1. US-Japan Steel Deal: The panel overseeing the US-Japan steel deal deadlocked, and the decision now moves to President Biden for a final decision. (aljazeera.com/economy/2024/12/24/us-japan-steel-deal-goes-to-biden-for-final-decision-after-panel-deadlocks?traffic_source=rss) 2. Israel Assassinates Hamas Leader: Israel acknowledged for the first time that it was responsible for the July killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-acknowledges-it-assassinated-hamas-chief-haniyeh-for-first-time/articleshow/116613905.cms) 3. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: The Netflix documentary series on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry caused controversy, leaving Prince Harry "red-faced" over her actions. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/uk/why-was-prince-harry-left-red-faced-over-meghan-markles-actions-in-netflix-docu-series/articleshow/116617555.cms) 4. Former US President Bill Clinton Hospitalized: Bill Clinton was hospitalized in Washington with a fever but is reportedly in good spirits. (aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/24/former-us-president-bill-clinton-hospitalised-with-fever?traffic_source=rss) 5. US Military Airstrike in Syria: The US military carried out an airstrike in Syria, killing two ISIS operatives. (foxnews.com/world/us-military-carries-out-airstrike-syria-killing-2-isis-operatives)
1. Matt Gaetz Ethics Scandal: The House Ethics Committee released a report alleging that Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz paid for sex and used drugs. The report also found that Gaetz had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl. [Link](
The Times of India
Matt Gaetz regularly paid for sex, used drugs: Ethics panel - Times of India
US News: The US House Ethics Committee accused former representative Matt Gaetz of regularly paying for sex, using illegal drugs, and having sexual...
) 2. Wall Street Gains on Tech Strength: U.S. stock markets finished higher on Tuesday, with tech stocks leading the way. The Nasdaq Composite rose by 1.3%, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively. [Link](
CNBC
Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed after Wall Street gains on tech strength
Traders will monitor any developments related to the planned merger of Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda.
) 3. Trump's 25% Tariff on Canadian Auto Industry: U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 25% tariff on Canadian auto imports could have a significant impact on Canada's auto industry. The tariff could be an existential threat to the country's auto industry, which is heavily dependent on exports to the United States. [Link](
CNBC
Trump's 25% tariff could be an existential threat to Canada's recovering auto industry
There's growing concern that potential tariffs on Canadian imports to the U.S. could be an existential threat to the country's recovering automotiv...
) 4. NATO Leaders Predict Era of 2% Defense Spending 'Probably History': NATO leaders are predicting that the era of member countries spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense is likely over. U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly floated the idea of raising the target to 3%. [Link](
Fox News
NATO leaders predict era of 2% defense spending 'probably history' as Trump reportedly floats higher target
European leaders are making clear ahead of the Trump presidency that they plan to spend more on defense as Russia remains a top threat and as secur...
) 5. Raiders' Antonio Pierce Slams Critics: Oakland Raiders analyst Antonio Pierce slammed critics who wanted the team to lose in order to improve their draft position. The Raiders won their final game of the season, but missed out on the playoffs due to tiebreakers. [Link](
Fox News
Raiders' Antonio Pierce slams critics who wanted team to lose vs Jaguars, improve draft position
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce pushes back against critics who were upset the team won against the Jacksonville Jaguars and hurt their...
