United News of Bangladesh

Asian and European shares traded mixed on Wednesday as investors awaited the latest US inflation data, while oil prices rose amid uncertainty over when crude supplies disrupted by the war with Iran will return to normal. US stock futures were slightly higher. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 0.2%, while Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were almost unchanged. In early European trading, Germany's DAX gained 0.3% to 26,480.04, while France's CAC 40 fell 0.2% to 8,698.79. Britain's FTSE 100 slipped 0.1%. Asian markets were mixed. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.8% to 67,524.06, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 3.7% to 6,579.04 as investors bought computer chip stocks. Samsung Electronics rose 6.7% and SK Hynix gained 5.5%. Taiwan's Taiex advanced 0.9%. China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.3% to 3,946.68, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell 0.8% to 25,440.17. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 dropped 0.5% to 9,209.40. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1% to $89.79 a barrel in early trading. US benchmark crude also gained 1% to $84.07. Oil prices have risen as uncertainty continues over the impact of the war with Iran on global supplies and shipping routes. Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump's remarks that Tehran's demand for compensation in any negotiations to end the war would lead Washington to make a similar demand. The United States and Israel attacked Iran in late February, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting the movement of a significant amount of oil from the Middle East. Brent crude prices fluctuated between $72 and $102 a barrel last month. Concerns about regional shipping also increased after Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb strait near Yemen. Ben May, director of global macro research at Oxford Economics, said renewed fighting between the United States and Iran could result in a prolonged reduction in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Oxford Economics expects Brent crude to average around $85 a barrel for the rest of this year before falling gradually to about $65 by late 2027. Higher oil prices can add to inflationary pressure. The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has risen to $4.01 a gallon, according to AAA, up from less than $3.14 a year ago. Investors are now closely watching the US government's latest inflation report, due Wednesday. Economists expect annual inflation to ease slightly to 3.4% in July from 3.5% in June. On Wall Street on Tuesday, the S&P 500 fell 0.3%, extending its second modest decline since reaching a record high on Friday. The Dow dropped 184 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite fell 0.6%. A weaker-than-expected inflation reading could reduce pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. While higher rates can help control inflation, they also make borrowing more expensive for households and businesses and can weigh on economic growth and investment prices. US Treasury yields have risen since the war with Iran began, driven by higher oil prices and inflation concerns. The increase has pushed long-term mortgage rates to their highest level in a year. In early currency trading, the US dollar slipped to 159.22 Japanese yen from 159.30 yen. The euro was unchanged at $1.1544.

Oil prices remained largely unchanged Tuesday after rising 5% in the previous session, as uncertainty continued over when the Strait of Hormuz might reopen and allow crude shipments to resume normally. US stock futures edged higher in early trading. Brent crude was unchanged at $87.72 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate also remained flat at $82.13 a barrel. Brent prices jumped 5% Monday after fluctuating sharply in recent weeks amid uncertainty over whether the United States and Iran could reach an agreement that would allow oil tankers to leave the Middle East freely and supply global markets. Asian stock markets were mixed Tuesday after US shares moved lower from their recent record highs. South Korea's Kospi rose 1.5% to 6,391.71, helped by a 4.6% gain in Samsung Electronics shares. Chipmaker SK Hynix also advanced 1.3%. Tokyo markets remained closed for a public holiday. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 0.6% to 25,773.56, while the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.1% to 3,964.79. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.5% to 9,277 after the Reserve Bank of Australia kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.35%. Taiwan's Taiex rose 0.4%, while India's Sensex declined 0.4%. On Wall Street Monday, the S&P 500 fell 0.1% from Friday's record high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also lost 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite declined 0.3%. The strong US stock market rally has recently slowed despite robust corporate earnings. According to FactSet, earnings per share for S&P 500 companies are expected to have risen about 50% in the spring from a year earlier. If confirmed, it would mark the strongest growth in five years. Berkshire Hathaway rose 1.5% after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly profit. The company, which is known for investing in stocks it considers attractively priced, also said it had invested part of its large cash reserves in stocks under new CEO Greg Abel. MarineMax surged 46.1% after the retailer and marina operator agreed to be acquired for about $1.5 billion in cash by a Blackstone portfolio company. Varex Imaging jumped 48.8% after Teledyne Technologies announced plans to acquire the X-ray imaging components maker for $18.90 per share in cash. Intel shares, however, fell 4.1% after the company said it could sell up to $15 billion worth of stock. The move could reduce existing shareholders' ownership stakes, while the company said the proceeds would likely be used to invest in artificial intelligence technology. Investors are now focusing on Wednesday's US inflation report for July. Economists expect annual inflation to ease to 3.4% from 3.5% in June, which could reduce pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. Higher interest rates can help control inflation but may also slow economic growth by increasing borrowing costs for households and businesses. They can also put pressure on stock and other investment prices. In currency trading early Tuesday, the US dollar slipped to 159.19 Japanese yen from 159.30 yen. The dollar has continued to strengthen against the yen despite recent intervention by Japan and the US aimed at supporting the Japanese currency. The euro was unchanged at $1.1544. Gold, which is often considered a safe-haven asset during periods of uncertainty, rose 1.2% to $4,472.90 an ounce.

