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☆ Suddenly, Chinese Spies Seem to Be Popping Up All Over Europe
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Andrew Higgins | Christopher F. Schuetze | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

One of the men, a young Briton known for his hawkish views on China, worked as an aide to a prominent member of the British Parliament. Another, a German citizen of Chinese descent, was an assistant to a member of the European Parliament representing Germany’s far right. While from different countries and seemingly divergent backgrounds and outlooks, both men became ensnared this week in accusations of espionage on behalf of China — and a widening pushback in Europe against malign Chinese influence in politics and commerce. In all, six people in three separate cases have been charged this week in Europe with spying for China: two in Britain and four in Germany.

Locations: China, German, Germany’s, Europe, Britain, Germany

☆ Xi shakes up China’s military in rethink of how to ‘fight and win’ future wars
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Chinese leader Xi Jinping oversees the inauguration of the Information Support Force of the People's Liberation Army at a ceremony in Beijing on April 19, 2024. The Information Support Force will be led by top generals from the now-defunct SSF. These functions will now be supervised at his level and not through the Strategic Support Force, which served as a middleman,” Wuthnow said. Though US intelligence officials said the balloon was part of an extensive surveillance program run by the Chinese military, Xi may not have been aware of the mission. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has scrapped the People's Liberation Army's Strategic Support Force, a branch he founded in 2015.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Xi, ”, Wu Qian, SSF, Bi Yi, Li Wei, Ju Qiansheng, Joel Wuthnow, ” Wuthnow, Joe Biden, didn’t, Xinhua News Agency James Char, Char Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Strategic Support Force, Support Force, PLA, China’s Defense, Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, Central Military Commission, Logistic Support Force, Information, Force, People's Liberation Army, Xinhua News, Information Support Force, Xinhua, Pentagon, National Defense University, Aerospace Systems Department, Network System Department, Xinhua News Agency, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, SSF’s Aerospace Systems Department, “, Communist Party, Taiwan Locations: China, Hong Kong, Beijing, Washington, United States, Singapore, Ukraine, Taiwan Strait, Taiwan

☆ Blinken tells CNN the US has seen evidence of China attempting to influence upcoming US elections
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Beijing CNN —US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US has seen evidence of Chinese attempts to “influence and arguably interfere” with the upcoming US elections, despite an earlier commitment from leader Xi Jinping not to do so. Then, Xi had pledged that that China would not do so, according to CNN reporting. The US believes that Chinese support is enabling Russia to ramp up production of tanks, munitions and armored vehicles – and to continue its onslaught on Ukraine. Instead, they characterized this as trade with Russia and said Moscow’s success didn’t depend on China, Blinken added. He also stressed the importance of such expression in democracies, without explicitly noting the lack of such freedoms in China.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping, Blinken, Kylie Atwood, Xi, Joe Biden, ” Blinken, Biden, —, Russia Blinken, Wang Yi, ”, who’ve, we’ve, it’s, that’s, Jennifer Hansler Organizations: Beijing CNN —, Moscow, CNN, Biden, Russia, “, Israel Locations: Beijing, China, American, San Francisco, Canada, Russia, Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Palestinian, Saudi Arabia

☆ Should investors buy the dip in Lululemon? Here's what this fund manager says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Weizhen Tan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Shares of popular athleisure brand Lululemon have plummeted this year, trailing the S & P 500 significantly. Its shares, which were included in the Wall Street index just last October, are down around 28% year-to-date. Dwyer also pointed out that Lululemon is unlikely to be exposed to any geopolitical risks surrounding China. "Millennials represent around a third to 40% in China and then Gen Z are a much bigger share of the demographic - they are fans of this brand," Dwyer. According to FactSet, Lululemon has a buy rating of 69% and analysts covering the stock give it 28.1% potential upside from the average price target.

