New Zealand inflation hits 3%, top of central bank’s target band

Recent meetings among Turkish central bankers have led investors to anticipate a more gradual approach to interest rate cuts. This shift in strategy is significant as it reflects the central bank's efforts to balance economic growth with inflation control, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence and economic stability in Turkey.

High yields on domestic Nigerian debt are expected to keep investors interested, especially as the naira remains stable. The central bank's gradual approach to easing borrowing costs, in response to cooling inflation, suggests a positive outlook for the market. This is significant as it indicates confidence in Nigeria's economic stability and could attract more investment.

India is making significant strides to enhance the use of its currency, the rupee, in trade with key partners. By allowing easier settlement of transactions in rupees, the central bank aims to strengthen the local currency and promote economic stability. This initiative not only facilitates smoother trade but also positions India as a more influential player in global markets, which could have long-term benefits for its economy.

In October, China decided to keep its key lending rates unchanged for the fifth consecutive month, signaling a cautious approach to economic management. This decision reflects the government's ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy amid various challenges, including sluggish growth and external pressures. By maintaining these rates, China aims to support businesses and consumers while navigating a complex economic landscape.

The Labour Party in New Zealand has announced a significant new policy ahead of the 2026 general election, proposing a government fund designed to stimulate investment and boost economic growth. This initiative is crucial as it aims to address economic challenges and foster a more prosperous future for the country, making it a key point of discussion in the upcoming election.

New Zealand's Finance Minister is advocating for stronger regional ties as a response to the ongoing US-China trade war. This move is significant as it highlights New Zealand's proactive approach to navigating global economic challenges and fostering collaboration with neighboring countries. Strengthening these ties could enhance trade opportunities and economic stability in the region, benefiting local businesses and consumers alike.

Ukraine is facing significant pressure from the International Monetary Fund to devalue its currency, a move that could create tensions in Kyiv just as the country prepares for important discussions regarding a new loan package. This situation is critical as it highlights the economic challenges Ukraine is grappling with amid ongoing conflict, and how international financial institutions are influencing its monetary policy.

Cleveland-Cliffs is experiencing a surge in demand for its steel products, thanks in part to favorable trade policies from the Trump administration that support U.S. manufacturing. The company is also looking to diversify its operations by exploring the production of rare-earth minerals, which are crucial for various high-tech applications. This move not only strengthens its market position but also highlights the growing importance of domestic production in the face of global supply chain challenges.

Kering has announced a significant $4.7 billion deal to sell its beauty business to L’Oréal, marking a strategic move by the new CEO, Luca de Meo, to rejuvenate the company's performance. This sale is crucial as it allows Kering to focus on its core luxury brands while L’Oréal expands its portfolio in the beauty sector. Such a transaction not only reflects the evolving landscape of luxury and beauty but also highlights Kering's commitment to strengthening its market position.

Amazon's AWS experienced significant disruptions, leading to outages for hundreds of websites for several hours. This incident highlights the vulnerability of online services that rely on cloud infrastructure, affecting businesses and users alike. The impact of such outages can be far-reaching, causing loss of revenue and frustrating users who depend on these platforms for daily activities.

Crude oil prices are continuing to decline due to concerns over supply and demand. Factors such as weak growth projections, the ongoing energy transition in China and the EU, and tensions from U.S.-China tariffs are contributing to this negative outlook. This matters because fluctuations in oil prices can significantly impact global economies and consumer behavior.

Merck has released long-term data demonstrating that its cancer treatment, KEYTRUDA, continues to provide significant survival benefits for patients with lung cancer. This is important because it reinforces the effectiveness of KEYTRUDA as a vital option in cancer therapy, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients facing this challenging disease.

Abbvie's stock price target has been raised to $258 from $240 by BMO Capital, reflecting growing confidence in the company's future performance. This adjustment is significant as it indicates analysts' optimism about Abbvie's potential for growth and profitability, which could attract more investors and positively impact the stock market.