Asian shares were mixed on Monday after US stocks ended last week higher, with Japan's Nikkei 225 leading gains. Oil prices also rose amid concerns over tensions in the Middle East and threats to key shipping routes. US stock futures were little changed. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 2% to 66,890.02, helped by strong gains in technology stocks. Tokyo Electron, which makes equipment for chip production, gained 3.5%, while chip-testing equipment maker Advantest jumped 4.9%. South Korea's Kospi rose 0.8% to 6,305.86, although major chipmakers fell. Samsung Electronics dropped 0.9% and SK Hynix declined 1.3%. Analysts said some foreign investors were selling shares in major technology companies to take profits after recent gains and shift money into other sectors, including defense companies. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 0.6% to 25,810.95, while China's Shanghai Composite was almost unchanged at 3,941.48. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.4% to 9,231.00. Taiwan's Taiex rose 1.8%, while India's Sensex gained 0.1%. Oil prices climbed amid renewed concerns over the Middle East. Israel rejected a Gaza deal announced by US President Donald Trump, while details also emerged about a possible agreement between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has suggested that vessels linked to countries it considers hostile could be barred from using the strategic waterway. Meanwhile, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked a government-controlled port on the country's Red Sea coast, raising further concerns about the safety of shipping routes and the possibility of renewed conflict in Yemen. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 0.6% to $84.04 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.5% to $78.58 a barrel. Wall Street ends week higherUS stocks gained on Friday after government data showed employers unexpectedly cut 23,000 jobs last month. The weaker jobs figures raised expectations that the Federal Reserve could delay raising interest rates as it tries to control inflation. The news helped push all three major US indexes to their second consecutive weekly gains, with the S&P 500 reaching another record high. The S&P 500 rose 0.6% to 7,757.64, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3% to 54,036.93. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.3% to 26,690.62. The jobs report also raised concerns about household spending as inflation remains high. The government revised its figures for May and June, reducing the combined number of jobs reported for those months by 103,000. Slower job growth makes it more difficult for the Federal Reserve to balance supporting employment with controlling inflation. Higher interest rates can reduce inflation by slowing economic activity, but they can also make borrowing more expensive for businesses. Technology companies again led the gains. Nvidia rose 2.3%, while Broadcom gained 1.7%. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note fell to 4.64% from 4.67% before the jobs report. The two-year Treasury yield, which is more closely linked to expectations for Federal Reserve policy, dropped to 4.20% from 4.22%. Inflation data in focusInvestors will closely watch several inflation reports this week, particularly the consumer price index (CPI). US consumer inflation is expected to have risen 3.4% in July, slightly slower than the 3.5% increase recorded in June. Inflation has remained above 3% for most of the year. In early Monday trading, the US dollar rose to 158.37 Japanese yen from 157.71 yen. The euro fell to $1.1553 from $1.1568.

