Before the bell: Bye Smartphoto, hello EnergyVision

While the EU continues negotiations with the US over a trade deal, Donald Trump’s antics are leaving stock markets largely unaffected.

The average European stock rose by 0.6% yesterday, while Brussels’ Bel20, and US indices S&P 500 and Nasdaq, barely moved. European and American negotiators are working intensely toward an agreement. According to Bloomberg, the EU is primarily focused on safeguarding French aircraft manufacturer Airbus. The potential deal may also benefit alcohol producers and German carmakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, though Italy’s Ferrari could end up taking a hit. The EU has until 1 August to reach an agreement—if it fails, a 50% tariff will be imposed on all EU products entering the US.

This morning in Asia, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong is down 0.6%, while Japan’s Topix is up 0.4%. China’s inflation for June came in at 0.1%, the first positive number this year. Today marks the first trading day for EnergyVision, though the company raised only 42 million euro, falling short of the initial target of 52 million euro. Meanwhile, it’s the last trading day for Smartphoto, which is delisting following a successful takeover bid by Marc Coucke. In the US, there’s also a reshuffling in the S&P 500: Juniper Networks is leaving, making room for software firm Datadog.

Clash in Asian waters

Japan has launched an ambitious plan to revitalise its shipbuilding industry. The government will inject 7 billion dollar into the sector. Just last week, the country’s largest shipbuilder, Imabari Shipbuilding, acquired a 60% stake in rival Japan Marine United, aiming to become the fourth-largest shipbuilder globally. This consolidation is part of Japan’s strategy to take on regional competitors like China State Shipbuilding Corporation and South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. And it’s a necessary step—seven years ago, only 32% of ship orders went to Chinese firms; today, that figure has surged past 70%.

Do you want Wi-Fi on your flight?

Summer often means flights to sunny destinations. For many, it’s a time to unplug—no phone calls, no emails, no WhatsApp messages. Just a good book or a nap. But if Elon Musk has his way, that quiet time could be over soon. Some airlines already offer in-flight Wi-Fi. Thanks to Starlink, the SpaceX satellite network, passengers will soon have global internet access, even at 30,000 feet. Alongside SpaceX, Viasat and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are also rolling out similar services. Virgin Atlantic has announced a deal with SpaceX and plans to become the first airline to offer free, unlimited Wi-Fi on all flights by 2027. The Belgian railway company NMBS could take a lesson or two.

Did you know…

that Starbucks in the US wants to remove canola oil from its products? The oil, found in items like its bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, has come under fire after the US Secretary of Health warned it may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

This article was translated from Dutch and was originally published on Spaarvarkens.be.