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The US dollar reached a four-year low in early January 2026. Citi Research Global Chief Economist Nathan Sheets discussed the implications of this trend in an interview with Scarlet Fu on Bloomberg Markets. Sheets highlighted the uncertainty surrounding US economic policies under the new administration, and the possibility of Japan intervening to support the yen.
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Loparex is reportedly looking to secure up to $1.5 billion in new debt from private credit firms to refinance its existing borrowings. The move comes nearly two years after the company completed a distressed exchange, which took place amid weak demand and high interest costs. The new debt is expected to carry a lower interest rate.
Data center operators are increasingly turning to diesel generators as reliable backup power sources. The demand for diesel fuel has been surging in the Northeastern US as temperatures plummet and power outages become more common.
Justin Kim is accused of sharing confidential takeover information with associates. These associates allegedly used this insider knowledge to make trades worth $41 million in illegal profits. The Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice have been investigating the case.
Explosion at Witwatersrand Water Treatment Plant leaves 11 million residents without water. South Africa's aging water infrastructure is a major concern. The National Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzeni Zokwana, promised immediate action.
Angola is considering a $1.7 billion bond issue. York Space Systems is pitching its Pentagon contracts for a proposed missile shield. The move reflects growing opportunities in Africa's capital markets.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has downplayed speculation of a potential U.S. dollar sale in the foreign exchange market for Japanese yen. He reiterated the government's commitment to the strong-dollar policy. The strong- dollar policy has its roots in the Plaza Accord of 1985.
Starbucks reported a 4% increase in sales at established locations during the most recent quarter. The company also issued a favorable full-year outlook for fiscal 2026. Starbucks' ability to grow sales in the face of increasing competition and changing consumer preferences is a significant achievement.
The European Union is exploring new gas sources from Qatar and Canada to lessen its reliance on US liquefied natural gas. EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson stated that the EU is keen to diversify its LNG imports. Meanwhile, Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance has sold its $9 billion loan portfolio to the insurance arm of its parent company, Apollo Global Management.
The S&P 500 Index breached the 7,000-point milestone for the first time on Wednesday. Investors cheered positive earnings reports from tech giants and optimistic forecasts for the US economy. Meanwhile, oil traders are wary of potential tensions between the US and Iran, which has led to a surge in demand for bullish call options.
A mix of positive and negative market trends has defined the week, with earnings growth expectations boosting the S&P 500, while the euro's rally and US mortgage rate increases pose challenges for the European Central Bank and the housing market. Teva Pharmaceuticals' disappointing revenue forecast also made headlines. Meanwhile, a surge in hybrid bond sales in Europe has raised concerns over investor risk appetite.
Bloomberg Opinion columnist Andrea Felsted says the pendulum is swinging back towards more formal wear. Felsted cites catwalk shows, social media, retailers, and sales data as evidence of this shift.
Freeport LNG considering rescheduling cargoes due to surge in heating demand. This adjustment comes following the plant's temporary reduction in operations due to harsh winter conditions. The extent of the rescheduled and its impact on the overall LNG market remain to be seen.
India and Canada are rekindling their diplomatic and economic ties. Energy and critical minerals are the cornerstone of their new trade agenda. Canada is the world's fourth-largest crude oil producer and a significant exporter of critical minerals. Latvia's national carrier, Air Baltic, is considering a sale of part of its business.
Gold prices have surged to new record highs in recent weeks, driven primarily by heightened geopolitical tensions and increased investor demand for safe-haven assets. James Steel, the chief precious metals analyst at HSBC, expects that gold will continue to experience volatility.
UK Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is set to visit China this week. It is his first trip outside Europe since taking office. The visit comes at a critical juncture in the UK's foreign policy. Starmer's visit is an opportunity to strengthen economic ties.
Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group and Fidelity Investments are planning to invest in the Hong Kong listing of Chinese pig breeder Muyuan Foods Co. US stocks rallied ahead of the Federal Reserve's rate decision, and Amazon announced plans to lay off 16,000 employees.
US dollar index fell by 0.6% to 92.27 on Tuesday. This was the currency's largest one-day percentage drop since August 2019. The decline was driven by a weaker-than-expected US durable goods orders report. The euro and British pound gained against the US dollar.
US Dollar Index dipped to 91.46, its weakest level since March 2022. Trump's remarks seemed to have little impact on the dollar's value, as market analysts attributed the decline to the global economic recovery and the ongoing US-China trade dispute.
Surteco Group SE, a leading European manufacturer of furniture fittings and furniture accessories, is considering divesting itself of several business units. The potential sale could generate proceeds ranging between €100 million and €200 million. Surteco has yet to officially comment on the matter or confirm the reports of a potential sale.
Citi's European equity strategy head, Beata Manthey, voiced her optimism regarding the diversification trade. XTX Markets, a leading algorithmic trading firm, recorded a significant increase in European equities traded directly with clients. The upcoming earnings reports from technology giants Microsoft and Meta Platforms will provide much-needed clarity. Rajasthan Royals franchise in the Indian Premier League has attracted substantial interest from potential buyers.
The European Central Bank is monitoring the effect of a strong euro on inflation. A strong euro can lead to a decrease in the rate of inflation. The ECB has kept interest rates at record lows.
The US dollar is expected to move on from President Trump's comments, while global markets react to economic developments in Kenya, Malaysia, and India. Meanwhile, a man attacked US Representative Ilhan Omar at a town hall gathering, and JSW Steel discusses the impact of the EU-India trade deal on India's steelmakers.
Maruti Suzuki reported lower-than-expected third-quarter profits due to intensifying cost pressures and aggressive discounting. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines continued to bet on the revival of international travel by placing orders for 31 widebody jets from Airbus SE.