Persons: Jack Dwyer, Dwyer, FactSet, Lululemon Organizations: Infusive Asset Management, CNBC, Consumer Alpha Global, Fund, Netflix, PepsiCo Locations: China, —, LVMH

☆ Blinken says U.S. and China must avoid miscalculations as Beijing warns against 'red lines'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) shakes hands with China's Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 19, 2023. (Photo by Leah MILLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LEAH MILLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday emphasized the need for the U.S. and China to avoid "miscalculations" and "misunderstandings." Speaking in Beijing ahead of a closed-door meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Blinken said there is no substitute for "face-to-face diplomacy." Both sides need to make sure "that we're as clear as possible about the areas where we have differences, at the very least to avoid misunderstandings, to avoid miscalculations," he told reporters. In his remarks, Wang told Blinken that U.S.-China relations are "beginning to stabilize" with increased dialogue and cooperation.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, Leah MILLIS, LEAH MILLIS, Wang Yi, Blinken, Wang, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi —, — Biden Organizations: Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Getty Images, U.S, Foreign, Economic Cooperation Locations: Diaoyutai, Beijing, China, Washington, San Francisco, Asia, U.S

☆ Asia was most impacted by extreme weather and climate in 2023, UN report shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Sarote Pruksachat | Moment | Getty ImagesAsia was the most disaster-hit region in the world last year as extreme weather and climate threats intensified amid global warming, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the UN's weather agency. According to a NASA report, increased temperatures are associated with variations in precipitation and increased frequency of both drought and extreme water events. watch nowWhile WMO found that much of Asia suffered from a substantial lack of precipitation in 2023, there were also many extreme weather events associated with heavy rainfall and flooding. The WMO report noted that a lack of rainfall could also have detrimental effects on drinking water sources, agriculture, industry, and hydropower. Authors of the report argued the data confirms the need for early warning systems for extreme weather and more disaster risk reduction to mitigate losses and damage caused by climate change in the future.

Persons: Sarote, Celeste Saulo, Saulo, heatstroke Organizations: Asia, World Meteorological Organization, NASA, WMO Locations: Asia, Siberia, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, India, —, Beijing

☆ Goldman Sachs likes these 2 mobile gaming stocks set for 'blockbuster' launches, gives one 40% upside
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Amala Balakrishner | In Amala-Balakrishner | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Investors seeking exposure to China's growing mobile gaming industry should look at technology giants Tencent and NetEase , according to Goldman Sachs. The investment bank expects "China to see faster growth from mid 2024 supported by game launches and a loosening regulatory environment." Tencent Tencent's game sales were up 14% year on year domestically in March and 36% internationally. NetEase NetEase posted a 16% year-on-year rise in domestic sales growth and 1% rise in international sales growth last month, Goldman's analysts noted. Domestic mobile game sales fell by 12% year-on-year Japan in the first quarter of the year.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, 2Q24, Lincoln Kong, FactSet, NetEase NetEase, Michael Bloom Organizations: Street, Hong, Nasdaq, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, China, Domestic Locations: China, Tencent, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea

☆ Ukraine war live updates: NATO chief chides China; Pentagon says weapons will reach Ukraine 'within days'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

A view of the street filled with rubbles of partially destroyed building after a Russian missile strike as at least 7 were killed, 28 injured in the attack Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs said, in Dnipro, Ukraine on April 19, 2024. The Pentagon says its deliveries of weapons from the latest U.S. support package for Kyiv are on their way and will arrive in the coming days, if not sooner. Russian officials have hit back at the news, saying the new arms provisions will harm the region's security but will not bring Ukraine any closer to defeating Russia. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had some strong words for China, saying Beijing must end its support for Russia's war in Ukraine if it wants better relations with the West, and that it cannot have it "both ways." Elsewhere, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Persons: Jens Stoltenberg, Antony Blinken, Xi Jinping Organizations: Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Pentagon, Kyiv, Russia, NATO Locations: Russian, Ukrainian, Dnipro, Ukraine, China, Beijing

☆ Cramer's week ahead: Fed meeting and earnings from Apple, Amazon, Eli Lilly
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Julie Coleman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

It's a week jam-packed with notable events, including earnings from Apple , Amazon and Eli Lilly . He also said to pay attention to Wednesday's Federal Reserve meeting and Friday's employment figures from the Department of Labor. "We have to run such a ridiculous gauntlet next week that I have no idea how it'll play out," he said. Wednesday also brings reports from Wingstop , Carvana and Marriott . Apple will report on Thursday, and Cramer noted there's been a lot of negative sentiment from investors surrounding the company.

