U Aglaea news

Category: economy

  • Tencent’s Yuanbao AI Surpasses DeepSeek as China’s Top iPhone App

    Tencent’s Yuanbao AI Surpasses DeepSeek as China’s Top iPhone App

    Tencent Holdings Ltd.’s Yuanbao AI chatbot has overtaken DeepSeek to become the most downloaded iPhone app in China this week, underscoring the country’s intensifying AI competition. The app, powered by Tencent’s Hunyuan AI technology and DeepSeek’s R1 reasoning model, reflects surging domestic interest in artificial intelligence. Three of the top five free apps in China are now AI chatbots, including ByteDance’s Doubao.

    DeepSeek’s rapid rise has spurred major AI investments, with Alibaba committing $53 billion to the sector. Tencent has also integrated DeepSeek R1 into WeChat’s search function and its hit game Peacekeeper Elite, while launching a Hunyuan Turbo edition, claiming superior speed.

    With 1.4 billion WeChat users, Tencent is gaining ground on AI-focused rivals Alibaba and Baidu. However, questions remain over the long-term monetization of AI services, many of which are currently free or open-source.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-04/tencent-s-ai-bot-passes-deepseek-as-china-s-favorite-on-iphones?srnd=phx-ai)

  • Trump to Deliver Primetime Address Amid Economic and Political Turmoil

    Trump to Deliver Primetime Address Amid Economic and Political Turmoil

    President Donald Trump will deliver a primetime address from Capitol Hill on Tuesday night, framing his policies as the “Renewal of the American Dream.” His speech comes at a pivotal moment in his second term, as voters evaluate the impact of his aggressive economic and foreign policy agenda.

    In his first six weeks back in office, Trump has pushed rapid government overhauls, with billionaire ally Elon Musk slashing federal agencies and executive orders targeting cultural issues. His bid to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia has led to tensions with Kyiv, resulting in a freeze on U.S. aid. Meanwhile, the administration has imposed historic tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, further shaking global trade.

    Trump now faces the challenge of rallying support for his policies, including extending his 2017 tax cuts and preventing a looming government shutdown. While his hardline approach has reshaped Washington, he must convince Congress and the public that his strategy is delivering results as economic concerns grow.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (ref:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-04/trump-speech-to-congress-economy-tariffs-ukraine-on-agenda?srnd=phx-economics-v2)

  • China’s Manufacturing Activity Expands, but Trade Risks Pose Challenges

    China’s Manufacturing Activity Expands, but Trade Risks Pose Challenges

    March 1, 2025 — China’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in February, with factory activity expanding for the first time in months, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. The official manufacturing PMI rose above the 50-point threshold, indicating growth, as domestic demand improved and production picked up. The positive momentum suggests that government stimulus measures and industrial adjustments may be supporting economic stabilization.

    Despite the rebound, concerns remain over external risks, particularly in the global trade environment. Geopolitical tensions, potential tariff measures from major trading partners like the U.S., and weaker global demand could pose challenges for China’s export-driven economy. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at possible tariff hikes on Chinese goods, a move that could disrupt trade flows and raise costs for businesses and consumers. At the same time, a recent survey indicates that American consumers are becoming increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook, citing inflation concerns and uncertainty about future trade policies. If U.S. demand weakens further, it could have ripple effects on China’s exports.

    （By Ziqi Qin）

    （Ref: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-01/china-factory-activity-returns-to-expansion-but-trade-risks-grow）

  • Star Entertainment Faces Market Pause Before Crucial Financial Disclosure

    Star Entertainment Faces Market Pause Before Crucial Financial Disclosure

    Star Entertainment Group has announced a trading halt on its shares as it prepares to release its half-year financial results. The company, which operates several major casinos in Australia, has faced mounting challenges, including regulatory investigations and operational disruptions. The trading halt follows a period of heightened scrutiny over Star Entertainment’s compliance with Australian laws, particularly regarding money laundering and governance issues. Analysts are eager to see how these factors have affected the company’s financial performance. The upcoming report will also be closely watched for any updates on Star’s ongoing efforts to address these challenges and return to profitability. The company has stated it will lift the trading halt once the results are disclosed, providing further insight into the group’s future prospects.

    （By Ziqi Qin）

    （Ref：https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-28/star-entertainment-trading-halt-half-year-financial-results/104993370）

  • U.S.-China Maritime Tensions Escalate Amid Economic Policy Shifts

    U.S.-China Maritime Tensions Escalate Amid Economic Policy Shifts

    China’s maritime dominance, shaped by decades of industrial policy, is now under U.S. scrutiny. President Xi Jinping often references China’s “century of humiliation,” which began with forced integration into global trade by Western powers. Learning from Japan’s 19th-century response to foreign pressure, China built a powerful shipping industry, becoming the world’s top shipbuilder and port operator.

    Now, the U.S. sees China’s maritime strength as both an economic advantage and a strategic risk. The Trump administration, following a Biden-era investigation, has introduced escalating fines on Chinese commercial ships. However, a key question remains—will Washington invest in rebuilding its long-outsourced shipping capacity? With Trump’s incoming chief economic adviser advocating for an industrial policy prioritizing national security, the U.S. approach to maritime competition is set to evolve.

