Sika Flags One-Off Hit From China Restructuring, Costs

Gold prices have edged higher amid growing expectations of a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December. This optimism has been fueled by recent comments from Fed officials, including John Williams, which have positively influenced market sentiment towards gold as a safe-haven asset.

Chinese electric vehicle stocks have faced disappointing earnings results, leading to heightened investor anxiety about the market's future, particularly as 2026 approaches. This downturn reflects broader concerns about the sustainability of growth in the EV sector amidst increasing competition and economic pressures.

China has significantly expanded its influence in global shipping by investing billions in port infrastructure worldwide, positioning itself strategically amid rising trade tensions. This dominance raises security concerns among other nations as they grapple with China's growing economic footprint.

Dutch chipmaker Nexperia has called on its Chinese units to assist in restoring its supply chain, amid ongoing tensions and challenges in the semiconductor industry. This request comes as the company navigates complex geopolitical dynamics and supply chain disruptions that have affected its operations.

Defense startup Anduril has encountered significant setbacks with its weapons technology, as evidenced by documents revealing product breakdowns and safety issues. The company's challenges highlight ongoing concerns regarding the reliability and effectiveness of its defense solutions.

China has suspended soybean imports from five Brazilian plants owned by major agricultural firms due to sanitation concerns, highlighting ongoing quality control issues in agricultural exports. This decision reflects China's stringent import regulations and its impact on Brazil's agricultural sector.

Yields on gilts have risen moderately amid concerns regarding backloaded budget measures, although overall market reactions have remained relatively calm, according to XTB. The U.S. bond markets were closed on Thursday, limiting immediate impacts on global trading.

Citi's recent rollout of its premium card was disrupted by unauthorized approvals after a special sign-up link, meant exclusively for branch customers, was inadvertently shared online. This led to the bank freezing accounts to address the situation.