Latest News on Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered Bank takes pension dispute with employees to Supreme Court, appeals against ruling – Daily Nation
Standard Chartered Bank (StanChart) has taken its fight against a court order to pay its former employees a combined Sh1.5 billion in pension awards to the Supreme Court. The bank is challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld a decision by the Employment and Labour Relations Court, which ordered StanChart to pay the pension benefits to over 200 former staff members.
The former employees had sued the bank, arguing that they were entitled to a higher pension payout based on their final salaries and years of service. The Employment and Labour Relations Court agreed with them, ruling that the bank had underpaid their pension benefits. The Court of Appeal later upheld this decision, prompting StanChart to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The bank argues that the Court of Appeal erred in its judgment, claiming that the pension scheme in question was a discretionary trust that allowed the bank to make decisions on pension payouts. StanChart contends that it had followed the rules of the pension scheme and that the former employees were not entitled to the higher payout.
The former employees, on the other hand, argue that the bank had breached its contractual obligations to them by underpaying their pension benefits. They claim that the bank had promised to pay them a certain amount based on their final salaries and years of service, but had failed to do so.
The Supreme Court’s decision in this case is expected to have significant implications for employers and employees in Kenya. If the court upholds the lower courts’ decisions, it could set a precedent for employers to pay higher pension benefits to their former employees. On the other hand, if the court rules in favor of StanChart, it could limit the ability of employees to claim higher pension benefits.
The case also highlights the importance of clear and transparent pension schemes. The dispute between StanChart and its former employees arose from a disagreement over the rules of the pension scheme and how they should be interpreted. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to provide clarity on this issue and help to prevent similar disputes in the future.
Overall, the StanChart pension award case is a significant employment law dispute that has far-reaching implications for employers and employees in Kenya. The Supreme Court’s decision will be closely watched by both parties, as well as by other employers and employees who may be affected by the outcome.
Standard Chartered’s CFO expresses caution over potential delays in completing key banking transactions if market uncertainty persists.
Standard Chartered PLC is a prominent banking group with a strong presence in emerging countries. The company’s net banking products can be broken down into three main categories: retail and private banking, commercial and corporate banking, and other activities. Retail and private banking accounts for 51.8% of the group’s net banking products, and includes services such as traditional banking, credit cards, consumer loans, and online banking. This segment caters to individual customers and small to medium-sized businesses, providing a range of financial products and services to meet their needs.
The commercial, corporate, investment, and market banking segment accounts for 47.3% of the group’s net banking products. This segment provides financial services to larger businesses and corporations, including business financing, cash management, and investment products. The remaining 0.9% of the group’s net banking products are classified as “other” activities.
In terms of financial performance, Standard Chartered PLC had a significant amount of deposits and loans on its balance sheet at the end of 2023. The group had USD 497.4 billion in current deposits, indicating a strong base of customer funds. Additionally, the group had USD 331.9 billion in current loans, which suggests a substantial portfolio of lending activities.
Geographically, the group’s income is distributed across various regions. The majority of the group’s income comes from Asia, which accounts for 70.2% of total income. This is followed by Africa and the Middle East, which accounts for 16.2% of income. Europe and the Americas account for 9.5% of income, while other regions account for 4.1%. This geographic distribution reflects the group’s strategic focus on emerging markets and its commitment to serving customers in these regions. Overall, Standard Chartered PLC is a major player in the global banking industry, with a diverse range of products and services and a strong presence in emerging markets.
Will the EU Shift its Trade Focus Away from the US? – Standard Chartered
Over the past decade, the United States has emerged as the European Union’s (EU) dominant trade partner, with bilateral goods trade worth approximately €1 trillion in 2024. This represents over 20% of the EU’s total extra-regional exports. The US’s growing trade dominance can be attributed to several factors, including robust domestic demand, stagnant export growth to the UK since Brexit, and a decline in exports to China following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the imposition of US tariffs could potentially disrupt this trade relationship, prompting the EU to seek alternative trade partners.
