The Global Week Ahead

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to All Men – The World Goes (Mostly) Quiet for Christmas Week

December 22 - 29, 2024

It is shaping up to be a very quiet week around the world.  Hopefully, most of the world—or at least a good portion of the world—will enjoy a period of peace, with Christmas being celebrated on Wednesday and Hanukkah also beginning on Wednesday. 

We are watching three political events this week:  The first in Washington, D.C., the second in South Korea, and the third in Georgia.  In Washington on Monday, President Biden is expected to announce his decision to either approve or block Nippon Steel's acquisition bid for U.S. Steel.  During the presidential campaign when he was still a candidate, Biden vowed to block the deal to win the support of the United Steelworkers Union, whose leadership strongly opposes the deal (while most of its rank-and-file members support the deal).  Reports indicate the Defense Department, Treasury Department, and State Department support the deal – but the very few indications that have come from the White House suggest Biden will abide by his vow to the union and block the deal, which, strangely, will probably end up hurting the overall steel industry in the U.S. and likely severely hurt relations with Japan (not to mention put a chilling effect on foreign investment in the US).

The second event we are watching this week is in Seoul, South Korea.  The South Korean Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials is expected to summon recently impeached President Yoon for testimony.  Whether Yoon shows up is another question, as he has vowed to continue fighting against his recent impeachment and refused to accept any documents or summons from the Court.  But it keeps the country's ongoing democratic crisis alive.

The third event is in Georgia where recently appointed far-right presidential candidate Mikheil Kavelashvili is scheduled to be sworn into office on December 29.   Kavelashvili was appointed by the country's electoral college, which members of his ruling party dominate.  The country's current president, Salome Zurabishvili – pro-EU and opposed to Russia's war on Ukraine – has called Kavelashvili's appointment as president "illegitimate" and said she will not leave office.  Protests are expected across the nation.

This week's global economic radar screen will be almost as quiet as the international political week.  In Asia, the Bank of Japan and the Reserve Bank of Australia release minutes from their recent interest rate meetings.  In the U.S., the Conference Board releases its Consumer Confidence Index and new residence sales, and we also get the durable goods order report.  In Europe, there really are no major reports out this week.

Below is our weekly report of everything else we are watching around the world this coming week.  We want to wish you a blessed Christmas and a joyful Hannukah.

Sunday, December 22, 2024:

Global

·        Nothing significant to report.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       The 26th Harbin Ice and Snow World Festival begins in Harbin, China.  The event spans more than 1 million square meters and features 300,000 cubic meters of ice and snow, drawing tens of thousands of tourists.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.  It is one of the few meetings Putin has had with any EU leader in the last three years.  The two leaders discussed energy security issues, as Ukraine has pledged to stop the transit of Russian gas through its territory next month.

·       Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to open a number of transport/infrastructure facilities across Russia facilities via video link.  Putin launched auto traffic on highway 289 linking Krasnodar, Slavyansk-on-Kuban and Temryuk and the A290 Novorossiysk-Kerch motorway. Putin also took part in the ceremony of opening international airports in Magadan, Cheboksary, and Stavropol.

·       In Spain, the Loteria de Navidad, aka El Gordo, or the “Fat One”, annual Christmas lotto is held.  It is the world’s biggest lottery, which has no single jackpot but rather a complex share-the-wealth system.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·       Today is Unity Day in Zimbabwe, marking the day in 1987 when two political parties, ZANU and ZAPU, came together to form ZANU-P.F.

Economic Reports/Events –

Monday, December 23, 2024

Global

·        Nothing significant to report.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Brazil Current Account (November)/ Foreign Direct Investment (November)/ BCB Focus Market Readout

·       Mexico Balance of Trade (November)/ Economic Activity (October)/ Mid-month Inflation Rate (December)

·       Canada GDP (October)/ Manufacturing Sales (November)/ PPI (November)/ Raw Materials Prices (November)/ BoC Summary of Deliberations

·       USA Chicago Fed National Activity Index (November)/ CB Consumer Confidence (December)/ NY Fed Treasury Purchases 0 to 1 yrs

·       Colombia Business Confidence (November)

