Squawk on the Street SOTS 2nd Hour: Apple’s Dwindling China Business, Intel Leaders Testify, Live: CEA Chair Stephen Miran
Mar 25, 2025
Steve Kovach, a CNBC reporter specializing in Apple’s business in China, sheds light on Apple's dwindling sales and intense competition from local brands like Huawei. He discusses CEO Tim Cook's strategies during his visit to China and the growing importance of India as a market. Mona Mahajan, a senior investment strategist, provides an insightful analysis of consumer confidence data and its impact on the economy. The conversation touches on the challenges tariffs pose to spending and corporate earnings as markets respond to fluctuating economic indicators.
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Market Trends
- Consumer confidence dropped to its weakest since January 2021, impacting bond yields.
- Despite this, some sectors like communication services, energy, and consumer discretionary show strength.
Housing Market Update
- New home sales increased, but less than predicted, despite mortgage rate drops in February.
- KB Home's CEO noted a muted spring selling season, citing economic uncertainty and lower buyer confidence.
Inflationary Pressures
- Input prices for businesses surged to a near two-year high, impacting both manufacturing and services.
- This inflationary pressure, combined with companies' reluctance to hire, could further delay Fed rate cuts.