)
1. Matt Gaetz Sex and Drug Allegations: House Ethics Committee releases report accusing Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of paying for sex, using drugs, and accepting improper gifts. (Source: foxnews.com) 2. Nordstrom Goes Private: Department store chain Nordstrom announces it will go private in an all-cash $6.25 billion deal. (Source: finance.yahoo.com) 3. Honda and Nissan Merger Talks: Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announce plans to work towards merging, which would make them the world's third-largest automaker. (Source: zerohedge.com) 4. CFPB Sues Walmart and Fintech Partner: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sues Walmart and its fintech partner for illegal account openings. (Source: fortune.com) 5. China-Sweden Baltic Sea Cable Probe: China claims it cooperated with a Baltic Sea cable probe, but Sweden disputes this claim. (Source: aljazeera.com)
1. Honda and Nissan Merger Plans: Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. announced plans to set up a joint holding company, potentially creating the world's third-largest carmaker. This merger is aimed at strengthening their competitiveness in the global automotive industry. (Source: <https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/honda-motor-nissan-motor-plan-to-set-up-joint-holding-company-8e36baf1?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo>) 2. Israeli Strikes on Gaza: Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the death of 50 Palestinians in 24 hours. The escalating conflict has led to widespread destruction and displacement of civilians, according to reports. (Source: <https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/12/23/escalating-israeli-strikes-on-gaza-kill-50-palestinians-in-24-hours?traffic_source=rss>) 3. Rumble Shares Erupt After $775 Million Tether Investment: Shares of the social media platform Rumble surged after it was announced that Tether, a stablecoin issuer, had invested $775 million in the company. This investment is seen as a significant boost for the company's growth and future prospects. (Source: <https://www.zerohedge.com/technology/rumble-shares-erupt-after-775-million-tether-investment>) 4. Tether Investment in Crypto Projects: Tether, the issuer of the stablecoin USDT, announced that it invested $1 billion in various cryptocurrency projects. This move is aimed at boosting the adoption and development of cryptocurrencies, according to the company. (Source: <https://www.coindesk.com/tether-invested-1-billion-in-crypto-projects-ceo-says>) 5. Fortune 500 CEOs Double Down on Decarbonization: The CEOs of major Fortune 500 companies have reaffirmed their commitment to decarbonization, stating that they are taking aggressive actions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. (Source: <https://fortune.com/2024/12/23/exclusive-fortune-500-ceos-double-down-on-decarbonization/>)
1. Chinese EV makers facing challenges in EU due to tariffs: Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are facing increased costs in importing their vehicles to the EU due to tariffs, which is making their products less competitive and affecting their sales in the region. (
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) 2. Bitcoin sees first major weekly price decline since Trump's election win: The price of Bitcoin has experienced a significant drop in value, marking the first major weekly decline in its price since Donald Trump was elected as US president in 2016. (
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin sees first major weekly price decline since Trump’s election win
Bitcoin closed down 10% on the week after the Federal Reserve shared slimmer rate cut projections for 2025 than anticipated.
?) 3. Trump threatens to regain control of Panama Canal: US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to take control of the Panama Canal unless a deal can be reached with the Panamanian government. (
Trump threatens to try and regain control of Panama Canal
It prompts a sharp rebuke from Panama's president, who says "every square metre" of the canal belongs to his country.
) 4. Bitcoin sees first major weekly price decline since Trump's election win: The price of Bitcoin has experienced a significant drop in value, marking the first major weekly decline in its price since Donald Trump was elected as US president in 2016. (
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin sees first major weekly price decline since Trump’s election win
Bitcoin closed down 10% on the week after the Federal Reserve shared slimmer rate cut projections for 2025 than anticipated.
?) 5. Cognizant discrimination case highlights flaws in H-1B visa system: A discrimination case against Cognizant Technologies Solutions highlights the difficulties faced by foreign workers on H-1B visas in the US, including wage discrimination and mistreatment. (
ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
)
1. Nissan-Honda Merger Deal: Nissan and Honda are reportedly in talks to merge, with the potential deal being a focus in Asia markets. The merger could help the struggling Japanese automakers better compete in the global market. (Link:
CNBC
Japan stocks rise amid broader gains in Asia as Nissan, Honda reportedly aim to finalize merger next year
Investors will be looking out for any official announcement related to the merger of Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor.
) 2. Great Wealth Transfer and Family Offices: Gen X and millennials are set to inherit over $80 trillion, and they are changing the face of traditional family offices. These younger generations are innovating and modernizing the way wealth is managed and invested. (Link:
CNBC
How Gen X and millennials are changing the face of the traditional family office as they inherit over $80 trillion
The Great Wealth Transfer is underway, and Gen X and millennials are expected to inherit about $85 trillion by 2048, according to Cerulli Associates.
