Before the Bell: Intel still seeking investors

Fagron expands in California, Xiaomi unveils new products, and Antwerp diamonds gain tariff relief in the U.S.

The Bel20 slipped 0.4% yesterday. AB InBev (+1.3%) tried in vain to lift the index; the brewer can once again claim the best-selling beer in the U.S., this time with light beer Michelob Ultra. Colruyt (-1.3%) lost market share in the first five months of the year but stuck to its full-year guidance. The Euro Stoxx 50 edged down 0.1%. In the U.S., both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq dropped 0.3%. Intel (+6.4%) rallied after news it is seeking fresh backing—this time from Apple, following Nvidia’s earlier investment. The two are no strangers: Apple once used Intel chips in its computers and laptops before switching to its own designs.

In Asia this morning, Japan’s Topix rose 0.4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index stalled. Locally, Hyloris and Celyad report results today. In the U.S., Accenture will publish earnings. Macro watchers look ahead to European car registration data and the Swiss National Bank’s policy decision.

Chinese ambition on display

At an event in Munich on Wednesday, Xiaomi unveiled its latest devices, led by the Xiaomi 15T smartphone series, aimed squarely at Samsung’s flagship S-series—at a friendlier price point. The company also launched its new Mijia brand of refrigerators and kitchen appliances, signaling a broader assault on Samsung’s turf. Meanwhile, rival Huawei has outlined an ambitious three-year plan to dethrone Nvidia. Its chips can’t yet match Nvidia’s performance, but Huawei hopes to close the gap by bundling vast numbers of its processors together.

Fagron keeps feeding its M&A appetite

Pharmaceutical supplier Fagron is expanding in North America with the 35 million euro acquisition of University Compounding Pharmacy (UCP) in California. The Belgian-Dutch group has been hungry for deals: not long ago it made four acquisitions in quick succession, including Active Pharma Supplies in the UK, UniChem and SB Trade in Serbia, and Bella Corp in Australia. Together, they broadened Fagron’s reach across key international markets.

Did you know…

The U.S. has scrapped its 15% tariff on cut diamonds from Antwerp? Belgian gems can now enter duty-free, while rival China still faces a steep 50% import tax.

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