Black Sea War Insurance Soars 250% After Ukraine Ship Attacks

In November, U.S. companies experienced a significant decline in payrolls, shedding 32,000 jobs according to ADP data, marking the largest drop since early 2023. This unexpected downturn contrasts sharply with economists' predictions of a 10,000 job increase, raising concerns about the labor market's stability.

Oil prices have risen following the failure of peace talks in Moscow aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The lack of a breakthrough in negotiations has heightened market volatility and uncertainty, leading to fluctuations in oil prices. Traders are closely monitoring the situation as geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics.

US services activity expanded at a faster pace in November, marking the most significant growth in nine months, while the measure of prices paid fell to a seven-month low, indicating a shift in economic dynamics.

Hungary confirmed that oil flows from Russia through the Druzhba oil pipeline have continued despite a recent attack attributed to Ukraine. This development underscores the resilience of energy supply routes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Leveraged finance bankers have underwritten $65 billion in deals, signaling a strong belief in the resurgence of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in 2026. This optimism follows a prolonged period of uncertainty in the market, as bankers anticipate a shift towards more active deal-making next year.

The Russian government reported a nearly one-third decline in oil revenues for November compared to the previous year, attributed to weaker crude prices and a stronger ruble. This significant drop reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the Russian economy amid geopolitical tensions and sanctions.

Ukraine's parliament has approved the 2026 state budget, a crucial step in the process of securing a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This decision reflects the government's commitment to fiscal stability amid ongoing challenges.

Argentine officials are preparing for the country's return to international bond markets, aiming to sell bonds by early next year, contingent on favorable market conditions. This move comes as Argentina seeks to stabilize its economy after years of financial turmoil.