Tag Archive for: Economic

October Job Openings Plummet to 4-Year Low Amid Government Shutdown: What It Means for the Economy

Job Openings in October Fall to Lowest Level Since Early 2021, Indeed Data Reveals

Published November 4, 2025 – Updated An Hour Ago

Job openings in the United States dropped in October. They reached their lowest count since February 2021. This fall came as the country struggled with a government shutdown and a slowing economy. Data from the job search site Indeed shows the decline. The report fixes words close to each other, so readers follow the links fast.

Key Insights from Indeed’s Job Postings Index

The Job Postings Index from Indeed counts new job ads. It uses a baseline of 100 set in February 2020. As of October 24, the index showed a score of 101.9. The score tells us that:

  • The index went down by 0.5% from the start of October.
  • There is a roughly 3.5% drop since mid-August, based on the last data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

This fall in job ads shows that companies are hiring less while the shutdown grows.

Government Shutdown’s Impact on Labor Market Data

Usually, the BLS gives its monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report on Tuesdays. This report helps Federal Reserve officials and other planners view the job market. Now, since the shutdown stops the report, experts depend on other tools such as Indeed’s real-time data.

The latest JOLTS report from August 2025 stated:

  • Job openings reached 7.23 million; the count was the same as in July but was down 7% compared to January.

The drop in ads shows the same trend in both sets of numbers.

Salaries Also Reflect Labor Market Cooling

Data from Indeed shows slower wage growth in new ads:

  • Year-over-year wage rises slipped to 2.5% by August, down from 3.4% earlier in the year.

This shows that employers are holding back on raising pay. The slower wage rise hints at caution amid the current economic mood.

Federal Reserve Responds to Labor Market Developments

The weakening job market has led the Federal Reserve to act. At the last meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), members voted 10-2 to cut the main interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. This move set the new rate range at 3.75%-4%. The change shows how policy makers worry about the job market even if inflation remains above the 2% aim.

Fed Governor Lisa Cook said:

“Hiring is slowing. We see this from Indeed, from job postings. We’re looking at a range of numbers in real time. We are not waiting on the unemployment report. There is cause for worry because the unemployment rate edged up over the summer.”

Upcoming Labor Market Reports Delayed

The usual nonfarm payrolls report, which many watch closely, will not come out this week because of the shutdown. Economists polled by Dow Jones expected this report to show:

  • A loss of about 60,000 jobs in October.
  • An increase in the unemployment rate to 4.5%.

Without the official report, experts use other numbers like those from Indeed to judge the job scene.

Summary of Recent Labor Market Trends

  • Indeed Job Postings Index: Fell to 101.9 in late October, the lowest since February 2021.
  • Job Openings: Down roughly 7% from January, with 7.23 million openings reported in August (BLS data).
  • Salary Growth: New job ads show that wage increases slowed to 2.5% year-over-year by August.
  • Federal Reserve Action: The Fed cut interest rates as job market risks grew.
  • Data Gaps: Official jobs reports for October are delayed due to the government shutdown.

The government shutdown keeps the future uncertain. All who follow the economy, from planners to job seekers, watch these trends as more data comes in.

For ongoing updates on job trends and financial news, follow trusted sources and real-time job data sites like Indeed.

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Bessent on Tariffs: Unpacking U.S. Strategies Ahead of Supreme Court Decision

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Highlights Multiple Tariff Options Amid Supreme Court Case

November 4, 2025 — The Supreme Court will soon hear a key case that questions the law behind President Trump’s tariff steps. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration keeps many plans close at hand if the court rules against the current tariff method.

Supreme Court Case to Define Presidential Trade Authority

The case asks if President Trump went beyond his power under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when he set high tariffs on U.S. trading partners. The ruling will change how much control a president holds over trade moves.

During a CNBC Squawk Box interview on Tuesday, Secretary Bessent said:
"There are many other authorities we can use. IEEPA is the simplest option. It gives the U.S. and the president strong power to negotiate. The other paths are more tangled but may work well."

