🌐 Top 10 International Business Headlines – May 2025
- U.S. and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Truce The U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day reduction in tariffs, easing trade tensions. U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have been reduced from 145% to 30%, while China’s tariffs on U.S. goods have decreased from 125% to 10%. Analysts note this provides temporary relief but caution that long-term uncertainties remain.
- President Trump Announces $600 Billion Saudi Investment in U.S. During a Middle East tour, President Trump announced a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia into the U.S., focusing on AI and energy sectors. The visit also included a $142 billion defense agreement.
- Bill Ackman Plans to Transform Howard Hughes Holdings into a Mini-Berkshire Hathaway Investor Bill Ackman has infused $900 million into Howard Hughes Holdings, aiming to pivot the real estate company into a diversified holding company modeled after Berkshire Hathaway. Analysts express skepticism due to high equity costs and Ackman’s mixed history with mergers and acquisitions.
- CATL Nears Completion of $5 Billion Hong Kong Listing Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is close to completing a nearly $5 billion listing in Hong Kong, marking the largest global IPO in 2025. Despite U.S. political backlash over alleged military ties, strong international demand indicates Beijing’s support for private sector-led growth.
- Capital One to Pay $425 Million to Settle Savings Account Litigation Capital One has agreed to pay $425 million to settle nationwide litigation accusing it of misleading savings account depositors about higher-yielding account options.
- Australia Seeks to Strengthen Defense and Trade Ties with Indonesia Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to enhance defense and trade relations with Indonesia, focusing on joint military exercises and economic engagement in sectors like resources, food, health, and education.
- Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Amid Fiscal Concerns Moody’s has downgraded the U.S. credit rating, intensifying investor worries about the country’s fiscal path. This follows concerns over increased government spending and rising debt levels.
- Boeing Nears Deal to Avoid Guilty Plea in 737 MAX Crashes Case Boeing is close to reaching an agreement with U.S. prosecutors to avoid a guilty plea in the 737 MAX crashes fraud case. Families of victims express disappointment, seeking a trial to hold the company accountable.
- Germany’s New Government Inaugurated Under Chancellor Friedrich Merz Germany’s new coalition government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has been inaugurated. The administration is expected to focus on EU integration, defense enhancements, and maintaining multilateral trade relations.
- U.S. Inflation Pressures Intensify Amid Rising Tariffs U.S. inflationary pressures have intensified at the start of the second quarter, with the highest rate of output price inflation in seven months. Rising tariffs are partly attributed to this trend, according to recent S&P Global data.
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