Europe Markets Extend Losses Amid Looming U.S. Import Tax on Vehicles

European stock market indexes struggled to advance in Monday's trading ahead of the looming U.S. tariffs this week. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London declined 1% as investors fear a widening trade war's negative impact on the economy and corporate earnings. 

The 25% import tax announced by the White House is likely to lower vehicle exports from the European Union to the U.S. 

The U.S. is the second largest market for the passenger cars made in the European Union, and about 704,000 vehicles were shipped across the Atlantic in 2024. 

The European carmakers are expected to increase the final U.S. sale price between $3,000 and $10,000 after the implementation of the import tax.

On the economic front, Germany's consumer price inflation slowed to 2.2% in March from 2.3% in the previous month, according to a report released by the Federal Statistical Office. 

The overall inflation slowed because of a moderation in services inflation to 3.4% from 3.8% and a further decline in energy prices to 2.9% from 2.4% in the previous month, respectively. 

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, slowed to 2.5% from 2.7% in the previous month. 

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index decreased by 1.1% to 22,202.31, the CAC-40 index edged lower 1.05% to 7,836.77, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.9% to 8,581.47.

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.67%, French bonds decreased to 3.39%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.66%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.81%.

The euro increased to $1.08; the British pound was higher at $1.30; and the U.S. dollar was lower and traded at 87.96 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.13 to $72.63 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.27 to €40.63 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Associated British Foods decreased 1.1% to 1,918.0 pence, and the company's Primark chief executive, Paul Marchant, resigned following allegations of improper behavior. 

Pets At Home Group PLC dropped 9% to 215.60 pence after the specialty retailer estimated lower earnings in fiscal 2026.

3i Group PLC decreased 3.5% to 3,598.0 pence after the UK-based private equity group issued a preliminary update for the current fiscal year ending in March 2025. 

Europe Markets Extend Losses Amid Looming U.S. Import Tax on Vehicles

European stock market indexes struggled to advance in Monday's trading ahead of the looming U.S. tariffs this week. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London declined 1% as investors fear a widening trade war's negative impact on the economy and corporate earnings. 

The 25% import tax announced by the White House is likely to lower vehicle exports from the European Union to the U.S. 

The U.S. is the second largest market for the passenger cars made in the European Union, and about 704,000 vehicles were shipped across the Atlantic in 2024. 

The European carmakers are expected to increase the final U.S. sale price between $3,000 and $10,000 after the implementation of the import tax.

On the economic front, Germany's consumer price inflation slowed to 2.2% in March from 2.3% in the previous month, according to a report released by the Federal Statistical Office. 

The overall inflation slowed because of a moderation in services inflation to 3.4% from 3.8% and a further decline in energy prices to 2.9% from 2.4% in the previous month, respectively. 

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, slowed to 2.5% from 2.7% in the previous month. 

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index decreased by 1.1% to 22,202.31, the CAC-40 index edged lower 1.05% to 7,836.77, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.9% to 8,581.47.

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.67%, French bonds decreased to 3.39%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.66%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.81%.

The euro increased to $1.08; the British pound was higher at $1.30; and the U.S. dollar was lower and traded at 87.96 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.13 to $72.63 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.27 to €40.63 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Associated British Foods decreased 1.1% to 1,918.0 pence, and the company's Primark chief executive, Paul Marchant, resigned following allegations of improper behavior. 

Pets At Home Group PLC dropped 9% to 215.60 pence after the specialty retailer estimated lower earnings in fiscal 2026.

3i Group PLC decreased 3.5% to 3,598.0 pence after the UK-based private equity group issued a preliminary update for the current fiscal year ending in March 2025. 

Europe Movers: United Internet, Vossloh

Vossloh AG dropped 2.7% to €65.00 after the German rail infrastructure company reported flat sales in 2024.

Revenue declined to €1.209 billion from €1.214 billion, net income jumped to €63.2 million from €38.7 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to €3.56 from €2.21 a year ago.

The company guided fiscal 2025 revenue to be between €1.25 billion and €1.325 billion, expecting “a significant increase in sales in China, the U.S., and Germany.”