Alternative Legal Authorities for Tariff Actions

If the court cuts back on the use of IEEPA, Bessent mentioned two laws that could help:

  • Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962: This rule lets officials put tariffs into play for national security concerns.
  • Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974: This rule aims at stopping unfair trading actions.

These laws do not give the broad "emergency" power that IEEPA does. They might be more complex to use but still work to guard U.S. trade goals.

Significance of the Court’s Decision

Bessent stressed the meeting on Wednesday matters a lot. He said the case touches on a key policy by the Trump administration. He noted that the Supreme Court usually avoids changing major executive actions and hinted at a positive result.

Status of U.S.-China Relations

The Treasury Secretary also spoke well of the current U.S.-China ties. After a recent summit in South Korea, Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping agreed on steps that pulled back some of the harsh tariffs from ongoing trade battles.

Bessent said:
"It was a very good meeting. Both sides talked with clear respect. I think President Trump is the one leader whom President Xi respects. The ties are in a good state."

He confirmed plans for two state visits in 2026—one in Beijing and one in the United States—showing that talks will continue.

As the Supreme Court weighs this key matter, all eyes are on how its choice will shape U.S. trade rules and the scope of presidential power. Treasury officials stress that, no matter the outcome, the administration keeps solid plans ready to guard American economic interests.

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Navigating the New Normal: White-Collar Layoffs, AI Advances, and Economic Realities

White-Collar Layoffs: When AI Meets Old-School Cost Cutting and Tariffs

In recent weeks, big firms like Amazon, UPS, and Target have cut over 60,000 white-collar jobs. Each name links to a cost cut and a shift in market forces. This news sparks talk about the labor market, AI’s role, and other economic pulls.

The Layoff Wave and Its Causes

Experts point out that cost cuts, tariff burdens, and market fears drive these layoffs. They note that AI is only one part of the story. The links between ideas run close to show cause and effect:

  • Amazon grew fast during the pandemic, and its staff numbers rose quickly. Now the firm cuts about 14,000 jobs from its corporate team. The company sees these cuts as a way to trim excess that had built up, not a sign of AI taking over.
  • UPS shifts its work away from lower-return projects with Amazon. It now moves toward health care and return services. This change brings the need to quiet some facilities and reduce fleets, which results in job cuts.
  • Target and similar firms trim their teams to run leaner operations. They adjust how they work as consumer habits change in a stiff economy.

The Role of AI: Tool, Not Scapegoat

Experts like Peter Cappelli, a management professor from the Wharton School, say AI is not the lone cause of these wide job losses. They note that introducing AI is hard and slow.

"Using AI to save jobs is a hard and slow task. Many think it is simple and cheap, but it is not," Cappelli said.

Firms invest in AI to build long-term efficiency and cut costs. Still, many of the cuts come from worries about slow spending, high inflation, and tariff demands that push rates to near-record highs.

Economic Backdrop: Rising Costs and Uncertainty

The global market wrestles with many pressures that fuel these layoffs:

  • Inflation cuts the force of buying power.
  • Rising late payments signal that many households feel the strain.
  • Lower consumer hope hints at guarded spending.
  • High tariff rates jack up costs for firms that use global supply lines.

A government shutdown has delayed key labor numbers. This delay feeds the talk about the health of the job market and ideas of a slowing white-collar scene that AI may help push.

Company-Specific Factors

Firms cut jobs for many reasons. Here are some clear links between actions and causes:

  • Starbucks let go of about 2,000 corporate workers as sales slowed and it moved into a recovery plan.
  • Meta’s AI unit reduced its group by about 600 positions. It aimed to work more fast and cut extra layers.
  • Intel dropped roughly 15% of its jobs after a heavy investment in chip plants did not meet the needed demand.

John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, sees this change as a sharp shift. He says the old rule of “no hire, no fire” has come to an end. Retail, shipping, and distribution show some early signs.

