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☆ Google invests in BlackRock-backed Taiwanese solar developer to boost energy capacity amid AI boom
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-01 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The aerial view reveals the mutual benefits of combining solar energy production and agricultural land use. Farmers can lease their land to solar energy developers, diversifying their income streams while maintaining agricultural activities on the remaining areas. Google will partner with BlackRock to develop a 1 gigawatt pipeline of new solar capacity in Taiwan, the U.S. tech giant announced Monday as it seeks to boost energy capacity and cut carbon emissions amid the artificial intelligence boom. The new solar capacity will help power Google's data centers and cloud region in Taiwan, the press release said. Some of the clean energy capacity will also be offered to Google's chip suppliers and manufacturers in the region, it said.

Persons: Amanda Peterson Corio Organizations: BlackRock, Google, New Green Power, Taiwan Renewable Energy Locations: Taiwan, U.S, BlackRock

Employees work at the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), operated by Japan Exchange Group Inc. (JPX), in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Asia-Pacific markets opened lower on Thursday, as the Japanese yen weakened to a near 38-year low late Wednesday, hitting 160.82 against the U.S. dollar, according to FactSet data. The yen last breached the 160 level against the dollar two months ago, prompting the Japanese government to prop it up in the country's first currency intervention since 2022. Japan's year-on-year retail sales growth for May came in at 3%, higher than the market forecast of 2%, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Investors in Asia will also look toward China's May industrial profit numbers which will be released on Thursday.

Organizations: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan Exchange Group Inc, U.S ., Investors Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Asia, Pacific, Japan's

Sydney Harbour taking in the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and ferries at sunrise during the COVID-19 pandemic on April 20, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. Asia-Pacific markets mostly opened lower Wednesday as investors anticipate Australia's inflation numbers for May and Singapore's May manufacturing output data. Australia's weighted inflation rate is expected to come in at 3.8% in May, according to a Reuters poll of economists. The reading comes after Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michelle Bullock recently revealed the central bank discussed hiking rates at its last meeting. The RBA has two inflation readings to consider — June 26 and July 31— before its next meeting on Aug. 6.

Persons: Michelle Bullock, Singapore's Organizations: Sydney Harbour, Opera House, Singapore's, Reserve Bank of Australia Locations: Sydney, Australia, Asia, Pacific, Japan

☆ E-commerce firm Shopee agreed to adjust its practices in Indonesia after watchdog says it violated competition law
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

(Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Shopee and its courier service Shopee Express agreed to adjust its current practices after admitting to breaching a competition rule in Indonesia, the country's watchdog said on Wednesday. "Shopee and Shopee Express admitted that they had violated Law no. KPPU said Shopee proposed adjustments to its current practices on June 20 which were approved by the commission council. "Shopee Indonesia attended a meeting with KPPU on 25 June to discuss points of the integrity pact that was shared by KPPU last week. Last month, KPPU revealed its preliminary investigation found that Shopee allegedly prioritized Shopee Express in every package delivery to consumers.

Persons: Rafael Henrique, Shopee, Persaingan Usaha, KPPU Organizations: Getty, Shopee, Shopee Express, KPPU, CNBC, Express Locations: BRAZIL, Indonesia, Shopee Indonesia, Republic of Indonesia

A screen displays the Nikkei 225 Stock Average figure on the trading floor at the Nomura Securities Co. headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 11, 2024. Information technology was the S&P 500's worst-performing sector, down more than 2%. Investors in Asia assessed South Korea's consumer sentiment index for June, as well as Japan's service sector producer prices. The services producer price index for Japan climbed 2.5% year on year in May, compared with the 2.7% rise in April. South Korea's consumer confidence index climbed in June to 100.9 from 98.4 in May.

