MONEY MASTER

  Key Takeaways U.S. President Donald Trump  confirmed an  extension of the tariff truce with Mexico , calling it a positive outcome for U.S. trade interests. The move provides  temporary relief from higher duties  set to take effect on  Nov 1 , preserving current tariff rates at 25%. Markets see the decision as a  moderating gesture  ahead of Trump’s high-stakes  trade meeting with China’s Xi Jinping  in South Korea this week.  Tariff Truce Extended — Mexico Gets Breathing Room Speaking aboard  Air Force One  en route to South Korea, President Trump said he is satisfied with the  tariff extension deal announced by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum . 💬  “I like the extension with Mexico. We’re doing very well with that extension. We get a lot of tariffs — they’re paying a lot of money,”  Trump said. Under the agreement, the U.S. will  delay tariff hikes  on Mexican goods — including autos and ma...

Former President  Donald Trump  has raised the stakes in ongoing trade negotiations by  threatening a 30% tariff  on  European Union and Mexican imports , surprising diplomats and market watchers who had expected a more moderate baseline of 10%. “Maybe I’ll change my mind. Maybe I won’t.” Trump’s weekend comments came after weeks of discussions centered around differentiated tariffs by sector, including: Lower rates for German automakers  with U.S. factories Preferential treatment for alcohol and pharmaceuticals Tailored exemptions  for strategic goods However, Trump’s latest statement hinted at  frustration with negotiation progress , signaling a possible shift toward a  flat 30% tariff across the board . 🇪🇺 EU Reaction: Shock and Urgency The EU, previously hopeful for a negotiated 10% baseline, is now bracing for greater disruption. While no formal countermeasures have been triggered yet, EU officials are working under an August 1 deadlin...

  Global Market Snapshot Wall Street Slips on Trade Jitters S&P 500 : 6,259.75 (-0.33%) Dow Jones : 44,371.51 (-0.63%) Nasdaq : 20,585.53 (-0.22%) US futures fell  after Trump threatened  new tariffs  on  EU and Mexico . Markets are pricing in a risk-off sentiment ahead of this week’s  US inflation report  and  Q2 earnings . Meanwhile,  Bitcoin  hit a record high of  $119,487 , up  27% YTD . Malaysia Market Highlights KLCI : 1,536.52 (+0.48%) USD/MYR : 4.2520 (+0.07%) Top Gainer : GAMUDA (+2.62%) Top Loser : IOICORP (-1.28%) Malaysia’s stock market ended  flat for the week , with the  KLCI shedding 0.91%  overall. Despite a mild rebound Friday, foreign investors remain cautious amid: Slower GDP growth outlook RM2.7 billion foreign outflows YTD Tariff concerns hitting AI & export-oriented counters Analysts are now revising down KLCI targets as  AI euphoria fades  and  trade risks escalate . ...

Key Developments: Foxconn’s AI server plant in Jalisco  will be  completed within a year , despite  US tariffs on Mexico. US$900 million investment  will create the  world’s largest Nvidia-powered AI server assembly plant. Jalisco’s semiconductor industry is booming , with  new investments from ASE, Micron, and Foxconn. State government is fast-tracking permits and offering incentives  to accelerate the project. Mexican industrial sector remains strong  despite  Trump’s 25% tariff threat. Foxconn’s AI Expansion in Mexico Foxconn Technology Group (Hon Hai Precision Industry Co)  is pushing ahead with its  US$900 million  AI server  megaplant  in Jalisco, Mexico, despite potential  US trade tariffs , according to  Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro . The  state-of-the-art facility  will be dedicated to  assembling AI servers powered by Nvidia's GB200 chips , making it the  largest such pl...

Key Developments: Trump’s tariffs take effect:  25% duties on imports from  Mexico and Canada , while  China faces a 20% tariff increase  on top of existing levies. China retaliates  with  10%-15% tariffs  on US goods and  export restrictions  on 25 US firms. Canada and Mexico vow countermeasures , with  C$30 billion in immediate retaliatory tariffs  from Ottawa. Market turmoil ensues , as global stocks slide and investors flee to safe-haven assets. US recession fears rise , with businesses warning of  supply chain disruptions  and  higher consumer prices . North America: Trade Friction with Allies Canada’s Swift Response Prime Minister Justin Trudeau  condemned the tariffs, calling them a  violation of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) . Canada retaliates with  25% tariffs on C$30 billion (US$20.7 billion) in US goods , targeting: Beer, wine, and bourbon Home appliances Florida orange juice Ontari...

  Tariffs Moving Forward Despite Trade Concerns Trump reiterated that tariffs on Canada & Mexico are "on time and going forward" , emphasizing that past U.S. leadership allowed unfair trade deals. The new tariffs include: 25% tax on all imports  from Canada & Mexico. 10% tax on Canadian energy imports . March 4 is the scheduled start date  after a 30-day delay for security negotiations. Trump’s Justification for the Tariffs Claims  U.S. has been "mistreated" in trade  and that  past leaders signed bad agreements . Blames  American leadership for allowing other countries to gain advantages  in trade deals. Suggests that  previous administrations failed to protect U.S. manufacturing and economic interests . Market & Economic Reactions Tariff fears have already pressured the U.S. stock market , with concerns that  trade wars could reignite inflation . Businesses worry about supply chain disruptions , especially in industries rel...

Mexican President   Claudia Sheinbaum   has vowed retaliatory tariffs if US President-elect   Donald Trump   enforces his proposed   25% across-the-board tariff , a move Mexico warns could cost the US   400,000 jobs   and significantly increase consumer prices. Key Points: Tariff Impact: Mexico’s Economy Minister  Marcelo Ebrard  highlighted that the tariffs could harm  US automakers  like  Ford ,  General Motors , and  Stellantis , with pickup truck prices expected to rise by  US$3,000 . Barclays analysts predict the tariffs could "wipe out all profits" for Detroit's automakers. The automotive sector, Mexico’s largest manufacturing industry, accounts for  25% of North American vehicle production . Retaliation: Mexico is preparing its own tariff measures against the US, despite Sheinbaum's preference for  regional cooperation  over conflict. Trump’s Stance: Trump insists the tariffs aim to control...