Read the full analysis on GeoPolitiq

Read the full analysis on GeoPolitiq

Major AI players including Nvidia and Mistral are lobbying US policymakers to avoid sweeping restrictions on open-weight models amid growing debate over Chinese AI development and alleged model distillation. The industry argues that broad curbs would harm American competitiveness without meaningfull

According to ORF, 82 percent of Austrian industrial companies are planning cost-cutting measures and considering relocation as the sector comes under growing pressure. The figure comes from the Austrian Economic Chamber’s Industry Radar survey, which was conducted across the country. Similar sent…

NASA has paused the Lunar Gateway orbital station and is pivoting to a $20 billion surface-based lunar base to compete with China. Strategic implications for the Indo-Pacific.

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia and Vanuatu on Wednesday agreed a A$500 million ($326.50 million) deal to strengthen economic and security ties between the two countries, amid increasing competition from China, the Pacific island nation’s largest external creditor. Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat said the deal, known as the Nakamal Agreement, will see Australia invest the funds into Vanuatu over the next decade and was a "win win" for both countries. "The agreement... will transpire into a lot of trade benefits between the two countries, whether it be the security agreement, economic transformation, with some specific focus on labour mobility," Napat told a news conference on the island of Tanna in southern Vanuatu. Australia Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the agreement showed the two nations had a "shared destiny". "It acknowledges that as neighbours, we have a shared security environment and a commitment to each other," Marles said The deal will be formally signed by Napat and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the coming weeks, he added. The deal also covers funding for climate resilience following a December earthquake that hit the capital Port Vila, killing at least 14 people and injuring hundreds. In recent years Vanuatu has moved closer to China, the country’s largest external creditor after a decade of infrastructure loans for construction, including a new president’s office last year. ($1 = 1.5314 Australian dollars) With valuations skyrocketing in 2024, many investors are uneasy putting more money into stocks. Unsure where to invest next? Get access to our proven portfolios and discover high-potential opportunities. In 2024 alone, ProPicks AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record. With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies.

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Euro zone companies are facing a slowing economy and increased competition from China as U.S. tariffs dent confidence and force rivals to seek new markets, a European Central Bank poll showed on Friday. The ECB left interest rates unchanged on Thursday and offered a modestly upbeat assessment of the euro zone economy, raising doubts among investors about further policy easing even as U.S. tariff threats cloud the outlook. But an ECB survey of 72 large companies operating in the euro area pointed to a slowdown in the manufacturing and services sectors, resulting in a more subdued outlook for employment and prices. The ECB contacted the companies between June 23 and July 2. "Contacts reported a slowdown in activity in recent months as tariffs, geopolitical tensions and the resulting uncertainty dented business and consumer confidence," the ECB said. "The feedback from contacts was consistent with very modest growth in both the second and third quarters." The companies contacted by the ECB viewed U.S. tariffs - the extent of which is currently being negotiated - as a negative for growth and said competition from Chinese goods was playing an "increasing role". "The downward pressure on both activity and prices reflected reduced demand, in part caused by trade diversion from Asia (and China in particular) as exporters from the region sought alternatives to the U.S. market," the ECB said. This had mostly affected intermediate goods so far and had "little to no impact on final consumer prices," but it was expected to broaden in the coming months and quarters. "By contrast, contacts in the retail and consumer services sectors reported minimal, if any, impact on their activity or prices to date, and did not anticipate much impact in the near future," the ECB added. Wage growth was expected to slow from the 4.5% pace recorded last year, but by less than in the previous survey. Companies now forecast pay rising by 3.3% this year and by 2.8% in 2026. Don't miss out on the next big opportunity! Stay ahead of the curve with ProPicks – 6 model portfolios fueled by AI stock picks with a stellar performance this year.. In 2024 alone, ProPicks' AI identified 2 stocks that surged over 150%, 4 additional stocks that leaped over 30%, and 3 more that climbed over 25%. That's an impressive track record. With portfolios tailored for Dow stocks, S&P stocks, Tech Stocks, and Mid Cap stocks, you can explore various wealth-building strategies. So if ECBK is on your watchlist, it could be very wise to know whether or not it made the ProPicks lists.

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