International News 16 September 2025
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BYD Faces Investor Pressure Amid $45 Billion Selloff and EV Price War
BYD shares have plunged more than 30% from their record high just four months ago, erasing around $45 billion in value and sparking concerns about its ability to withstand China’s bruising EV price war. Heavy discounting has pressured margins, with June-quarter profit down 30%—its first drop in over three years. Beijing has also warned against excessive competition, adding regulatory headwinds as rivals like Geely and Leapmotor gain ground. BYD has cut its 2025 delivery target to 4.6 million vehicles, meaning it must ship 1.7 million units in the final four months—an ambitious goal given aging models and delayed new launches until 2026. Investors are watching closely for BYD’s refreshed lineup, expected to feature longer-range plug-in hybrids, battery improvements, and autonomous driving features. Analysts suggest that repositioning as a tech leader rather than just a cost-efficient EV producer could lift sentiment despite near-term earnings pressure. While global EV growth has slowed to 15% in August 2025, China remains the largest market, and BYD’s cost advantages could bolster overseas expansion. Goldman Sachs estimates BYD will sell up to 1 million units abroad this year, exceeding management’s 800,000-unit target, with new demand expected from markets like Singapore following its fossil fuel phase-out plans.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/investor-jual-us45-miliar-saham-begini-strategi-byd-ke-depan
Central European Currencies Rally as Dollar Weakens
The weakening U.S. dollar boosted Central European currencies on Monday (Sept 15, 2025), with Hungary’s forint hitting a 13-month high and the Czech crown testing its strongest level in 21 months. The Polish zloty also gained, reaching its firmest level in nearly a month, tracking regional momentum. The dollar hovered near multi-year lows against the euro ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, where a rate cut is widely expected. Analysts noted that stable Czech interest rate expectations and broader euro strength continue to support the crown, which remained close to breaking key resistance levels. Hungary’s forint traded at 389.80 per euro, extending a three-session rally, while the Czech crown stabilized at 24.32 per euro. The zloty rose 0.2% to 4.2475 per euro, supported by calmer sentiment following geopolitical tensions last week and a softer inflation print for August. Investors now await Polish wage and industrial output data later this week, alongside Moody’s sovereign review on Friday. Analysts expect Poland’s 10-year yields to stay in the 5.40–5.50% range, with risks skewed to the upside, after Fitch recently cut the country’s outlook to negative. Meanwhile, Moody’s maintained Romania’s Baa3 rating with a negative outlook, citing ongoing political and economic risks.
Global Stocks Hover Near Record Highs Ahead of Fed Decision
Global equities traded near record highs on Monday (Sept 15, 2025), with investors cautious ahead of a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting expected to deliver a 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing the federal funds rate to 4.0%-4.25%. Futures pricing shows only 4% odds for a larger 50 bps cut. Markets are closely watching the Fed’s updated dot plot and Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks for signals on whether this marks the start of a cutting cycle. Goldman Sachs’ David Mericle noted the Fed is likely to acknowledge labor market weakness without shifting forward guidance, while U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Powell, blaming him for worsening housing conditions. Options markets suggest daily swings could reach 1% post-decision, highlighting potential volatility. In Europe, stocks rose 0.3% while U.S. futures held steady. The euro edged up 0.1% to $1.1738 despite France’s credit downgrade, while the dollar slipped 0.2% against the yen to 147.42. In Asia, Chinese blue chips gained 0.2% on tech optimism despite weaker-than-expected August industrial output, retail sales, and deeper property sector declines. ING’s Lynn Song sees room for further short-term stimulus, including rate and reserve ratio cuts. Meanwhile, Brent crude rose 0.5% to $67.33 on Russia-Ukraine supply concerns, while gold steadied at $3,642 per ounce, just below its all-time high of $3,673.95.