Persons: CNBC's Jim Cramer, Eli Lilly, Jensen Huang, Cramer, it's, he'll, Seagen, there's Organizations: Apple, Federal Reserve, Department of Labor, Nvidia, Food and Drug Administration, Starbucks, CVS, Pfizer, Amazon, Walgreens, Marriott, Vision Locations: It's, China, Wingstop, Carvana

☆ When U.S. Diplomats Visit China, Meal Choices Are About More Than Taste Buds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Yan Zhuang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Beijing beer made with American hops, to highlight the trade relationship between the two countries. Where, what and how American dignitaries eat when they visit China is a serious matter. Choices of restaurants and dishes are rife with opportunities for geopolitical symbolism, as well as controversy and mockery. An exorbitantly expensive meal can make an official look out of touch. Authenticity, history, cooking technique and taste can all affect the perception of a meal choice.

Persons: Antony J, Blinken, Biden Locations: Beijing, China

☆ India 'confident' new EV policy measures will allow more foreign players to enter market
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"It was meant for all global EV manufacturers and domestic manufacturers." While much of the "buzz has been around Tesla," Singh underscored the initiatives will also attract other foreign automakers, highlighting that Vietnam's leading EV maker "VinFast has already announced its intent." In February, VinFast broke ground on its integrated EV manufacturing facility in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. As competition in India's EV sector remains limited, the entry of major players like Tesla, will level the playing field, MG Motor India's CEO Emeritus Rajeev Chaba told CNBC. Robust trajectoryAccording to Counterpoint Research, India's EV sales nearly doubled in 2023, driven by rising consumer interest and government initiatives, among other factors.

Persons: Rajesh Kumar Singh, CNBC's, Singh, VinFast, Elon Musk, Narendra Modi, Tesla, Rajeev Chaba, EVs, Modi, Ola, Bain Organizations: Department, Promotion, Industry, Internal, EV, CNBC's Sri, Motor, CNBC, Counterpoint Research, International Energy Agency, TVS Motor, Bajaj, Ampere, Bain & Company Locations: India, Tamil Nadu, China

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waves as he prepares to depart Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport en route to Beijing, on April 25, 2024. The U.S. and China will hold their first high-level talks on artificial intelligence within the "coming weeks," U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said Friday, providing no update over the future of Chinese social media giant TikTok. During wide-ranging talks with Chinese officials in Beijing, Blinken said the two sides had agreed to the first U.S.-China intergovernmental dialogue on AI to discuss the risks and safety concerns surrounding the emerging technology. The U.S. imposed restrictions on Beijing's ability to access high-end tech and is moving close to banning social media app TikTok, unless its Chinese parent ByteDance sells it. Speaking at a press conference, Blinken said that TikTok "did not come up" in the talks.

Persons: Antony Blinken, State Anthony Blinken, Blinken Organizations: State, U.S Locations: Shanghai Hongqiao, Beijing, U.S, China

☆ Palmer Luckey's start-up Anduril just proved it can challenge legacy defense contractors and win
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Anduril has just been selected as one of two vendors for a major US air force contract. AdvertisementAnduril Industries, the defense tech startup run by Palmer Luckey, has just been awarded a major contract by the US Air Force, beating out legacy names like Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The Air Force hopes to eventually buy at least 1,000 CAA systems at a cost of $30 million per drone. "I'm confident we're going to deliver on budget and on schedule some really sick AI-powered fighter jets," he added. And the demand is there for them if they can make it: venture capitalists have put more than $100 billion into defense tech since 2021, according to PitchBook data.

Persons: Anduril, Northrup Grumman, Palmer Luckey, —, Lockheed Martin, Atomics, General Atomics Organizations: Boeing, Lockheed, Service, Anduril Industries, US Air Force, Aircraft, Air, Air Force, CAA, Combat Aircraft, CNBC Locations: Anduril, United States of America, …, China, Silicon Valley

☆ U.S.-China relations are 'dangerous' but better managed, says Longview Global's Dewardric McNeal
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailU.S.-China relations are 'dangerous' but better managed, says Longview Global's Dewardric McNealDewardric McNeal, managing director and senior policy analyst at Longview Global, Nicholas Lardy, senior fellow at Peterson Institute for International Economics join CNBC's 'The Exchange' to discuss Secretary Blinken's visit to China, industrial policy, and more.

