The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies are once again faced with a difficult choice next week–extend production cuts or increase its own market share. 

The decision comes ahead of the cartel’s planned oil production increase from April after months of extending its voluntary output cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day. 

The voluntary production cuts are scheduled to expire at the end of March. 

Recent market chatter has suggested that OPEC+ may be interested in extending its voluntary output cuts beyond March. 

After briefly rising above $80 per barrel in January, Brent crude oil prices have fallen back to low $70 a barrel.

The decline has been attributed to US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements and his call for an increase in supply by OPEC. 

Kazakhstan production 

This week, oil prices have fallen further due to possible increasing production from Kazakhstan. 

The Kazakh energy minister said that crude oil production is set to increase by almost 10% to 96.2 million tons this year. 

“This corresponds to a daily production of 1.93 million barrels,” Carsten Fritsch, commodity analyst at Commerzbank AG, said. 

More supply from OPEC, starting April is likely to weigh further on oil prices. 

However, according to Commerzbank AG, it would be difficult for Kazakhstan to sharply increase its output. 

As part of the OPEC+ agreement, Kazakhstan has committed to limiting crude oil production to a maximum of 1.47 million barrels per day, according to the German bank. 

“The other OPEC+ countries are unlikely to accept a significant overshoot of this target,” Fritsch said. 

Otherwise, other countries with spare production capacity, such as Iraq or the United Arab Emirates, could also claim higher production for themselves.

Non-OPEC supply rising

The International Energy Agency has forecast that countries outside of the OPEC+ alliance are likely to pump oil at a faster rate in 2025. 

According to the Paris-based energy watchdog, non-OPEC oil supply is likely to increase by 1.5 million barrels per day this year. 

This is higher than IEA’s forecast of global demand growth of 1.1 million barrels a day in 2025. 

Total oil supply is likely to rise by 1.6 million barrels per day this year, which puts the overall oversupply around 500,000 barrels per day or crude.

In such a scenario, adding more barrels to the market from April may not be in OPEC’s interest, according to experts. 

Production cuts

The OPEC+ meeting on December 5, 2024, resulted in a decision to gradually reverse the existing production cuts over an 18-month period. 

This decision translates to a planned monthly increase in production of approximately 120,000 barrels per day from April. 

This measured approach aims to stabilise the oil market by steadily increasing supply while monitoring global demand and price trends.

However, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Novak said that a possible postponement had not yet been discussed earlier in February. 

“There are apparently doubts within OPEC+ as to whether the market can absorb the additional supply without risking a further fall in prices,” Fritsch said. 

“Any delay would lead to a change in the oil balance, leaving the market relatively tighter than we expected,” analysts at ING Group, said in a report. 

On top of the 2.2 million barrels a day voluntary production cuts, the cartel is also observing another 3.65 million barrels per day of output cuts, which will expire at the end of 2026. 

Trump and OPEC

After taking office for his second term as president, Trump had called on OPEC to increase oil supply.

This would achieve lower prices and also reduce Russia’s revenue from exports, which is currently being used by Moscow to finance its war against Ukraine. 

However, there has not been any official comment from OPEC+ regarding Trump’s demands. 

“If the major producers agree to a further three-month delay — which would open up the possibility of discussing the matter at the next regular OPEC meeting at the end of May — this should boost the oil price,” Fritsch said. 

After all, OPEC would be signalling once again that stabilising the oil price is more important than increasing its own market share.

But, this would most likely strain the relationship between OPEC and Washington in the longer term, experts said.

“Any delay would also likely not go down well with President Trump, who’s calling on OPEC+ to increase supply,” ING analysts added. 

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Home Depot Inc (NYSE: HD) is “on this path to get a little bit stronger in 2025”, says Simeon Gutman – a Morgan Stanley analyst.

The home improvement retailer has inched up in recent sessions even though its full-year outlook failed to match expectations on February 25^th.

Still, Gutman is convinced that the company’s share price could climb to $450 by the end of this year, which would represent a 12% upside from current levels.

