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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with strong ties to Donald Trump, aims to influence US policy on tariffs and NATO defense spending. While her relationship with Trump boosts Italy’s influence, it may weaken the EU and faces challenges in swaying his decisions.

Israeli forces conducted a major operation in Jenin, West Bank, killing 10 and injuring 40. The raid, part of a new security strategy, aims to target militants. Palestinians argue it’s an attempt to annex the West Bank. The violence continues amid regional concerns.

Polestar plans to find new suppliers after the US ban on Chinese software for electric vehicles. Despite challenges, including Trump's executive orders and rising competition, the company remains committed to expanding in the US and scaling its premium EV business.

Syria plans to privatize state-run companies, attract foreign investment, and shift away from Assad-era socialism to boost economic recovery. The new government aims to dismantle a closed economy, tackle corruption, and seek sanctions relief to rebuild the country.

Liberals are overly indifferent to Trump’s return, assuming his second term won’t be as damaging. The shift from alarm to resignation overlooks the serious dangers of an unchecked Trump presidency, especially with his growing influence and lack of electoral restraint.

Two Iranian ships, Golbon and Jairan, are set to sail from China to Iran, carrying over 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate, a key missile propellant ingredient. This shipment, which could fuel 260 mid-range missiles, is reportedly for the Iranian military's Revolutionary Guard.

Rupert Murdoch’s UK newspaper business, News Group Newspapers (NGN), apologized to Prince Harry for unlawful activities at The Sun between 1996-2011, admitting private investigators intruded on his life. NGN agreed to pay substantial damages, avoiding a lengthy court case.

Adidas shares rose 7% after strong festive sales, driven by high demand for classic sneakers like Samba and Gazelle. The company reported a €57mn operating profit for Q4 2024, recovering from a loss in 2023, and upgraded its annual revenue and profit forecasts.

Venture Global, a major LNG exporter, cut its IPO valuation by $45bn, citing investor concerns over a high listing price. The company will now offer 70 million shares at up to $27 each, raising nearly $1.9bn, down from the original $2.3bn target.

A Russian spy ship, Yantar, was found gathering intelligence in UK waters, raising concerns over potential sabotage of undersea cables. Defence Minister John Healey warned Russia of "robust action" and stressed increased surveillance to protect critical infrastructure.

Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin to reach a deal with Ukraine soon or face increased US sanctions, including higher taxes, tariffs, and trade restrictions. Trump emphasized that the war would never have started under his presidency and urged a swift resolution.

Stellantis, owner of Chrysler and Fiat, plans a multibillion-dollar investment in US manufacturing, including sites in California, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. The investment aims to boost production of various vehicles and strengthen its workforce, following talks with Trump.

OpenAI and Elon Musk clashed over the $500bn Stargate AI project, with Musk doubting its funding and claiming SoftBank secured under $10bn. OpenAI's Sam Altman countered, stressing that Stargate is beneficial for the U.S. despite Musk's objections.

Samsung unveiled its AI-powered S25 smartphone at its "Unpacked" event, aiming to challenge Apple in the US market. Featuring Google’s Gemini AI and Qualcomm chips, it promises enhanced voice and text interactions, targeting Apple's dominance in smartphone sales.

Pakistan plans to request the extradition of billionaire Malik Riaz Hussain from the UAE over fraud and deceptive practices related to land sales. Hussain, linked to former PM Imran Khan, denies the charges, calling the move an attempt to blackmail him politically.

The European Commission has proposed extending EU banks' access to UK clearing houses until June 2028, recognizing their importance for financial stability. This move supports the City of London’s dominance in global derivatives trading while efforts to build EU alternatives continue.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has vowed to keep his 10% share of potential proceeds from a lawsuit against Merck's Gardasil vaccine if confirmed as Trump’s health secretary. He argues he is entitled to the share as the case doesn't involve the U.S. or its direct interest.

