Trade

• U.S. proposes critical minerals trade bloc aimed at countering China’s grip - The U.S. is mobilizing allies into a preferential trade bloc for critical minerals as part of efforts to counter China's dominance in the market.
• China's Xi reasserts Taiwan stance in call with Trump, while U.S. president pushes trade - Beijing stressed Taiwan is the most important issue while Trump highlights the trade aspects of the bilateral relations.
• Ray Dalio warns the world is ‘on the brink’ of a capital war - The billionaire Bridgewater founder also weighed in on investing in gold after the metal was gripped by a sharp sell-off.
• Trump says U.S. and India reached trade deal, will lower tariffs immediately - The U.S. and India have reached a trade deal, President Donald Trump announced.
• Is 'America First' starting to backfire as Washington's allies go it alone? - Trump's volatility and unpredictability, as well as tariffs and territorial threats, have spooked erstwhile allies.
• Trade balance soared 94% in November and was higher than a year ago, despite tariff efforts - The U.S. deficit with its global trading partners nearly doubled in November as the shortfall with the European Union swelled.
• South Korea's SK Hynix to establish a special ‘AI Company’ in the U.S. - SK Hynix will set up a new U.S.-based company focused on artificial intelligence solutions, with $10 billion committed to the project.
• All eyes are on Trump's reaction to the 'mother of all deals' between India and the EU - The trade deal is being widely seen as a strategic hedge against volatile U.S. trade policies.
• India and European Union have closed a 'landmark' free trade deal, Prime Minister Modi says - Goods traded between India and the EU in 2024 amounted to over 120 billion euros (about $140 billion), making it New Delhi's largest trading partner.
• South Korea scrambles to pass U.S. investment bill after Trump threatens higher tariffs - The bill aims to establish a state-run investment corporation and fund to manage Seoul's planned $350 billion investment pledge to Washington.