US-China Trade Talks: Trump-Xi summit delivered only limited progress, extending a trade truce and delaying tariffs, but leaving major disputes and sanctions unresolved. Energy Markets: China’s suspension/curbs on refined fuel exports for October are tightening global diesel and jet supplies, lifting oil prices and squeezing refiners’ margins abroad. AI & Chips: Amazon is reportedly selling Nvidia chips via a leaseback structure as AI spending ramps up; meanwhile US lawmakers weigh tighter export rules on advanced AI chips to China, with Nvidia and AMD lobbying to shape the outcome. China’s Market Mood: Despite AI hype, China’s stock market is lagging on weak household demand and property stress, while investors also discount regulatory and geopolitical risks. EV Competition: Chinese EV makers keep pushing overseas with aggressive pricing and expanding production in Europe, even as tariffs and trade friction rise. Geopolitics & Trade Security: Germany is preparing to block Cosco’s expanded logistics stake for national security, signaling tougher European scrutiny of Chinese investment. Philippines Politics: Manila said Trillanes’ claim that a Duterte-linked firm received P319m from China should not be dismissed if backed by sufficient proof, raising national security questions. Travel & Consumer Demand: Golden Week travel surged, with outbound bookings up over 40% year-on-year and multi-destination itineraries becoming more common.