Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia Edition

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Stocks trimmed gains and crude oil climbed after US strikes on sites in Iran curbed optimism over a potential deal with Tehran. US equity-index futures rose 0.6%, though gains were more subdued than Monday's holiday-thinned advance, when markets in the US were closed. Asian shares edged up 0.3%, off session highs, as American forces hit missile launch sites in Iran and boats trying to place mines, US Central Command said. The authorities described the attacks as defensive in nature. For more on the markets, we spoke to Lianting Tu, Bloomberg's Managing Editor for Asia Equities. Plus - In a recent poll, Australians broadly expected the Labor government's annual budget would leave them worse off. Bloomberg's Haidi Stroud-Watts and Shery Ahn spoke to Amy Auster, CEO of the Policy Institute of Australia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this special Memorial Day edition of Bloomberg Daybreak - hosted by Nathan Hager. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Host Nathan Hager take a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Asian stocks and US equity-index futures advanced on optimism that the US-Iran talks could lead to a peace deal. However, concerns over a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz have unsettled investors, pushing bond yields higher recently amid fears high oil prices will fuel inflation and force central banks to keep interest rates elevated. Even so, traders have largely brushed aside those risks since the war began in late February, propelling stocks to record highs on renewed enthusiasm for the artificial intelligence trade. We speak to Paul Dobson, Bloomberg's Executive Editor for Asia Markets. And we go to Shanghai, where the JPMorgan Global China Summit is underway. Bloomberg's Haslinda Amin spoke to Benjamin Vuchot, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels CEO about his company's business outlook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Nvidia Corp. aims to rely less on giant data center operators and predicts other businesses and governments will become a bigger source of revenue for its chips and computing products to support artificial intelligence ambitions. The company faces growing competition from chipmakers trying to carve out a piece of the AI computing business, and major buyers of Nvidia's technology are developing their own in-house components. In other news, SpaceX filed publicly for what stands to be the largest-ever initial public offering, revealing billions in losses and the super-voting share plan allowing Elon Musk to keep the company under his control. The rocket, satellite and artificial intelligence giant is giving the billionaire the power to outvote anyone else, and promising him outsize rewards, including as many as 1 billion shares, if he can pull it off, according to a filing Wednesday with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. To break it all down, we spoke to Daniel Newman, CEO of the Futurum Group. Plus - In a last-minute reversal, Samsung Electronics Co. reached a tentative deal with its labor union, averting a potentially crippling strike that had been scheduled to start Thursday at the world's largest memory chipmaker. The South Korean company said in a statement late Wednesday that "labor and management have reached a tentative agreement on wages and the collective bargaining agreement." The company's union also confirmed suspension of plans for a strike that had been planned for May 21 to June 7. Samsung's stock rose about 5% in pre-market trading on Nextrade. Bloomberg TV hosts Haidi Stroud-Watts and Shery Ahn spoke to Tom Kang, Director at Counterpoint Research. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equities declined as concerns around Iran lingered even after President Donald Trump said he was holding off on fresh strikes on the Middle East country. Oil fell. Brent crude slipped 2% to about $110 a barrel, after earlier falling 2.8%. Trump said plans for a strike on Iran were called off following appeals from Persian Gulf allies, adding that "serious negotiations are now taking place." We spoke to Mark Cranfield, Bloomberg MLIV Strategist. And - Australian policy makers are increasingly concerned about inflation expectations becoming unanchored, a senior Reserve Bank official said, as the latest oil-price shock from the Iran war hits at a time when underlying price pressures from the previous inflation surge have yet to fully subside. Reserve Bank Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter highlighted the danger of rising inflation expectations in a speech to a Bloomberg Forum for Investment Managers on Tuesday, focusing on persistent price pressures in the economy both before and after the energy shock triggered by the war in Iran. Hunter spoke to Bloomberg TV Host Haidi Stroud-Watts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has agreed to purchase at least $17 billion of agricultural products from the US annually through 2028, the White House said in a fact sheet detailing President Donald Trump's two-day summit in China. A day earlier, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce released its own readout of the meeting, which said the US and China will adopt a series of measures, including mutually cutting levies on certain products. China did not provide specifics, adding that teams from both countries were still negotiating details, and the White House release was silent on tariffs. Trump previously suggested that tariffs did not come up in his meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. We spoke to Rebecca Choong Wilkins, Bloomberg's Asia EcoGov Correspondent. Plus - A selloff in global bonds extended as the deadlock over the Iran war drove oil prices higher, fueling inflation concerns and raising bets that central banks will need to keep tightening policy. Bloomberg TV hosts Haidi Stroud-Watts and Shery Ahn spoke to Kristina Hooper, Chief Market Strategist at Man Group. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Host John Tucker take a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI optimism, strong corporate earnings and a resilient economy have powered stocks to successive record highs, driven by bets that spending on artificial intelligence will continue to fuel growth. The rally has also overshadowed mounting concerns that crude oil above $100 a barrel could reignite inflation and cloud the outlook for central banks and the global economy. We speak to Mark Cudmore, Global Leader of the Markets Live Team at Bloomberg News. Plus - Jamieson Greer, Trade Representative of the United States, signaled cautious optimism that US-China trade relations are stabilizing, with progress on agriculture purchases and rare earth supplies, though tariffs and supply chain issues remain. He speaks exclusively to Bloomberg's Annmarie Hordern, on the sidelines of the US-China summit in Beijing on "Bloomberg: The Asia Trade". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US equity-index futures advanced as traders bet the record-breaking rally driven by enthusiasm for the artificial intelligence trade has further room to run. The gains in equities masked worries about inflation that have driven bets the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next year. Treasuries broadly held their losses with yields on benchmark 10-year holding near the highest since July and 30-year yields trading above 5%. Investors have sold government bonds after back-to-back US inflation reports this week showed mounting price pressures. For more on the markets, we turn to Paul Dobson, Bloomberg's Executive Editor for Asia Markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It should not be surprising that war in Iran is producing higher inflation in the US. There was higher gasoline in grocery prices sending headline CPI up last month at an annual rate of 3.8%, and that news in turn sent US treasury yields higher right across the curve. This fueled speculation that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next year, and bonds fell, with the 30-year yield rising to 5.03%. We heard from David Savage, Bloomberg's MLIV Strategist. Plus - President Donald Trump is expecting economic deals and a "wild" welcome this week in China. He'll arrive facing an emboldened Xi Jinping, just as his own hand is constrained by the conflict in Iran. When the US president touches down in Beijing on Wednesday evening for a 36-hour summit, it'll mark his first overseas trip since waging war in the Middle East. Over talks at the Great Hall of the People and a state dinner, followed by morning tea, the leaders will discuss trade, tariffs and the self-ruled island of Taiwan. Another agenda item, of course, is Iran. For a preview, we heard from Henry Huiyao Wang, Center for China and Globalization Founder and President speaking to Bloomberg's Haidi Stroud-Watts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian stocks edged up 0.4% to near their record as traders stayed bullish on the AI trade. Meantime, crude oil gained and bonds dropped after President Donald Trump cast doubts over the ceasefire with Iran, prolonging the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and keeping energy prices elevated. We heard from Colin Purdie, Manulife Investment Management Global CIO of Public Markets. He spoke to Bloomberg's Paul Allen and Avril Hong. Plus - Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to deliver a budget that tackles inflation, revives productivity and reins in deficits, a tough challenge at a time when fuel prices are soaring. Bloomberg's Paul Allen speaks to ANU Associate Professor Jill Sheppard for a preview. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Host Nathan Hager take a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Expectations surrounding the upcoming summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump are intensifying as it approaches. Yet, despite the heightened geopolitical stakes tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, analysts and markets largely anticipate a non-event — assuming the meeting takes place at all. The two leaders are slated to meet in Beijing from May 14-15 for what is being framed as a high-stakes summit, which was already delayed once because of the war. Discussions are expected to focus on the topic of Iran as they attempt to navigate key friction points in the relationship between the world's two largest economies, including sanctions and trade barriers. For a preview, we speak to Jenni Marsh, Managing Editor for North Asia EcoGov for Bloomberg News. