Trump Says He’ll Be Involved In Review Of Netflix-Warner Brothers Deal

Stocks

Economic

Summary:

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he would have a say whether a proposed merger between Netflix and Warner Brothers should go forward, telling reporters the market share of a combined entity could raise concerns.

"I'll be involved in that decision," Trump told reporters as he arrived at the Kennedy Center for its annual awards show.

Netflix on Friday agreed to buy Warner Bros Discovery's TV, film studios and streaming division for $72 billion, a deal that would hand control of one of Hollywood's most prized assets to the streaming pioneer.

Trump did not say whether he favored approval for the deal, but he pointed to a potential concentration of market power in the entertainment industry.

"That's going to be for some economists to tell…. But it is a big market share. There's no question it could be a problem," Trump said.

Source: Investing

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

You understand and acknowledge that there is a high degree of risk involved in trading. Following any strategies or investment methods may lead to potential losses. The content on the site is provided by our contributors and analysts for information purposes only. You are solely responsible for determining whether any trading assets, securities, strategy, or any other product is suitable for investing based on your own investment objectives and financial situation.

Add to Favorites

Winkelmann

Political

Economic

Britain's jobs market remained weak last month in the run-up to finance minister Rachel Reeves' budget on November 26 as employers worried about possible new tax increases, an industry report showed on Monday.

Permanent job placements shrank at the slowest rate since July 2024 but the reading was barely up from October, according to the survey by accountants KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, a trade body.

The survey's gauge of temporary hiring slipped below the 50.0 no-change level.

"A complex business environment and uncertainty around the budget kept hiring on ice last month, as business leaders weighed potential impacts," said Lisa Fernihough, head of advisory at KPMG.

"There will be relief at the absence of major tax hikes. However that alone is unlikely to be enough to see a marked change in how firms are planning."

Some other recent business surveys have similarly shown downturns in hiring before Reeves' annual budget last month.

It included plans for 26 billion pounds ($35 billion) in tax rises but spared employers from the brunt of the increases.

A Bank of England survey published last week - which was also conducted before Reeves' budget - showed firms expected to reduce staff numbers.

Official data last month showed Britain's jobless rate hit 5.0% in the third quarter, which some economists linked to tax hikes that were announced by Reeves last year and took effect in April. Wage growth cooled slightly.

The REC/KPMG survey showed that a fall in vacancies in November was the least severe in five months. The availability of workers rose at the second-fastest pace since November 2020.

A measure of growth in starting pay for people taken on for permanent roles increased at the fastest pace in five months as employers competed for candidates with in-demand skills.

The survey of around 400 recruitment and employment consultancies was conducted between November 12 and 24.

($1 = 0.7493 pounds)

Source: Investing

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Daniel Carter

Political

Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Trump's tone on Ukraine contrasted with comments in recent days about President Vladimir Putin's reaction to the proposal.

The US said Friday its negotiators had agreed with Kyiv on a "framework of security arrangements" and discussed what deterrence capabilities were needed as part of a deal to end the war with Russia. However, there was little indication of a major breakthrough.

"We've been speaking to President Putin and we've been speaking to Ukrainian leaders, including Zelenskiy," Trump told reporters in Washington on Sunday. "I have to say that I'm a little bit disappointed that President Zelenskiy hasn't yet read the proposal — that was as of a few hours ago."

"His people love it, but he hasn't," Trump said of Zelenskiy, claiming that "Russia's fine with it."

Zelenskiy said Saturday he spoke with US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner about the latest talks. The Ukrainian leader said in a post on social media that they "agreed on the next steps and formats for talks with the United States."

Leaders of France, Germany and the UK plan to meet Zelenskiy in London on Monday to discuss US efforts to reach a peace deal — after Russia carried out another round of massive attacks on Ukraine.

Witkoff and Kushner met Putin in Moscow last week. Trump said Wednesday that the Putin meeting was "very good" and that his advisers had a strong impression "that he'd like to make a deal," though the Kremlin has yet to fully endorse any of the proposals.

Putin said Thursday that difficult work remained and that the US plan included concessions Russia couldn't agree to.

Source: Bloomberg Europe

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Daniel Carter

Political

US, Israeli and Qatari officials are meeting Sunday in an effort to rebuild relations after Israel's airstrike in September on Qatar, a US ally, Axios reported.

Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, is meeting David Barnea, the head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, and a senior Qatari official, Axios reported.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Saturday the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are going through "a critical moment."

