What’s Going On Here? Investors ditched their stocks on Monday, as the deadly coronavirus continued to disrupt the Chinese – and global – economy. What Does This Mean? Chinese authorities confirmed on Monday that the virus has killed 80 people and infected almost 3,000 more. And they warned its spread could accelerate with the millions…
Category: Daily News
Ep 93: Vietnam grapples with an unexpected surge in solar power
What’s going on here? Context: Solar power played almost no part in Vietnam’s energy mix in 2017. To speed the technology’s adoption, the government offered to pay suppliers a generous $0.09 for every kilowatt-hour produced by big solar farms, but only if they started operations within the following two years. By the end of 2019,…
Ep 92: Chin Up
What’s Going On Here? Computing giant IBM saw its stock price rise 3%, and it isn’t the only stunner on the catwalk. But are positive surprises really so in fashion this earnings season? What Does This Mean? IBM’s revenue grew (just) last quarter, thanks to a new mainframe model and strong software sales from a trendy Red…
Ep 91: Washout
What’s Going On Here? Global healthcare and consumer products giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Suda-fed investors with fourth-quarter sales that fell short of expectations. What Does This Mean? J&J’s global sales across 2019 ended essentially flat on the year before. While pharmaceuticals revenue climbed almost 4%, this was largely offset by a similar decline in medical device…
Ep 90: Awards Season
What’s Going On Here? Netflix reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results. What Does This Mean? The streaming giant’s quarterly revenue was 31% higher, and a little more than investors expected – and its profit beat forecasts too. That was partly thanks to the added 8.8 million subscribers – a big jump from the promised 7.6 million. Netflix only…
Ep 89: Vingroup plans Thai bonds as funding options narrow
What’s going on here? Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest company, plans to issue this year its first baht-denominated bonds as the sprawling conglomerate (1) seeks to expand its loss-making car business and (2) has exhausted its funding options at home. What does this mean? Opportunities and risks from Baht’s appreciation The baht strengthened 8% against the U.S….
Ep 88: Trim Pickings
What’s Going On Here? The International Monetary Fund (IMF) trimmed its growth forecasts for the global economy, but it also softened previous risk warnings. What Does This Mean? The IMF now expects the world economy to grow 3.3% in 2020 and 3.4% in 2021, down from previous forecasts of 3.4% and 3.6%. Still, that’d represent a…
Ep 87: Step Right Up
What’s going on? US investment bank JPMorgan Chase proved its strength and won a prize when it announced financial results: its 2019 was the most profitable year for any US bank ever. What does this mean? JPMorgan reported a 21% surge in profit last quarter: largely driven by a 56% increase in trading revenue. Bond trading was…
Ep 86: Positive Signs
What’s Going On Here? The US stock market hit even higher record highs, putting investors well on track for a positive January return, suggesting a good new year too… What Does This Mean? The “January effect” is a phenomenon whereby stocks typically rise at the start of the year – and data shows that if that momentum…
Ep 85: Year Of The Rat
What’s Going On Here? New data confirmed that the Chinese economy was fastened in 2019 – but shrewd investors might hope it’ll scurry ahead during the upcoming Year of the Rat. What Does This Mean? China’s economy grew 6.1% in 2019: its weakest year since 1990. It blames trade war with the US, and as tensions…
with HT 