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As of January 2026, the FTSE 100 surpassed 10,000 for the first time, capping a 21.5% gain in 2025 driven by mining, defence, and financial sectors. This milestone coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Trump's ambitions to acquire Greenland, prompting investor interest in defence stocks, gold, and Venezuelan debt, while oil prices face downward pressure.
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Spotify will transition founder Daniel Ek to an executive chairman role in January 2026, with co-presidents Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström becoming co-CEOs. Ek emphasizes growth in emerging markets and AI technology. The move formalizes existing leadership roles and reflects ongoing strategic shifts.
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The US has extended financial support to Argentina, including a $20 billion currency swap, to stabilize the peso ahead of midterm elections. Support is linked to policy performance, with US backing contingent on continued good governance by President Milei amid currency fluctuations and political pressure.
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Recent data shows UK inflation steady at 3.8% for September, below expectations, with food prices falling. Japan's inflation stayed at 2.8%, while euro area growth slowed to 0.9%. Central banks face pressure to adjust policies amid persistent price pressures.
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Major international banks, including Barclays, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan, are expanding their presence in Saudi Arabia, opening offices and securing licenses to offer investment banking and private banking services. This aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and regional economic diversification efforts, with a focus on private credit and capital markets.
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Chow Hang-tung, a leader of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, was convicted under the national security law for inciting subversion related to the Tiananmen vigil. The court ruled against her, with a trial set for January 2026. The case highlights ongoing restrictions on free expression in Hong Kong.
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Leading companies including Microsoft, JPMorgan, Walmart, and Goldman Sachs are rapidly expanding their AI initiatives. They focus on in-house model development, workforce training, and integrating AI into operations, amid ongoing debates about job impacts and strategic advantages. The story highlights recent investments, partnerships, and workforce transformations as of November 2025.
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UK inflation slowed in October, with consumer prices rising 3.6%, down from 3.8% in September. Citi suggests this could increase the likelihood of a Bank of England rate cut in December. Markets are watching upcoming US earnings and jobs data for further direction.
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President Trump delivered a 19-minute speech emphasizing economic growth and border security, while blaming Biden for inflation and high prices. He claimed recent successes in foreign policy and domestic issues, but some data and regional realities suggest a more complex picture. The speech coincided with rising international tensions.