Organizations: Nomura Securities Co, . Big Tech, Nvidia, Investors, Japan Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Asia, Pacific, South

☆ Southeast Asia is a top choice for firms diversifying supply chains amid U.S.-China tensions
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Skyline, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam John Harper | Photodisc | Getty ImagesSoutheast Asia has emerged as a top choice for firms looking to diversify production away from China, including Chinese companies, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing. "Southeast Asia is well-placed to benefit significantly from the China+1 phenomenon as both foreign and Chinese companies diversify their supply chains and operations," said Kuo-Yi Lim, co-founder and managing partner of Southeast Asian venture capital firm Monk's Hill Ventures. "The ASEAN-6 region has benefited from a diversification of global and regional supply chain as well as the adoption of 'China+1' strategies. MalaysiaMalaysia has seen semiconductor firms including Intel, GlobalFoundries and Infineon setting up or expanding operations in the country over the last few years amid U.S.-China tensions. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD plans to start commercial production of EVs in Indonesia in 2026, according to local reports.

Persons: Vietnam John Harper, Kuo, Yi Lim, Lim, Yinglan Tan, Kai Wei Ang, CNBC's, It's, Ang, Anders C, Johansson, –, Sokon – Organizations: Photodisc, Getty, Monk's Hill Ventures, ASEAN, Hong Kong SAR, Apple, Ventures Partners, Samsung, BofA Securities, Intel, GlobalFoundries, Infineon, U.S, Monk's Hill Ventures . Industry, Malaysia that's, Stockholm China Economic Research, Stockholm School of Economics, Chery, Singapore Locations: Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Asia, China, Washington, Beijing, Monk's, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, U.S, Japan, European Union, China & Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Vietnam Vietnam, ASEAN, Malaysia Malaysia, Stockholm China, EVs

☆ China wants EU to scrap planned higher tariffs and 'abide by WTO rules,' state media reports
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

GUANGZHOU, CHINA - NOVEMBER 17: A GAC Aion Hyper SSR electric sports car is on display during the Auto Guangzhou 2023 at China Import & Export Fair Pazhou Complex on November 17, 2023 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. The ideal outcome China wants is for the European Commission to revoke its tariff decision by July 4 and adhere to World Trade Organization rules, Global Times reported, quoting observers. China has firmly opposed the tariffs, saying the move was "blatant protectionism" and could violate WTO rules, its commerce ministry said on June 14. A Chinese official told CNBC last week that the EU's probe into Chinese EVs was overly selective and that the results were not credible. Read the full report on Global Times.

Persons: Chen Yihang, Wang Wentao, Valdis Dombrovskis, EVs Organizations: Auto Guangzhou, China Import, Export, Getty Images, Union, Global Times, European Commission, World Trade Organization, EV, CNBC Locations: GUANGZHOU, CHINA, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China, China, Beijing

☆ Chinese EV stocks surge after EU slaps up to 38% additional import tariffs
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Citi analysts said the EU's additional tariffs were "generally benign," while one analyst from Morningstar pointed out that the additional duties were "modest" in comparison to U.S. hikes on Chinese EVs last month. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon BYD vs GeelyOn Wednesday, the EU said it would impose extra tariffs on Chinese EV players with a large footprint in Europe. BYD will be subject to additional tariffs of 17.4%, Geely will get an extra 20% duty. Citi analystsThe EU said in a statement it has provisionally concluded that Chinese EV makers benefits from "unfair subsidization," which resulted in "threat of economic injury" to EU's EV industry. watch nowThe additional duties come after the EU launched a probe in October.

Persons: Geely, Li, Morningstar, Joe Biden, Vincent Sun, Europe Joseph Webster, Webster, BYD, Tesla, Paul Triolo Organizations: Automotive Exhibition, Getty, Nurphoto, European Union, Li Auto, SAIC, Citi, EU, EV, Morningstar, Wednesday, Ministry of Commerce, Atlantic Council's Global Energy Center, Volvo, Nomura, Albright, Group Locations: Beijing, China, Geely, EU, Europe, U.S, Hungary, Swedish, Belgium

☆ Amazon's AWS to launch new infrastructure region in Taiwan amid rapid Asia-Pacific expansion
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Rio de Janeiro , Brazil - 4 May 2023; Amazon Web Services branding, during day three of Web Summit Rio 2023 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The new AWS region in Taiwan will enable firms to capitalize on the cloud and "build with AWS technologies like compute, storage, databases, analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence," said Prasad Kalyanaraman, vice president of infrastructure services at AWS, in a statement. An AWS region is a physical location where data centers are clustered. An availability zone is an isolated and geographically separate location with one or more data centers with independent power, cooling, and physical security. AWS had opened a region in the Indonesia capital of Jakarta in December 2021.

