, survey finds

A recent survey has revealed that four out of five Americans support converting a portion of the country’s gold reserves into Bitcoin, marking a notable shift in public sentiment toward digital asset diversification.

The poll, conducted by the Nakamoto Project—a nonprofit focused on Bitcoin education and advocacy—surveyed 3,345 Americans online between February and mid-March 2025.

Respondents were asked what percentage of US gold reserves they would advise converting into Bitcoin.

The majority recommended an allocation between 1% and 30%.

The survey aimed to reflect the US Census distribution in age, gender, race, income, education, and geography.

It was administered via Qualtrics, with participants compensated for their time.

Co-founder comes in defence as survey met with skepticism

Despite the strong result in favour of Bitcoin, the survey was met with skepticism on social media.

Critics questioned whether only crypto-enthusiasts had been surveyed.

Troy Cross, co-founder of the Nakamoto Project, acknowledged the doubts but stood by the data.

“We were surprised too. But the results are the results,” he said. “When given the choice, people were hesitant to select 0% Bitcoin. Most hovered around 10%.”

Cross added that Bitcoin allocation recommendations fell as age increased—mirroring past findings of an inverse correlation between age and Bitcoin ownership.

Dennis Porter, co-founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, echoed the sentiment, noting that the broader public seems less attached to gold than expected.

“Americans just don’t care about gold that much, and most are naturally inclined toward diversification,” he said.

Strategic interest grows in Washington

The survey also found that 66% of respondents were neutral to positive about Donald Trump’s push for a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

This growing support appears to be influencing Washington’s stance.

White House adviser Bo Hines has floated a plan for the Treasury to buy Bitcoin using profits from the country’s gold reserves.

If enacted, the proposal could see the US purchase up to 1 million BTC over five years.

Hines cited Senator Cynthia Lummis’ Bitcoin Act of 2025 as a legislative foundation.

“If we actually realize the gains on these gold holdings, that would be a budget-neutral way to acquire more Bitcoin,” he said.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested in July that the US could go further, proposing that Bitcoin reserves be matched one-to-one with gold holdings.

Currently, the United States holds 8,133 tons of gold worth over $830 billion, alongside 207,189 BTC valued at around $22 billion—less than 3% of its gold holdings.

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As XRP price targets $6.8, experts bet on this new crypto getting to $5

The XRP price is surging toward a projected $6.8, fueled by bullish technical patterns, while a new cryptocurrency, Mutuum Finance (MUTM), is capturing investor attention with its DeFi lending model. 

XRP’s consolidation phase signals an imminent breakout, but Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is stealing the spotlight.

Its presale, now in phase 4 at $0.025, has raised $8,900,000, with over 500 million tokens sold to 11000 holders. 

Experts predict Mutuum Finance (MUTM) could hit $5 post-launch, driven by its innovative buy-and-distribute system.

This new crypto coin is emerging as a top crypto to buy now, offering unmatched potential in the crypto market.

XRP’s bullish surge

XRP is riding a wave of optimism in the crypto market.

Technical analysis points to a breakout from a symmetrical triangle, with weekly green candles signaling strong momentum. 

Fibonacci levels suggest resistance at $2.71, but a push past $4.5 could propel XRP to $6.8.

Traders are heavily bullish, with a Long/Short Ratio above 3.0 on Binance. 

Yet, crowded long positions raise risks of a pullback if momentum stalls.

XRP’s active addresses are climbing, reflecting user engagement, but price action remains range-bound. 

This consolidation is a precursor to growth, yet XRP lacks the fresh utility of newer projects.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM), with its DeFi focus, offers a compelling alternative.

Mutuum Finance’s presale frenzy

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is igniting investor fervor in its phase 4 presale, now 92% filled at $0.025. The project has raised $8,900,000, with 10,600 holders securing over 500 million tokens. 

Phase 5 looms, bringing a 20% price hike to $0.03, yielding a 20% gain for current investors. The tokenomics guarantee a 140% ROI at the $0.06 listing price, but experts forecast a soar to $5 post-launch, a 19,900% surge. 

Recently, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) launched a dashboard showcasing a leaderboard for the top 50 holders, rewarding them with bonus tokens. This incentivizes holding, amplifying demand in the crypto investment space. 

The presale’s rapid sell-out underscores Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as a top crypto to buy.

Innovative DeFi mechanics

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is redefining DeFi with practical utility.

Its lending platform allows users to deposit assets into liquidity pools, earning interest via mtTokens like mtETH or mtDAI. 

These tokens accrue value over time, offering passive income.

Borrowers access funds by posting overcollateralized assets, ensuring stability.

A peer-to-peer lending feature lets users negotiate terms for niche assets, boosting flexibility. 

The buy-and-distribute system uses platform revenue to repurchase MUTM tokens, redistributing them to stakers.

This creates relentless buy pressure, positioning Mutuum Finance (MUTM) as a top cryptocurrency to invest in.

The team is finalizing a Certik audit, with results soon to be shared on socials, enhancing trust.

Why Mutuum outshines XRP

XRP’s price predictions are enticing, but its growth relies on market sentiment and technical breakouts.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) offers tangible utility through DeFi lending, appealing to investors seeking real-world applications. 

While XRP battles resistance, Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s presale is a low-entry opportunity, with phase 4 nearly sold out.

The 140% ROI at listing is just the start, with a $5 target signaling massive potential. 

XRP’s network activity is robust, but Mutuum Finance (MUTM)’s innovative mechanics and structured tokenomics provide a clearer path to gains.

For those eyeing the best crypto to invest, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) stands out in the crypto prices today.

Sealing the deal

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is carving a niche in the crypto market, blending DeFi utility with explosive growth potential.

Its phase 4 presale, priced at $0.025, is a fleeting chance to join a project targeting $5 post-launch. 

XRP’s $6.8 forecast is notable, but Mutuum Finance (MUTM) offers a fresher entry for investors chasing the next big cryptocurrency.

The project’s buy-and-distribute model and mtToken system ensure sustained demand, making it a top crypto to buy now. 

Don’t miss out—explore Mutuum Finance (MUTM) today and secure your stake in this rising DeFi star.

For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:

Website: https://www.mutuum.finance/ 

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance 

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EU-UK strike landmark deal covering security, trade, travel

Britain and the European Union on Monday unveiled a landmark agreement that promises to revive cooperation across defence, trade, youth mobility, and border management, more than three years after the UK formally left the bloc.

The wide-ranging pact, forged in Brussels, marks the most substantial reset of relations since Brexit, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailing it as “a moment to move on from stale old debates” and focus on “common sense, practical solutions”.

Announced amid signs that the United States may scale back its European security commitments, the deal includes the UK’s entry into a formal defence and security framework with the EU and relaxes several post-Brexit trade restrictions that have hampered British exporters and travellers alike.

“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home,” Starmer said, underscoring his desire to stabilise relations with Britain’s largest trading partner.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission said the EU and UK were “turning the page”.

Invezz breaks down the deal:

EU-UK defence and security pact, UK to get access to Safe- EU’s defence fund

A key feature of the agreement is the creation of a formal UK-EU defence and security pact.

The initiative reflects the shared concern over Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and mounting uncertainty over US support for European security under a Trump presidency.

The UK will also gain access to “Safe”, the EU’s €150bn fund for defence projects, opening doors for British arms manufacturers.

Both sides have pledged deeper collaboration in cybersecurity, military mobility, crisis response, and strategic planning—areas of alignment that could gain urgency if NATO cohesion weakens.

SPS agreement to ease UK meat exports to the EU

Trade is another area that will see tangible changes.

Under the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, Britain will once again be able to export fresh meat products such as sausages and raw burgers to the EU—a practice banned since Brexit.

Routine border checks on animal and plant products will be drastically reduced, a move retailers have welcomed as a way to cut food prices and improve supply chain efficiency.

UK travellers can now use e-gates at more European airports

British travellers will also benefit.

UK passport holders will soon be allowed to use e-gates at more European airports, streamlining entry procedures that had become cumbersome since freedom of movement ended in 2020.

Additionally, travelling with pets will become less bureaucratic, thanks to changes in animal health certificate rules.

Fishing access to the EU extended, drawing industry ire

However, the agreement has stirred anger in Britain’s fishing industry, which had been promised renewed sovereignty over UK waters after Brexit.

Under the new deal, European boats will retain access to UK waters until 2038—a full twelve years beyond the expiry of the existing arrangement, which had been set for 2026.

The move has drawn a sharp backlash from industry leaders and opposition politicians alike.

Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, called the deal “a horror show for Scottish fishermen”, arguing it was “far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement”.

“Giving away a national asset such as our rich and healthy fishing grounds for no discernible benefit… is a disgrace,” Macdonald said.