In the near term, the UK offers the greatest opportunity for the EU to expand trade flows. The existing Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the two parties may be renegotiated to improve its terms, with progress possible as early as this summer. Both sides have incentives to strengthen their trade relationship, making the UK a prime target for the EU’s trade expansion efforts.
The EU’s relationship with China has shown signs of improvement, but the trading relationship remains lopsided, with the EU seeking to address concerns over the imbalance. While there are opportunities for cooperation, the EU’s concerns over the trade deficit and other issues must be addressed.
The EU is also pursuing other trade agreements, including the EU-Mercosur deal, which may receive a boost due to the evolving global trade landscape. However, ratification of the deal is still uncertain. Additionally, trade negotiations with countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand have resumed, although EU environmental regulations remain a point of contention.
In the long term, an EU-India free trade agreement (FTA) may offer significant benefits for the EU. Changes to the negotiation process could facilitate progress, but several hurdles must be overcome before an agreement can be reached. Overall, the EU is seeking to diversify its trade relationships and reduce its dependence on the US, while also addressing concerns over trade imbalances and environmental regulations. By pursuing new trade agreements and renegotiating existing ones, the EU aims to accelerate its trade expansion efforts and promote economic growth.
Recent Updates
Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin Will Soar to $200,000 Before 2023 Ends, Reports Bitcoin.com News
Several financial institutions and experts have made predictions about the future price of Bitcoin, with some forecasting significant gains by the end of the year and beyond. Standard Chartered, a major international bank, has made a bullish prediction, suggesting that Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of the year. This prediction is based on the idea that investors may flee US assets and turn to alternative investments like Bitcoin.
Similarly, Investing.com India reports that StanChart predicts Bitcoin will hit a fresh all-time high in the second quarter of the year. This forecast is likely based on the bank’s analysis of market trends and the growing interest in cryptocurrency.
CoinDesk also reports on Standard Chartered’s prediction, suggesting that Bitcoin could hit $120,000 as investors seek alternative assets. This prediction is driven by the idea that investors are becoming increasingly cautious about the US economy and are looking for alternative investments that can provide a safe haven.
Meanwhile, Presto Research has made an even more ambitious prediction, suggesting that Bitcoin could hit $210,000 by 2025. This forecast is based on the idea that Bitcoin will continue to gain mainstream acceptance and that its price will rise accordingly.
Binance, a major cryptocurrency exchange, has also noted the potential for a Bitcoin resurgence, with the hashtag “#BitcoinResurgence” trending on social media. This suggests that there is growing enthusiasm for Bitcoin and that the cryptocurrency may be poised for a significant price increase.
Overall, these predictions suggest that Bitcoin is likely to experience significant price growth in the coming months and years. While predictions are inherently uncertain and subject to change, they do indicate a growing sense of optimism about the future of Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency market more broadly. As the market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether these predictions come to fruition and what other developments shape the future of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin is Poised to Potentially Reach a Staggering $200,000 by 2025
Geoff Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered Bank, is predicting a bullish future for Bitcoin, with a potential price of $200,000 by the end of 2025. Kendrick attributes this forecast to growing concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence and Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against risks in the traditional financial system. As economic uncertainties loom, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and independence from government or institutional control make it an attractive safe haven for investors.
The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023 is cited as an example of Bitcoin’s resilience, as it rallied while traditional assets faltered. Investors are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a buffer against systemic risks, particularly when trust in conventional institutions wanes. Kendrick also points to the U.S. Treasury term premium, which has hit a 12-year high, reflecting investor caution toward long-term Treasury bonds. This yield disparity has historically benefited Bitcoin, and Kendrick expects this trend to continue.
Standard Chartered’s forecast is based on confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term growth, driven by persistent macroeconomic uncertainties and eroding trust in centralized financial systems. Market trends support this view, with robust institutional demand and inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. As of April 22, 2025, the Bitcoin ETF net flow recorded a significant inflow of $912.70 million, with historical values showing $248.70 million over the last three months.