EBIT is expected to be between €110 million and €120 million, compared to €105.2 million in 2024, with the EBIT margin between 8.5% and 9.5%, compared to 8.7% a year ago.

United Internet AG plunged 4.4% to €19.76 after the Internet services provider reported lower hardware sales for 2024.

Total sales increased 1.9% to €6.33 billion from €6.21 billion, and EBITDA inched up 0.1% to €1.294 billion from €1.292 billion a year ago.

Customer contracts increased by 590,000 to 29.02 million from 28.49 million contracts a year earlier.

The company proposed a dividend of 40 cents per share, plus a catch-up dividend of €1.50 per share.

For fiscal 2025, the company guided sales to be approximately €6.4 billion and EBITDA around €1.35 billion.

Europe Movers: United Internet, Vossloh

Vossloh AG dropped 2.7% to €65.00 after the German rail infrastructure company reported flat sales in 2024.

Revenue declined to €1.209 billion from €1.214 billion, net income jumped to €63.2 million from €38.7 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to €3.56 from €2.21 a year ago.

The company guided fiscal 2025 revenue to be between €1.25 billion and €1.325 billion, expecting “a significant increase in sales in China, the U.S., and Germany.”

EBIT is expected to be between €110 million and €120 million, compared to €105.2 million in 2024, with the EBIT margin between 8.5% and 9.5%, compared to 8.7% a year ago.

United Internet AG plunged 4.4% to €19.76 after the Internet services provider reported lower hardware sales for 2024.

Total sales increased 1.9% to €6.33 billion from €6.21 billion, and EBITDA inched up 0.1% to €1.294 billion from €1.292 billion a year ago.

Customer contracts increased by 590,000 to 29.02 million from 28.49 million contracts a year earlier.

The company proposed a dividend of 40 cents per share, plus a catch-up dividend of €1.50 per share.

For fiscal 2025, the company guided sales to be approximately €6.4 billion and EBITDA around €1.35 billion.

Japan Indexes Plunged 4% Following Wall Street Weakness, Retail Sales and Industrial Output Painted Mixed Picture

Stock market indexes in Tokyo plunged following sharp losses in Friday's trading in New York. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 4%, and the broader TOPIX decreased 3.6% amid a widespread sell-off in technology, financials, and industrial stocks. 

Investors were on the defensive after the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and automotive parts, which is likely to raise risks of economic recession and fuel inflation. 

The import tax is scheduled to come into effect from April 2, but the White House has announced few details on how the tax will be imposed, calculated, and what is deemed as imports. 

Japanese automakers have a significant presence in Mexico, and factories in Canada and Mexico provide duty-free access to U.S. customers, but many times parts and assemblies cross the borders with the U.S. and Canada as much as eight times before the final sale. 

On the economic front, Japan's retail sales advanced for the 35th month in a row in February, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry reported Monday. 

Retail sales rose at an annual pace of 1.4%, slower than the upwardly revised 4.4% in the previous month, and the softest growth since last October.

Japan's industrial output advanced for the first time in four months in February, the ministry said in a separate report on Monday. 

The industrial output index, which includes production from 15 industries, advanced 2.5% from the previous month in February after a 1.1% decline in January. 

On an annual basis, production increased and slowed to 0.3% from the 2.2% pace in January.

The ministry estimated production to rise monthly 0.6% in March and then slow to a 0.1% increase in April.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average plunged 4% to 35,617.56, and the broader TOPIX index declined 3.5% to 35,617.56.

Tech stocks led the decliners in Tokyo trading, following sharp losses in semiconductor-related stocks in New York in Friday's trading. 

Tokyo Electron decreased 6.5% to ¥20,110.0, Advantest Corp. plunged 7.6% to ¥6,472.0, and Disco Corp. plunged 8.4% to ¥29,895.0.

Japan Indexes Plunged 4% Following Wall Street Weakness, Retail Sales and Industrial Output Painted Mixed Picture

Stock market indexes in Tokyo plunged following sharp losses in Friday's trading in New York. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average dropped 4%, and the broader TOPIX decreased 3.6% amid a widespread sell-off in technology, financials, and industrial stocks. 

