Camila Rojas

At the end of January 2025, the U.S. government revealed its intentions to impose tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, steel, and computer chips. This action seeks to strengthen local manufacturing and tackle trade imbalances. Yet, these steps might profoundly impact global trade relations, especially influencing major U.S. partners in Asia.Effect on Semiconductor SectorThe semiconductor industry is set to be considerably impacted by the suggested tariffs. Asia leads the world in chip manufacturing, contributing to over 80% of global semiconductor production. Prominent corporations like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and South Korea's Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix serve as primary suppliers to…

During the last quarter of 2024, the US economy grew at an annual rate of 2.3%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This expansion was below the expected 2.6% and represented a slowdown from the 3.1% increase seen in the previous quarter.Primary Factors of Economic ExpansionKey Drivers of Economic GrowthAnalysis Compared to Earlier QuartersThe 2.3% growth in the fourth quarter marks the slowest quarterly increase since 2018, a time when the economy expanded by 0.6% in that same period. Annually, the economy grew by 2.8% in 2024, just under the 2.9% expansion noted in 2023.The 2.3% growth rate in…

The US Congress narrowly avoided a partial government shutdown on Friday, after weeks of partisan wrangling over federal spending limits and debt ceiling extensions. The crisis came as Republicans, responding to pressure from former President Donald Trump, debated proposals to raise the debt limit while addressing broader fiscal concerns. President of the Chamber Mike Johnsona Republican, he managed to push a plan through his chamber, which is narrowly controlled by his party, while also securing enough bipartisan support to pass it in the Democratic-majority Senate. Speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Johnson expressed cautious optimism: “We have a plan.…

European stock markets traded lower on Monday in the last full trading session of 2024, as investors braced for a quiet end to the year. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.5% in early afternoon trading in London, with most sectors posting losses. Technology, industrial and media stocks led the declines, while oil and gas stocks managed to post gains. Trading volumes remained light as markets across the region prepared to close early or remain closed until January 2 for the New Year holiday. Despite Monday's modest performance, European stocks are on track to end the year with moderate gains.…