While the path to $200,000 hinges on sustained investor confidence and favorable economic conditions, Kendrick is optimistic about Bitcoin’s potential. He projects an even loftier target of $500,000 by 2028, driven by the same factors. However, it’s essential to approach such projections with caution, as Bitcoin’s price remains sensitive to global economic and political developments. Regulatory crackdowns, shifts in monetary policy, or reduced institutional interest could derail Standard Chartered’s forecast.
Overall, Standard Chartered’s prediction highlights Bitcoin’s growing appeal in volatile markets and its potential as a hedge against financial risks. As investors increasingly seek safe havens, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and independence from traditional financial systems make it an attractive option. While the future is uncertain, Kendrick’s forecast suggests that Bitcoin’s price could continue to rise as investors seek to diversify their portfolios and protect themselves from economic uncertainty.
Standard Chartered Unveils Ambitious $77.5 Billion Debt Issuance Initiative, Reports TipRanks
Standard Chartered, a British multinational bank, has announced the launch of a $77.5 billion debt issuance program. This program will enable the bank to issue debt securities in various currencies, including euros, US dollars, and pounds sterling, among others. The debt issuance program is designed to provide the bank with flexibility and access to funding, allowing it to manage its liquidity and capital requirements more effectively.
The program will be used to issue a range of debt securities, including senior unsecured notes, subordinated notes, and covered bonds. The debt securities will have varying maturities, ranging from a few months to several years. The program will be managed by a group of global coordinators, including Standard Chartered’s own investment banking arm, as well as other major banks.
The launch of the debt issuance program is part of Standard Chartered’s broader strategy to strengthen its balance sheet and improve its capital position. The bank has been working to reduce its risk-weighted assets and improve its return on equity, and the debt issuance program is seen as a key component of this effort.
The program is also seen as a vote of confidence in the bank’s financial health and prospects. Standard Chartered has been working to transform its business and improve its operational efficiency, and the debt issuance program is a sign that the bank is committed to investing in its future.
The $77.5 billion debt issuance program is one of the largest ever launched by a bank, and it reflects the growing demand for debt securities from investors. The program is expected to attract a wide range of investors, including institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and individual investors.
In terms of the impact on the bank’s financials, the debt issuance program is expected to have a positive effect on Standard Chartered’s liquidity and capital position. The program will provide the bank with access to a large pool of funding, which will enable it to meet its financial obligations and invest in its business.
Overall, the launch of the $77.5 billion debt issuance program is a significant development for Standard Chartered, and it reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its balance sheet and improving its financial health. The program is expected to have a positive impact on the bank’s financials and prospects, and it is seen as a key component of the bank’s strategy to transform its business and improve its operational efficiency.
Standard Chartered’s Private Banking division provides high-net-worth individuals with bespoke sports investment opportunities
Standard Chartered, a global bank, has launched a new fund that allows high net worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) to invest in the sports industry. The fund, managed by an external manager, focuses on sports, media, and entertainment opportunities, tapping into the growing interest in sports investing. This move makes Standard Chartered one of the first banks to offer such a fund across its global footprint.
The demand for sports investing is fueled by the rapid growth of the media industry, with major sports leagues globally signing record-breaking broadcasting deals. Recent high-profile sports-related transactions among leading family offices have also sparked interest in sports investing as an alternative asset class for UHNWIs. For example, Blue Pool Capital, the Hong Kong-based family office of Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai and owner of the NBA team Brooklyn Nets, is a notable sports investor.
According to Samir Subberwal, global head of wealth solutions, deposits, and mortgages, and chief client officer at Standard Chartered, “We have observed strong growing interest from our clients in alternative asset classes such as sports investing.” He notes that the growing media industry is an impetus for the bank to act, and that it is timely to leverage the expertise of leading global fund managers to connect HNWIs and UHNWIs to professionally managed solutions that provide access to hard-to-access opportunities.
