Russia has arrested an Uzbek who is said to have confessed to carrying out a bomb attack in Moscow on behalf of the Ukrainian secret service SBU. General Igor Kirillov, head of the Russian NBC protection forces, and his assistant were killed. The bomb was hidden in an e-scooter. According to investigators, the perpetrator received 100,000 dollars and a promise of residence in Europe. Moscow holds Ukraine responsible and wants to discuss the incident in the UN Security Council on December 20. Ukraine sees the act as a legitimate act of self-defense.
In the vote in the Saxon state parliament on the future prime minister, incumbent Kretschmer missed out on the necessary majority in the first round of voting. The two competing candidates did not receive enough votes either.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have expanded their control over the country's oil industry and control up to 50% of exports, which mainly go to China and bring in over 50 billion dollars a year. These revenues finance Iran's economy as well as allied groups in the Middle East such as Hezbollah. Despite sanctions, the Revolutionary Guards use a network of front companies, ship transfers and discounts to circumvent the sanctions. Western countries such as the USA regard the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization and have imposed sanctions against them and their “ghost fleet”.
Inflation in the UK reached an eight-month high of 2.6% in November, but remains under control thanks to stable service prices. Core inflation rose slightly to 3.5%, while services inflation remained unchanged at 5.0%. This offers some relief to the Bank of England (BoE), although continued high wages and government spending could increase price pressures. Experts do not expect the BoE to cut interest rates at the next meeting, even though the economy is losing momentum. Transportation costs contributed significantly to the rise in inflation. Analysts assume that service inflation could fall in the coming months.
Honda and Nissan are in talks about closer cooperation, including a possible merger, to counter challenges from Tesla and Chinese carmakers. A merger would create a company worth 54 billion dollars and producing 7.4 million vehicles a year, making it the world's number three behind Toyota and Volkswagen. Discussions include the establishment of a holding company and increased cooperation with Mitsubishi. The aim is to reduce costs and accelerate the development of electric vehicles. Analysts see this as an important step for the competitiveness of the Japanese car industry.
Mafia and right-wing extremists infiltrate Italy's soccer ultras, including groups from Inter and AC Milan. Investigations reveal links to the 'Ndrangheta, ticket fraud and racketeering. Smaller clubs and political extremists also benefit from the structures. Several murders of Ultra leaders exacerbate the situation. Authorities warn of growing influence on players, coaches and clubs.
According to former war crimes prosecutor Stephen Rapp, mass graves in Syria provide evidence of a state-organized “death machine” under Assad with over 100,000 victims since 2013. Evidence shows systematic executions hidden in graves near Qutayfah and Najha. International organizations demand protection of the sites and preservation of evidence.
US President Joe Biden has declared that the delivery of nuclear weapons to Ukraine cannot be ruled out.
Strongest storm in 90 years: Hundreds of residents of the French overseas territory of Mayotte have fallen victim to Cyclone Shido - media According to the latest data, 11 people have died and 250 have been injured as a result of the storm. The authorities in the region expect the death toll to rise further.
Audi will close its plant in Brussels in February 2025, leaving 3000 employees unemployed.
Trump declares that Selenskyj should prepare for an agreement to end the conflict in Ukraine. The US President-elect also says that he has received signals from Kiev that it is seeking an agreement with Moscow. According to Trump, Ukraine should not have penetrated deep into Russian territory with long-range missiles. He added that the matter could be reconsidered.
South Korea's Constitutional Court begins Yoon's impeachment proceedings.
Today, the Fed announces its interest rate decision - and the expectation is that it will cut the key interest rate further. But 2025 will be a more complex issue. Read the whole deep dive in the Wall Street Journal. (WSJ)
ThyssenKrupp has been looking for a buyer for its marine division - not part of its core business - for some time. Now the sale seems to be picking up speed. According to research by the Handelsblatt, there are several bidders. (HB)
In June 2024, Carlsberg announced that the takeover of Britivic was imminent - it has now taken almost six months. Now both the British and European competition authorities have given their approval. (WSJ)
Clarion: Blackstone's event company to invest heavily in 2025: The conference and event sector is booming - Blackrock has also noticed this and wants to invest more heavily in 2025. In 2017, Blackstone bought Clarion for ~€640m - and wants to double the value of the company by 2030. (FT)
- DAX: hardly moves in anticipation of the Fed's interest rate decision (HB)
- Brose: Automotive supplier cuts 700 jobs in Germany (HB)
- Esso: May dig for lithium in Lower Saxony (NTV)
- Tesla: IG-Metall wants to remove head of works council in Grünheide by court order (SZ)
- Mercedes: Allowed to drive cars automatically at up to 95 km/h (HB)
- World Argentina: Officially no longer in recession (FT)
- Shein: Plans mini IPO in London (HB)
- EU: Examines TikTok's interference in the Romanian presidential election (FT)
- USA: Industrial production fell by just 0.1% in November (WSJ)
- KPMG: Growing significantly faster than the competition (FT)
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