All articles tagged with #china demand
Nvidia is seeking to increase production of its H200 AI chips through TSMC due to high Chinese demand, with orders exceeding current stock and plans for expanded manufacturing starting in Q2 2026, amidst ongoing regulatory uncertainties.
Swiss watch exports declined by 17% in August due to weak Chinese demand and the impact of US tariffs, with all major markets experiencing double-digit drops, highlighting challenging conditions for Swiss watchmakers amid ongoing trade tensions.
President Biden is advancing with plans to implement a methane fee, despite political challenges, and is urging the European Union to align with U.S. policies. Meanwhile, crude oil futures have dropped to their lowest in over two months due to expectations of a supply surplus next year, a strong U.S. dollar, and concerns about demand from China.
Gold, silver, and copper have recently hit record highs, driven by factors such as a weaker U.S. dollar, lower Treasury yields, and strong demand from China. Despite a slight pullback, analysts expect these metals to continue their upward trend, with gold potentially reaching $2,600 per ounce by year-end. Silver, benefiting from both investment and industrial demand, is also poised for further gains. Copper, supported by supply constraints, is projected to rise significantly over the next 12-18 months.
McDonald's CFO Ian Borden stated that international sales will decline this quarter due to the Middle East conflict and weak demand in China, causing the company's shares to drop 2% in early trade. The first-quarter comparable sales in McDonald's International Developmental Licensed Markets segment are expected to be slightly lower than the prior three-month period, with the company attributing the decline to the impact of the war in the Middle East and sluggish start in China.
Crude oil prices rose as the US government announced plans to buy up to 3 million barrels for the strategic petroleum reserve, with a total of 9 million barrels already purchased. While the news provided support, concerns about China's oil demand and oversupply perceptions continue to cap gains. Despite OPEC+ production cuts, falling oil prices for seven consecutive weeks have been driven by expectations of slower demand growth and record-breaking US production. The true floor for oil prices remains uncertain.
Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and raised its full-year sales forecast to 30% growth, citing strong demand from Chinese customers. The company's net profit rose 35% to 1.9 billion euros, while sales increased 28% to 6.9 billion euros. ASML dominates the market for lithography systems and is expanding production to meet customer demand. CEO Peter Wennink noted that chip makers using ASML's most advanced EUV systems are slowing down equipment delivery, while customers using slightly older DUV product line are still demanding every tool they can get. Despite export control rules and licensing requirements, ASML does not expect these regulations to impact its long-term financial forecasts.
Apple is set to report its earnings for the March quarter, with analysts expecting a 4.5% decline in sales. Despite this, shares of Apple have risen 31% this year. Big Tech earnings have been positive so far, with Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms reporting well-received results. Apple investors are hoping for a similar outcome. Analysts predict earnings of $1.43 a share and sales of $92.91 billion. Analysts also expect an uptick in demand in China to drive upside for iPhone sales.