The new fund is available to high net worth clients within Standard Chartered’s global private bank. This move is expected to attract a range of investors, including HNWIs and UHNWIs who are looking for new and exciting investment opportunities in the sports industry.
Standard Chartered, OKX, and Franklin Templeton unveil a pilot project for a new trading platform that uses tokenized funds as collateral.
Standard Chartered, OKX, and Franklin Templeton have launched a pilot trading platform that enables institutional clients to use cryptocurrencies and tokenized money market funds as collateral in off-exchange transactions. The platform aims to meet institutional security, regulatory compliance, and liquidity standards. Franklin Templeton’s Digital Assets division will provide tokenized on-chain assets that OKX clients can integrate into their trading and risk management workflows. The structure enables true ownership and near-instantaneous settlement, removing reliance on traditional infrastructure and aligning operational speed with blockchain-based systems.
The platform also onboarded Brevan Howard Digital, a division of the global alternative investment manager Brevan Howard, as one of its first participants. The program operates within the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) framework and aims to provide capital efficiency and enhanced asset protection through custody arrangements with a globally systemically important bank (G-SIB). Under the pilot structure, Standard Chartered will act as the independent custodian, while OKX will manage the collateral and facilitate transaction execution.
The initiative addresses institutional demand for trusted digital asset custody and supports the safe use of blockchain-based products in trading environments. According to Margaret Harwood-Jones, global head of financing and securities services at Standard Chartered, the collaboration leverages the bank’s established custody infrastructure to provide a secure mechanism for holding digital collateral.
The platform seeks to facilitate the broader adoption of tokenized instruments in institutional trading by enabling institutions to post digital assets as collateral while maintaining regulatory safeguards and custodial segregation. The program is designed to be regulatory-grade and suitable for institutional participants, with OKX’s infrastructure combined with Standard Chartered’s custody services creating a secure environment for trading.
This collaboration aims to provide a solution for institutions to use digital assets as collateral, which can be a game-changer for the industry. It demonstrates the increasing availability of compliant infrastructure for large-scale participation in the digital asset sector and the institutionalization of the market. The pilot platform has the potential to increase capital efficiency and asset protection, making it an attractive option for institutional investors.
Can we accelerate progress towards achieving our growth target?
The current US-China trade tensions are causing significant economic disruption, with China’s GDP growth expected to be negatively impacted by a substantial 1.8% due to the existing tariff rates. The tariffs on Chinese goods have surged to 142% and on US goods to 157%. Any further increases in tariffs are likely to have a diminishing impact on China’s growth, according to Standard Chartered economists.
The economists believe that the current situation presents a “perfect storm” with significant challenges to China’s growth prospects. However, they also emphasize that there are mitigating factors at play, including a 90-day delay in non-China reciprocal tariffs by the US, which should keep goods with China-produced content flowing to the US. Additionally, a moderate depreciation of the Chinese yuan (CNY) could act as a shock absorber.
To offset the impact of the US tariffs on its net exports, China can explore new export destinations and reduce its reliance on overall imports. The economists also anticipate that China’s government will roll out further stimulus measures to prevent growth from severely undershooting its 5% target.
Therefore, they recommend a further CNY 1.5-2.0 trillion (1.0-1.5% of GDP) fiscal stimulus, which is gradually introduced in two phases. The timing of the next Planned meeting of the Politburo in late April and July are critical in assessing the government’s readiness to introduce additional stimulus. Standard Chartered economists also warn of downside risks to China’s growth from a potential global recession and repercussions on domestic employment.
Standard Chartered predicts AVAX will soar to new heights by 2029, according to CoinJournal.
Financial institution Standard Chartered predicts that the price of AVAX, the native cryptocurrency of the Avalanche blockchain, could increase tenfold by 2029. This forecast suggests that AVAX could reach major highs in the coming years, driven by the growing adoption of the Avalanche ecosystem.
Avalanche is known for its fast and environmentally friendly consensus algorithm, allowing it to process transactions and perform smart contracts at a rapid pace. The platform has gained popularity among developers and users, leading to an increase in the demand for AVAX.