) 3. Dire Situation in China and Honda-Nissan Merger: The dire situation in China is one of the reasons why Honda and Nissan are considering a merger. The Chinese market is crucial for carmakers, and the current economic and political climate is making it challenging for them to operate there. (Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dire-situation-china-one-reason-200000291.html) 4. Stocks and Markets: Asian stocks are expected to begin the Christmas week higher, with Singapore's Straits Times Index being Southeast Asia's best performing index for 2024. The US worries are easing, and markets are looking for cautious gains. (Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/asian-stocks-eye-cautious-gains-223501752.html) 5. Biden Mental Health Cover-Up: There are reports of a Biden mental health cover-up, with big revelations and dominoes falling. This is a significant political event that could have implications for the US presidency. (Link:
The Dominoes Are Falling Fast Over The Biden Mental-Health Cover-Up | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
)
1. German Christmas Market Attack: A suspect has been charged in connection with a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, France. The attack left at least 4 people dead and 15 injured. (Suspect charged in connection with German Christmas market attack - https://www.npr.org/2024/12/22/nx-s1-5236820) 2. Inflation Concerns and Fed Meeting: Wall Street is reevaluating the "higher for longer" rates post-Fed meeting as investors are concerned about rising inflation and the potential impact on the economy. (Wall Street reevaluates 'higher for longer' rates post Fed meeting - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wall-street-reevaluates-higher-for-124537119.html) 3. Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed "destruction" on Ukraine after a drone attack in Kazan. The situation remains tense between the two countries. (Russian President Vladimir Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack -
The Times of India
Russian President Vladimir Putin vows 'destruction' on Ukraine after Kazan drone attack - The Times of India
Europe News: Following a drone attack on Kazan, Russia, President Putin threatened Ukraine with further destruction, vowing retaliation. He asserte...
) 4. Market Volatility and Recession Fears: The market is experiencing increased volatility as investors are worried about a potential recession. Some experts are warning about a "bubble" in the stock market and advising caution. (Market timers have given up on stocks β€” which is exactly what you want to see now - https://finance.yahoo.com/news/market-timers-given-stocks-exactly-182800368.html) 5. China-US Tensions: There are ongoing tensions between the US and China, with China sanctioning Canadian institutions active on Uyghurs and Tibet issues, and the US threatening to take back the Panama Canal or demanding lower transit fees. (China sanctions Canadian institutions active on Uyghurs, Tibet - https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/china-sanction-uyghur-human-rights-1.7417415?cmp=rss, Trump demands Panama lower transit fees or return canal -
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)
1. Market Attack in Magdeburg, Germany: A man drove a vehicle into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, causing several injuries and deaths. The incident has led to calls for improving security measures and investigations into possible warnings that were ignored. (
Who is Magdeburg market attack suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen? What we know
The attack killed five people, including a nine-year-old child, and left more than 200 injured.
) 2. US Government Shutdown Avoided: After days of political turmoil, the US government managed to avoid a government shutdown at the eleventh hour. The budget for 2025 was passed, averting a potential economic crisis. (
US avoids government shutdown after days of political turmoil
President Biden signs a budget to avert what would be the first US federal shutdown since 2019.
) 3. Israeli Strikes in Gaza: At least 16 Palestinians, including five children, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The escalation in violence has led to renewed calls for peace and an end to the conflict. (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/israeli-strikes-gaza-kill-16-palestinian-officials-117027143) 4. US-China Tensions: The US has accused China of "dangerous" and "provocative" military activities near Taiwan. The incident has raised concerns about the potential for a further escalation in tensions between the two superpowers. (
Russia is executing more and more Ukrainian prisoners of war
Ukrainian prosecutors say Russians have executed at least 147 PoWs, 127 of them this year alone.