Home Depot stock is currently down about 5% versus its year-to-date high.

Why is Gutman bullish on Home Depot stock?

Morgan Stanley is bullish on HD as it came in handily above Street estimates in its fiscal Q4.

More importantly, the multinational reported positive comparable sales for the first time in two years in its fourth financial quarter.

Speaking with CNBC last week, Simeon Gutman agreed that some of this quarter’s bump was related to hurricanes and extreme weather conditions.

But even outside of that, “comps are normalising [and] everything is starting to stabilise,” he added.

Potential investors could also take heart in a 2.32% dividend yield tied to the Home Depot stock at writing, which makes it all the more attractive to own for the longer term.

Could higher interest rates weigh on HD shares?

Gutman recommends buying Home Depot stock as it’s strongly positioned to navigate higher for longer interest rates that tend to be a headwind for discretionary spending at large.

That’s because the company’s chief of finance, Richard McPhail, expects the American consumer to get used to elevated rates.

Eventually, they’ll stop delaying home improvement projects because of them, he argued in a post-earnings interview.

HD shares could benefit this year as California pushes for recovery after the LA wildfires that resulted in an estimated $28 billion to $54 billion in property damage as well.

Investors should also note that despite struggling with negative comps over the past two years, Home Depot stock is currently up more than 50% versus the start of 2023.

Home Depot Q4 earnings highlights

Home Depot earned $3.02 a share on $39.70 billion in revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter.

Analysts, in comparison, were at $3.01 per share and $39.16 billion, respectively.

For the full year, the company based out of New York expects a 1% increase in same-store sales – but its management continues to see a 2% decline in adjusted EPS in 2025.

On the plus side, however, amidst a higher mortgage rates driven sluggish housing market, HD saw its sales increase in nearly half of its product categories and across 15 of its US geographic regions (out of 19 in total) in its Q4.

Note that Morgan Stanley is not alone in keeping bullish on Home Depot stock.

The consensus rating on it currently sits at “overweight” as well.

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China’s manufacturing sector saw a sharp rebound in February, with the Caixin/S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rising to 50.8, its highest level in three months.

The increase signals that factory activity is accelerating as workers return after the Lunar New Year holiday, helping to drive production and export demand.

The private-sector PMI, which remained above the 50-mark separating expansion from contraction, outpaced market expectations of 50.3 and surpassed January’s 50.1 reading.

This follows the official PMI data released earlier, showing that manufacturing activity also expanded at its fastest pace since November.

While the latest figures indicate a short-term boost in factory output, external risks such as fresh US tariffs and weakening domestic demand pose challenges for China’s broader economic recovery.

China export orders rise

The expansion in manufacturing was largely driven by an increase in new export orders, which grew at their fastest pace since April 2023.

Rising demand from foreign markets played a key role in offsetting weak domestic consumption, according to the survey data.

Economists suggest that the spike in export orders may be linked to US companies accelerating imports ahead of anticipated tariff hikes.

US President Donald Trump recently announced an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, set to take effect on 4 March.

This follows a previous 10% tariff imposed on 4 February, with Trump also threatening to increase levies to as much as 60% if reelected.

The heightened trade tensions raise concerns over China’s manufacturing sector, which contributed roughly a quarter of the country’s GDP in 2023.

Despite the near-term surge in foreign orders, manufacturers remain cautious about the long-term sustainability of demand.

Some analysts warn that once US importers finish stockpiling goods to avoid tariffs, export momentum could slow, adding further strain on China’s economy.

China’s domestic demand slows

While China’s manufacturing sector benefited from a post-holiday rebound, domestic demand remained under pressure.

The official manufacturing PMI, released by the National Bureau of Statistics, climbed to 50.2 in February from 49.1 in January, reinforcing signs of a recovery.

The non-manufacturing PMI, covering services and construction, showed only a marginal increase to 50.4 from 50.2 in January, highlighting sluggish consumer spending and weak business confidence.

Economists are now looking to the upcoming National People’s Congress (NPC) meetings in Beijing for further policy direction.