Amazon’s Transformation Amid AI Investment

Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy describes this shift as a move toward a startup spirit by cutting red tape and extra layers. The company now focuses its ties on areas like AI and cloud work.

  • Amazon plans to spend about $125 billion in 2025. This sum is up from past plans as the firm puts money into AI tools and services.
  • Jassy sees that the staff will shrink as AI works make jobs leaner. He makes clear that new hires for key roles still happen.

UPS’s Strategic Pivot and Layoff Deepening

UPS made changes this year as it switched from its largest partner, Amazon, to more profitable areas. This change will bring close links between plans and results:

  • Amazon-related shipments will fall by over half by mid-2026.
  • About 10% of UPS facilities will close.
  • The company will cut its vehicle and airplane fleets.
  • More jobs will be cut to match the new shipment levels.

CEO Carol Tomé says UPS now steers its own path. She links these moves clearly to a plan to boost profits.

Conclusion

The recent white-collar layoffs mix old cost-cutting steps with new tech and market challenges. AI shifts work and helps cut costs, but the main cuts come from fears of a slow economy, high prices, tariff stress, and the need to adjust fast.

Recognizing these clear links helps both workers and investors see behind the news. It shows a tougher and shifting arena where firms adjust in many small, connected ways.

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Russia’s Bold Move: Reaffirming Ties with China Following Trump’s Success at Xi’s Table

Russia Reasserts Strategic Ties with China Following Trump-Xi Meeting

Hangzhou, China – November 3, 2025 — Russia sent a high-level group to Hangzhou soon after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week. Moscow moves to renew and grow its bond with Beijing amid global shifts. Every word here links closely to the next to aid clear thought.

A Timely Delegation to China

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin led the group. They arrived in Hangzhou on Monday and met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang over two days. During the talks, both sides signed many deals on trade, investment, energy, transport, agriculture, and space work, as reported by Russian state media.

Mishustin brought top officials from finance, agriculture, transport, economic development, and trade. The team also included the head of the space agency and the head of the nuclear firm. Their presence shows a strong drive to build ties in space and nuclear energy.

Strengthening an “Unprecedented” Partnership

Mishustin called Xi Jinping his dear friend. He said Russia and China share strong ties in a long, joint history. He spoke of a bond that grows even amid harsh Western actions. Li Qiang agreed, saying both sides stand by each other and set clear plans for talks. He noted that the two nations act as reliable neighbors who trust one another. TASS, a Russian news source, shared these words.

Context: The Geopolitical Backdrop

China is Russia’s main international friend. Beijing did not speak against Moscow during its war in Ukraine, which began in 2022. Their bond grew even before the conflict. In earlier steps, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi formed a deal with no limits. This deal made them closer on both global and economic fronts while easing Western pressures.

The U.S. Factor: Trump’s Meeting with Xi Jinping

The Russian group reached China just days after President Trump met with Xi in Busan, South Korea, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. Trump called the meeting very good. He shared news of a one-year trade deal with China. The deal cut tariffs on Chinese rare earth metals and halved duties on fentanyl. These moves helped calm rising trade tensions. Moscow did not comment on the Trump-Xi meeting. Yet, its quick trip shows that Russia watches Beijing as it works with the U.S. This matters as ties with the U.S. fall.

Russia Targets Expanded Cooperation Amid Western Pressures

Mishustin and his team showed strong interest in the talks. The deals signed cover many areas where Russia seeks new paths in its economy and technology work. Russia aims to use its stronger bond with China to ease the strain of global barriers. Each agreement binds close words and ideas for easier thought.

Challenges and Outlook

Both leaders mentioned risks from outside forces, hinting at ongoing global pressures and political stress. They still sent a clear message of support for one another. Each step ahead will call on their shared strength. This bond lets both nations stand firm as global events change.

Summary of Key Points:

  • Russian Prime Minister Mishustin leads a high-level group to Hangzhou for two days of talks with China.
  • Many deals were signed to boost work in trade, energy, transport, agriculture, and space.
  • Leaders show that despite global pressures, Russia and China share a strong bond.
  • The visit came soon after Trump’s notable meeting with Xi and a major U.S.-China trade deal.
  • Moscow aims to counter global challenges with a tighter bond to Beijing.

