Euroclear warns EU that Russian frozen asset plan could lead to higher borrowing costs

CME has resumed trading after a significant outage that halted futures trading in equities, bonds, and commodities for over 10 hours, causing disruptions across global markets. The fault originated from a data center issue, which raised immediate concerns among traders and investors alike.

Ukraine faces a critical juncture as Kyiv grapples with choices that present immediate challenges and potential long-term consequences, reflecting a Catch-22 situation where decisions made now could lead to worse outcomes later. The ongoing conflict with Russia exacerbates these dilemmas, particularly in the context of financial stability and international support.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is set to request the European Union to reconsider the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, aiming to protect the struggling automotive industry. He plans to send a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for exemptions to keep technological options available for car manufacturers.

War-linked assets have seen a rally as Ukraine's bondholders express optimism about avoiding further losses amid renewed U.S. efforts for peace in Ukraine. This development indicates a shift in market sentiment as investors respond to potential resolutions in the ongoing conflict.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever has criticized the EU's proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, labeling the plan as fundamentally wrong and a violation of international law. He expressed concerns that such actions could destabilize financial markets and harm the euro, casting doubt on Europe's ability to fund Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

US Black Friday shoppers are expected to spend less this year due to rising living costs, despite forecasts of record crowds during the crucial holiday sales period. This trend reflects a tightening of consumer budgets as inflationary pressures persist.

The European Union (EU) is set to unveil a plan aimed at reducing its reliance on raw materials sourced from China, a move that reflects growing concerns over the bloc's dependency on Chinese imports. This initiative comes amid increasing competition and market dominance by China, as highlighted by the European Central Bank's chief economist.

The ongoing housing crisis is significantly impacting Generation Z, leading many young adults to explore risky financial behaviors, including investments in cryptocurrency and a growing sense of economic nihilism. This demographic feels increasingly locked out of home ownership, prompting a shift towards speculative financial activities as a coping mechanism.