Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia Edition

President Donald Trump said Thursday that his administration was talking with China on trade, after Beijing denied the existence of negotiations on a deal and demanded the US revoke all unilateral tariffs. The Chinese Commerce Ministry dismissed speculation that progress has been made in bilateral communications, saying "any reports on development in talks are groundless," while urging the US to "show sincerity" if it wants to make a deal. We discuss the latest on the trade war with David Chao, Global Market Strategist, APAC at Invesco. Plus - Fed Governor Christopher Waller said he'd support rate cuts in the event aggressive tariff levels hurt the jobs market, speaking in an interview on Bloomberg Television. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack says the central bank could move on rates as early as June if it has clear evidence of the economy's direction. We dissect the latest Fed speak with Steven Schoenfeld, CEO at MarketVector Indexes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SK Kim, Executive Director at Daiwa Securities, and Mark Cranfield, Bloomberg MLIV Strategist, dive into the volatile landscape of Asian stocks amid wavering U.S.-China tariff news. They discuss how mixed signals from the Trump administration have dampened market enthusiasm and the implications for the S&P 500. SK Hynix's impressive 158% rise in operating income is highlighted, driven by AI demand and stockpiling fears. The duo also explores how major tech firms are responding to evolving trade policies, balancing short-term challenges with long-term growth prospects.

Stocks jumped and the dollar rose after President Donald Trump said he had no intention of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell while optimism grew that trade tensions may be easing. Trump's comments on the Fed chief late Tuesday in Washington walk back opinions expressed earlier in the week that sparked concerns about the US central bank's independence. Progress in various trade talks also helped improve market sentiment after investors had broadly retreated from US assets this month following the announcement of century-high levies. We break down the themes driving volatility with Ecaterina Bigos, CIO for Asia ex-Japan Core Investments at AXA Investment Managers. Plus - US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a closed-door investor summit Tuesday that the tariff standoff with China cannot be sustained by both sides and that the world's two largest economies will have to find ways to de-escalate. That de-escalation will come in the very near future, Bessent said during an event hosted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. in Washington, which wasn't open to the public or media. He characterized the current situation as essentially a trade embargo, according to people who attended the session. We talk tariffs and trade policy with Tom Bruce, Macro Investment Strategist at Tanglewood Total Wealth Management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Takeshi Niinami, Chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings and Senior Economic Advisor to Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba, discusses the troubling implications of U.S. tariffs on international trade. He highlights Japan's firm stance in upcoming trade negotiations, stressing the need to protect national interests. Niinami voices concerns about market volatility and the effects of U.S. monetary policy on global markets. The conversation also touches on Japan's strategies in navigating trade challenges while fostering free trade initiatives in a shifting economic landscape.

Naomi Fink, Chief Global Strategist at Nikko Asset Management, and Alicia Garcia Herrero, Chief APAC Economist at Natixis, dive into the complexities of ongoing U.S. trade negotiations with Japan and South Korea, highlighting potential impacts on the global economy. They discuss China's pushback against U.S. tariffs and the implications for market volatility. Alicia also reflects on the importance of the Federal Reserve's independence, especially amidst political pressures, adding context to the current economic landscape.

Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Tom Busby takes a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week. In the US – a look ahead to home sales data and Tesla earnings. In the UK – a look ahead to how companies across Europe and beyond are preparing to share their latest financial performances with the market. In Asia – a look ahead to how some Chinese companies are looking to skirt U.S President Donald Trump’s tariffs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this discussion, Mary Nicola, a Bloomberg MLIV Strategist based in Singapore, and James Demmert, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Main Street Research, dive into the dynamics of Japanese stocks amidst trade talks. They highlight how rising inflation in Japan signals a pivot from deflation, while trade negotiations between the US and EU boost automotive sectors. The impact of US monetary policy comments and tariffs on Japan's economy raises concerns about market volatility, inviting fresh investment opportunities in Asia despite economic uncertainty.

Jennifer Rie, a Senior Litigation Analyst, and Eric Balchunas, a Senior ETF Strategist, dive into some of today's hottest financial topics. They unpack President Trump's criticism of Fed Chair Powell and the potential shifts in Fed leadership. Eric sheds light on ETF inflows and market dynamics, while Jennifer discusses the government's antitrust battles with Meta and the implications for tech giants. They explore the complexities of tariffs, their economic impacts, and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding monopolistic practices in the industry.

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.

Ken Stern, President and CEO at Lido Advisors, discusses the recent dip in US equity markets amid growing trade tensions and new chip export restrictions to China. Colum Murphy, a China EcoGov reporter for Bloomberg News, reveals how Chinese TikTok influencers are promoting products directly to Americans, challenging U.S. tariffs with a focus on well-known brands. The conversation also touches on the need for careful investment strategies during these volatile times, emphasizing long-term planning and market trends.