This exchange shows how global ties shift as nations face new challenges. The ever-strong Russia-China bond is set to shape events in the coming years.

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Holiday Shopping Prices Poised to Rise: The Impact of Tariffs on Consumer Costs

Tariffs Likely to Influence Consumer Prices as Holiday Shopping Season Begins

During the holiday season, shoppers see tariffs in the prices they pay. Tariffs that stayed low during 2025 now weigh on costs. Experts note a stronger price change as retail work grows.

Background on Tariffs and Inflation

Tariffs began in April 2025 under the Trump administration. Countries send many goods that carry these tariffs. Inflation mostly stayed between 2.5% and 3% for the year. At first, tariffs did not move prices much.

Firms built up their inventory before tariffs struck. They took on more costs by keeping slimmer profits. Soon, as these stocks drop, companies pass more costs to buyers.

Tariffs’ Role in Inflation Measures

Bank of America economist Aditya Bhave shows tariffs push consumer prices higher. Tariffs add about 0.5 percentage points to the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index. In September 2025, the core PCE reached 2.9% with tariffs, and about 2.4% without them.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell sees rising inflation as the bank makes plans around its 2% goal, set aside from food and energy.

Impact on Consumers and Retail Prices

Tariffs add real costs for buyers. Consumers shoulder 50% to 70% of these extra charges. Clothing prices jumped 0.7% in September 2025. Other items such as coffee, furniture, and fake Christmas trees cost more as well. Price moves on basic items like eggs or holiday décor change how buyers view inflation.

Holiday Season and Consumer Spending

Tariffs may hit the holiday season hard. LendingTree data shows that if tariffs had applied in the 2024 season, total spending would have increased by $40.6 billion. On average, each shopper would pay about $132 more. Around 70.5% of tariff costs hit buyers directly.

This extra charge may push many shoppers to use credit cards or get personal loans. More households face higher debt during a busy time of year.

Federal Reserve Outlook and Policy Implications

The Fed keeps a close watch on inflation. Some regional officials do not agree with recent moves to lower interest rates because inflation stays above the target. Tariffs add to this ongoing inflation, which makes the Fed’s task of balancing growth and stable prices more complex.

In summary, tariffs have played a small role in price changes so far. As holiday shoppers start buying, the impact grows. Rising prices on everyday items add up, shaping how consumers spend and view the economy as 2026 begins.

For both shoppers and businesses, watching how tariffs affect costs is important as the holiday season nears.

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ECB Holds Steady: Interest Rates Unchanged as Euro Zone Economy Shows Resilience Amid Uncertainty

European Central Bank Holds Rates Steady Amid Signs of Economic Resilience

October 30, 2025 – The European Central Bank has decided to keep rates unchanged at its October meeting. It holds the deposit facility rate at 2% for the third meeting in a row. Recent data show that the euro zone economy stands firm while facing global doubts.

ECB’s Rate Decision and Economic Context

The ECB kept the rate steady after a series of cuts earlier this year. Last June, the rate fell from a 2024 peak of 4%. That June cut came as inflation settled near the 2% medium-term goal. In its statement, the bank said, "Inflation stays near 2% and the outlook stays the same." The statement shows that the ECB sees current inflation as manageable and does not need to change rates now.

Growth and Inflation Indicators

Preliminary figures for the third quarter show 0.2% growth in the euro zone economy. This small gain beats some expectations. The slow rise in activity shows that the economy stays strong even with trade issues and other pressures.

In September, euro zone inflation edged up to 2.2% from 2.0% in August. Higher service prices, such as in tourism and digital areas, drove this rise. Meanwhile, high tariffs, uncertainty, and a strong euro keep manufacturing slow.

