China
The US-sanctioned Russian Arctic LNG plant has made its tenth shipment since June 2025. Most of the cargo was bound for China. This demonstrates Russia's attempt to circumvent Western restrictions and test US resolve.
Europe's first rare-earth magnet factory, owned by Neo Performance Materials, has opened in Estonia. The enterprise is capable of annually producing magnets for 1 million electric vehicles and 1,000 wind turbines, reducing dependence on China.
China has announced the mass production of the world's first ultra-low noise, four-channel single-photon detector. This device, dubbed the "photon catcher," can detect a single photon, making it a key component for quantum communication and radars for tracking stealth aircraft such as the F-22.
SpaceX successfully launched its 11th Starship rocket from Texas, which landed in the Indian Ocean. This is the last flight before the test launch of a new version of the rocket, designed for missions to the Moon and Mars.
On Tuesday, October 14, gold prices rose to a new record high above $4,100 an ounce. This happened due to renewed tensions between the US and China, which sparked a rush for safe-haven assets.
Oil prices rose on Tuesday as early signs of easing trade tensions between the US and China boosted market sentiment. Brent crude futures rose 0.4% to $63.54 a barrel, while US WTI rose 0.4% to $59.71 a barrel.
Bank of America raised its gold price forecast to $5,000 per ounce for 2026, citing increased investment demand and geopolitical risks. This comes amid a record rise in gold prices, which have already exceeded $4,000 per ounce.
Gold prices surpassed $4,100 an ounce for the first time on October 13, reaching new record highs. This surge is driven by the escalating trade dispute between the US and China, which has prompted investors to seek safe-haven assets.
Global financial markets are in turmoil amid new decisions by the US administration. Bitcoin fell by more than $20,000, while other digital assets lost up to 15% of their capitalization. Fintech expert Olena Sosiedka commented on the reasons for the fall in the crypto market and gave a forecast for the recovery of digital asset values.
The Dutch government has taken control of the Chinese company Nexperia, a semiconductor manufacturer. This is done to ensure the supply of microchips for automotive and consumer electronics in the Netherlands and Europe.
The total market value of all cryptocurrencies rose by more than 6% to over $4 trillion on October 13. Bitcoin traded at around $115,000 in London after falling below $105,000 in the US.
On October 13, gold rose 1. 5% to a record $4078.05 per ounce, and futures increased 2.3% to $4093.50, amid escalating trade conflicts between the US and China. Silver jumped 2.7% to $51.70, platinum 2.9% to $1635.35, and palladium 3.6% to $1452.50.
Oil prices rose after hitting a five-month low, as investors hope for talks between the US and Chinese presidents. This could ease trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.
US Vice President J. D. Vance called on Beijing to "choose the path of reason" in the trade war, stating that the US has more leverage. This comes as Trump announces a 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 2025.
The Pentagon is launching a global program to procure up to $1 billion worth of critical minerals to replenish national stockpiles. This is aimed at reducing US dependence on China, which dominates this market.
Philippine vessels claim a Chinese ship deliberately rammed their vessel near the Spratly Islands. China accuses the Philippines of trespassing in its waters, resulting in minor structural damage.
Beijing called on Washington to stop the pressure and return to negotiations after US President Donald Trump's decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by 100% and tighten export controls. China stated that it would not hesitate to take retaliatory measures.
Chinese property management companies are looking for new sources of income due to the market downturn, providing pet care and elderly assistance services. This includes dog walking, accompanying to doctors, and livestock care, allowing them to adapt to the new market reality.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Russia will continue to violate the airspace of European countries, and NATO is adequately responding to provocations. He also called on European countries to be more united in relations with China.
The price of Bitcoin fell to $110,623, one of the sharpest one-day drops. This caused the liquidation of over a billion in margin positions and wiped over $250 billion from the crypto economy.
US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods starting November 1, 2025. This decision is a response to Beijing's "aggressive stance" on international trade and export controls.
China has launched an antitrust investigation into American semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm. The reason was a possible violation of legislation due to the non-declaration of details of the acquisition of Israeli chip developer Autotalks.
Kim Jong Un promised to transform the DPRK into "the best socialist paradise in the world" ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Workers' Party. This event is marked by a military parade, which is likely to showcase the latest weapons.
According to a report by S&P Global Ratings, China's real estate market is facing a fifth year of decline, with new home sales projected to fall by 8% in 2025. This is a sharper decline than previously expected and postpones hopes for a market recovery.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radosław Sikorski became an honorary doctor of Ivan Franko Lviv University. He visited Lviv on an unannounced visit, laid flowers at the site of the Russian shelling, and participated in a diplomatic forum.
Two Chinese warships arrived in Cambodia on a friendly visit, part of the "Peace and Friendship 2025" exercises. The visit comes amid a border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, with whom China maintains friendly relations.
The Trump administration has proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on routes to and from the United States. The proposal is another act of escalation in the trade war between China and the United States.
Chinese paleontologists in Guizhou province have unearthed an amazing skeleton of an ancient dinosaur that is very similar in structure to a dragon.
Google specialists have discovered a large-scale cyberattack by the Russian Clop group, which stole data from dozens of international organizations. Hackers used vulnerabilities in Oracle E-Business Suite software, demanding a ransom for the stolen information.
The European Commission is investigating allegations of Hungarian espionage against European institutions. An international journalistic investigation uncovered a network of secret agents operating through Hungary's Permanent Representation to the EU.