There's "a lot of uncertainty" over Middle East stability as deadly Israeli strikes continue to shake fragile ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon and Iran's standoff with the US remains unaddressed, he also told the Doha Forum on Sunday.

Israel's strike on Doha, Qatar's capital, was aimed at leaders of Hamas, the Palestinian terror group that attacked Israel in October 2023 — triggering the war in Gaza. The Doha attack prompted rare criticism of Israeli leaders by the White House and unnerved Gulf neighbors of Qatar, which hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East.

Source: Bloomberg Europe

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Resilience Amid Trade Frictions and Global Uncertainty

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a cautiously optimistic assessment of Canada’s economic performance, highlighting its resilience in the face of heightened trade tensions with the United States. Although tariffs created notable uncertainty and disrupted sectors such as manufacturing and wholesale trade, the broader economy has held steady, defying expectations of a sharper slowdown.

According to the IMF, temporary exemptions granted under the Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) helped cushion the initial impact of U.S. tariffs. Still, Canada faced mounting pressure from lower commodity prices, weaker global demand, decelerating immigration, and persistent trade-related uncertainty. Despite these challenges, the IMF praised Canada’s response, particularly the federal government's fiscal pivot toward public investment, while cautioning that debt-to-GDP management should remain a long-term priority.

Labour Market Outperforms Expectations

Canada’s labor market delivered an upside surprise in November by adding 54,000 jobs, pushing the national unemployment rate down to 6.5% from 6.9% in October. This marked the second consecutive month of improvement since unemployment peaked at 7.1% in September the highest level since May 2016 following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job growth was particularly strong in health care and social assistance (+46,000), followed by accommodation and food services (+14,000), and the natural resources sector (+11,000). Meanwhile, industries more sensitive to trade dynamics, such as manufacturing and retail/wholesale, recorded job losses signaling that U.S. tariff effects remain uneven across sectors.

An important trend was the surge in part-time employment, which outpaced full-time job creation over the past three months. Since September, part-time positions have grown by 103,000 while full-time jobs increased by 78,000. Private-sector hiring accounted for nearly all job gains in November, with 52,000 new positions added, while the public sector and self-employment remained flat.

Youth Employment and Wage Growth Offer Encouraging Signals

Youth unemployment also declined, dropping to 12.8% in November from 14.7% in September, indicating better access to entry-level or flexible employment opportunities. Additionally, average hourly wages rose 3.6% year-on-year, slightly up from 3.5% in October. This suggests that while inflationary pressures remain moderate, wage growth is continuing in line with economic recovery and labor market tightening.

The rate of job separation measuring individuals employed in October who became unemployed in November stood at 0.7%, consistent with figures from the previous year and signaling no spike in layoffs.

Policy Outlook: BoC Likely to Hold Rates Steady

Contrary to earlier predictions that Canada might experience net job losses, the stronger-than-expected November data has prompted economists to revise expectations for the Bank of Canada (BoC). The central bank, which currently holds its policy rate at 2.25%, is now widely expected to maintain this level in its December 10 meeting.

The IMF’s endorsement of Canada’s macro-fiscal orientation supports this expectation. The government's recent budget strategy emphasizes public investment to drive medium-term growth, suggesting coordinated policy alignment between fiscal and monetary authorities. Still, with ongoing risks from external trade disputes and a volatile global economic backdrop, the BoC is expected to remain cautious in signaling future moves.

Strong Fundamentals, Yet Risks Linger

Canada’s economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience amid adverse trade developments and global headwinds. The combination of job market strength, moderate inflation, and targeted fiscal spending has helped stabilize growth without triggering overheating or rapid policy tightening.

However, challenges persist. Sector-specific job losses and the disproportionate reliance on part-time employment suggest that underlying vulnerabilities remain, particularly in industries exposed to international trade. Furthermore, the long-term fiscal burden, as flagged by the IMF, could limit future maneuverability if external shocks persist or deepen.

Nonetheless, Canada’s current trajectory reflects a balance between adaptation and prudence anchoring its economy in stability while preparing for an uncertain global future.

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Forex

A Currency Stronger Than Forecasted

Contrary to early-2025 predictions that the Russian ruble would depreciate to 100 per U.S. dollar, the currency has remained significantly stronger, averaging around 85 rubles per dollar. This deviation from earlier expectations has prompted a revision of economic forecasts and sparked debate among Russian officials about the implications of a robust domestic currency.

