Russia to crack down on shadow economy

Gold prices edged higher in early Asian trade, buoyed by expectations of potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. However, these gains were partially offset by progress in ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as noted by ANZ.

Oil prices have fallen as Ukraine indicates support for a framework aimed at a peace deal with Russia. This development has contributed to a decline in oil prices, reflecting market reactions to the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict.

U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff recently advised a senior Kremlin official on a phone call about collaborating on a plan for Ukraine, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic strategies concerning the conflict. This outreach suggests an effort to align perspectives between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine's future.

On November 25, 2025, Bloomberg Businessweek Daily featured a discussion on the potential nomination of Kevin Hassett as the next Federal Reserve Chairman, alongside insights into US cybersecurity challenges linked to AI and the philanthropic priorities of affluent women. The episode highlighted the growing influence of AI technologies, particularly in the context of companies like Google and Nvidia.

Oil futures have declined for the fourth time in five sessions following reports that Ukraine has agreed to a U.S.-drafted peace plan aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, although some details remain unresolved.

Europeans are increasingly concerned about their security following a US peace proposal regarding Ukraine, which could grant Russia significant influence over European defense arrangements. This has prompted a scramble among European nations to reassess their security strategies in light of potential shifts in geopolitical power dynamics.

Chinese exporters have increased prices for war supplies to Russia, reflecting the impact of Western sanctions on Moscow's military capabilities, as highlighted by research from the Bank of Finland. This price surge indicates a shift in the dynamics of supply and demand in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

European stocks remained steady, recovering from losses primarily caused by a significant drop in Novo Nordisk A/S shares following the failure of its Ozempic pill in Alzheimer's trials. Investors are also closely monitoring potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which could impact market dynamics.