Asian stocks were mixed on Friday after US shares pulled back in the previous session, while oil prices climbed more than 1% amid continued uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.3% to 65,500.10, while South Korea's Kospi declined 0.8% to 6,242.88. Taiwan's Taiex also dropped 0.4%. In contrast, China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.8% to 3,931.54 after the country reported that exports increased by around 24% in July. Although growth slowed slightly, demand remained strong for electronics and other high-tech products. China's trade surplus narrowed during the month, while imports also eased. Hong Kong's Hang Seng edged up 0.2% to 25,582.34, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped less than 0.1% to 9,265.20. On Wall Street, stocks fell Thursday as higher oil prices and a stream of corporate earnings weighed on investors. The S&P 500 declined 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.9% and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.1%. Brent crude jumped nearly 4% Thursday as uncertainty continued over efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies. Iran has said it is nearing an agreement with Oman on reopening the strategic waterway, while US President Donald Trump has also previously indicated that a deal could be close. However, negotiations have faced repeated setbacks over the past five months. A reopening could require a compromise, as the Trump administration has rejected any Iranian plan to charge fees to ships. Iran, meanwhile, has insisted on retaining some control over the waterway. Early Friday, Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 1.6% to $83.78 a barrel, while US benchmark crude gained 1.2% to $78.22. About one-fifth of the world's traded oil and natural gas previously passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have climbed as high as $113 a barrel during the conflict, increasing inflationary pressure by raising fuel and shipping costs. Markets remain concerned about the war and the possibility of an investment bubble linked to artificial intelligence. However, stronger-than-expected corporate earnings have eased some worries that US stocks may be overvalued. About 85% of S&P 500 companies have reported their latest earnings, with overall profit growth on track to be the strongest since 2021. Warner Bros. Discovery gained 1.7% after posting better-than-expected earnings, while Molson Coors rose 1.3% following encouraging results. Honeywell Aerospace was among the biggest losers, falling 23.2% after its results came in well below expectations. Digital advertising company AppLovin dropped 19.7% after reporting mixed quarterly results. Meanwhile, SpaceX shares rose 6.1% after a lockup period expired Thursday, making more than 911 million shares held by early investors and employees eligible for sale. That figure is more than twice the number of shares initially offered to the public in the company's initial public offering. SpaceX shares climbed as high as $225 following its market debut in June but have since fallen below the initial offering price of $135. The stock was trading around $115. Investors are also awaiting the US monthly jobs report for July, due Friday. The US labour market remains relatively strong, although hiring growth has slowed. A weekly report released Thursday showed applications for unemployment benefits increased last week, though layoffs remained at historically low levels seen in recent years. Employers added only 57,000 jobs in June. In early Friday trading, the US dollar slipped to 158.35 Japanese yen from 158.42 yen, while the euro was unchanged at $1.1524.

United States apparel imports experienced a broad decline in the first half of 2026, according to recent data from the Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA). Total apparel imports fell to $35.09 billion during the January-June period of 2026, marking an 8.04 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2025. In terms of volume, measured in square metre equivalent (SME), imports dropped by 8.50 percent, while the average unit price saw a slight rise of 0.50 percent. Garment production hit in Savar as fuel crisis, load shedding disrupt operations Apparel imports from Bangladesh by the US totalled $4.01 billion in the first six months of 2026, down by 5.75 percent year-on-year. However, for the single month of June 2026, imports from Bangladesh grew by 5.74 percent compared to June 2025, reaching $763.57 million. In terms of import value during the January-June period, Cambodia posted the highest growth at +12.32 percent, followed by Indonesia +3.40 percent and Vietnam +1.08 percent.  Conversely, major supplying countries recorded declines, with Pakistan down 3.50 percent, Bangladesh down 5.75 percent, India down 25.27 percent, and China seeing the steepest decline at 37.69 percent. In terms of import volume, Cambodia +14.59 percent, Indonesia +10.89 percent, Vietnam +3.30 percent, and Pakistan +2.26 percent all achieved positive growth. On the other hand, Bangladesh's import volume dropped by 3.69 percent, while India experienced a 22.74 percent fall and China's volume dropped by 26.30 percent. Regarding average unit prices, all major suppliers saw a reduction. Unit prices for both Vietnam and Bangladesh fell by 2.15 percent, while Cambodia dropped 1.98 percent, India dropped 3.28 percent, Pakistan dropped 5.63 percent, Indonesia dropped 6.75 percent, and China dropped 15.46 percent. Analysing the trends, Mohiuddin Rubel, founder and chief executive officer of Bangladesh Apparel Voice (BAV), noted that Bangladesh's decline in the first half of 2026 was smaller than those of China and India, and remained roughly in line with Pakistan's performance.

