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Nio stock HK stock price has been under intense pressure in the past few months as concerns about its business and the EV industry remained. It initially surged to H$74.15 in January this year and then plunged to $29.15 in April and August, forming a double-bottom chart pattern. 

Nio shares then bounced back to $60 in September and has now imploded by about 42% to the current $35.50. The same trend has happened in Singapore and the United States, where Nio shares are traded.

Nio stock price analysis: the contrarian case

Turning to the daily chart, we see that the Nio share price has been in a strong bearish trend in the past few months. 

This decline is mostly because of the general weakness of most Chinese EV companies as growth slows.

Nio stock HK has also dropped below the 50-day and 100-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA). The two lines have formed a bearish crossover pattern.

Notably, it has formed a falling wedge pattern shown in green. This pattern is made up of a series of higher lows and lower lows. In this case, the stock has formed two downward trendlines that are converging. A falling wedge is one of the most bullish reversal patterns in the market.

Nio share price HK is forming a triple-bottom chart pattern, a popular bullish sign. This pattern happens when an asset fails to drop below a key level three times. In most periods, it often leads to more gains. 

Therefore, the stock will likely stage a strong comeback in the next few months. If this happens, the next point to watch will be at $60.60, the neckline of the triple-bottom pattern. This implies a 70% above the current level. 

A break above that level will point to more gains, with the next level to watch being at $76.30, the 50% retracement point, which is 115% above the current level. This price is also a few points above $74.15, its highest swing in December last year.

On the flip side, a drop below the key support at $29.15, the triple-bottom point, will signal more downside. 

NIO chart by TradingView

Nio’s business is showing signs of resilience

There are signs that Nio’s business is doing well even as China’s EV business goes through major headwinds. 

Its numbers released on Sunday showed that Nio delivered 20,575 vehicles in November, a 28% increase from the same period last year. These deliveries included 15,493 Nio vehicles and 5,082 ONVO. 

These numbers are notable since the ONVO brand was launched a few months ago. Nio hopes to deliver between 72k and 75k units this year.

The financial results showed that Nio’s total revenue came in at RMB 18.67 billion in the last quarter, a 2.1% YoY decline. These numbers were a bit higher than the RMB 17.4 billion it made in the second quarter. 

Nio’s net loss rose slightly to CNY 5.0 billion. The company hopes that it will become profitable in the coming years. Most importantly, its balance sheet has improved after raising RMB 3.3 billion from Hefei Jianheng New Energy Automobile. It ended the last quarter with about $6 billion in cash and short-term investments.

In addition to its strong balance sheet, there are signs that the Nio stock price is undervalued. It has a forward EV-to-sales ratio of 1.02, lower than the sector median of 1.34. Its forward price-to-sales was 0.9, lower than other EV companies like Rivian and XPeng. 

Read more: Nio stock price could enter beast mode, thanks to these catalysts

The post Here’s why the Nio stock price HK could rebound soon appeared first on Invezz

In a surprising shake-up, Intel’s CEO Pat Gelsinger has stepped down under board pressure, marking the end of his nearly four-year tenure at the helm of the chipmaking titan.

Gelsinger, who spent a significant part of his career at Intel, was asked by the board to either retire or face removal amid concerns over the slow progress of his ambitious turnaround strategy.

His exit comes at a critical juncture for Intel, a company grappling with fierce competition, declining market value, and strategic uncertainties in the fast-evolving semiconductor industry.

Pat Gelsinger: a legacy marked by challenges and ambition

Pat Gelsinger began his career at Intel in 1979, eventually becoming its first Chief Technology Officer before leaving to lead VMware.

He returned in 2021 as CEO, inheriting a company beset with challenges.

Despite his bold vision to restore Intel’s technological dominance, Gelsinger’s tenure was marred by missed targets and declining investor confidence.

Under Gelsinger, Intel aimed to reclaim its lead in producing the world’s smallest and fastest chips, a title it lost to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

His roadmap included ambitious investments in manufacturing and artificial intelligence capabilities.

However, delays, canceled contracts, and unfulfilled promises left the company struggling to meet expectations.

Intel’s market performance during his tenure further fueled discontent.

The company’s stock lost over half its value this year, lagging behind competitors like Nvidia, whose market valuation soared on the back of advancements in AI chips.

