Economy

Funds released as Cairo advances economic reforms

Takaichi plans Washington visit to boost cooperation on rare earths and economic security

Gold prices climbed more than 2 percent as geopolitical risks increased global uncertainty and boosted demand for safe-haven assets, while silver also recorded strong gains.

Bulgaria will replace its national currency, the lev, with the euro on January 1, 2026, ending nearly 145 years of the lev’s circulation as the country formally joins the Eurozone.

The US economy expanded at an annual rate of 4.3% in the third quarter, marking its strongest performance in two years, driven mainly by higher consumer spending and a rebound in exports.

Fitch Ratings has raised Ukraine’s long-term foreign currency credit rating from “Restricted Default” to “CCC,” citing advancements in debt restructuring and improved relations with external commercial creditors. Despite the upgrade, Ukraine’s rating remains below investment grade.

UK retail sales volumes fell unexpectedly in November, declining 0.1% month-on-month, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Ford has cancelled a major battery supply agreement with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, reflecting shifting US EV policies and weakening demand for electric vehicles.

US stock markets ended the week in negative territory as a broad sell-off in technology stocks weighed on major indexes, while volatility edged higher amid uncertainty over interest rate policy.

Dow **lost 0.38%** and the S&P 500 **edged down 0.09%**, while the Nasdaq **inched up 0.13%**.