The Ministry of Commerce has invited government agencies and stakeholders to submit written feedback by Sunday on a draft "Gold Policy 2018 (Amended) 2026," aimed at transforming the country's gold sector from an informal state into a legal, recognised and accountable business sector. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir gave the directive on Thursday while chairing a meeting on the draft policy at the ministry's conference room. Gold price jumps by Tk 9,856 per bhori The minister said the gold sector has long played a significant role in the economy but has failed to achieve full institutional shape due to the absence of proper policy and regulatory frameworks, adding that regulatory weaknesses, not businesses alone, should be held responsible for the situation. "We need to fix our mindset. It has not been right for a recognised business sector to remain outside a formal structure for so long. This situation arose because necessary steps were not taken in time. We now want to bring the sector under a legal and institutional framework," the minister said. Noting that the government aims to allow the gold sector to operate like other industrial and business sectors, Muktadir said formalisation would boost employment generation, legal imports, revenue collection, and transparency in gold stocks and transactions, with businesses paying duties and taxes as per rules while the government ensures favourable regulations. Every stage of the purchase, sale and storage of legally imported gold must be brought under accounts, he said, adding that regulators should have regular oversight of how much gold traders hold, how much is sold, and where it is sourced from. Highlighting the economic importance of gold, the minister said one of the primary functions of currency is to preserve value, and gold is similarly recognised internationally as a means of preserving value, with central banks across the world holding significant gold reserves alongside foreign currency. "If $4 billion or $10 billion worth of gold is legally imported into the country and remains here instead of being illegally taken abroad, then value is essentially being preserved within the country," he said. To prevent gold from being smuggled abroad, the minister stressed avoiding an abnormal gap between domestic and international market prices, noting that a significantly lower local price compared to neighbouring or nearby countries creates economic incentives for illegal outflow. He said international gold prices, particularly rates from major trading hubs including Dubai, must be considered while setting customs duties and tax rates. The minister said the policy is not limited to gold imports but also gives serious consideration to the potential for jewellery manufacturing and exports through value addition within the country, adding that allowing raw material imports at minimal and reasonable duties would enable local artisans and entrepreneurs to produce internationally competitive products. He said two aspects need consideration: first, whether gold imported at international prices can be exported after value addition domestically; and second, the significant domestic demand for gold, particularly for weddings and social occasions, which requires the policy to also account for the purchasing power of ordinary consumers. Noting that rising gold prices are putting pressure on common people, the minister said a rational policy and supply system would increase market competition and allow consumers to purchase gold at comparatively fairer prices. Before finalising the draft policy, the ministry will review the policies and regulatory systems of three to four gold jewellery-exporting countries, including India, the minister said, adding that a comparative analysis will be conducted of their import systems, tariff structures, stock management, export facilities and monitoring mechanisms against Bangladesh's proposed policy. He called on the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank and other relevant agencies to identify possible questions, risks and implementation-related complexities and submit written opinions accordingly. "It is not the government's intention to push the sector into a new crisis by formulating this policy. Everyone involved here is experienced and aware. We must collectively build a framework that prioritises the country's interest, so that the gold sector becomes legal, transparent and sustainable," the minister said. The meeting was told that after compiling feedback from various stakeholders, another stakeholder meeting would be held if necessary, following which the revised gold policy would be finalised at the earliest. Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan presided over the meeting, where Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) President Enamul Haque Khan and Bangladesh Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, among others, spoke. Representatives from the NBR, Bangladesh Bank and other relevant government agencies and the gold sector also shared their views at the meeting.

