London’s FTSE 100 index closed at a record high on Friday, boosted by positive investor sentiment following U.S. employment data and a sharp rally in Glencore shares amid potential merger talks. The milestone reflects a growing optimism in global markets, with energy stocks and mining companies leading the charge. FTSE 100 Reaches All-Time Closing High

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The Eurozone economy concluded 2025 on a surprisingly resilient note, buoyed by stronger-than-expected retail sales and a rebound in German industrial output. Despite ongoing global trade uncertainties and modest growth forecasts, recent economic data suggest the region is adjusting well to challenges, offering cautious optimism for 2026. Eurozone Retail Sales Exceed Expectations Eurostat data revealed

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A key group of Venezuelan bondholders has signaled its readiness to start debt restructuring negotiations once formal authorization is granted. The announcement follows the recent U.S. capture of President Nicolás Maduro, which has driven Venezuelan government bonds higher and renewed hopes for one of the largest and most complex sovereign debt restructurings in recent history.

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The Federal Reserve Board announced the appointment of chairs and vice chairs for its 12 regional banks for 2026, highlighting a mix of corporate leaders, small business executives, and nonprofit heads who will help guide U.S. monetary policy decisions. Among the appointments, Lal Karsanbhai, CEO of Emerson Electric Co., will serve as chair of the

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U.S. household wealth reached an all-time high of $181.6 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, fueled by a surge in stock market investments, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) companies, and continued gains in home values, according to new data released by the Federal Reserve on Friday. This represents a $6 trillion increase from the

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Six candidates are in the running to replace Spain’s Luis de Guindos as European Central Bank (ECB) vice president, with eurozone finance ministers expected to nominate one on January 19, 2026. The position becomes available at the end of May when de Guindos’ term expires, marking a key moment in the ECB’s ongoing leadership transition.

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U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that increased scrutiny of overseas money transfers will not penalize individuals who can prove the legitimate origin of their funds. The announcement comes amid a crackdown on federal social benefits abuses in Minnesota, targeting both money services businesses and banks under investigation for potential money laundering. FinCEN Expands Oversight

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U.S. banks are closely monitoring Venezuela’s oil sector, as selective easing of sanctions opens potential opportunities for investment and trade financing. Among financial institutions, JPMorgan Chase appears particularly well-positioned to take advantage of the evolving situation due to its longstanding presence in Venezuela and prior experience in international trade financing. JPMorgan Could Reactivate Venezuelan Operations

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Job growth in the United States slowed dramatically in 2025, as employers added only a modest number of new positions, marking the weakest annual job creation since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to Labor Department data, the economy added just 50,000 jobs in December, slightly below market expectations, while the unemployment rate edged down to 4.4%.

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The European Union (EU) has reached a landmark free trade agreement with South America’s Mercosur trading bloc — a milestone that comes more than 25 years after talks first began and marks the largest trade accord the EU has ever negotiated. Mercosur includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, and the deal now needs approval from

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