Notably, Nvidia replaced Intel on the prestigious Dow Jones Industrial Average, underscoring Intel’s diminished standing in the semiconductor landscape.

Boardroom shake-up and leadership transition

Gelsinger’s abrupt departure reflects mounting frustrations within Intel’s board.

Reports suggest that his costly turnaround strategy and the slow pace of progress led directors to question his leadership.

As per sources, the board presented Gelsinger with an ultimatum—retire or face removal—and he chose to step down.

In his farewell statement, Gelsinger described his departure as “bittersweet,” reflecting on his decades-long association with the company.

“Leading Intel Corporation has been the honor of my lifetime. While this chapter ends, I am proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he wrote on LinkedIn.

Control of Intel now rests with two key executives: CFO David Zinsner and former head of client computing Michelle Johnston Holthaus.

Both leaders will oversee the company while a search for a permanent CEO is underway.

What lies ahead for Intel?

Gelsinger’s exit has reignited speculation about Intel’s strategic future.

The company, which recently secured $7.86 billion in U.S. government subsidies, faces mounting pressure to adapt to the rapidly changing semiconductor industry.

Reports indicate that Intel’s board has been exploring options previously dismissed by Gelsinger.

These include splitting the company’s manufacturing and product-design businesses or pursuing private equity deals.

Major financial players like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are reportedly advising Intel on these possibilities.

Moreover, Qualcomm Inc. has previously shown interest in parts of Intel’s business, and Gelsinger’s departure could pave the way for renewed acquisition talks.

Such moves could reshape Intel’s trajectory as it seeks to regain its competitive edge.

Intel’s challenges extend beyond leadership changes.

The company must address declining market share, innovate in AI and advanced chipmaking, and rebuild investor confidence.

With TSMC, Nvidia, and other rivals gaining ground, Intel’s next steps will be critical in determining its relevance in the semiconductor industry.

Gelsinger’s departure marks a turning point for the iconic Silicon Valley firm.

Whether new leadership will embrace bold structural changes or double down on rebuilding its technological prowess remains to be seen.

For now, Intel’s future hangs in the balance, with significant decisions looming on the horizon.

The post Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger’s sudden exit: what’s next for the American chipmaking giant? appeared first on Invezz

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) stock continued rising and is sitting at a record high as the strength of the equities market accelerates. The fund was trading at $605 on Monday, bringing the year-to-date gains to about 27%.

Other related funds like the Vanguard S&P 500 (VOO) and the iShares S&P 500 (IVV) have also soared this year. 

Technical analysis points to a future SPY ETF reversal

The SPDR S&P 500 ETF has been in a spectacular rally for decades, which explains why it has become one of the most popular funds in Wall Street.

As a result, the fund has constantly remained above the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA), meaning that bulls are in control.

However, historically, the ETF has seen periods of bear markets, as we experienced in 2022, when it crashed by over 20%. 

There is a risk that the fund will have a strong bearish breakout, possibly in 2025. That’s because, as shown below, the fund has been forming a rising wedge chart pattern, which is a popular bearish reversal sign.

This pattern is made up of two ascending trendlines that seem to be converging. The lower line connects all lower lows since August, while the upper one connects the higher highs.

In most periods, a rising wedge pattern results in a strong bearish breakdown, especially when the two lines near their confluence level.

There are other signs that the SPDR S&P 500 ETF will suffer a harsh reversal. For example, the MACD indicator has remained above the zero line but it is moving sideways, a sign of a bearish divergence.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator has also moved sideways below the overbought level. Also, the stock was trading at the strong pivot release of the Murrey Math Lines indicator.

Therefore, there is a likelihood that the S&P 500 index will suffer a harsh reversal, probably in 2025. If this happens, it will likely drop to the bottom of the trading range at $545.

On the flip side, a move above the key resistance level at $640 will point to more gains, possibly to the extreme overshoot level of $656.

Catalysts for an S&P 500 index reversal 

There are a few potential catalysts for a bearish reversal of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF.

First, Donald Trump has vowed to be tough on trade and has already threatened to impose tariffs on imports to the United States from its key trading partners like China, Mexico, and Canada. If he goes ahead with these plans, there are rising odds that he will trigger a trade war that will impact most companies in the S&P 500 index like NVIDIA and Walmart.