Persons: Dewardric McNeal Dewardric McNeal, Nicholas Lardy, Blinken's Organizations: U.S, Longview Global, Peterson Institute for International Economics, CNBC's Locations: China, Longview

☆ Read Everest-scaling mountaineer George Mallory’s last letters, digitized for the first time
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Mindy Weisberger | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest, leading up to the last days before he disappeared while heading for its peak. Mallory’s words, however, are now available to read online in their entirety for the first time. The college will display a selection of Mallory’s letters and possessions in the exhibit “George Mallory: Magdalene to the Mountain,” opening June 20. APThe Everest letters outline Mallory’s meticulous preparations and equipment tests, and his optimism about their prospects. Magdalene College/APOther letters Mallory exchanged with Ruth were written at the time of their courtship, while he was serving in Britain’s artillery regiment during World War I.

Persons: CNN — George Mallory, Mallory, Andrew Irvine, George Mallory, Magdalene, Irvine, Ruth, ” Mallory, ”, Katy Green, ” Green, “, Green, Jochen Hemmleb, alpinist, Hemmleb, —, Conrad Anker, Anker, Sir George Everest, Noel Odell, Odell, ” Hemmleb, Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund Hillary, ” Anker, Edward Norton, Edward Norton’s, ‘, ” Mindy Weisberger Organizations: CNN, Magdalene College , Cambridge, College, Magdalene College, AP, Irvine Research Expedition, Royal Geographical Society, Everest, Geographical Society, Scientific Locations: Nepal, Mallory, Irvine, Tibet, China, India, Everest’s, British, summiting

☆ Xi Meets Blinken With Tough Issues on the Agenda
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Ana Swanson | Vivian Wang | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Both China and the United States have said they were hoping for progress on a few smaller, pragmatic fronts, including improving communications between their militaries and easing travel between the countries. But they remain at a standstill on fundamental strategic issues, including trade policies and territorial conflicts in the South China Sea and over Taiwan. And with other disputes looming, both sides acknowledged the danger of the relationship sliding into further conflict. The Biden administration is deeply concerned that cheap Chinese exports are threatening U.S. jobs, and is worried about China’s support of Russia in the Ukrainian war. And China has accused the United States of working to encircle Chinese interests in the Pacific.

Persons: Antony J, Blinken, Xi Jinping, Biden Locations: Beijing, East Asia, East, Ukraine, China, United States, South, Taiwan, Russia, Pacific

They call it an encirclement of their nation and say the United States is trying to constrain its main economic and military rival. The United States also has a new security agreement with Papua New Guinea. On Wednesday, Mr. Biden signed a $95-billion supplemental military aid and spending bill that Congress had just passed and that includes $8.1 billion to counter China in the region. In addition, the United States continues to send weapons and Green Beret trainers to Taiwan, a de facto independent island and the biggest flashpoint between the United States and China. A swarm of Chinese militia and Coast Guard vessels chased a Philippine Coast Guard ship in the South China Sea last year.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Biden, Antony J, Blinken, Yuri Gripas, ” Ely Ratner, Xi, ” Kurt Campbell, Joseph Wu, ”, “, Samuel J, Paparo Jr, Mr, Paparo, Carl Vinson, Richard A, Brooks, Trump, Lloyd J, Austin III, Chen Jining, Jes Aznar, David H, Berger, Obama, Tony Mcdonough, United States —, Admiral Paparo, China’s “ revanchist, we’re Organizations: Australian, U.S, Marines, United, Pentagon, Corps, Mr, White House, White, The New York Times, American, Marine, Green, China’s, Liberation Army, Seoul SOUTH, Pacific Command, People’s Liberation Army, Agence France, Nuclear Forces Treaty, Defense, Communist Party, Tokyo Okinawa, U.S . Navy, Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Army, Philippines Luzon Partner, Australia Darwin Potential, NATO, Tomahawk Locations: Beijing, United States, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, Taiwan, Asia, Pacific, U.S, China, Shanghai, South China, South Korea, Guam, Washington, Manila, Taipei, People’s Republic of China, Palau, West Papua, Seoul, Tokyo JAPAN CHINA Taipei TAIWAN Hong Kong, GUAM philippines MALAYSIA INDONESIA JAPAN CHINA TAIWAN, philippines GUAM, INDONESIA Seoul, GUAM philippines, MALAYSIA INDONESIA, Philippine, Moscow, Tokyo, Ryukyu Islands, South, Philippines Luzon, Luzon, Spratly, Australia, Canberra, Singapore, Darwin, Australia’s, . North Carolina, Virginia, Perth, United Kingdom, Navy’s, America

☆ The US relationship with China is entering a dangerous era. Time may be running out to save it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

There was a risk, he said, that US-China relations could "return to a downward spiral." As such, the US-China relationship appears to have entered a dangerous period, and time may be running out to save it. The US has handed Ukraine billions in aid and military support to resist the invasion, with a new $61 billion bill passing this week. AdvertisementBlinken said he raised concerns about China's support for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Blinken will have to overcome several hurdles for US-China relations to improve.