At the “Russia Calling!” investment forum, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov acknowledged that while the strong ruble reflects a solid trade surplus contributing over $120 billion annually it also presents considerable challenges to national fiscal planning and export performance.

Causes Behind the Ruble’s Strength

The ruble’s sustained strength is attributed to multiple overlapping factors. First, the structure of Russia’s foreign trade remains deeply tilted in favor of exports, with limited import recovery since sanctions were imposed. Second, regulatory constraints on capital outflows and foreign debt repayments have reduced demand for foreign currency. Third, changes in trade settlement patterns where the use of rubles in exports rose from 44% to nearly 60% in just nine months have limited foreign exchange circulation further.

According to Freedom Finance Global’s Vladimir Chernov, Russia’s current account surplus reached $89 billion from January to September 2025, reinforcing the ruble’s value even in a sluggish economic environment.

Fiscal Strains and Exporter Woes

A strong ruble is now exerting pressure on the government’s fiscal capacity. Since energy revenues are denominated in foreign currency but domestic spending occurs in rubles, a stronger ruble reduces the conversion value of oil and gas tax revenues. This effect has contributed to widening budget deficits, especially in a context where economic growth is slowing to just 0.5–1%.

Exporters are also facing reduced profit margins. Capital-intensive projects like the Amur Mining and Chemical Complex or the Udokan copper venture originally modeled on a weaker exchange rate are struggling to meet debt obligations due to lower ruble-denominated revenue. Sectors such as forestry, transportation, and mining have break-even points that are highly sensitive to the ruble’s strength. According to 2022 estimates, these sectors remain viable only when the ruble trades at 54–63 per dollar, far weaker than current levels.

Winners in a Strong Ruble Environment

While exporters suffer, some domestic actors benefit. These include importers of consumer goods and equipment, as well as households earning in rubles but spending in foreign currency. Manufacturers that rely on imported inputs and sell in domestic markets also gain from cheaper supplies assuming availability is not hindered by logistics or sanctions.

Nonetheless, these beneficiaries form a narrow group and cannot offset the broader fiscal and industrial consequences.

Why Authorities Are Hesitant to Intervene

In theory, the government could weaken the ruble by cutting interest rates, easing capital controls, or reducing foreign currency sales. But each option carries trade-offs. A rapid rate cut could undermine inflation control, and relaxing capital restrictions may trigger destabilizing capital flight. Moreover, the Central Bank of Russia does not target the exchange rate directly, which limits its willingness to act preemptively.

Chernov estimates that gradually lowering the key interest rate to 7.5–8.4% over the next two years might allow the ruble to weaken organically. Still, aggressive monetary easing is unlikely while deflationary pressures remain subdued. A reduction in forex sales by the Finance Ministry could backfire, signaling market vulnerability and leading to a surge in speculative activity.

For now, authorities appear more inclined to adapt to a strong ruble than to actively counter it.

Future Expectations and Market Projections

Looking ahead, both government officials and analysts expect moderate ruble depreciation in 2026. Reshetnikov anticipates natural weakening as low-margin export projects withdraw from the market. Forecasts suggest the dollar-to-ruble rate will stabilize around 93–95 in 2026, while the euro may trade between 105–115 rubles. The yuan is projected to rise to 12.5–13 rubles.

FG Finam analyst Nikolai Dudchenko concurs with these projections, indicating that a return to softer exchange rate levels may help rebalance budgetary and trade dynamics without sacrificing monetary stability.

A Delicate Equilibrium

The Russian ruble’s strength, once celebrated as a shield against economic volatility, has now exposed the cracks in the country’s post-sanctions growth model. With limited policy tools and a shrinking fiscal buffer, Russia’s policymakers are walking a fine line between currency-driven resilience and export-driven vulnerability.

Whether the ruble continues to hold firm or weakens over time will depend on trade trends, geopolitical risks, and the Central Bank’s policy direction. Until then, the ruble’s strength remains both a source of pride and a growing economic paradox.

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites

Gerik

Economic

Commodity

Europe’s First Major Leap in Rare Earth Self-Sufficiency

The EU has launched its most prominent industrial push to date to reclaim strategic control over rare earth magnet production a sector long dominated by China. This effort takes shape at the newly inaugurated Neo Performance Materials plant in Narva, Estonia, a small industrial city separated from Russia only by the Narva River, the outer border of both NATO and the EU.