Second, Trump has also vowed to be tough in China, the second biggest economy in the world. He could do that by imposing tariffs and trade restrictions as he did in the last term. These actions could hurt more American companies that do a lot of business in the country.

Third, there are concerns about the valuation of American companies, which could trigger a reset. The forward one-year PE ratio for the S&P 500 index is 22, higher than the five-year moving average of 19 and higher than the ten-year average of 18.

Additionally, the fiscal state of the US economy is major risk as public debt has now surged to over $36 trillion. Analysts expect that the figure will be over $40 trillion in the next few years. Worse, Trump has vowed to cut more taxes, a move that will lead to more deficits over time.

To be clear: a drop in the SPY ETF stock will be brief as it has done in the past decades. Historically, the index drops and then bounces back. We saw that during the COVID-19 years, the Global Financial Crisis, and the dot com bubble.

The post 5 reasons the S&P 500 and the SPY ETF could dive in 2025 appeared first on Invezz

Nio stock HK stock price has been under intense pressure in the past few months as concerns about its business and the EV industry remained. It initially surged to H$74.15 in January this year and then plunged to $29.15 in April and August, forming a double-bottom chart pattern. 

Nio shares then bounced back to $60 in September and has now imploded by about 42% to the current $35.50. The same trend has happened in Singapore and the United States, where Nio shares are traded.

Nio stock price analysis: the contrarian case

Turning to the daily chart, we see that the Nio share price has been in a strong bearish trend in the past few months. 

This decline is mostly because of the general weakness of most Chinese EV companies as growth slows.

Nio stock HK has also dropped below the 50-day and 100-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA). The two lines have formed a bearish crossover pattern.

Notably, it has formed a falling wedge pattern shown in green. This pattern is made up of a series of higher lows and lower lows. In this case, the stock has formed two downward trendlines that are converging. A falling wedge is one of the most bullish reversal patterns in the market.

Nio share price HK is forming a triple-bottom chart pattern, a popular bullish sign. This pattern happens when an asset fails to drop below a key level three times. In most periods, it often leads to more gains. 

Therefore, the stock will likely stage a strong comeback in the next few months. If this happens, the next point to watch will be at $60.60, the neckline of the triple-bottom pattern. This implies a 70% above the current level. 

A break above that level will point to more gains, with the next level to watch being at $76.30, the 50% retracement point, which is 115% above the current level. This price is also a few points above $74.15, its highest swing in December last year.

On the flip side, a drop below the key support at $29.15, the triple-bottom point, will signal more downside. 

NIO chart by TradingView

Nio’s business is showing signs of resilience

There are signs that Nio’s business is doing well even as China’s EV business goes through major headwinds. 

Its numbers released on Sunday showed that Nio delivered 20,575 vehicles in November, a 28% increase from the same period last year. These deliveries included 15,493 Nio vehicles and 5,082 ONVO. 

These numbers are notable since the ONVO brand was launched a few months ago. Nio hopes to deliver between 72k and 75k units this year.

The financial results showed that Nio’s total revenue came in at RMB 18.67 billion in the last quarter, a 2.1% YoY decline. These numbers were a bit higher than the RMB 17.4 billion it made in the second quarter. 

Nio’s net loss rose slightly to CNY 5.0 billion. The company hopes that it will become profitable in the coming years. Most importantly, its balance sheet has improved after raising RMB 3.3 billion from Hefei Jianheng New Energy Automobile. It ended the last quarter with about $6 billion in cash and short-term investments.

In addition to its strong balance sheet, there are signs that the Nio stock price is undervalued. It has a forward EV-to-sales ratio of 1.02, lower than the sector median of 1.34. Its forward price-to-sales was 0.9, lower than other EV companies like Rivian and XPeng. 

Read more: Nio stock price could enter beast mode, thanks to these catalysts

The post Here’s why the Nio stock price HK could rebound soon appeared first on Invezz

Archer Aviation (ACHR) stock price suffered a harsh reversal as the number of investors shorting it jumped. After being one of the best-performing companies in Wall Street, it has dropped by over 26% from its highest level this year. This pullback has brought its market cap to about $4 billion.

Why ACHR stock price jumped in November

The Archer Aviation share price skyrocketed in November as investors rotated back to companies in the Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) industry. 

Joby Aviation, the biggest player in the eVTOL industry soared to $9.33, up by over 94% from its lowest level this year. Similarly, Ehang share price jumped by almost 30% in the same period.

