November 2024 - Africa news break

30 Nov

Trump announces new tariffs on Chinese goods, worsening trade tensions

Roger W. WatsonBusiness

US-China economic relations are facing new uncertainties after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports. The announcement, made on its social media platform Truth Social, signals a significant escalation in trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. Trump's statement came shortly after he revealed his intention to enact a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada as one of his first executive actions on Jan. 20, the day he took office. This move is expected to effectively dismantle the existing regional free trade agreement between the three nations. Trump…

30 Nov

Zoom shares fall despite strong quarterly results and optimistic outlook

Roger W. WatsonBreak News

Eric Yuan, founder and CEO of Zoom Communications Inc., spoke about the company's ongoing transformation at the annual Concordia Summit held in New York on September 25, 2024. The video conferencing giant, formerly known as Zoom Video Communications, reported solid financial results for its fiscal third quarter, but its shares fell 4% in extended trading on Monday amid mixed investor sentiment regarding its future guidance. Zoom posted results that beat Wall Street's expectations, showing steady growth in an evolving market for its services. According to LSEG financials, the company outperformed analysts' projections in both earnings per share and revenue. Adjusted…

30 Nov

Mbappe struggles as Liverpool dominate Real Madrid in Champions League clash

Roger W. WatsonSports

Liverpool produced a commanding performance against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Carlo Ancelotti's side reeling. Among those under most scrutiny was Kylian Mbappe, whose disappointing performance, capped by a missed penalty, added to an already challenging start to his time at the Spanish club. With Vinicius Junior unavailable due to injury, the stage seemed set for Mbappe to shine and cement his place as the cornerstone of Real Madrid's attack. Instead, the French striker faltered, failing to take advantage of key opportunities and struggling to establish himself against an energetic Liverpool side. Mbappe's frustration was evident…

30 Nov

Trump picks Kevin Hassett to head National Economic Council, rounding out key economic team

Roger W. WatsonBreak News

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Hassett to lead the National Economic Council (NEC), placing the veteran economist at the forefront of the administration's decision-making on trade, taxes and deregulation. The announcement, made by Trump on his social media platform Truth Social, marks a significant step in finalizing his economic team ahead of Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. Hassett, who previously served as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) during Trump's first term, is no stranger to the administration's economic agenda. During his tenure at CEA, Hassett played a critical role in supporting the 2017 Republican…

30 Nov

Mexican President Sheinbaum calls for cooperation as he prepares response to Trump's proposed tariffs

Roger W. WatsonPolitics

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with US President-elect Donald Trump, but has made it clear that any unilateral trade measures imposed by his administration will be met with reciprocal action by Mexico. In a letter he plans to send to Trump, Sheinbaum stressed the need for cooperation and mutual understanding, cautioning against addressing complex issues such as migration and drug trafficking through threats or punitive tariffs. “It is not through threats or unilateral measures that we can address immigration or the problem of drug use in the United States,” Sheinbaum said in his letter.…

30 Nov

Databricks raises billions in funding, delays IPO amid AI boom

Roger W. WatsonBusiness

Databricks, one of the world's most valuable private technology companies, is raising billions of dollars in new funding as it chooses to delay its long-awaited public offering, sources familiar with the matter told CNBC. The San Francisco-based company is reportedly securing at least $5 billion in its latest funding round, with the potential to raise as much as $8 billion as discussions progress. This new round would push Databricks' valuation to $55 billion, making it one of the most valuable private technology companies globally. The funding round, according to insiders, is partly designed to allow employees to sell shares, easing…

30 Nov

Ferrari's unique position protects it from potential tariff problems in the automotive sector

Roger W. WatsonBreak News

As President-elect Donald Trump renews his calls for high tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, the global auto industry braces for potential supply chain disruptions and rising costs. However, Ferrari, the iconic Italian luxury automaker, appears uniquely positioned to weather the storm, even as other manufacturers face growing challenges. Trump's proposed measures include a 10% tariff on all goods entering the United States from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, triggering concerns across industries that rely heavily on global trade. While European automakers have yet to be directly targeted, analysts suggest it may…

26 Nov

K-pop stocks and global music markets post gains amid big announcements and strong performances

Roger W. WatsonEntertainment

JYP Entertainment, the powerhouse behind K-pop sensations like TWICE and Stray Kids, has been on a remarkable upward trajectory. On Friday, November 22, its shares closed at 66,100 won ($47.06), reflecting an 11.3% increase for the week and reaching the highest closing level since May 10. The surge appears to have been fueled by the announcement on Monday 18 November. of Stray Kids' upcoming 2025 stadium tour. This highly anticipated tour, which will hit North America, Latin America and Europe, has created considerable interest in the industry. However, JYP's stock rally has been gaining momentum for weeks, with the company's…

26 Nov

Scott Bessent is poised to become Treasury secretary under the Trump administration

Roger W. WatsonBusiness

President-elect Donald Trump announced Friday his plan to nominate Scott Bessent, founder and CEO of Key Square Group LP, as Treasury secretary. The move places a seasoned hedge fund executive and Trump ally in a key role within the new administration's economic strategy. Bessent's appointment highlights Trump's focus on appointing market-savvy figures to guide the country's economic policy. Bessent, 62, has emerged as a strong contender for the position alongside names such as former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and private equity executive Marc Rowan. Known as a Wall Street heavyweight, Bessent brings decades of financial experience to the table…

26 Nov

The Arnault family is targeting Paris FC with long-term ambitions

Roger W. WatsonBreak News

The Arnault family, renowned for owning the luxury conglomerate LVMH and for its position among the world's richest families, is seeking to consolidate majority ownership of Paris FC, a modest soccer club in France's second division. However, any aspiration for significant sporting achievements is expected as part of a long-term gradual plan. Antoine Arnault, son of Bernard Arnault, CEO and president of LVMH, shared that the family's investment in Paris FC is driven by passion rather than profit. Speaking to CNBC, he noted that the aim is to emulate the kind of success energy drink giant Red Bull has achieved…