Standard Chartered’s prediction is based on the current momentum in the cryptocurrency market, which has seen a significant recovery following a tumultuous 2022. The announcement of China’s plans to reduce tariffs on cryptocurrency-related imports has also boosted market sentiment, with many investors turning to digital assets as a safe-haven asset.
Meanwhile, the price of AVAX has been steadily increasing, with some analysts predicting that it could reach $20 in the near future. This milestone would bring the cryptocurrency to a significant level, potentially attracting even more investors and traders.
The Avalanche ecosystem has been experiencing significant growth, with the adoption of its token, SUI, also showing signs of acceleration. The two tokens, AVAX and SUI, are often mentioned together, as they are both used to power the Avalanche blockchain.
Industry experts believe that the increasing adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and the growing popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will continue to drive the demand for AVAX and other cryptocurrencies. As a result, it is likely that the price of AVAX will continue to rise in the coming years, potentially reaching the highs predicted by Standard Chartered.
Overall, the future outlook for AVAX looks promising, with the cryptocurrency experiencing significant growth in recent months and a potential multi-fold increase by 2029. As the decentralized finance landscape continues to evolve, investors and traders will be closely monitoring the development of AVAX and other cryptocurrencies.
Bitcoin’s resilience could make it a strong contender, similar to the powerful and unyielding characters in The Magnificent Seven.
Standard Chartered, a leading bank, has recently issued a report that suggests Bitcoin could become a strong hedge against US isolation and potentially return a staggering $88,500 this weekend. The bank’s analysts are urging investors to “HODL” (hold on for dear life) their Bitcoin positions, citing the cryptocurrency’s potential to stand out as a shiny armor against the looming threat of inflation.
As inflation concerns continue to brew, Standard Chartered believes that Bitcoin’s store of value and limited supply make it an attractive asset to diversify a portfolio. The bank’s report highlights the Magnificent Seven, a group of precious metals and commodities, as a decent hedge against inflation. However, it suggests that Bitcoin could emerge as the strongman of the group, providing a significant return on investment.
The bank’s analysts are not alone in their optimism. A recent report by Nasdaq suggests that Bitcoin could be an excellent crypto to buy and hold for decades, citing its increasing institutional adoption and decreasing volatility. According to Cointribune, Bitcoin’s decentralized and limited supply make it an attractive defense against inflation, allowing it to maintain its purchasing power over time.
CEO Today’s article further cements Bitcoin’s reputation as a strong defense against inflation. The article highlights the cryptocurrency’s potential to protect wealth during periods of high inflation, citing its ability to retain its value while other assets lose value.
In conclusion, Standard Chartered’s report and other recent articles suggest that Bitcoin could be a wise investment for those looking to hedge against inflation and potentially generate significant returns. The cryptocurrency’s unique combination of decentralized and limited supply, as well as its increasing institutional adoption, make it an attractive asset for investors seeking a store of value. As inflation concerns continue to rise, Bitcoin’s value may continue to appreciate, making it a potentially lucrative addition to a diversified investment portfolio.
Join the Standard Chartered Hà Nội Marathon Heritage Race 2025 and unite with fellow runners to celebrate Vietnam’s rich heritage and prioritize personal health and wellness.
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After recent controversy surrounding its Safe Wallet, Bybit has partnered with Zodia Custody, a custodian backed by Standard Chartered, to bolster its security offerings
Bybit, a cryptocurrency exchange, has partnered with Zodia Custody, a crypto custodian, to provide institutional clients with segregated custody and off-exchange settlement solutions. This partnership aims to reduce the risk of exposure and provide transparent fees to clients. Bybit’s institutional arm, which targets larger investors, will use Zodia to ensure that assets are kept separate and isolated from the exchange, minimizing the risk of co-mingling and the potential for hackers to access the funds.