Persons: Eóin Noonan, Prasad Kalyanaraman Organizations: Amazon Web Services, Web Summit, Summit, Getty, Web Services, AWS Locations: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Riocentro, U.S, Taiwan, Asia, Pacific, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Jakarta

☆ U.S. is reportedly weighing further limits on China's access to AI chip tech
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The U.S. could further tighten restrictions on China's access to chip technology critical for artificial intelligence, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The Biden administration is weighing actions that would target high-tech chip architecture known as gate all-around, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. GAA refers to new transistor architecture that could lead to better performance and lower power consumption. South Korea's Samsung Electronics has already started production for 3-nanometer chips with GAA technology. Shares of TSMC and Samsung Electronics were up 1.6% and 0.4%, respectively, in Wednesday morning trading in Asia.

Persons: Biden Organizations: Bloomberg, Samsung Electronics, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, U.S . Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry, Security Locations: Asia, U.S, China

☆ Ripple launches new fund to drive blockchain innovation in Japan and South Korea
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Ripple cryptocurrency is seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on June 4, 2021. (Photo Illustration by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Blockchain firm Ripple has launched a Japan and Korea fund, aimed at driving innovation on the XRP Ledger as it continues to expand its presence in Asia-Pacific. XRP is Ripple's native cryptocurrency which is powered by the XRP Ledger, an open-source, public blockchain built for corporations. The XRPL Japan and Korea Fund is part of Ripple's commitment to 1 billion XRP aimed at providing financial, technical, and business support for developers, which was announced in March 2022. "The launch of this fund is a testament to Ripple's strong belief in the potential of Japan and Korea as pivotal regional hubs for blockchain innovation," said Emi Yoshikawa, vice president of strategic initiatives at Ripple, according to the statement.

Persons: Jakub Porzycki, Ripple, Emi Yoshikawa, Brad Garlinghouse Organizations: Getty, Korea Fund, CNBC Locations: Krakow, Poland, Japan, Korea, Asia, U.S

☆ EU is expected to unveil tariff plans for Chinese EVs this week
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

TOPSHOT - People look at a BYD Seagull car by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD Auto at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Nonthaburi on March 27, 2024. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images)The European Union is expected to reveal its tariff rate plan for Chinese electric vehicles this week, as the bloc cracks down on low-priced, subsidized imports. The EU has a standard 10% duty on imported EVs, but is set to provisionally raise those fees for Chinese EVs starting July 4. Citi analysts on Monday said the tariff rate could be "hiked to ~25-30% from 10% currently, while our risk scenario (40% probability) envisages a hike in the tariff rate to 30-50%." Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, saw her party – the European People's Party – gaining seats on Sunday.

Persons: Lillian SUWANRUMPHA, LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA, Anthony Sassine, Ursula von der Leyen, Von der Leyen Organizations: BYD Auto, Getty, EU, EVs, Citi, European Commission, European People's Party Locations: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, AFP, Beijing

☆ Intel wants to build 'everybody's AI chips,' CEO says, as company plays catch-up with rivals
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Intel wants to regain its position as the world's leading chipmaker, CEO Pat Gelsinger said, after being overtaken by rivals TSMC and Samsung in recent years. "We want to build everybody's chips, everybody's AI chips. Intel seeks to boost its struggling foundry business, which posted a wider operating loss of $7 billion in 2023 versus the prior year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company reportedly overtook Samsung in 2023 to become the world's largest foundry by revenue. It's created a level playing field if I were building a factory in Asia versus U.S.," Gelsinger said.