The surge happened after the industry received support from an analyst from Needham. In a statement, the analyst hinted that the sector was significantly undervalued and that the companies would ultimately bounce back. 

The analyst remained optimistic in Archer Aviation and Joby, which he believes are better positioned to become market leaders in the industry. Besides, the two companies have raised substantial sums of money and have received most of the certificates they need to start commercialization in 2025 and 2026.

The analyst recommendation then led to the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) in these eVTOL companies. In technical analysis, these stocks simply moved into the markup phase of the Wyckoff Method. This phase is characterized by higher demand for an asset. 

Why the ACHR share price has crashed

There are three potential reasons why the ACHR stock price has nosedived this month. First, the stock crashed as it entered the distribution or the markdown phase of the Wyckoff Method. In most periods, this is one of the most bearish parts of an asset. 

Second, there are signs that investors have started to short the company as the short interest has risen significantly in the past few weeks. According to SeekingAlpha, Archer Aviation’s short interest has risen to almost 20%, meaning that a fifth of its outstanding shares are held by short-sellers.

These short sellers are likely concerned about Archer Aviation’s untested business model and the fact that it will need to dilute its shareholders to fund its operations. 

Archer’s fundraising from Stellantis had clauses of dilution. As part of the agreement, Stellantis will provide it with manufacturing funds and recoup it through quarterly share distributions.

The most recent results showed that Archer Aviation’s net loss surged to $115 million from $51.6 million a year earlier. Its adjusted EBITDA also rose from minus $64.8 million to minus $93.5 million in the last quarter. It ended the quarter with $501 million in cash, meaning that another cash raise cannot be ruled out.

Many short-sellers also believe that Archer Aviation’s business is untested and that there is uncertainty about whether it will be successful in the long term. 

Read more: Archer Aviation: the next millionaire-maker stock?

Archer Aviation stock analysis

The daily chart shows that the ACHR share price made a strong comeback in November. This recovery happened after the stock formed a falling wedge chart pattern, a popular bullish sign.

It even formed a golden cross pattern as the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA) crossed each other. The stock also moved above the key resistance at $7.45, its highest swing in August 2023.

Archer Aviation has formed a bearish engulfing pattern, a popular reversal pattern. This means that it could drop and move to the 50-day Exponential Moving Average point at $4.57, which is about 37% below the current level. More gains will only be confirmed if it rallies above the year-to-date high of $9.84.

The post Archer Aviation stock has crashed: can ACHR shares rebound? appeared first on Invezz

24X National Exchange will soon let you trade US stocks for 23 hours per weekday.

The trading platform expects to go live in the back half of 2025. It is currently awaiting final approvals from the Securities & Exchange Commission.

“Traders are most at-risk when the market is closed in their geographic location,” as per Dmitri Galinov – the chief executive of 24X National Exchange.

We wish to fix this problem by “facilitating around-the-clock US equities trading for broker-dealers and their institutional and retail customers,” he added in a press release on Friday.

Why isn’t 24X aiming for 24 hours a day trading?

The push for round-the-clock trading has garnered support in recent years in a bid to make equities as attractive as cryptocurrencies that never stop trading even on the weekends or holidays.

Brokerage firms like Interactive Brokers and Robinhood Markets already allow their clients to trade select securities for extended hours.

But 24X National Exchange now plans on taking a step further, enabling 23 hours a day of trading, pausing only for one hour per day for software upgrades and functionality testing.

“We will deliver the cost efficiency, speed, resilience, and adaptability that the company’s financial institutional customers have long come to expect,” according to CEO Dmitri Galinov.

24X Exchange to offer a superior trading experience

On Friday, 24X National Exchange also confirmed that it will first commit to capturing the “expanding demand in the [Asia Pacific] region for overnight liquidity in US equities.”

Similar to the NYSE and Nasdaq, the new exchange will remain closed on US market holidays.

All in all, 24X Exchange will deliver a superior trading experience to global customers via continuous tech innovations and improvements, as per its press release today.

24X National Exchange was launched in 2019. Over the past five years, it has enabled clients to enjoy increased liquidity and lower cost across multiple assets via a single trading interface.

Why is there demand for round-the-clock trading?

Extended trading hours are sought after as market-influencing events can occur anytime.

