New Lilly Shot Reduces Body Weight by 23% in Study

Hungary's dollar bonds and the forint have declined following a Bloomberg report indicating that Prime Minister Viktor Orban is considering a shift to a presidential system after the upcoming parliamentary elections in April. This speculation has raised concerns among investors regarding the stability of Hungary's political landscape.

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.

Eli Lilly's recent trial results indicate that patients using its new obesity treatment shot experienced an average weight loss of 29%. This outcome is a significant advancement for the pharmaceutical company, which is expanding its portfolio in the booming obesity treatment market.

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.

OPEC has maintained its forecasts for global oil supplies and demand in 2026, indicating a balanced market despite widespread expectations of a surplus. This stability suggests that OPEC is confident in its ability to manage production levels effectively.

The ongoing dispute between Japan and China shows no signs of resolution, as stated by Tetsuo Saito, leader of the Komeito party, during an exclusive interview in Tokyo. Despite previous efforts to ease tensions, Komeito continues to engage with Beijing behind the scenes, indicating a complex diplomatic landscape.

Australia's financial regulator has mandated that the HESTA pension fund conduct independent reviews following a significant outage that reportedly harmed its members. This incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the pension fund's operations and its impact on member services.

Stephen Moore, a former economic advisor to President Trump, discussed the Federal Reserve's recent decision to cut interest rates and the implications for the U.S. economy during an appearance on Bloomberg Businessweek Daily. He criticized the significant spending bill passed at the end of Trump's first term, labeling it a mistake, while also speculating on potential candidates for the next Fed Chair.