Bangladesh and South Korea on Tuesday jointly announced the conclusion of negotiations on the Bangladesh-South Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), paving the way for expanded duty-free trade access between the two countries. Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and South Korea's Minister for Trade Han-Koo Yeo made the joint declaration at the Ministry of Commerce (MoC), said a statement issued by the ministry. As an initial step towards the CEPA, both sides prepared an agreed Terms of Reference (ToR), following which each country formed its own Trade Negotiating Committee (TNC) and jointly set up 11 Technical Working Groups (TWG) with representatives from relevant ministries, divisions and agencies, the release said. The first round of negotiations began in Seoul from August 22 to 27, 2025, and under an agreed work plan, both countries decided to finalise the CEPA text through five rounds of talks, it said. Of the five rounds, two were held in Bangladesh and three in South Korea, with most textual issues settled at the working level, the release added. Nearly 40 online meetings were held at Chief Negotiator level to resolve outstanding issues, following which the negotiations were concluded at the negotiator level, according to the release. Once the agreement takes effect, Bangladesh will get instant duty-free access for 8,428 products in the Korean market from the day of signing, while Korea will get similar access for 1,054 products in the Bangladesh market, the release said. It said Bangladesh's key export items, including ready-made garments (RMG), leather and leather goods, and footwear, will enjoy duty-free entry into the Korean market from the day the deal is signed. Both countries also made significant commitments on services trade, with Bangladesh agreeing to open 95 sub-sectors for Korea, while Korea decided to open 111 sub-sectors across four service modes for Bangladesh, according to the release. This is expected to accelerate Korean investment and technology transfer into Bangladesh, it added. As a least developed country (LDC), Bangladesh is set to sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with South Korea, the world's 15th largest economy, which is expected to bring extensive trade and economic benefits, the release said, adding that it will help expand trade, boost investment and create new employment opportunities, marking a new chapter in Bangladesh-Korea economic relations. The conclusion of talks marks the end of discussions at the negotiator level, and the agreement will come into force once both countries complete their respective legal procedures and it receives cabinet approval, the release said. The Bangladesh-Korea CEPA was part of the current government's 180-day priority work programme, and the target was achieved through the Commerce Minister's direct guidance and the negotiating team's relentless efforts, it added. Commerce Secretary Ataur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh's Chief Negotiator Ayesha Akter, Additional Secretary (FTA), MoC, South Korea's Chief Negotiator Park Geun-oh, Director General, Trade Agreement Policy of South Korea and Deputy Chief Negotiator Feroz Uddin Ahmed, Joint Secretary, MoC were present at the event.

Asian stocks were mixed Tuesday after Wall Street rallied, while oil prices recovered some of their losses following a sharp drop a day earlier. Investors were also assessing the impact of last week’s joint intervention by the United States and Japan to support the Japanese yen, analysts said. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.3% to 63,585.58. The US dollar rose slightly to 157.51 yen from 157.18 yen, while the euro was trading at $1.1511, little changed from $1.1514. The dollar had been trading around 160 yen before authorities stepped in to strengthen the Japanese currency after it had fallen close to a 40-year low. Some analysts questioned how effective the intervention would be in the long run, saying it does not address the underlying economic factors driving currency movements, including inflation, interest rates and differences in economic strength. A report by BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, said US backing gives the intervention stronger influence than action by Tokyo alone and could make speculators more cautious. However, it said the size of any US contribution would likely be limited. Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at financial services firm Ebury, said the latest move could have a greater impact because it appears to signal a broader change in monetary policy rather than a one-off effort to defend the yen. "This is an historic and meaningful development for the yen," he said, adding that it has strengthened confidence in the currency’s prospects. South Korea’s Kospi dropped 1.3% to 6,174.72, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.2% to 9,129.00. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.5% to 25,881.99, while the Shanghai Composite edged up 0.2% to 3,802.61. Investors also remained cautious about sharp swings in chipmaker stocks. Such shares have moved up and down in recent weeks amid concerns over whether strong revenues driven by the artificial intelligence boom can continue. On Wall Street, stocks rose strongly Monday as falling oil prices eased some concerns about inflation. The S&P 500 gained 1.5%, leaving it just 0.1% below its record high reached earlier this summer. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 693 points, or 1.3%, to a record high, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 2.1%. In early Asian trading Tuesday, US benchmark crude rose 84 cents to $81.18 a barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, gained $1.15 to $84.92 a barrel. Oil prices had plunged more than 5% a day earlier after US President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he had decided to delay new strikes against Iran following appeals from regional allies. Brent crude prices swung between $72 and $102 a barrel last month as concerns about the Iran war and the movement of oil tankers through the Persian Gulf changed. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note fell to 4.68% from 4.75% late Friday. However, it remained well above the 3.97% level recorded before the war with Iran.