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Asian equities climbed to a record, powered by a rally in Japanese stocks on their return from a break, as optimism grew that the US and Iran were nearing a deal to end the conflict that had rattled markets and clouded the economic outlook. Easing tensions in the Middle East have helped global equities erase war-driven losses and push to fresh highs, as falling oil prices eased inflation concerns and revived momentum in the artificial intelligence trade. For more on the outlook on oil, we spoke to Steven Stapczynski, Bloomberg's Asia Energy Team Leader. Plus - The US and Iran were circling around a fresh proposal to end the war on Wednesday, as President Donald Trump searches for an exit from a conflict that has elevated energy prices and damaged his political standing. Washington has presented a one-page memorandum of understanding that would gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the American blockade on Iranian ports, according to a person familiar with the measure, who asked not to be identified discussing sensitive information. Detailed negotiations over Iran's nuclear program would come later in the process, the person said, adding that nothing has yet been agreed upon. We heard from Barbara Leaf, Senior International Policy Advisor at Arnold and Porter speaking to Bloomberg's Haidi Stoud-Watts and Shery Ahn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Stocks climbed to a record after President Donald Trump signaled progress toward a final agreement with Iran, adding fresh momentum to markets already buoyed by a rally in technology shares. Crude oil declined. We spoke to David Finnerty, Bloomberg's FX and Rate Strategist. President Donald Trump said he would pause a US-led effort to help stranded ships exit the Strait of Hormuz to see if an agreement with Iran to end the war could be reached. "Project Freedom (The Movement of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz) will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the Agreement can be finalized and signed," Trump said in a social media post on Tuesday. A US blockade of ships transiting to and from Iranian ports would "remain in full force and effect" despite the pause in the US-led effort to help stranded ships. For more analysis, we heard from Kirsten Fontenrose, Strategic Advisor at Systems Planning and Analysis. She spoke to Bloomberg's Shery Ahn and Haidi Stroud-Watts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Crude oil held its gains as the US and Iran exchanged fire, jolting a four-week-old ceasefire and raising concerns that Middle East tensions could escalate again. Brent edged 0.5% lower to just under $114 a barrel at the open Tuesday as escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raised fears about high energy prices and global inflation. Australian shares opened lower, with markets closed in Japan, South Korea and mainland China. US equity-index futures were little changed after the S&P 500 Index retreated from its record on Monday. We spoke to Paul Dobson, Bloomberg's Executive Editor for Asia Markets. And for more on the markets, we heard from Kyle Rodda, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com speaking to Bloomberg TV hosts Paul Allen and Shery Ahn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and finance news from the Asia-Pacific. Markets opened on an optimistic note after President Donald Trump said the US will begin guiding ships not involved in the Iran conflict through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday. However, a senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would consider any US interference in the Strait a ceasefire breach, according to an AFP report. For more on the markets, we heard from Dilin Wu, Pepperstone Research Strategist speaking to Bloomberg's Haidi Stroud-Watts and Shery Ahn. Plus - Japan's prime minister is visiting Australia to strengthen ties with one of her country's strongest allies as she seeks to build on an updated regional strategy laid out in Vietnam. Sanae Takaichi touched down late Sunday local time in Canberra for the three-day visit, which will focus on defense, critical minerals and broader economic security. The two countries have grown increasingly concerned about the changing security and economic environment in the region, with Japan taking a more assertive military stance and looking to build economic ties and stable supply chains with nations such as Vietnam. We heard from Tobias Harris, Japan Foresight Founder and Principal speaking to Bloomberg's Haidi Stroud-Watts and Shery Ahn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Host Nathan Hager take a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple delivered second-quarter revenue that edged past analysts’ estimates, helped by demand for the iPhone and Mac, while failing to produce the blowout results that some investors were anticipating. Revenue gained 17% to $111.2 billion during the period, which ended March 28, the company said in a statement Thursday. Analysts had anticipated $109.7 billion on average. Apple itself had projected sales growth of 13% to 16%. The company is benefiting from a series of new products launched in March, including the MacBook Neo, iPhone 17e, updated iPad Air models and a fresh MacBook Pro. The $599 Neo — Apple’s first major push into low-cost laptops — has been particularly popular and remains sold out at several retailers. Still, the results were uneven. Apple fell short of expectations in the Americas and Europe regions, while exceeding projections in China and other parts of Asia. The iPhone — its flagship product — was in line with the average Wall Street estimate. For instant reaction and analysis, Bloomberg Businessweek Daily hosts Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec speak with: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.