) 5. Global Economic Uncertainty: The stock market has been sending warning signals that 2025 could be a tough year for investors. Analysts have pointed to a potential stealth correction as the top stocks need to continue winning to avoid a downturn. (
Yahoo Finance
The stock market is sending a worrying signal that 2025 is going to be a tough year
"Market tops have to start somewhere, and many begin with breadth divergences," Ned Davis Research said.
)
1. US Navy pilots shot down over Red Sea in apparent 'friendly fire' incident (Most relevant link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/us-navy-pilots-shot-red-sea-apparent-friendly-117024543) - Two US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet jet pilots were shot down over the Red Sea on December 22, 2024, in an apparent "friendly fire" incident during a strike against Houthi forces in Yemen. 2. Fed and Trump Trade Drive Dollar to Best Quarter Since 2016 (Most relevant link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fed-trump-trade-drive-dollar-155559904.html) - The US dollar strengthened against major currencies in the fourth quarter of 2024, driven by a combination of higher interest rates and a stronger US economy, as well as geopolitical tensions and the Trump administration's protectionist policies. 3. Stocks Rally on Hopes for More Rate Cuts (Most relevant link: https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/stocks-rally-on-hopes-for-more-rate-cuts-fdefe364?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) - Stocks surged on December 20, 2024, as investors bet on further interest rate cuts by central banks, including the Federal Reserve, to combat slowing global growth and support financial markets. 4. EstΓ©e Lauder Says It Spent $366 Million on Restructuring So Far (Most relevant link: https://www.wsj.com/business/estee-lauder-says-it-spent-366-million-on-restructuring-so-far-152a40a3?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) - EstΓ©e Lauder announced on December 19, 2024, that it had spent $366 million on restructuring efforts so far, as the company continues to streamline its operations and focus on high-growth categories such as skincare and makeup. 5. Trump threatens to regain control of Panama Canal over 'ridiculous' fees for US ships (Most relevant link:
The Times of India
Trump threatens to regain control of Panama Canal over 'ridiculous' fees for US ships - Times of India
US News: Donald Trump threatens Panama. He wants the Panama Canal back. Trump says Panama charges unfair fees. He cites Chinese influence near the ...
) - US President Donald Trump threatened to regain control of the Panama Canal on December 20, 2024, over what he described as "ridiculous" fees that US ships are charged to pass through the waterway. The move sparked concerns about potential disruptions to global trade and the wider impact on the US economy.
1. Germany Mourns After Christmas Market Attack Summary: Five people were killed and over 200 injured in a terrorist attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. The suspect, a 24-year-old Syrian man, was later arrested. Link:
Video: Germany Mourns After Christmas Market Attack
Germans visited a memorial in Magdeburg, Germany, for the at least five people killed and more than 200 injured at a Christmas market, after an att...
 2. US Scraps $10M Bounty On AQ-linked Jolani After One Visit From State Dept Officials Summary: The United States announced it was withdrawing a $10 million bounty on Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula leader Qasim al-Rimi's deputy, Saif al-Adel, following a visit from a State Department official. Link:
US Scraps $10M Bounty On AQ-linked Jolani After One Visit From State Dept Officials | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
 3. This Warren Buffett Index Fund Has a 100% Success Rate in the Stock Market -- and It Just Might Make You a Millionaire Summary: A low-cost index fund that mirrors the S&P 500 has delivered impressive returns and outperformed many actively managed funds. Link:
Yahoo Finance
This Warren Buffett Index Fund Has a 100% Success Rate in the Stock Market -- and It Just Might Make You a Millionaire
Whether you
 4. Party City Files for Bankruptcy, to Shut Down 700 Stores Summary: Party City, a retailer known for selling party supplies, announced it was filing for bankruptcy and would be closing 700 of its 875 stores. Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/party-city-files-bankruptcy-shut-down-190704093.html 5. Biden Signs Funding Bill Into Law, Averting US Government Shutdown Summary: President Joe Biden signed a funding bill into law, avoiding a potential government shutdown that was set to occur at midnight. Link:
Al Jazeera
Biden signs funding bill into law, averting US government shutdown
President hails the passage of the legislation after days of uncertainty and negotiations that went down to the wire.