Investors were on the defensive after the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on all imported vehicles and automotive parts, which is likely to raise risks of economic recession and fuel inflation. 

The import tax is scheduled to come into effect from April 2, but the White House has announced few details on how the tax will be imposed, calculated, and what is deemed as imports. 

Japanese automakers have a significant presence in Mexico, and factories in Canada and Mexico provide duty-free access to U.S. customers, but many times parts and assemblies cross the borders with the U.S. and Canada as much as eight times before the final sale. 

On the economic front, Japan's retail sales advanced for the 35th month in a row in February, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry reported Monday. 

Retail sales rose at an annual pace of 1.4%, slower than the upwardly revised 4.4% in the previous month, and the softest growth since last October.

Japan's industrial output advanced for the first time in four months in February, the ministry said in a separate report on Monday. 

The industrial output index, which includes production from 15 industries, advanced 2.5% from the previous month in February after a 1.1% decline in January. 

On an annual basis, production increased and slowed to 0.3% from the 2.2% pace in January.

The ministry estimated production to rise monthly 0.6% in March and then slow to a 0.1% increase in April.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average plunged 4% to 35,617.56, and the broader TOPIX index declined 3.5% to 35,617.56.

Tech stocks led the decliners in Tokyo trading, following sharp losses in semiconductor-related stocks in New York in Friday's trading. 

Tokyo Electron decreased 6.5% to ¥20,110.0, Advantest Corp. plunged 7.6% to ¥6,472.0, and Disco Corp. plunged 8.4% to ¥29,895.0.

China Injects Capital In Four Largest Banks, Business Activities Expands in March

Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong turned sharply lower in Monday's trading, and investors reviewed the latest updates on business activities. 

China's manufacturing sector expanded for the second month in a row in March, according to an official survey released by the National Bureau of Statistics. 

The purchasing managers' index edged up to 50.5 from 50.2, and the non-manufacturing activities advanced to a three-month high of 50.8 from 50.4 in February, respectively.

The increase in activities confirmed that the stimulus provided by the government is cushioning the negative impact of sharply higher U.S. tariffs and elevated trade tensions with the European Union.

China also announced its plans to inject as much as 520 billion yuan, or about $71.5 billion, into the four largest banks, as promised after the meeting of the National People's Congress last month. 

The finance ministry arranges the sale of securities in banks, and shares will be denominated in the yuan and will trade on the Shanghai Stock Exchange after the ending of a five-week lock-up period. 

China Construction Bank plans to sell stocks worth 105 billion yuan. Bank of Communications sells at least 120 billion yuan, Postal Savings Bank of China sells 130 billion yuan, and Bank of China sells about 165 billion yuan.

The leading four banks announced their plans to sell stocks in separate statements released to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng index decreased 1.8% to 23,085.16, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index dropped 0.7% to 3,888.86.

China Construction Bank gained 3.2% to HK $6.91, Bank of China added 2% to HK $4.68, Bank of Communications edged up 0.7% to HK $6.98, and Postal Savings Bank of China decreased 2% to HK $4.85.

Bank of China Communications plans to sell 13.8 billion shares at 8.71 yuan each, Postal Savings Bank to sell 20.6 billion shares at 6.32 yuan each, and CCB plans to sell 11.3 billion shares at 9.27 yuan each.

China Injects Capital In Four Largest Banks, Business Activities Expands in March

Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong turned sharply lower in Monday's trading, and investors reviewed the latest updates on business activities. 

China's manufacturing sector expanded for the second month in a row in March, according to an official survey released by the National Bureau of Statistics. 

The purchasing managers' index edged up to 50.5 from 50.2, and the non-manufacturing activities advanced to a three-month high of 50.8 from 50.4 in February, respectively.

The increase in activities confirmed that the stimulus provided by the government is cushioning the negative impact of sharply higher U.S. tariffs and elevated trade tensions with the European Union.

China also announced its plans to inject as much as 520 billion yuan, or about $71.5 billion, into the four largest banks, as promised after the meeting of the National People's Congress last month. 

