Latest Finance-Economy News
US Plans Indefinite Control Over Venezuela's Oil Sales
The United States intends to indefinitely manage Venezuela's oil exports following recent developments, contributing to falling crude prices with WTI at $56.30/barrel and Brent at $60.21/barrel amid oversupply fears. This deal has pressured international oil markets for a second day.
Energy stocks rose in response to related US actions.
Global Regulators Soften Bank Capital Requirements
Regulators worldwide, led by the Trump administration, are reducing bank capital rules to boost competitiveness and lending, potentially freeing $1 trillion for US banks. The Fed is tweaking leverage rules, GSIB surcharges, and Basel III while overhauling stress tests.
Eurozone and others seek limited easing without a race to the bottom.
China Central Bank Conducts Major Reverse Repo Operation
China's central bank will execute a 1.1 trillion yuan outright reverse repo today to manage liquidity. It also increased gold reserves for the 14th straight month.
Shanghai Futures Exchange adjusted silver futures rules.
Zelenskyy Predicts Russia-Ukraine Conflict Resolution by Mid-2026
Ukraine's Zelenskyy stated the Russia-Ukraine war could end in the first half of 2026. This comes amid ongoing global financial tensions.
Geopolitical risks remain a key market concern.
Strike Continues at Chile's Mantoverde Copper Mine
Negotiations failed, so the strike at Chile's key Mantoverde copper mine persists, potentially impacting supply. Copper remains vital amid energy transition demands.
This affects global commodity markets.
US Exempt from Global Tax Deal on Multinationals
Nearly 150 countries agreed to curb profit shifting by large firms, but the US is exempt, hailed as a sovereignty win by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Tax transparency groups expressed anger.
This highlights diverging fiscal policies.
OECD Forecasts Slower Global GDP Growth to 2.9% in 2026
Global GDP growth is projected to ease from 3.2% in 2025 to 2.9% in 2026 amid policy uncertainty and trade barriers. G20 leaders like India (6.2%), Indonesia (5.0%), and China (4.4%) outperform.
Fragilities persist despite resilience.
Fed Eases Policy Amid Resilient US Growth and Sticky Inflation
US economic growth accelerated in Q3 but relies on narrow sectors like AI; Fed cuts rates despite elevated inflation. Consumer spending holds, but job growth slows.
Stock markets near highs with AI driving returns.
ECB Scales Back Rate Hike Bets to March 2027
Traders reduced expectations for ECB rate hikes, now eyeing March 2027 first. ECB plans to simplify rules while holding capital levels to aid growth.
Diverging US-Eurozone inflation trends noted.
Russia Orders Tax Hike as Wartime Economy Slows
Putin mandates significant tax increases amid slowing GDP growth in Russia's war economy. This aims to boost collection and compliance.
Broader geopolitical turmoil adds uncertainty.
Iran Currency Hits Record Low at 1.47M Rials to Dollar
Iran's rial slid to a new low versus the USD amid inflation and subsidy cuts. New relief measures target import distortions.
This reflects ongoing economic pressures.
US Business Leaders' Economic Optimism Rebounds to 39%
National US economic optimism rose to 39% from 32% midyear, though below peaks; global at 28% aligns with 15-year average. Tensions between growth, inflation, and policy persist.
Markets watch Fed caution on cuts.