Business

Latest Business News

đź“…May 12, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Trump-Xi summit dominates headlines with Taiwan, trade, Iran talks; Asia leads business travel; global food crisis hits business; markets react amid BOJ rate signals.
1

Trump-Xi Summit Agenda Includes Taiwan Arms Sales and Jimmy Lai

US President Trump will discuss Taiwan arms sales and Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai with Xi Jinping at their upcoming summit, set for Thursday at 10:15 am Beijing time. Delegation includes Elon Musk and Tim Cook, but Nvidia CEO absent. China investors anticipate extended trade-detente rally. Source 1Source 2

2

Bessent in Tokyo for Meetings Ahead of China Trip

US Treasury nominee Scott Bessent is in Tokyo with extended layover, meeting Japanese officials like Takaichi and Katayama before Xi-Trump summit. Discussions focus on regional tensions. Nomura's Yujiro Goto provides insights on implications. Source 1

3

Trump Claims Iran Ceasefire on 'Massive Life Support'

Trump states ceasefire with Iran is on 'massive life support' amid Hormuz Strait tensions. Iran deploys mini subs to control strait; Aramco warns of 100 million-barrel oil loss if halted. To be raised at Xi summit. Source 1

4

Asia Pacific to Lead Global Business-Travel Spending in 2026

Asia Pacific forecasted as world's largest business-travel market this year, driven by regional economic surge. New report highlights growth in corporate travel spending. Impacts global business dynamics. Source 3

5

WFP Chief Cindy McCain: Food Crisis is a Business Crisis

UN World Food Programme's Cindy McCain warns global food crisis affects businesses, citing fertilizer producer Mosaic's heavy production cuts. Impacts supply chains worldwide. Calls for urgent action. Source 4

6

BOJ Signals Possible Rate Hike Next Month on Inflation Risks

Bank of Japan indicates chance of rate increase next month due to rising inflation concerns. Markets in Japan, South Korea, Australia open amid this news. Affects regional economic outlook. Source 1

7

China Investors Bet on Trade-Detente Rally from Xi-Trump Meet

Mainland China and HK markets open with optimism for prolonged rally post-summit. Agenda includes AI chips, though breakthrough unlikely. Boeing eyes China comeback. Source 2

8

Australia's Housing Sector and Budget Deficit in Focus

Australia's housing to be budget centerpiece with reforms; deficit set to narrow. ANU's Jill Sheppard previews changes amid sector spotlight. Influences local markets. Source 1Source 2

9

SoftBank’s Son in Talks for Major Data Center in France

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son negotiating large data center project in France. Part of broader AI infrastructure push. Highlights global tech investments. Source 1

10

Korean Stocks Fall on 'Citizen Dividend' from AI Tax Proposal

South Korean stocks drop after official proposes 'citizen dividend' funded by AI tax. Further details emerge on policy. Adds to market volatility. Source 2

11

S&P Rises as Chipmakers Lift Stocks in Prior Session Close

S&P 500 climbed on chipmaker gains at Friday's close. Guests discuss market outlook with housing, healthcare, and investment insights. Sets tone for new week. Source 5

12

Pound Weakens Amid Focus on UK PM Starmer’s Future

British pound picks up weakness with speculation on PM Keir Starmer’s leadership. Gilts open lower on political risk. Ties into global currency moves. Source 1Source 5