The Canadian-backed project aims to produce 2,000 tonnes of rare earth magnets in 2025, scaling up to 5,000 tonnes and beyond, targeting 10% of Europe’s growing demand. With China currently supplying nearly all rare earth magnets to Europe, this represents a major symbolic and strategic shift.

These magnets are critical components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, medical devices, AI applications, and precision weapon systems. In an age where mineral security has become a new frontier of geopolitical competition, Europe’s move is not just economic it is existential.

High Demand, Limited Capacity, and Ambitious Goals

Neo’s CEO Rahim Suleman has emphasized that Europe's annual rare earth magnet demand hovers around 20,000 tonnes and will only increase toward 2030. Contracts have already been signed with major auto parts suppliers like Schaeffler and Bosch, linking the Narva output directly to German automotive giants like Volkswagen and BMW.

However, Europe’s broader capacity remains limited. Analysts warn that the EU faces a steep climb due to high production costs, fragmented internal supply chains, regulatory constraints, and underdeveloped infrastructure. Caroline Messecar of Fastmarkets states that without rapidly increasing magnet output, Europe’s goal of supply chain diversification especially for EVs will remain elusive.

China’s Dominance and the Threat of Export Controls

China controls approximately 60% of global rare earth production and over 90% of magnet output. For years, this asymmetric power dynamic was tolerated. But recent developments including China's temporary tightening of export controls have exposed the fragility of global supply chains.

Although President Xi Jinping agreed to delay further restrictions following a summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in October, earlier limits continue to disrupt production in downstream sectors such as automotive and renewable energy. The European Commission’s Autumn 2025 Economic Forecast confirmed that China’s export policies have directly affected key EU industries, intensifying the urgency to diversify supply.

Ryan Castilloux, an industry analyst, likens the current state of rare earth supply to a geopolitical sword of Damocles: “The threat hasn’t gone away it still hangs above our heads.” With downstream industries valued in the trillions, the stakes could not be higher.

RESourceEU: Europe’s Strategic Response

In response, the EU is preparing to roll out “RESourceEU,” modeled after the “REPowerEU” initiative that tackled energy security. While Narva’s plant predates this policy, its €18.7 million in EU funding and operational focus align closely with the bloc’s broader vision: build domestic capacity, reduce Chinese dependence, and reclaim industrial sovereignty.

Yet skepticism remains. Despite political backing and strategic alignment, scaling a fully European rare earth supply chain mining, refining, manufacturing demands long-term investment and painful trade-offs. The Narva plant is a start, not a solution.

Security Risk: A Strategic Bet on a Borderline Location

Narva’s proximity to Russia presents a clear strategic dilemma. In the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin publicly claimed Narva as historically Russian territory a chilling reminder of the security risks tied to the site.

When asked why Neo chose such a location, Suleman pointed to existing infrastructure, EU support, and the skilled Estonian workforce as decisive factors. He stressed the project's European alignment and praised Estonia’s readiness to embrace its strategic role.

Estonian officials have endorsed the project as timely and regionally beneficial. Deputy Minister Jaanus Uiga acknowledged the global rare earth race and affirmed that Estonia must adapt quickly to secure a position in this evolving sector.

Cause and Correlation in Europe's Strategic Calculus

Europe’s investment in Narva reflects both causal necessity and correlational opportunity. The causal link arises from the clear policy threat posed by China’s export controls, which triggered a scramble for domestic alternatives. Meanwhile, Estonia’s geopolitical positioning though fraught with risk correlates with available EU infrastructure, labor quality, and political will.

Whether Narva becomes a cornerstone of European strategic autonomy or a vulnerability in future geopolitical tensions will depend on how the EU manages its internal inefficiencies, its ability to scale production beyond pilot projects, and its willingness to shield industrial efforts from external threats.

Between Sovereignty and Fragility

The Narva facility may be a symbol of Europe’s awakening to the critical minerals race, but it is also a stark reminder of the region’s strategic fragility. Building a viable alternative to China’s rare earth empire will require far more than political declarations or token funding it demands sustained investment, security planning, and industrial cohesion.

The EU is betting on the right concept at the right time but its star of hope shines on precarious ground, just meters from one of its biggest geopolitical threats. Whether this gamble pays off will define Europe’s role in the coming age of mineral-based geopolitics.

To stay updated on all economic events of today, please check out our Economic calendar

Risk Warnings and Disclaimers

Add to Favorites