She noted that while the UK remains a net importer of fish, Scottish fleets still land over 60% of the UK’s catch, making the decision politically sensitive.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was also scathing in her criticism, warning that “we’re becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again”.

Starmer defends deal as ‘good for fishing’ and food exports

Prime Minister Starmer dismissed claims that the industry had been sold out, arguing that stability and improved access to EU markets outweigh the uncertainty of annual negotiations.

“Over 70% of seafood goes to the EU. This will help them,” he said, adding that the return of shellfish exports and lower export costs would ultimately benefit fishing communities.

He also announced a £360 million fund to support coastal areas and boost the sector.

Youth experience scheme and carbon market alignment in the pipeline

As part of broader efforts to rebuild ties, the UK and EU will negotiate a “youth experience scheme” similar to existing agreements with countries like Australia and New Zealand.

The plan could allow young people aged 18 to 35 to live, work and travel in each other’s territories, subject to quotas and time limits.

The two sides will also link their carbon pricing systems in a deal designed to prevent new tariffs on steel and other carbon-intensive goods.

The government estimates that alignment with the EU’s carbon border tax system will save British businesses around £800 million, with an additional £25 million a year in avoided penalties for the steel sector.

A strategic realignment with an eye on global shifts

The agreement marks a strategic pivot for Britain under Starmer’s leadership, positioning the UK closer to the EU at a time when global alliances are being reassessed.

It also signals the EU’s openness to a new kind of partnership with a former member—one that stops short of rejoining the bloc, but still reflects shared values and mutual interests.

Negotiations are set to continue on issues such as mutual recognition of professional qualifications and further alignment in energy markets.

While politically contentious elements such as fishing may fuel domestic opposition, the broader reset appears aimed at restoring predictability and cooperation after years of uncertainty.

For now, both sides are emphasising the practical benefits of the new pact. As Starmer put it, “It’s time to look forward.”

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President Trump says Russia, Ukraine to begin ceasefire talks after Putin call

President Donald Trump said Russia and Ukraine would begin immediate negotiations to end their war following a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, in the most concrete sign yet of a potential diplomatic opening.

“Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump wrote in a social media post.

“The conditions for that will be negotiated between the two parties… because they know details of a negotiation that nobody else would be aware of.”

Trump said he had briefed European leaders on the call and that the Vatican had offered to host the proposed peace talks.

He described the conversation with Putin as having a “tone and spirit” that were “excellent.”

Moscow hints at framework for deal

Speaking to reporters in Sochi, Putin described the call as “frank” and “very useful,” saying both sides agreed to begin working on a memorandum that would outline “principles of a settlement,” timelines for a possible peace agreement, and terms for a potential ceasefire “if appropriate agreements are reached.”

While Putin gave no specific conditions for such a deal, he reiterated that Moscow’s priority remained addressing what he called the “root causes” of the conflict.

He noted that the recent resumption of direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul after a three-year pause showed the process was “on the right track.”

White House signals conditional patience

Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance, speaking earlier during a trip to Italy, said the president would challenge Putin’s sincerity on ending the war.

“Are you serious? Are you real about this?” Vance said, describing what Trump would convey to the Russian leader.

“Honestly, President Putin doesn’t quite know how to get out of the war.”

Vance acknowledged a diplomatic impasse and cautioned that US support would not be indefinite.

“If Russia is not willing to do that, then we’re eventually just going to say, ‘This is not our war.’ We’re going to try to end it, but if we can’t… that was worth a try, but we’re not doing any more.’”

The US presses both sides

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump remained committed to a ceasefire but had grown “weary and frustrated with both sides of the conflict.”

When asked whether secondary sanctions against Russia were still under consideration, she said: “I think everything’s on the table.”

Trump has already held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and is expected to speak with him again later Monday, along with consultations involving NATO allies.

This marks the third publicly disclosed call between Trump and Putin since Trump returned to the White House in January.

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CATL share price surges 18% in Hong Kong debut amid world’s biggest IPO of 2025

Shares of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world’s largest battery maker, surged over 18% in their trading debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange on Tuesday, showing strong investor confidence in the company’s global growth prospects amid a booming electric vehicle (EV) market.

CATL shares were last trading at 308 Hong Kong dollars, significantly higher than their initial public offering price of HK$263 per share.

The listing raised HK$35.7 billion ($4.6 billion), making it the largest global IPO of 2025 so far, according to a company filing.

The buoyant debut in Hong Kong came even as CATL’s shares on the Shenzhen stock exchange initially opened lower.