The partnership allows institutional clients to trade on Bybit while keeping their assets with Zodia Custody, ensuring full segregation and elimination of co-mingling. This setup also eliminates the need for pre-funding exchange accounts, which minimizes exposure to exchange-side vulnerabilities and improves capital efficiency.
This partnership comes after Bybit experienced a security breach in February, where hackers stole around $1.46 billion worth of cryptocurrency. Although the exchange was able to reclaim some of the stolen funds, a significant portion remains untraceable. The new partnership aims to provide an additional layer of security for institutional clients, who are seeking to minimize their exposure to risk.
Bybit’s CEO, Ben Zhou, has stated that 88% of the stolen funds are still traceable, and the company is working to recover the remaining funds. The partnership with Zodia Custody is seen as a key step in reducing the risk of future security breaches and providing a more secure trading environment for institutional clients.
The partnership offers a solution for institutional investors who are hesitant to trade on exchanges due to security concerns. Bybit and Zodia Custody’s partnership will provide a safe and secure environment for institutional clients to trade and store their assets, with the added benefit of transparent fees and reduced risk exposure.
According to a new report from Standard Chartered, Avalanche (AVAX) is poised to outpace both Bitcoin and Ethereum by the end of 2029, marking a notable milestone in the cryptocurrency’s rapid ascendance.
Standard Chartered analyst Geoff Kendrick is predicting major gains for Avalanche’s AVAX token, believing it will outperform both Bitcoin and Ethereum in the coming years. Kendrick initiated coverage on AVAX with a price target of $55 by the end of 2025, increasing to $100 by 2026, $150 by 2027, $200 by 2028, and $250 by the end of 2029. He cites the network’s unique approach to achieving scale through the use of subnets or sidechains, which has already seen a quarter of active subnets become Etna-compatible. The network’s growing developer numbers, following a December upgrade that reduced the cost of establishing a subnet to nearly zero, are also seen as encouraging. With a market cap of $9 billion, Avalanche is currently the 15th-largest cryptocurrency and the 10th-largest by total value locked. Kendrick believes the token is well-positioned to profit from incremental improvements and is a strong candidate for a big impact. He expects AVAX to more than 10x its current price by the end of 2029, reaching $250.
Measuring the Effect of US-Related International Uncertainty on Global Markets – Standard Chartered
The article discusses the expected persistence of uncertainty in global trade policy, despite the approaching “Liberation Day” on April 2. According to Standard Chartered’s economist Madhur Jha, the heightened trade policy uncertainty (TPU) is likely to lower global GDP growth by 1.0-1.5%. This impact is expected to be most significant for the US and other major economies. The article highlights three main channels through which heightened TPU can affect global growth: a drop in trade and capital flows, a decline in business investment, and lower consumer confidence.
The article also notes that academic studies suggest that the negative impact of TPU is not limited to tariffs alone, but can have broader effects on the economy. Moreover, the article cites a two-country structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) analysis, which estimated the impact of rising TPU on selected emerging market (EM) economies. The analysis found that the drop in output and CPI was small and short-lived, with no significant impact on short-term interest rates. However, some currencies, such as those of Mexico and Indonesia, did weaken in response to heightened TPU, suggesting that other factors, such as central bank credibility, are at play.
Overall, the article concludes that the expected continuation of trade policy uncertainty will likely have a significant impact on global growth, particularly for major economies. However, the impact on interest rates and exchange rates is expected to be limited, and other factors may also play a role.
Launched by Standard Chartered, the ‘Global Chinese Services’ initiative revolutionizes financial services for international Chinese communities.
Standard Chartered Bank has been a key player in China’s modernization for nearly 170 years, and to celebrate its rich history, the bank has opened an exhibition in Shanghai called “PIXEL HORIZONS 1858-2025：Standard Chartered Global Chinese CONTINUUM”. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the bank’s long history in China. In addition to its legacy, Standard Chartered has pioneered an innovative approach called “Global Chinese Services” aimed at catering to the needs of the global Chinese community.
