News

Australian Police: Initial indications are that this incident was a terrorist attack instigated by the extremist organization "Islamic State". There is no evidence that anyone else was involved in the attack.

Australian police: Confirmed that the gunman in the Bundy shooting had traveled to the Philippines, and the reasons for his trip to the Philippines are under investigation. There were explosive devices hidden in the vehicle in which the gunman was riding, and two homemade flags of the Islamic State extremist organization were found.

National Australia Bank: The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points in February and May 2026.

ANZ Bank: (On the other hand) Improved U.S. economic growth prospects, unexpected strength in the U.S. dollar, and a hawkish stance by the Federal Reserve may cause gold prices to fall back to $3,500 per ounce in 2026.

ANZ: Given factors such as the worsening global economic growth outlook, renewed trade tensions, the erosion of the Federal Reserve's independence, and the stock market sell-off, gold prices may potentially exceed US$5,000 per ounce in 2026.

The merger of Anglo American and Teck Mining was approved by shareholders of both companies and competition regulators in Canada and Australia in December, and other reviews are in progress.

Informed sources said that the United States is about to assume the rotating presidency of the G20 and plans to reduce the number of finance minister-level meetings. This move is obviously to streamline this multilateral cooperation mechanism.

The 20-year Japanese government bond yield fell 0.5 basis points to 2.92%.

South Korea's Presidential Office: South Korea will discuss with the United States to gain momentum for South Korea's plan to build nuclear-powered submarines.

Japan's preliminary manufacturing PMI value in December was 49.7, compared with the previous value of 48.7.

Japan's preliminary service PMI value in December was 52.5, compared with the previous value of 53.2.

Japan's preliminary composite PMI value in December was 51.5, compared with the previous value of 52.

Documents show: US President Trump is claiming $5 billion from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Documents show: U.S. President Trump sued the BBC for defamation over clips of his speech on the "January 6th Incident".

Market news: New Zealand is now expected to return to a budget surplus in 2030, with a budget deficit expected to account for 3.0% of GDP in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The country’s net debt is expected to peak in 2028, accounting for 46.9% of GDP.

According to the Financial Times: The United States has suspended its technology agreement with the United Kingdom.

According to the Washington Post: Senior Pentagon officials are preparing a plan to downgrade several major U.S. military commands and change the balance of power among its top generals, people familiar with the matter said. This is a major consolidation sought by Defense Secretary Hegseth.

Pemex: According to the 2025-2035 strategic plan, oil and natural gas production will remain at 1.8 million barrels per day.

Australia's Westpac/Melbourne consumer confidence index in December was 94.5, from the previous value of 103.8.

Australia's Westpac/Melbourne consumer confidence index in December was -9% on a monthly basis, compared with the previous value of 12.80%.