ECB Officials Highlight a Nuanced Outlook

ECB President Lagarde explained that internal and external demand follow different paths. She noted that rising incomes help consumer spending. At the same time, trade challenges and tariffs continue to weigh on manufacturing.

Martin Kocher, a member of the Governing Council, said Europe stays in a good place if no major changes occur. He added that the time for cutting rates is nearly over.

François Villeroy de Galhau, another Council member, called for careful steps in rate management. He pointed out that current conditions are good, yet things remain flexible.

Market Response and Expert Commentary

After the ECB announcement, the euro lost some early gains. It traded a bit lower against the U.S. dollar at $1.1571. Analysts were not surprised because inflation appears stable.

Mike Coop, Chief Investment Officer at Morningstar Wealth, described the move as dull but fitting. He felt the step fits with inflation returning to a well-controlled level. He also noted that Europe faces challenges such as shifting away from cheap energy, tougher trade with the U.S., higher defense costs, and fewer investments compared with the U.S.

Data-Dependent Approach Moving Forward

The ECB will decide on future steps by looking at new data at each meeting. Many experts expect that rates will stay on hold through 2025. Most see no change until the end of 2026. For now, the bank will hold steady until new facts call for action.

Key Takeaways:

  • ECB holds the key deposit rate at 2% for the third meeting in a row.
  • Euro zone growth reached 0.2% in Q3.
  • Inflation in the euro zone edged up to 2.2% in September, led by higher service costs.
  • The ECB shows economic strength amid global uncertainty.
  • ECB officials hint that the period of cutting rates is nearly over.
  • The euro traded lower against the U.S. dollar after the news.
  • The ECB will decide on future steps by examining new data.

As the euro area faces challenges in energy change and trade shifts, the ECB’s steady stance supports growth while keeping inflation near target levels.

Reporting by CNBC, with contributions from Tasmin Lockwood and Leonie Kidd. For more updates on global financial markets and the latest from central banks, stay tuned.

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Trump’s Game-Changing Agreement with China: Fentanyl Tariffs Cut and Rare Earths Deal Secured

Trump Announces Major Trade and Security Agreement with China Following Historic Meeting

October 30, 2025 — Busan, South Korea

The two largest economies move closer as President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States signed a new one-year deal with China. The U.S. and China agreed on a pact to secure rare earth elements and key minerals. This news came right after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.

Key Highlights from the Announcement

  • Rare Earths Deal: Trump said the pact will keep rare earth minerals steady for tech and manufacturing. He calls it a one-year plan that may renew and change with each cycle.

  • Fentanyl Tariff Reduction: Trump said tariffs on fentanyl-linked imports from China will drop from 57% to 47%. The move works to stop the illegal spread of fentanyl, a strong synthetic drug linked to the U.S. overdose problem.

  • Agricultural Trade Resumption: China agreed to buy more American farm products such as soybeans. This step seeks to mend recent trade tensions.

  • Upcoming Visits: Trump said he will go to China in April 2026. Later, President Xi will come to the United States. The trips are set to boost further ties in trade and security.

The Meeting and Its Broader Context

The leaders met for 1 hour and 40 minutes. This was their first face-to-face talk in six years. Before they began, both leaders exchanged kind words. Trump called Xi an "old friend" with a strong bond. Xi noted that China’s growth plans would not clash with Trump’s goal to make America strong again.

These talks come as tensions rose during 2025. Beijing tightened export rules while Washington warned about stopping certain tech exports to China. They discussed topics like:

  • Tariffs and trade limits
  • Fentanyl import rules
  • Rare earth minerals and supply chains
  • Tech safety and TikTok’s ties to ByteDance

Signs of a Thawing Relationship

Even though many doubted change, Beijing bought U.S. soybeans. This act shows a sign of better ties. The new rare earth deal, the drop in fentanyl tariffs, and the restart of farm trade hint at a less rocky U.S.-China bond. Trump called the meeting “amazing” and said many plans were set, showing hope for more joint work.