Persons: Pat Gelsinger, Gelsinger, Biden, It's Organizations: Intel, TSMC, Samsung, CNBC, Samsung Electronics, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, U.S, Nvidia, AMD, Meta, Microsoft, Google Locations: Taipei, offing, U.S, Asia

☆ SoftBank shares jump up to 6.3% on report that Elliott Management's pushing for $15 billion in buybacks
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

SoftBank Group Corp. is scheduled to announce its earnings figures on May 13. Elliott is lobbying for $15 billion worth of share buybacks, arguing that the buybacks will boost SoftBank's share price and "act as a sign of Son's confidence in his strategy," the Financial Times reported. SoftBank shares hit a high of 9,572 yen on Wednesday, 6.32% higher than its Tuesday closing price, according to LSEG data. Elliott had invested $2.5 billion in SoftBank in 2020 and sought share buybacks worth $20 billion along with governance changes, Financial Times reported that year. SoftBank Group declined to comment.

Persons: Toru Hanai, Elliott, SoftBank, Elliott's, Masayoshi Son Organizations: SoftBank Corp, SoftBank Group Corp, Bloomberg, Getty, SoftBank, Elliott Management, Financial Times, U.S Locations: Tokyo, Japan, SoftBank

☆ AMD announces new AI chips amid intensifying competition with Nvidia, Intel
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. unveiled new so-called accelerator chips that it said will be able to run artificial intelligence software faster than rival products. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesAMD on Monday announced new artificial intelligence chips as it seeks to establish itself as a leader amid competition with the likes of Nvidia and Intel . During a keynote address, Su unveiled the Ryzen AI 300 series for next-generation AI laptops. And in partnership with Microsoft , these chips will power laptops equipped with the tech giant's AI chatbot Copilot. This comes less than two months after AMD's April announcement of new processors that can run AI workloads – the Ryzen Pro 8040 for laptops and the Ryzen Pro 8000 for desktops.

Persons: Lisa Su, David Paul Morris, Su, chatbot, workloads Organizations: Devices Inc, AMD, Bloomberg, Getty, Monday, Nvidia, Intel, Qualcomm, Microsoft Locations: San Jose , California, Taipei

☆ A Thai-American millennial went to Bangkok to find 'real Thai food.' Now, his private supper club has a monthslong waitlist.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Parisa Pichitmarn | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

That made me think: If this is 'real' Chinese food, then is there 'real' Thai food too?" Eitharong told Business Insider. His goal was to continue learning more about Thai food. Parisa PichitmarnDespite Eitharong's culturally mixed upbringing, he sticks to authentic Thai food and never fusion. A few people have claimed he's not cooking Thai food because he's American.

Persons: —, Dylan Eitharong, Eitharong, he'd, voraciously, Haawm, Hanuman Aspler, Chiang Mai, Covid, Curry, wouldn't, jee, Randy Travis, Prince, Beyoncé, juan, Dylan, I'm, grandmas, Siradej Donavanik, Vincent Vichit, Vadakan, He's, Parisa Pichitmarn Organizations: Service, Business, Michelin, BI, Food Locations: Florida, Thai, Orlando, Thailand, Bangkok, Onnut, America

☆ China will restrict exports of some aviation, aerospace equipment to 'safeguard national security'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

SHANGHAI, CHINA - DECEMBER 09: Captain Zhao Hongbing waves a Chinese national flag after the first C919 large passenger aircraft of China Eastern Airlines landed at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on December 9, 2022 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Yin Liqin/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images)China on Thursday said it will restrict the exports of certain aviation and aerospace components and technologies starting July 1, citing the need to "safeguard national security." The new regulations seek to better protect national security and fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. The notice was jointly announced with the General Administration of Customs as well as the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission. Exports of items including equipment, software and technologies related to aerospace structural components, engine manufacturing and manufacturing of gas turbines will require export licenses.