Persons: —, Antony Blinken's, Xi Jinping, Wang Yi, Xi, Joe Biden, Ali Wyne, Wang, Blinken, Ian Bremmer Organizations: Service, Business, US, West, International Crisis, Russia, Eurasia Group, Bloomberg Locations: China, Ukraine, loggerheads, Taiwan, Washington, Beijing, US, Western Europe, Russia

Has South Africa Truly Defeated Apartheid? U.S.A., 2020 – 63% U.K., 2019 – 62% 60% 49% 40% 20% 1994 2004 2014 2019 Sources: Collette Schulz-Herzenberg, "The South African non-voter: An analysis"; Konrad Adenaur Stiftung, 2020 (South Africa); Pew Research (United States and U.K.)On a continent where coups, autocrats and flawed elections have become common, South Africa is a widely admired exception. −4% −6% Sources: Harvard Growth Lab analysis of World Economic Outlook (South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa) and World Development Indicators (upper-middle-income countries). 50% unemployment rate 40% Black unemployment rate 30% The unemployment gap between Black and white South Africans remains wide. In 2022, about 6 percent of South Africans aged 18 to 29 were enrolled in higher education, according to Statistics South Africa.

Persons: Nelson Mandela, they’ve, Collette Schulz, Konrad Adenaur Stiftung, —, Walter Sisulu, Joao Silva, New York Times Jack Martins, ”, Mandela’s, Wandile Sihlobo, Johann Kirsten, Sihlobo, Kirsten, haven’t, Zinhle Nene, Peter Mokoena, “, Mokoena, Nokuthula Mabe, Mabe, Jacob Zuma, Chrispin Phiri, Cyril Ramaphosa, Israel, Sibusiso Zikode, Zikode, Mr Organizations: African National Congress, Pew Research, Human Sciences Research, World Bank, Black South, Charter, New York Times, University of Cape Town’s Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Economic Empowerment, South, Harvard, Economic, Government, Black, Mr, Stellenbosch University . White, Statistics, Security, JOHANNESBURG Jobs, JOHANNESBURG Sandton Downtown, West University, Education, Statistics South, General Household Survey, of, Stellenbosch University, Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services, Institute for Security Studies, International Court of Justice Locations: Africa, South Africa, Black, States, Soweto, Kliptown, Johannesburg, South, Saharan Africa, Carletonville, JOHANNESBURG, Downtown Soweto, JOHANNESBURG Sandton, JOHANNESBURG Sandton Downtown Soweto, North, Mahikeng, Botswana, Statistics South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Philippines, African, Germany, Russia, India, China, Ethiopia, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Ukraine, New York Times South Africa, Gaza, Durban, South Africa’s

☆ WADA to launch independent review into its handling of doping case involving Chinese swimming
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has commissioned an independent review into its handling of a doping case involving 23 Chinese swimmers after the organization said that it had been the subject of “damaging and baseless allegations.”The development comes after WADA was criticized by members of the anti-doping community, sparking a dispute which looks set to overshadow events in the pool at this year’s Olympics in Paris. “We have no evidence of any sort of skullduggery or planting of trimetazidine,” Wenzel told reporters on Monday. “In the past few days, WADA has been unfairly accused of bias in favor of China by not appealing the CHINADA [China Anti-Doping Agency] case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” added Bańka. Trimetazidine has the potential to boost endurance and has been banned by WADA since 2014. WADA said that Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier, attorney general of Vaud in Switzerland for 17 years until his retirement in 2022, will lead the review into the handling of the case.

