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Belgium PM says using frozen Russian assets could derail Ukraine peace deal

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor November 28, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo cautioned on Thursday that utilizing frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine could jeopardize potential peace negotiations, Reuters reported. ⁤De‍ Croo’s remarks come as international discussions intensify regarding the⁢ feasibility and legality of repurposing approximately $300 billion in Russian central bank funds held in Western accounts.

The debate over leveraging these assets centers on balancing immediate support for Ukraine ‌wiht the long-term goal of a negotiated settlement. While proponents argue the funds represent compensation for ‍the damage inflicted by ⁢russia’s invasion and could bolster Ukraine’s economy and military capabilities, de Croo warned that such ⁤a move could eliminate any incentive for Russia to return to the negotiating table, prolonging the conflict and its⁤ devastating consequences for Ukraine ⁣and broader European security. The Belgian leader emphasized the need to preserve a diplomatic path,even as Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty. ⁤

de Croo made the comments during a financial forum in brussels, adding that the‌ potential use of⁣ the funds is a ⁢complex issue with significant legal and political⁤ ramifications. He ‍noted that while Belgium supports Ukraine’s right to self-defense⁣ and is committed to⁣ providing assistance, it is crucial to consider ⁤the broader strategic implications of any action⁤ taken regarding the frozen assets.

The European Union has been exploring various legal mechanisms to perhaps utilize the windfall profits generated from the frozen assets, ‍rather than the principal itself, to⁣ support Ukraine’s reconstruction. Though,the legal complexities and potential for retaliation from Russia ‍remain significant hurdles. The United ⁤States and other Western nations are also grappling with similar considerations.

November 28, 2025 0 comments

Business

Trading Day: Bulls in charge ahead of Turkey Day

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 27, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

NEW YORK, Nov 22 (Reuters) – ⁢U.S. stocks surged on Wednesday,‌ propelled by strong ‌earnings reports and growing optimism about a potential Federal Reserve pivot, as investors positioned themselves ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Dow⁢ Jones Industrial Average climbed 330.99 points, or 0.97%, to 34,347.76, the S&P 500 gained 1.03% to 4,559.34,and the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.37% to 14,250.98.‌ All ⁤three major indexes posted their largest daily percentage gains in over a month.

Investor sentiment was boosted‍ by better-than-expected earnings from companies like Best Buy ⁢and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, signaling resilience in consumer spending and corporate performance. Simultaneously,minutes from the Federal ‍Reserve’s latest policy meeting indicated a willingness to consider slowing the pace of interest⁤ rate hikes,fueling speculation that the central bank may be⁢ nearing the end of its tightening cycle. This shift in expectations sent bond yields lower and provided further support for equities.

“The market is interpreting ⁤the Fed minutes as possibly dovish, suggesting a slower pace of rate ⁢hikes,” said⁣ Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth Management. “Combined with‍ solid‍ earnings, this is creating a positive feedback loop.”

The energy sector lagged, ⁣falling 0.8%, as ‍oil prices declined amid concerns about global demand. ⁣Though, technology stocks led the gains, with companies like Apple‌ and Microsoft⁤ contributing considerably to the Nasdaq’s advance.

Trading volume is expected to be lighter than usual on Wednesday and Friday due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Investors will be closely watching economic data releases next week, including the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) ⁢price index, for further‌ clues about the Fed’s future policy path.

November 27, 2025 0 comments

Business

Investors pile into UK bonds and sterling after budget

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Investors are driving a surge in demand for UK bonds and the pound following the British government’s revised budget plans, reversing a recent sell-off and signaling renewed confidence in the UK economy. The yield on the 30-year‍ gilt fell sharply, dropping as much as 46 basis points to 4.54% – the largest daily decline since 2020 – while sterling rose over 1% against ⁢the ‌dollar, reaching $1.223.

