EU seeks to deepen trade ties with Africa at summit in Angola

Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with former U.S. President Donald Trump over the phone, focusing on Taiwan and the state of bilateral relations between China and the United States. This conversation comes amid ongoing tensions regarding Taiwan's status and its implications for international relations.

Beacon Offshore Energy LLC, supported by Blackstone Inc., is initiating a drilling campaign in the Gulf of Mexico, targeting some of the most productive wells in the US with advanced technology to extract previously unreachable crude oil.

US equity futures have risen as traders anticipate a potential rate cut in December, coinciding with positive signals from US State Secretary Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials regarding progress in peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, BHP has once again walked away from its takeover bid for Anglo American after a new approach was rejected.

Investors are increasingly purchasing eastern European assets as US-led negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine provide renewed optimism for a peaceful resolution. This shift has positively impacted the currencies of Eastern European nations, reflecting a growing confidence in the region's economic stability.

Valeo's chief has issued a warning regarding potential job losses in Europe due to intense competition, which he describes as 'Darwinian.' The company, along with others in the automotive sector, is urging Brussels to implement protective measures against Chinese competitors that threaten their market position.

Japan is attempting to reclaim its status as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing by transforming its 'island of flowers' into a chip hub, a move driven by its historical dominance in the sector. However, Japan has fallen behind competitors like Taiwan, South Korea, and China, raising concerns about its ability to compete effectively in the global market.

A critical pricing mechanism for the global copper-processing industry is under significant pressure as negotiations intensify amid high geopolitical tensions and limited metal supplies, particularly influenced by China's dominant position in the market.

US stock futures rose following a week of volatility, driven by optimism surrounding potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve and news that US officials may permit Nvidia Corp. to sell AI chips to China. This positive sentiment contrasts with previous declines in technology stocks, particularly in Asia, where concerns about an AI bubble have persisted.