US-China Trade

China has eased export restrictions on critical minerals and rare earth elements, a move seen as a result of recent US-China talks. The one-year suspension, effective after October 9th, impacts materials used in military hardware, semiconductors, and advanced technology. This includes gallium, germanium, antimony, graphite and synthetic diamonds. The US has reciprocated by reducing tariffs and postponing the blacklisting of Chinese subsidiaries. Analysts believe China aims to stabilize its economy and project reliability in the global trading system.

This report highlights five key areas for investors: shifting trade winds with preliminary U.S. deals in Asia despite existing tariffs; AI’s uneven economic impact concentrating benefits and challenging small businesses; Novartis’s $12B acquisition of Avidity Biosciences for RNA therapeutics; American Airlines’ investment-focused strategy; and Taco Bell’s beverage expansion through “Live Más Cafés.” It also outlines key economic events and earnings reports to watch this week, including the Fed’s interest rate decision and GDP data.

The United States has reportedly restricted exports of crucial technologies to China, impacting key sectors like aerospace and semiconductors. The restrictions, impacting the development of the COMAC C919 aircraft, are seen by Beijing as an overreach of national security concerns. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the US actions, emphasizing its commitment to international norms in its export controls and advocating for dialogue and cooperation.