China has imposed restrictions on exports to Japan, including potential controls on rare earths, escalating tensions amid Japan's military and economic activities, with broader implications for regional stability and global supply chains.
President Donald Trump has proposed increasing US defense spending to $1.5 trillion by 2027, over 50% more than the current budget, citing the need for a stronger military amid rising global tensions. He criticized defense contractors for slow production and high executive pay, threatening to cut business with companies like Raytheon if they do not accelerate manufacturing. The proposal is part of broader efforts to bolster US military capabilities in a tense geopolitical climate.
Global markets experienced a pause in their record stock rally amid signs of overheating, geopolitical tensions, and economic data, with Asian stocks slipping and commodities like oil and precious metals declining, while US and European futures showed cautious trading.
Investors enjoyed a strong 2025 with significant gains driven by AI enthusiasm, but the start of 2026 is marred by geopolitical tensions following the US attack on Venezuela, creating uncertainty in global markets.
Gold prices surged to a one-week high following the US capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, increasing geopolitical tensions and boosting safe-haven demand, with other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium also experiencing significant gains.
Gold prices surged nearly 2% to a one-week high following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, which heightened geopolitical tensions and increased safe-haven demand, with other precious metals like silver and platinum also experiencing significant gains.
Global markets are experiencing a volatile start influenced by geopolitical tensions in Venezuela, with equities rising driven by AI optimism, while gold and silver surge as safe-haven assets, and oil prices fluctuate amid supply concerns. Despite geopolitical noise, investor sentiment remains risk-on, supported by strong tech investments and cautious optimism about US economic policies.
Asian markets rose following the U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan President Maduro, leading to gains in defense stocks and a slight decline in oil prices amid geopolitical tensions.
OPEC+ members decided to keep oil output steady amid geopolitical tensions and a significant drop in oil prices, prioritizing market stability over increasing supply despite internal and external crises affecting member countries.
OPEC+ has decided to maintain current oil production levels through March, opting for caution amid a global surplus and geopolitical uncertainties, including the US capture of Venezuela's Maduro, which may impact supplies. The group aims to avoid adding volatility to an already fragile market, with ongoing challenges from geopolitical conflicts and slowing demand.
European shares hit record highs amid year-end gains, while silver and gold rebounded after a sharp dip, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and stable oil prices, with U.S. stocks set to end 2025 near record levels despite a volatile year.
European stocks reached record highs amid year-end gains, while gold and silver rebounded after a sharp dip, with markets influenced by geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and optimistic economic prospects for 2026, despite a volatile week and mixed signals from global events.
Global stock markets mostly declined during quiet holiday trading amid China's military exercises near Taiwan, which heightened geopolitical tensions. Despite the drills, Taiwan's stock rose slightly, while other Asian markets showed mixed results. Gold and silver prices fell after recent gains, and oil prices increased. The markets remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and economic policies.
John Simpson warns that 2025 has been an unprecedentedly worrying year due to multiple major conflicts, including the Ukraine war, Gaza, and Sudan, with escalating geopolitical tensions involving Russia, China, and the US, raising fears of a broader global conflict or breakdown of Western alliances.
Silver prices hit a record high of over $78 per ounce, driven by geopolitical tensions, debt concerns, and fears of inflation, with other precious metals like gold, platinum, and palladium also reaching new highs amid global instability and U.S. monetary easing.