The Chinese government is expected to announce economic targets for 2025, along with fresh stimulus measures to support domestic consumption and investment.

Concerns persist over whether planned fiscal spending will be sufficient to counter slowing growth and persistent deflationary pressures.

Costs rise, jobs fall in China

Although factory output picked up in February, rising input costs and falling product prices continue to squeeze profit margins.

The survey data pointed to an increase in costs for raw materials such as copper and certain chemical products.

At the same time, consumer and investment goods manufacturers reported sharper declines in selling prices, reflecting weak domestic demand.

Employment in the manufacturing sector also suffered, with job cuts reaching a near five-year high. Many firms prioritised cost reductions to maintain profitability, with the consumer goods segment experiencing the most significant workforce reductions.

This suggests that while February’s PMI figures indicate a short-term recovery in production, structural weaknesses in employment and domestic spending remain key challenges.

With global demand for Chinese goods fluctuating and trade tensions escalating, policymakers face mounting pressure to unveil stronger stimulus measures at the upcoming NPC meeting.

The outlook for China’s manufacturing sector in 2024 will depend on whether these policy interventions can sustain growth amid external and internal economic uncertainties.

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The Academy Awards remain the most prestigious event in the entertainment industry, drawing global attention to Hollywood’s biggest names.

While an Oscar win is widely regarded as the pinnacle of artistic achievement, its financial implications go far beyond the symbolic golden statuette.

Winners not only gain credibility in the industry but also unlock massive earning potential, lucrative brand deals, and exclusive luxury perks that make the night even more rewarding.

In 2025, the Oscars have once again raised the stakes, offering nominees and winners extravagant rewards valued at millions of dollars.

These incentives—ranging from luxury travel experiences to cosmetic procedures—are not officially affiliated with the Academy but have become a celebrated tradition over the years.

As Hollywood’s elite prepare to take the stage, the financial impact of an Oscar win extends well beyond the ceremony, shaping careers and personal fortunes.

Oscar wins drive multimillion-dollar pay hikes

Winning an Oscar is often a game-changer for actors, directors, and producers, leading to substantial pay raises in future projects.

Industry analysis suggests that leading actors who win an Academy Award can expect a salary increase of at least 20% to 25% on their next film.

For supporting actors, the financial impact can be even more dramatic, as they often transition from character roles to leading positions in major studio productions.

Oscar-winning directors and writers often receive higher budgets for their subsequent projects.

The added credibility of an Oscar can also help secure larger financing deals, better distribution partnerships, and global recognition, making their work more appealing to major studios and investors.

Beyond traditional Hollywood projects, Oscar winners frequently attract endorsement deals from global brands.

Luxury fashion houses, tech companies, and high-end lifestyle brands are eager to associate with the prestige of an Academy Award, leading to multimillion-dollar brand partnerships.

In recent years, Oscar-winning actors have secured deals with companies like Chanel, Rolex, and Louis Vuitton, further increasing their financial rewards.

Exclusive travel, luxury gifts, and cosmetic treatments

While the Academy does not provide direct financial compensation to winners, high-profile nominees receive an extravagant gift bag each year filled with luxury items, travel vouchers, and exclusive experiences.

The 2025 Oscars are no exception, with the total value of the gift bags estimated at over $2 million.

This year’s standout travel reward includes a four-night stay at the JOALI resorts in the Maldives, valued at $16,000.

These art-immersive, eco-friendly luxury retreats offer private villas, wellness therapies, and personalised experiences designed for ultimate relaxation.

Nominees will receive access to private villas in St. Barths, ensuring an ultra-exclusive getaway tailored for Hollywood’s elite.

A notable inclusion in this year’s gift bag is the opportunity for aesthetic and cosmetic treatments at the Treatment Center of the Academy.

Whether for personal enhancement or role preparation, winners can access premium facial and body procedures, including advanced skincare treatments and surgical options.

With the entertainment industry placing high value on appearance, this offering aligns with Hollywood’s emphasis on image and reinvention.