Longer trading hours allow investors to react to news in real time. This leads to more efficient price discovery and reduces the likelihood of large gaps between closing and opening prices.  

Round-the-clock trading is also attractive because it can help lower volatility by spreading volume over more hours.

Institutional investors particularly appreciate extended trading hours as they must gradually execute large orders.

Longer trading hours bring more traders to the financial markets as well as those with busy schedules can then choose to trade outside of regular hours.

They also make it easier for traders in different time zones to participate in the market.

The post You may be able to trade US stocks for 23 hours a day in 2025 appeared first on Invezz

In a move that has sparked significant political and public debate, President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday night.

The decision marks a sharp reversal from Biden’s previous stance, where he vowed not to use his executive authority to intervene in his son’s legal troubles.

The pardon addresses federal gun charges and tax evasion allegations, shielding Hunter Biden from potential prison time and amplifying ongoing political discourse about presidential powers and justice system impartiality.

Biden justified his decision: ‘Enough is enough’

In a statement released on Sunday, President Biden justified his decision, pointing to what he described as political bias in the judicial process against his son.

“I believe in the justice system, but raw politics has infected this process, leading to a miscarriage of justice,” Biden said.

“Every attack on Hunter has been an attempt to break him—and me. Enough is enough.”

Biden acknowledged the difficult balance between his father and leader roles.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly. It reflects my belief in justice and my duty to protect my family against undue persecution,” he added.

The pardon comes ahead of Hunter Biden’s scheduled sentencing for gun-related convictions on December 12 and tax evasion charges on December 16.

The president’s executive amnesty effectively nullifies both cases.

Controversy surrounding the pardon

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, particularly Republicans, who have long alleged that Hunter Biden received preferential treatment because of his father’s political influence.

GOP leaders argue the pardon undermines the judicial system’s credibility and sets a troubling precedent.

“This is yet another example of the Biden administration shielding its own while the rest of America plays by different rules,” said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have been a focal point of Republican attacks for years, with particular attention on his foreign business dealings and allegations of corruption.

The pardon is likely to intensify scrutiny on the president, especially as the GOP continues to pursue investigations into the Biden family’s business and financial ties.

The president’s evolving stance

President Biden’s decision represents a significant shift from his earlier public declarations.

In June, following Hunter Biden’s conviction on federal gun charges, Biden stated firmly, “I will not pardon him.”

White House officials and even First Lady Jill Biden echoed this position, emphasizing their respect for the judicial process.

However, sources close to the administration revealed that discussions about a potential pardon began as early as June, following Hunter’s conviction.

The president reportedly grappled with the implications of granting clemency but ultimately felt compelled to act in what he described as a moment of “moral clarity.”

The pardon comes at a pivotal moment in US politics.

Moreover, the pardon places a spotlight on the use of executive clemency and its role in high-profile cases involving family members of public officials.

Legal experts, including Neil Eggleston, a former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, defended Biden’s decision, emphasizing the broad latitude afforded to presidents in granting pardons.

“The clemency power has few limitations and certainly extends to a Hunter Biden pardon,” Eggleston was quoted saying by CNBC.

A father’s defense

In his statement, Biden also addressed Hunter’s struggles, including his battle with addiction.

“Hunter has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. I am proud of his resilience,” Biden said.

The pardon, however, does not erase the legal, political, and public scrutiny surrounding the Biden family.

As Republicans continue to push investigations into Hunter Biden’s business dealings and ties to his father, the decision underscores the complex intersection of personal loyalty, political accountability, and executive authority.

For now, President Biden has taken a definitive stand, one that will undoubtedly shape the narrative of his final year in office and the broader debate over justice and politics in America.

The post President Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter Biden: everything you need to know appeared first on Invezz

China’s manufacturing sector recorded its strongest growth in five months in November, offering fresh signs of recovery in the world’s second-largest economy.

The Caixin/S&P Global Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) hit 51.5, significantly surpassing forecasts of 50.5 in a Reuters poll.

This marks the second consecutive month the index has stayed above the 50-point threshold, indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector.

The Caixin PMI primarily tracks the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises, as well as private firms, providing a broader view of China’s economic health beyond the large state-owned enterprises captured in the official PMI data.

The official PMI, released earlier on Saturday, also showed growth, rising to 50.3 in November from 50.1 in October, exceeding market expectations of 50.2.

