4 - 6 minute read
Welcome to this week’s finance news roundup, where we bring you the top stories from the past week in the world of finance and economics.
ELON MUSK | TESLA
On Saturday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk took to Twitter to share his thoughts on investing in the stock market. In a tweet labeled “Securities Analysis 101,” Musk stated that the “risk-free” real rate of return from Treasury Bills is currently higher than the expected return on the S&P 500 index. This means that, according to Musk, the potential returns from investing in the stock market are not as high as they could be compared to the perceived safety of investing in Treasury Bills.
However, not everyone agreed with Musk’s assessment. Some pointed out that the risk-free rate is not a good benchmark for long-term investments, as it does not take into account the potential for growth and returns over a longer period of time. Others argued that the stock market can still be a viable investment option, even if the risk-free rate is higher, as it allows for the opportunity to earn higher returns through the potential for capital appreciation.
It’s worth noting that Musk’s tweet sparked a heated debate on social media, with many offering their own thoughts and opinions on investing in the stock market. While some agreed with Musk’s assessment, others disagreed and argued that the stock market can still be a good option for long-term investors. Ultimately, the decision to invest in the stock market is a personal one and should be based on an individual’s financial goals and risk tolerance.
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is reportedly expecting to see its economic slump bottom out in the first half of 2023, according to a report from Yahoo Finance. The country’s finance ministry has revised its GDP growth forecast for next year, predicting a 3% expansion after a 5.4% contraction this year. This means that South Korea’s economy is expected to start growing again in the first half of 2023, following a period of decline.
However, the finance ministry also cautioned that the recovery could be slowed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and rising trade tensions with major economies. The pandemic has had a significant impact on South Korea’s economy, leading to widespread job losses and a decline in demand for goods and services. Meanwhile, rising trade tensions with countries like the U.S. and China could also affect the country’s economic performance.
Despite these challenges, the finance ministry is hopeful that the economy will begin to recover in the coming months, driven by a rebound in exports and improved domestic demand. However, it’s important to note that the economic outlook is subject to change and could be impacted by various factors, including the severity of the pandemic and the resolution of trade disputes.
SILICON VALLEY
In Silicon Valley, a former tech executive is making waves with his call for companies to prioritize social responsibility over profits. Satjiv Chahil, a former chief marketing officer at Hewlett-Packard, believes that companies need to take a more holistic approach to their business operations and consider their impact on society and the environment. He argues that this shift is necessary in order to address the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor, and to build a more sustainable future.
AUTOMOTIVE
On the automotive front, Stellantis, the newly merged company formed by the merger of FCA and PSA, has launched a new captive finance arm in the U.S. The new company, called Stellantis Financial, will offer financing options to customers of Stellantis dealerships and is expected to be a key player in the market. However, some dealers are sticking with established lenders like Ally, with one pilot dealership reporting that it still does about 60% of its financing business with the company.
NATURE
Turning to nature news, there was a breakthrough this week with the announcement of billions of dollars in funding for nature recovery. The funding, which was announced at the United Nations Biodiversity Summit, will support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, a plan to protect and restore ecosystems around the world. Donors also reaffirmed significant financial commitments to the framework, which aims to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2030.
AFRICA
In Africa, the African Development Bank has approved a $10 million Trade Finance Transaction Guarantee for Banco Sol, a bank in Angola. The guarantee will support the bank’s trade finance activities, helping it to provide financing to small and medium-sized enterprises in the country. The move is part of the African Development Bank’s efforts to promote economic development and reduce poverty in Africa.
PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, the country’s finance chief, Carlos Dominguez III, has called for the urgent approval of a bill establishing the Maharlika Fund. The fund, which was proposed by President Rodrigo Duterte, would provide financial assistance to small farmers and fisherfolk, as well as support for micro, small, and medium enterprises. Dominguez believes that the fund is necessary in order to help these sectors recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
IS A RECESSION COMING?
Wrapping up this week’s finance news, the Senate has passed the $858 billion defense policy bill, which includes a pay raise for military personnel and funding for various weapons systems. Meanwhile, the Dow fell 764 points on Wednesday on concerns about rising interest rates and the possibility of a recession. And in Philadelphia, a report from The Business Journals highlighted a trend of bank branch closures.
