Geopolitical tensions in Latin America are escalating again, particularly regarding Venezuela and pressure from US policies. This situation has prompted the BRICS countries to take cautious but strategic steps, with a primary focus on maintaining regional stability and protecting long-term economic interests. Rather than open confrontation, the BRICS have chosen the path of diplomacy and regional cooperation. Brazil, as a BRICS member and a major power in Latin America, plays a key role in fostering dialogue and preventing conflict escalation. Meanwhile, China and Russia are strengthening...
Initial jobless claims in the US fell by 16,000 to 199,000 in the week ending December 27, a typically volatile period due to the holiday season, and well below market expectations of 220,000. The reading marked the lowest level since January, excluding the seasonally volatile Thanksgiving week, when claims briefly dipped to a three-year low of 192,000. Continuing claims also declined, falling to 1.89 million in the week ending December 20 from a downwardly revised 1.91 million in the prior period. Source: Tradingeconomics.com
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of attacking civilians during New Year's celebrations. Moscow said a Ukrainian drone strike hit hotels and cafes in the Russian-controlled Kherson region of southern Ukraine, killing many people. Meanwhile, Kyiv said Russia launched a massive attack that damaged power supplies and critical infrastructure across Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Russia deliberately escalated attacks during the holidays. He claimed that more than 200 attack drones were launched by Russia on New Year's Eve, targeting energy infrastructure in...
Iran warns of a strong response to new threats of attack from US President Donald Trump, who has expressed readiness to support attacks on Iran if it rebuilds its nuclear or missile programs. Iran has said it will respond "severely" if attacked again.The president also issued a stern warning to Iran and Hamas after his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, signaling strong US support for military action if Iran continues to instigate conflict. Israel's Concerns Israel is now on alert for a possible attack from Iran and is ready to take tactical action in case of a...
Global markets in 2026 are expected to remain uncertain, with the primary focus being on the direction of interest rates and global economic conditions. Major central banks such as the Fed, the ECB, and the Bank of England (BoE) are expected to begin loosening their monetary policies after inflationary pressures subside, although their actions will tend to be cautious. The global economic slowdown is still felt, particularly in Europe and China, but has not yet led to a major crisis. In financial markets, the US dollar has the potential to weaken further if interest rate cuts are actually...