·       Paraguay GDP Growth Rate Q3

·       Uruguay Interest Rate Decision

·       Costa Rica Balance of Trade (November)

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       Japan’s cabinet is expected to approve a new tax reform plan.  The plan is aimed at funding a scheduled defense budget hike via corporate and tobacco levies starting in 2026.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Indonesia M2 Money Supply (November)

·       Thailand Imports/ Exports/ Balance of Trade (November)

·       Singapore Inflation Rate (November)

·       Taiwan Industrial Production (November)/ Retail Sales (November)/ Unemployment Rate (November)

·       China PBoC 1-Year MLF Announcement

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       In Albania, opposition parties are expected to block roads across the country, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Germany Import Prices (November)

·       Great Britain Current Account Q3/ GDP Growth Rate Q3/ Business Investment Q3

·       Hungary Balance of Trade Final (October)/ Current Account Q3

·       Spain GDP Growth Rate Q3

·       Poland Unemployment Rate (November)/ M3 Money Supply (November)

·       Slovenia Business Confidence (December)/ Unemployment Rate (October)

·       Ireland Wholesale Prices (November)

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Israel Manufacturing Production (October)/ Manufacturing PMI (November)

·       Kuwait Inflation Rate (November)

·       Qatar Inflation Rate (November)/ M2 Money Supply (November)/ Total Credit Growth (November)

·       Lebanon Inflation Rate (November)

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·       Mozambique’s Constitutional Court will deliver a final verdict on the outcome of the country’s October 9 general elections.  The losing opposition party of Venancio Mondlane says the election was rigged.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Global

·        Nothing significant to report.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·       President Biden is expected to decide on a recommendation by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) on Nippon Steel’s bid to acquire U.S. Steel.  During the campaign season, Biden told the United Steelworkers Union – who adamantly oppose the deal – “he had their back” and would block the deal.  However, there are no apparent national security concerns to the deal, putting Biden in a tough position to come up with a valid reason to block the deal.  Nevertheless, it is widely believed Biden will block the deal.

·       NASA’s Parker Space Probe will come closer to the sun’s surface than any other flight ever before – 3.8 million miles away from the surface of the sun.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Chile PPI (November)

·       USA Durable Goods Orders (November)/ Redbook (December/21)/ New Home Sales (November)/ Richmond Fed Manufacturing/ Manufacturing Shipments/ Services Revenues Index (December)/ Money Supply (November)/ API Crude Oil Stock Change (December/20)/ Building Permits Final (November)

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       South Korea Consumer Confidence (December)

·       Japan BoJ Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes

·       Australia RBA Meeting Minutes

·       Malaysia PPI (November)

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       Moldova holds the inauguration of President-elect Maia Sandu.  Sandu won by a narrow margin despite Russian meddling in the election.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Netherlands GDP Growth Rate Q3/ Current Account Q3

·       Slovenia Tourist Arrivals (November)

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·       Today is Libya Independence Day, marking the day in 1952 when the country gained its independence from the UK and France.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Israel Composite Economic Index (November)

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Global

·       Today is Christmas Day. Markets in Europe, North and South America, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Indonesia, India, and Australia will be closed.  Markets will be open in Japan, mainland China, Taiwan and Thailand.

·       Today is the first day of Hannukah.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The two diplomats are expected to explore ways to stabilize relations amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

·       South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials is expected to summon recently impeached President Yoon for testimony.

·       Today is Quaid-E-Azam Day in Pakistan, celebrating the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s. He is widely seen as the founder of the country. It is a national holiday.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Bank of Japan Governor Kauo Ueda will speak at a meeting of Councilors of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) in Tokyo.

·      Japan Coincident Index Final (October)/ Leading Economic Index Final (October)/ Foreign Bond Investment (December/21)/ Stock Investment by Foreigners (December/21)

·      India M3 Money Supply (December/13)

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       The Supreme Eurasian Economic Council (EAEU) meets in St. Petersburg, Russia.  The meeting will be chaired by Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.  The Council brings together the prime ministers of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia to discuss how to further economic integration and will focus on energy and industrial cooperation and the development of e-commerce.

·       King Charles delivers the annual Christmas message.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Thursday, December 26, 2024 

Global

·         Nothing significant to report.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        USA Initial Jobless Claims (December/21)/ EIA Crude Oil & Gasoline Stocks Change (December/20)/ Fed Balance Sheet (December/25)/ 15- & 30-Year Mortgage Rate (December/25)

·       Argentina Retail Sales (October)

·       Colombia Monetary Policy Meeting Minutes

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       Former Taiwanese President Ma is expected to visit with students in Harbin and Sichuan, China.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Japan Housing Starts (November)/ Construction Orders (November)

·       Singapore Industrial Production (November)

·       Philippines Budget Balance (November)

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       Today is Slovenia Independence Day, celebrating the day in 1990 when an independence referendum was held separating the country from Yugoslavia.

·       Today is Boxing Day.  The London Stock Exchange is closed as will markets in Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Australia.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Spain PPI (November)

·       Switzerland Economic Sentiment Index (December)

·       France Unemployment Benefit Claims (November)/ Jobseekers Total (November)

·       Turkey Overnight Borrowing & Lending Rate (December)/ TCMB Interest Rate Decision/ Foreign Exchange Reserves (December/20)

·       Ireland Consumer Confidence (December)

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Saudi Arabia Imports/ Exports/ Balance of Trade (October)

·       Israel M1 Money Supply (November)

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Angola Wholesale Prices (November)

·       Egypt Interest Rate Decision/ Overnight Lending Rate

Friday, December 27, 2024

Global

·         Nothing significant to report.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Brazil IGP-M Inflation (December)/ Bank Lending (November)/ Unemployment Rate (November)/ IPCA mid-month CPI (December)/ Net Payrolls (November)

·       USA Goods Trade Balance (November)/ Retail Inventories Ex Autos (November)/ Wholesale Inventories (November)/ S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price (October)/ EIA Natural Gas Stocks Change (December/20)/ Baker Hughes Total Rigs Count (December/27)

·       Paraguay Current Account Q3

·       Costa Rica Current Account Q3/ GDP Growth Rate Q3

·       Panama Current Account Q3

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       The South Korean Constitutional Court will hold the first public hearing on President Yoon’s impeachment.  Yoon was impeached by the South Korean parliament on December 14.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        South Korea Business Confidence (December)

·       Japan Unemployment Rate (November)/ Jobs/applications ratio (November)/ Tokyo CPI (December)/ BoJ Summary of Opinions/ Retail Sales (November)/ Industrial Production (November)

·       China Industrial Profits (YTD) (November)/ Current Account Final Q3

·       Taiwan Consumer Confidence (December)

·       Thailand Industrial Production (November)/ Current Account (November)/ Private Consumption & Investment (November)/ Retail Sales (October)

·       Singapore Import/ Export Prices (November)/ PPI (November)

·       India Foreign Exchange Reserves (December/20)

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       The Chaos Computer Club Congress begins in Hamburg, Germany.  It is the largest gathering of hackers in Europe.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Spain Retail Sales (November)

·       Slovenia Retail Sales (November)

·       Russia Unemployment Rate (November)/ Business Confidence (December)/ Real Wage Growth (October)/ Retail Sales (November)/ GDP (November)

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Zimbabwe Inflation Rate (December)

·       Egypt M2 Money Supply (November)

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Global

·        Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Global

·       Nothing significant to report.

Americas

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Asia

Political/Social Events –

·       Today is Mongolia Independence Day, celebrating when the country gained its freedom in 1911 from the Qing China dynasty.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Europe

Political/Social Events –

·       Croatia holds the first round of its presidential elections.

·       Georgia will hold its presidential inauguration. Tensions remain high in the country, and mass protests are likely to be held in opposition to the swearing-in of Mikheil Kavelashvili.

Economic Reports/Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Middle East

Political/Social Events –

·        Nothing significant to report.

Economic Reports/Events –

·         Saudi Arabia M3 Money Supply (November)/ Private Bank Lending (November)

Africa

Political/Social Events –

·       Chad holds parliamentary elections.

Economic Reports/Events –

·       Nothing significant to report.