Stimulus efforts begin to show results

The stronger-than-expected growth reflects the initial impact of China’s recent stimulus measures aimed at reviving its faltering economy.

Introduced in late September, these policies include increased fiscal spending, measures to stabilize the struggling property market, and a reduction in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) by the People’s Bank of China.

This RRR cut has injected additional liquidity into the financial system by lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in reserve.

While the manufacturing data paints a positive picture, challenges persist in other sectors.

China’s industrial profits declined by 10% in October year-over-year, marking the third consecutive month of contraction.

Additionally, real estate investment dropped by 10.3% from January to October compared to the same period last year, highlighting the property sector’s ongoing struggles.

However, retail sales in October outperformed expectations, hinting at a rebound in consumer spending.

These mixed signals underscore the complexity of China’s recovery trajectory as it navigates internal and external economic pressures.

In a September Politburo meeting, Chinese leaders intensified efforts to boost growth, pledging support for infrastructure development and fiscal spending.

Early November saw the unveiling of a five-year, 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) plan to address mounting local government debt, with indications that further economic support will follow in 2024.

External challenges loom for China

Despite these positive indicators, external risks remain a concern.

Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024 has raised fears of renewed trade tensions between the US and China, particularly the possibility of higher tariffs on Chinese goods.

Such measures could weigh heavily on China’s export-driven economy, potentially offsetting gains in domestic growth.

The November data provides a cautiously optimistic outlook for China’s economy, but significant hurdles lie ahead.

Sustained recovery will depend on the continued effectiveness of stimulus measures, the stabilization of the property sector, and the resolution of external trade challenges.

As China navigates these complexities, its policymakers are likely to remain focused on fostering growth while managing risks, ensuring a balanced approach to economic revival.

The post China’s November factory growth surges to 5-month high: Caixin PMI hits 51.5 appeared first on Invezz

Asia-Pacific markets traded slightly higher on Monday, kicking off a data-packed week with investors closely watching economic indicators from China, Japan, South Korea, and other regional economies.

Fresh manufacturing and retail figures, coupled with updates on trade and inflation, are expected to provide insights into the region’s economic recovery amid global uncertainties.

China’s PMI signals growth

China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for November rose to 50.3, its highest since April and above economists’ expectations of 50.2, according to a Reuters poll.

This marked an improvement from October’s reading of 50.1.

However, the non-manufacturing PMI dipped slightly to 50.0 from 50.2, indicating stagnation in the service sector.

The composite PMI held steady at 50.8, signaling moderate expansion.

Meanwhile, the Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI, which focuses on smaller manufacturers, showed further growth with a reading of 51.5, exceeding the forecast of 50.5.

These figures highlight the impact of China’s recent stimulus measures in bolstering industrial activity, even as challenges remain in other sectors, including real estate and consumer spending.

Asia-Pacific market indices

Elsewhere, Australia reported a robust 3.4% year-on-year rise in retail sales for October, the fastest pace since May 2023.

Monthly, sales grew by 0.6%, beating the forecasted 0.4% increase.

The data reflects strong consumer confidence despite global economic uncertainties.

In South Korea, the Kospi index traded near the flatline, while the small-cap Kosdaq rose 0.13%.

Preliminary trade data showed exports grew by 1.4% year-on-year in November, falling short of expectations for 2.8% growth and marking a sharp decline from October’s 4.6% increase.

The data suggests a slowdown in the country’s export-driven economy.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 and the broader Topix index posted modest gains, with the Topix rising 0.68%.

Investors in Japan are looking forward to updates on domestic economic policies and external trade developments.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.21%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 gained 0.26%.

The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index advanced 0.5%, supported by accelerating growth in China’s new home prices in November, offering some respite to the struggling property sector.

US markets close on a high note

On Friday, US markets ended a shortened trading session on a strong note.

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average recorded their best monthly performances of 2024.

The Dow rose by 0.42%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite gained 0.56% and 0.83%, respectively.

A surge in semiconductor stocks contributed to the rally after reports suggested that potential restrictions on semiconductor equipment sales to China might be less stringent than initially feared.

Notable gains included Lam Research, up over 3%, and Nvidia, which rose more than 2%.

GQG Partners stock tumbles after UBS downgrade

Shares of Australian-listed investment firm GQG Partners, a significant investor in India’s Adani Group, plunged by over 15% on Monday.

