Crypto's $1 Billion Wipeout & Ukraine on Latest Peace Plan | Daybreak Europe 12/2/2025

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.

Stocks rebounded as investor sentiment improved following a stabilization in Bitcoin prices, which had been experiencing a downward trend. This shift helped ease the risk-off mood that had dominated the markets recently. Boeing also saw a significant increase in its stock price, buoyed by positive forecasts regarding its free cash flow.

A six-year-old federal program aimed at assisting the smallest American businesses in reducing debt has reached a record number of bankruptcy filings, according to court data. This surge in cases highlights the ongoing financial struggles faced by mom-and-pop businesses across the country.

India has been importing discounted Russian oil, which has raised concerns as these purchases indirectly support Moscow's military actions in Ukraine, leading to increased scrutiny from Western nations, particularly the U.S. and Europe.

The world's largest hedge funds are currently under increased regulatory scrutiny regarding their leveraged government-bond trades, as officials consider implementing policies to limit leverage and profitability associated with these strategies. This scrutiny comes amid a volatile financial landscape where hedge funds are facing significant challenges, including the need to cover short positions in the stock market.

Apollo Global Management President Jim Zelter has shared insights regarding expectations for 2026, emphasizing the current strengths in the mergers and acquisitions market and the resilience of the US economy. This outlook reflects a positive sentiment about future economic conditions.

Bitcoin halted its recent decline, and stocks showed a cautious rebound as the global flight from risky assets began to ease. The Bank of England adjusted its estimate for the Tier 1 capital requirements for UK banks to approximately 13% of risk-weighted assets, while also warning of potential risks associated with hedge fund strategies like the basis trade.

The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers has increased by over 20% since the end of August, indicating a surge in exports despite ongoing delivery challenges. This rise comes amid geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting the global oil market.