The finance ministry arranges the sale of securities in banks, and shares will be denominated in the yuan and will trade on the Shanghai Stock Exchange after the ending of a five-week lock-up period. 

China Construction Bank plans to sell stocks worth 105 billion yuan. Bank of Communications sells at least 120 billion yuan, Postal Savings Bank of China sells 130 billion yuan, and Bank of China sells about 165 billion yuan.

The leading four banks announced their plans to sell stocks in separate statements released to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng index decreased 1.8% to 23,085.16, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index dropped 0.7% to 3,888.86.

China Construction Bank gained 3.2% to HK $6.91, Bank of China added 2% to HK $4.68, Bank of Communications edged up 0.7% to HK $6.98, and Postal Savings Bank of China decreased 2% to HK $4.85.

Bank of China Communications plans to sell 13.8 billion shares at 8.71 yuan each, Postal Savings Bank to sell 20.6 billion shares at 6.32 yuan each, and CCB plans to sell 11.3 billion shares at 9.27 yuan each.

Wall Street Indexes Extend Weekly Losses to 4% Amid Persistent Elevated Inflation Worries

Stocks on Wall Street turned lower in Friday's trading and extended weekly losses after an alternative measure of inflation painted a mixed picture. 

The S&P 500 index dropped as much as 1.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 2% on the worry that persistent inflation is likely to delay future rate cuts. 

The personal consumption expenditure price index in February remained steady at an annual pace of 2.5%, but the core measure of inflation accelerated to 2.8% from 2.7% in the previous month. 

The watered-down measure of inflation used by the Federal Reserve understates inflation experienced by most families in urban locations because it takes into account consumer behavior to higher prices.

Despite the Fed's eleven rate hikes between 2022 and 2023, inflation is still persisting above the Fed's target rate of 2%.

With the ever-expanding list of new tariffs placed by the Trump administration, inflation is only going to pick up pace in the months ahead. 

Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.3% to 5,676.68, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 17,720.69, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.2% to 2,061.01.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 3.98%, 10-year Treasury notes decreased to 4.31%, and 30-year Treasury bonds declined to 4.66%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.11 to $69.84 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.005 to $3.92 a thermal unit.

Gold increased by $17.92 to $3,073.91 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.02 to $34.42.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.06 to 104.28 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Lululemon Athletica Inc. plunged 12.1% to $301.03, and the sports apparel retailer's results surpassed market expectations, but a weak outlook and tariff worries overshadowed the results. 

Automobile makers turned lower on the worry that the Trump administration's tariffs are going to disrupt the global supply chain and increase the cost of operations. 

Tesla decreased 2.9% to $265.26, General Motors dropped 2.5% to $45.99, and Ford Motor Company fell 2.9% to $9.69.

Braze Inc. jumped 7.4% to $39.34, and the customer engagement software company reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings in the fourth quarter.  

Wall Street Indexes Extend Weekly Losses to 4% Amid Persistent Elevated Inflation Worries

Stocks on Wall Street turned lower in Friday's trading and extended weekly losses after an alternative measure of inflation painted a mixed picture. 

The S&P 500 index dropped as much as 1.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 2% on the worry that persistent inflation is likely to delay future rate cuts. 

The personal consumption expenditure price index in February remained steady at an annual pace of 2.5%, but the core measure of inflation accelerated to 2.8% from 2.7% in the previous month. 

The watered-down measure of inflation used by the Federal Reserve understates inflation experienced by most families in urban locations because it takes into account consumer behavior to higher prices.

Despite the Fed's eleven rate hikes between 2022 and 2023, inflation is still persisting above the Fed's target rate of 2%.

With the ever-expanding list of new tariffs placed by the Trump administration, inflation is only going to pick up pace in the months ahead. 

Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.3% to 5,676.68, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 17,720.69, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.2% to 2,061.01.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 3.98%, 10-year Treasury notes decreased to 4.31%, and 30-year Treasury bonds declined to 4.66%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.11 to $69.84 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.005 to $3.92 a thermal unit.

