Thousands Protest in Brazil Against Efforts to Reduce Jair Bolsonaro’s Prison Sentence 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Belarus Frees 123 Political Prisoners in U.S.-Brokered Deal Over Sanctions 
Belarus Frees Opposition Leaders Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka in U.S.-Brokered Deal 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Bolivia Orders Pre-Trial Detention of Former President Luis Arce Over Embezzlement Probe 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Tunisia Protests Grow as Opposition Unites Against President Kais Saied’s Rule 
Judge Orders Return of Seized Evidence in Comey-Related Case, DOJ May Seek New Warrant 
Trump Signals Two Final Candidates for Fed Chair, Calls for Presidential Input on Interest Rates 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Thailand Vows Continued Military Action Amid Cambodia Border Clash Despite Trump Ceasefire Claim 
Top U.S. officials have condemned China’s expanded rare earth export controls, warning that the move poses a serious threat to global supply chains and could force Washington to respond with stronger trade measures. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described China’s new export restrictions as a “global supply-chain power grab,” emphasizing that the United States and its allies will not tolerate such actions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent added that while Washington hopes to avoid escalation, it will act if China proves to be an unreliable supplier.
Despite tensions, President Donald Trump still plans to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month in South Korea, according to Bessent. He noted that China has not yet implemented its new rare earth regulations, and the U.S. has similarly held off on imposing a proposed 100% tariff increase. Greer expressed optimism that both sides could still roll back to previously agreed trade conditions.
The rare earth dispute follows the introduction of reciprocal port fees by both nations, escalating their ongoing trade war. The conflict overshadowed the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington, where global leaders voiced concerns over China’s export curbs. Japan’s Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato urged G7 nations to respond firmly, warning that retaliatory measures could unsettle global markets.
Bessent revealed that U.S. and Chinese officials are coordinating to finalize details for the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting. He warned that if Beijing continues to restrict rare earth exports or support Russia’s war efforts, the U.S. may respond with additional tariffs and export controls. While expressing hope for de-escalation, Bessent reiterated that the U.S. will protect its economic and national security interests if China continues to “weaponize” its trade policies.
