Pete Hegseth invokes ‘fog of war’ as backlash grows over strikes on boats

Oil prices have continued to decline as traders assess the implications of ongoing high-level discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. The market remains cautious amid persistent attacks on Russian energy assets, which contribute to uncertainty about future oil supply and demand dynamics.

More shipments of US soybeans to China are expected to occur through mid-December, reflecting a positive trend in agricultural trade between the two nations. This increase is significant as it indicates a strengthening of trade relations and a response to demand in the Chinese market.

Medline Inc. is preparing to initiate formal marketing for its initial public offering (IPO) valued at $5 billion as early as Monday, positioning itself for what is anticipated to be the largest US listing of the year.

US oil futures remained unchanged following an unexpected draw in crude stocks reported by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This development indicates a potential tightening of supply, which could influence market dynamics in the near term.

The US government has awarded $800 million to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Holtec to facilitate the construction of small nuclear reactors. This initiative is part of the Trump administration's strategy to accelerate the deployment of nuclear technology in response to increasing energy demands.

The U.S. is set to announce a 'bridge payment' for farmers next week, as confirmed by Rollins. This payment aims to provide immediate financial support to farmers who are currently facing economic challenges, particularly amid ongoing uncertainties in the agricultural market.

Mistral, a French start-up, has unveiled new models in its efforts to gain a competitive edge in the open AI market, amid concerns that Europe is lagging behind the US and China in artificial intelligence advancements.

The Bank of England (BoE) has announced plans to ease capital requirements for high street banks for the first time in a decade, reducing the reserve lenders must hold to stimulate lending to households and businesses. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the independence of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and the implications of budget leaks.