Shams Afzal

Shams Afzal, Managing Director at Carnegie Investment Counsel, shares insights on the current U.S. equity market amidst rising trade talk optimism. With key negotiations looming, he discusses the effects of tariffs on global economies, inflation, and the implications for future trade deals. As central bankers gather in Portugal, he highlights the interconnected challenges facing Asian economies and delves into China's economic outlook, particularly its stability amidst uncertainty and influence on global trade.

Stephen Dyer, Head of the Asia Automotive Practice at AlixPartners, and Shams Afzal, Managing Director at Carnegie Investment Counsel, dive into the seismic effects of U.S. tariffs on the global auto industry. They discuss Ford's potential price hikes if tariff relief isn’t granted and how Chinese EV maker Xpeng is expanding despite trade tensions. The duo also addresses how tariffs could influence Federal Reserve policies and market stability, creating volatility in Wall Street as investors react to the changing landscape.

Brian Fowler, a Senior Editor at Bloomberg News in Tokyo, discusses the significant 25% tariffs President Trump plans on steel and aluminum imports, examining implications for key Asian exporters. Shams Afzal, Managing Director at Carnegie Investment Council, analyzes how these tariffs might influence inflation and interest rate hikes in Japan. They dive into diplomatic strategies in U.S.-Japan relations and reflect on the broader economic impact, including market volatility and the competitive landscape involving AI advancements.