The dramatic shift comes after⁢ Chancellor of the‌ Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced‌ substantial tax increases and spending cuts intended to restore fiscal stability following the turmoil⁢ sparked ⁢by his predecessor’s unfunded tax cut ⁤proposals. This turnaround ‌impacts pension funds, mortgage holders, and⁤ the broader economic outlook ⁣for the UK, potentially averting a crisis and setting the stage for a more enduring economic path, though significant challenges ‍remain.

The market reaction ⁣reflects a relief that the government is taking steps to address concerns about the UK’s debt burden.Hunt’s measures, unveiled Monday, include scrapping almost all of the‍ tax cuts⁢ announced in september’s “mini-budget” and⁤ outlining £55 billion ($63.5 billion) of fiscal tightening. This includes delaying⁤ planned income tax cuts, reducing public spending growth, and freezing corporation tax rates.

“The UK is now on a more‌ credible path,” said Hugh Gimber, a strategist at J.P.Morgan Asset Management. “The scale of the fiscal tightening is significant ‍and should reassure markets that ‌the government is committed to reducing debt.”

The Bank of England’s emergency intervention in ‌the gilt market⁣ last month, designed to prevent a collapse in pension funds reliant on gilt-based investments, had temporarily stemmed ⁣the bleeding. However,⁤ the underlying concerns about fiscal sustainability ⁢persisted until Hunt’s proclamation.

Prior to‍ the revised budget, the pound had fallen‍ to a record low against the dollar, and gilt yields had⁢ soared, increasing borrowing costs for the government and businesses. The volatility prompted the Bank of England to delay the ‍start of its gilt sales program.

while the immediate market response is positive, analysts caution‌ that the UK still faces significant economic headwinds, including high inflation and the risk of recession.The Office for Budget Obligation (OBR) now forecasts that the UK economy is already in recession, ‌and that living standards will fall by‍ 7.1% over the next two years.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

Title: Japan Sees Improving Consumer Sentiment Amid Inflation Concerns

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Japan‘s Consumer Confidence Rises, Supporting ⁢’Moderate’ Economic Recovery Assessment

Tokyo – Japan’s consumer sentiment⁤ is showing signs of betterment, the government reported on Friday, reinforcing its⁤ assessment that ⁢the nation’s economic recovery remains on a “moderate” trajectory. The latest data offers a cautiously optimistic signal for the world’s ‍third-largest⁣ economy,which ⁢has been navigating a complex landscape⁤ of global headwinds and domestic challenges.

The uptick in consumer confidence is a ⁤key indicator for Japan, where personal consumption plays a crucial role ⁤in driving economic growth.While persistent inflation and global economic uncertainty continue to pose risks, the improving sentiment suggests households are becoming more willing to spend, possibly bolstering⁤ overall economic activity in the coming months. This development is being closely watched by policymakers as they weigh potential adjustments to monetary policy and‌ fiscal stimulus measures.

According to the Cabinet Office’s monthly survey, the index of consumer confidence ‍rose to 9.8 in December, marking an increase from 9.7 in November. The survey assesses households’ views on the economy, their incomes, and employment.While still below the key 10.0 threshold indicating optimism, the continued improvement suggests a gradual shift in consumer attitudes.

“We are seeing a positive trend in consumer sentiment, which is encouraging,” a government‌ official stated, declining to be named due‍ to internal policy. “However, we remain vigilant about the impact of rising prices and global economic conditions on household ⁤spending.”

Japan’s economic recovery has been uneven, with sectors like tourism benefiting from a weaker yen, while others continue to grapple with supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. the Bank of Japan has maintained its ultra-loose monetary policy, aiming to sustainably achieve its 2% inflation target, while closely monitoring the impact on‌ the economy and financial markets.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

TRADING DAY Fed optimism, Thanksgiving week

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 26, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

U.S. stocks climbed on Wednesday, fueled by growing⁢ optimism that the Federal ⁣Reserve ‍may soon ⁤begin cutting interest rates, alongside the typically slower trading volumes‍ associated with the Thanksgiving week.