Gold increased by $17.92 to $3,073.91 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.02 to $34.42.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.06 to 104.28 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Lululemon Athletica Inc. plunged 12.1% to $301.03, and the sports apparel retailer's results surpassed market expectations, but a weak outlook and tariff worries overshadowed the results. 

Automobile makers turned lower on the worry that the Trump administration's tariffs are going to disrupt the global supply chain and increase the cost of operations. 

Tesla decreased 2.9% to $265.26, General Motors dropped 2.5% to $45.99, and Ford Motor Company fell 2.9% to $9.69.

Braze Inc. jumped 7.4% to $39.34, and the customer engagement software company reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings in the fourth quarter.  

NY Update

Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.3% to 5,676.68, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 17,720.69, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.2% to 2,061.01.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 3.98%, 10-year Treasury notes decreased to 4.31%, and 30-year Treasury bonds declined to 4.66%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.11 to $69.84 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.005 to $3.92 a thermal unit.

Gold increased by $17.92 to 3,073.91 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.02 to $34.42.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.06 to 104.28 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

NY Update

Commodities, Currencies, Indexes, Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.3% to 5,676.68, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.5% to 17,720.69, and the Russell 2000 index was down 0.2% to 2,061.01.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 3.98%, 10-year Treasury notes decreased to 4.31%, and 30-year Treasury bonds declined to 4.66%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.11 to $69.84 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.005 to $3.92 a thermal unit.

Gold increased by $17.92 to 3,073.91 an ounce, and silver edged down by $0.02 to $34.42.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, decreased by 0.06 to 104.28 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

European Markets Extend Weekly Losses to 2%, France's Inflation Holds Steady Below 1%

European markets inched lower in Friday's trading amid growing worries of an intensifying trade war and resurgent inflation. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris declined, but in London edged higher, as investors feared that the U.S. would expand its import tax to additional industries. 

For the week, the DAX index declined more than 2%, the CAC40 fell 1.7%, and the FTSE 100 edged up by 0.4%.

Investors have been on edge as the Trump administration followed through with its threats and imposed an import tax of 25% on vehicle imports.

The move strikes at the heart of the German industrial base and provides additional headwind to the struggling automotive industry amid rising global competition from the Chinese electric vehicle makers. 

The impact of the newly announced 25% tariffs is unknown, as the industry struggles to understand how the import tax will be calculated and implemented.  

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index decreased by 0.6% to 22,537.62, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.5% to 7,952.61, and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.2% to 8,680.02.

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.72%, French bonds decreased to 3.42%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.75%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.83%.

The euro decreased to $1.08; the British pound was lower at $1.29; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 88.21 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.13 to $73.90 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €41.07 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers 

Ubisoft Entertainment SA increased 8.2% to €14.04 after the Chinese gaming studio and social media site company agreed to take a 25% stake in the company for €1.16 billion.

Deutsche Bank AG decreased 2.2% to €22.38, and the German bank agreed to extend CEO Christian Sewing 's contract to 2029.

The largest German bank also said that its deputy, James von Moltke, who has been chief financial officer since 2017, will leave the company at the end of his term next year.

Volkswagen AG decreased 1.8% to €97.48, Mercedes-Benz Group fell 1.2% to €55.78, and BMW declined 1.8% to €75.84.

For the week, the three leading German automakers fell about 5%. 

European Markets Extend Weekly Losses to 2%, France's Inflation Holds Steady Below 1%

European markets inched lower in Friday's trading amid growing worries of an intensifying trade war and resurgent inflation. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris declined, but in London edged higher, as investors feared that the U.S. would expand its import tax to additional industries. 

For the week, the DAX index declined more than 2%, the CAC40 fell 1.7%, and the FTSE 100 edged up by 0.4%.

Investors have been on edge as the Trump administration followed through with its threats and imposed an import tax of 25% on vehicle imports.

The move strikes at the heart of the German industrial base and provides additional headwind to the struggling automotive industry amid rising global competition from the Chinese electric vehicle makers. 

The impact of the newly announced 25% tariffs is unknown, as the industry struggles to understand how the import tax will be calculated and implemented.  

