Trump launches $1m 'gold card' immigration visas

US initial jobless claims rose by 44,000 to 236,000 for the week ending December 6, marking the largest increase since the pandemic began. This surge in unemployment benefit applications contrasts with a narrowing trade deficit, which unexpectedly shrank to its smallest level since mid-2020 due to increased exports.

The US trade deficit unexpectedly narrowed in September to its smallest level since mid-2020, driven by a significant surge in exports. This development indicates a positive shift in the trade balance, reflecting stronger demand for American goods abroad.

Former President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve's recent decision to implement its third consecutive interest rate cut, labeling it as 'too small' and expressing a desire for a more substantial reduction. This move has sparked significant dissent within the Fed, with three officials opposing the decision, marking the highest level of dissent in six years.

China, along with several European nations, has raised objections to a proposed exemption for US multinationals from the OECD's global minimum tax framework, effectively stalling the agreement. This move highlights the tensions surrounding international tax policies and the influence of major economies in shaping these regulations.

European stocks have risen, showing resilience against a backdrop of declining markets in the US driven by concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) valuations. This upward movement in Europe comes despite a challenging week for the region's stocks, which had recently suffered their worst performance since August.

The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that poses significant risks to over 30 sanctioned ships operating in the region. This action reflects escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly amid ongoing political turmoil and economic challenges faced by the Maduro regime.

The U.S. has seized an oil tanker near Venezuela that was reportedly flying a false Guyana flag, escalating tensions in the region. This action comes amid ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela and highlights the U.S. government's increasing military presence in the area.

US prosecutors have charged a Canadian citizen with orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that raised over $42 million by targeting investors on the chat platform Discord, falsely claiming to invest in both traditional finance and cryptocurrency.