Philanthropy joins the Oscars luxury package

To integrate social responsibility with luxury, this year’s Oscars prize pool includes a philanthropic component aimed at assisting those affected by natural disasters.

A fund of $1 million has been allocated to support families impacted by the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

Nominees will be granted exclusive memberships to “Bright Harbor,” an initiative that provides financial assistance for rebuilding homes and communities.

Maison Contractors, a Los Angeles-based construction company, has pledged to offer heavily discounted services—potentially worth hundreds of thousands of dollars—to nominees who choose to contribute to the reconstruction efforts.

Justin Rezvanipour, a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, has committed to providing free project management services to nominees who wish to participate in the rebuilding process.

This unique initiative ensures that Hollywood’s elite have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the local community while enjoying their Oscars experience.

Oscars 2025: A financial game-changer

The Oscars continue to be more than just a celebration of cinematic excellence.

Winning an Academy Award serves as a gateway to financial success, securing higher salaries, brand endorsements, and access to luxury experiences.

The tradition of Oscar gift bags, now worth millions, ensures that nominees and winners enjoy an unmatched level of exclusivity—whether through high-end travel, personal wellness treatments, or philanthropic contributions.

For Hollywood’s biggest stars, the Academy Awards are not just about artistic recognition; they represent a moment of financial transformation.

As the world watches the 2025 Oscars unfold, those taking home the golden statuette will be securing far more than just a trophy—they will be unlocking a new level of wealth and influence within the entertainment industry.

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Ola Electric has laid off more than 1,000 employees and contract workers as the company looks to curb rising losses, Bloomberg reported.

The cuts impact several departments, including procurement, fulfillment, customer relations, and charging infrastructure.

This marks the second major round of layoffs in less than five months, following a workforce reduction of around 500 employees in November.

The latest cuts account for over a quarter of Ola’s 4,000-strong workforce as of March 2024, though the inclusion of contract workers means the total impact is larger than publicly disclosed.

“We have restructured and automated our front-end operations, improving margins, cutting costs, and enhancing customer experience while eliminating redundant roles,” an Ola spokesperson said.

However, the company did not confirm the total number of workers affected.

Ola Electric Mobility’s share price fell by more than 5% on Monday. The stock has fallen by over 52% in the last six months.

Restructuring efforts and automation drive

As part of its restructuring, Ola Electric is automating several aspects of its customer relations operations.

The company is also revamping its logistics and delivery strategy, which has led to job losses across its showrooms, service centers, and warehouse operations.

According to the Bloomberg report, sources familiar with the matter said the company’s layoff plans may evolve depending on business needs.

Mounting losses and regulatory scrutiny

Ola Electric, backed by SoftBank Group, has been grappling with multiple challenges.

The company reported a 50% increase in losses for the December quarter, further straining its financial position.

Additionally, it has come under scrutiny from India’s market regulator and consumer protection authorities over various issues in recent months.

Shares of the firm have dropped more than 60% from their peak following its highly anticipated IPO in August.

Once the undisputed leader in India’s electric scooter market, Ola has steadily lost ground to competitors.

In December, Bajaj Auto overtook it as the market leader, causing Ola Electric to slip to third place behind TVS Motor Co. and another rival, according to government vehicle registration data.

Industry analysts point to increasing customer complaints, product quality concerns, and service-related issues as key factors contributing to Ola’s declining market share.

Reports indicate that the company has been dealing with as many as 80,000 customer complaints per month.

Sales slowdown and investor concerns

On Friday, Ola Electric reported selling over 25,000 units in February, securing a 28% market share.

However, this remains well below the 50,000-unit monthly sales target CEO Bhavish Aggarwal previously said was necessary for the company to break even.

Earlier in February, the company warned investors that its vehicle registrations would be impacted as it renegotiated supplier contracts to cut costs and improve efficiencies.

Ola Electric had previously embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy, opening 3,200 outlets in a single store launch blitz in December to boost its presence and address growing customer frustration over service delays.

However, despite these aggressive expansion efforts, Ola has continued to face operational and financial headwinds.

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