Asian stock markets traded mixed on Monday after the United States and Japan confirmed they had intervened to support the Japanese yen, pushing the currency to its strongest level against the US dollar since late last year. The yen strengthened after US President Donald Trump and Japanese officials confirmed they had stepped into the currency market last week to slow the dollar's sharp rise. The dollar fell to as low as 155.20 yen, compared with nearly 164 yen last week. A weaker yen usually benefits Japanese exporters by increasing the value of their overseas earnings when converted into yen. However, it also raises the cost of imports such as oil and raw materials, adding pressure on Japan's economy. The euro edged up slightly to $1.1533 from $1.1528. Oil prices dropped sharply after Trump said he would instruct US forces not to carry out attacks on Iran, saying an agreement to end the conflict in the Middle East was close. US benchmark crude fell 4.8% to $80.58 a barrel in early trading, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped 5% to $83.87 a barrel. In Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell 1.9% to 63,140.68, while South Korea's Kospi dropped 4.5% to 6,298.75. The Kospi had surged 17.9% on Friday, its biggest single-day gain on record, after heavy losses earlier in the week. Shares of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which had jumped more than 25% on Friday, fell 8% and 7.8%, respectively, in early Monday trading. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index rose 0.6% to 26,038.92, while China's Shanghai Composite index slipped 0.5% to 3,812.97. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2% to 8,961.30, while Taiwan's Taiex gained 0.7%. On Friday, US stocks ended a volatile July on a positive note. The S&P 500 gained 0.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 1%. Wall Street has experienced sharp swings in recent weeks due to rising oil prices linked to the Iran conflict and investor concerns over whether heavy spending on artificial intelligence will generate enough profits to justify soaring technology stock prices. Amazon led Friday's rally, jumping 15.3% after reporting quarterly earnings that far exceeded analysts' expectations. The company said profits more than tripled from a year earlier, helped by strong growth in its cloud computing business. It also raised its investment outlook, suggesting its AI spending is beginning to deliver results. Microsoft saw a similar market reaction a day earlier after reporting signs that its AI investments were also boosting profits. Chipmakers remained volatile. Micron Technology erased an early gain of 6.4% to end the day down 5.9%. Apple, however, fell 7.4% despite reporting better-than-expected quarterly earnings. Investors were disappointed by its weaker revenue forecast, which the company attributed to supply shortages of key components amid strong AI-related demand.

Bangladesh Honda Private Limited (BHL) has expanded its export operations by shipping Honda NX200 motorcycles to Mexico, marking another milestone in the company's efforts to strengthen Bangladesh's presence in the global motorcycle market. The export follows BHL's earlier shipment of Honda motorcycles to Guatemala and reflects the company's strategy to expand its international footprint while maintaining Honda's global quality standards, according to a press release. The export ceremony was attended by Dr Md Sakirul Islam Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister with Secretary status, as the chief guest, while Gazaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ummay Hafsa Nadia was present as the guest of honour. BHL, a joint venture between the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC) and Japan's Honda Motor Co., Ltd., said the latest export demonstrates the growing capability of Bangladesh's motorcycle manufacturing sector to supply high-quality products to international markets. The company said the initiative would contribute to export diversification, promote local manufacturing, strengthen the domestic supply chain and create employment opportunities. Speaking at the event, Dr Sakirul Islam Khan said the government remained committed to creating a business-friendly environment that encourages manufacturing, exports and investment. He described the export of the Honda NX200 to Mexico as a significant achievement that would support export diversification, employment generation and enhance Bangladesh's global recognition. Susumu Morisawa, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Honda Private Limited, said the expansion of exports to Mexico reflected the company's continuous improvement in production capability, quality assurance and the dedication of its workforce. He said the company would continue enhancing local procurement, improving manufacturing competitiveness and expanding exports to new international markets, while contributing to Bangladesh's industrial development. Shah Muhammad Ashequr Rahman, Chief Marketing Officer of BHL, said the export of the Honda NX200 to Mexico highlighted Bangladesh's growing manufacturing capability and Honda's global quality standards. He said although the domestic market remained the company's priority, the export initiative would support industrial development, technological advancement, localisation, employment generation and Bangladesh's emergence as a competitive motorcycle manufacturing and export base. BHL said it would continue improving production efficiency, increasing localisation and exploring export opportunities in additional international markets in line with Honda's global vision. The company also expressed gratitude to the government, the National Board of Revenue, the Duty Exemption and Drawback Office, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, customs authorities, banking partners, suppliers, dealers and other stakeholders for supporting its export activities. BHL said it aims to contribute to sustainable economic growth, export diversification and Bangladesh's reputation as a trusted global manufacturing hub through continued expansion of its export business.