Key Takeaways
- Boeing's (BA) 737 Max 7 jetliner is now not expected to receive certification until the first half of 2026, missing the planemaker’s previous target of wrapping up work this year.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the $8-$8.4 billion merger of Paramount Global (PARA) with Skydance Media, marking the final regulatory clearance.
- Nvidia (NVDA) chips worth an estimated $1 billion were reportedly smuggled into China, bypassing U.S. export controls.
- TSMC (TSM) has delayed the operational start of its second Kumamoto factory in Japan to the first half of 2029.
- Former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh stated he would support a rate cut in the upcoming week if he were a voting member.
Boeing (BA) is facing another setback as its 737 Max 7 jetliner is not expected to be certified until the first half of 2026. This delay, confirmed by the model’s largest customer, means the U.S. planemaker will miss its target of completing the certification process this year. The ongoing regulatory hurdles for the Max series continue to impact Boeing's production and delivery schedules.
In a significant development for the media industry, the FCC has given its approval to the $8-$8.4 billion merger between Paramount Global (PARA) and Skydance Media. This decision, reached after a 2-1 vote, clears the final regulatory hurdle for the highly anticipated consolidation. The merger is expected to reshape the competitive landscape in streaming and content production.
Geopolitical tensions and export controls remain a focus, with reports indicating that $1 billion worth of Nvidia (NVDA) chips were smuggled into China. This illicit trade occurred despite Trump-era export controls aimed at restricting advanced technology access for certain Chinese entities. The Financial Times highlighted the extent of these unauthorized shipments.
Meanwhile, the global semiconductor industry sees a shift in timelines as TSMC (TSM) announced a delay for its second Kumamoto factory. The facility, a crucial part of TSMC's expansion strategy in Japan, is now projected to commence operations in the first half of 2029, according to Nikkan Kogyo. This postponement could impact future chip supply chains and regional manufacturing capabilities.
In the financial sector, Citigroup (C) has downgraded Northern Star Resources (NST) from Buy to Neutral. Concurrently, the bank reduced its target price for the Australian gold miner to A$18.00 from A$21.00, signaling a more cautious outlook for the company's stock.
Comments from former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh on Fox News have drawn attention to potential monetary policy shifts. Warsh stated he would be "honoured to serve" if considered for the Fed Chair position. He also emphasized the importance of the U.S. demonstrating a serious commitment to cutting expenses and indicated he would support a rate cut next week if he were a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee. His remarks offer insight into potential considerations for future interest rate decisions.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.