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index decreased by 0.6% to 22,537.62, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.5% to 7,952.61, and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.2% to 8,680.02.

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.72%, French bonds decreased to 3.42%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.75%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.83%.

The euro decreased to $1.08; the British pound was lower at $1.29; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 88.21 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.13 to $73.90 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €41.07 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers 

Ubisoft Entertainment SA increased 8.2% to €14.04 after the Chinese gaming studio and social media site company agreed to take a 25% stake in the company for €1.16 billion.

Deutsche Bank AG decreased 2.2% to €22.38, and the German bank agreed to extend CEO Christian Sewing 's contract to 2029.

The largest German bank also said that its deputy, James von Moltke, who has been chief financial officer since 2017, will leave the company at the end of his term next year.

Volkswagen AG decreased 1.8% to €97.48, Mercedes-Benz Group fell 1.2% to €55.78, and BMW declined 1.8% to €75.84.

For the week, the three leading German automakers fell about 5%. 

U.S. Movers: Haier Smart Home, Li Ning Co., Lululemon

Lululemon Athletica Inc. plunged 12.1% to $301.03, and the sports apparel retailer's results surpassed market expectations, but a weak outlook and tariff worries overshadowed the results. 

Revenue increased to $3.6 billion from $3.2 billion a year ago, net income jumped to $748.4 million from $669.45 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $6.14 from $5.29 a year ago.

Improved results were driven by higher net revenue in all company segments: Americas, China, and the rest of the world.

Global comparable sales increased 3%, or 4% on a constant dollar basis.

Sales in the Americas region increased 7%, or 8% on a constant dollar basis, with comparable sales remaining flat in the quarter.

Sales in China surged 46%, or 48% on a constant dollar basis, with comparable sales advancing 26%, or 27% on a constant dollar basis.

Lululemon guided for fiscal 2025 revenue to be between $11.15 billion and $11.30 billion, or growth of only 5% to 7%, compared to $10.59 billion in 2024.

Diluted earnings per share are expected to be between $14.95 and $15.15 per share for the year, compared to $14.64 per share in 2024.

For the first quarter of 2025, the company estimated net revenue to be between $2.33 billion and $2.35 billion, or growth of 6% to 7%, compared to $2.21 billion a year ago, and diluted earnings per share between $2.53 and $2.58, compared to $2.54 in the same quarter a year ago.

China's net revenue was $425.0 million, or 12% of total revenue, compared to $290.7 million, or 9% of total revenue, in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Lululemon opened 13 new stores in China during the quarter, three net new stores in the Americas, and two new stores in its rest of the world segment.

Total company-operated stores at the end of the quarter increased to 747, compared to 711 for the same period in 2023.

During the quarter, the company repurchased 0.9 million shares for $332.2 million.

Li Ning Company ADR gained 0.9% to $54.55 after the Chinese sportswear company reported increased sales in 2024.

Revenue jumped 3.9% to 28.67 billion yuan from 27.60 billion yuan, profit declined 5.5% to 3.01 billion yuan from 3.19 billion yuan, and diluted earnings per share dropped to 116.52 yuan from 122.66 yuan a year ago.

“In terms of marketing, LI-NING YOUNG carefully planned a series of offline youth activities and cross-border collaborations, focusing on popular sports including basketball, football, running, and outdoor activities to showcase the brand’s diverse appeal,” the company said in a release to investors.

The company paid an interim dividend of 37.75 cents per share for 2024, compared to 36.20 cents per share in 2023.

The company proposed a final dividend of 20.73 cents per share, compared to 18.54 cents per share in 2023, payable on June 27 to shareholders on record as of June 19.

After the final dividend, Li Ning paid a total of 1.51 billion yuan, up from 1.43 billion yuan a year earlier.

Haier Smart Home ADR gained 2.1% to $13.79 after the Hong Kong-based home appliances provider reported results for 2024.

Operating revenue increased to 285.98 billion yuan from 274.20 billion yuan, net profit jumped to 18.74 billion yuan from 16.60 billion yuan, and diluted earnings per share rose to 2.02 yuan from 1.78 yuan a year ago.