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The accumulation of residual fuel inventories in Venezuela’s onshore tanks is forcing state energy company PDVSA to resort to extreme solutions to avoid shutting down refining units, as a U.S. blockade stopping tankers that are under sanctions from entering and leaving the country cuts exports to a minimum, four sources said. Some tankers have entered Venezuelan waters in recent days and a couple of China-flagged vessels are approaching the coast. But most ships bound for Venezuelan ports for December and early January cargo deliveries have made U-turns, as the blockade spooks even vessels not under sanctions. READ MORE: US strikes…
The global investment landscape in 2026 is marked by sharply diverging paths between precious metals and cryptocurrencies. While gold and silver continue to benefit from supportive macroeconomic tailwinds, Bitcoin and other digital assets face headwinds stemming from liquidity constraints, regulatory uncertainty, and shifting investor risk appetite. This divergence underscores the importance of recalibrating investment portfolios in line with evolving macroeconomic conditions and changing risk profiles. Precious metals: a macro-driven safe haven Gold has emerged in 2026 as a core pillar of macroeconomic resilience. According to a report by FX Empire, gold prices rose by 65% in 2025, with…
US stock indexes declined in Wednesday’s session amid thin liquidity in the final trading day of 2025, while Wall Street still posted strong gains for the year. Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, released on Tuesday, revealed a sharp split among policymakers over the decision to cut interest rates earlier this month. The minutes also showed that policymakers broadly supported continuing to ease policy if inflation slows over time, in line with expectations. Projections from the 19 officials who attended the December meeting – including 12 voting members – pointed to the possibility of one additional…
The global investment landscape in 2026 is marked by sharply diverging paths between precious metals and cryptocurrencies. While gold and silver continue to benefit from supportive macroeconomic tailwinds, Bitcoin and other digital assets face headwinds stemming from liquidity constraints, regulatory uncertainty, and shifting investor risk appetite. This divergence underscores the importance of recalibrating investment portfolios in line with evolving macroeconomic conditions and changing risk profiles. Precious metals: a macro-driven safe haven Gold has emerged in 2026 as a core pillar of macroeconomic resilience. According to a report by FX Empire, gold prices rose by 65% in 2025, with…
Swat Serena Hotel has announced that it will cease operations with effect from January 1, 2026, bringing to an end nearly four decades of service in the Swat Valley. In an official notice issued by the management, the hotel said it had been privileged to host guests for almost 40 years and played a role in promoting tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the Swat region. “We regret to announce the closure of Swat Serena Hotel’s operations, effective 1 January 2026,” the notice said, adding that the management was grateful to its guests, partners, and associates for their continued support…
Oil prices were largely steady on Wednesday, but remain on track to post losses exceeding 15% over the course of 2025, as growing concerns over oversupply weighed on the market in a year marked by wars, higher tariffs, rising production from the OPEC+ alliance, and sanctions on Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. Brent crude futures are down about 18%, marking their largest percentage annual decline since 2020 and putting them on course for a third consecutive yearly loss — the longest losing streak in their history. US West Texas Intermediate crude is also heading for an annual decline of around…
On Tuesday, the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command wrapped up a two-day live-fire exercise named Justice Mission 2025.The exercise surrounded large parts of the island and came less than a fortnight after the United States approved a US$11.1 billion weapons package for Taiwan – the largest in the island’s history of receiving US military aid.The drill involved personnel from the army, navy, air force and rocket force, with stealth fighters, destroyers and missile launchers all featuring.Taiwan’s defence ministry said 31 warships and 16 coastguard vessels were detected in the area over the course of the exercise, while PLA planes made a…
US stock indexes fell at the open on Wednesday — the final trading session of 2025 — although Wall Street remains on track to post strong annual gains. Technology stocks came under increasing pressure amid profit-taking as the year draws to a close. Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, released on Tuesday, revealed a sharp divide among policymakers over the decision to cut interest rates earlier this month. The minutes also showed that policymakers supported further rate cuts if inflation slows over time, in line with expectations. Forecasts from 19 officials who attended the December…
Meta Platforms’ multibillion-dollar acquisition of Manus, a Chinese-founded artificial intelligence agent start-up, has set off a mix of excitement and unease in China’s tech circles, opening what some see as a new “cash-out” route for AI entrepreneurs beyond the traditional IPO playbook.Industry observers said the acquisition was made possible by two key developments: Manus’ progress in building a globally competitive general AI agent and the founders’ decision to relocate the business abroad.Launched in Wuhan, the capital of central Hubei province, the start-up led by Xiao Hong severed its China links and moved its headquarters to Singapore in July, a step…
President Xi Jinping issued a rallying cry for the country to double down on efforts to boost economic growth and technological advancement in the new year during his annual televised New Year’s speech on Wednesday.The call came as Beijing faces complicated geopolitical challenges while pushing for economic transition at home, with the coming years seen as critical to consolidating its position in its rivalry with Washington.He also mentioned Taiwan, describing the island’s reunification with the mainland as an “unstoppable trend”.“The people on both sides of the strait are bound by blood ties thicker than water,” he said.Addressing the economy, Xi…