China has instructed state-owned insurers and mutual funds to invest more in domestic equities, setting specific targets: insurers must allocate 30% of new premiums to Chinese stocks, while mutual funds aim for a 10% annual increase over three years. Stocks surged as a result.

SK Hynix surpassed Samsung in quarterly profits for the first time, driven by high demand for AI-focused high-bandwidth memory chips. The company expects HBM sales to double in 2025, fueled by AI server investments, while Samsung struggles to catch up in this segment.

The EU is considering a pan-European EV subsidy program to counter growing competition from Chinese carmakers. Teresa Ribera highlighted the need for a balanced approach, aiming to support Europe's car industry while avoiding WTO violations and ensuring competitiveness.

LNG tankers are diverting to Europe as gas storage levels drop and prices rise due to the loss of Russian pipeline gas. Seven US-bound shipments have changed course, seeking higher profits in Europe, while the continent faces tighter LNG supply amid cold weather.

Elon Musk privately expressed that donating to Nigel Farage's Reform UK party may be difficult due to his role in the Trump administration. Musk's potential donation could cause diplomatic tensions, although he has not yet contributed to the party.

At Davos, the mood was marked by "peak pessimism" for Europe, with concerns over Trump's "America First" policies and the continent's economic struggles. Meanwhile, US optimism soared due to Trump's tax cuts and deregulation, leaving Europe struggling with low growth and uncertainty.

WPP plans to expand in the US, focusing on AI investment and growth despite challenges. CEO Mark Read is exploring US opportunities after considering a New York listing. He’s optimistic about 2025, aiming for increased revenues and leveraging AI to enhance creativity and productivity.

Pimco's Dan Ivascyn predicts the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady "for the foreseeable future," awaiting more clarity on Trump’s policies. He notes potential inflation risks from tariffs and suggests rising Treasury yields could hurt stocks.

Rahm Emanuel reflects on his tenure as US ambassador to Japan, noting successes like strengthening US-Japan relations but also facing challenges. With Trump’s return looming, he warns against complacency and hints at future political ambitions, including a possible media role.

BP trails rivals like Shell and ExxonMobil in market value, struggling with past setbacks like the Deepwater Horizon spill and failed energy transition plans. Its ambitious strategies have been plagued by poor execution, leaving the company uncertain and underperforming.

Investor interest in anti-obesity drugs has waned due to disappointing trial results, missed sales targets, and uncertainty over the market’s size. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have seen stock drops, with concerns about the sustainability of their growth in this sector.

US housing markets face increasing climate risks, with rising insurance costs due to frequent disasters like wildfires. This could devalue homes, especially in high-risk areas, potentially triggering a market correction affecting millions of properties and homeowners' equity.

European banks are set to return €123bn to shareholders in 2024, with €74.4bn in dividends and €49bn in buybacks. HSBC, BNP Paribas, and UniCredit will lead payouts. Despite concerns over rate cuts, the sector's outlook remains strong, driven by rising profits.

Sumitomo Electric warns that Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican goods could disrupt US supply chains and force production to shift to Southeast Asia. Mexico is a key hub for car parts, and higher tariffs could make Asia a more competitive option for manufacturers.

Discussions are rekindling over deploying European troops in Ukraine, initially proposed by Macron. With US involvement uncertain under Trump, some believe 40,000–50,000 troops could serve as a deterrent force. However, fears of escalation and lack of consensus complicate the plan.

A new wildfire, the Hughes fire, has scorched 10,000 acres north of Los Angeles, prompting evacuation orders for 50,000 residents. Over 4,000 firefighters are battling the blaze, while officials brace for possible mudslides this weekend due to incoming rain.

Puma shares dropped 14% after missing its profit target for 2024, despite a 4.4% sales increase. The company blamed higher interest costs and a US joint venture for the profit decline. Puma launched cost-cutting measures to improve margins and boost profitability in 2025.

A record number of US companies are considering relocating operations out of China due to rising trade tensions, especially amid Trump’s return to office. 44% of surveyed companies cited trade tensions as a key reason, with tech and R&D sectors most likely to move.