Welcome to our weekend news recap, where we distill the most significant headlines from around the globe. Here’s what you need to know from the past weekend:

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Global Economy

• China’s Property Market Sees Growth: A recent survey reveals that new home prices in China grew at a faster pace in November, signaling potential stabilization in its real estate sector amidst broader economic challenges.
• Australia’s Housing Market Slows: Australian home prices rose at their weakest pace in nearly two years, reflecting cooling demand amid higher borrowing costs and affordability issues.
• Japan Crypto Exchange Closure: DMM Bitcoin, a notable cryptocurrency exchange, is set for liquidation, adding to global concerns about the stability of digital asset platforms.

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Corporate Moves and Deals

• Meta’s Advertising Clampdown: In a bid to combat financial scams targeting Australians, Meta (formerly Facebook) has tightened its advertising policies, aiming to bolster consumer protection.
• Stellantis Shake-Up: Carlos Tavares, the CEO of automotive giant Stellantis, has resigned, raising questions about the company’s leadership future.
• BlackRock Eyes Major Acquisition: The investment giant is reportedly close to acquiring private credit manager HPS, as the private credit market continues to attract big players.
• Pharma Industry Slump: Deal-making in the pharmaceutical sector has plummeted to its lowest level in nearly a decade, reflecting uncertainty in the industry.

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Geopolitics and Policy

• Trump’s Foreign Policy Moves:
  • Former President Donald Trump has threatened the BRICS alliance with a 100% tariff in response to its push to replace the U.S. dollar in global trade.
  • Trump made a series of strategic appointments, including Charles Kushner as ambassador to France, Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle East affairs, and Kash Patel to lead the FBI.
• Canada Prepares New Measures: Following a meeting with Trump, a Canadian minister hinted at imminent policy measures, signaling potential changes in U.S.-Canada relations.
• European Developments:
  • UK’s Keir Starmer outlined his foreign policy agenda while a cabinet minister refuted claims that Starmer’s “plan for change” is a mere political reset.
  • Marine Le Pen criticized the French government for ending budget talks abruptly, pointing to growing political tensions.
  • Germany’s foreign minister condemned China for allegedly supplying weapons to Russia, escalating EU-China friction.
• Russia’s Strategic Moves:
  • Vladimir Putin approved a new budget with record defense spending, underscoring Russia’s continued focus on military priorities.
  • Russian and Syrian forces launched airstrikes near Aleppo to counter rebel advancements. Meanwhile, Russia lifted a gasoline export ban for producers, hinting at a shift in domestic economic strategy.
• Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy suggested NATO guarantees could resolve the ongoing “hot phase” of the war, as European leaders remain cautious.

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Energy and Industry

• Gas Disruptions in Europe: Despite damage to a Poland-Germany pipeline, operators assured that supplies remain unaffected. However, the EU’s outgoing energy chief warned against veiled imports of Russian gas.
• Electric Vehicle Maker in Trouble: Canadian EV manufacturer Lion Electric secured temporary creditor relief, leading to a halt in its U.S. factory operations amid financial struggles.

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The world continues to shift, from political chess moves to economic recalibrations. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the week ahead.

What stories caught your attention this weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments!