Author: Jack Mulligan

Procter & Gamble (P&G) faced a challenging quarter, with mixed results that reflect a slowdown in consumer demand and the ongoing impacts of tariffs. Despite the mixed report, the company remains committed to investing in its brands and weathering the current economic storm. Mixed Results and a Dimmed Outlook P&G reported a decline in net sales for the fiscal third quarter, with revenue dropping by 2% to $19.78 billion. This missed analysts’ expectations, which had forecasted $20.11 billion. However, the company exceeded EPS forecasts, reporting $1.54 per share compared to the expected $1.53. The decline in sales was attributed to…

Singapore’s inflation rate in March remained at a four-year low, with the consumer price index (CPI) climbing by just 0.9% year-on-year. The city-state’s monetary authority attributed this modest increase mainly to rising costs in food and private transport. While March inflation remained steady compared to February’s 0.9%, it was lower than the 1.1% predicted in a Reuters poll. On a month-on-month basis, CPI actually declined by 0.1% in March, reflecting a slight dip in overall prices. Core Inflation Slows Amid Lower Costs Core inflation, which excludes volatile components such as private transport and accommodation, slowed further to 0.5% in March,…

Beijing has reportedly warned South Korean companies against exporting products containing Chinese rare earth minerals to U.S. defense firms, amid escalating tensions over trade and tariff policies. The message from China’s commerce ministry could significantly affect the global supply chain for critical materials used in a range of industries, including defense, electronics, and automotive manufacturing. China’s Warning to South Korean Companies According to a report from the Korea Economic Daily, China has issued letters to South Korean companies involved in industries such as power transformers, batteries, displays, electric vehicles, aerospace, and medical equipment. These sectors rely on rare earth minerals,…

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. His death marked the end of a transformative papacy, during which he worked tirelessly to overhaul an institution steeped in centuries of tradition. His passing came as a shock to the faithful, especially after his Easter Sunday appearance in St. Peter’s Square, where he greeted crowds from his popemobile, appearing to be in good spirits. A Life of Service Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house…

Japan’s core inflation took a notable jump in March, driven by persistent increases in food prices, as data revealed on Friday. The rise in inflation complicates the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) delicate balancing act—struggling to curb mounting price pressures while grappling with the economic risks posed by higher U.S. tariffs. The inflation figures come ahead of the BOJ’s policy meeting from April 30 to May 1, where the bank is expected to keep interest rates steady at 0.5% and revise its economic growth estimates downward due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. March Core Inflation Hits 3.2%, Signaling Rising…

As global trade tensions intensify, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is preparing to lower its economic growth forecasts during its upcoming policy meeting at the end of April. The decision comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to create uncertainty, particularly for Japan’s fragile recovery, which heavily relies on exports. With the market still reeling from the back-and-forth nature of Trump’s tariff rhetoric, the BOJ is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at the current 0.5% during this meeting. BOJ to Revise Growth Outlook Amid U.S. Tariff Turmoil At its April 30-May 1 policy meeting, the BOJ is likely…

United Airlines Maintains Outlook Despite Economic Concerns United Airlines kept its full-year forecast intact on Tuesday but offered a secondary projection should the U.S. slip into a recession. The airline said the economic outlook is “impossible to predict” but expressed confidence in turning a profit regardless of the macroeconomic environment. Revenue and Profits Show Mixed Results United Airlines reported a profit of $387 million, or $1.16 per share, for the first quarter, reversing a loss of $124 million, or 38 cents per share, from the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share of 91 cents beat Wall Street expectations, which had…

First Quarter Earnings and Market Volatility Impact Citigroup reported a 21% increase in net income for the first quarter, reaching $4.1 billion, or $1.96 per share, surpassing Wall Street estimates. The bank’s strong performance was driven by a 23% jump in stock trading revenue, as clients adjusted portfolios amid heightened market uncertainty fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the rise of new technologies, such as DeepSeek’s AI model. Concerns Over Tariffs and Economic Outlook Despite strong earnings, Citigroup’s CEO Jane Fraser expressed concerns about the potential fallout from ongoing tariff policies, which have clouded the economic outlook. She…

What Is the First-Quarter Estimated Tax Deadline? As the April 15 deadline for tax filings approaches, it’s crucial to remember another important date: the first-quarter estimated tax payment deadline for 2025. If you’re self-employed or earn income without tax withholdings, this payment is mandatory to avoid penalties. The first-quarter payment is due on April 15, covering income earned between January 1 and March 31. Who Needs to Make Estimated Tax Payments? Self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, and gig economy workers frequently need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. The IRS requires quarterly payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000…

Shift in Mercedes-Benz Van Strategy Mercedes-Benz announced on Friday that it will shift its focus towards midsize and large vans, discontinuing its involvement in the small van category. This change follows the Automobilwoche magazine’s report on the planned discontinuation of its Citan and T-Class models. Future Investment Strategy The company, in an emailed statement to Reuters, emphasized that this decision aligns with its “Mercedes-Benz Vans strategy ‘Growth in profitable segments’.” By optimizing its product portfolio, Mercedes-Benz aims to direct its investments toward more profitable van segments. Discontinuation of the Citan and T-Class Models According to Automobilwoche, the Citan, designed for…