Roger W. Watson

1578 Posts
The Kremlin criticizes potential US pressure to impose the use of the dollar

The Kremlin criticizes potential US pressure to impose the use of the dollar

The Kremlin has rejected the idea of ​​the United States forcing other nations to rely on the dollar, warning that such actions could be counterproductive. This statement follows remarks by US President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested imposing economic sanctions on BRICS countries if they pursue alternatives to the dollar or attempt to create a shared currency. Over the weekend, Trump expressed concern about BRICS countries – initially Brazil, Russia, India and China, later expanded to include other nations – potentially adopting a unified currency or diverging from the US dollar in international trade. He warned that any move in this…
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Scott Bessent is poised to lead the Trump administration's economic policy

Scott Bessent is poised to lead the Trump administration's economic policy

Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump for the crucial role of Treasury secretary. The news has already sparked optimism in financial markets, with stock futures rising and Treasury yields falling early Monday. This reaction followed Friday's announcement that Trump intended to name Bessent, a seasoned Wall Street figure, as his administration's top economic policymaker. The appointment sends a clear signal of Trump's commitment to putting someone with extensive market experience and a shared economic philosophy at the helm of the Treasury Department. Analysts widely praised the decision, noting that…
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Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods, worsening trade tensions

Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods, worsening trade tensions

US-China economic relations are facing new uncertainties after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. The announcement, made on its social media platform Truth Social, signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Trump's statement came shortly after he revealed his intention to enact a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada as one of his first executive actions on Jan. 20, the day he took office. This move is expected to effectively dismantle the existing regional free trade agreement between the three nations. Trump…
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Trump picks Kevin Hassett to head National Economic Council, rounding out key economic team

Trump picks Kevin Hassett to head National Economic Council, rounding out key economic team

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council (NEC), placing the veteran economist at the forefront of the administration's decision-making on trade, taxes and deregulation. The announcement, made by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, marks a significant step in finalizing his economic team ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. Hassett, who previously served as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) during Trump's first term, is no stranger to the administration's economic agenda. During his tenure at CEA, Hassett played a critical role in supporting the 2017 Republican…
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Mexican President Sheinbaum calls for cooperation as he prepares response to Trump's proposed tariffs

Mexican President Sheinbaum calls for cooperation as he prepares response to Trump's proposed tariffs

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with US President-elect Donald Trump, but has made it clear that any unilateral trade measures imposed by his administration will be met with reciprocal action by Mexico. In a letter he plans to send to Trump, Sheinbaum stressed the need for cooperation and mutual understanding, cautioning against addressing complex issues such as migration and drug trafficking through threats or punitive tariffs. “It is not through threats or unilateral measures that we can address immigration or the problem of drug use in the United States,” Sheinbaum said in his letter.…
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Ferrari's unique position protects it from potential tariff problems in the automotive sector

Ferrari's unique position protects it from potential tariff problems in the automotive sector

As President-elect Donald Trump renews his calls for high tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, the global auto industry braces for potential supply chain disruptions and rising costs. However, Ferrari, the iconic Italian luxury automaker, appears uniquely positioned to weather the storm, even as other manufacturers face growing challenges. Trump's proposed measures include a 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, triggering concerns across industries that rely heavily on global trade. While European automakers have yet to be directly targeted, analysts suggest it may…
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Mbappe struggles as Liverpool dominate Real Madrid in Champions League clash

Mbappe struggles as Liverpool dominate Real Madrid in Champions League clash

Liverpool produced a commanding performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Carlo Ancelotti's side reeling. Among those under most scrutiny was Kylian Mbappe, whose disappointing performance, capped by a missed penalty, added to an already challenging start to his time at the Spanish club. With Vinicius Junior unavailable due to injury, the stage seemed set for Mbappe to shine and cement his place as the cornerstone of Real Madrid's attack. Instead, the French striker faltered, failing to take advantage of key opportunities and struggling to establish himself against an energetic Liverpool side. Mbappe's frustration was evident…
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Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

Databricks, one of the world's most valuable private technology companies, is raising billions of dollars in new funding as it chooses to delay its long-awaited public offering, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The San Francisco-based company is reportedly securing at least $5 billion in its latest funding round, with the potential to raise as much as $8 billion as discussions progress. This new round would push Databricks' valuation to $55 billion, making it one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. The funding round, according to insiders, is partly designed to allow employees to sell shares, easing…
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Zoom shares fall despite strong quarterly results and optimistic outlook

Zoom shares fall despite strong quarterly results and optimistic outlook

Eric Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom Communications Inc., spoke about the company's ongoing transformation at the annual Concordia Summit held in New York on September 25, 2024. The video conferencing giant, formerly known as Zoom Video Communications, reported solid financial results for its fiscal third quarter, but its shares fell 4% in extended trading on Monday amid mixed investor sentiment regarding its future guidance. Zoom posted results that beat Wall Street's expectations, showing steady growth in an evolving market for its services. According to LSEG financials, the company outperformed analysts' projections in both earnings per share and revenue. Adjusted…
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Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plan to nominate Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, as Treasury secretary. The move places a seasoned hedge fund executive and Trump ally in a key role within the new administration's economic strategy. Bessent's appointment highlights Trump's focus on appointing market-savvy figures to guide the country's economic policy. Bessent, 62, has emerged as a strong contender for the position alongside names such as former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan. Known as a Wall Street heavyweight, Bessent brings decades of financial experience to the table…
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