Orders for China-made water-sports equipment have surged. At a motorized surfboard plant, workers say production schedules are booked about two weeks out as management races to fill orders. Accessories including surf hoods and waterproof bags are selling out online and factories are expediting replenishment. China remains the world’s largest sports-goods exporter, accounting for more than 40% of global exports. In 1H, Chinese sports goods and equipment exports totaled 67.53 bln yuan; paddleboard

On Aug. 2 aboard Air Force One returning to Washington, President Trump told reporters the United States is helping Japan support the yen, calling it "a sign of friendship" and "good for the world economy." Asked why the U.S. was propping up the yen, he said "the yen has been weakening" and "they wanted a little help," adding Japan had been good to the U.S. "except for Pearl Harbor."

People familiar with the matter said Italy's Prysmian is in advanced talks to acquire US electrical-products maker Atkore in an all-cash transaction and is finalizing preparations for a deal that could be announced in coming days. Sources cautioned talks could still be delayed or fall apart. Atkore shares are up about 15% year-to-date, valuing the company at roughly $2.5 billion; Prysmian's shares have risen more than a third this year, valuing the group at about €36.3 billion ($41.8 billion).