Persons: Zhao Hongbing, Yin Liqin Organizations: China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Hongqiao, China News Service, Getty Images, Ministry of Commerce, Administration of Customs, Equipment Development Department of, Central Military Commission Locations: SHANGHAI, CHINA, Shanghai, China

☆ Singapore pushes for green data centers as growing AI demand strains energy resources
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

SINGAPORE — Singapore is pushing for green data centers as the explosive demand for artificial intelligence puts a strain on energy resources. The city-state launched a green data center roadmap on Thursday to support its ambitions for the digital economy as demand for AI and computing grows. The roadmap aims to provide at least 300 megawatts of additional capacity in the near term, with more through "green energy deployments." Plans to provide additional data center capacity include raising energy efficiency of all data centers in Singapore, deploying energy-efficient IT equipment as well as offering incentives or grants for resource efficiency. The AI boom has boosted demand for data centers which house large amounts of data required to train and deploy AI models, making them extremely energy intensive.

Persons: Janil Puthucheary, IMDA, Tony Blair Organizations: State for Communications, Media Development Authority, Tony Blair Institute for Global Locations: SINGAPORE — Singapore, Singapore

☆ Google to invest $2 billion in Malaysia and build data center to capture rising AI demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Google on Thursday said it will invest $2 billion in Malaysia, with part of the funds going toward building its first data center and cloud region in the country, as the demand for AI and cloud services rises. The Malaysia cloud region is the latest addition to Google's network of 40 regions and 121 zones in the world, the U.S. tech giant said. This comes after Microsoft said earlier this month it will invest $2.2 billion in Malaysia to advance new cloud and AI infrastructure. Tech giants like Google and Microsoft have pledged billions of dollars to Southeast Asia to capitalize on the rising demand for AI and cloud computing services. The AI boom has boosted demand for cloud computing services and data centers, as large amounts of data are required to train AI models and the cloud provides access to vast datasets.

Persons: Ruth Porat, Porat, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz Organizations: Google, Government, Microsoft, Tech, Industrial Locations: Malaysia, U.S, Indonesia, Thailand, Southeast Asia

☆ China's $47.5 billion chip fund will likely focus on AI amid U.S. export curbs, NYU professor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Digitally Generated Images Wong Yu Liang | Moment | Getty ImagesChina set up a multibillion-dollar state-backed investment chip fund last week — and one observer says it will likely focus on advanced chips for AI and establishing the entire supply chain. "Fund 3 will focus on [establishing] the total supply chain. watch nowChina has piled 344 billion Chinese yuan ($47.5 billion) into a third investment fund that aims to boost its domestic semiconductor industry amid an escalating technology war with the U.S. The China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, also known as the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund and the Big Fund, is part of China's efforts to reduce foreign reliance in its domestic chip industry. The first two funds raised 138.7 billion yuan and 204 billion yuan in 2014 and 2019 respectively.

Persons: Wong Yu Liang, Winston Ma, Ma, CNBC's Organizations: NYU School of Law, U.S, China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, Big Locations: China, Netherlands

☆ Thaksin Shinawatra: Thailand indicts former leader on royal insult charges
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Helen Regan | Kocha Olarn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Bangkok CNN —Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been indicted on lese majeste charges, authorities said Wednesday, in the latest twist in a decades-long political saga in the Southeast Asian kingdom. The case, filed by police, alleged Thaksin violated Thailand’s notoriously harsh royal insult law during an interview he gave in 2015 to the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo. “The attorney general has decided to indict Thaksin on all charges,” spokesperson Prayuth Bejraguna, told reporters Wednesday. Earlier this month, the death of a young Thai activist in pre-trial detention for lese majeste charges shocked many in the country and sparked renewed calls for justice reform. A push to reform the lese majeste laws gained significant traction ahead of the 2023 general election, which saw the progressive Move Forward Party win the most votes.

