Author: wellingtontribune.com

Markets opened higher Monday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s meeting, with key rate decisions and 2025 projections expected, while Nasdaq reshuffle pressured Super Micro and boosted MicroStrategy.

Olaf Scholz loses Bundestag vote, prompting early elections in February 2025, as CDU’s Friedrich Merz leads polls amid political instability and economic challenges in Germany.

The Federal Reserve is likely to cut rates again next week, marking the third reduction since September, potentially easing financial pressure on borrowers while savings account yields remain competitive.

U.S. egg prices are rising sharply, driven by avian flu outbreaks and holiday demand, with analysts warning supply shortages could lead to record-high costs last seen during the pandemic.

Russia’s central bank reduced dollar and euro rates while increasing the yuan’s value, reflecting its pivot to Asia amid pressures on the ruble from global market trends.

Germany faces a 0.2% GDP drop in 2024, marking its second contraction year, as structural challenges and trade risks weigh on recovery, Bundesbank and ECB warn.

The UK economy contracted by 0.1% in October, marking the second consecutive monthly decline. Businesses express concern over tax hikes, raising fears of job cuts and reduced investment.

The EU revoked visa-free travel for Vanuatu, citing security and money-laundering concerns tied to the nation’s $130,000 golden passport program, marking the first such EU action.

Russian President Vladimir Putin commends Sheikh Mohamed for spearheading the UAE’s remarkable AI advancements, praising its global rankings and transformative contributions to technology and innovation.

Vienna Airport surpasses 30 million passengers in 2024, marking a key milestone in global travel recovery and underscoring strong demand for European and international routes.