Looking Ahead

The pact may shift global markets, tech fields, and security rules because rare earths matter in gadgets and defense. The lower tariffs on fentanyl-linked imports show a careful plan to fix hard shared issues in trade and public health.

With trips planned next year, Washington and Beijing show a clear wish to calm and balance their economic and security ties.

This is a developing story; updates will follow as more information becomes available.

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Trump and Xi Converge in Busan: A Crucial Meeting to Resolve Trade Tensions

Trump and Xi Arrive in Busan for Pivotal Trade Talks

Busan, South Korea — On October 30, 2025, President Trump and President Xi landed in Busan. They had not met face-to-face since Trump began his second term in January. Global markets and policy teams now wait as the two leaders meet. Their talks will focus on trade issues and tariffs. Two major economies show tension in these issues.

Arrival and Context of the Meeting

At Gimhae Air Base in Busan, officials greeted Trump and Xi with warm smiles. The leaders posed for a photo before their talks began at 11 a.m. local time (10 p.m. ET Wednesday). This meeting happens as Xi visits South Korea. It is his first visit in 11 years, and he also attends the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in nearby Gyeongju from Thursday to Saturday.

Trade Tensions at a Boiling Point

This meeting comes during a tough economic year. Beijing set new export controls. The U.S. warned it might ban some software exports to China. These moves add to the trade war problems between the two nations.

In recent days, the U.S. shared three goals for the talks:

  • Cut the flow of fentanyl into the United States
  • Split TikTok from its Beijing-based parent, ByteDance
  • Redefine terms for tariffs, technology exports, and rare earth mineral trades

Reuters said that China bought its first shipments of U.S. soybeans in months. This move may show a softer stance before the talks.

Market Reactions and Investor Sentiment

Investors feel cautious yet hopeful. Markets saw a rise at the start of the week in anticipation of change. The trade war has made markets nervous for months. News from Busan may send waves across global markets.

Outlook

Beijing remains careful about the chance of an agreement. The meeting now stands as a chance to fix key trade issues. The topics on the agenda may shift global ties for years.

The world now watches. The results of Busan might shape economic and diplomatic bonds for a long time. Stay tuned for live updates on this major summit.

Reporting by Evelyn Cheng and Anniek Bao, CNBC
Photo Credit: Andrew Harnik | Getty Images

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Saudi Arabia’s Bold Economic Transformation: Embracing Technology, AI, and Tourism Beyond Oil

Saudi Arabia Shifts Economic Priorities: From NEOM to Technology and Tourism

Riyadh, October 29, 2025 – Saudi Arabia ran a nearly ten-year plan called Vision 2030 to move away from oil. Now it shows a new focus on tech, AI, and tourism. This change points to a new national aim.

Moving from Big Projects to New Ideas

When Saudi Arabia introduced Vision 2030 in the mid-2010s, it backed huge projects like NEOM. NEOM planned a car-free city, with The Line as its key part. NEOM was to cost about $1.5 trillion; The Line stood near $500 billion. Mine projects linked funds with hope and a fresh urban plan.

Faisal Alibrahim, the Economy Minister, said on CNBC at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, “We are reordering our focus to help the parts that need it the most; today, it is tech and AI.” He added that new growth will come from work, tech, new ideas, and AI.

Alibrahim pointed out that if plans do not work as well, one must change them. Change starts when the results slow.

Tourism Grows Faster

Tech now wins more space, but tourism grows faster. The kingdom sees strong gains in travel and culture. It reached targets early. Now, the plan is to host 150 million visitors by the end of the decade. This fact shows that other parts of the economy speed up.

Travel, festivals, and sports add to the non-oil economy. Today, they make up 56% of the GDP, Alibrahim said. He called non-oil growth “the main force of the economy” and a way to cut the risks found in oil.

Balancing New Steps

The money view stays good. Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry sees the 2026 budget gap at 3.3% of GDP and expects 4.6% economic growth next year, helped by work outside oil. Minister Alibrahim now expects a 5.1% growth rate for 2025. Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan said the kingdom’s debt is low. He noted that a 32% public debt-to-GDP ratio stays safe and is backed by strong reserves.

