BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
China Industrial Profits Slump Signals Need for More Economic Stimulus 
Japan to Audit Brazil’s Beef System, Paving Way for Market Access 
Oil Prices Hold Steady in Asia as Geopolitical Tensions Support Market 
Asian Stocks and Gold Rally as Investors Chase Year-End Gains Amid Dollar Weakness 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
Japan Approves Record ¥122.3 Trillion Budget as Takaichi Seeks Fiscal Balance 
Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
China to Tighten Crude Steel Output Controls and Export Regulation Through 2030 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
China Revises 2024 GDP Lower After Final Review, Eyes Growth in 2025 
Lebanon Cabinet Approves Financial Gap Law to Tackle Ongoing Economic Crisis 
Platinum Surges to Record High as Supply Crunch and Policy Shift Drive Historic Rally 
Tokyo Core Inflation Stays Above BOJ Target, Strengthening Case for Further Rate Hikes 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
Amidst ongoing talks to resolve key issues, a report said the United Kingdom and the European Union appear unlikely to change major parts of its post-Brexit trade deal. The report noted that this would lead to the importance of striking deals in certain sectors to prevent further disruption.
A report by the academic body, the UK In a Changing Europe that was published on Tuesday said that major changes in the relationship between the UK and the EU are unlikely. This comes as the UK has suffered a major economic blow since leaving the bloc along with declining public support for Brexit.
UKICE conducted a poll back in December, showing 56 percent of UK citizens saying that they would vote to rejoin the EU, 11 percentage points up from February that showed 45 percent.
Despite the failing public support for Brexit, the governing Conservative Party still insists on Brexit and the opposition Labour Party has avoided suggestions that it would look to unravel the 2016 deal.
The report comes amidst ongoing talks between the UK and the bloc on implementing post-Brexit trade arrangements that include Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the EU-member Ireland.
“The immediate challenge is resolving the issues surrounding the Northern Ireland Protocol but even if this is achieved, other deadlines and decisions are looming, relating to, for example, data exchange, electric cars, and fish,” said the report.
According to the UKICE, relations between the UK and the EU are “far from either settled or stable.” However, it does not seem that both sides are likely looking to reevaluate the Trade and Cooperation Agreement that was signed in December 2020 after over four years of arguments.
On the same day, the British Northern Ireland minister Chris Heaton-Harris met with the United States special envoy for Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III in Washington for talks on how to increase opportunities for investment and trade, the British government said.
“We also discussed US engagement to mark the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Belfast Agreement, an incredible achievement for Northern Ireland of which US support was instrumental,” said Harris in the statement, referring to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
