Real-time News

Ukrainian President Zelensky: We still haven't received a clear answer from our allies about whether they will protect Ukraine in the event of further Russian action.

Market news: The OPEC Secretariat has received updated compensation plans for production cuts from Iraq, the UAE, Kazakhstan and Oman.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: I hope to meet with US President Trump soon, possibly in Washington.

On January 7th, City Index analyst Fawad Razaqzada noted in a report that the pound could weaken if the Bank of England cuts interest rates more than expected this year. LSEG data shows that the market has currently only fully priced in a single 25 basis point rate cut this year (lowering the rate from the current 3.75% to 3.5%). However, Razaqzada stated that this path depends on the speed at which inflation moves towards the target level and whether economic growth continues to slow. He pointed out, "If the deinflation process accelerates with sluggish economic activity, the Bank of England may be forced to adopt a more aggressive easing policy, and the potential interest rate could fall to around 3% by the end of 2026."

Spanish Foreign Minister: We are still far from a peace plan between Russia and Ukraine; at present, we only have some preliminary ideas.

Spanish Foreign Minister: We are unaware of France's plans for Greenland, nor are we aware that these plans have been shared with other European partners.

A German government spokesperson stated that the United States has failed to convincingly demonstrate that its strikes were in accordance with international law.

January 7th - The best chance for Republicans to maintain their slim five-seat majority in the House of Representatives in 2026 and beyond may lie in the Supreme Court's impending ruling on the Voting Rights Act. Since 1978, no party has maintained unified control of the White House, House, and Senate after the midterm elections. Recent indicators, from Trump's declining approval ratings to the Democrats' strong performance in the 2025 elections, make it difficult for Republicans to be optimistic about breaking this curse. Even Trump's strategy of pressuring "red states" to redraw districts has largely failed. However, a Supreme Court majority composed of Republican-appointed judges may offer a lifeline for House Republicans. In oral arguments last fall, conservative judges appeared prepared to significantly limit, or even completely overturn, the provisions in the 1965 Voting Rights Act that prohibit discrimination against minorities. Currently, non-white Republicans make up only about 10% of House Republicans. This means that if red states eliminate seats designed for minorities, these Democrats of color are likely to be replaced by more white Republicans.

On January 7th, analysts at Berenberg Bank stated in a report that accessible luxury goods stocks such as Kering and Swatch may face difficulties as consumer purchasing power declines. The analysts wrote that the obstacle for consumers will be "spending power" rather than "spending willingness," and the fate of American luxury goods buyers is closely linked to the health of the US stock market. On Wednesday, European luxury goods stocks fell across the board, with Kering down 4.3%, Moncler down 3.8%, and Burberry down 3.45%.

According to Futures News on January 7th, as of 20:30 Beijing time, WTI crude oil futures fell 0.47%, while US natural gas futures rose 4.24%.

Chairman of the Board of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (WBD.O): The company is highly open to a transaction with Paramount Skydance.

Chairman of the Board of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (WBD.O): From our perspective, Paramount Skydance must come up with a sufficiently attractive offer.

Chairman of the Board of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (WBD.O): In our view, Netflix (NFLX.O) remains the better option and the clear path to a deal.

British Prime Minister Starmer: There is no disagreement between Britain and the United States on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine.