China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Boeing’s aircraft certification is under intense scrutiny as the FAA implements sweeping reforms after a January 737 MAX 9 incident. The changes aim to improve safety oversight and streamline the approval process, affecting MAX 7 and MAX 10 production timelines.
FAA Moves to Streamline Aircraft Certification
Investing.com reports that after a plane disaster in January, the chairman of the FAA is trying to make aircraft certification easier and increase oversight of Boeing.
After a door panel missing four bolts fell off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 in January, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in an interview that the agency is also reevaluating its approach to broader aviation oversight.
The method for certifying aircraft is being reviewed by Whitaker.
"We are reviewing that to ensure that we are receiving the appropriate information and have the necessary tools to comprehend it. It may be more effective to involve ourselves earlier in the process to gain a better understanding of the situation," Whitaker stated. He also mentioned that the FAA is utilizing "better technology" to simplify the process.
Boeing’s MAX 7 Certification Delays Impact Airlines
Despite numerous setbacks, Boeing had anticipated to attain MAX 7 certification in 2022. To resolve an issue with engine de-icing, Boeing withdrew its request for a safety exemption in January. According to Whitaker's interview with Reuters, Boeing is expected to propose a de-icing patch this month.
The FAA can't certify the larger MAX 10 until the MAX 7 is certified. Airline delivery schedules have been extended due to delays. Reuters reported in September that Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci has stated his expectation that the airline will not acquire any 737 MAX 10s until mid-2026, at the latest.
Whitaker describes the FAA's shift from being "too hands off" to doing more in-person inspections as a "permanent change." As a result, the agency's control of Boeing has been significantly increased.
FAA Strengthens Oversight with Focus on Safety
"I think we've ramped up the level of oversight," stated the president. "The inspection points need to be focused on the key parts of that production process."
Whitaker increased the frequency of meetings and increased the number of senior officials on an agency's oversight committee. As part of a new strategy that "should give us a more agile oversight approach and prevent what may have been happening in the past," the FAA is implementing a policy of "continuously review our oversight models" for various entities, including Boeing, airlines, air traffic controllers, and others.
