How US–China rivalry echoes the Cold War, and where it differs

Gold prices have steadied after a five-day rally, as investors are closely monitoring upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates. This pause in gold's upward momentum comes amid anticipation of potential rate cuts by the Fed.

Asian equities opened with a modest decline as investors adopted a cautious approach ahead of the release of critical US economic data, which is expected to provide insights into future interest rate movements. The Japanese yen, however, gained strength during this period.

China has reported its first annual investment decline in 30 years, with economic data for November indicating deepening domestic issues. Retail sales have grown at their slowest pace in three years, and investment has sharply slowed, reflecting increased caution among consumers and businesses. This downturn comes despite a record trade surplus of $1.08 trillion, highlighting a significant gap between exports and imports.

China's new economic model, characterized by a trade surplus exceeding $1 trillion, poses significant risks to the future of Asia's Gen-Z, as it shifts economic advantages away from the region's youth. This surplus is largely fueled by a weakened renminbi, which has made Chinese exports more competitive globally.

Bets against the US dollar, commonly referred to as the greenback, are increasing as investors prepare for a significant release of US economic data. This trend reflects a cautious sentiment in the markets, with many anticipating potential shifts in monetary policy based on upcoming indicators.

Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has recently suffered a cyberattack, leading to significant disruptions in operations and causing tankers to make abrupt U-turns amid rising tensions with the United States.

The United States has paused its £31 billion tech prosperity deal with Britain, citing insufficient progress on resolving trade barriers. This decision represents a significant setback in US-UK relations, particularly as the deal was initially celebrated as a transformative step in bilateral cooperation during Donald Trump's presidency.

The United States has requested that the European Union exempt its liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a proposed methane emissions law, as revealed in a recent document. This demand comes amid ongoing discussions about energy supply and environmental regulations, highlighting the complexities of transatlantic energy relations.