Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Geopolitical Ambitions: The U.S. aims to establish a missile defense system ("Golden Dome") in the Arctic, secure critical minerals and rare earths, and control Arctic shipping lanes, reflecting the increasing strategic importance of the Arctic region.
Local and International Resistance: Strong opposition within Greenland (85% against U.S. takeover) and the Greenlandic government’s commitment to Denmark’s sovereignty highlight local resistance. Denmark’s designation of the U.S. as a national security concern, alongside Russia and China, signals a significant diplomatic rift. The coordinated European backing for Denmark suggests a broader geopolitical alignment against U.S. pressure.
Economic and Market Impact: The imposition of tariffs on European countries, threats of punitive tariffs on French wine, and potential withdrawal from USMCA are causing substantial market volatility. The $1.2 trillion loss in the S&P 500 and rising Treasury yields indicate investor anxiety about escalating trade conflicts and geopolitical instability.
Broader Risks: The convergence of Arctic geopolitical tensions, transatlantic tariff disputes, and possible North American trade disruptions creates a multifaceted risk environment for global trade and financial markets heading into 2026.