    （By Angela Xie)

    (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-03-01)

  • New Zealand Revamps ‘Golden Visa’ to Attract High-Net-Worth Migrants

    New Zealand has announced changes to its “Golden Visa” program in an effort to attract wealthy migrants. The new policy, introduced in February 2025, offers residency to individuals who invest at least NZD 15 million (approximately USD 9.5 million) in the country. This move aims to boost the nation’s economy by encouraging high-net-worth individuals to invest in key sectors such as real estate, businesses, and technology. The government hopes that these changes will create jobs and stimulate economic growth, though some critics have raised concerns about the potential for rising inequality and housing affordability issues.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (Ref: https://www.afr.com/world/pacific/new-zealand-changes-golden-visa-to-lure-wealthy-migrants-20250209-p5lapd)

  • Property fund manager Centuria Plans $1.5 Billion in Property Floats Amid Market Rebound

    Property fund manager Centuria Plans $1.5 Billion in Property Floats Amid Market Rebound

    Australian property fund manager Centuria has announced plans to launch up to $1.5 billion in real estate investment trusts (REITs) as the commercial property market shows signs of recovery. The firm sees improving conditions and increasing investor confidence as key drivers for the move.

    Centuria’s planned floats will focus on industrial, healthcare, and office assets, aiming to capitalize on stabilizing interest rates and a renewed appetite for listed property investments. The firm’s CEO highlighted that market conditions are becoming more favorable, with a shift in sentiment following a challenging period for the commercial real estate sector.

    With property valuations stabilizing and institutional investors re-engaging with the sector, analysts predict that Centuria’s move could signal broader market optimism. The company remains confident that its REIT offerings will attract strong demand, further boosting activity in Australia’s commercial property market.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (Ref:https://www.afr.com/property/commercial/property-fund-manager-centuria-flags-1-5b-in-floats-as-upswing-begins-20250227-p5lfof)

  • Zelenskiy’s Clash with Trump Raises Fears Over Ukraine’s Future Support

    Zelenskiy’s Clash with Trump Raises Fears Over Ukraine’s Future Support

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s heated exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked concerns among Kyiv’s allies, raising fears that a potential Trump return to the White House could drastically alter Western support for Ukraine.

    The dispute reportedly centered on Trump’s skepticism about continued U.S. military aid, with sources suggesting that Zelenskiy directly challenged Trump over his stance. Trump, who has previously expressed reluctance to provide further assistance to Ukraine, has hinted that he could push for negotiations with Russia, potentially at the expense of Kyiv’s territorial integrity.

    European and NATO leaders are now on high alert, worried that a shift in U.S. policy could weaken Ukraine’s defense efforts and embolden Russia. Some diplomats have begun contingency planning, seeking alternative strategies to sustain Ukraine’s war effort in case American support declines. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy is intensifying diplomatic efforts to secure long-term military and financial commitments from European partners.

    The fallout from this confrontation underscores growing global uncertainty about the future of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on the war in Ukraine, with key stakeholders watching closely as the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (Ref：https://www.bloomberg.com/europe)

  • China’s Foreign Trade Shows Strong Growth in Early 2025

    China’s Foreign Trade Shows Strong Growth in Early 2025

    In related developments, China has maintained open lines of communication with the United States Department of Commerce, responding to US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks that Washington may reach a new trade agreement with Beijing. The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that ongoing dialogue is crucial for resolving trade issues and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
    China’s foreign trade has experienced significant growth in the first months of 2025, with both exports and imports rising sharply. The General Administration of Customs reported that exports, particularly in high-tech products and consumer goods, saw substantial increases. This has led to a widening trade surplus. The expansion is also attributed to China’s strategic partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative and regional trade agreements, which continue to bolster trade. Experts predict steady growth in the coming months as China diversifies its trade partners and adapts to shifting global demand.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (Ref:https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202502/28/WS67c10d7da310c240449d7c22.html)

  • China’s Low-Altitude Economy: A Transformative Force for the Future

    China’s Low-Altitude Economy: A Transformative Force for the Future

    China is poised to revolutionize its economy through the rapid development of its low-altitude economy. The low-altitude economy refers to the use of drones, small aircraft, and other flying vehicles operating below 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) to enhance various industries such as logistics, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. This sector is gaining momentum as advancements in technology make these flying vehicles more accessible and efficient. The government has committed to fostering innovation in this field, with new policies and regulations aimed at boosting technological advancements and ensuring safety. Experts predict that China’s low-altitude economy will significantly transform traditional industries, create new economic opportunities, and help achieve sustainable growth. This shift is expected to not only enhance productivity but also position China as a global leader in the sector.

    (By Ziqi Qin)

    (Ref:https://www.chinaservicesinfo.com/s/202501/06/WS677b38b2498eec7e1f72c6f7/chinas-low-altitude-economy-a-transformative-force.html)