California jurors awarded $40 million to two women who claimed Johnson & Johnson baby powder caused ovarian cancer. The company plans to appeal the verdict, stating that its products are safe.
The United States of America temporarily reduced intelligence sharing with Israel in the second half of 2024. This was due to concerns about the methods of warfare in the Gaza Strip and the lack of guarantees regarding compliance with the laws of war.
The Belgian central securities depository Euroclear may compensate for the seizure of its assets in Russia at the expense of frozen Russian funds in the EU. This was a response to a lawsuit filed by the Russian Central Bank regarding alleged damages.
Gold prices rose 1% to a seven-week high, supported by a weakening dollar and geopolitical instability. Silver set a new all-time record, rising 10.4% for the week.
OPEC forecasts that global oil supply will almost entirely meet demand in 2026, contradicting IEA estimates of a significant surplus. The average OPEC+ oil demand will be 43 million barrels per day, close to the production level.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte denied reports that the US plans to shift most of the burden of defending Europe to European countries by 2027. He noted that Europe must step up its defense, but the Reuters report was incorrect.
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have sharply escalated again. Cambodia reported new airstrikes by Thailand, and fierce fighting with artillery erupted along the disputed region.
Cyprus and Malta warn that strengthening sanctions against Russia should not harm the legitimate EU maritime sector. They oppose a complete ban on the provision of maritime services, fearing the relocation of business outside the EU.
Thai law enforcement detained two brothers, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, after a fire at the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in the Indian state of Goa on December 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 20 people. India also arrested six other individuals, including five employees of the establishment, and offered compensation to the victims' families.
Italian brand Prada will create 2,000 pairs of sandals in India, inspired by traditional footwear, following criticism. Each pair will retail for approximately $930, combining Indian craftsmanship and Italian technology.
Thousands of Bulgarians have once again taken to the streets to protest against the minority government, accusing it of failing to tackle corruption. The demonstrations continue amid preparations for the introduction of the euro and an upcoming no-confidence vote.
Chipmaker Intel has lost its appeal against a European Union antitrust decision. However, the court reduced the fine imposed on the company two years ago by a third, cutting it by 140 million euros.
The US has extended the waiver of sanctions against Lukoil until January 17, allowing certain operations. This is due to intensified negotiations on the sale of the Russian company's foreign assets.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that the new EU proposal on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine is the most compliant with international law. EU leaders are discussing the involvement of 210 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
Denmark faces more external threats than in many years due to rising geopolitical conflicts. NATO military intelligence points to Russia and China as the main threats, as well as uncertainty about the US role as a guarantor of European security.
Gold prices fell 0. 1% to $4205.4 per ounce, while silver rose 1.1% to $61.34 per ounce, reaching an all-time high. Investors are awaiting Fed Chair Jerome Powell's interest rate forecast.
The U. S. State Department is reverting to the use of Times New Roman font in official communications, overturning the Biden administration's decision to switch to Calibri. This decision, made under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is motivated by a return to professionalism and the cancellation of the "wasteful" DEIA program.
Support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fallen to 20. 3% amid a corruption scandal, a 4% decrease since October. He remains the most popular candidate, ahead of Valerii Zaluzhnyi (19.1%) and Kyrylo Budanov (5.1%).
US President Donald Trump's approval rating has risen to 41% according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The increase was due to growing support for his economic policies among Republicans.
Ford and Renault Group have entered into a strategic partnership to expand Ford's electric vehicle offering in Europe. The cooperation involves the development of two affordable Ford electric vehicles on Renault's Ampere platform and joint efforts in the light commercial vehicle segment.
Mexico and the US will hold a meeting to resolve a dispute over water resource allocation. This comes amid Trump's threat to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican goods due to a violation of the 1944 treaty.
The Syzran Rosneft refinery has suspended oil processing due to equipment damage caused by a drone attack on December 5. Repairs to the plant, which has a capacity of 8.5 million tons per year, could take several weeks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Andrej Babiš on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. The head of state expressed hope for further development of cooperation, including the work of Czech businesses in Ukraine.
Oil prices fell on Tuesday after a 2% drop the previous day. Brent futures fell to $62.41 a barrel, and WTI to $58.75.
Iraq's Ministry of Oil has proposed that American companies take over a controlling stake in the West Qurna-2 field, currently owned by the Russian firm Lukoil. This decision comes amid the Trump administration's favorable stance on the transfer of Russian global assets to American players.
Nigeria has sent fighter jets and ground troops to Benin after a failed coup attempt. Nigerian President Tinubu is acting due to fears of spreading violence.
Fighting has flared up again between Thailand and Cambodia, disrupting the truce. Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia, accusing it of mobilizing heavy weapons, while Cambodia called these actions aggression.
Brent crude futures rose to $63. 84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $60.16. Investors are anticipating a Fed interest rate cut and monitoring geopolitical risks related to supplies from Russia and Venezuela.
The Russian "African Corps," which entered Mali after Wagner militants, is accused of systematic killings and abuse of the peaceful local population.