Persons: WADA, –, ”, Witold Bańka, “, Ross Wenzel, trimetazidine, ” Wenzel, Bańka, ” Bańka, Trimetazidine, CHINADA, Eric Cottier, USADA, WADA’s, ” WADA, Cottier Organizations: CNN, Doping Agency, New York Times, ARD, Tokyo Olympics, Sport, Xinhua Locations: Paris, China, trimetazidine, Swiss, Vaud, Switzerland

☆ Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Apple, Snap, Intel, Western Digital and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Here are Friday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Bank of America reiterates Alphabet as buy Bank of America said it is sticking with its buy rating on Alphabet following earnings Thursday. Deutsche Bank reiterates Snap as buy Deutsche Bank said it is sticking with its buy rating on the stock following earnings on Thursday. " Goldman Sachs reiterates Intel as sell Goldman Sachs said it is standing by its sell rating on Intel shares following earnings Thursday. Benchmark upgrades Western Digital to buy from hold Benchmark upgrades Western Digital following the company's "major upside" earnings report. Bank of America reiterates Nvidia as buy Bank of America said Nvidia remains a top idea at the firm.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, prioritization, Maxim, Bank of America downgrades Hertz, Raymond James, Knight, Morgan Stanley downgrades Mobileye, Morgan Stanley, Piper Sandler, Wells, Dow Organizations: Bank of America, Deutsche, Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, Intel, TAM, Apple, Barclays, Enphase Energy, Digital, " Bank of America, Sonic Automotive, underperform Bank of America, Underperform, of America, Nvidia, AMD, MU, Caterpillar, Air Defense, Swift Transportation, EPAM, IT Services, Materials, Compass Minerals, JPMorgan, Dow, Teledyne, HSBC Locations: China, underperform, Israel

BEIJING — Chinese electric car start-ups Nio and Xpeng are turning to a lower-priced segment of the market with plans to release newly branded cars this year. Nio's first such mass market car will be an SUV cheaper than Tesla 's Model Y, CEO William Li told CNBC's Eunice Yoon on Thursday. The Tesla SUV starts at 249,900 yuan ($35,197) in China. Like many early entrants to China's electric car market, U.S.-listed Nio targeted the premium market when it launched about a decade ago. The new cars come amid an intense price war in China's new energy car market, which includes battery-only and hybrid-powered vehicles.

Persons: William Li, Nio's, Eunice Yoon, Li Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Tesla, Volkswagen Locations: BEIJING, China, U.S

☆ What it’s really like to live in Macao
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Macao, the Chinese special administrative region (SAR) often twinned with Hong Kong, is known as the Las Vegas of Asia. But travelers who are willing to dig in a little deeper can explore Macanese culture, which mixes Portuguese, Chinese and Southeast Asian heritages. Macao is comprised of two islands – the north one, Macao itself, and its southern neighbor Taipa. “In Asia, [people] think that Macao is full of casinos, and I think they do not understand the other parts of Macao,” says Lai. That means that they can live in Macao without a work visa and do not need a company sponsoring them.

Persons: CNN — “, ”, Vivian Lai, Taipa, Lai, ” Marina Fernandes, Michael Maslan, “, it’s, Uber, Fernandes, Eduardo Leal, Ricardo Balocas, Balocas, Don’t Organizations: CNN, Las, Macanese Association, Bloomberg, Macao International Airport, Joseph’s University, Macao, Henley Locations: Macao, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Asia, China, Taipa, “, ”, Europe, Portuguese, Zhuhai, Macao’s, Singapore, Jakarta, Hanoi, Bangkok, Beijing, North America, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Bay Area, Portugal, Macao's, Lisbon, St, Philippines, ‘ Little Lisbon, it’s

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is meeting officials in China this week as disputes over wars, trade, technology and security are testing the two countries’ efforts to stabilize the relationship. China is courting foreign investment to help its sluggish economy. At the same time, its leader, Xi Jinping, has been bolstering national security and expanding China’s military footprint around Taiwan and the South China Sea in ways that have alarmed its neighbors. Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi have held talks to prevent their countries’ disputes from spiraling into conflict, after relations sank to their lowest point in decades last year. But an array of challenges could make steadying the relationship difficult.

Persons: Antony J, Blinken, Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi Locations: China, United States, Taiwan, South

☆ CFRA's Michael Froman on trade conflict with China: There's a real train wreck coming here
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailCFRA's Michael Froman on trade conflict with China: There's a real train wreck coming hereMichael Froman, Council on Foreign Relations President and former U.S. Trade Representative in the Obama administration, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to China, state of U.S.-China relations, impact of a potential TikTok ban, and more.

Persons: Michael Froman, Obama, Antony Blinken's Organizations: Foreign Relations, U.S . Trade Locations: China, U.S

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