The drop came after UBS downgraded the stock from “buy” to “neutral” and slashed its target price from AU$3.30 to AU$2.30.

This marks UBS’s first-ever downgrade of GQG since it began coverage in 2022. The stock was trading at AU$2.08 as of the afternoon in Sydney.

GQG is the fourth-largest investor in Adani Enterprises, and the downgrade reflects growing caution over the firm’s investment portfolio amidst heightened scrutiny of Adani Group’s financial practices.

Investors are bracing for more economic data as the week unfolds.

Indonesia is set to release its November inflation numbers, providing insights into price stability in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

Additionally, PMI readings from various Asian economies will offer a clearer picture of manufacturing activity across the region.

As global markets grapple with uncertainties ranging from inflation to geopolitical tensions, Asia-Pacific remains a focal point for investors seeking signs of economic resilience and growth opportunities.

By closely tracking economic indicators and market trends, analysts hope to gauge the region’s recovery trajectory and the potential implications for global trade and investment.

The post Asia-Pacific markets edge higher as investors eye key economic data from the region appeared first on Invezz

In a move that has sparked significant political and public debate, President Joe Biden issued a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, on Sunday night.

The decision marks a sharp reversal from Biden’s previous stance, where he vowed not to use his executive authority to intervene in his son’s legal troubles.

The pardon addresses federal gun charges and tax evasion allegations, shielding Hunter Biden from potential prison time and amplifying ongoing political discourse about presidential powers and justice system impartiality.

Biden justified his decision: ‘Enough is enough’

In a statement released on Sunday, President Biden justified his decision, pointing to what he described as political bias in the judicial process against his son.

“I believe in the justice system, but raw politics has infected this process, leading to a miscarriage of justice,” Biden said.

“Every attack on Hunter has been an attempt to break him—and me. Enough is enough.”

Biden acknowledged the difficult balance between his father and leader roles.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly. It reflects my belief in justice and my duty to protect my family against undue persecution,” he added.

The pardon comes ahead of Hunter Biden’s scheduled sentencing for gun-related convictions on December 12 and tax evasion charges on December 16.

The president’s executive amnesty effectively nullifies both cases.

Controversy surrounding the pardon

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, particularly Republicans, who have long alleged that Hunter Biden received preferential treatment because of his father’s political influence.

GOP leaders argue the pardon undermines the judicial system’s credibility and sets a troubling precedent.

“This is yet another example of the Biden administration shielding its own while the rest of America plays by different rules,” said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Hunter Biden’s legal troubles have been a focal point of Republican attacks for years, with particular attention on his foreign business dealings and allegations of corruption.

The pardon is likely to intensify scrutiny on the president, especially as the GOP continues to pursue investigations into the Biden family’s business and financial ties.

The president’s evolving stance

President Biden’s decision represents a significant shift from his earlier public declarations.

In June, following Hunter Biden’s conviction on federal gun charges, Biden stated firmly, “I will not pardon him.”

White House officials and even First Lady Jill Biden echoed this position, emphasizing their respect for the judicial process.

However, sources close to the administration revealed that discussions about a potential pardon began as early as June, following Hunter’s conviction.

The president reportedly grappled with the implications of granting clemency but ultimately felt compelled to act in what he described as a moment of “moral clarity.”

The pardon comes at a pivotal moment in US politics.

Moreover, the pardon places a spotlight on the use of executive clemency and its role in high-profile cases involving family members of public officials.

Legal experts, including Neil Eggleston, a former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, defended Biden’s decision, emphasizing the broad latitude afforded to presidents in granting pardons.

“The clemency power has few limitations and certainly extends to a Hunter Biden pardon,” Eggleston was quoted saying by CNBC.

A father’s defense

In his statement, Biden also addressed Hunter’s struggles, including his battle with addiction.

“Hunter has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. I am proud of his resilience,” Biden said.

The pardon, however, does not erase the legal, political, and public scrutiny surrounding the Biden family.

As Republicans continue to push investigations into Hunter Biden’s business dealings and ties to his father, the decision underscores the complex intersection of personal loyalty, political accountability, and executive authority.

For now, President Biden has taken a definitive stand, one that will undoubtedly shape the narrative of his final year in office and the broader debate over justice and politics in America.

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