Nvidia's soaring earnings surprised investors, revealing cracks in their expectations. Meanwhile, China's renminbi is making waves in international trade, raising questions about its impact on global finance. Berkshire Hathaway hits a $1tn valuation, marking a significant milestone for non-tech companies. Ford, however, struggles with stagnant shares and escalating warranty costs, as they attempt to pivot towards electric vehicles. Can CEO Jim Farley realign the company’s trajectory? This is a pivotal moment for these key players in the market.
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Quick takeaways
Nvidia's remarkable earnings reveal its dual impact, showcasing both strong demand for AI chips and the nuanced reactions of investors to financial growth.
China’s increasing use of the renminbi in international trade exemplifies its strategic move to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar amid geopolitical shifts.
Deep dives
Nvidia's Earnings and Market Impact
Nvidia reported impressive second-quarter earnings with revenue reaching $30 billion, more than double from the previous year. Despite this record achievement, investor disappointment led to a decline in share prices as growth was significantly slower than in the prior quarter. This reaction underscores the substantial role Nvidia's performance plays in the broader U.S. markets, akin to major economic indicators like job reports and inflation. The situation illustrates how closely market observers are monitoring Nvidia's financial health, indicating its influence on the tech sector and beyond.
China's Growing Use of the Renminbi
China's use of its currency, the renminbi, for global transactions has surged, reaching record levels in 2024, a shift driven partly by increased trade partnerships, notably with Russia. This trend reflects China's strategy to internationalize its currency amidst geopolitical tensions, offering alternatives to countries wary of reliance on the U.S. dollar. Among the nations engaging in more renminbi transactions are Saudi Arabia, Argentina, and Mongolia, which benefit from reduced financing costs and decreased exposure to U.S. sanctions. However, challenges remain in rivaling the dollar's dominance due to the closed nature of China's capital account and the established network effects associated with dollar transactions.
Nvidia’s record-breaking earnings still somehow disappointed investors, China’s use of the renminbi in cross-border trading is at a record high, and Berkshire Hathaway becomes the first publicly traded US company outside of tech to be valued at $1tn. Plus, Ford’s big plans to boost profits continue to fall short.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Niamh Rowe, Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Breen Turner, Sam Giovinco, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Our engineer is Monica Lopez. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.