Is Honda planning a proper ladder-frame ute to take on the Ford Ranger?
The Nikkei newspaper, via Reuters, reports Nissan has commenced discussions with Honda to supply it with vehicles produced at its under-utilised Canton, Mississippi plant in the US.
Specifically, Reuters reports Nissan will build Honda pickup trucks at Canton.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
ABOVE: A Nissan Frontier at the Canton, Mississippi plant
This plant currently produces, among other models, the Frontier pickup. This vehicle, launched in 2021, is an evolution of what was sold in Australia as the D40-series Navara, featuring a revised version of its platform but fresh styling inside and out, and a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre petrol V6 mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
While Honda already has a dual-cab pickup on sale in the US with the Ridgeline, this is not only a lighter-duty unibody ute closely related to the Pilot crossover SUV, but also one that has been in production for nine years.
Honda had previously flagged, during aborted merger discussions, that Nissan had several 'large class' vehicles it didn't have, and was in discussions on the matter.
'So, if maybe we can exchange some of the vehicles, that would also be a benefit for us in the short term,' said Honda Motor Company director and vice president Noriya Kaihara in January. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
ABOVE: Honda Ridgeline
'Maybe in the future, we can co-develop those vehicles. But in the short term, if we need we can get some of the Nissan vehicles for Honda as well.'
Media coverage at the time indicated Honda was looking at getting its own version of the Nissan Armada (aka Y63 Patrol) and Infiniti QX80 full-size SUVs, which would slot above its existing flagship SUV, the Acura MDX crossover.
But by launching a version of the Nissan Frontier, Honda would finally have a more traditional rival to the likes of the top-selling Toyota Tacoma in the US.
Whether this would be exported to markets like Australia is unclear, though unlikely. The Nissan Frontier is produced only in left-hand drive, with our market instead getting the Thai-built, diesel-powered Nissan Navara, a new generation of which is due by 2027.
Honda has tapped other brands for product before when it didn't have anything suitable of its own. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
ABOVE: Honda Tourmaster
The Crossroad, sold exclusively in Japan, was a rebadged Land Rover Discovery and the only V8-powered model ever sold by the brand. It was discontinued in 1998.
More successful was the Passport, which lasted for two generations in the US market; the second generation of this model, a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo, was sold here as a Holden Frontera.
Honda's premium Acura brand also rebadged the Isuzu Trooper, known here as the Holden Jackaroo, dubbing it the SLX. In Japan, this was also sold as the Honda Horizon.
The Passport and SLX were eventually replaced by Honda-developed SUVs.
Honda has even put its name on another company's ute, rebadging the Isuzu TF (aka Holden Rodeo) for Thailand as the Tourmaster, which was produced from 1996 to 1998.
While all of these aforementioned models were mere rebadges, Honda currently offers the Prologue through its namesake brand and the Acura ZDX, which are both based on General Motors platforms but feature completely different styling inside and out.
MORE: Is Honda looking to take on the Toyota LandCruiser with a rebadged Nissan Patrol?
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Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Under Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan capped-price servicing scheme, the Ioniq 9 requires a service at 24 months/30,000km which costs $660, and then one at 48 months or 60,000km which costs $685. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: There's just one Ioniq 9 trim level offered in Australia – the top-spec Calligraphy. Standard equipment includes: Also included is a complimentary five-year subscription to Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. This is transferrable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, and includes features such as: Digital exterior mirrors are a $3000 option. A six-seat configuration is available for an extra $2000, replacing the second-row three-seat bench and bringing: Metallic and pearl exterior paint finishes cost an extra $750. These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. The EV9 is available in three variants, though the flagship GT-Line – most comparable to the Ioniq 9 – is priced at $121,000 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is the priciest Hyundai yet, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric SUV, which is currently priced at $110,383 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is being offered here only in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise, with a pair of 157kW/350Nm electric motors. It rides on MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension, with a self-levelling damper system to help reduce sag when loaded with heavy cargo. Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. 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The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. The EV9 is available in three variants, though the flagship GT-Line – most comparable to the Ioniq 9 – is priced at $121,000 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is the priciest Hyundai yet, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric SUV, which is currently priced at $110,383 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is being offered here only in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise, with a pair of 157kW/350Nm electric motors. It rides on MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension, with a self-levelling damper system to help reduce sag when loaded with heavy cargo. Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Under Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan capped-price servicing scheme, the Ioniq 9 requires a service at 24 months/30,000km which costs $660, and then one at 48 months or 60,000km which costs $685. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: There's just one Ioniq 9 trim level offered in Australia – the top-spec Calligraphy. Standard equipment includes: Also included is a complimentary five-year subscription to Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. This is transferrable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, and includes features such as: Digital exterior mirrors are a $3000 option. A six-seat configuration is available for an extra $2000, replacing the second-row three-seat bench and bringing: Metallic and pearl exterior paint finishes cost an extra $750. These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. 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These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
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Polestar boss says new Australian emissions regulations 'didn't kill the weekend'
Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
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Global shares gain before key US earnings and data
Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session. Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session. Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session. Shares have climbed worldwide and the dollar has held gains as market participants enter a key week for US earnings, inflation data and trade talks in a relatively optimistic mood. Oil prices edged lower after US President Donald Trump issued a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine to avoid energy sanctions. Trump signalled he was open to discussions on tariffs after his weekend threat to impose 30 per cent duties on the European Union and Mexico from August 1. Japan is reportedly trying to schedule high-level talks with the US on Friday. Market reaction to the tariff uncertainty has been benign, making earnings in the United States this week all the more important for cues. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan added 0.8 per cent on Tuesday, while Europe's STOXX benchmark rose 0.2 per cent and Nasdaq futures gained after Nvidia said it would resume sales of its H20 chips to China. The EU accused the US of resisting efforts to strike a trade deal and warned of countermeasures if no agreement is reached. Trump said he was open to talks with the EU and other trading partners. Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Tokyo on Friday, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, before an August 1 deadline before 25 per cent tariffs are due to take effect. Ishiba also has an election to contend with on Sunday, with polls showing his ruling coalition might lose their majority in the upper house to political opponents who are advocating for expansive spending. Japanese government bonds plunged, with the benchmark 10-year yield rising to 1.595 per cent, its highest since October 2008. Data showed China's economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against US tariffs. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to visit the country on Wednesday, with his company now planning to resume sales of its H20 artificial intelligence chips in the market. The US earnings season is set to begin on Tuesday, with second-quarter reports from major banks. S&P 500 profits are expected to rise 5.8 per cent year-over-year, according to LSEG data. The outlook has dimmed sharply since the early April forecast of 10.2 per cent growth, before Trump launched his trade war. Trump's renewed verbal attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in recent weeks also offered markets a reminder of the turmoil that his sometimes abrupt decision-making can unleash, analysts said. Investors are also waiting for US consumer price data for June, due on Tuesday, and will monitor for any upward pressure on prices from tariffs. The dollar was little changed at 147.62 yen after touching a three-week high. The euro edged up 0.1 per cent to $US1.1680 after four days of losses. US crude dipped 0.6 per cent to $US66.56 a barrel. Trump announced new weapons shipments for Ukraine on Monday, and threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal in 50 days. Gold strengthened 0.5 per cent at $US3,358 per ounce, while spot silver gained 0.3 per cent to $US38.25 an ounce after hitting its highest level since September 2011 in the previous session.
