Global Markets Update: Manufacturing Weakness, Nvidia Risks, and Tesla’s European Decline

Global markets were mixed on Thursday as investors weighed weak Asian manufacturing data, Tesla’s sharp decline in European sales, and Nvidia’s cautious outlook. With oil prices slipping and currencies showing limited movement, market participants remain on edge ahead of key U.S. economic releases later this week.

Global markets remained volatile today as mixed corporate earnings, weak economic data, and shifting investor sentiment weighed on risk appetite. Key highlights shaping market sentiment include manufacturing weakness in Asia, Nvidia’s muted outlook, Tesla’s European sales slump, and ongoing currency market pressures.

Thailand Manufacturing Output Contracts Sharply

Thailand’s manufacturing output fell more than expected in July, signaling persistent weakness in Asia’s industrial recovery. The slump highlights slowing external demand and rising trade headwinds, particularly as new U.S. tariffs on Asian exports take effect. This adds further pressure on regional supply chains and raises concerns about global growth momentum heading into Q4.

Nvidia Results Underwhelm Despite Earnings Beat

Nvidia reported Q2 results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, but shares slipped as soft data center revenue and China-related risks clouded the outlook. CEO Jensen Huang maintained optimism, projecting a record-breaking year in 2026 if market conditions improve. Despite the setback, Nvidia remains a central driver of AI and semiconductor demand, though investor caution is rising amid U.S.-China tech tensions.

Tesla Sales Plunge in Europe as BYD Gains Ground

Tesla faced a 40% drop in European sales during July, among the largest month-on-month declines in its recent history. Chinese rival BYD has overtaken Tesla in several key markets, offering competitively priced EV models that resonate with cost-conscious consumers. The sharp decline underscores intensifying competition in the EV sector and highlights Tesla’s vulnerability outside the U.S. market.

Berkshire Hathaway Boosts Mitsubishi Stake

In Japan, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway raised its stake in Mitsubishi Corp to 10.23%, reinforcing confidence in Japanese trading houses. Shares of Mitsubishi and other trading firms climbed in response, reflecting renewed foreign investor interest in Japan’s corporate sector.

FX & Commodities: Dollar Flat, Oil Slips

Currency markets saw muted moves as investors digested political shifts in the U.S. Federal Reserve under Trump’s influence. The Indian rupee remained under pressure, while the yen gained modestly. In commodities, oil prices slipped as traders weighed India tariff impacts against a smaller-than-expected U.S. inventory drawdown.

Market Snapshot (as of close):

• Dow Jones: +0.32%
• S&P 500: +0.24%
• Nasdaq: +0.21%
• Dollar Index (DXY): 98.09 (-0.01%)
• Brent Crude: -0.52%
• Gold (XAU/USD): -0.27%

Investor Takeaway

Markets remain in a fragile balance with Asia’s manufacturing slowdown, fierce competition in the EV market, and lingering uncertainty over the U.S.-China trade and technology flows. While Nvidia and other tech leaders continue to drive innovation, investor positioning suggests caution ahead of key U.S. economic data later this week.

SGFX will continue monitoring developments and provide timely updates on opportunities across equities, FX, and commodities.