Persons: Bangkok CNN —, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thaksin, Thailand’s, Prayuth Bejraguna, —, Thaksin’s, Paetongtarn, Chiang Mai, majeste, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, King Bhumibol Adulyadej Organizations: Bangkok CNN, South Korean, Chosun Ilbo, Manchester City Football Club, Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, Party, Constitutional Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Thai

☆ How Temu parent PDD dethroned Alibaba to become China's most valuable e-commerce company
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

PDD's value-for-money positioning and growth of its Temu marketplace has helped the company lead China's e-commerce arena, analysts said, making it the country's most valuable company in the segment. PDD Holdings reported stellar first-quarter results on Wednesday last week, sending its shares surging as much as 7.5%, and driving its market-cap past that of rival Alibaba Group . PDD shares have more than doubled in value — up 109% — in the past year, according to LSEG data. PDD, which also owns Chinese discount shopping app Pinduoduo has a market-cap of about $208 billion, compared with Alibaba's $196 billion, according to LSEG data. The market has "now more than priced in" the two key concerns – domestic competition and U.S.-China tensions – which were behind our earlier downgrade on PDD in March, said Keung.

Persons: Morningstar, Chelsey Tam, PDD, Goldman Sachs, Temu, Ronald Keung Organizations: PDD Holdings, Alibaba, Morningstar Locations: China

☆ I moved to Thailand, started a family, and can't picture ever returning home to Scotland
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-27 | by ( Duncan Forgan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewA friend recently said that living in Southeast Asia was akin to winning one of Willy Wonka's golden tickets. AdvertisementIt's been 14 years since the author arrived in Southeast Asia. Yet Western media obsessions — US presidential elections and divisive identity politics, to name but two — are not given the same relentless prominence here. I've not lived in Scotland since 2007, and the axis of my life — wife and son, friends, work networks, clients — is almost entirely Asia-orientated. We are heading back to Scotland this July, and I can't wait to catch up with friends and family and show my son Alex the Highlands for the first time.

Persons: —, Willy Wonka's, batty, Mr Wonka, Thailand's, It's, Duncan Forgan, kao, he's, Chiang Mai, Alexander, I'm, Alex the Organizations: Service, Business, South, Tamil Nadu, Royal, Alex the Highlands Locations: Southeast Asia, Bangkok, Chinatown, Thai, Jok, Ojo, Thailand, Vietnam, Asia, Pacific, soi, South, Western Australia, Scotland, London

☆ India and Japan are bright spots in Asia's 'supremely interesting' equity and M&A markets, JPMorgan says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

India and Japan are two bright spots in Asia's "supremely interesting" markets, JPMorgan's Filippo Gori said at the bank's Global China Summit on Thursday, referring to the region's equity as well as deal-making landscape. India, which is very in high demand," Gori, co-head of global banking at JPMorgan, told CNBC. While mergers and acquisitions activity declined globally in 2023, Japan's deal value rose 23% from a year ago to about $123 billion, Bain & Company said in its Japan M&A report. "Japan's economy is uniquely well positioned for growth in M&A," the report said. Last year M&A deal value in India stood at $136 billion, a 27% drop for a year earlier, which was in line with the global decline in M&A activity, according to Deloitte's India M&A trends report.

Persons: Filippo Gori, Deloitte Organizations: Global China Summit, JPMorgan, CNBC, Japan's Nikkei, Bain & Company, Companies, China, Apple Locations: India, Japan, Gori, China

☆ China's largest chipmaker SMIC is now the No. 3 foundry in the world, Counterpoint says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A logo hangs on the building of the Beijing branch of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) on December 4, 2020 in Beijing, China. China's largest chipmaker SMIC is now the world's third-largest foundry in terms of revenue in the first quarter, according to Counterpoint Research. State-backed SMIC, or Semiconductor Manufacturing International Co. , held a market share of 6% in the first quarter— up from 5% last year, the report showed. This places SMIC behind only Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and South Korea's Samsung Foundry which held 62% and 13% of market share in the first quarter respectively. 3 position in foundry revenue market share in Q1 2024 for the first time, as demand recovery begins in China, including CIS, PMIC, IoT, and DDIC applications," showed the Counterpoint Research report published Wednesday.

Persons: GlobalFoundries, Chips, SMIC Organizations: Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, Research, Semiconductor Manufacturing, Co, Taiwan's United Microelectronics Corporation, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, South, Samsung Foundry, CIS Locations: Beijing, China, China's

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