Even when oil prices change and budgets feel pressure, Riyadh keeps spending to meet social and economic goals that match Vision 2030.

NEOM in a New Role

Saudi Arabia still puts funds into NEOM. It now cuts costs and moves with a quicker pace. Oliver Wyman partner Abdulelah Albarrak said, “Big projects change lives, but new tech such as AI needs clear focus.” He urged the kingdom to stay ready for change.

Saudi Arabia: A New Place for Opportunity

Alibrahim said, “People now come to Saudi not to collect cash, but to earn money. We are not just a money source; we are now a base of real job chances. We are simply opening new ways.”

As Saudi Arabia takes on AI and tech while tourism grows, it stands in the heart of new ideas in the region. The kingdom aims to run on hard work and grow for the future.

Stay informed with CNBC for the latest on Saudi Arabia’s new economic path and Vision 2030 plans.

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Trump’s Strategic Push: Countering China’s Dominance in Rare Earths Through Multi-Nation Deals

Trump’s Rare Earth Deals Target China’s Dominance — Why Change Won’t Come Soon

Published: October 29, 2025

President Donald Trump acts to break China’s strong hold on rare earth minerals. He signs supply deals with Australia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Japan. The U.S. seeks more paths for rare earth supply. New deals help secure links to important minerals needed for batteries, cars, defense systems, and computer chips.

The Stakes Behind the Deals

China now holds about:

  • 69% of rare earth mining,
  • 92% of refining, and
  • 98% of magnet production globally,

according to Goldman Sachs. China uses its power to shape prices and supplies by setting export rules.

Trump’s new agreements involve billions of dollars. They require fair trade and promise no export bans or quotas. The pact with Japan secures raw and processed minerals. It also sets funds to start some projects in six months.

Challenges Ahead: Why Change Will Take Time

Analysts note that these deals lay the first stone. Yet, change will cost years. New mines outside China take about ten years to build. New refining facilities may need five years. Dennis Wilder, at Georgetown University, states:

"In the medium term, we will get off the Chinese supply chain, but in the short term, there’s still a great deal of dependency on China."

Some reserves outside Myanmar and China are few. This fact makes quick change hard.

Strategic Benefits and Economic Impacts

Experts point to several benefits:

  • Stabilizing global rare earth prices,
  • Cutting U.S. reliance on Chinese export rules,
  • Driving new ideas for domestic refining and recycling, and
  • Creating fair play for U.S. companies against foreign rivals.

Brodie Sutherland, CEO of Patriot Critical Minerals Corp, calls the deals a “game-changer.” He says that a steady supply from nations that share our values may lead to mining and processing that is both efficient and fair.

Some experts warn of tradeoffs for the environment. In China, lower eco-standards kept costs low. New practices may raise costs. Patrick Schröder from Chatham House says:

"Consumers may need to accept higher prices for electronics and green technologies that reflect their true material and environmental cost."

Market Reactions and Political Context

U.S. rare earth mining companies see gains. For example, MP Materials and Trilogy Metals have more than quadrupled in value this year, and Energy Fuels has tripled.

Observers think that Trump sped up these deals to boost his position before meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. The two leaders plan talks on issues like China’s export rules, U.S. tariffs, and tech limits.

Wendy Cutler of the Asia Society Policy Institute remarks:

"Beijing’s export control threats have pushed more countries to side with Washington on mineral security."

Dennis Wilder adds that China’s broad export limits were meant as a strong tool against the U.S. but now unite others against Beijing:

"It was a useful tool when aimed at the U.S., but it loses strength when used against many nations."

Looking Forward

The rare earth supply deals mark a key step to cut global ties with China. However, they start a long and tough task. Building mines and refineries, weighing costs against the environment, and managing ties among countries will shape the future of rare earth supply.

For those who watch the market, these changes show that rare earth minerals now play a key part in global plans and might affect technology, defense, and energy in the coming years.

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