This ambitious initiative involves a holistic service system that recognizes the cultural nuances of the global Chinese community, elevating the bank’s business offerings and refining its service and communication strategies. The goal is to provide localized expertise to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to expand overseas, enabling them to navigate international markets with greater ease. The bank’s worldwide network can offer customized financial solutions, trade financing, foreign exchange services, and market insights.
Moreover, the bank’s “3P Theory” (product-led, proposition-led, purpose-led) theory is centered around mission-driven value creation in cross-cultural commerce. The bank recognizes the importance of cultural nuances in business, ensuring that its international clientele receive personalized services tailored to their needs. This forward-thinking approach is reflective of the bank’s commitment to innovation and adaptability, demonstrating its ability to evolve and respond to changing market conditions.
By showcasing its global Chinese services, Standard Chartered Bank is positioned to play a vital role in China’s continued global integration and economic growth. Its ability to offer integrated global resources, expert advice, and seamless transactions makes it an attractive partner for businesses looking to expand overseas.
StanChart optimistic on China’s economic outlook
Standard Chartered PLC’s group CEO, Bill Winters, is optimistic about China’s economic prospects and has adjusted the bank’s business strategies to align with the country’s economic trends. He believes it is possible for China to meet its economic targets, citing positive developments and concrete actions to support economic growth. Winters highlights the rapid growth of China’s private sector, particularly in new technologies such as AI, and the bank’s partnerships with leading Chinese tech companies. He notes the opportunities for Chinese companies to expand globally and distribute their technologies, despite pushback in some sectors.
Winters also emphasizes the importance of policy consistency and predictability for private companies to thrive, which he believes is being supported by the Chinese government. He is confident in the Chinese economy and private sector, with the bank actively supporting their growth through lending and international expansion.
On the topic of tariffs and trade disputes, Winters predicts that many proposed tariffs will not materialize as everyone loses from tariffs. Even if substantial tariffs are applied, he believes China has tools to offset the impact, such as targeted fiscal and monetary stimulus. Standard Chartered is firmly committed to China and the global economic growth prospects, with Winters expressing support for the country’s efforts to promote the high-quality development of the private sector.
Overall, Winters’ comments convey a sense of optimism about China’s economic prospects, with a focus on the country’s private sector and its rapid advancements in new technologies. He also highlights the importance of policy consistency and predictability for private companies, which he believes is being supported by the Chinese government.
According to Standard Chartered, the US dollar may experience a resurgence in strength by 2025, offering investors a compelling investment opportunity.
According to a report by Standard Chartered, the dollar may not be as strong in 2025, a prediction that contradicts the widespread assumption that the US currency will continue to rise in value. The bank’s analysts have predicted that the dollar’s strength will be renewed later in 2025, rather than experiencing a prolonged period of growth.
The report cites several factors that could contribute to this reversal, including the potential for the Federal Reserve to slow down the pace of interest rate hikes, the strengthening of other major currencies such as the euro and yen, and the impact of global trade tensions on the US economy. Additionally, the report notes that the dollar’s current strength is largely a function of its status as a safe-haven currency, which could dissipate as global markets stabilize and investor sentiment improves.
The report also highlights the challenge that the US faces in maintaining its economic growth momentum, with the country’s economy experiencing a slowdown in the second half of 2023 and the potential for inflation to rise again in 2025. This, combined with the increasing risk of a global economic downturn, could lead to a reevaluation of the dollar’s value and a potential reversal of its upward trend.
Furthermore, the report suggests that the dollar’s role as a reserve currency may also be overshadowed by other currencies, particularly the euro, which has been gaining popularity as a safe-haven asset due to the European Central Bank’s more dovish monetary policy.
In conclusion, according to Standard Chartered’s report, the dollar’s strength is expected to be renewed later in 2025, driven by factors such as the potential for slower interest rate hikes, the strengthening of other major currencies, and the impact of global trade tensions on the US economy. The report challenges the widespread assumption that the dollar will continue to rise in value and highlights the potential for a reversal in its value in the future.