Headline: Markets Steady as Beijing Eases Chip Curbs; Buffett Plans Farewell; BOJ Signals December Liftoff
Introduction: Global markets found support as policy signals and corporate headlines redirected investor attention. Easing tensions over a Chinese-owned Dutch chipmaker, a firmer outlook for China’s economy, and fresh guidance from central banks set the tone, while a landmark leadership move at Berkshire Hathaway added to a busy news cycle.
Beijing’s agreement to talks with the Netherlands and the relaxation of export restrictions affecting Nexperia lifted sentiment across Asian technology shares, notably boosting Wingtech Technology. The détente marks progress toward resolving a dispute that intensified after Dutch authorities moved to seize the chipmaker in September, reducing near-term uncertainty for the semiconductor supply chain. In a separate corporate milestone, Warren Buffett is set to publish his farewell letter to Berkshire Hathaway on November 10, outlining philanthropy, reflections on Berkshire, and long-term guidance for shareholders as he prepares to step down as CEO.
Risk appetite improved as U.S. government shutdown worries eased, with Dow and S&P 500 futures edging higher, gold prices ticking up and the U.S. dollar firming. Snap and airline stocks remained under pressure despite the broader tone. In currency markets, the yen weakened toward 153.80 per dollar after the Bank of Japan signaled a potential rate hike in December, with traders watching wage data for confirmation. Japan’s government indicated that a sales tax cut is not ruled out in the longer term but is unlikely in the near future given fiscal needs.
China remained in focus. Exchange-traded funds backed by gold saw a 164% surge in the first nine months of 2025, while the central bank extended its gold purchases for an eleventh consecutive month, lifting reserves to 2,303.5 tons. Although domestic consumption eased and output rose modestly, investor demand for hedging assets stayed strong. Reflecting improving momentum, Goldman Sachs raised its China GDP forecasts to 4.8% in 2026 and 4.7% in 2027, citing resilient exports, lower tariff risks following recent high-level talks, and policy emphasis on technology and advanced manufacturing in the new five-year plan.
Key Points: – Beijing will hold talks with the Netherlands and has eased export curbs on Nexperia, lifting Wingtech Technology shares. – Warren Buffett plans to publish a farewell letter to Berkshire Hathaway on November 10 and intends to step down as CEO. – U.S. shutdown fears receded, boosting Dow and S&P 500 futures; gold edged higher and the dollar strengthened. – The Bank of Japan signaled a possible December rate hike; the yen weakened toward 153.80 as traders watch wage data. – China’s gold ETFs jumped 164% year-to-date through September 2025; central bank gold reserves rose to 2,303.5 tons. – Goldman Sachs raised China’s GDP outlook for 2026–2027 on stronger exports, easing tariff risks, and tech-focused policy.
