Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
European Diplomats Bolster Sanctions on Russia
European diplomats are actively preparing to reinforce sanctions against Russia amid concerns that a potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump could weaken Western efforts to isolate Moscow. According to sources familiar with the discussions, EU officials are focused on ensuring that sanctions remain effective in the long term, even if U.S. policy shifts.
Key Initiatives Under Discussion
Among the proposed measures are “catch-all” clauses designed to prevent the shipment of suspect goods to Russia. This would enable customs officials to scrutinize shipments that seem illogical, such as those passing through Russia en route to Central Asia. Additionally, EU diplomats are contemplating changes to the current requirement that Russian central bank asset freezes must be renewed every six months, aiming to extend this period to three years.
Tom Keatinge from the Royal United Services Institute emphasized the need for Europe to adopt "autonomous European sanctions" in anticipation of a Trump presidency. He warned that if the U.S. softens its sanctions stance, European countries must enhance enforcement measures to uphold sanctions independently.
Concerns Over Trump’s Foreign Policy
Trump's previous presidency left Europe vulnerable when the U.S. unilaterally reinstated sanctions on Iran, raising fears of a similar reversal regarding Russia. While Trump has indicated a desire to reduce military aid to Ukraine and suggested a quick peace deal with Moscow, his precise stance on future sanctions remains unclear.
Future Sanctions Package
As discussions evolve, EU member states are planning a 15th sanctions package aimed at tightening restrictions on Russian oil exports and energy imports. The European Commission is under pressure to propose enhanced tracking for Russian LNG imports, ensuring compliance and robust enforcement of sanctions.