However, those shares later rebounded, closing 1.5% higher at 264 yuan.

Market analysts said the strong performance of the Hong Kong shares is likely to provide support to the company’s domestic valuation.

“For the H shares to be trading above the A shares just shows how exceptional the demand is for this company, particularly from global investors,” said Neil Beveridge, senior research analyst at Bernstein, speaking to CNBC.

“I think that as the H shares continue to perform strongly, that will pull up the A shares.”

Focus shifts to Europe amid slowing Chinese growth

CATL said in its filing that 90% of the IPO proceeds would be directed toward its planned manufacturing facility in Hungary.

The factory is expected to supply major European carmakers such as Stellantis, BMW, and Volkswagen in a strategic pivot towards international markets.

“Europe is an exceptionally important market for CATL,” Beveridge added.

“While growth in China is starting to level off due to high market penetration, Europe is still in early stages, with only 20-25% EV sales penetration. That leaves considerable room for expansion.”

This international push aligns with broader trends among leading Chinese EV companies like BYD, which are also seeking to expand abroad.

However, the path has not been without hurdles.

CATL’s global ambitions have faced pressure from geopolitical tensions, including trade restrictions imposed by the US and EU and its inclusion on a Pentagon watchlist earlier this year—allegations the company denies.

CATL a key company in global EV investment

Despite a 9.7% dip in annual revenue in 2024 due to intense domestic competition, CATL managed to post a 15% increase in net profit year over year.

EV sales in China surged to 11 million units last year, growing 40% from 2023, buoyed by state incentives and subsidies.

Brendan Ahern, chief investment officer at KraneShares, said CATL remains a cornerstone in global EV investment strategies.

“We’re a big believer and investor in CATL in our global EV strategy. It’s just phenomenal, it’s a ‘must own company,’ in my opinion, along with BYD for investors in the space,” Ahern said.

Bank of America, CICC, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chase served as joint lead managers for the Hong Kong IPO.

Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box Asia, Andy Maynard of China Renaissance noted that CATL’s IPO underscores continued investor appetite for high-quality Chinese firms, even amid persistent trade tensions between Beijing and Washington.

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Politics

Most Americans favour converting part of US gold reserves into Bitcoin, survey finds

A recent survey has revealed that four out of five Americans support converting a portion of the country’s gold reserves into Bitcoin, marking a notable shift in public sentiment toward digital asset diversification.

The poll, conducted by the Nakamoto Project—a nonprofit focused on Bitcoin education and advocacy—surveyed 3,345 Americans online between February and mid-March 2025.

Respondents were asked what percentage of US gold reserves they would advise converting into Bitcoin.

The majority recommended an allocation between 1% and 30%.

The survey aimed to reflect the US Census distribution in age, gender, race, income, education, and geography.

It was administered via Qualtrics, with participants compensated for their time.

Co-founder comes in defence as survey met with skepticism

Despite the strong result in favour of Bitcoin, the survey was met with skepticism on social media.

Critics questioned whether only crypto-enthusiasts had been surveyed.

Troy Cross, co-founder of the Nakamoto Project, acknowledged the doubts but stood by the data.

“We were surprised too. But the results are the results,” he said. “When given the choice, people were hesitant to select 0% Bitcoin. Most hovered around 10%.”

Cross added that Bitcoin allocation recommendations fell as age increased—mirroring past findings of an inverse correlation between age and Bitcoin ownership.

Dennis Porter, co-founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, echoed the sentiment, noting that the broader public seems less attached to gold than expected.

“Americans just don’t care about gold that much, and most are naturally inclined toward diversification,” he said.

Strategic interest grows in Washington

The survey also found that 66% of respondents were neutral to positive about Donald Trump’s push for a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

This growing support appears to be influencing Washington’s stance.

White House adviser Bo Hines has floated a plan for the Treasury to buy Bitcoin using profits from the country’s gold reserves.

If enacted, the proposal could see the US purchase up to 1 million BTC over five years.

Hines cited Senator Cynthia Lummis’ Bitcoin Act of 2025 as a legislative foundation.

“If we actually realize the gains on these gold holdings, that would be a budget-neutral way to acquire more Bitcoin,” he said.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested in July that the US could go further, proposing that Bitcoin reserves be matched one-to-one with gold holdings.

Currently, the United States holds 8,133 tons of gold worth over $830 billion, alongside 207,189 BTC valued at around $22 billion—less than 3% of its gold holdings.

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