The Dow Jones Industrial ⁣Average rose 30 points, while the S&P 500 gained 0.3% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.5%. Investors⁤ are parsing recent economic data and comments from Fed officials for clues about the timing and pace of ‍potential rate reductions. Market participants are currently pricing in a roughly 70% chance of a rate cut by the Fed’s March meeting, according to the ‌CME FedWatch tool.This week’s weaker-than-expected manufacturing data and a drop in consumer⁢ confidence‌ have bolstered expectations for a more dovish stance from the central bank.Trading volume ⁢was light, a common characteristic ‌during the week of Thanksgiving, perhaps amplifying market movements.

The focus on potential Fed policy shifts comes as investors assess the overall health of the U.S. ‍economy. ‍While inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, recent data suggests it is indeed cooling, prompting ⁢speculation that the central bank might potentially be nearing the end of its tightening cycle. The next key economic‌ indicator will be the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, ⁤due out ⁢later this month, wich is the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation. A softer-than-expected PCE reading could‌ further ⁤strengthen the case for rate cuts.

November 26, 2025 0 comments

Business

Apollo, other firms accused of of blocking debt refinancing in US antitrust lawsuit

by Priya Shah – Business Editor November 25, 2025

written by Priya Shah – Business Editor

Apollo Global Management and‌ several other firms are facing‍ an antitrust lawsuit alleging they systematically blocked ‌debt refinancing deals, inflating borrowing costs for companies and enriching themselves, the U.S.Department of Justice announced Thursday. The DOJ alleges ⁢the firms, which include Vista Credit Partners and Ares Management, colluded to avoid competing with each other⁣ when providing financing to companies seeking to refinance ⁤existing debt, effectively creating a cartel.

The lawsuit centers on “club deals” – ‌privately‌ negotiated ‍loan agreements – where the ⁤firms allegedly‍ agreed not to pursue deals that would⁢ undercut each other, resulting in higher interest rates and stricter terms‍ for borrowers. The DOJ contends this practice harmed businesses across various sectors, increasing financial strain and potentially hindering growth.The complaint alleges these actions violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The firms accused – Apollo, Vista, Ares, and ‍others – are major players in the private credit market, managing billions of dollars in assets. According to the DOJ, the alleged conspiracy spanned from at least 2018⁤ and involved dozens of deals. The‌ department seeks to halt the alleged anti-competitive ‌practices and is pursuing civil penalties.

“american companies rely on competitive ⁢credit markets to invest and grow,” said Assistant Attorney General jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division‌ in ⁢a statement. “The⁤ Department will vigorously enforce the antitrust laws ‍to ensure that private credit firms compete fairly and do not ⁤exploit borrowers.”

The lawsuit details instances where⁣ the firms allegedly discussed and coordinated their approach to potential deals,sometimes explicitly agreeing ‌to “pass” on opportunities to avoid ‌bidding wars. In one ‌example cited in the complaint, Apollo allegedly informed Vista that it would ⁤not pursue a refinancing deal for a specific company, allowing Vista to⁢ proceed with‍ more favorable terms.

Apollo, Vista, and Ares have all ⁤denied the allegations and stated their ‍intention to vigorously defend themselves against the lawsuit. “Apollo is confident that the facts will demonstrate that the firm acted lawfully and in the best interests of its clients‌ and the borrowers it serves,” a spokesperson for Apollo said in a statement.Vista and Ares issued similar statements asserting their commitment to fair competition.

the case is being closely watched by industry observers, as it could have significant ⁣implications‌ for the ⁤rapidly ⁣growing private credit market. A prosperous outcome for the DOJ could lead to‍ increased scrutiny of lending practices and potentially reshape ‍the landscape of corporate finance. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief to prevent future anti-competitive conduct and monetary damages for affected borrowers.

November 25, 2025 0 comments

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